Posted on2nd July 2023|Comments Off on PORTABLE HF ANTENNA MC-750
The company JNC from China introduced a new HF antenna that is great when you are camping, travelling or enjoying outdoor living. Avera has this item available from stock.
Photo: Product in Carry Case
JNC Radio MC-750 is an antenna kit that supports 40-6 meter bands, while operating a maximum power of 100 watts PEP. With a carry bag with dimensions 65 x 9 x 7 cm and a weight of 1.8 kg, it can be easily packed to travel around. MC-750 operates as 1/4 wavelength full size antenna on 14 MHz – 50 MHz. For 7 MHz operation, the supplied 7 MHz coil is needed. MC-750 antenna base has counterpoise holes for radials. You just need to plug in the supplied counterpoise wires to these holes.
Photo: Counterpoise Leads (Radials)
FEATURES • TELESCOPIC Antenna HF Portable (Base – Mobile) • Frequency Range: 7 – 50 MHz • Systems: 6M, 10M, 20M, 40M HAM Bands • Antenna Type: Omni-Directional, Telescopic • Mounting Type: Ground Rod to put in earth • Antenna Whip: Aluminum • Radials: 4 Pcs Banana Radials, Length 350 cm. • Total Length: Approx 520 cm • Max Power: 100 Watt (SSB) • Connector: UHF-Female • Packing: Carry Case
Photo: Content of Packing
CONTENT OF PACKING The antenna comes in a handy carry bag and includes: 1 Pc of Ground Rod (Antenna Base Attached) 1 Pc of 7 MHz Coil 1 Pc of 50 cm Antenna Arm 1 Pc of 5.2 meter Telescopic Whip 4 Pcs of Counterpoise Wires (radials) 1 Pc of Wire Collector Board
Photo: Connection of Sections
Since the introduction of JNC MC-750, many articles have been written and many video’s have been published on YouTube.
Posted on11th March 2023|Comments Off on FROM I-MAX 2000 TO MAX OPTIMIZER
Image: Logo from Solarcon in the old days
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
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Using high power linear amplifiers can give good results in transmitting, but there are also big risks. The worst that can happen is that you create interference to others. That can be CB’ers , HAM’s or TV-Audio users.
Recently we received from a dealer a RM type KL703
Linear Amplfier from RM Italy, Type KL703
DAMAGED KL703
This amplifier is build by RM as nice piece of equipment. But when handled without knowledge it will be damaged and break down.
PCB of KL703
From a distance it looks like a normal PCB, when we zoom in you will see the PCB tracks are damaged.
Damaged PCB tracks of KL703
Repairing such an item is not easy. Replacing a components is easy, but in such a case the damaged trakcs need to be re-soldered. This is costing a lot of time and money.
But there can also be damaged tracks that do not show damage yet. These can give damage in the future.
WHY DAMAGED It is easy to damage a linear amplifier. * Use too much voltage * Use too much power * Transmit for a too long time * Lack of ventilation * Cables too long or not enough mm2
In this case the amplifier was used on lower frequencies than it was designed for. On lower bands the gain of the amplifier increases very quickly and can cause this proble. Certainly when using high power.
Not many users realise this can and will happen.
YOU ARE WARNED NOW , SO BE CAREFUL OUT THERE !!
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Posted on22nd March 2020|Comments Off on KOMUNICA NC-PRO-QD: PROFESSIONAL AND ROBUST HEADSET
Komunica NC-PRO-QD
The brand ‘Komunica’ is known for the wide range of Antennas and Audio Accessories. Recently they introduced a very special audio accessory the NC-PRO-QD.
Komunica NC-PRO-QD on mannequin
HEADSET FOR 2-WAY RADIO It is a headset to be used in combination with a two way radio system. This is professional and robust headset with noise cancelling system and is ideal in very noise environments even when a helmet is needed.
Padded Ear Cup for Maximum Comfort
The earphone has padded ear cups, type gel, for maximum comfort, which provide maximum attenuation of ambient noise.
