*Product Review* Texas Ranger FC-390
July 23, 2010 by Darren
One of the challenges one faces when operating a CB radio, whether it has been modified for 11m use or not, is determining the transmit and receive frequency. The widespread use of slides and clarifiers makes this even more difficult, not to mention frequencies in the lower part of the citizens band which do not align with channels (e.g. Channel 16 = 27.155MHz, Channel 25 = 27.245 MHz etc.). Sure, the guy who allocated frequencies to channels back in the day needs his head examined but, now we’re stuck with it, what to do to avoid that embarrassing channel mix up and missing a QSO because you’ve been calling in the wrong place? There is one thing……
It wasn’t until I dragged my old Uniden Grant XL out of the cupboard for some work on the citizens band recently that I came to really appreciate the frequency counter I picked up from Yeti Communications a couple of years back. Not having ventured onto the chook band for some time, it’s fair to say the channel and frequency arrangements put me into a bit of a pickle — that is until I hooked up the FC-390 to piece it all together. Now CB operation is so much simpler and I can actually find my way around the band!
Boasting an attractive 6 digit blue LED which gives the appearance of a space shuttle cockpit at night time, the Texas Ranger FC-390 is a universal frequency counter which indicates the frequency of the selected channel (Both TX and RX). It is designed for use in CB and Amateur radios and is directly compatible with phase-lock loop radios using 7.8 MHz or 10.695 MHz such as the TR-296 series, Cobra, Galaxy, Connex, General, Superstar, President, North-star, Magnum etc. with an external radio mounted jack.
In the last couple of weeks, I have had so much fun working Pacific Islands stations with the Uniden Grant XL that both it and the Texas Ranger FC-390 have been connected in the car for portable use. In addition to making base and mobile CB operations so much easier, some of the other features I found to my liking were the unit’s durability and ruggedness for use in harsh Aussie shacks and portable environments. I’ve also found the counter to be very accurate.
Furthermore, like most radio hobby enthusiasts, “money talks” and the Texas Ranger FC-390 is sold by Yeti Communications for just $135NZD which equates to around AUS $115. That’s a bargain in anyone’s language!
In conclusion, if you own a CB radio and miss the digital read out of an expensive ham rig then this little product is a gem and comes well recommended from someone who’s used it with a number of rigs. Dave and the crew from Yeti Communications will even fit the unit to your radio for you for an extra $20 plus postage if you send in your radio. How’s that for service!
Here are the specs:
* Digital Frequency Counter
* 6 Digit Continuous Readout
* Reads Transmit and receive
* 8 TO 13.6V DC Operation
* Frequency Range from 1 MHz TO 40 MHz
* Stability +/- 10PPM
* Size 1 3/8″ high, 3 1/2″ wide, 4″ deep
* Display Size 3/8″ High Green
* Pluggable on most Galaxy, Connex, General and Superstar Radios but will also work on other radios if wired internally.
* Power Requirements – 8 to 13.8 Vdc
* Consumption Current – 60 mA
* Input Impedance – 5 K ohm, 20pF
* Standard Oscillating Frequency – 4.5 MHZ, ± 10 ppm
* Input Voltage – 100 mV – 2 Vrms
* Weight – 5 oz
* Shipping Weight -1lb
Also includes:
* 12V power cord / cigarette plug
* Mounting bracket and screws
* Adhesive velcro squares
* Instructions
*All connectors
* Wiring hardware
73 de Darren, 43DA001
*Review* Team’s TS-6M
April 28, 2010 by Darren
Team ©, the manufacturer based in Frankfurt Germany, has been in the CB radio market for some years now. Indeed they’ve had success too with their models such as the Roadcom and also their homebase radios that have received acclaim; and then there are those such as myself whom have not been so impressed with some other features…
The times could be changing now with the release soon of the Team TS-6M (Multi). This is a radio with the “X-Factor” as some would call it. For starters, there is a different build quality — maybe a different maker for them perhaps — and all in all and euro for euro this will, am sure, be a winner for them.
The new Team radio in-fact has some history… Thanks to the kindness of Team I can tell you that it’s a development of the TS-520 that was released during 1994.
This new radio, which was internally known as the TS600 Multi before becoming the TS6M, is based on the older TS-520 radio it seems. I have not personally operated one of the early ones so I can’t really comment more on it, but it seems to be a very well revised version indeed.
Call me a sceptic if you will but the TS-520 still looks to me like a Harry II from President! Maybe it’s my old age (birthday was recently) but they seem to share some pedigree in my eyes. More on this later…
What you get?
In the box really are all of the standard things you need in a radio. There’s a fitted power lead that in my opinion could be a little longer, a bracket, mic and mic mount with screws, a multi-language manual and most importantly…the radio itself. The dimensions are a pleasing 123 x 43 x 162mm and the norms the radio can manage are the all important UK+CEPT, German, Polish, EU, EC, EI and of course the power formats from 4w FM and 1w AM to 4w AM. It’s fine for Pan EU operation, therefore, and is a nice size for even the newer style cars.
There are backlit buttons also on the Team TS-6M and the display is interesting too as it’s a stepping stone style of LED — almost the same as with the Harry II from President. There is also a UK/EU light that changes when the band is deployed and of course a mode button, as well as a ch9/19 for selecting both the emergency channel and calling channel.
