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Kid_vicious
Senior Member
Username: Kid_vicious

Post Number: 2183
Registered: 9-2004
Posted on Monday, October 23, 2006 - 7:54 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post    Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

where are the reviews on the new stinger board(s)?

how is the progress going?
what are the results so far?
matt
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Tech808
Moderator
Username: Tech808

Post Number: 11975
Registered: 8-2002


Posted on Monday, October 23, 2006 - 9:13 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post    Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

I am almost done with the testing on the AD-203 in a Cobra 148 GTL Sound Tracker and a Uniden PC-78.

When I am finished with the testing I will make a post in the Ask the Tech Installations area with complete Installation Instruction's and the Subscriber Preview area with a REVIEW of the AD-203 Stinger Board when I get the time.

So far it has had Power to it for 6 straight days with no problem's and about 30 hours of power on into a wet dummy load and actual on air testing time with good audio report's.

Hope this help's,

Lon
Tech808
CEF808
N9CEF
CVC#2
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Kid_vicious
Senior Member
Username: Kid_vicious

Post Number: 2188
Registered: 9-2004
Posted on Tuesday, October 24, 2006 - 4:15 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post    Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

awesome!

thanks for the report.

when you test something, you REALLY test it!

i heard you talk about the paint can shaker before!
you're a nut, and we appreciate it.
matt
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747
Intermediate Member
Username: 747

Post Number: 189
Registered: 8-2002


Posted on Friday, October 27, 2006 - 6:24 am:   Edit Post Delete Post    Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

How did the testing fare? I spoke with my local tech about putting a stinger into a radio about 2-3 years ago.. He USED TO install them, but because of bad experiences with heat build-up inside the radio, he refuses to now... He said they would get so hot that it would melt all the wax inside the radio all over everything and pretty much ruin the radio.
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747
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Username: 747

Post Number: 207
Registered: 8-2002


Posted on Monday, November 06, 2006 - 1:28 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post    Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

Lon, eagarly awaiting your test results :-)
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Nobodyknows
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Username: Nobodyknows

Post Number: 165
Registered: 4-2005


Posted on Saturday, November 18, 2006 - 1:13 am:   Edit Post Delete Post    Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

Can i get a link to the review? I've looked and cant find it. thanks
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Tech808
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Username: Tech808

Post Number: 12280
Registered: 8-2002


Posted on Saturday, November 18, 2006 - 7:00 am:   Edit Post Delete Post    Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

Nobodyknows,

The Forummaster has not had the time to post the RM ITALY AD-203 STINGER BOARD Review yet.

When it is Posted I will make a post in the OPEN Forum to let everyone know.

Hope this help's,

Lon
Tech808
CEF808
N9CEF
CVC#2
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Hotwire
Senior Member
Username: Hotwire

Post Number: 2060
Registered: 1-2005


Posted on Saturday, November 25, 2006 - 12:34 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post    Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

My installation of the RM Italy AD-203 Stinger Board!

Radio selected - late model Cobra 148 GTL (China)

Radio is not stock. Has been modded with componet upgrades for improved recieve, modulation, audio, output. Very well tuned by an expierenced tech. Radio has been set to deadkey 2 watts and a max PEP of 15 watts. SSB PEP is just a tad more than 15 watts. Astatic 636L is mic used.

OK! Did not notice at first but I removed the inside speaker from the radio and attempted to mount the Stinger Board to the radio cover. It does not fit! The width between the speaker mount holes on the radio is 7.5 centimeters. The width between the mounting screw holes on the Stinger Board mounting plate is 8.5 centimeters! I have no clue why this is. Maybe some model cobras have bigger speakers? A problem yes but since I have the tools needed I was easily able to drill new holes to fit. Drilling the new holes takes precise measuring and being careful not to damage the circuit board. OK got that problem solved.
I drilled out the 1/4 inch hole for the toggle switch on the top cover at the front edge. This hole takes very precise measuring so that the switch fits properly through the little space between the radios board and its front face. Went easily but the fit sure was tight! Looks great by the way.
Soldering the power wires to the radio power cord socket was a snap. Just added a dab of extra solder to the already tinned wire ends and made a good strong connection!
Now the micro coax was a little tricky. Stripping the insulation takes patience just like Lon said. Once I had the insulation off the shields I attached lugs (spade connectors)to them so that grounding them to chassis would be a breeze. I just could not find a spot to solder them securely to so I attached them to the chassis by one of the bolts that hold the power cord socket on. Worked great also!
The center leads are so fine so you got to be fast at soldering them in. Making the connection was instant on the antenna socket since it had plenty have solder there. Connecting the rtx coax to the antenna wire from the radio takes care. Since the antenna wire from the radio is solid and bare I had to just hook the little stranded center lead to it long enough to hit it with the iron and presto connection.
So now all connections are made. Time to put the cover on. I really wish I had my Galaxy 959 instead. It had so many fewer componets inside of it than my Cobra 148. Stuff was in the way that prevented me from closing it up. The main piece in the way was a big blue diode installed by my tech. One of the many replaced componets. So I ended up installing the board at an angle with only 1 of my own stainles steel nut bolt and lock washer out of my stash of supplies. The boards not going anywhere, I'm sure of the strong hold of my bolt replacement!
Finally after a long 2 hours of taking my time doing everything the best I could I was ready to test the results!
I am a little let down with the numbers I am getting but I would imagine that a qaulified pro tech with all the right tools could make some adjustments and get more out of it.
Again I am using a 2 watt deadkey and a 15 watt swing.
With the amp on and radio powered with 13.8 volts 40 amp power supply using an Astatic PDC 600 meter I am getting

