PCR-2500 in computer

[ka1njl]

Has anyone tried mounting a PCR-2500 inside a computer? There are threaded mounting holes on the sides of the radio that match the mounting holes for a 5 1/4" drive so I am tempted to mount mine inside a computer that I will dedicate to monitoring. However, I am worried about rfi within the box and would like to hear of others' experiences before I move forward with this project.

Thanks for any tips you can provide.

73, ka1njl

 

[KC1UA]

I'd steer clear of this. These radios run pretty warm as it is. Having them inside a computer case that isn't "supercooled" might be an issue. Further, you're eliminating access to the discriminator taps, external speaker jack, and there's always the matter of powering it.

It'll be much better mounted or placed externally. It is small enough that it is unobtrusive.

 

[iMONITOR]

Has anyone tried mounting a PCR-2500 inside a computer? There are threaded mounting holes on the sides of the radio that match the mounting holes for a 5 1/4" drive so I am tempted to mount mine inside a computer that I will dedicate to monitoring. However, I am worried about rfi within the box and would like to hear of others' experiences before I move forward with this project.

Thanks for any tips you can provide.

73, ka1njl

It should work fine, and won't hurt anything to try it. It may even run cooler than normal. One of the reasons they run a little warm is that they sit flat on the desk, with no circulation under them. I used to put Radio Shack's rubber feet on the bottom, making a big difference!

The entire radio is shielded well, and when mounted to your computer chassis, it will also be grounded. I don't think interference will be any problem.

 

[zipperone]

mounted inside

It should work fine, and won't hurt anything to try it. It may even run cooler than normal. One of the reasons they run a little warm is that they sit flat on the desk, with no circulation under them. I used to put Radio Shack's rubber feet on the bottom, making a big difference!

The entire radio is shielded well, and when mounted to your computer chassis, it will also be grounded. I don't think interference will be any problem.

I tried to mount it inside a rather large computer chassis. It fits into the drive bay alright but heat is significant. connecting the cables are a problem as you will need some kind of a hole in the chassis for the antenna. I did not observe any RFI with ht esetup. i guess the radio is shielded well. Give it a go and let us know how it went for you

 

[Declared_Hostile]

Winradio has models that you insert into PCI card slots. They seem to be able to deal with RFI successfully. If Icom put mounting holes so one could mount them internally i would think they've considered the RF issues.

My only concerns would be the introduction of RFI through the antenna connection if it falls inside the case itself. The Winradio models are outside the computer case. If the Icom has an antenna connection that is inside the computer case that you need to connect to your coax that may be a point at which you will have some issues. I'd be very careful as far as cabling and maybe even take some extra shielding precautions if necessary.

I know my PCR-1000 runs pretty warm so adding an extra fan inside the case to direct some airflow across them wouldn't hurt and maybe even some temp monitors if you're feeling really ambitious.

 

[ka1njl]

I'll give it a try

Thank you all for the feedback and suggestions. I think I am going to try putting it into a computer and see what happens. I am concerned about rfi and heat but suspect it will be ok on both counts if I am careful. I'll let you know how the project turns out.

73, ka1njl

 

[SCPD]

I would be very concerned about heat not so much that it would damage the radio but that it would cause the reference oscillator to run out of spec. Imagine everything being off frequency by a few thousand hertz. The older WinRadios would actually do that.

 

[ka1njl]

Preliminary results

This weekend I put together a small form factor pc and mounted the pcr-2500 inside. In light of the heat-related concerns expressed on this forum I carefully chose a case with good ventilation. After somewhat more than 24 hours of use the radio is cooler than when it sat outside the computer. I think the air flow inside the computer actually improves cooling. In addition there is insignificant rfi on some frequencies and none at all on others. Using Windows Remote Desktop I can connect to the control computer from afar, i.e. work, ,and play with the radio. This is going to be fun.

73, ka1njl

 

[Declared_Hostile]

When you have a chance to play around with it further I'd be interested on hearing a further report on the RFI issues.

 

[ka1njl]

Still FB

I have had a chance to work with my PCR-2500 mounted inside a small computer for a week or so and it works wonderfully. There are no apparent problems with heat or rfi. While I was developing the system I did see some minor rfi but as soon as I put the cover on the computer case it went away.

I have the radio mounted in a drive bay and the antenna connectors jumpered to chasis mounted connectors on the back panel of the computer. I have the usb connected directly to the motherboard and am getting power from the computer power supply. I also have a drive bay speaker system connected directly to the motherboard for a very tidy setup. All in all this has been a very satisfying project and I am looking forward to using it at and away from home.

 

[ka1njl]

Followup: temperature

When I was considering this project someone commented that I should be concerned that excessive operating temperature inside the computer would upset the radio's reference oscillator, thereby causing frequency instability. I installed a thermometer inside the computer, with a probe actually stuck to the radio itself, and measured a maximum temperature of 83.5 deg. F after 48 hours of continuous operation. Icom specificies a maximum operating temperature of 122 deg. F so I should be safe.

73, ka1njl