Build
Occasionally this area has let Team down in the past to my way of thinking. Indeed the insides of some of their radios have often looked like someone was sick in them. The TS-6M, on the other hand, is to the other extreme. This radio is slick, well laid out and has a nicely cut board, which shows that someone who ‘cared’ manufactured it rather than a company which makes DVD players one day, microwaves the next and then “oh yes now we make a CB”.
On the other side of the coin, there is a terrible channel bleep in the TS-6M that could raise the dead; it is something that President calls a “key feature” but that is rubbish. However, turn on the radio with the DN button pressed and the bleep is killed; the exact same way that President was made to kill this annoying feature.
The channel change has a good click and not a soft thud as it changes and this also adds to the operating experience as it seems something decent in the hands.
So, as normal operators do not usually look under the cover, then we shall carry on with other descriptions other than saying that “inside — it’s a beauty”.
Audio and On the Air
Sometimes in the past, Team radios had a very nasally TX audio so it made things not so pleasant to hear. The TX audio of the TS-6M, however, is clear, sharp and punchy on both AM and FM with very little to differ them in-fact. Take my advice though and don’t use a desk mic with it on AM like I did as many complaints were received.
The speaker emits a lovely sound and this, in association with the ASC, is so well implemented that tests here v Harry II showed the Team radio opened quicker and closed when noisy where the Harry opened. I think, used at home or in the car that this radio will serve you well. Sure, AM power legally is low here, but in the UK there is not AM so not any worries with that. And as for the mic, well it’s an Electret and it works like hell. The sound is strong, sharp and punchy!
Costings……yep going to be NASTY — or so I thought…
So, you have a multi EU radio which comes with all the bands you need when travelling inside EU. It has backlit buttons, a clear but small display, the audio is nice and the received sound is pleasant on the ears and most of all it has ASC (Automatic Squelch) that works well too.
Like I mooted before, there are so many things that make me believe the TS-6M is from another manufacturer but sadly this is based on nothing more than gut feelings really and a few inconclusive observations. I have examined the radio well and it shares so many things that others have in their lines. The ASC, which is known as ASQ, opens quicker than a President and at almost the same time, which is consistent with others from different manufacturers.
Bearing in mind all the goodies that come with this new Team radio — features that you normally find in a President — it was with great shock that I was told the going price. After all, how much would you expect to pay for this style of radio? 130-180 euro (113£ – 156£)? This is the ball park figure, for example, that a President radio costs; and indeed Inteks are around the same price for a radio with similar features too.
So, imagine the sight of me falling on the floor and almost banging my head as the proposed costing is between 59-69 euro (52£ – 60£). Trust me as I am not joking here — this is a retail price and myself I have bought the test radio that was sent to me because I was so impressed. It does work that good, so listen in the summer and maybe you will hear me.
So who DID make it?
There are often telltale signs in a radio’s design which communicate where the radio has been produced. The manufacturer usually leaves a sort of signature element, in fact, that makes you think, “Well, that’s an X or Y produced radio…” To be honest, with this radio, however, I do not know what the answer is. My gut feeling tells me there is more than one similarity with the Uniden produced radios. For instance, how the annoying channel change bleep can be stopped, the export features, the sharp receive and transmit and many more things. The board is a classy affair too, cut nicely, and the mic seems from Maycom maybe and is Electret.
So:
- Excellent quality of manufacture: Uniden or Maycom in my opinion
- Export modification, channel bleep killer, s-meter style: Uniden
- Microphone: Electret and looks more Maycom than Uniden judging by the buttons
- Size, fitted power lead and the touch, feel on buttons: Uniden
- Pricing: 100% better than President, more Features than an Intek, while still in the pricing of a radio that is surely low budget
Conclusion
This radio has already raised some eyebrows and indeed one manufacturer wants to buy some to look at. Like I keep saying, I cannot be sure who made it and indeed where it was made; I just know it is being shipped here by sea! Sure, that narrows it down right!
In summing up, I would like to personally thank Mr Siemann from Team GMbH who loaned me the radio for tests. Not many people are doing this these days as a bad review can kill something cold just as a good one can make it fly but the risks are there.
I can only base my review on my tests with my antennas here and the radio passed well. My one true wish is that Team goes the same way for more radios and maybe not concentrate on the Roadcom or the FS or the other small radios in its range. I hope instead that they look to the people that made the TS-6M for them as they seem to have found a real winner here.
I know from telephone calls with Team that the radio has taken well over 1 year to be looked at, tested and some other options explored. The time and attention to detail has obviously paid off because this radio really does have the “X Factor”.
By Simon, 13DA007
The DXsential Power-Mite-NF PS
April 21, 2010 by Darren
One of the unpleasant facts of life with DXpedition work — particularly journeys which involve international airline travel — is the high cost of excess baggage and its significant impact on the pockets of DXpedition team members.
On a recent DXpedition to the Pacific Island nation of Vanuatu for instance, the airline company charged Tom and me $10 AUD for every kilogram over our standard baggage allowance. This worked out to be quite a sizeable sum of money when you consider the collective weight of our radio equipment (i.e. the radio transceiver x 2, antenna x 2, power supply x 2 and accessories), coupled with our normal luggage (i.e. clothes, toiletries and incidentals). About $400 AUD in fact!
Take it from us then, when involved in DXpedition initiatives, the weight — as well as the size — of radio communications equipment becomes a VERY important consideration. Unless you want to be forking out ridiculous amounts of cash to airline companies that is for excess baggage…hihi.
