RX2 Project

<body topmargin=0 leftmargin=0 marginheight=0 marginwidth=0> <table cellpadding=0 cellspacing=0 border=0><tr> <td valign="top" colspan=2 height=80 BGCOLOR="#000000" TEXT="#F7F7FF" bgproperties="fixed" background="03f00500dvldtc.gif"> <div> <FONT SIZE="5" COLOR="#FFCC66" FACE="Arial" ><B>The Monitoring Post</B></FONT><B>  </B></div> <bR> <DIV ALIGN="LEFT"></DIV> <div> <B><IMG SRC="26f81150.gif" border=0 width="129" height="21" ALIGN="BOTTOM" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0">  <a href= "http://www.accesscomm.ca/users/monitoringpost/analysis.htm" target="_top"" onMouseOver= "if (document.images) document._69422381150.src= 'http://www.accesscomm.ca/users/monitoringpost/22481150.gif';" onMouseOut= "if (document.images) document._69422381150.src= 'http://www.accesscomm.ca/users/monitoringpost/22381150.gif';"><img src= "http://www.accesscomm.ca/users/monitoringpost/22381150.gif" name="_69422381150" border=0></a>   <a href= "http://www.accesscomm.ca/users/monitoringpost/tips.htm" target="_top"" onMouseOver= "if (document.images) document._58222581150.src= 'http://www.accesscomm.ca/users/monitoringpost/22681150.gif';" onMouseOut= "if (document.images) document._58222581150.src= 'http://www.accesscomm.ca/users/monitoringpost/22581150.gif';"><img src= "http://www.accesscomm.ca/users/monitoringpost/22581150.gif" name="_58222581150" border=0></a>  </B></div> </td> </tr><tr> <td valign="top" width=210 BGCOLOR="#000000" TEXT="#F7F7FF" background="040d2c00dvldtc.gif"> <div>  <img src="HTMLobj-102/aniGif.gif" border="0" align="bottom" width="120" height="58">  </div> <bR> <div>  <a href= "http://www.accesscomm.ca/users/monitoringpost/" target="_top"" onMouseOver= "if (document.images) document._91620281150.src= 'http://www.accesscomm.ca/users/monitoringpost/20181150.gif';" onMouseOut= "if (document.images) document._91620281150.src= 'http://www.accesscomm.ca/users/monitoringpost/20281150.gif';"><img src= "http://www.accesscomm.ca/users/monitoringpost/20281150.gif" name="_91620281150" border=0></a>  </div> <div>  <a href= "http://www.accesscomm.ca/users/monitoringpost/about.htm" target="_top"" onMouseOver= "if (document.images) document._1801fa81150.src= 'http://www.accesscomm.ca/users/monitoringpost/1fb81150.gif';" onMouseOut= "if (document.images) document._1801fa81150.src= 'http://www.accesscomm.ca/users/monitoringpost/1fa81150.gif';"><img src= "http://www.accesscomm.ca/users/monitoringpost/1fa81150.gif" name="_1801fa81150" border=0></a>  </div> <div>  <a href= "http://www.accesscomm.ca/users/monitoringpost/shack.htm" target="_top"" onMouseOver= "if (document.images) document._8481f5581150.src= 'http://www.accesscomm.ca/users/monitoringpost/1f681150.gif';" onMouseOut= "if (document.images) document._8481f5581150.src= 'http://www.accesscomm.ca/users/monitoringpost/1f5581150.gif';"><img src= "http://www.accesscomm.ca/users/monitoringpost/1f5581150.gif" name="_8481f5581150" border=0></a>  </div> <div>  <a href= "http://www.accesscomm.ca/users/monitoringpost/images.htm" target="_top"" onMouseOver= "if (document.images) document._4511f181150.src= 'http://www.accesscomm.ca/users/monitoringpost/1f281150.gif';" onMouseOut= "if (document.images) document._4511f181150.src= 'http://www.accesscomm.ca/users/monitoringpost/1f181150.gif';"><img src= "http://www.accesscomm.ca/users/monitoringpost/1f181150.gif" name="_4511f181150" border=0></a>  </div> <div>  <a href= "http://www.accesscomm.ca/users/monitoringpost/software.htm" target="_top"" onMouseOver= "if (document.images) document._6861ee81150.src= 'http://www.accesscomm.ca/users/monitoringpost/1ef81150.gif';" onMouseOut= "if (document.images) document._6861ee81150.src= 'http://www.accesscomm.ca/users/monitoringpost/1ee81150.gif';"><img src= "http://www.accesscomm.ca/users/monitoringpost/1ee81150.gif" name="_6861ee81150" border=0></a>  </div> <div>  <a href= "http://www.accesscomm.ca/users/monitoringpost/links.htm" target="_top"" onMouseOver= "if (document.images) document._691eb81150.src= 'http://www.accesscomm.ca/users/monitoringpost/1ea81150.gif';" onMouseOut= "if (document.images) document._691eb81150.src= 'http://www.accesscomm.ca/users/monitoringpost/1eb81150.gif';"><img