People! find that dusty old CB radio in your attic

Discussion in 'Paranoid?' started by Last Stand, Apr 25, 2006.

  1. Last Stand

    Last Stand Banned

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    THIS radios can be modified to go below 10 meters and also 11 meter "cb band" and below the 11 meter .
     
  2. wonderboy

    wonderboy the secret of your power!

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    lol last stand, you went NUTS on this thread :p
     
  3. Last Stand

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    [size=+3]Texas Star DX500V Amplifier[/size]






    [​IMG]..I did...........
    DescriptionModelTexas Star DX667VPills(1X) 2SC2290 (4X) SC2879Dimensions3 1/4 'H,6 5/8'W, 10 3/4'DFrequency Range 10-40 Meter Amp Draw (continuous)27 Amps Amp Draw (maximum)57 Amps ClassAB-1SSB Delay YesPre-ampYes Driven RequiredNone (4 Watts RMS Max)Power Output (RMS)425 WattsPower Output (PEP)667 Watts Driven Power (RMS)N/A Driven Power (PEP)N/A Power Stages VariableVoltage13.8 Volts
     
  4. Last Stand

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    [​IMG] your radio and amp goes pufffff!
     
  5. Last Stand

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    [size=+3]Ranger 2995DX[/size]​



    Designed to enhance any serious operators shack this rack-mounted unit offers exceptional sound quality and large, easy-to-use controls. The RCI-2995DX has features that include: AM-CW-FM-SSB modes of operation, variable power, noise blanker and built-in heavy duty AC power supply and provides 150 watts PEP output, and a rear panel frequency meter output for measuring transmit operating frequency. Dual panel meters display received signal strength transmitter power output and antenna SWR. Clarifier audio tone controls for accurate receiver tuning improved reception under difficult conditions. Pushbutton selection of programming scanning functions, and programmable repeater split for FM operation enhances the renewed 10 meter repeater activity. The RCI-2995DX offers microprocessor-based advanced features typically found in high-end units costing several times as much, including programmable repeater offset and capabilities for a CTCSS tone option great for increasing repeater activity on 10 meters and receiver scanning for quick search of active frequencies. The unit offers three methods of frequency selection, non-volatile memory to store and scan up to ten favorite frequencies, scanning of selected frequency segment or stored frequenciesand front panel frequency selector lockout .
    [​IMG]
     
  6. Last Stand

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    1. [size=+3]Ranger 2950DX[/size]​


    [​IMG]
    Check out the new generation of Ranger (RCI) radios. In the past many people have thought of Ranger radios as being an expensive, Cadillac radio that were not intended for rough environments. With the new line of radios from Ranger, nothing could be farther from the truth. All of the new Ranger radios use SMD (surface mount device) technology. If you are not familiar with SMD technology, this is the same circuitry used in computers. Remember those rumors about cold solders? You don't have to worry about that on these radios because it is virtually impossible to have this kind of problem with a SMD circuit. Why? With the old style circuit boards, components were actually mounted through the board. The components were then held in place by solder. On most radios there are over 3,000 solder joints. So you can see where the problems came into play. With SMD technology, the components are actually mounted on the surface of the radio. What does thi mean? No cold solder! It also means that a new Ranger radio is perfect for the most strenuous conditions. Now we don't recommend that you submerge a Ranger in water, but you can use this radio in the roughest environments. (Yes, even a Mack.)

    We hear what you are saying, though. "Yeah right! If this radio doesn't hold up, I'm stuck with a $500 boat anchor."

    Well, what if we told you that each "new" Ranger radio comes with a 2 year warranty? A warrany that is better than any Connex, Cobra, or Uniden radio. We also pride ourselves in having one of the best technical departments in the industry. If the radio does inherit a problem, give us a call and we will fix or replace your radio.