With additional baggage costs fresh in my mind (and my YL’s), one radio comms product to pop up on my retail radar recently, and one which I believe would be ideal for DXpedition work, is bhi’s Power-Mite-NF 22 Amp power supply which is just 1.61 kg. And NO it’s not a typo!
At 16.5cm in diameter x 5.5cm in height x 14.7cm in width, this “mini” size switch-mode power supply which weighs less than 4 cans of beer (or soft drink) and delivers 22 Amps of continuous power (25A peak) with a variable voltage of 4 – 16 V DC, meets all the requirements of a radio comms power source……AND SOME! Many hobbyists, in fact, might describe the Power-Mite-NF 22 Amp power supply as a “power supply on steroids”.
Another exciting feature for me, in addition to the super light-weight and diminutive size, is the noise offset function (NF) which allows the radio operator to move any noise spikes out of the band via a front tuning control. This brilliant noise reduction spec is so typical of all bhi products and one which makes their products so attractive to radio comms hobbyists!
In conclusion, the Power-Mite-NF 22 Amp power supply seems to be ideal if you are a DXpedition enthusiast planning an overseas DX venture in the future. Not only is the power supply light weight and therefore wallet friendly, but it’s also small in size which allows it to fit easily into a standard suitcase in combination with clothes and other belongings.
And correct me if I’m wrong but I don’t know of any other power supply for ham, CB and 11m radio enthusiasts which offers the listening luxury of a ‘noise reduction’ feature!
73 de Darren, 43DA001
EF1000iS Portable Power
April 13, 2010 by Darren
DXpedition, field and portable radio comms enthusiasts are always on the hunt for a good engine that converts mechanical energy into electrical energy by electromagnetic induction (i.e. a generator); one which is not only capable of handling the requirements of an amateur rig and its harmonizing DX-cessories (e.g. a power supply, amplifier, etc.), but one which is ultra-dependable also, super quiet and fuel-friendly.
On this note, the EF1000iS is one of Yamaha’s new gennies and one which sparked my attention on a recent visit to the local hardware store. The first thing that grabbed my interest was the funky blue appearance which reminded me of the colours used on the DA-RC website funnily enough; but after a quick read of the product spec sheet the attractive intrinsic qualities of the unit soon came to the fore and a voice in my head started screaming, “BUY ME!” BUY ME NOW, DAZ!”
Following a brief finance check with the YL, and a colourful exchange of words on my excessive hobby expenses, a tad over $1000 was handed over to the salesperson and I hurried out of the hardware store to the 4WD with my new toy under arm.
More often than not you’d expect to have to wheel such an item out of the store in a shopping trolley, or strung between 2 or 3 sets of rounded biceps, but this one was as heavy as a case of beer and, at 450(L) x 240(W) x 380(H) mm, not much bigger either!
No sooner had I returned to my home QTH than I had a mock portable station erected in the backyard with the Yamaha genny tanked up alongside purring like a kitten drunk on titty milk; complete with a wound up alsatian and labrador and three small kids running wild in the same vicinity. The things we DXers have to contend with…pffff!
My Findings
The Yamaha EF1000iS generator confidently ran my station for 8 hours without refuelling until I had grown weary of working stations in the Americas and disappeared inside to watch the footy with a few mates. Then the 4-stroke OHV 50cc engine was switched off!
According to the product spec sheet, the Yamaha EF1000iS will actually run continuously for up to 12 hours without refuelling (at 1/4 load with “Economy Control” function on) due to its double coil system so theoretically I still had another 4 hours of ops left before the funnel and gerry can would have to be heaved out of the shed again. Not bad for just 2.5 litres of fuel and far more efficient than some of the other fuel-thirsty gennies on the market!
In additional to being economical, my 8 hour testing period also confirmed that the Noise Block Acoustically designed sound reduction system with its moulded casing, noise-absorbing glass wool construction and a newly designed muffler, produced what I would describe as excellent noise reduction. In contrast, past experiences with gennies during IOTA DXpedition and field work have not been what I would call pleasant on the ears of fellow campers or my own so this was a welcome change indeed!
Another one of my fave features was the centralized control panel which made it easy to access controls. These were basic also — exactly the way I like it !
My Conclusion
In my eyes, the Yamaha EF1000iS inverter generator ticks all the boxes for DXpedition, field and portable radio comms use and is the ultimate in lightweight portable electricity.
At 12.7 kg and with its convenient carry handle, it can be easily carried across rugged terrain to access remote DXstinations such as islands or portable locations such as mountain summits. The small weight also helps to keep costs down with air travel too where charges for access baggage fees can cause a real dent in the DXpeditioner’s hip pocket.
On another point, the Yamaha EF1000iS’s clever inverter system and Pulse Width Modulation (PWM) means it delivers clean power which I’m sure would confidently power computers, solid-state appliances with built-in computer functions and other microcomputer-controlled power tools as well as any ham station. This basically means that it can be used to run other apps such as laptops with computerised logging programs during the DX adventure also which cancels out the need for a second and larger genny.
Given it is also tremendously quiet and easily handles the power requirements of a ham station, I have no hesitation in recommending the Yamaha EF1000iS inverter generator to other DXpedition, field or portable radio enthusiasts who require a generator as a mobile power source.
