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To tell you the truth Exit13, here's what I'm going to do to the radio:
1) Install the 'roger beep' switch for SSB use. I understand that it has a fast attack /quick decay - as is. I couldn't ask for better than that.
2) It's already been unlocked, tuned, and peaked by Sparky.
3) Maybe - only maybe - will I install a Viagra 'A' board and/or the 'Top Gun' modulator kit. Either that, or the 'Top Gun' compressor. Compressors are kinda funky to use and adjust correctly. Having a background of audio engineering makes me weary of how - if at all - it can be adjusted. Too much compression to an audio shape can change the entire character of the original sound. Since we are dealing with a narrow bandwidth of usable audio response, it makes it even more critical. The best and most natuarally adjustment to a given sound is to let the attack of the compression be delayed; so that the original character of the sound is intact. Compression decay should be slightly elongated to keep it as natual as possible. Otherwise, the sound output will sound as though someone is talking thru a tin can. And - who wants that? So, compression is good, but it must be judiciously applied. And that is why I question the compressors put in radios, and if they can be adjusted.
I have a Magnum OmegaForce, which I haven't really used yet that has both the compression and modulator circuits built in. I'll have to dig thru the manual to see if they have any such adjustments available. Unless somebody else may already know this.
I like this little Ranger radio, and the last thing I want to do is hack it up - even though it was a bargain. I bought it to be a back-up until I can get my CPI 2000 up and running. That is a very good radio. Rare - too!
Thanks for the good tips - Exit13!
1) Install the 'roger beep' switch for SSB use. I understand that it has a fast attack /quick decay - as is. I couldn't ask for better than that.
2) It's already been unlocked, tuned, and peaked by Sparky.
3) Maybe - only maybe - will I install a Viagra 'A' board and/or the 'Top Gun' modulator kit. Either that, or the 'Top Gun' compressor. Compressors are kinda funky to use and adjust correctly. Having a background of audio engineering makes me weary of how - if at all - it can be adjusted. Too much compression to an audio shape can change the entire character of the original sound. Since we are dealing with a narrow bandwidth of usable audio response, it makes it even more critical. The best and most natuarally adjustment to a given sound is to let the attack of the compression be delayed; so that the original character of the sound is intact. Compression decay should be slightly elongated to keep it as natual as possible. Otherwise, the sound output will sound as though someone is talking thru a tin can. And - who wants that? So, compression is good, but it must be judiciously applied. And that is why I question the compressors put in radios, and if they can be adjusted.
I have a Magnum OmegaForce, which I haven't really used yet that has both the compression and modulator circuits built in. I'll have to dig thru the manual to see if they have any such adjustments available. Unless somebody else may already know this.
I like this little Ranger radio, and the last thing I want to do is hack it up - even though it was a bargain. I bought it to be a back-up until I can get my CPI 2000 up and running. That is a very good radio. Rare - too!
Thanks for the good tips - Exit13!
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The AMC circuit in that radio, if adjusted properly and having the mic gain set properly, you actually get a little speech compression as your audio pushes the AMC.
I agree that NPC/Swing mods are a bad thing. You might as well just rip out the limiter, you are going to get pretty much the same thing. Sounds like shit to me whenever that is the case.
Now I HAVE heard some 11 meter gear with speech processors installed that sounded PHENOMENAL, but for every one you hear that is bodacious, there are 10 that aren't set right, and sound awful.
I agree that NPC/Swing mods are a bad thing. You might as well just rip out the limiter, you are going to get pretty much the same thing. Sounds like shit to me whenever that is the case.
Now I HAVE heard some 11 meter gear with speech processors installed that sounded PHENOMENAL, but for every one you hear that is bodacious, there are 10 that aren't set right, and sound awful.
Once I put in the dual final kit with the ERF2030's, there are some good mods that can also be made to this radio. If it will put out 50 watts of swing; it will be comparable to a Magnum radio. You can't say that is insignificant, my Magnum performs very well with that much swing. And no; with that much power I would never clip the limiter - I don't really need to w/a D104.
Here's an interesting read.
The power amp (Q54) can be upgraded, and the audio power (Q55) as well.
Read on:
''Power Amp Improvement - Q54
This is the best improvement you can make to this chassis. The stock device is a 2SB754, which is a 60-watt, 7A power amp device. This does fine for stock radios. However, in order to stabilize the voltage on the board after improving the RF output and boosting the modulation, the 2SB817 becomes the better choice. The 2SB817 is a 100-watt, 12A device which allows greater voltage stability for the entire radio as a whole. I ran my test DX959 with the stock device and noticed quite a bit of wobble and light dimming. After replacement, the radio responded with almost no blinking, zero wobble and a healthy increase in RF output as well as swing. Replacing this device also allows you to increase the input voltage to 14.5VDC, provided you also replace all the 10V caps in this section of the board to 16V ones.
AM AF Amplifier Improvement - Q55
This is another improvement, which has previously been published for the EPT690010Z. The stock AF Amplifier is the 2SA473. Replacing this with the 2SA1012-0 or the ECG153 will improve the clarity and volume of the modulation. It will also run much cooler which provides stability for the device. If you plan to use the DX959 or DX949 with the provided stock microphone, this upgrade is highly suggested for maximum AM modulation.''