    So what are you waiting for? A sale? Well, every Ranger radio has just dropped in price. Not at your local shop. Not even at other online retailers. Only at Pacetronics will you find the newest Ranger radios at the lowest prices. And if you find it at a lower price, give us a call. Our goal is to provide you with the best products at the best prices. That's why 60% of our customers are return customers or customers that have been referred to us by another Pacetronics' customer
     
  7. Last Stand

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    [​IMG]

    Description
    When performance at a price is your main consideration, look at the 8-element Shooting Star. Developed to fill the need for top performance, dual polarity operation, the Shooting Star has a gain of 14dB. That's like transmitting with 28 times your normal power! The design uses a 16-foot boom with six scientifically-spaced elements and a quad reflector to obtain the best combination of gain and front-to-back ratio. It's the same design used to bounce signals off the moon! And, it has the Maco 2kw power handling capability!
    LIMITED STOCK AVAILABLE!!! BECAUSE OF THE WEIGHT OF THESE BOXES, WE MUST SHIP THEM VIA TRUCK. THIS CAUSES THE SHIPPING RATES TO BE A LITTLE HIGHER THAN NORMAL. PLEASE SELECT UPS GROUND FOR THE CORRECT RATES. IF YOU STILL FEEL THAT THE RATES ARE NOT CORRECT, PLEASE EMAIL US FOR AN EXACT QUOTE. THANKS, MANAGEMENT.
     
  8. Last Stand

    Last Stand Banned

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    [size=+3]Texas Star 1600 Amplifier[/size]​



    [​IMG]
    With 2 x 2SC2879 transistors driving 8 x 2SC2879 Transistors, the 1600 V is two units in one.
    The top cover is made of 1/8 aluminum and is also the heatsink for the driver stage with
    two thermal switches, Fan and a modified DX350V PCB with two 2SC2879's.
    The final section is a DX1600 unit with Eight 2SC2879's. The unit also includes a Preamp to amplify reception.


    Class AB (works on SSB, CW, AM and FM), with a SSB Delay Switch in back to use when transmitting on SSB.


    There is switch to allow the fan to operate in manual (remain on constant) and automatic (thermally) when needed.
    The Fan on the top cover pulls air in the top cover across the Driver and Final PCB's out through hole in the chassis bottom behind the meter/front panel. Then the cooling air moves across the heatsink on the bottom and out the back.




    Three Power Modes:
    1. All 10 transistors (Final + Driver)
    2. 8 2SC2879 transistors (Final Only)
    3. 2 2SC2879 transistors (Driver Only)
    Variable Power knob to adjust output power (Only in Modes 1. and 3.)


    Input Power
    1/4 to 25 watts if using the Driver stage
    1/4 to 100 watts if using the final stage only.



    Power Output: approx.. 1500 Watts PEP
    13.8 DC Volts


    Automatic thermal shutdown switches to protect amplifier from overheating (driver or final).


    Front Panel Controls
    POWER (On and Off)
    DRIVER (Driver Only)
    FINAL (Final Only)
    NOTE: When both Switches are in you are running the Driver and Final
    REC AMP (Preamp to amplify receive)
    Variable Power Control (Only in Modes 1. and 3.)


    Rear Panel Controls
    DLY Switch (SSB Delay Switch)
    FAN Switch (ON constant or automatic thermal control)


     
  9. Last Stand

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    [​IMG]The Galaxy 99V Features:

    • Frequency Counter (with "ON/OFF" switch)
    • Variable Dimmer Control for Meter Lamp, Frequency Display and Channel Readout
    • Large Meter with Scales for Signal Strength and Power Output
    • Meter glows Red during Transmit
    • Roger Beep (with "ON/OFF" switch)
    • Noise Blanker/ Automatic Noise Limiter
    • +10 KHz Switch
    • SSB in addition to AM/FM/PA - PA Features:
      1. Echo Board with Dual Control
      2. Voice Changer with Pitch Control
      3. Robot Sound (one-position)
      4. Talk Back "ON" during Echo, VC or Robot
    • Variable Power Output
    • 10 Watts Maximum Power Output - AM
    • 25 Watts Maximum Power Output - SSB
    • 1.5 KHz Clarifier for Receive Only
    • 5.0 KHz Clarifier for Receive and Transmit
    • TWO YEAR Limited Parts and Labor Warranty
    *We are not responsible for typographical errors!
    **We assume that each customer knows and understands the laws of the country in which they reside. We also assume that persons buying the equipment we sell are licensed for the bands on which they operate the equipment. Never operate equipment outside your license class.
     