For more specs on this product, please read below…
Specifications
Engine
- Engine Type: OHV MZ50 air cooled engine
- Displacement: 50 cc
- Max. Output): 1.6(2.2)/4000 kW(ps
- Starter System: Recoil
- Fuel Tank Capacity: 3 L
- Operating Hours: 12 (No Load) Hr\
- Noise Level: 47/57 dba @ 7m
Dimensions
- Length: 450 mm
- Width: 240 mm
- Height: 380 mm
- Wet Weight: 12.7 kg with 3 litres of fuel
Generator
- Generator Type: Inverter
- Rated Voltage: 230 V
- Frequency: 50 Hz
- Rated Output: 0.9 kVA
- Max. Output: 1.0 kVA
- DC Output: 12V/8A
TTI TCB 1100 CB Radio *Product Review*
September 22, 2009 by Darren
This month’s article is a little divorced from the normal stuff as this featured radio needs to be mentioned and sometimes there is not enough space to put a review. So for a one off I will show you the new tti as it is not so bad and works really well indeed…
Also enclosed here will be a mention of two new radios that will be coming along soon — one from Cobra, the name from way back, and the other from our friends in France President and there “niece” marketed radio. So sit back for the mega CB inspired month of Comms from Europe…
Cobra DX19 IV EU
That’s the name of the new Chinese made Cobra that will be coming along in September. For me, it seems to be more Intek than Cobra but that is not confirmed of course and can be far off the mark. All the legal norms are on the inside and it seems the price will be set at around 70 euro here on the mainland of Europe.
President Johnny III ASC
Now President who had one of the radios available on the AM market have up-dated it and have just released the new revised version called the Johnny III. It is a total re-design and the photos are now here and can be seen. This is the first of a new range so I am informed so I guess there will be the new Harry III along afterwards and then maybe also the Grant II. This seems to have been withheld to “punish” the paying public who criticized the Jackson II which has its outputs blow in static situations when connected mostly to an Antron or IMAX antenna.
The President Johnny III ASC has all the usual ASC, roger-bleep and is multi-EU but this time for AM countries. The bands are DE German 1w, PL Poland 4w, and EU Europe with 4w also. As you will see, the radio is using a similar channel display to the JFK II and this seems the way that President is now heading.
So, next to the tti 1100
Now and then a manufacturer comes along and has a sort of rehash of a design that has been before and this could be said of the tti tcb 1100 as it looks remarkably like the Team Roadcom series that came along with a DIN mount so it can be fitted into the dashboard or indeed any small place where a normal radio would fit. With in mind I waited for DHL to deliver a radio for some tests here and to see what was the score indeed, how it was and if it was the same, better or indifferent.
In the Box
Inside the box as expected are the usual things that are needed to get the radio on the air and a DIN bracket for the car or truck where the normal radio would normally sit. There is also a bracket for the normal mounting inside the car. Electret Mike (NOTE, tti use a different way to wire mics so they are not compatible with other 6 pin mics) Multi Language manual, mic mount and a power lead that seems to me a little short but will get the job done.
The Radio Itself
Seems this is a good ole tti from the past made a little different in another case and with some bells and whistles added. There are the 38CTSS tones (Continuous Tone Squelch System) so you can share the same channel as someone else and not interrupt them as you have a different tone and so many can exist on the same channel. The display can manage orange, blue and green colour and from my experience I can say that the blue seems the best in the different lighting conditions.
Channel and also frequency are shown* (more to come) and the overall design is nice and not cluttered at all. Normal and ASC (Automatic Squelch) now called DSS are there so there are no noises when out in the car. Press the channel display button IN and it jumps 10 channels at a time — this is a nice edition also. A front mounted 4 watt speaker means that the audio from the radio is well driven and the tone remains fine even when the radio is turned up high.
The radio comes with a “compander” function which means basic layman terms the radio has stronger audio over distance. Memory channels and roger bleep are all there and the price is good also. I cannot make many complaints about the features V price with this radio. It seems for the price the options are excellent.
The rear of the radio has an external speaker socket, the same as an external s-meter socket and a white piece of metal that seems to be screwed on for no apparent reason and looks like a second thought? Can it be? More on this also a little later into the review…
On Air
My radio luckily landed while there was some sporadic e conditions on the air and the UK was easily contactable. Delboy from Delboy Enterprises, Ray Strike Force and others that I have known for many years were worked and all without any issues at all. The only comments were that the audio was a little muffled at times. This was due to me eating the mic, where you need to hold it a little further from the mouth. So my fault and lesson learned there J
What’s interesting is that in the UK configuration the radio does not switch to the CEPT band but there are bolted onto the end of the UK40, so in-fact you go from Channel 40UK and the next channel is 1 CEPT. Maybe a last minute idea as it seems to be something a little lost somewhere, but when used to it there is not any cause for concern.
The receive is excellent. There are not any birdie noises and no coughs and splutters from the processor like you sometimes get on other branded radios. All the time the radio performed well in my eyes.
There are lots of features to explore when you press the MENU button long time. These include the memory channels, settings for the VOX and CTSS. The annoying channel change bleep can be killed here also and a nice feature for the bright and dim display lighting is also under this feature too.
Reading the manual carefully is the key. It is not greatly explained there at all and seems to have issues with the translation but I would have missed some features if it was not for Markus @ Neuner who supplied the radio to me. Too much haste and not enough reading was the issue with me, so my advice is read the manual and then there will be no mistakes or missed items.