AM mode - 8 watts deadkey and 45 watts swing

SSB mode - 55 watts PEP

On air reports are good AM and SSB! Good clean signal and plenty of modulation level. Not ear piercing loud but average loud. Bottom cover got just a little warm.

I am pleased with the modulation level and audio qaulity.
The wattage? Well I am no super tech. Just learning something new everyday! For my level of expierience at something like this I am happy. Heck for only 40 bucks thats not bad in my opinion. Well its not great compared to Lon's results but HEY I'm not complaining. Was not as easy as I thought but I enjoyed the challenge! For just popping it in there and thats it plus I did a good job and gained some self taught expierence I am quite proud of myself! I have a cool little beefed up 50 watt Cobra now!

I have some pics of the install in my "members pictures" thread.
Kenny
CEF491
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Patzerozero
Senior Member
Username: Patzerozero

Post Number: 3386
Registered: 7-2004


Posted on Saturday, November 25, 2006 - 2:23 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post    Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

the difference from your 55 watts to 808's 80 watts will NEVER be noticed by anyone on the receiving end of your potent 148 . it could possibly drive a 4 or 6 pill custom to another couple hundred watts or more, in which case there MAY be some difference. but hardly worth getting upset over. how is this particular amp set up? radio driving all 4? 1 driving 3? 2 driving 2? i take there 175 watt claims as a gross overexaguration, though 100+ could be possible if the radio is driving 4. more drive=more heat sink, so i could see increasing your input 50% to 3 watts could increase output to nearer 100. maybe.
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747
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Username: 747

Post Number: 220
Registered: 8-2002


Posted on Saturday, November 25, 2006 - 5:39 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post    Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

Radio has been super modded, dead keying 2, swinging 18.

With amp installed and turned on, it does 4 watts, swinging 60. NOTE:This is an AM only radio.

We tried a few different combinations on the swing - knocked it all the way down to 10 and 12 watts, didn't may any difference - but WOW - This is one SCREAMING radio, and that's just on a stock mic!

No need for a power mic here!

73's

747
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Vanillagorilla
Advanced Member
Username: Vanillagorilla

Post Number: 888
Registered: 4-2005


Posted on Saturday, November 25, 2006 - 6:59 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post    Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

What about setting this thing up like a regular amp where you might set the radios "key" to see the desired "hot key" with the amp on?
I was expecting to see around 20DK with a 75-90 swing depending on radio and mic used.
Just an idea...I think I'd slowly turn up the radios pwr till I see around a 15DK out of the amp then turn the amp off and see where the radio's barefoot reading is. If it was under 4-5 then thats where I'd keep it.........I think :-)

Thanks for the review Kenny. Sounds like you had fun
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Tech808
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Username: Tech808

Post Number: 12370
Registered: 8-2002


Posted on Saturday, November 25, 2006 - 9:21 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post    Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

747,

Did you replace the Caps per the instructions on the Stinger Board to see if it made a difference?

With the 148GTL SOUND TRACKER I did not have to replace the Caps.

This could make a major difference in the output power.

Hope this help's,

Lon
Tech808
CEF808
N9CEF
CVC#2
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Hotwire
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Username: Hotwire

Post Number: 2061
Registered: 1-2005


Posted on Sunday, November 26, 2006 - 9:49 am:   Edit Post Delete Post    Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

No I am not upset with my results at all. I'm actually very happy. Yeah I could probably squezze more watts out but being that this radio is modified for modulation I'm reluctant to attempt changing the settings that was done by a pro looking at a scope. I really am getting good reports of clean audio and that I like. I did'nt lose any sleep last night over those few missing watts! I seriously doubt anyone will ever see much more deadkey than 10 maybe 15 watts driving it hard. This amp just gives me a take it easy vibe. My particular setup would need improved heat sinking and with the way the case raises the board up off of itself there is little that can be done.
As far as the transistor config? Don't know. I can say this though, According to the ammeter on the power supply it is pulling just under 10 amps. When I key and talk I notice a dramatic dimming of the meter light. Possibly this could mean that the power cord wire gauge is too small and I am starving the amp and radio for power now. I really don't know but will try a new heavier cord later on. Maybe Lon used a heavy gauge cord? Could this be the answer to this missing wattage mystery? If really curious about the transistor setup if it helps I posted the amp schematic in my members pictures. I would like to know myself.
kenny
cef491
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747
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Username: 747

Post Number: 222
Registered: 8-2002


Posted on Sunday, November 26, 2006 - 11:28 am:   Edit Post Delete Post    Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

Tech808,

The caps were not changed out... For the price though, and for how well it's performing, I'll leave it as is and be happy with the performance gains!

