The Magnum AV-1KM CB 6-Pin is a well known and good working handsfree kit. The 6-Pin version can be used on all President 6-Pin CB transceivers. New is the AV-1KM CB 6-Pin PRO Version from this model,
USE FOOT SWITCH or JOY STICK It is easy to connect a joy stick or a foot pedal and use that for switching between receive and transmit. This makes it a great Hands Free kit for operators on a shovel, crane, excavator, caterpillar or other machine. It is easy to connect 2 switch wires to the terminal block on the control unit.
Photo: Easy to connect 2 wires from joystick or foot pedalto the terminal block
PRESIDENT ELECTRET MICROPHONES All new President mobile CB models use a 6-Pin Electret microphone. This means that there is a voltage on one of the pins. This voltage is used to power the hands free kit. So no need to make a power connection between the battery and the hands free kit. The power runs through the microphone cable. This makes it an easy installation and more safe than with an extra power cord in the machine.
USE THE WINDCAP The AV1KMCB 6-Pin comes standard with a wind cap in the packing. It is advised to install this cap on te microphone for best result
Photo: Content of packing
Photo: The control unit, the original switch is gone and replaced by a terminal block
IMPORTANT: Often we publish the BLOG on Facebook, but not always. If you want to receive all BLOG publications, subscribe now !!
SOLARCON ANTENNA RESEARCH Long long time ago in the city of Holland Ohio in USA the Solarcon factory proudly introduced a new antenna the “I-MAX 2000“. This was the big brother of the Solarcon A99. In those days still known as Antron A-99 (Aka Atron A-99).
Photo: original carton for I-max 2000
I-MAX 2000 The CB and 10 Meter HAM people loved the new antenna and many were sold. One company did not like the name, this was the IMAX group of cinema’s. Their lawyer wrote a letter to Solarcon and the wise people from Solarcon decided it was better to change the name to MAX 2000.
Photo: The new packing for MAX 2000
MAX 2000 Max 2000 is a wide band antenna. During the years the number of 10 meter users went down and it was more CB users that purchased this high end antenna. Many also added the the (I)MAX-GPK , a nice groundplane kit.
ANTENNA LENGTH OF (I)MAX 2000 The packing of MAX 2000 was designed based on the maximum dimensions of UPS cartons for easy and cheaper shipping. When UPS changed her ‘rules’, the carton was made a little shorter, but the antenna was still having the same length. Funny is that many people keep saying that the new model was shorter and that was the reason for a bad SWR. Sorry guys, the length never changed.
Photo: The packing of Max-Optimizer
MAX OPTIMIZER The original IMAX-2000 was designed for 26 – 33.5 MHz. But now, because more CB operators were buying Max-2000 it was needed to make a MAX-2000 only for 27 MHz. That means a bit longer antenna length. The result is the brand new MAX OPTIMIZER.
Photo: Original specs from (I)MAX 2000
MAX-OPTIMIZER
So recently the MAX OPTIMIZER was introduced. Same box as MAX 2000, just a sticker on the top or bottom. The models MAX 2000 and MAX OPTIMIZER are nearly identical. BUT the MAX OPTIMIZER has one more section, and that makes it a bit longer, approx 30 cm.
Photo: Specifications of the MaxOptimizer
OPTIMIZER SECTION
Photo: The Optimizer section
If you are using an (I)MAX 2000 and want to modify it to a MAX OPTIMIZER you can purchase this extra section and install between the sections of your existing antenna. The name of the product is OP-EXT , “optional extension”. The price will be around 50 – 60 euro. Ask your local dealer for the OP-EXT and have better SWR on the regular CB band.
Photo: OP-EXT can be installed between the sections of MAX 2000Photo: one end has 3/8×24 Female ThreadPhoto: one end has 3/8×24 Male Thread
IMPORTANT: Often we publish the BLOG on Facebook, but not always. If you want to receive all BLOG publications, subscribe now !!
Posted on29th January 2023|Comments Off on CES 2023 – MESSAGE 6 – TRUCK NEWS
CES is all about new technologies. I mentioned already the many new personal car concepts. But there is also news about trucks for the present and the future.
PACCAR
One of the exhibiting companies is PACCAR. They make trucks under the brand names Kenworth, Peterbilt and European brand DAF.
Photo: he PACCAR booth, showing Kenworth, Peterbilt and DAF
Self driving is not only for private cars. One of the trucks shown at CES is also ‘self driving’. There is a lot of sensors, camera’s and radar on such a truck. I wonder or they still have a place to put on a CB antenna.
At some point there will be a person driving such an autonomous driving truck and we all want to talk to colleague’s. But before there is autonomous driving we have to get used to driver assistance technologies, also for trucks.