If I supposedly lived in Russia…
On the box you will see Russian writing. Sure, this radio there will have a HUGE market there and this market was obviously thought of when the radio was in the planning and production stages.
So, what is there when you really take a look inside? The modifications listed here are mine, which I took my time to find and are credited to me on some websites.
The radio on International sites comes as a 4w and also a 10w radio — two versions. Well, of course they are indeed one of the same and that is why there is a plate on the back of the radio to help with the heat issue. Mine never once was that hot to be fair and indeed does not and cannot make 10w. My rig was tested and came out at between 5w and 9w on various legal bands where the radio was tested.
Extra Channels… I’m always am getting mails in the box about this subject. I will once and for all (again) put the record straight here… The radios’ warranties are ruined when I look for the modifications, and indeed I will and do make all the modifications that I find and test the radios in both guises. And when completed, the radios are returned to their normal status and are not left otherwise most of the time.
So yes there are hidden bands on the radio and when these function they are the following: rc, ru, PX, PC and these are covering frequencies of between 25615-30105, 25610-30110 and some are just the A (Alpha) channels from between 25-29 MHz. These hidden bands are mentioned here for the international readers that can perform these modifications and not for those where they are illegal to have. Remember, for me too the modifications are not legal, nor is it for me to call on the 27/81 in the summer to hear friends in the UK but its something we have all done or tried in the past.
Conclusions
I am not sure how this review will come out, if it will be edited and how some of the words I use here will be interpreted. So I will now make as best a detail on how and what I think of the radio.
I tried when this review was written to see the radio in the UK and could not find it anywhere. Here the cost is between 109-129 euro (94-111 pounds) so that’s a guideline to go by when looking to purchase one for yourself. Mine was 109 euro with the delivery for example.
It is an excellent unit for the price and has many features that are excellent and indeed well implemented. That is a great start definitely. You can change the display colour, turn off the dreaded channel bleep and can indeed have a nice experience with the radio. I would like to see the radio as a normal radio and without the DIN mounting etc; it would be nice to see without a doubt.
73 de Simon 13DA007*Product Review* Opek CX-3
September 7, 2009 by Darren
My recent purchase of an Opek CX-3 coaxial antenna switch was done out of necessity after my previous switch developed shorts and became unworkable. Not surprising really since it was an old cheapy meant for the citizens band but it had served me well over the past 10 years so I was at least grateful for that.
Manufactured by OPEK Technologies in Taiwan, the CX-3 Opek antenna switch was suggested to me by VK4AJJ Paul Richards who sells them on his website at www.radios.net.au . Taking the store owner’s recommendation on a product which he ‘just so happens to sell’ is not something I would normally do but since Paul had never let me down in the past, I decided to ‘add one’ to the main order I had made for a new rig for a lazy $75.00.
Like its low budget predecessor which had since found its way to the rubbish bin, the Opek CX-3 has a rotary selecting switch with one common input (i.e. the RG213 patch cable) and three selectable outputs. Incidentally, these are SO-239 UHF jacks which also fit the PL-259 plugs. Just like you would want, the switch on this model is firm and makes a sturdy click when rotated between OUT1, OUT2 and OUT3. Moreover there’s no fear of a ‘slip in the thread’, which is common place with some antenna switches, but no need for pliers either to make a change between antennas!
On the subject of antennas, my CX-3 Opek coaxial antenna switch allows me to interchange easily between a 6 element TET-Emtron yagi for 10m, a HV2 Butternut vertical for 40 and 80m and a homemade dipole for 20m. In all cases, the low SWR and signal are unaffected which rings true with the product disclosure of a V.S.W.R. less than 1.2:1. Of course, my transmit power is well and truly beneath the switch’s 1 KW (CW) power rating also but I am confident it would handle the load and maintain its commitment to low S.W.R.
At 90mm (W) X 55mm (H) X 73mm (D), the housing of the CX-3 Opek coaxial antenna switch is compact metal for good shielding with a mounting plate made of ordinary steel spray painted black with a silver sticker on the front for the positions of the output, the company’s logo, the switch’s maximum power handling and its place of manufacture. It is ultra solid too — which is more than I can say for the dearly departed type which had numerous parts held together with bluetack in its final days.
In conclusion, the Opek CX-3 coaxial antenna switch is an accessory which I should have purchased long ago. It does the job very well, is easy to use and even looks good when conveniently mounted to the radio shack wall behind the Yaesu FT-950.
So if you’re in need of a switch upgrade like I was, or even just in need of a switch to bring convenience and ease to your alternation of antennas, then this product comes highly recommended.
*Product Review* IC-7000 Transceiver
August 1, 2009 by Darren
My purchase of a new IC-7000 transceiver a few months ago was made with a view to modernizing my portable station in time for some of the DA-RC contests later in the year. Ultimately, poor propagation on 11m in the Pacific area over the southern hemisphere winter has meant that everything will need to be working at optimum level on the rare occasions when band openings do occur as we meander into Cycle 24!
In addition to ‘sexing up’ my portable station in order to cash in on DX opportunities in the upcoming summer, another reason why I splashed out on the IC-7000 transceiver is because similar rigs with a cheaper price tag required optional ‘extras’ that would no doubt see their lesser price skyrocket.
