wideband

Wideband Operation

    Both the Wideband Delta and Rangr series of commercial FM radios provide wideband capabilities. This means that they are engineered to cover wide frequency ranges. For example, an unmodified 'high Split' Wideband Delta will cover 150 - 174 Mhz simply by programming the frequencies into the radio's EEPROM. Circuitry within the radio will respond to the programming and operate transistors within the synthesizer to 'switch in' the appropriate 'tank circuit' within the VCO proper so that the VCO will 'lock'. Both the receiver and PA stages are broadbanded enough to handle these frequency excursions, but not the VCO's as they need 'help' to lock quickly when chanding frequencies.

    The WXZY leads from the control board determine which frequency segment is being used, for either receive or transmit. The states of these leads are determined by the EEPROM programming which is done on a per channel basis. No additional work is required to make the wideband feature work in those radios equipped with it as the external microprocessor manipluates these leads.

    For what it's worth, the GE Phoenix VHF radio is one of the best wideband rigs around, without any special modifications. I can recall many occasions of driving home at night listening to the 2 meter repeaters and occasionally sampling the bursts of LOJAC tones way up in the 170 Mhz range. Of course, I couldn't decipher the data, but it was interesting nonetheless. The high split Rangr VHF is no slacker either!

DISCLAIMER - - If you follow the steps outlined herein, you do so at your own risk. I cannot, nor will not, be responsible for any possible damage to radio equipment, personal property, to yourself or to others caused by modifications that you may make to the radio as a result of your reading this.

The M/P controls TRANSMITTING as well as receiving on many frequencies, suitable for a wide range of HF, VHF and UHF needs. In the USA, TRANSMIT operation requires a license issued by the FCC for the class of operation intended. Amateur radio licensees must maintain strict control over their equipment, preventing unlicensed operation within the amateur bands, or outside of them.

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