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 = 27.155 MHz, 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 ops 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’s 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 ops 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!

SUMMARY

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