Although I bought this one especially for portable use, I decided to set it up in the shack alongside a borrowed Icom 706MKIIG before I installed it in the car. In point of fact, the IC-706 shares some likeness with the IC-7000 as far as navigating around the controls and menus go. It’s roughly the same size also and has a similar layout, though the buttons are slightly larger to aid channel flicking in the mobile which is handy while you’ve got two eyes on the road. These similarities, as well as my familiarity with the IC-706, helped BIG time when it came to exploring some of the other IC-7000 functions too!
Another reason I grabbed the IC-7000 transceiver ahead of those like the TS-480HX (which is also terrific for portable use) is because the IC-7000 is lighter at 2.3 Kg and has a smaller control head. It therefore fits into my car’s dashboard better and so will be easier to slip into the suitcase should I wish to take it on a dx adventure in the future.
Generally, from a user perspective, there isn’t much to be repulsed by with this new addition. The front panel layout seems to be well thought out and is ultra easy to use; the push buttons have a nice tactile feel; it has four concentric easy to access knobs — two of which have indents — and it has a face prettier than a high school cheerleader! The 2.5 inch colour LCD display is bright, clear, easy to read and shows tons of info. It displays power level, ALC and compression level of the speech compressor and SWR too which I found useful for tuning my antenna. It also comes with 3 attractive background colours and 2 font styles to give the rig an individual touch.
On this note, one of the more DXciting features in my eyes is the band scope which I was able to magnify using a 21 inch Dell ultra sharp external monitor from the rear video jack. The colours are tremendous and everything is super sharp, crystal clear and ultra big. The large screen makes the band scope very usable indeed.
While the internal speaker is not what I’d call too flash, the RX audio is first class if hooked up to a quality external speaker or listened to through my Sennheiser HD 280 Pro studio headphones. On this note, this radio really likes to have solid grounding as without it there was more noise than a room full of complaining YL’s. Out of the shack, proper vehicle bonding and RF grounding, in my experience, is a much underestimated aspect of mobile operations too so I’ll be sure to do a good job on this when the time comes.
Based on radio reports from local ops and a couple from DA members on small Pacific Islands, I also find the IC-7000 TX audio through its original hand held mic to be very good — despite what I’ve read about the original mic on some of the ham forums. Of course, if I was to continue using the rig as a base station though I’d give it an injection of Behringer EQ to make it punchier and give it more of a boom! But then again, I do that will all of my rigs lol.
One criticism of the IC-7000 transceiver from where I sit is that the back of the radio does get toasty after long transmissions. In fact, if you listen for long periods as I often do, you could cook an egg on there as the fan only runs when you key the mic. Having said that, the rig still doesn’t miss a beat and the warmth is pretty handy when the mercury drops below 10 in the shack. There’s a temperature gauge on the rig too and I’d guess it would cut the fan in if it got hot enough…?!?!?!?!
One of my fave features is the digital voice recorder (DVR) which enabled me to record my CQ call in 4 transmit playback memories with alphanumeric labels. This will be especially handy come the DA-RC World Contest later in the year or the Oceania Contest in early January when the throat tends to get a bit sore from continuous CQ calls. A front panel REC control also allowed me to record incoming signals for up to 25 minutes and a couple of these were added to the DA-RC site!
The IC-7000 has lots of bells and whistles in my opinion, but the main one that helped separate me from my cash a few months back was the IF-stage digital signal processing: clearly much improved over the already excellent IC-706 MkIIG. For my part the receiver is awesome and is light years ahead of something like the IC-706MKIIG. The filtering is first class and the notch filters both manual/automatic are an impressive feature. Furthermore, the noise blanker really works, as does the DSP noise reduction too. I love having the ability to adjust the filters as well!
In conclusion, this transceiver has mobile-operation written all over it and is one of the sexiest little rigs I’ve ever met. What’s more, its performance when given a thorough testing in the shack was something to tell the friends about! No doubt it will also kick ass in the field!
Chameleon V1 Tripod Kit
July 6, 2009 by Darren
Although not designed primarily for use on 27 MHZ frequencies, the 8 feet tall Chameleon V1 HF multiband antenna, with its unique trap coil design and super flexibility, is indeed operational on 10m and a host of other bands too, although its performance is somewhat untested on 11m.
The subject of this product discussion is NOT the Chameleon V1 HF multiband antenna which I have enjoyed limited time with however, more so one of its accessories — the DXpedition Compact Tripod Kit — which I purchased on eBay at a pay now price of US $130, along with the antenna itself.
For those who don’t know, a tripod is a three-legged stand for supporting an antenna apparatus (or a camera). Obviously, the reason why I was attracted to this product (ie. the Tripod Kit) was because I saw its potential for use in the field for DX work where the limitations of space for large antenna arrays was a concern. I also wanted to investigate the design features of the Chameleon V1 HF multiband antenna tripod with a view to creating some design variations to accommodate a half wave vertical antenna such as the IMAX 2000 minus its radials or a Solarcon A99 for use on the Freeband in the future.
My Chameleon V1 HF multiband antenna tripod kit came in the original black nylon bag with the other antenna equipment: 3/8-24 Mount Bar, C Clamp 2″, 25 Feet of 20Ga Counterpoise with 3/8″ Ring Tongues, Steel Tent Stake 8″ and the Chameleon V1 Balun 9:1 for work on other bands, tucked inside.
The first thing I found with the tripod kit was that it is lightweight, weighing in at around 1.6 pounds. Obviously this is important if you are lugging the kit great distances or to rugged DXstinations such as mountain summits for SOTA activities with a heap of other radio communications gear in tow.