Boom Microphone with Noise Cancellation
GOOSENECK MICROPHONE The microphone is a Gooseneck Boom Type with Noise Cancellation. This headsets is supplied without cable. For several brands and wirings a PTT cable is available. So it is important to choose the correct cable to connect your radio to the headset NC-PRO-QD.
Jack on Earpad to connect the NC-PRO-CAB Cable
Red PTT on Ear Pad
On the left ear pad is a red PTT knob. You still need a cable to connect the headset to your radio. That gives 2 options for transmitting, use the large PTT on the cable or push the button on the ear pad.
CABLE SPECIFICATIONS: • Cable with large round PTT “In-Line” permits you use freely when you wear gloves.
NC-PRO-CAB comes with a large PTT
• Durable and Eco-friendly PU cable with reinforcement. • Strain relief made from TPE material, soft and strong.
3 TYPES OF CABLE AVAILABLE From stock we supply now 3 types of NC-PRO-CAB cables:
NC-PRO-CAB-K is the PTT cable for 2-PIN Kenwood transceivers
• NC-PRO-CAB-K = Cable with round big PTT, connection 2-PIN Kenwood • NC-PRO-CAB-ICF1000= Cable with round big PTT, connection 2-PIN+Screws for ICOM • NC-PRO-CAB-IL = Cable with round big PTT, connection 2-PIN Icom The NC-
2.5 mm Jack on PTT of NC-PRO-CAB for finger PTT
RING FINGER PTT PRO-CAB cables have a 2.5mm jack available for optional Ring-Finger PTT, the PTT-PRO-1. This will allow to use the PTT with just using the small PTT on one of your fingers.
PTT-PRO-1 is a Ring Finger PTT
GENERAL FEATURES • Headset for two way radio transceivers • Boom microphone with noise cancelling, up to at least 20 dB • Red PTT on ear-cup. • Flexible microphone type Gooseneck Boom with Noise Cancellation.
NC-PRO-QD can be used when wearing a helmet
• Adjustable upper band and elaborated in fabric, ideal for its integration in work regulation helmet • Reinforced metal rear band for perfect support and stability depending on each user • Dual Earmuff with acoustic noise reduction material and comfortable gel ear pads. • Behind the head metal band with overhead strap, ideal for use with hard hats.
Metal Band with overhead strap
• Designed for use in noisier environments, like airport fields, races, etc.
Posted on27th May 2018|Comments Off on DAYTON HAMVENTION 2018
May 18-19-20 was the annual Dayton Hamvention 2018 in Xenia, a little village close to Dayton Ohio. Few years ago the show moved from Dayton to Xenia, but the name Dayton Hamvention is so world famous there was no need to change the name. Some people also refer to the name Hamfest, probably that comes from Hamfestival.Photo: Entrance at Dayton HAMVENTION
DAYTON vs FRIEDRICHSHAFEN Dayton Hamvention can be compared to the HAM RADIO in Friedrichshafen Germany. This year that show will be June 8-9-10.
* On both shows are the famous brands like Yaesu, Icom and Kenwood promoting their HAM products.
* On both shows there are dealers selling the products.
* On both shows there is a flee market where dealers and individuals are present to sell their ‘specials’.
* In Germany all is concentrated in a real convention center with several halls.
* In Dayton it is on the County Fair Grounds. Many cities have such an area, a few small halls, a large outdoor area where all kind of ‘local festivals’ are organized. From origin it is an area where cattle is sold.
* That the location is not as ‘professional’ as Friedrichshafen is absolute no problem. That is… if there is no rain.
Photo: Dayton is famous for the yearly rain
The big brands and shops are in a few halls and tents that have been put up.
But the majority of the participants is out on the field and on a race track. When it rains it becomes a lot of mud. The organization puts hay on wet muddy parts to keep it a bit in shape, but if it really rains the water is on the fields, the tracks and sometimes even runs through the halls.
Photo: hay to cover the mud
But if the sun is shining the Dayton show is big fun with all the outdoor activities.