I was originally looking into an S6 because of the Top Gun modulator, but since I am not going out of band, I'll stick with what I have since the performance is the same or better on AM.
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Hotwire
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Username: Hotwire

Post Number: 2073
Registered: 1-2005


Posted on Tuesday, November 28, 2006 - 8:03 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post    Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

Correction

I believe most Cobra 148 stock power cords are 16 gauge. 16 gauge is what I first used. 14 gauge was a slight improvement with still a noticable meter light dimming. 12 gauge resulted no meter light dimming at all!
kenny
cef491
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Hotwire
Senior Member
Username: Hotwire

Post Number: 2074
Registered: 1-2005


Posted on Tuesday, November 28, 2006 - 7:40 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post    Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

Well fellas I have good news!
The stock 18 gauge power cord that comes with the Cobra 148 GTL is the problem! Took the 10 amp fuse back out and rolled the power cord up and put it away. Now I could not find any heavy duty power cords with the 3 pin plug so it was time to frankenstien one up! In my stash I found an old 3 pin plug that is put together with screws and I have miles of wire varietys. Took out the 3 copper pins and set aside the 2 best to work with. Soldered them on to 12 gauge stranded hookup wire, a little heat shrink tubing to insulate and I had a crude way to power the cobra! Do they even make a 12 gauge Cobra power cord? Anyway the results! The little 148 came alive!

A 15 watt increase in PEP AM and SSB!

So 60 watts AM and a big 70 watts SSB!

No more dimming of the meter light on the radio!

So knowing what I have discovered tonight. Anyone who plans on installing a stinger board I highly recommend to upgrade the stock power cord to a heavier gauge, preferably 12 gauge, 14 gauge maybe but it is fact that thicker is better! So if you notice your meter light is dimming when you key and talk this means you!

kenny
cef491
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Kid_vicious
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Username: Kid_vicious

Post Number: 2320
Registered: 9-2004
Posted on Tuesday, November 28, 2006 - 9:37 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post    Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

good find!

lon should put that in his review.

just so you know, you CAN buy 12ga. power cords with the cobra 3 pin plug on them.
pretty sure workman makes one.
i bought one off an auction site a few months back for less than $10.00 and i really like it.

isnt it a great day when your small soldering project nets you a 15 watt increase?
matt

Moderator Note!

Sorry but when I did the the review it was a 100% stobk board out of the box with no modifications.

I did not find any reason that the Stock wires needed to be replaced.

Lon
Tech808
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Chad
Senior Member
Username: Chad

Post Number: 1229
Registered: 11-2004


Posted on Wednesday, November 29, 2006 - 9:12 am:   Edit Post Delete Post    Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

Yup... I bought one at a local truck stop. It's called a "Heavy Duty" cable.

Chad
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Vanillagorilla
Advanced Member
Username: Vanillagorilla

Post Number: 899
Registered: 4-2005


Posted on Wednesday, November 29, 2006 - 4:33 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post    Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

Glad you found the non-upsetting problem. ALL my 3 pin Cobra/Uniden/Galaxy power cords have been remodeled into 10ga. harnesses.
Thanks ONCE AGAIN for your write-up as well as yours Lon, A friend (soon to join us here) just purchased the same stinger from Copper and guess who's been elected to install it in HIS Soundtracker 148

...as a sidenote..defeating the "Soundtracker" circut in the TX chain really woke that radio up...should be a cat kickin Cobra with that new stinger.
I of course will update with my install.
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Hotwire
Senior Member
Username: Hotwire

Post Number: 2079
Registered: 1-2005


Posted on Thursday, November 30, 2006 - 12:26 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post    Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

Hank, Not at all upset man! At first I was kinda wondering what the heck. Been thinking about some upgrades to try to get it closer to Lon's results. Heck man I'm hittin it with 15 watts PEP! Future project though, I need to gather supplies!
One bit of advice Hank. On my 148 Sound Tracker the Stinger did not fit just like on my GTL model. The mount on the radio is to small. You can mount it with one bolt at an angle or be prepared to DRILL new holes! I drilled new holes at first but went with a single bolt method because of space issues. The metal heat sink with the stinger board is a soft metal that was really easy to drill with sharp bits. Be real steady with the hand cause the bit will be just Milimeters from the board. After you drill, if you drill, be sure to get all the little metal shavings out of there, I used compressed air. Drilling new holes in the radio cover? Thought about that? If you do think it through carefully! I feel that it will cause more problems. The covers were made by stamping them out in a press. On the speaker cover there is an indent where the speaker mount screws go in. The indents will be in the way of the board. The indents actually raise my stinger board up off the cover about a 1/4 inch. Future heat sink trouble? I don't know but so far not enough heat to tell. Not had any longer than a 10 min QSO and it was just a little warm.
One more thing, the micro coax. Lon hit this nail on the head. Find the sharpest razor blade to get the insulation off and I used a safety pin to pick the center lead through the shield. Also patience is the big rule. I actually took a couple breaks while doing the micro coax just to stay loose and take a few puffs on a cig and swigs of Dew. It was actually pretty easy just delicate.
Hope my expierience with the board helps ya out a little bit! I'm sure your gonna have fun and your friend is gonna love his new 148 when it comes home from surgery!
GOOD LUCK
Eagerly waiting for your results!73
Kenny
cef491
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Jellybean
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Username: Jellybean

