Radtel

Yep got my notification in the mail today.

Footloose ( or Wayne or Signman) I need your help again. It seems from their letter Radtel are offering a reprogrammed Eprom for the Codan 8528 for $27.50 plus p+p. Sounds like a good deal. Is this just an easy plug 'n' play type fit? i.e. can a novice just replace the existing card or is there something more sinister involved?
Also how do you get a printout of the new Eprom's channels?

Thanks

I am lucky, I have the programming S/W for the Barrett 550 so can do it myself, easy

Thanks Gmouse

We will look into it hope we only have to change the radio not the tap

Richard

Disco123,

You would need to confirm with them, but they should send you a printout of the channel setup with the EPROM. For the record, $27.50 is very cheap for doing a re-programming job on these things. I would imagine that they have made up a 'template' that includes VKS737, Radtel, RFDS and a few listening frequencies and would likely charge additional if you wanted any departure from the standard 'travellers pack'....ie any ham channels or other listening channels etc...

Reprogramming these 8528's is simply a matter of removing the EPROM, using the Codan specific software to re-write the channel plan (which in itself is a steep learning curve), mucking around with the file extensions, depending upon the type of EPROM programmer you have, then burning the file to the EPROM. Replace EPROM in radio..... easy...all for $27.50. They wouldn't be making anything $$-wise from it , but it is in their interests to keep people on their channels, I guess. For those who don't do it all the time, it takes many hours of experimentation to get it all going to plan.

The computer programmable sets, like the Codan 9323, NGT, Icom 7000 and the Barrett 550/950/2020 are a little easier....write channels in software program, plug set into computer via programming cable and program.....easy, but you need to send the radio somewhere to have it done and postage/insurance isn't cheap.

My advice would be to find your nearest dealer or friendly radio tech with access to the right equipment and let them do it for you. You will need to work out the cost differences between pack and post to Radtel and using someone closer to do it on the spot for you.

In relation to tapped whips, the frequency changes, as far as I can see are at the higher end of the frequency spectrum. The changes at 16mHz SHOULD be OK depending upon exactly where your tap is tuned to currently. The tap that covers 11450 kHz will also cover 11487kHz but will be nearly 400kHz out for what seems to be a new frequency at 11013kHz out and may not be so good. Ahhh the advantages of autotunes...!

Hope this helps clarify. If I can be of more assistance to members...let me know.

Cheers,

Mark

Seems unfair that I should pay for radtels coverage problems. I wont be renewing membership.