maxlog M8900

[mechanic]

After sorting out the difference between the function menu set-up in the given manual and the list supplied by vkrules, this last matches my 8900. This is what I found out....
I do not have separate BPF, band pass filter. it is menu item #25 and the display shows OF, I figure it is short for offset. Range is 0 to 5000+, maybe to 7000. So it will only work on receive.
Holding the BP button while powering the rig on also goes into test mode as the display at first shows TEST, then it does not show b 510 o, But goes to a frequency display of 24.510000 and showing 01 above that, rotating the channel knob or up and down buttons on the mic, it will go to 27.065000 showing 02 above and next it will go to 30.095000 with 03 showing above. The clarifier will not work in this menu mode along with a few other 'odd' things. Turning the radio off and then on will clear this mode and it goes back to normal.
I would guess that this is the latest firmware for the 8900 but the supplied manual that I have is for the older firmware. Rather different but thinking it over this is ok!
In normal operating mode the channel knob is just that, changing the frequency in 10 kHz steps. The Clarifier is the 'dandy' as it can be set as RIT, XIT or both plus with the digit setting it is a sub-VFO! With this one can have any frequency setting.... Channel 19 right next to 28.400000 on ten meters for example. Like having 400 memories, almost.
One other item that I figured out is that each channel of each band (400 total) can be programmed with different settings and this may be workable for setting CW offset. How many setting can be had is not known for now but mode setting is not to be had.

73 mechanic


Note: The ASQ button on the mic changes the back light colour on my 8900

 

[mechanic]

I figured out that an offset can be done for the CW mode and can be done on each channel on each band separately! Any one of the 400 channels can have an offset by setting the function menu 02, for the clarifier, set to t (transmit only) make your offset plus or minus. Then return the function menu setting 02 back to tr (transmit and receive).
I did this on one of the frequencies for CW on the lower end of 10 meters. It stayed in 'memory' and I can tune the channel frequency anywhere, the offset is still there and only on this channel, the remaining channels will not have this offset.
This can be done for receive only if needed or wanted.

73 mechanic

 

[vkrules]

Turn on the ASQ and the mic button is dual function , push for colour and push and hold for ASQ defeat. And no the BPF still works on RX and TX . Listen on a monitor rx and you will hear it shift. Wish it was on rx only or like the other version with separate controls . After living with mine for a few weeks I find that I leave it on 10 meter band and use the 1 ch J band as a VFO to step around and use the rest as memory chs, What about the step sizes 5hz 10hz 100hz 1kc and 10kc Why on earth would you include 5hz ! I would gladly swap that for 100kc or 1 mhz

 

[vkrules]

Still testing other mics. Wired up two other electret mics to try, so far the original is better, will make up an adapter and try my icom mics and a modified D-104. WARNING POWERED MIC CIRCUIT.DON'T TRY THIS AT HOME UNLESS YOU KNOW WHAT YOU ARE DOING.

 

[mechanic]

I find there are items of the Maxlog that are pretty much the same as the Anytone AT-6666. There are several differences that make them different from each other. I am told that the AT-6666 is much the same as the President Lincoln II, I do not think it is with the programming but with the microprocessor and it's firmware.

73 mechanic

 

[mechanic]

Doing a little DXing with the Maxlog, worked Chile two days ago but anything in the states is all about static and noise! Did work a few around the South East several times, the 8900 has a nice receiver and 'pulls' in stations of low S units.

73 mechanic

 

[radiosw]

You guys or gals with the new M8900 , can you take a look at that large transistor Q55 on the side of the radio (if its still there) and post a number up please ...
In the M8800 its a 2SB688 PNP to3 flatpack style rated at 8amp and 16amp peak 80watt , it gets stinking hot on AM .

See the reason is also typing about the M8800 , has anyone tried a NTE37 in there yet ? , its rated at 12amp and 15amp peak 100watt , it wont stop the heat but it'll at least run cooler internally or more safely

 

[vkrules]

Have to take off the lid and have a look.

 

[radiosw]

Ok thanks no rush ...