Post Number: 100
Registered: 1-2002


Posted on Thursday, December 07, 2006 - 5:44 am:   Edit Post Delete Post    Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

I put one in a Uniden PC122XL and used heavy duty double stick
tape. It doesn't get warm enough and it's staying really well. If like myself, I did't want to drill any holes in the thing. My numbers were about the same, 50w peak on am, 70w peak on ssb. I get nothing but good reports on how clean the audio is. I've not done any real mods to the 122 so I didn't expect much as far as power goes. I was only getting 7w peak on am and 18 on ssb without the stinger.
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Hotwire
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Username: Hotwire

Post Number: 2096
Registered: 1-2005


Posted on Thursday, December 07, 2006 - 3:55 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post    Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

Great idea with the double stick tape. My 148 is hitting the amp about the same as your Uniden. Glad to know all went well.
Wondering what gauge power wire your using? My install draws 8 amps AM and just a little more SSB with no dimming of lights with 12 gauge hookup wire.
kenny
cef491
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Jellybean
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Username: Jellybean

Post Number: 101
Registered: 1-2002


Posted on Thursday, December 07, 2006 - 8:53 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post    Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

I didn't think about changing the feed line, nice idea. I don't see the lights dimming with this one, but I'd like to try that. I've got a 07 Duramax Chevy crew and this thing is sealed up. I dont see any entry through the front at all. I guess I'll try from underneath. I'm just running it through the power port, it's 20amp, with a lil Wil antenna and I can't get over how well this thing gets out for what it is. I was just going to use my trusty little 122xl and put the stinger for basically road reports while driving and made some nice dx as well as local. I'm going to Terre Haute tomorrow and I'll stop at the Pilot and pick up one of the heavier feed lines.
73 Jerry cef542 :-)
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Hotwire
Senior Member
Username: Hotwire

Post Number: 2106
Registered: 1-2005


Posted on Friday, December 08, 2006 - 2:47 am:   Edit Post Delete Post    Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

Try the heavier power cord, I think you will be pleased with the results.
Once your up in Greenwood give me a shout.
kenny
cef491
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Jellybean
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Username: Jellybean

Post Number: 104
Registered: 1-2002


Posted on Saturday, December 09, 2006 - 9:46 am:   Edit Post Delete Post    Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

I'll give it a try and see if there's any change on this one.
My son lives there now, so I'm up there quite often.
I've tried making calls a couple of times, on 13 am/lsb when I put the 122 in the truck.

Jerry
cef542
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Jellybean
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Username: Jellybean

Post Number: 105
Registered: 1-2002


Posted on Friday, December 15, 2006 - 12:38 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post    Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

Hey Kenny, installed one of these in my Grant XL. With the KL203 I was seeing 175w ssb 150am with this radio. With the stinger board and I upgraded the coax to LMR100. Over the stock coax I gained 10w. The numbers I'm seeing out of the XL are 60w am and 80w ssb. For being the same board, I'm not seeing why it's that much lower. I may just yank the board out of the KL203, was thinking of that before I saw the stinger board, and mount it and see if the numbers remain the same.
Jerry
cef542
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Hotwire
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Username: Hotwire

Post Number: 2128
Registered: 1-2005


Posted on Saturday, December 16, 2006 - 1:18 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post    Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

I don't understand why either. Exact same board. Unless there is something inside everyone is overlooking. Maybe because the KL203 is in its own box and powered seperatley from the radio. The AD203 is powered off the radio. Just never know and many times I'm not suprised at what I find.
One thing that sets these 2 amps apart is the micro coax used on the stinger. What if the micro coaxes, input and output was replaced with rg58 pieces or even lmr100. That output micro coax sure looks a little thin to be holding 175 watts SSB. My opinion anyway.
kenny
cef491
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747
Intermediate Member
Username: 747

Post Number: 232
Registered: 8-2002


Posted on Sunday, December 17, 2006 - 9:02 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post    Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

All,

My local tech looked over the schematics of both the KL203 and 200 watt stinger - the only difference he can see is the circuit that allows the KL203 to be converted to run 11 meters. He believes that if he adds in those components onto the stinger, he should be able to get the same wattage output as the KL203 - but it would be way more trouble than it's worth.
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Lonestarbandit
Member
Username: Lonestarbandit

Post Number: 59
Registered: 10-2006


Posted on Monday, December 18, 2006 - 12:48 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post    Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

i tried mine with my midland roadmax w the kl 203 i was getting 110-175 on am with the stinger i got 20-60...... VERY unhappy with this board... though lon tech 808 did explain these are NOT the same boards as most of us were assuming....i know i purchased mine believing it to be the same and perform near my kl-203. in my humble opinion this stinger board is a piece of junk. would not recommend it unless you are merely looking for a 50-60 watt boost to a stock radio....but i believe there are better options.... like the kl-203....which on a counterpoint is a WONDERFUL piece of equipment....crystal clear audio, low to non tvi, tiny size, excellent power and price...

