I just have two questions...
Twin Xtal design, ok, that may help with image and noise issues to improve the Selectivity - but why replace OEM?
You'll see in the pic, that the Xtals have bypass coupling or shunts as I would call it, to handle the IF and tailor the skirt to provide a narrow or broad banded admittance into and from the stage - the shiny open pads above. Right next to the Xtals - follow the trace one to foil ground the other to input - you can also use this method for Ripple imaging - a type of RF bypass that uses the power supply feedline instead of ground to provide an effective noise gate feature tied to the AGC used in this section.
Why do I take issue? The section is tunable - and simple SMD swap (add in) to reduce the IF image issue are an easier approach and PROVIDED already if you know what you are doing. These are 3-lead Xtals - so they shield to ground thru the CENTER post of the Xtal - so the effort of removing the OEM and subbing in other IF Xtals is why I ask if it was really necessary.
Ok, the above is due to the nature of IF tuning and the input RF it has to obtain an image from. So if the guy uses more of the CB band and oddballs around it versus 12 or 10 meter extremes, he will find himself with a pretty busy receiver - the parts are missing so it can tune the range of the band. But otherwise the benefit of swapping IF Xtals... is a moot and not really needed function.
Your receiver is already "Centered" (inherited tuning peaking) between the two extremes. A tweak of the IF can or even the part insertion can provide relief from the headaches of poor selectivity more than twin Xtals and a high powered IF input slamming it thru the section.
Otherwise...
The Elusive ERF2030+ and all the power therein...
So it looks like again parts dropped in for the sake of ... dropping parts in...
Does anyone really need 150watts and the risks associated with this level of power - both as RF and a Power supply issues? Come-on people - do the math...and the required clearances for cooling...ventilation - can you Prius or Tesla take on the extra battery loading?.
That's a 4 stage TX amp anyhoo. The only Bipolar is the smaller TO-126 next to it (Similar to 2314) - so you know...
Those were the only real questions I have - why they needed to take out the OEM and put in something then make claims the OEM didn't perform as this would.
We are seeing the work AFTER the parts are swapped, not a before and after...so we only see one side of the story...
- As I reviewed this post, I also needed to add this - in the real world of repairs, ANY type of repair, you need to be aware of the parts removed and you are being charged for. These are brand new parts yet they are being replaced - why?
- In your vehicle - you have parts that are only going to fit and work one way and only for that purpose in the vehicles' performance and function as well as your safety. Why take a perfectly good radio and remove factory parts for the sake of improved or yet to be improved and PROVEN performance increase from these parts the tech installs?
- There is a problem with the statement above, and the burden of proof is on you, not the tech. So if you wish to have work done, just don't let them remove parts sight unseen - know your radio and if necessary, take a picture of the internals for your own personal private use and comparisons - you're being charged for services on a brand new radio that may not be fully completed or truly even necessary to begin with. Read On...
- You have a warranty - if the radio does NOT work like it should send it in or return it! Please don't suffer the fates others have in losing $$$ in repair expenditures from poor or shoddy work the tech does to the radio they claim is an upgrade.
- Warranty from the Factory is just that, a factory warranty to repair or replace the radio at their choosing. But what do you have AFTER a tech has done work to the radio and it now requires service? The Tech may, or may not, stand by their work. They may blame you for the problem and charge your for the bench fee - even if it is shown that the radio required service BECAUSE of their repair work was not done properly. To them, it is not their problem and you'd be hard pressed to prove that the radio was fine BEFORE the tech did it - so know your radio and the tech doing work to it.
Else if the above doesn't sit well with you, you don't have to do business with them - move on, nothing is worth the loss of income, transportation or job or for your own safety - keep your money and find better service elsewhere.
