- REVIEW : ICOM IC-R9500 (added PRO and CON list plus updated text)
- REVIEW (Updated) : FLEX-6400M Tabletop SDR HF / 50
MHz Transceiver (Dean Bianco's Guest Review) .
- REVIEW : Tecsun PL-600 (early production sample).
- Tecsun PL-600 Audio Distortion Modification links and information.
- Sangean ATS-803 / ATS-803A - Realistic DX-440 "Anti-Chuff" Modification
- REVIEW : Sangean HDR-16 AM/FM HD Portable (Guest Review)
- REVIEW : Grundig Satellit 750 / Tecsun S-2000 / Eton Elite 750 Receiver
- JRC NRD-525 Important Serial Number Information
- REVIEW : Ameco TPA / MFJ-1020B Tunable Preamp - Active Antennas
- REVIEW : WJ-8711A "Condor" SP-1348 Electrolytic Capacitor Chart
- REVIEW : Sangean ATS-909X - "Downright Poor Audio Quality on MW/SW"
- REVIEW : AOR AR-DV1 - Massive USB Port Failures (with later production)
(IMPORTANT UPDATE, see Yellow Block in USB Failure section near bottom of page: Oct 07, 2021)
- REVIEW : C.CRANE Skywave AM/FM/SW/AIR/WX Portable Pocket Radio
- REVIEW : AOR AR7030 - Added Old Age Check List / Audio Distortion Comparison
Chart / New links (on page bottom) (Updated : Oct 08, 2021)
- REVIEW : SDRplay RSP-1 / RSP-1A SDR Receiver
| ***** NEWS ITEMS and LINKS ***** |
- ICOM IC-R30 DISCONTINUED - Reprieve "Last Call" (Last 100 USA samples available in January 2022). The
ICOM IC-R30 handheld receiver has been discontinued, All versions
worldwide including the USA blocked 16 version. Ray Novak (Sales
manager at Icom America), informs us directly that there will be a FINAL shipment (100 units) of the "16" USA Cell blocked version arriving in mid-late January 2022 from Japan. So you have one last chance to obtain a brand new sample.
HRO (USA Ham Radio dealer) are taking orders here ! There are no plans for a replacement model in the near future. Reason given for it's early demise (click here) ?
My extensive IC-R30 review is still available here.
As it goes once these last 100 are sold (many probably as back ordered
sales) it will only be the used market if you desire one. (Updated : Jan 12)
- ICOM Price Increases now in effect. Ray Novak of Icom America indicated in early Dec 2021 that price increases on ICOM products starting on January 1, 2022. This is due to parts shortages and increased air freight costs.
ALL USA ICOM dealers have NOW raised street prices, including HRO and R
& L. Some were at the old prices until January 12 and weirdly
inconsistent. This has now settled down for the most part except with
Gigaparts and not sure what’s up with this US dealer (prices are all
excessively higher here) ?
USD street price increases :
(except Gigaparts which are higher. HRO appears to have the IC-R8600 at the old price as I type this, only up $ 50. ? That will most likely change soon ?)
IC-705 up $ 50~70.
IC-7100 up $ 30~100.
IC-7300 up $ 100.
IC-7610 up $ 200.
IC-9700 up $ 200.
IC-R8600 up $ 200.
(NOTE : Selected models only given here. This list is NOT complete.)
Of course this forces used prices to increase as well. (Updated : Jan 12)
- "SDRuno V1.41 now fully released" / RSP1A Out of Stock in the USA - Price Increase : New program software for the SDRPlay line of receivers was released on December 02, 2021 (version 1.41.1). Also includes the new 3.09 version of the API driver. See 1.41.1 release notes for more information. Sadly we still do NOT see the SoDiRa program to work with the new API drivers.
Information via the "Groups io" fourm
(Jon from SDR Play) that stock of the RSP1A at HRO in the USA (all stores) are
depleted and it is not expected to back available for sale until AT
LEAST February 2022. Also was said that there will be a price increase
of around 7%. But we should be appreciative that it has not been
discontinued (and is only just a production delay due to part
shortages). (Updated : Dec 26)
- "QRM Eliminator X-phase 1-30MHZ HF Bands machine".
Is this device going to work as well as the MFJ-1026 at only around $ 50. USD (not tested) ?
A number of variants of this "el-cheapo" antenna phaser are floating around including on Amazon.
There is also a Russian RA0MOS kit version of this, but has even fewer parts.