73s!
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Patzerozero
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Username: Patzerozero

Post Number: 3428
Registered: 7-2004


Posted on Monday, December 18, 2006 - 2:30 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post    Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

i don't remember, did we ever establish how the rm3's are configured? they're only 30 watt devices, so 120 is max to effectively expect. if it's a 1 driving 3(based on the low input required), then we're down to 90 as max PEP output. i think EVERYBODY is expecting WAY TOO MUCH out of this little thingie. FORTY dollars. for that price, it's nothing more then a power mic that gives a little more to drive an amp labeled as 'hi drive'. this stinger board isn't made to work with dual final exports, but rather 'legal' output CB's. based on what everybody is seeing from them, you are right there with the outputs of magnums & stryker radios. and i wouldn't doubt people would tell you all that it sounds LOUDER then a magnum or stryker. if you get clean, clear, LOUD audio & 50-60 watts PEP from a 4 watt CB, you did yourself REAL GOOD. as with ANY output rating-FORGET what the manufacturer CLAIMS. take the transistors' ratings & figure it out for yourself. if you get more then 50% of THAT total, you're on the right path. i have yet to install any of THIS particular board, but have done more then a few of the old 1446 boards, as well as the old 'add a transistor(1446/2290/455/etc)trick', with the same mixed results noted here. 60-80 watt transistor add-ons i've done saw roughly 1/2 the transistors rated output-when i got 'em to work. you need to play with matching to get max out of these boards-remember, changing the supplied coax even, can quite possibly change the impedance match from the radio to the amp, lowering output. or causing a better match RAISING output. all depends on where the radio is, match-wise to the amp to begin with. not to knock anybody who has tried this board-if you got it to work at all-GOOD JOB! then, use it as a learning tool, testing & experimenting by changing caps, coax, etc to try & understand how these things work. IF you should actually see 175 watts, please check your wattmeter, cuz it ain't happenin'!
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Vanillagorilla
Advanced Member
Username: Vanillagorilla

Post Number: 922
Registered: 4-2005


Posted on Monday, December 18, 2006 - 5:37 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post    Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

Well I finally got around to installing one for a friend in HIS 148GTL Soundtracker. I too am a little disappointed to say the least.
Stock radio was tuned to 3wDK and around 8-10PEP without clipping the limiter which caused a "key Peep" and various audio chirps. Tuning the Final drive and bias tuned out most of it but that also lowered the power back to "pre-clipped" output....sooo the limiter was reinstalled.
The stinger itself was a pleasure to install and I even found a way to keep an internal speaker at the owners request. I'll post pics of the install when I get a little more time in my PICS area.
Final output and tuned till I couldn't tune NO MORE was 35wPEP(25RMS) on a tone from a 8w carrier (BK servicemaster) and MAYBE 50SSB PEP. I thought I did good till I found an issue with the external dummy load giving me bad SWR and thereby false and over exaggerated PEP readings. Throwing the switch for the servicemasters INTERNAL load produced the reported numbers above and verified on my Dosy to the number...well ok the Dosy PEP was a bit more :-)
YES..as Pat stated..for the money I suppose it's worth it BUT only if you can understand you'll NOT see KL203 output AND your results may vary.
I'd LOVE the opportunity to drop one of these in my Grant or Cobra2000 but not for $40.

IMHO...Hank

Moderator Note!

If it was a newer 148ST did you do/try the Cap change?
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Jellybean
Intermediate Member
Username: Jellybean

Post Number: 109
Registered: 1-2002


Posted on Monday, December 18, 2006 - 7:06 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post    Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

Well I have to say, I get nothing but flowers on my little PC122XL with that stinger board. Clear audio and I have no trouble getting out with 70w on ssb and 60 on am. I think it was the perfect addition to it, and not give up any room for an exterior add on.
I've got my 203 apart and going to install it in my Grant XL. I think with that in mind, it may be better if one wants higher numbers to take on apart and install it inside the radio, though I'm pretty satisfied with the results of the AD203.
.02 worth.
Jerry
cef 542
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Vanillagorilla
Advanced Member
Username: Vanillagorilla

Post Number: 923
Registered: 4-2005


Posted on Tuesday, December 19, 2006 - 4:58 am:   Edit Post Delete Post    Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

Jerry...hope I didn't come off sounding like it was a waste of money for anyone. I was just a little taken back by my results. No harm done.
As for the cap change...I thought that was for the instance where the SSB didn't work? I'll have that radio back soon enough to swap the board into a PC244. I'll do the swap first and see if it changes things. Thanks for the heads up.