  10. Last Stand

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    [size=+3]Silver Salute Microphone[/size]​



    [​IMG]
    It looks like an Astatic Silver Eagle only shorter. It's a totally new design that does not pick up as much background noise. All the audio clarity and punch that is expected from a commercial grade desk microphone.

    If you liked the Astatic Silver Eagle or Golden Eagle, you'll love the Workman Silver Salute
     
  11. Last Stand

    Last Stand Banned

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    [​IMG]The real microphone
     
  12. Last Stand

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    The definition of astatic that best suits the D-104 line of microphones is the one immediately above: having no particular directional characteristics. For years this mic, dubbed the "lollypop" has been the most sensitive microphone known in the communications field. They have the capability of picking up everything in a room and more. I remember years ago operators testing their D-104 mics on their Browning and Tram radios, by leaving them keyed while they walked out of the room and kept talking. Some could go to the other end of the house and still have decent modulation. Moreover, I'm referring to the days before these mics were amplified. Of course these mics would also pick up the TV, Stereo, people talking in the other room and even activities going on outside the house. Even back then most everyone had his or her radios turned up including the modulation. In addition, many of the high-end tube radios had capabilities of extremely high audio gain and no front panel control. This meant once the radio was back from the shop; you had no control over the modulation with these non-amplified D-104s. This gave the microphone a bad name in some circles. However, the fault wasn't in the mic, it was in the radio set-up. Some operators actually put a heavy sock over the mike to cut the sensitivity down and still had 100% modulation 3 feet away.

    Before long, the transistorized CB made the scene. These radios for the most part required low impedance microphones. The non-amplified D-104 with either the crystal or ceramic cartridge are high impedance mics and won't work with a low impedance radio. To accommodate the newer radios Astatic came out with the preamplifier kit that could be retrofitted to any existing D-104. Later they manufactured two types of D-104s, one amplified and one not. The amplified version was designed primarily with impedance matching in mind, although it had substantial output gain over the non-amplified unit. This kept them in the CB market as the tube radios were quickly disappearing, while keeping the Astatic signature sound in the CB market for more generations.

    As well as being popular with the CB community, the D-104 was the favorite of amateur radio operators. After all, it was designed for this market and brought to it by Ham radio operators. As you will see in the Astatic Story provided from their web site, this microphone replaced the old carbon mic elements. If you ever heard on of these in use, you would understand how remarkable the new crystal elements were in their time. The carbon element was low gain, and flat sounding to be generous. No longer did these amateur radio operators have to hold the microphone up to their mouth to be heard. The D104 was the perfect addition to the old tube type amateur radios. Their clear clean reproductive quality was a perfect complement to these AM transceivers. As sideband became popular, these mics were still widely used, but some operators didn't appreciate the higher frequency response or the high sensitivity on these narrow band audio sensitive transmitters. Many preferred a lower tone, which gave the transmission a smoother sound. This along with newer transistorized transceivers brought about the development of new dynamic microphones. Astatic was no exception; they developed the 10-DA dynamic head for the D-104 stand. This dynamic head worked on either the amplified or the non-amplified stand.

    The 10-DA head was less popular with the CB crowd. Most CBers with sideband radios either didn't use sideband or used both modes and preferred the crystal or ceramic element sound on both.