Once out of the bag, the tripod and antenna were assembled in about 15—20 minutes. Here, accompanying images and directions I had downloaded from the internet came in very handy. As the pictures suggest, the tripod has a liftable centre column, three aluminium legs with three interlockable positions and quick lever leg locks and non slippery rubber feet. Assembly of the antenna also was a breeze and both products appear to be very well made and robust.
On this note, I also tried fitting the tripod kit in my Expedition Pack MKII should/when I decide to try it out in the field. The folded length of 12.25 inches and upper leg diameter of 8.25 inches ensured it fit without a problem. For a portable purpose, I intend to transport the antenna, though, in two pieces into a PVC pipe. The pipe can then be used as a walking stick of sorts through rugged terrain.
In summing up, the Chameleon V1 HF multiband antenna tripod kit is the perfect accessory for field work and could easily be adapted for other vertical antennas using the B.A.R. design principle (ie. Bigger, Add, Remove or Replace). This product also reaffirmed my belief that three legged tripod systems to sustain lengths of telescopic mast are a realistic alternative for vertical or horizontal antenna erection on portable or DXpedition adventure because they are safe and sturdy and do not require excessive guying.
For more information on this product, please visit the website at http://www.chameleonantenna.com/
73 de Darren 43DA001*Product Review* Heil PR40 Studio Microphone
May 18, 2009 by Darren
The Heil PR40 Dynamic Microphone is one of 5 models in the fantastic PR series by audio giants Heil Sound… along with the PR20, PR30, PR780 and new PR781 which was built to complement the new ICOM rig. If you ask me, all are ‘dynamic’ microphones not just in make -but also in quality and performance!
Judging by pics I’ve seen on 43DA101 Steve’s website ‘Shack Pix’, the PR40 is similar in appearance to the PR30 and, prior to the release of the PR781, represented the top of the line in this range of mics. In essence, this is one of the reasons why I elected to purchase one direct from Heil Sound in the States in the first place. I also wanted to compare the audio of my Behringer B1 condenser mic with a high quality dynamic one and so quash a bit of the lingering uncertainty I had around the issue of which is best suited to radio communications applications.
After purchasing the unit online, the package arrived on my doorstep in just under 2 weeks. On this note, in all the reviews I’ve read of Heil products over the years, I can never recall any complaints or problems with postage from this company. That’s a fair effort in itself and I wasn’t disappointed this time either.
The first thing I noticed when I sliced open the thick cardboard box with a stanley knife and pulled back the bubble wrap was the sleek aluminium carry case (See pictured). Not only did it appeal visually, but it also had me feeling confident the unit had not suffered any internal injuries on its voyage across the Pacific to Division 43. In addition to an amazing carry case which seems a crime to keep locked away in a cupboard, the mic also came with the useful SM-3 mic clip, which includes a Teflon bushing that tightens around the shaft of the mic using a thumbscrew.
Since purchasing the mic for $350 US about a month ago, I’ve been using it with a Behringer Ultragraph Digital Model DEQ1024 and a Behringer Tube Composer T1952, together with an iBox by W2IHY into a Kenwood TS-2000. The Behringer B1 mic which usually adorns the top of my Hercules mic stand has been put in the bottom drawer. Obviously, the dynamic quality of this mic negates the need for an invisible mic preamp/external power source also so the Behringer Eurorack UB1002FX is with it…gathering dust for the time being.
By all reports, the PR 40′s components are made in the UK, Malaysia, Japan, China and Taiwan, and then shipped to the U.S. for final assembly and testing. While on the subject of components, the humbucking copper voice coil which is a highlight of this mic has a centre tap (connected to ground) and uses a neodymium magnet structure for a magnetic field which is apparently 10 times stronger than the traditional magnets in many other mics. Humbucking allows this mic to work perfectly around computer monitors and high-RF (radio frequency) energy fields that are common in radio shacks.
My Findings
I believe that good TX audio helps a great deal in inferior band conditions. For deciphering a signal out of the noise, there’s no doubt that some compression intermixed with high frequency pre-emphasis helps, but before you get to that point, where the signal is merely weak, good TX audio tends to beat the compressed, very restricted range TX audio for ineligibility any day of the week, and so achieves the desired result.
First, I ran the PR40 plugged directly into the TS-2000 with TX DSP HI BOOST, mic gain 80 and 3KHZ band width settings. Here, I noted heavy bass with little top end but tidied it up with some more compression via my rig’s menu features. The end result was a great sounding hi-fi audio with a beautiful low end and comfy mids, ideal for local radio communications, but probably not as brilliant for SSB DXing in the current climate.
What I also noted during this test was that, even with its extended low range, the PR40 has a noticeable lack of boominess. This is a good thing. I’ve read that this is due to the reduction of the proximity effect, despite the PR40′s having a supercardioid pattern, which normally generates an artificial-sounding low-frequency boost when a mic is placed too close to a sound source (ie. your mouth).
Next, I linked the PR40 with my audio rack and straightaway I was surprised with how painless the mic was to equalize. In fact, it only took me a few minutes before I had brought up the top end and had everything sounding superbly for SSB DXing thanks to the TS-2000′s monitor feature and some friendly audio reports from some of the Delta Alfa members on the Kiribati Islands.