The Defpom EPT06960Z Galaxy 949 / 959 modifications
AF POWER UPGRADE - GALAXY CONNEX RANGER CB RADIO & MORE - eBay (item 320334872838 end time Mar-08-09 14:27:29 PDT)
Even the Galaxy DX 959 can benefit from these mods; so why can't the TR-696FD-1? I also bought a couple of IRF520's - which are good for 48 watts/ea to swap out the ERF2030's - which are rated at 25 watts/ea. With the Q54 and Q55 upgraded, it should be a stong talker. Possible 90 watt swing?
Anyone ever use the higher-output IRF520's for dual finals in this kind of application?
Sure would like some input!
Here's an interesting read.
The power amp (Q54) can be upgraded, and the audio power (Q55) as well.
Read on:
''Power Amp Improvement - Q54
This is the best improvement you can make to this chassis. The stock device is a 2SB754, which is a 60-watt, 7A power amp device. This does fine for stock radios. However, in order to stabilize the voltage on the board after improving the RF output and boosting the modulation, the 2SB817 becomes the better choice. The 2SB817 is a 100-watt, 12A device which allows greater voltage stability for the entire radio as a whole. I ran my test DX959 with the stock device and noticed quite a bit of wobble and light dimming. After replacement, the radio responded with almost no blinking, zero wobble and a healthy increase in RF output as well as swing. Replacing this device also allows you to increase the input voltage to 14.5VDC, provided you also replace all the 10V caps in this section of the board to 16V ones.
AM AF Amplifier Improvement - Q55
This is another improvement, which has previously been published for the EPT690010Z. The stock AF Amplifier is the 2SA473. Replacing this with the 2SA1012-0 or the ECG153 will improve the clarity and volume of the modulation. It will also run much cooler which provides stability for the device. If you plan to use the DX959 or DX949 with the provided stock microphone, this upgrade is highly suggested for maximum AM modulation.''
The Defpom EPT06960Z Galaxy 949 / 959 modifications
AF POWER UPGRADE - GALAXY CONNEX RANGER CB RADIO & MORE - eBay (item 320334872838 end time Mar-08-09 14:27:29 PDT)
Even the Galaxy DX 959 can benefit from these mods; so why can't the TR-696FD-1? I also bought a couple of IRF520's - which are good for 48 watts/ea to swap out the ERF2030's - which are rated at 25 watts/ea. With the Q54 and Q55 upgraded, it should be a stong talker. Possible 90 watt swing?
Anyone ever use the higher-output IRF520's for dual finals in this kind of application?
Sure would like some input!
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I bought mine from a guy that got from sparkys. He said he only used it for a week then boxed it back up & sold it to me for 100.00 plus shipping. He already had the extra channels done, & it has the dual final mosfets from sparkys I don't think the guy knew it had the dual finals in it other than he stated it had the newer mosfet in radio but i unlocked clarifier & will be doing the roger beep mod soon as i decide to add a switch or just put it on the channel 19 switch. What is the procedure when adding to existing switch for the roger beep mod. Thanks,
Buckshot
Buckshot
Sparky nice guy and very knowledgeable.. but short on conversation..he says he so busy..well to me, in today's world being busy is good.. but he cuts you off and has to take another phone call without really satisfying your call.. just my take..
B
BOOTY MONSTER
Guest
B
BOOTY MONSTER
Guest
well since all you guys have had a good lil while to use those radios what do you think of them now ? how are the ears on these radios ? how does the recieve compare to other radios you have owned ?
cb radio magazine
http://www.cbradiomagazine.com/Radio Reviews/Texas Ranger TR696FD1/Texas Ranger TR-696FD1 Review.htm
gave it pretty high praise .....
"Once the radio was on frequency I immediately received some AM and SSB signals and I was impressed. The receiver in this radio is very good. I was comparing it to my Grant LT and HR2600 and while not quite at their level it was very very close to being as good as either radio. Not much difference. Signals were easily understood and the tone quality was very easy on the ears."
being close to the grant and 2600 in the RX department is pretty high praise !
cb radio magazine
http://www.cbradiomagazine.com/Radio Reviews/Texas Ranger TR696FD1/Texas Ranger TR-696FD1 Review.htm
gave it pretty high praise .....
"Once the radio was on frequency I immediately received some AM and SSB signals and I was impressed. The receiver in this radio is very good. I was comparing it to my Grant LT and HR2600 and while not quite at their level it was very very close to being as good as either radio. Not much difference. Signals were easily understood and the tone quality was very easy on the ears."
being close to the grant and 2600 in the RX department is pretty high praise !
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I like it, but to be perfectly honest - it has been on the shelf with a few other radios. I use my Magnum OmegaForce and a IMAX for my base station with phenomenal results. SO - I don't use it there. Recently, I got a Galaxy DX99V froma an estate sale and use that in my mobile with a Wilson 1000. That radio just flat out talks the Ranger - hands down.
So - The little Ranger radio is in a pile of radios that I have that I will probably sell - about 12 radios at this point. It is better than most in that gaggle, and still makes a fine back-up radio. I thought the modulation on the Ranger was a little weak for my tastes, but clean. I think that my Cobra 148GTL sounds a little better and receives about the same.
I put in the super-receive kit in the Ranger - IMO the single best mod for that radio - or any radio for that matter. It would be a fine candidate for one of the 100 watt kickers and the Xtreme 2018 that I have. That would be a potent and viable combination with the Wilson 1000 - or even asa a base station with a IMAX antenna.