src= "http://www.accesscomm.ca/users/monitoringpost/1eb81150.gif" name="_691eb81150" border=0></a>  </div> <bR> <div> <A HREF="mailto:monitoringpost@accesscomm.ca" TARGET="_top" TITLE="mailto:monitoringpost@accesscomm.ca"><U><B> <img src="HTMLobj-629/aniGif.gif" border="0" align="bottom" width="60" height="50">  </B></U></A></div> <div> <B>Send an E-mail</B></div> <bR> <bR> <bR> <bR> <div> <B>Copyright © 2000 - 2010</B></div> <div> <B>All Rights Reserved</B></div> </td> <td valign="top" height=400 BGCOLOR="#000000" TEXT="#F7F7FF"> <bR> <div> The RX2 is a five channel radio, capable of receiving VHF signals in the 137 MHz range. It features auto-scan, signal meter, volume control and mute functionality. Available in kit form from the <I>Remote Imaging Group</I> (for members only) - it offers a high performance receiver at a low cost for the budding enthusiast. Detailed here are photographs of this project during the construction phase.</div> <bR> <DIV ALIGN="LEFT"></DIV> <div> <TABLE BORDER="0" CELLPADDING="2" CELLSPACING="1" WIDTH="549" BORDERCOLORLIGHT="#C0C0C0" BORDERCOLORDARK="#808080" FRAME="BOX" RULES="ALL" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0" > <tR> <tD VALIGN=TOP HEIGHT= 185 ><NOBR><div> <A HREF="http://users.accesscomm.ca/monitoringpost/shack/PCB_Board.jpg" target="_blank"" TARGET="_top" TITLE="http://users.accesscomm.ca/monitoringpos"><U><IMG SRC="0f7f2ad0.jpg" border=0 width="242" height="173" ALT="Click for enlarged image" ALIGN="BOTTOM" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0"></U></A></div> </NOBR></tD> <tD VALIGN=TOP WIDTH="281"><div> <B>Building the RX2</B></div> <bR> <div> Included with the kit is the PCB and all PCB mounted parts including the 7-segment display, volume control, loudspeaker, spacers, wiring and power connector. Shown here is the PCB top with the <U>rear edge at the top of the image</U>.  At first a bit intimidating but the instructions are rather clear and should be followed exactly.</div> </tD> </tR> <tR> <tD VALIGN=TOP HEIGHT= 168 ><NOBR><div> <A HREF="http://users.accesscomm.ca/monitoringpost/shack/PCB_Stage1.jpg" target="_blank"" TARGET="_top" TITLE="http://users.accesscomm.ca/monitoringpos"><U><IMG SRC="0f8f3a20.jpg" border=0 width="243" height="162" ALT="Click for enlarged image" ALIGN="BOTTOM" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0"></U></A></div> </NOBR></tD> <tD VALIGN=TOP WIDTH="281"><div> <B>Stage One</B></div> <bR> <div> Shown here are all the resistors (except R12 - R19) fitted first. The spacers were  mounted  on the top side thus allowing the board to be turned over for soldering - worked quite well.</div> </tD> </tR> <tR> <tD VALIGN=TOP HEIGHT= 175 ><NOBR><div> <A HREF="http://users.accesscomm.ca/monitoringpost/shack/PCB_Stage2.jpg" target="_blank"" TARGET="_top" TITLE="http://users.accesscomm.ca/monitoringpos"><U><IMG SRC="0f9f4a90.jpg" border=0 width="244" height="169" ALT="Click for enlarged image" ALIGN="BOTTOM" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0"></U></A></div> </NOBR></tD> <tD VALIGN=TOP WIDTH="281"><div> <B>Stage Two</B></div> <bR> <div> Ceramic capacitors where next on the soldering list followed by the transistors. As the instructions say - take your time identifying the components and check and double check before fitting.</div> </tD> </tR> <tR> <tD VALIGN=TOP HEIGHT= 172 ><NOBR><div> <A HREF="http://users.accesscomm.ca/monitoringpost/shack/PCB_Stage3.jpg" target="_blank"" TARGET="_top" TITLE="http://users.accesscomm.ca/monitoringpos"><U><IMG SRC="0faf4a60.jpg" border=0 width="244" height="166" ALT="Click for enlarged image" ALIGN="BOTTOM" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0"></U></A></div> </NOBR></tD> <tD VALIGN=TOP WIDTH="281"><div> <B>Stage Three</B></div> <bR> <div> Shown here are the larger capacitors, more transistors - it's starting to take shape. Notice the spacers are still mounted on the top side but it's getting tight. The screws were threaded so they just barely grabbed to get the extra height to still flip the board over for soldering.