Missing on this Chinese cheapie vs. the MFJ-1026 is the all important
selectable Pre-Amp for the AUX (noise) antenna. No reverse phase
function (which needs to be adjusted with the MFJ sometimes). Appears to have a receiver transmit
relay on board but no automatic switching (PTT connections required,
which is no biggie as you should not trust the automatic relay function in
the MFJ-1026 either.
As it usually goes with Chinese radios and products the price is highly variable. We have seen as low as around $ 35. on ebay.
I see this same Chinese ebay seller has a PC board only version available. The innards are the same as with the fully assembled one (Ali Express shows internal photos here), We have not tested this far
cheaper alternative to the MFJ, Also available as a unassembled kit (PC board and parts).
By the way USD MSRP on the MFJ-1026 was just increased to $ 270.
We still have a 1026 version at HQ and continues to be a very useful gadget for killing local power line noise (aside from
MFJ’s usually poor quality control). Our Monitoring Times April 2007 review on the MFJ-1026 can still seen here. If one using the MFJ-1026 (or the lesser 1025 without the preamp) with a transceiver, there is a simple AUX antenna relay modification (addition) that is a requirement to be done. Our
thanks to Payman A. for the heads up on the Chinese device. (Updated : Nov 16)
- ATS-25 (another Si473x-A10 one chip wonder receiver) : The
ATS-25 Chinese MW / SW / FM receiver has been around for awhile and
with rather mixed reviews. Is in a very attractive cabinet (metal top
and bottom, fiberglass front and rear). Gilles Letourneau says is a improvement over the disaster ATS-20 model but is not a replacement for a decent portable. It APPEARS
from watching videos that it has usable SSB modes (not too much
clipping distortion with strong signals) and a decent Sync Detector
(double sideband only). Also APPEARS NOT to have the the excessive lock
up issues that the ATS-20 has (much more powerful microprocessor and
better DSP) ? Touch screen and one large tuning knob does ALL
(the smooth slide no encoder knob version looks like a outright joke).
Pretty excessive tuning "chuffing" (muting) as does the County Comm
GP-7 SSB (from watching videos). Internal non-replaceable rechargeable
battery (about 140 ma current draw). Seems to be excessively overpriced for what it is and has NO bandpass
front end filtering (zippo !).
The ATS-25 Chinese MW / SW / FM receiver (with newer GUI firmware).
Appears to be a improvement over the disaster ATS-20 model ?
Front model number marking is either as ATS-25 or ATS25.
Is this ANOTHER Chinese disaster receiver to pass up (not tested) ?
Internal video can be seen here) , another one here.
Take note on how the large internal speaker is crudely GLUED onto the
case (talk about UGLY). Firmware can be updated (arduino based and appears is NOT easy to do...see this "you tube" video). Can
be purchased on ebay for around $ 100. USD. Or also available on Amazon for a tad more (if you care not to have to deal with Chinese shipping and delays). Also available on on AliExpress.
Variable attenuator is mis-marked as
AGC.
Facebook User Group (Public) : Si47XX for Radio Experimenters
Groups.io si47xx page (Public)
Here is a seller up on Amazon (as I type this) that SHOWS a ATS-25 with newer firmware installed.
Of course IF one receives it with this newer firmware installed is a
totally different story (see other photos on the page, old firmware
shown in these) ! As it goes buying radios on Amazon the price is
more expensive vs. ebay (China direct), but is MUCH less risky if it turns out to be a dud and can be easily returned.
WARNINGS : Are MANY reports
where the tuning encoder works backwards with some samples
(clockwise rotation tunes down and counter clockwise tunes up).
Other reports indicate that some samples have very poor
sensitivity (more like dead) ! Strongly appears this is ANOTHER Chinese disaster "pot luck"
receiver to pass up by who knows by many DIFFERENT "knock off"
manufactures. Probably best to spend your money on a different model. Please Note : We have NOT tested the ATS-25 (ATS25) nor the ATS-20. (Updated : Jan 20)
- CountyComm GP-7 SSB : Video on the CountyComm GP-7 SSB portable. I can not see any differences over the OEM Tecsun PL-368 including using the same BL-5C battery (aside from the stainless steel antenna) . Price : $ 95. USD. CountyComm is also offering a extended run time operation kit (extra battery and EXTERNAL fast charger for $ 15. USD) which is a very nice touch. Our GP-5 SSB review is still available here. I
see the GP-7 SSB suffers from the same VERY annoying tuning muting /
chuffing as with the GP-5 SSB model. Seems that the
also untested Tecsun PL-330 makes more sense in this price
point having a real
external SW antenna jack , so if you don't need that TV remote
size. Anyway it appears these both have the normal Tecsun trait of lousy SSB
clipping distortion and unacceptable Sync performance. Model not tested by N9EWO. (Updated : Nov 01)
The NEW CountyComm GP-7 SSB is now available Price : $ 95. USD.