For the information of readers, the PR40 uses the DM 6 dynamic element with a 1.25-inch diaphragm, in a housing that weighs just under a pound, for a response down to 28 Hz (-3dB point) and flat up through 18 kHz (-3 dB). This means it is a wider range than your average dynamic mics. Fortunately, an end-fire, low-mass, quilted aluminum diaphragm gives the PR40 excellent low-frequency response and low distortion throughout this wide frequency range also.
There is also a broad 3dB peak in the 4 to 5kHz region which accounts for this mic’s forward but not nasal sound and, being quite a nasally speaker myself, this feature impressed me greatly. Yes it maintains the 25 year Heil Sound tradition of superbly natural voice articulation but I still liken it to a subtle ‘makeover’ of the voice box!
In my opinion, the PR40 has the gain of most condenser mics also. It also has a beautiful low end while maintaining a crisp and clear 3kz range, with a beautiful mid range rise which adds to the mic’s vocal expression. On this point, in my opinion, it also surpasses many of the condenser models that have recently flooded the ham market from China and Taiwan from some of the renowned radio communications manufacturers Yaesu and ICOM.
In conclusion, my lasting impression of the PR40 by Heil Sound is that it sounds a lot like my favourite large-diaphragm dynamic mics but with an unrivalled presence and clarity that only a Heil mic can provide.
With its rugged build, wide frequency response, and reasonable price, the Heil PR40 Dynamic Microphone is a perfect alternative for anyone looking to expand their dynamic mic collection. Stunning craftsmanship, high quality components and a fine-looking champagne lustre finish with the most articulate, natural sound from a dynamic, the PR40 will soon become the sound industry standard. In fact, I feel certain this microphone will find its way into many radio shacks in the future if it hasn’t already.
Specs
- Generating Element: Dynamic with Neodymium magnet structure
- Body: matte Steel body, zinc die cast bottom ring
- Frequency Response: 28 to 18,000 Hz
- Impedance: 600 ohms balanced
- Connections: Pin 1 Shield ground, Pin 2 + , Pin 3 -
- Output Level: -53dB @ 1,000 Hz
- Polar Pattern: End fire, Cardioid, uniform front to back discrimination
- Diaphragm: low-mass quilted aluminum
- Finish: Anodized champagne matte
- Net Weight: 15 oz
- Built to Last
Sounds Sweet Speaker *Product Review*
May 3, 2009 by Darren
Those who know me well will know that one of my fascinations with radio communications is with speakers, headphones and other DX-cessories which claim to facilitate good RX. Perhaps it’s just that I’ve been to too many heavy metal rock concerts in my time and have given the ear drums a bit of a hammering, but nowadays anything that claims to provide clean, crisp, hiss free audio not only grabs my attention ‘like a topless sunbaker would on an IOTA DXpedition’ but also my hard earned cash!
In the past, I’ve reviewed products such as the fantastic Nes 10 and noise eliminating speakers by Bhi and offered some positive comments on their performance too, but about a month ago I picked up a second hand speaker on eHAM which is marketed under the quirky name: ‘Sounds Sweet Speaker’. I agree the name sounds a bit cheap and nasty but I’d read some favourable reviews on this unit in my net travels and hence been on the look out for one on any of the common sites which flog off pre-loved radio gear ever since.
Described as the “Ultimate SSB Speaker” by some radio ops, the Sounds Sweet Speaker is a dense, solid, tongue and groove construction, with a tuned port and bass reflex speakers said to have been for optimised for radio communications. In the search for clearer and more intelligible sound than the speakers built in to radios can provide, many DXers have tried basic MP3 headphones, hi-fi or computer speakers. These options are always a compromise though because their tweeters are designed for higher frequencies than are present in the voice audio energy coming from your radio so it’s always a case of “keep looking”.
Rather than hook up the speaker to my main rig (TS2000) to see if the hype surrounding this unit was true, I rigged it up with an old Pearce Simpson Super Bengal MK2 base CB – which had been a bit susceptible to electrical interference in the past – by connecting the unit directly to the transceiver’s external speaker jack. Simple!
The results were immediately apparent with the Bengal test, with increased RX intelligibility which reproduced only the communications voice coming from SSB. In fact, they appeared to have the useful and satisfying bass information missing from some of the smaller communications and built-in radio speakers I have used in the past, but without the hiss and mud produced by speakers designed for stereo use. With skip pouring in from all 43 Division states and territories, fatiguing transistor thermal noise and vacuum tube hiss was eliminated and interestingly this was done without unnecessary equalizers and active stages.
Assembled and finished in 2 Division and weighing in at just under 6 kg, Sounds Sweet Speakers are obviously intended for base station use with their 12″ high x 10″ wide x 10″ deep footprint and are quite a meaty construction compared to some other DSP style prototypes I have in the shack as well. This, together with the tuned port and specialised dual cone acoustic suspension driver, produce bass response to the lower end of human voice and no lower.
In conclusion, this Sounds Sweet speaker provided clearer, more natural sounding, and fatigue free audio than many other types of speakers I have used. After testing the unit for a period of approximately 6 hours, it’s safe to say that they let you dig out the weak signals and really enjoy the strong ones with an added bass quality that adds tremendous enjoyment to good openings!
If you would like to purchase one of these hot speakers for the shack, the odd one pops up on eBay every now and then. Or you can also buy one new at around $119US by clicking on the appropriate links at http://www.soundssweet.com/
Any comments on this speaker by existing owners are most welcome.
73 de Darren 43DA010