RAN Technology

Articles

Technical info, tips, and application ideas for using the VERSA-TR RF-sensing T/R and muting board.
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Mix and Match Radios

I like to play radio!   As a SWL and novice, I'd imagine owning different transmitters and receivers and now that I actually DO own many of them, it's fun to "mix and match" to put them on the air.      That's mainly why I developed the VERSA-TR, which is an RF-sensing T/R and muting switch, so I could easily change out transmitters and receiver...  READ MORE
ranickels
03/07/2020
VERSA-TR Information
WA8SAJ uses VERSA-TR to make Nouveau 75 great!

Well known radio repair guru and AM fan Jeff Covelli WA8SAJ of Cleveland OH wanted better receiving performance than his stock Nouveau 75 AM transceiver provided - and the VERSA-TR came to the rescue.   Jeff decided he preferred having the board mounted in an enclosure with connectors and the photos show his approach.    The VERSA-TR automatically switches the antenna from his...  READ MORE
ranickels
02/11/2020
VERSA-TR Information
Does the VERSA-TR protect my receiver while transmitting?

My primary aim when desiging the VERSA-TR was low power transmitters, and to protect the receiver from potentially damaging voltages when transmitting.   100 watts into 50 ohms is a +50dBm signal.  I'd measured the attenuation at the receiver connector in the labe at -60 to -70 dB (depending on frequency), which means that should result in -10 to -20dB at the receiver, which ...  READ MORE
ranickels
11/29/2018
VERSA-TR Information
VERSA-TR Panadaptor Video

An inexpensive SDR like my RANVerter Pi Plus can add a panoramic spectrum and waterfall display to almost any vintage (or modern) radio.     The ability to use the SDR as a 2nd receiver that can be tuned to a different frequency or mode from the main transceiver is a real plus, but annoying feedback and delayed audio will be normally heard through the PC speakers in the transmit mo...  READ MORE
ranickels
11/27/2018
VERSA-TR Information
Using VERSA-TR as an RF-actuated switch

The muting relay on the VERSA-TR can be used to control other devices when RF is present.    An example would be an "On The Air" sign, or to key an amplifier.    One specially-wired cable is required - note that no connection is made to the sleeve, which is usually the ground connection on a TRS plug.  A normally-open set of relay contacts exists between th...  READ MORE
ranickels
11/13/2018
VERSA-TR Information
Using VERSA-TR with conventional speakers

VERSA-TR can be used to mute conventional (non-amplified) speakers as would be used with a non-SDR receiver.     This requires the user to wire up two cables with 3.5mm (1/8") stereo plugs on one end.   Note that connections are made to EITHER the tip or ring of the connector and to the sleeve which is normally the ground return.   It doesn't matter whether ...  READ MORE
ranickels
11/13/2018
VERSA-TR Information
TRS (stereo audio) plug reference

Just for reference, the common 1/8" dia. stereo plug which is used for VERSA-TR speaker/audio connections.   The three connections are commonly known as Tip, Ring, and Sleeve, but are typically wired as Left, Right, and Ground in stereo audio hookups.    ...  READ MORE
ranickels
11/11/2018
VERSA-TR Information
VERSA-TR Connections and controls

This diagram shows the normal connections for antenna switching and muting amplified computer speakers as would be used with an SDR or SDR-panadaptor.     All connections are "plug and play", and the amplified speakers can be left attached all the time for normal computer sound use.  The audio will be muted when RF is present and a sidetone will be heard if the Sidet...  READ MORE
ranickels
11/11/2018
VERSA-TR Information
VERSA-TR Layout and Connector Locations

For reference - click image to enlarge ...  READ MORE
ranickels
11/11/2018
VERSA-TR Information
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