Hank
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Jellybean
Intermediate Member
Username: Jellybean

Post Number: 110
Registered: 1-2002


Posted on Tuesday, December 19, 2006 - 8:18 am:   Edit Post Delete Post    Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

Not at all Hank, I was just following up with the results I've got from others listening. I was surprised, because I felt like it was little numbers as well. No harm here.
Jerry
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Akbowtie
Member
Username: Akbowtie

Post Number: 75
Registered: 5-2005
Posted on Tuesday, December 19, 2006 - 2:13 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post    Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

I did an install on a newer 148gtl that was modded with all the newer components. Dead Key of 2 watts swinging to 18pep. Install went smooth, or than sitting there picking away at the shield on that darn micro coax. Ended up seeing 70-80 on Am with clean audio reports, and 170 or so on SSB.
Overall, I'm impressed with it, i like the fact that it's concealed inside the radio. Planning on installing another on in a 29 here soon.
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Hotwire
Senior Member
Username: Hotwire

Post Number: 2140
Registered: 1-2005


Posted on Thursday, December 21, 2006 - 8:10 am:   Edit Post Delete Post    Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

Great input there Patzerozero. I totally agree. The Stinger is a great learning tool for the beginner and fun to install for the advanced. No lock down power but gives a stock cb a little muscle. Guys it is a very well built board for 40 bucks and you can't lose if you decide to buy one. Just have fun with it and don't expect super big watts.
kenny
cef491
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Lonestarbandit
Member
Username: Lonestarbandit

Post Number: 61
Registered: 10-2006


Posted on Thursday, December 21, 2006 - 1:01 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post    Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

i still think it was a waste of money and thats 50 bucks after shipping.......
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Patzerozero
Senior Member
Username: Patzerozero

Post Number: 3429
Registered: 7-2004


Posted on Friday, December 22, 2006 - 5:40 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post    Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

my 1st attempt at installing a 'board' into a radio was 25 years or so ago-a texas star 1x2290 into a johnson viking 4740. don't remember which amp it was, mod-plus-V or something like that. don't remember the facts, but do remember not being impressed with the results then, either. i think once inside the radio, the amp did 1/2 the output it was doing externally. an amp builder in CT (still active today) told me about matching differences, & harmonics & oscillation caused by interaction of the amp & the radio because they are no longer separated/shielded from each other. or something like that. if you look at the likes of exports with 'amps' built in, they ARE separated, & real HF rigs with 100 watts use far more shielding/grounding then the stinger boards/amp-boards-put-inside-the-radio. as hank noted, to eliminate 'noises'(oscillation/harmonics) he had to back things down a bit. more experimentation with shields & grounds may yield a few more watts. but increasing 50 up to 70 probably isn't worth the effort. if you get the same results as if you added a power mic that cost the same $40, you did good. & you'll have a few extra watts to drive a bigger amp.
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Akbowtie
Member
Username: Akbowtie

Post Number: 81
Registered: 5-2005


Posted on Wednesday, December 27, 2006 - 3:55 am:   Edit Post Delete Post    Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

Installed in an older 29 and had almost the same results, saw 75-85 with clean audio reports.
I'm impressed and so where the guys that i contacted when i told them what i was using. For someone needing that little extra punch and needing or wanting to keep in concealed, I'd say it works great and the price is about right (of course we'd all like it to be even cheaper). I paid $30 + $3.50 shipping to ALASKA so i can't complain at all. Even if it were $50 after shipping, it's still less than a dollar a watt.
I think a lot of people see ads claiming 200 watts
and jump on it thinking their getting a killer deal, when in reality they don't understand the marketing strategies of the amp builders and their retail sellers. Most amps I've ever seen are rated at their SSB PEP ratings. Now I could be wrong on that but i'm sure i'm not too far off, and this little stinger does just that, a bit over 170 on SSB. The 29 is not a SSB unit so AM readings is all i could do. What to try it in next...hmmmmmmm.
Ooops I don't think i ever mentioned that these readings are from using my Autek, my PDC600, and of course my trusty reliable Rat Shack meter :-)
73's
Ty Wilson
CEF#588
CVC#025
Blue Goose aka AK295
Anchorage,Alaska
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Hyperno_1979
Intermediate Member
Username: Hyperno_1979

Post Number: 256
Registered: 12-2005


Posted on Tuesday, January 02, 2007 - 11:04 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post    Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

When i work up the courage and purchase a good magnifying glass i'll let you all know how i fare with my stingers. The first radio destined for a boost only puts out 6-8w on animal mode and peaks 4-5w on ssb so shouldn't have too much of a problem with heat etc. Has anyone put one in an old cybernet radio? I probably will need advice as the job progresses.
CEFFFCEF
Bob
CEF703
CVC26.
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Vanillagorilla
Advanced Member
Username: Vanillagorilla