A Tecsun PL-368 in a gray cabinet plus an added stainless steel whip antenna.
Improvements over the elder GP-5 SSB model (as shown above) include keyboard entry
and bandwidth adjustment / sync functions. (N9EWO Photo)
- ICOM IC-7300 / IC-9700 : Bad LCD displays with some current (and older too) production samples.
This was covered on one of the Icom IC-7300 Facebook User Groups and equally important these QRZ forum postings
(also see eham reviews). It appears that Icom has received at number of BAD batches of RayStar
LCD screens affecting some currently sold IC-7300 and IC-9700 samples.
Actually this bug started to appear more a little under a year ago with
one batch and now a new round with LCD displays with white lines. From
viewing all of these user report failures this is NOT happening with
just one or 2 samples (it’s MANY more than that).
Reports indicate this has effected a number of very CURRENT production samples out of the
box brand new. Some only being days old in 2022, while others take a month or 2 (or even longer say a year) to
appear.
But as I read there are much even older samples that are also suffering from
this "White Line" issue(s) as well. With some it has been 3 lines have
appeared. I have to wonder IF abusing the LCD (say touching it too hard) or using
those stylus pens (or even worse trying to use screen protectors) could be a factor in this LCD failure occurring ?
Also reported that IF out of warranty ICOM is NOT covering the replacement LCD or labor charges (which is about $ 250. USD including the return shipping fee). (Updated : Jan 08)
- Palstar R30A DISCONTINUED - R30B COMING SOON...? Would be fantastic to see a HF only tabletop
receiver back in the market place. Crossing our fingers that this new
proposed R30B comes to market ? Release date and other
information is unknown (stay tuned right here). (UPDATED Sep 12, 2021)
Teaser news direct from Paul Hrivnak at Palstar on the new proposed R30B tabletop HF receiver :
- TFT touch screen display
- 100 Khz to 30 Mhz coverage
- AM Synchronous
Detector
- Internal Lithium Ion battery power supply
- 6 Pole Lattice crystal
filtering at 6 MHz
- ICOM FIRMWARE (UPDATED Nov 12)
-
ICOM IC-R8600 - LCD Display Failure Issues have been reported (see bottom of N9EWO's IC-R8600 review page)
-
ICOM IC-7300 and IC-9700 - LCD Display Failure Issues,
(also please see this Facebook forum)
- JRC Receiver Display Failures
- "Knock off the knockoffs": A plea to cassette deck manufacturers (FAKE Chinese "JUNK" manufacturing)
- HF RFI Generator - "Electronic Defrost Timer"
- What happens when an Uniden SDS100 battery fails
- Uniden SDS-100 and SDS-200 Entire receiver on "one chip" disaster ?
- Uniden SDS200 - LCD Failures (again)
- Uniden SDS100 - J401 Bad Connection To PC Board
| ***** MALAHIT - MALACHITE NEWS and LINKS ***** |
- Are CERTAIN Chinese Clones getting better ? Hal H. from the USA reports to us directly that he had good luck with the Chinese Malahit model purchased thru AliExpress (HamRadioShop store). He was looking at Dan Robinson's YouTube channel
and decided to purchase one based on what he saw in his video. It took
about 6 weeks to get, but says it was worth it. It's running 1.10C firmware and
it's every bit as good as his Russian DSP2 that he paid twice as much
for. The build quality is excellent (at least on the outside) and
APPEARS to have decent internal shielding from the web site photos (NOW
if it REALLY has this shielding is of course another story !). Hal says
this really improves the radio using a whip antenna, so it CAN be used
as a portable. Receiver was well packed from China. Hal is delighted with the purchase.
He says the radio is very good looking, built well, and the front
facing speaker is just as good as the DSP2. I will say that knob
placement is more proper as well as the headphone jack and USB
connector are on the LEFT side of the cabinet (not all crammed on the
right side). Uses that PC board fiberglass case material again.