    Many CB base stations came with D-104 mics as stock mics. Although many Browning base radios had D-104 used on them, this wasn't the stock mic. The stock mic that came with the Browning base was the banana mic manufactured by Electro-Voice. Browning however, did offer the Astatic D-104 with the Browning logo on the back of the head as an option. Tram supplied the D-104 base mike with their Titan III, Titan IV, D201 and their D210A base stations. The ARF 2001 radio CB base station came with a custom D-104. This mic was amplified and was power from the radio through one of the pins of the microphone jack. Don Stoner provided a non-amplified version of the D-104 with his sideband only Pro-40 CB transceiver. This radio had a solid-state mic preamp that worked with the high impedance D-104 mic. The audio tailoring proved this mic could have an excellent smooth tone, which was perfect for sideband. Don was one to prove so-called conventional wisdom false. There may be many other radios that supplied or offered the D-104 base mic with their equipment that I'm unaware of, but these examples indicate the popularity and impact the Astatic company made in communications over the years.

    Astatic built on their flagship hammer-tone gray and chrome microphone continuing to add models to the line. They added the Silver Eagle all chrome version with the eagle logo on the back. They also added the Special, a black and chrome version. Then came the gold plated serialized Golden Eagle. To compete with the Turner base mics they added the push-bar making the mic more versatile. Now the mic could be keyed from the sidebar (chicken-choker) or the push-bar on the base of the mic. Then came the Silver Eagle Plus. This was a Silver Eagle with a new PC board. This mic had an ETS (end of transmission or roger) beep and a -20dB pad as well as the mic gains control on the bottom. This mic wasn't very popular as it had some design problems. It incorporated a latching relay and triggering circuit for low battery drain. Once the battery started to loose it's power, the mic would sometimes fail to key or remain keyed after the bar was released. Otherwise, it sounded like the standard Silver Eagle. To follow were the Night Eagle and K Eagle models with their roger-k and multi-tone ETS. Another serialized version that came out amidst these latter versions was the Diamond Eagle. This completely brass plated mic incorporated a small diamond embedded in the eagle logo back plate of the mic.

    All these models were produced to increase their market share and toward the end to aid sagging sales. The radios manufacturers that supplied the D-104 microphones produced high-end high quality communications gear. By the way, all manufactured in the United States of America. Once CB and Amateur equipment was produced of shore, quality microphones were not supplied with these low cost alternatives. The way they shifted the market to imports was through price. The amateur radio manufactures such as Icom, Kenwood, and Yaesu developed their own microphones with Up/Down buttons to control frequency selection from the mic and amplified versions powered from the radio. Amateur radio has become a hobby of convenience rather than experimental hobby radio. In some aspects, CB is more of an experimental hobby radio than ham radio. Over the years, CB and 10 Meter base stations sales have also diminished.

    When Astatic attempted a price increase years ago, everyone in the business protested. This forced Astatic to look elsewhere for manufacturing of many mechanical parts. Over the years radio many dealers have faced the situation and kept the D-104 under that magic $100.00 threshold, making less on every sale. But knowing that very few failures occur in this product, returns were almost unheard of, so lost profits were better than getting a high volume of returns that occur with many of the imported mics.

    Well, it's the diminishing sales of the D-104 line of base microphones responsible this new product and a sad chapter in the Astatic history. I have contacted the people of Astatic for further information, but I haven't received a call from the contact person that was supposed to call with additional information. I can tell you that a decision was made quite a while ago to discontinue the base microphones. I'm not sure if the EchoMax 2000 is included, but I wouldn't be surprised if it were. Base mic sales are down across the board. Additionally, CTI Audio, the parent company of Astatic was purchased by Omnitronics, LLC. According to the sale representative I spoke to, there will be no change in the day-to-day operations or in the current staff. They will continue to produce the consumer handheld microphones as well as their commercial products. This is the usual blanket statement that is made in these situations. In most cases, major changes occur once the new organization gets a feel for what's needed to make the company perform to their expectations. We will just have to wait and hope for the best. I'm sorry to say, I believe I was right when I predicted that the CTIs purchase of Valor was a mistake and could drag them down. Valor was a failing company well in debt, producing and importing generic CB accessories that anyone including distributors could do on their own, eliminating the middle man. There were no unique products in their line, so why would someone pay more for the Valor name?