EV TRUCKS
Photo: Self driving truck from brand Peterbilt
For the moment the biggest switch is to produce trucks that have no CO2 emissions. There are two options in the trucking industry. Paccar was showing an E-truck from Kenworth. For now this model has a range of approx. 250+ kilometers and a top speed of 110 km/hour. More info about Kenworth EV truck T680E can be found on their website:
Photo: Kenworth EV truck model T680E
Driving an EV truck is one thing, but you also need chargers for trucks. The battery can store nearly 400 kW and can be charged with 150 kW charge rate. For charging you need chargers and Paccar is offering also EV charging stations.
Photo: Paccar EV-truck charging system
Paccar does not only produce fixed chargers. They also make a mobile EV charger. Can be used for trucks that need charging when no charger is at that spot. Or think about a hotel or parking garage that offers a ‘mobile’ charging service for private cars. I would love to have this thing at home as a battery for my solar panels !!!!
Photo: Mobile EV-charger
H2 TRUCKS
Also from the brand Kenworth, they showed a ‘Fuel Cell Electric Vehicle’. These types are also called ‘H2 hydrogen’ models . The range of this model is approx. 350 km.
Photo: Kenworth H2 Hydrogen truck
The hydrogen tank is placed after the drivers cabine. Let us hope these tanks are well protected and the used techniques make sure that they can not explode.
Photo Hydrogen tank placed behind the truck cabine
It is clear that the market for personal cars will change dramatically in the next 10 years. But also the truck market will have incredible changes.
The Hydrogen and EV trucks from Paccar are already available and driving on USA roads.
Take a look at what the truck industry has to offer already at this moment.
Does the regulator in your radio run hot? Excessive heat from a transistor means the part is undersized for the circuit or that the circuit itself is not very efficient.
Changing the radio’s modulation circuit is impossible. But the solution for this problem is the Palomar MAX-MOD Transistor.
Photo: MAX-MOD transistor including mica insulator
PALOMAR
Palomar is a famous old CB brand name from USA. The name is owned and used now by EKL Components, the mother company also for Magnum Radio’s and Motocomm helmet sets.
New in the Palomar program is the MAX-MOD, a special transistor.
MAX-MOD TRANSISTOR The MAX-MOD is a replacement and upgrade PNP transistor for the modulation circuit in most radio’s. The MAX-MOD replaces the common 2SB and TIP parts.
The MAX-MOD works very well in 10M radio’s, including President models.
The MAX-MOD will give the RF section the current it needs and will increase the peak power by and average of 10% or more.
The MAX-MOD has the same lead spacing as the smaller transistors it replaces, making soldering very easy. The MAX-MOD uses a hughe TO-3PL package for improved heat dissipation, and comes with a mica insulator so you do not need to try to find one.
The MAX-MOD is available in single pack and 10-pack for technicians.
Photo: Palomar MAX-MOD Transistor in single pack
FESATURES OF PALOMAR MAX-MOD TRANSISTOR: • High Current / High Power PNP Power Transistor (AM Regulator)
• Replaces & Upgrades 2SB688, 2SB754, 2SB817, 2SB827 and other AM
• Regulator Transistors in CB and Amateur Radios
• Supplies Necessary Current Levels for Maximum Modulation
• Most Radios See a 10% Increase in Peak Power Levels
• Runs 40%* Cooler than Stock Regulators
• Massive TO-3PL Package for Improved Heat Dissipation
• Comes with Mica Insulator
Photo: Palomar MAX-MOD Transistor in 10-Pack
The MAX-MOD Transistor is available from stock at Avera-Distributing.
For a datasheet of Palomar MAX-MOD Transistor click here.
After many years in CB business it is a pleasure to be happily surprised seeing a new accessory for the CB market. Unpacking the Delta M2 base mike really gave me that warm feeling again.
GOLD AND CHROME
There are 2 version for M2 available: Delta M2 CHROME and Delta M2 GOLD.
Both types are exactly the same, just a different color. And ofcourse the gold version is more expensive than the chrome version.
These 2 brand new models come from USA. They come with the standard USA 4-Pin CB connector and the common Cobra/Uniden/President wiring. For the 6-Pin President radio’s we have an adaptor or an adaptor cable to convert a 4-Pin microphone to a 6-Pin radio without any soldering. Check the list of the accessories that are mentioned in the product description of these 2 microphones on our website.
Like most base microphones the amplifier in the M2 microphone needs a 9 Volt battery. That is not included in the packing to prevent damage from a leaking battery.