WARNING :
We feel this is the very rare exception and not the rule (Please Note : This version has not
been tested by N9EWO). Identical looking variants could very well exist
and what one actually ends up with could be different (the Chinese
normal) ? Also from reading Facebook reports, this version STILL uses the lower spec. (and cheaper) NAU8822L audio CODEC chip.
"shango066" checks out a different working Chinese knockoff (you tube video). Why some of these clones have the knobs very inconveniently located on the TOP is beyond me (I thought the right side was bad enough).
So the usual "Caveat Emptor" (buyer beware) still needs to
be stressed with ANY of these Chinese clone / knockoff SDR's ! FYI : The original Russian DSP1 version was discontinued in late November 2021. (Updated : Dec 05)
Three DSP2 early issues reported have now been fixed. Those were : Dead or Unstable Operation of Internal Clock , (not being able to set the clock nor the LCD backlight
timer
operating at all, remove 2 surface mounted capacitors (C29 and C30) on X2 crystal. Inaccurate Battery Readings, Showed very inaccurate "high" readings. Female internal SMA / U.FL - IPX connector - jumper cable issues, (same as with discontinued DSP1 version). Caused by a too stiff and too
short internal antenna jumper cable that places heavy stress on the
U'FL / IPX female connector. Also reported that a different U.FL - IPX socket manufacture is now being used (also more reliable).
See Manuel's
web page here for the latest DSP2 firmware news and instructions / other information). Was being reported that the DSP2's are not always taking firmware updates on the
first try. Usually the second attempt does the trick.
- Looking for the REQUIRED FLAT top 18650 (unprotected) Battery for your Malahit Receiver ? :
Seem to be in short supply these days ? If you live in the USA we see a
couple of LG made ones listed on the ONlY BATTERIES web site that APPEAR
to be in stock (as I type this) ? PLEASE NOTE : We are not recommeding
these per say, this is just for the information only and nothing more ! (Jul 19, 2021)
- Malahit DSP1 Firmware 1.10d / Rev2 (Released November 17, 2021 download link here) :
Please Note : The DSP1 version is discontinued, no longer available.
(This appears to be the final DSP1 firmware version ?)
Firmware 1.10d (what we call Rev2):
- fixed the error indicating the firmware version. The version is now indicated on the splash screen in the lower right corner
- added display noise reduction function to HARD menu (EMI Reduction)
- WTF replaced with WF
- changed encoder control - now, being in the menu, the frequency encoder is used for control
- added 9kHz step in SSB
- added the ability to select colors in the Visual menu
- excluded Sleeptime parameter for backlight control
- no delay when switching between menus
- small bugs fixed
- 11/17/2021 lower receiving frequency reduced to 10 kHz
We have installed 1.10d (what we call Rev2) in our DSP1 test sample and the review includes updated testing notes. (UPDATED Jan 08)
New Malahit DDC Version
(UPDATED Jan 15, 2022)
- "You Tube" video from the Russian Developers on the exciting and
more powerful "Malahit-DDC" Version.
Improved dynamic range / front end filtering and spectrum scope span of
1.9 MHz (is 160 kHz in original version). Pre-assembled only (no kit
version will be available). Contains a 14 bit Analog Devices AD9649
ADC
(Analog to Digital converter). It is unknown when this DDC version will
become available (early~mid 2022 ?) and for what price it will be at ($
500. USD area , not including the add on board that gives full coverage
?)
?
See the Malahiteam "You Tube" channel for new videos on this new DDC version. This one clearly shows a SEPARATE DC input jack now being used (also see photo below),
(12 VDC input).
Also see this "You Tube" Video (in Russian) : Prototype MALACHITE DDC on domestic ADC !
A REVIEW OF THE SOON TO BE RELEASED MALAHIT-DDC PORTABLE SDR (from RTL-SDR.Com)
Unlike the DSP1 and DSP2 versions, battery operational voltage is
7.4 volts (2 x 18650 batteries in series). As I add this text it is
unlikely we will be testing a DDC version due to funding issues.
Side view of the new "Malahit DDC" that clearly shows the added DC Input jack (12 VDC input).
Sadly still missing is a "Line Out" (fixed low level audio) jack for external recorder's etc.