WHAT WE NOTICED I did not count but I am sure that in Dayton more brands are present than in Friedrichshafen. There were many antenna brands that are really unknown in Europe that showed their products. It was impossible to find out for all these brands what was new on the market.
In Friedrichshafen you will find many more HAM clubs from all over the world.
Just a few things we noticed during our visit:
YAESU introduced the new HF set the FTDX101D.
Photo: FTDX101D
But Yaesu also brought 12.000 caps to hand out to visitors. A pretty impressive number.
Photo: 12.000 Yaesu Caps
SCANNERMASTER USA is a major scanner distributor in USA. In their booth we spoke Gommert Buijsen from BUTEL Software. Averais the exclusive distributor for the BUTEL software in Europe on CD-ROM, in USA that is Scannermaster. Photo: Gommert Buijsen
Gommert showed the sample they had from Uniden SDS100, a total new scanner for USA market. The electronic design is totally new. It is technically a bigger difference than when scanners with Xtals were replaced by programmable processor scanners. Photo: Uniden SDS100 a new scanner for USA market
Avera is talking with Uniden about a SDS100 version for Europe, if there is news we will publish that in this blog, on the Avera website and Avera Facebook page. Check the video about SDS100 we published 2 weeks ago.
Scannermaster also showed a kit based on the Uniden Homepatrol. There is a cabinet/frame with speaker, amplifier and connection options. (Gommert vragen). This is a model that is not available in Europe. Photo: Uniden Home Patrol – not available for Europe
WHISTLER showed nothing new. But said that 2 new scanners might be coming to the USA market. But it will be a surprise if these are available within 12 months. In USA brands like to introduce something new a very long time before it is actual coming to the market. Photo: Whistler booth
There was a rumor that this year Butel software might be available for various Whistler models. That might help their sales in USA and Europe.
The field and the race track area is not only a flee market. There are also brands that promote the products from under a simple party tent or from the trunk of a car.
There we met Boris from Bulgaria. He is a HAM, but also an engineer that develops new HF radio’s under brand name Ameco. He showed there prototypes from his HF kits that will be available soon.
Photo: Ameco projects from Boris
MORE DAYTON The Dayton Hamvention is always in may. The weather is unpredictable in that period. There was regular rain, but there was also a tropic shower for 4 minutes and after that the sun was shining again.
The show is typical American, it has nearly the same vibes as on a rodeo. Many people, all outdoor, food trucks, friendly people and everyone is enjoying the festival.
But next time I bring my boots and a large umbrella, because there never seems to be a complete 3-day sunny Dayton Hamvention. Photo: My shoes were ruined
It was my first visit to the Dayton Hamvention and to be honest I loved it.
See also this video with a photo impression of Dayton 2018.
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.
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 on27th October 2015|Comments Off on NEW MIDLAND BLUETOOTH WIRELESS ACCESSORIES FOR PORTABLE RADIO’S
Using a portable radio is ‘handy’. Using a portable radio with audio accessories like a speaker/mike, headset etc. is even more ‘handy’. Less ‘handy’ are the cables that you need to connect an audio accessory with the portable radio.
Wireless Bluetooth applications are very popular for cell phone use and on (motor)bikes or when skiing. Bluetooth for use in combination with portable radio’s like PMR446 is getting more popular now.
Midland recently introduced 6 new products in their WA (Wireless Accessories) range. Midland’s new “WA” range of Wireless Accessories can be used with any Midland wireless transceiver (fitted with a 2-pin socket). All devices come with a rechargeable lithium battery, with a USB cable for charging.
The WA range includes:
Bluetooth adapter; WA-DONGLE for 2-pin radio’s, including Kenwood. Plug the WA-Dongle into your transceiver and choose from various headsets of the WA range to suit your needs.
There are 2 types of dongles available, for radios with a:
• 2-Pin Audio accessory jack with ‘Standard’ wiring
• 2-Pin Audio accessory jack with ‘Kenwood’ wiring
Bluetooth headsets; WA21/WA31/WA29.