But that are just some technical details. Looking at this product made me happy. It looks a bit old fashioned, but it also looks robust and elegant at the same time. It is simple and technical, it is a combination of many other products that i saw in 40+ years in this business. It is a microphone you like to have in front of you, a pleasure for the eye, you have a horse to do the ‘heavy job’. Although there are not many CB users that think talking is a difficult job.
FEATURES
The M2 is an amplified dynamic desk microphone. On top of the housing you find the controls for Tone, Modulation, the Push To Talk button with lock function, a LED for TX and a VU_meter showing the power of the modulation. On the microphone stand is a switch to turn the microphone on or off. The head of the microphe can be turned backwards or forewards depending on the preference of the user.
A quick test learned that the Delta M2 delivers a very strong and good audio signal. And to be honest, we did not expect something different from this master piece. It is not a cheap product but it feels like a privelige to use this microphone and use it.
Photo: The Palomar SL41 comes in a beautiful packing
THE BRAND PALOMAR In the “old” days Palomar was a world famous brand in the world of CB and 10 meter. Most famous were the high quality products like linear amplifiers. From most famous brand names the ownership changed during the years. Also Palomar switched from owner. Until last year Mr Eric Lewis (USA) claimed back the name that his father, the founder of Palomar, had made great in the past. Palomar is now back to the roots of the Lewis family.
MICROPHONE SL41 The Palomar SL41 was introduced few weeks ago. It is a new technical concept for an electret microphone. Inside the housing is an alkaline battery that powers the microphone.
Photo: inside the housing is an alkaline battery
In Europe most CB’s have a 6-pin wiring and one of the pins supplies the voltage to the electret microphone. In USA most CB’s have a 4-Pin Uniden/Cobra wiring without a voltage supplied to one of the pins. That is why the battery is operated with an alkaline AAA battery.
ADAPTER CONNECTOR OR CABLE For testing we connected the SL41 to a President Johnson-2. We have 2 very handy items to connect a 4-Pin Uniden/Cobra wired microphone to a 6-Pin President wired transceiver.
Photo: Adapter 4-Pin USA to 6-Pin President
C4PDF6 = Adapter, Converts 4-Pin Male to 6-Pin Female with Magnum DeltaForce/President Wiring. CABLE 0008 = Microphone Adaptor Cable 4-Pin Male to 6-Pin Female with Uniden/President Wiring.
Photo: Uniden Adapter Cable 4-Pin Uniden to 6-Pin President
For the audio quality it made no difference whatever we used, the Adapter connector or the adapter cable.
TEST RESULT First we tested the dynamic microphones RoadKing RK56 and Astatic 636. As these are dynamic types we were not surprised the quality was not so good on the electret type radio Johnson-2.
The Palomar SL41 is an electret type and it gave a much better performance than the original microphone from Johnson-2.
To finish the test we connected a RD104 (Red Devil) and the DM104M6B4B. These are amplified microphones. The audio quality and the level of volume had not much difference with the Palomar SL41. That is a remarkable good result.
I heard many good reviews from Palomar SL41 and the only thing I can say now: “TESTED AND TRUE”.
SPECIFICATIONS OF SL41: The Palomar SL41 combines modern engineering and technology with time-tested design to provide the professional driver with the ultimate noise-cancelling microphone.
Classic Rugged Design
Active Circuit Microphone with Noise Cancelling Electret Element
6 Conductor, Dual Shielded Cable – Custom Palomar Made Cable
16″ Coiled Cable Section – Stretches to 9′
Over 1 Year Battery Life from Single AAA Battery
AAA Battery Included – Factory Installed
Industrial Grade Push-to-Talk Switch
Dual Mount – Machined Aluminum Button + Hanger
Wired for 4-Pin CB Radios
If you are interested in more technical information please read the document Technology and Design.
Posted on30th March 2016|Comments Off on MIDLAND M-ZERO PLUS – A NEW LOW COST CB MODEL
The new “M” series of the Midland CB radios is extended with another model: M ZERO PLUS. It is the main brother of M ZERO (is AM-only), since it operates in both AM and FM modulation.
It is low cost model with an end-user price of around Euro 79 including sales tax.
M ZERO PLUS is a 40 channel AM/FM CB radio characterized especially for its extremely reduced size and for its ease of use. It’s the ideal equipment for those who want a simple radio at low cost but equipped with all main functions required by a CB. M ZERO PLUS has been developed with SMD technology to be a state‐of‐the‐art equipment.
The installation is very easy and quick thanks to the supplied cigarette lighter plug.
The UP/DOWN controls allow the channel selection and the long pressure of one of these lets the channels scroll quickly.