I looked on utoob and its physically still there (but in a different spot to 8800) but to know the number would be good , I'm gunna order a nte37 soon just to try it anyway btw ..

 

[cbradiomagazine.com]

So I'm about ready to post a review of this radio on my site but thought I'd chime in here quickly to give an update.

This little radio is cool, not only because it's small but because they were able to add additional features that we haven't seen on other similar radios. The displays are easy to read, the tuning and controls work great, and the overall functions of the radio seems to work well.

However, I've got some issues and there are enough of them where I can say this radio isn't going to be a permanent fixture for me.

# 1 - Mounting

While the radio is tiny, and you'd think it was designed to be a DIN mount radio, it didn't quite fit in my DIN slot.....well it did but I had to really jam it in there and stretch my mounting bracket. Why? Because of the side mount microphone. Yes, I was using the adapter cord and the plug in the back, but the side mount still stuck out enough that it made mounting it very difficult in the same place where the Anytone AT6666, CRE8900 and Lincoln II had fit so easily.

I know most people won't DIN mount, but that's not where the mounting issues end. The mounting bracket for this radio only fits on the bottom, so it really would only work for a case where you were mounting it on top of your dash or maybe in a footwell or alongside the center console. You can't hang it like a regular radio.

# 2 - Noise

Once I got it mounted in the mobile (in the exact same place where I had just taken out the Anytone AT-6666) I began testing. (Keep in mind this was some time back so we're coming up on month of testing now).

The radio picks up more noise in the mobile than just about any other I've tested. It picks up noise from every power line, street lamp, and whatever electrical sources might be nearby. Worse, it picks up my engine noise and sounds like a motorcycle when I accelerate.

Now I'm not a rookie, and this is about the 50th radio I've had mounted in this vehicle in this same setup and this one by far picks up more noise than any other. The hi-cut and NB do very little to help.


The radio talks fine and hears great but after this testing it's definitely not something I'd put in the mobile. And while it could work great as a base radio, I don't really see a need for a tiny base radio.

In testing the Anytone AT-6666 audio with the stock microphone still beat the 8900 as well.

Anyway, not trying to scare anyone off, it's a very interesting little radio and perhaps my experience is unique, but at this point the Anytone AT-6666, Maxlog M8800, or Lincoln II would still be my choice over the 8900.

 

[cbradiomagazine.com]

Double post...

 

[Mudfoot]

I'd imagine the new Magnum will share the same traits.

 

[Grogan]

I'd imagine the new Magnum will share the same traits.

It would interesting to find out! but with a price tag $$

 

[222DBFL]

But isn't the new magnum based off the maxlog 8800 series? If so it might be a let down IMO. I had hoped magnum would have stepped up as when I spoke to one of the reps last year they stated they had some "new stuff" coming. If this is their new stuff they are off to a rocky start. With the price tag of some of these radios it really starts to make more sense to get an HF radio. Shoot the alinco sr8t is only a bit over 500. I am not taking anymore chances with radios. I am starting to see the light lol. Just my $ .02. God bless

 

[mechanic]

Had a power outage here because of high winds and stormy conditions, not that I like them to happen but it gives me a chance to fire up my reserve power systems. Mainly battery and most of my batteries are of the gel-cell type or sealed lead-acid.
It is becoming known the Maxlog is not the best on noise reduction so when the power grid is down there will be little QRM or QRN. No power grid = no noise on the 8900! Very nice and I could hear all sorts of stations on just about every band including a few on 12 meters, all in the clear! Heard a W1AW station out of California on 12, as this is the 100th anniversary of the founding of the ARRL league. Good copy but I did not try to contact. WWV on 20 mHz was good copy and the 11 and 10 meters bands were doing well.
Since it was 5 PM here and the 75 meter net was on I fired up my old Kenwood TS430 on battery, just then the power came back on, I still checked in on battery with good copy.... My system works! By the way, as I was checking in the power was revving up, but the Maxlog stayed pretty quiet with a few zips and bumps!
Oh, as the power came back on the low level QRN made the good copy go away....

73 mechanic