Post Number: 950
Registered: 4-2005


Posted on Monday, January 08, 2007 - 4:49 am:   Edit Post Delete Post    Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

Well I got around to pulling that same stinger out of the soundtracker 148 and reinstalled it in a Uniden PC76. With a 3.5w carrier swinging to 14 I'm seeing a 9w carrier swinging to 55w which is a bit more than the soundcrapper.
After giving it back to the owner and hearing the radio for myself its worth another 1.5 S-units and 50% more clean/loud modulation.
Certainly a better match than the late model 148.
Hank~CEF559
Long Island NY
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Hyperno_1979
Intermediate Member
Username: Hyperno_1979

Post Number: 291
Registered: 12-2005


Posted on Sunday, February 18, 2007 - 5:04 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post    Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

Will have one of mine ready to test next weekend so fingers crossed. Made it all a lot easier by using a pair of Dads old reading glasses...lol.
CEFFFCEF
Bob
CEF703
CVC26.
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Hyperno_1979
Intermediate Member
Username: Hyperno_1979

Post Number: 293
Registered: 12-2005


Posted on Friday, February 23, 2007 - 7:52 am:   Edit Post Delete Post    Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

This has been put back a week due to circumstances beyond my control.
CEFFFCEF
Bob
CEF703
CVC26.
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Hyperno_1979
Intermediate Member
Username: Hyperno_1979

Post Number: 297
Registered: 12-2005


Posted on Friday, March 09, 2007 - 5:38 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post    Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

Still haven't got around to getting one of the stingers up and running as i have been playing with my early 46th birthday pressy....lol. It will happen but i'm not going to put a time frame on it, as it will probably be changed again anyway.....lol.
CEFFFCEF
Bob
CEF703/CVC26
269 Hunter Valley
The Fool With The New Tool
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Hyperno_1979
Intermediate Member
Username: Hyperno_1979

Post Number: 356
Registered: 12-2005


Posted on Thursday, June 14, 2007 - 10:29 am:   Edit Post Delete Post    Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

OK,
Bought all the bits and pieces to get the stinger on the go. The idea is to box it up like a run of the mill amp that way i can use it on any radio i choose. Now all i have to do is stay off the bourbon long enough to get the yards done and the boss will let me play with the amp. I hope. Anyway, when it's done i'll give it a full blown shake down and post the results and try to take photos of the effort. I know it has taken ages but as they say...fools rush in. In this case...a fool is doing the job. Cop Ya's Soon.
CEFFFCEF
Bob
CEF703/CVC26
269 Hunter Valley
27.355 lsb.
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Hotwire
Senior Member
Username: Hotwire

Post Number: 2256
Registered: 1-2005


Posted on Saturday, June 16, 2007 - 10:30 am:   Edit Post Delete Post    Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

Bob, Thats an interesting idea. I have a bunch of those hobby boxes lying around. Might put my stinger in a seperate box too just for something to do. Took the stinger out of my 148 so I could run my Texas Star with it.
Now time to start sniffing through my pile-o-parts!
Kenny
cef491(27.115lsb)
2sf491(27.555usb)
Indiana
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Dx47
New member
Username: Dx47

Post Number: 9
Registered: 4-2007
Posted on Saturday, June 16, 2007 - 1:50 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post    Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

This is a am only amp, right?
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Hyperno_1979
Intermediate Member
Username: Hyperno_1979

Post Number: 383
Registered: 12-2005


Posted on Friday, July 20, 2007 - 7:15 am:   Edit Post Delete Post    Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

My God if i was this slow at work i'd be unemployed. All the parts, destructions etc are still sitting there like buddah. Covering a large area and still achieving nothing. I really have to pull my finger out and have a go....sorry guys.
CEFFFCEF
Bob
CEF703/CVC26
269 Hunter Valley
27.355 lsb.
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Hotwire
Senior Member
Username: Hotwire

Post Number: 2334
Registered: 1-2005


Posted on Saturday, July 21, 2007 - 11:34 am:   Edit Post Delete Post    Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

Yeah Bob! How could you do this to us? sheesh! Oh yeah, just a little tip on the install. You might want to use the instructions! Not the DESTRUCTIONS!