Each headset features a small PTT button. WA headsets can be used with all mobile phones with Bluetooth function.
Wireless PTT; WA-PTT
Combined with a WA-Dongle, it allows you to transmit hands free without having to use the PTT button on the headsets.
Link / Photo / Short Description of the available Wireless Accessories items:
Posted on16th October 2015|Comments Off on PALOMAR HIGH POWER REPLACEMENT FINAL AMPLIFIER
Under the name POWERBAND, the company PALOMAR in USA sells a line of
4 types of high power replacement final amplifier sections with high performance low pass filter for 10 meter amateur transceivers.
After RFX75 and RFX150 they now introduce the RFX85 and RFX85HD.
RFX75
RFX75 is an Amplifier, 75 – 100 Watt PEP Output Power, RF Final Output Stage and Low Pass Filter, Designed as a replacement and/or upgrade for most 10 meter amateur transceivers.
The RFX75 is a RF final output stage and low pass filter designed as a replacement and/or upgrade for most 10-meter amateur transceivers.
The RFX75 features the latest Power MOSFET technology and a built in S-meter detection circuit.
The output power of the RFX75 varies depending on the transceiver that it is installed on. Most installations will see 75 – 100 watts PEP output power.
THEORY OF OPERATION OF POWERBAND TYPES, DESCRIPTION OF RFX75:
a) The RFX75 replaces the transceiver’s final amplifier stage and low pass filter section.
The RFX75 is NOT a standalone amplifier. The RFX75 mounts to the back of most transceivers with little or no modification to the transceiver’s chassis.
b) Once installed, the transmitted RF signal from the output of the transceiver’s driver stage (or pre-driver stage) is sent to the RFX75 via the coaxial cable marked RF IN.
c) The driver signal is then amplified through the RFX75‘s ERF2030 (FET1) and then again through the ERF7530 (FET2).
d) The amplified signal from the ERF7530 passes through the RFX75’s efficient low pass filter.
e) A small portion of the signal is sampled through C19 and rectified through D3 and D4. This is sent to the S-meter detection circuit in the transceiver through the yellow wire.
f) The final RF output signal of the RFX75 is sent back to the radio through the RF OUT coaxial cable where it is connected with the transceiver’s antenna connector*.
g) The incoming receive signal is sampled from C14 and connected to the receive strip of the transceiver through the RFX75’s coaxial cable marked RX OUT.
* It is possible to attach the RF OUT coax directly to the antenna connector. However, it is recommended to attach it to the transceiver’s PCB because some transceivers come equipped with antenna warning systems, or other circuits, that are on ancillary boards between the recommended connection point and the antenna connector.
RFX150
RFX85 and RFX85HD
There are now 2 RFX85 Choices: the Standard RFX85 and the New RFX85HD High Drive.
The RFX85 Circuit includes driver stage, final amplifer stage and low pass filter. The RFX85 is your choice for 10 meter radio repairs and upgrades that require replacing the radio’s driver and final amplification stages.
The RFX85HD circuit includes only the final amplifier stage and low pass filter which makes for a much quicker and easier installation.
The RFX85HD is your choice for 10 meter radio repairs and upgrades when all your replacing is the final transistor or no transistors.
Both RFX85 units feature the new fan-ready heatsink design and variable bias controls for better tuning on SSB radio installations.
RFX85
RFX85 SPECIFICATIONS:
– Maximum Output: 100 Watts PEP.
– Drive Stage: ERF2030 MOSFET (x1).
– Final Stage: ERF7530 MOSFET (x1).
– Low Pass Filter: 3 Stage.
– Spurious Emission Suppression: 45 dB.
– Supply Voltage: 13.8 VDC.
– Power Consumption: 12 Amps Max.
– Dimensions: 5.1 x 8.3 x 4.2 cm (LxWxH).
– Weight: 235 gram.
RFX85HD
RFX85HD SPECIFICATIONS:
– Maximum Input: 30 Watts PEP.