PC Board of the new DDC version (rev 0.8.2 TEST)
(click on photo for larger view) (N9EWO Picture Edit)
- Updated / Additional information from Mark KD9NXV on the new DDC version :
"DDC which I believe stands for
Direct Digital Conversion. The circuit is a total redesign. The bias
tee problem does not exist with this model. The Dynamic
Range is much improved over the DSP2 or DSP1 because of the high grade
digital circuitry. I recall hearing that Dynamic Range for DSP2 is
around 87 dB while for DDC it is around 100dB. Only 30 BETA test
versions exist at this time. I have one of them and testing it
now and providing feedback. It has an optional board for it that should
be available in a few months."
"Baseline DDC model tunes from 50 Khz to 2 GHz but only filtered to work best on 50 KHz to 30 MHz, 88-108 MHz, and 144-148 MHz. The optional board
(now in final design stages) will possess the additional filtering and
up-converters for 30 MHz to 88 MHz, 108 Mhz to 144 MHz, 148 MHz and
up. The up-conversation circuitry of DDC optional board will
expand high tuning range to 6 GHz. Yes, the DDC is planned to cover
that much more spectrum. I believe the reason why the Malahiteam
decided to introduce DDC this way is because majority of DSP1 and DSP2
customers are using them under 30 MHz and save cost for them. The
DDC is quite expensive (about double the cost of the DSP2) so if a user
does not want high frequencies, they will not need to spend roughly $80
bucks for the upgrade."
PLEASE NOTE : The DDC model is not yet for sale and still undergoing firmware / hardware updates before actual release.
1. DDC charges on 12.0-13.8 VDC using standard 2.1mm jack (positive in middle, negative outer conductor).
- Two 18605 Lithium-Ion batteries are used.
- 8.0-8.15v is maximum charged voltage.
- 6.4v is the "normal" setting for low power cut off while 6.0v is
forced turn off by FW when Vbat control is not used.
- Each battery is wired for individual battery voltage sense. 2
black and 2 red wires connections exist between battery holder and the
main board.
- Battery lasts 6+ hours between 8v and 6.4v. Voltage seems to
decay quickly from 8-7volts and then linger a long time between 7-6.4
volts.
- When 6.4v is reached in Normal setting, a screen briefly appears
announcing the radio is being turned off.
- HARD Menu includes selectable readout of battery management system voltages.
2. Firmware upload process still uses CUBE STM program and improved computer CAT control
- Procedure is slightly changed with
encoder/power switch push sequence to get into DFU mode.
- A good quality data capable USB-A to USB-C jumper is needed for
firmware flash and remote computer operation.
- New USB control selection available to assign USB to IQ or Sound options
- Details forthcoming on the improvements with CAT computer control.
- Delays between DDC and computer greatly reduced and more features can
be controlled on computer end.
3. RTTY decoder available with several baud and shift settings. (Feature promised to be in DSP2 update)
- Weather broadcasts for marine as well as amateur radio is supported
- RTTY Text wording uses the middle bar area which is the same place
where morse code messages are displayed.
- Touch S-Meter to clear the middle text line as usual with Morse Code.
- PSK and other modes under development.
4. NCO Tuning where red marker line moves and carriers/waterfall stays still
- Feature has recently been introduced to DSP2 - FW 2.10F.
- NCO can be disabled so that the classic screen tuning is
restored. This is where the red marker stays still as carriers,
waterfall and the middle frequency bar moves during tuning.
5. Spectrum/Waterfall bandwidth now has 15 BW views available from 24 Khz to 38.4 Mhz.
- Settings are made with volume control and push-in function.
- Now you can see many stations on
FM broadcast at the same time. NCO Tuning is in real handy here!
6. BIAS TEE now with higher voltage range available thus opening more options for amplified antennas
· - Because the DDC
power is in the 6.5-8v range as compared to the 3-4v range in DSP 2,
more brands/models of antennas using BIAS TEE can be experimented with.
- "PWR ANT Enabled" for Bias Tee only works with 50 ohm antenna setting.
- Hardware fix
improvement over DSP2: Choke inductor joining bias tee volts to
the antenna path is now switched in circuit via relay verses fixed in
place.
- The inductor
always in place for DSP2 negatively affected LW-3Mhz reception in both
50 ohm and HiZ antenna settings, so DSP2 users were removing the L7
inductor and taking away bias tee ability.
7. BAND menu has many changes (nice job by Igor Naumenko)
- Up to 8 characters can be
used to name a memory and is displayed on button above the displayed
frequency
- Mode such as AM, USB, etc. also displayed on memory button below frequency
- “ Squelch On” also appears on
memory button if the memory is highlighted to be a scanned channel and
squelch for that memory is enabled.