Just giving ya a hard time there my friend! I'm the same way, always busy and doing 10 things at once.
Good Luck on the install!
KEEP IT REAL!
Kenny
cef491(27.115lsb)
2sf491(27.555usb)
Indiana
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Dale
Senior Member
Username: Dale

Post Number: 1019
Registered: 12-2002
Posted on Saturday, July 21, 2007 - 2:46 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post    Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

dx47 these go inside the radio .however as
posted in eariler posts any export will over
drive this.so just watches up to a normal cbonly
another thing is nowhere near or even close to 200 watts.50-70 watts was best without overdriving everything.basically its about the same as a kl40.only good i see out of it is its sealedhidden away in radio
dale/a.k.a.hotrod
cef426
cvc#64
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Hyperno_1979
Intermediate Member
Username: Hyperno_1979

Post Number: 393
Registered: 12-2005


Posted on Friday, August 03, 2007 - 6:37 am:   Edit Post Delete Post    Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

Ok i have taken a weeks holidays. This should give me the time to have a go and get at least one of them up and running. Also on my side is the rest of the crew are going to visit the rel in Victoria during the week so no excuses this time. Don't know if Deb's taking the camera if not i'll take photos of the my effort at blowing something up.
CEFFFCEF
Bob
CEF703/CVC26
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Moderator636
Moderator
Username: Moderator636

Post Number: 47
Registered: 6-2006
Posted on Thursday, September 20, 2007 - 7:48 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post    Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

I just installed the stinger board in a new cobra
29 ltd classic.

After figuring out the LOUD humming, I came up with a 10 watt DK and almost 80 watt pep with a stock mic...that is 2 watt DK and 12 watt pep with it turned off.

I also took the wires off of the cb\pa switch and wired them to a different switch and wired the stinger board power switch to the cb\pa switch.

One thing I found..MAKE SURE THE SHEILD IS GROUNDED GOOD, I grounded it the the back of the chassi,and with my installation, ABSOLUTLY NO POWER MIC ALLOWED,the radio don't like it.

I also put in an astic echo board so it jacked the modulation up 20%.pretty easy to install and get working right so guess I will have to order a couple cases of these stinger boards from COPPER to install in more radios.
Jeff
Moderator636
CEF636
CVC68
CEF HAM#245
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Dale
Senior Member
Username: Dale

Post Number: 1153
Registered: 12-2002
Posted on Thursday, September 20, 2007 - 9:53 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post    Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

how many wires 2 hook up?
are threr any vrs on board to adjust audio and dk
dale/a.k.a.hotrod
cef426
cvc#64
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Unit199
Advanced Member
Username: Unit199

Post Number: 547
Registered: 8-2003


Posted on Friday, September 21, 2007 - 12:54 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post    Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

There are six wires. Why would you need to adjust audio and dk on singer board???
HARVE
UNIT199
CEF210
CVC#18
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Dale
Senior Member
Username: Dale

Post Number: 1154
Registered: 12-2002
Posted on Friday, September 21, 2007 - 6:04 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post    Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

well actually i was looking at the pics of it
on coppers and thought i seen some vrs.as ive
never seen one up close.stup[id question
i guess..lol
dale/a.k.a.hotrod
cef426
cvc#64
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Hyperno_1979
Intermediate Member
Username: Hyperno_1979

Post Number: 460
Registered: 12-2005


Posted on Saturday, October 20, 2007 - 7:39 am:   Edit Post Delete Post    Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

As you can see guys.....zero progress. Deb keeps telling me i'm as useful as an ashtray on a motorbike...now you know. No excuses guys just sheer laziness.
CEFFFCEF
Bob
CEF703/CVC26
269 Hunter Valley
NOT allowed to hold a passport....
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Froggy7531
New member
Username: Froggy7531

Post Number: 2
Registered: 6-2015
Posted on Tuesday, June 30, 2015 - 8:00 am:   Edit Post Delete Post    Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

ALRIGHT GUYS YOU WANT MORE WATTS OUT OF THIS THING TWO OPTIONS FOR YOU BOTH INVOLVE THE LARGE RESISTER THAT RUNS LENGTHWISE TO THE EDGE OF THE AD-203 BOARD 1)CUT THE RESISTER OUT FULL POWER ALL TIME
2)PUT A SWITCH INLINE WITH THE RESISTER AND THAT WILL GIVE YOU A HIGH AND LOW OPTION WE ARE TALKING PUNCHING THESE MOSFETS ALL OUT ABOUT 111-112 OUT OF FULL POWER/CUT
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Froggy7531
New member
Username: Froggy7531

Post Number: 4
Registered: 6-2015
Posted on Monday, July 13, 2015 - 7:54 am:   Edit Post Delete Post    Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

REMEMBER THESE ARE 4 25WATT MOSFETS DONT REALLY EXPECT MORE THEN 100WATTS 112 IS MAX BUT IF YOU SEE MORE THEN THAT YOUR MOST LIKELY SEEING PEP WATTS NOT TRUE/RMS WATTS
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Froggy7531
New member
Username: Froggy7531

Post Number: 5
Registered: 6-2015
Posted on Monday, July 13, 2015 - 9:15 am:   Edit Post Delete Post    Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

LOOKS LIKE I MISSPOKE UPON FURTHER RESEARCH THE RM3 TRANSISTERS ARE RATED AT 75 WATTS PLEASE LET ME KNOW IF ANY OF YOU SEE THEM PUT THAT OUT BECAUSE I HAVENT HEARD OF THAT MYSELF BUT IF SO PLEASE LET ME KNOW HOW YOU DID IT LOL

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