– Maximum Ouput: 100 Watts PEP.
– Final Stage: ERF7530 MOSFET (x1).
– Low Pass Filter: 3 Stage.
– Spurious Emission Suppression: 45 dB.
– Supply Voltage: 13.8 VDC.
– Power Consumption: 12 Amps Max.
– Dimensions: 5.1 x 8.3 x 4.2 cm (LxWxH).
– Weight: 235 gram.
It is necessarily to have good technical knowledge to install RFX types.
In USA these amplifiers are very popular and on the internet you can find many videos and reviews.
That might help to be prepared when installing the first RFX.
New in the Avera stock is the Midland CT890. This is the info that Midland is supplying to the market:
CT890 is the brand new multifunction amateur radio, dual band version operating in VHF/UHF.
Realized with the latest technology, CT890 is an excellent and reliable transceiver to use in professional situations or sport events.
Its robust mechanical frame and the aluminum chassis allow you to operate even in harsh environments.
CT890 is an innovative radio in the amateur field that combines new functions such as:
Full Duplex (you can transmit and receive at the same time), Repeater function (the radio is a sort of repeater: it can transmit what has received from another band – VHF →UHF or vice‐versa).
Up to 999 memory channels.
CT890 is equipped with a wide colorful LCD display to show you all the functions activated, with a very high efficiency Li‐Ion battery pack 2600mAh and with FM radio receiver.
CT890 has a practical alphanumerical keypad to set channels, frequency and all the main functions.
The flexible antenna, common to all Midland CT series, allows you to easily wear the radio even on a belt.
The radio is programmable thanks to the optional programming software PRG‐10, useful to manage and set some functions such as number of channels, etc .
COMPLYING TO CE/99/05
COLOR: Black
What’s in the box
• 1 CT890 transceiver
• 1 flexible antenna
• 1 belt clip
• 1 Li‐Ion battery pack 2600mAh
• 1 desktop charger with USB cable
• Quick guide
Main features
• VHF and UHF frequency bands displayed
• Operating modes: UHF‐VHF, UHF‐UHF, VHF‐VHF
• Output power: VHF: 5W / UHF: 4W
• Frequency: VHF: 144‐146MHz / UHF: 430‐440MHz
• Full Duplex
• Repeater function
• 999 memory channels
• Wide colorful LCD display
• Very high efficiency Li‐Ion battery pack 2600mAh
• 105 +105 (I/N) DCS codes
• Emergency function
• Scan + priority Scan + group Scan
• Flashlight
• High/low power selection
• TOT function (time out timer)
• Channel spacing 25 kHz/12,5 kHz
• VOX function / Roger Beep
• ‘VOICE’ function
• The display can show: channel number, frequency, channel number + frequency, or channel name
• Inverted frequency function
• Frequency steps: 5 kHz, 6.25 kHz, 10 kHz, 12.5 kHz, 25 kHz, 37kHz, 50kHz, 100kHz.
• Frequency offset
• Shift repeater
• ‘Busy channel lockout’ function
• TX signal strength on the display
• Low battery vocal and display indication
• Keypad lock
• Scan of frequencies with CTCSS/DCS
• Channel/functions reset
• 1750 tone for repeaters
• Cloning function with optional cable cod. R73727
• External speaker/mike jack: Kenwood type
Specifications are subject to change without notice.
As optional accessory, the Li‐Ion battery pack 2600mAh model PB890, cod. C1172 is available.
Photo: Entrance at Dayton HAMVENTION
Photo: Dayton is famous for the yearly rain
Photo: hay to cover the mud
Photo: FTDX101D
Photo: 12.000 Yaesu Caps
Photo: Gommert Buijsen
Photo: Uniden SDS100 a new scanner for USA market
Photo: Uniden Home Patrol – not available for Europe
Photo: Whistler booth
Photo: My shoes were ruined
Photo: Palomar MAX-MOD Transistor in single pack
Photo: Palomar MAX-MOD Transistor in 10-Pack