- In a new subsection of
BAND menu called Monitor, the memorized menu channels can be selected
and heard when rotating the VFO Encoder. Rotate VFO to a number
and hear the station memorized in that memory channel.
- Channels can be set to scan in a bank or skip from scanning.
- 4 scanner banks can be set up.
- Squelch is set up by the -dBm
value (ie., if noise floor is -105 dBm, set squelch to -90 dBm).
Setting squelch level by -dBm value helps when understanding signal to
noise. Setting range is -10dBm for blocking all but the real
strong stations or down to -110 dBm for weak stations breaking the
squelch.
- The squelch level set in the memory
scanner menu is same squelch setting found in the Audio Menu.
- For the brief moment in a scan
sequence, while the memory is being scanned, the memory number (1-50)
and its memorized 8 character name is displayed
- A time delay can be set up so when the
squelch is broken (a person talking), it holds for any value chosen
between 1 and 200 seconds. Normal setting 5-10 seconds for
services like CB radio while others may choose 60 seconds for rag chew
conversations on 75 meter phone.
8. FM Broadcast RDS menu has an update:
- The MPX signals with RED, GREEN and BLUE lines are explained with menu labels
Pilot 19 Khz
L-R SC 38 Khz
RDS SC 57 Khz
- New Multipath counter lower right of screen. The lower the count, the
higher quality of signal. Since the S-Meter on Wide FM likes
staying at S-9 or higher, it does not tell much about the quality of
the signal. The Multipath counter does by looking at the breakdown of
the received signal. The lower the count, ie., 1-10 indicates a very
strong signal while weak or no stations gives a multipath number in the
90’s. This can help understand when RDS texting is not working vs other
times when it does.
- There is a RDS “PTY” control in the works to be added to set
the standard decoding to either Europe or USA standards. DSP1, DSP2 and
current day firmware for DDC are showing the Europe standards for PTY
values now.
Beta baseline versions are only covering 50 Khz to 30 Mhz, 88-108 Mhz
and 144-148 Mhz. The up and coming optional board will bring the radio
to no gaps and cover to 6 Ghz. Georgiy will also be working to increase
LW down to 10 Khz.
| ***** RANTS and REVELATIONS ***** |
A EXTREMELY RARE "5 Volt" CLEAN LINEAR USB Power Supply
(for USA 117 VAC input voltage)
Have covered this topic in the past with other radios that use a
USB socket for power. What to do about the excessive RF noise that ALL
switching AC adapters emit for use with a HF receiver ? CCrane in
California USA still has available an excellent , RARE and fairly
inexpensive ANALOG / LINEAR / REGULATED 5 V 900ma USB power supply that provides enough “cool” and TOTALLY CLEAN current for operation with receivers that use a 5 pin MINI USB socket (example : Tecsun PL-880). CCrane Item # CWTPLP, Model: SR0509U. Yes it has a good old power transformer and linear type regulator. If one is handy enough, can add four .01
disc ceramic capacitors across its internal 4 power rectifier diodes to
make it even cleaner (kills off diode hum for close indoor antennas,
see photo). We just soldered them across the top of each of the diodes.
But this is not a requirement of course AND DONE AT YOUR OWN RISK !!
Super RF quiet LINEAR 5 V AC Adapter with MINI USB connector (left). Sold by CCrane in the USA.
The downside is that the CCrane power
supply has a MINI USB output cable and you need a MICRO USB for the
Russian Malachite SDR (Chinese ones use a USB Type C) so of course it will not work out of the box. Not to worry
as there are simple adapters available on ebay and elsewhere. Example adapter here but a warning here that it will be a bit stressful on the receivers USB socket (so be very careful).
If one is electronic handy could just change out the DC output cable
for the proper one with a USB "Micro" plug (just dealing with the red
and black wires of course). The CCrane adapter above is screwed
together for easy access.
IMPORTANT - WARNING ! : With
the Russian Malahit / Malachite SDR operational current consumption approx. 300ma (as indicated in the
manual), normal operation with this CCrane AC adapter is no problem at
all. However when charging the
internal lithium ion battery, current jumps to around 850 ma PEAK (NOTE : RECEIVER OFF)
and makes this supply operate HOT and near it's maximum rating ! It would be a good idea to use a 2
AMP USB switching type adapter when charging the internal battery to rule out any
possible heat failure problems down the road of the linear power supplies regulator.