</div> </tD> </tR> <tR> <tD VALIGN=TOP HEIGHT= 178 ><NOBR><div> <A HREF="http://users.accesscomm.ca/monitoringpost/shack/PCB_Stage4.jpg" target="_blank"" TARGET="_top" TITLE="http://users.accesscomm.ca/monitoringpos"><U><IMG SRC="07ff1ac0.jpg" border=0 width="241" height="172" ALT="Click for enlarged image" ALIGN="BOTTOM" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0"></U></A></div> </NOBR></tD> <tD VALIGN=TOP WIDTH="281"><div> <B>Stage Four</B></div> <bR> <div> Pretty much everything else is mounted here - starting to get crowded. It's at this point one can appreciate having a very fine tipped soldering iron!</div> <bR> <div> All that's remaining is IC6 and LK1.</div> </tD> </tR> <tR> <tD VALIGN=TOP HEIGHT= 194 ><NOBR><div> <A HREF="http://users.accesscomm.ca/monitoringpost/shack/ProjectBox.jpg" target="_blank"" TARGET="_top" TITLE="http://users.accesscomm.ca/monitoringpos"><U><IMG SRC="081f0a00.jpg" border=0 width="240" height="160" ALT="Click for enlarged image" ALIGN="BOTTOM" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0"></U></A></div> </NOBR></tD> <tD VALIGN=TOP WIDTH="281"><div> <B>The Project Box</B></div> <bR> <div> One can find the perfect project box at Radio Shack's web site. Most of the controls and LED have been mounted. Originally an external signal strength meter was used so no provision was made for mounting in the project box when these pictures were taken. Since then one has been mounted.</div> <bR> </tD> </tR> <tR> <tD VALIGN=TOP HEIGHT= 211 ><NOBR><div> <A HREF="http://users.accesscomm.ca/monitoringpost/shack/ProjectBox2.jpg" target="_blank"" TARGET="_top" TITLE="http://users.accesscomm.ca/monitoringpos"><U><IMG SRC="083f6a40.jpg" border=0 width="246" height="164" ALT="Click for enlarged image" ALIGN="BOTTOM" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0"></U></A></div> </NOBR></tD> <tD VALIGN=TOP WIDTH="281"><div> <B>Ready for Alignment</B></div> <bR> <div> Everything is mounted and wired. RX2 passed it's initial test - no smoke.</div> <bR> <div> The last step is alignment - a Leader 17A signal generator, Fluke 1912A frequency counter and a Radio Shack multi meter 22-168A were used - <U>thi</U><U>s was probably the most critical part of the project.</U></div> <bR> <bR> </tD> </tR> <tR> <tD VALIGN=TOP HEIGHT= 178 ><NOBR><div> <A HREF="http://users.accesscomm.ca/monitoringpost/shack/RX2.jpg" target="_blank"" TARGET="_top" TITLE="http://users.accesscomm.ca/monitoringpos"><U><IMG SRC="13a02ac0.jpg" border=0 width="258" height="172" ALT="Click for enlarged image" ALIGN="BOTTOM" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0"></U></A></div> </NOBR></tD> <tD VALIGN=TOP WIDTH="281"><bR> <bR> <bR> <bR> <div> <B>The finished product!</B></div> </tD> </tR> </TABLE></div> <bR> <bR> <div> Overall the RX2 kit was a pleasure to build. As mentioned, aligning the receiver is probably the most critical step and potential builders should beg, borrow or steal the necessary test equipment to insure maximum performance. Shortly after the kit was purchased it went out of production and there were rumors of a RX3. Those rumors never developed and the <I>Remote Imaging Group</I> resumed production of the RX2 in December 2001. See the <A HREF="http://www.rig.org.uk/index.html" target="_blank"" TARGET="_top" TITLE="http://www.rig.org.uk/index.html" target"><U>RIG</U></A> site or alternatively  <A HREF="http://www.hamtronics.com/" target="_blank"" TARGET="_top" TITLE="http://www.hamtronics.com/" target="_bla"><U>Hamtronics, Inc.</U></A>  which manufacturers the R139 Weather Fax Receiver - available in kit form also.</div> <bR> <DIV ALIGN="LEFT"></DIV> <div> <B>Updates</B></div> <bR> <div> <IMG SRC="2478c750.jpg" border=0 width="140" height="117" ALIGN="RIGHT" HSPACE="4" VSPACE="0">With the addition of a TimeStep 137 MHz coax-powered pre-amp the RX2 has been modified to provide the necessary 12 volts via the feed line required by the pre-amp. This has been done by fitting a 2.2uH choke as per the instructions. Measurement of the voltage present at the BNC connector was sufficient alleviating the need for any further modifications. As of October 29, 2002 this modification has been disabled and coax power is supplied via a Bias-Tee.</div> <bR> <bR> </td> </tr></table></body>