M-ZERO PLUS is also equipped with the CH‐EMG control to immediately select the emergency channel or a priority channel previously set by the user.
What’s in the box:
• M ZERO PLUS transceiver with 12V cigarette lighter plug
• 4 pin microphone
• Mounting bracket
• Fixing screws
• Quick guide
Main features:
• 40CH AM/FM CB transceiver
• Selectable frequency bands: Europe (St): 26.965‐27.405MHz; Poland (Po): 26.960‐27.400Mhz);
• Output power: 4W AM/FM
• Display showing the channel in use
• Squelch control
• CH/EMG selector: for the immediate selection of the emergency channel or of
the channel in use
• Emergency/priority channel settable by the user
• RF GAIN knob
• Weight: 665gr
• Dimensions: 110x45x140mm
Posted on29th February 2016|Comments Off on DC POWER DISTRIBUTOR: PW-100
After 45 years in CB it is not easy to be happily surprised. And if I am surprised it is mostly by something ‘simple’. That happened this week again when we got in stock the PW-100 from CG Antenna
PW-100
Most people use one power supply to operate several radio’s. The DC power leads are fixed to that one power source. And quite often not in the most professional or safe way.
For all these people the PW-100 is a good solution.
Bring 12 VDC from the power supply into the input terminals of PW-100 (left on the photo). Now you have 4 independent 12 VDC sources to connect 4 radio’s or other 12 VDC gear. Each of the four outputs has its own fuse (30A), so very safe to use.
The PW-100 is made by CG Antenna from China. Most HAM operators know this company from the CG3000, a high quality automatic antenna tuner and from the SB2000 MK2 a high quality radio interface.
The CG3000, automatic antenna tuner
SB-2000 K2 Radio Interface
PW-100 PACKING INCLUDES:
1 Pc of Power Distributor
2 Pairs of Babana Plugs
2 Pairs of Ring Terminal Solder Plugs
1 Pc of Spare Fuse
Posted on21st January 2016|Comments Off on CES 2016 – PART 3 – CB DISTRIBUTING and PRESIDENT USA
CB DISTRIBUTING
Booth of CB Distributing
At CES there is only one distributor who is present each year with a booth. That is the company CB Distributing from Portland OREGON. They are USA West coast based and for them it is a good opportunity to meet new and existing customers.
Talking to customers
The program they display has much similarity with the Avera program. That is why we always pay a visit to their booth. They show Cobra CB and marine, Uniden CB, Stryker 10M, GearKeepers for CB, Firestik Antennas, K40 and Wilson antennas and their own line Accessories Unlimited and lots more.
Cobra CB and Marine, Uniden CB
A brand we do not often see in Europe is ‘STRYKER’. They are mainly known for the 10 meter radios they make for the USA market. In the booth CB Distributing showed the new Stryker SR89MCV2. This is a ‘remote’10 meter transceiver, all functions and controls are put in the microphone.
In Europe we have a 40CH CB Transceiver in same casing, the CRT MIKE.
Under the brand name ‘Stryker’ CBD also showed some antennas. Most of these look like copies of famous USA antennas like WILSON. One model that looked unique was the Stryker SR-A10. The coil is put in a robust oil can. The look is very special, but It is so ugly that it looks great, but the market for these will be very small.
Stryker SR-A10 antenna
As a President distributor from Europe we were happily surprised to see a President flag and two President boxes in the CBD booth. One box for ‘President Johnny-3 USA’ and one box for ‘President Johnson-2 USA’. At the show the price information was not available yet. The products were expected to be available within 4 weeks.
The flyer from CB Distributing told us that the introduction is made for a Johnny-3 USA with a free of charge New York antenna. The Johnson-3 USA comes with a free IOWA antenna.
Keith Eschliman proudly shows the new President USA models.
PRESIDENT USA
President USA was not available with a booth at CES 2016. But in a suite of Mandalay Bay the USA distributors could meet Chief Operations Cavi Sharma and Chief Sales Kip Sullivan from President USA. There were also models of the new radios available.
Kip Sullivan showing the new President USA models
PRESIDENT JOHNNY-3 USA
The smallest model to start in USA is the Johnny-3 USA. (PDF)
It is a 40 channel AM radio. The tooling looks like the European Johnny-3 but internally it must be totally different as there is also a WX function and weather channel function is not present on the European models.
The USA model has a three colour display, better than the European model.
New for USA is that the President models come as a 12V/24V radio.
Most trucks are 12 Volt in USA. But agricultural tractors and some other pullers use 24 Volt systems. The people we spoke during CES find the 12V/24V a great option from the President CB’s.