    Well finally to the heart of the story. The new Astatic Final Edition Silver Eagle is a working microphone, that you may never want to use because it comes in an impressive display case. The case is constructed of light gauge aluminum, aluminum extrusion and glass. The front door is hinged and has a unique chrome latch. A little pricey at $199.95, but it is a nice collector piece. The mic itself does look as if it extra care was taken in the chrome plating process and is highly polished.

    One distributor is advertising the case as a glass enclosure; undoubtedly this will filter down through some dealers and to the public. Please correct anyone that is under this impression. This will save them from a disappointment if they make the purchase under the wrong impression. The enclosure has heavy-duty foam in the bottom with additional pieces fitted to hold it centered in the enclosure. The mic cord is concealed under the foam base. There is a split foam top to keep the mic in place during shipping. They can be left in place or removed for an un-obstructed view of the microphone head. Placed in the rear of the display case is the signed Certificate of Authenticity. The signatures of the President, Chief Operating Officer, and the Production Supervisor are on the certificate
     
  13. Last Stand

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  14. Last Stand

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    The Astatic Story

    The following was excerpted from the 1946 Astatic Catalogue.

    Away back in 1930, two radio amateurs, C. M. Chorpening, W8WR (now W8MJM), and F. H. Woodworth, W8AHW, both of Youngstown Ohio, began searching for a better microphone for their phone transmitters. Up until this time they had been using various carbon type microphones. The condenser type appealed to them as an answer to their problem. Several units were designed and given trials on the air. Before long, other amateurs among their acquaintance began visiting their shacks, interested in either building or buying this new type of "mike." Chorpening and Woodworth, encouraged by this interest, decided to form a partnership and build these units for their friends. While the condenser unit proved reasonably satisfactory, it had certain limitations which it was hoped could eventually be overcome.

    [​IMG][​IMG]C. M. Chorpening, Vice PresidentF. H. Woodworth, President

    NEW ELEMENT SUGGESTED

    It was about this time that an old acquaintance, Mr. Charles E. Semple of Cleveland, who had been visiting his "ham" friends frequently, invited them to pay him a visit. With a background of phonograph and loud speaker experience, Mr Semple was then occupying bench space in the Brush Laboratories, experimenting with elements made from Rochelle Salts, (Sodium Potassium Tartrate). Through Mr. Semple, the two visitors met A. L. Williams, electrical and mechanical engineer, and Dr. C. B Sawyer, scientist, who demonstrated the action of these new elements in relation to microphones, phonograph pickups, speakers, recording heads, earphones and other devices where it was desired to transform mechanical energy into electrical energy or the reverse. Here, it seemed, they had found the answer to a simple, low-cost, dependable "mike" for the "ham rig."



    [​IMG]

    A group of Astatic officials and employees, in those early days.


    INCORPORATED IN 1933

    By 1933, Chorpening and Woodworth found it advisable to incorporate a manufacturing and sales company and to branch out with a line of Crystal Microphones, Crystal Phonograph Pickups and Recording heads for manufacturers and Radio Jobbers. Mr. Semple was brought into the new organization as designer and later served as general manager until his death in 1939.
     
  15. Last Stand

    Last Stand Banned

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    I was bored. still are!.
     
  16. nimh

    nimh ~foodie~

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    ever play cb tag?
     
  17. Last Stand

    Last Stand Banned

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    explain?
     
  18. CadenceKid

    CadenceKid Member

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    i think i might be picking up a hand held at radioshack
     
  19. Last Stand

    Last Stand Banned

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    Horrible Range Dont Bother.
     
  20. nimh

    nimh ~foodie~

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    cb tag= pple in vehicles equipped with cb's playing tag with each other. you give hints over the cb, describe what you're driving past and the other pple try to figure out where you are and catch you. probably a huge waste of fuel, but it's fun. havent played it in eons.
     
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