Johnny-3 USA with three colour display
PRESIDENT JOHNSON-2 USA
For Avera one of our main selling radios is the President Johnson-2. This is by far the most popular CB for truckers in The Netherlands. In USA the President Johnson-2 USA (PDF)is the 2nd model that comes on the US market. It is also a 40CH AM CB transceiver.
The looks are the same as the European model, but also for this type counts that the PCB is totally different. It will be more like the PCB of Uniden PRO538W. But this model has also a three colour display and 12V/24V capability.
Johnson-2 USA with three colour display
2+3 GUARANTEE
Guarantee in USA is different from Europe. In Europe it is a real legal right you have. Even if the manufacturer tells 1 year, the law might say 2 or 3 years. In USA it is more that you get what the manufacturer is promising you.
President USA decided to give 2 years guarantee. But you get 3 years more if you buy also a President antenna.
The US market is mainly a truckers market. Until now we have not seen President antennas that are a real competition for the famous USA truck antennas. But who knows what President will come up with in the future.
President showing that looks might be the same but electronics have changed.
Posted on14th January 2016|Comments Off on CES 2016 – PART 1 – COBRA BOOTH / UNIDEN
World famous logo of CES
Early January is always the traditional CES in Las Vegas. Most brands are available with a booth or a suite to receive customers and display products.
UNIDEN
Watching the short video we made from CES you will see that there is no video shot from a Uniden booth. Since several years Uniden is not present with a booth at CES. Often they do have a suite in one of the hotels. There they talk to customers and show new products. But this year Uniden USA is absent. We met a friendly Uniden sales man on the show talking to distributors, but that was all. One of the USA distributors showed some Uniden products at CES, so they were not totally absent for the public.
COBRA BOOTH
Each year COBRA is present with a booth to show the existing and new products. This year Cobra moved from Central hall to a smaller booth in the North hall.
Last year the shares of Cobra were purchased by an investing company.
The market is waiting for the moves they will make. Until now it seems ‘less expenses’ as there were no exiting new products introduced at CES this year.
CB – TWO MODELS SHOWN
Cobra LX BT, 40 Channel AM, great radio but not new
The first CB shown was the CB29LXBT. This radio looks the same as the European Cobra 29LXEU. But this is the American BT version. BT stands for Bluetooth. A great radio, very popular by USA truckers, but not a new item.
The BT option makes it possible to make and receive hands free cellular calls through the CB radio.
Cobra C75WXST, 40 CH AM, remote CB
The C75WXST is a remote CB. In Europe we supply a similar model from Cobra the Cobra 75STEU. It is a great concept, but not very popular in the truck market.
Other Cobra CB Models for USA market like C19DXIV, C18WXSTII,
C25 models, several C29 Models and HH portable models are still available but not shown at CES.
COBRA MARINE
At CES Cobra showed two mobile and two portable models for marine applications. The total range is four mobiles and four portable models. The models shown are for the USA market only and not for the European market. Here we use different channels and different functions.
Mobile Marine Transceivers
Portable Marine Transceivers
CONSUMER PRODUCTS –DSP9200BT
Cobra DSP9200BT
For DSP9200BT Cobra received a 2016 CES innovation award. Cobra tells us:
“The DSP 9200 BT is the most advanced system in its class and the company’s first digital detector, improving on detector range and performance. It embeds advanced technology for precise notifications through Digital Signal Processing (DSP), which identifies alerts from unwanted noise for greater reliability and frequency. The unit scored highly across all judging criteria, and it joins a small percentage of other products that are given this honor each year. Products are judged based upon several criteria including, but not limited to: engineering qualities, aesthetic and design qualities, intended use or function and user value, unique or novel features consumers would find attractive and how it directly compares to other products in the marketplace.
The DSP 9200 BT is the first detection system developed by the company that leverages the advanced precision and power of DSP technology, and we couldn’t be more pleased to be recognized by the most prominent awards committee in the CE industry for our constant improvements to our new and existing product lines.”
CONSUMER ITEMS
Cobra clearly choose to show products for the larger markets like dash cams, radar detectors, power inverters etc. The radar detectors are totally illegal in most European countries. In The Netherlands, where Avera-Distributing is based, a dealer will be fined Euro 500 for each radar detector the Dutch FCC finds in the warehouse. So no need to explain that there is no trade for radar detectors in European countries that have similar regulations.
Photo: Palomar MAX-MOD Transistor in single pack
Photo: Palomar MAX-MOD Transistor in 10-Pack
Photo: The 
Photo: inside the housing is an alkaline battery
Photo: Adapter 4-Pin USA to 6-Pin President
Photo: The Palomar SL41 – View from 4 sides
