RH96 Control Head Remote Kit - First Look

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DaveIN

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A. If you could purchase this kit right now, in the current state for $35, would you and how many?

B. If you could purchase this kit with some upgrades like a smaller board for the head end and a "jump" power port (screw terminal block) on the main board for $40, would you and how many?

I would order two sets of option "B".
 

K4APR

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This is great! Thanks for the starting numbers, guys! This is really helping me make some decisions on what to do. I think everyone will find the kit to their liking.

Thanks again!
 

K4APR

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Just to keep the group informed:

I have decided to stick with the jacks on-board and use short jumpers. I am waiting on some cable quotes for these jumpers, from overseas. Even though there is a hold-up on getting boards made right now, in the meantime I can get cables quotes and possibly ordered as well.

More information as I have it.
 

K4APR

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Great job on this now why couldn't Uniden do this from the start.

I asked this myself when I started. You'll notice, UPMan has been absent from commenting on this thread. The reality is, they will most likely try to copy my work. It has already happend to me before, with other products I have designed. Patents are so expensive and hard to get, there is virtually no way for me to protect myself from this.
 

DaveIN

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Unless Uniden plans to develop another head, or resume production, that's not likely. The RH has been discontinued, with just small amounts available at a couple of scanner dealers.

At any rate, when are you taking orders?
 

N9JIG

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I asked this myself when I started. You'll notice, UPMan has been absent from commenting on this thread. The reality is, they will most likely try to copy my work. It has already happend to me before, with other products I have designed. Patents are so expensive and hard to get, there is virtually no way for me to protect myself from this.

I will play the devil's advocate here... I cannot speak for Uniden or anyone else, this is just my opinions on the subject.

My guess is that they might want to shy away from these discussions so as not to be drawn into support issues. What would happen if they gave material or even tacit support and then some issue that was not their fault caused damage to the radio or RH96 or voided a warranty or even a type acceptance? In addition, how would their support people deal with questions posed to them about this?

Also, manufacturers and developers have issues with third party products that may have already been in development at some level. What if Uniden was working on something just like this but it didn't get thru the company bureaucracy fast enough?

While it may be possible for Uniden or some other company to take an idea from cottage industries and run with it, without patent protection there is little that can be done about it. Apple and Microsoft are infamous for doing this, hundreds of innovations in various technology products were bought, stolen or otherwise first thought of by individuals or "Mom & Pops".

As the OP points out patents are a tough road, a whole lot of leg work is involved. Patent attorneys, filings and research are involved, and that all costs money. If this device, as good and cool as it appears, does not break new ground it might not even qualify for a patent.
 

garys

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If Uniden ever decides to market a second generation remote head, it will probably take some of the better suggestions from users and include them. At least I hope so. Whether or not that will include your idea, who can say? In the mean time know that a lot of us appreciate your efforts to improve on their product.
 

K4APR

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I did'nt mean for this to spin off into a political debate, but the subject of "Theft of Intellectual Property" is a sore one with me.

Anyhoo, we are moving forward with the kit. I already have some short jumper quotes in and the numbers look good. I have decided that including a lighter plug with a 2.1mm power plug (same used on the mobile) would be a waste since most people already have a means of powering their scanner. The kit would simply go in between the power source and the scanner. For the mobile users, I will have the option to buy a low cost plug/cable assembly for the power jump port, to the mobile scanner. We talking no more than $3.
 

K4APR

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Unless Uniden plans to develop another head, or resume production, that's not likely. The RH has been discontinued, with just small amounts available at a couple of scanner dealers.

From what I understand, the OLD version was disc. but they have a current model that is shipping/selling. That is the model that ScannerMaster is currently shipping, as well as many other shops. Some started at a really low price and are sold out. That is why I ended up paying through the nose at ScannerMaster, just to get one in my hands for testing.
 

garys

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From what I understand, the OLD version was disc. but they have a current model that is shipping/selling. That is the model that ScannerMaster is currently shipping, as well as many other shops. Some started at a really low price and are sold out. That is why I ended up paying through the nose at ScannerMaster, just to get one in my hands for testing.

I think that's just a short production run of the existing product, not a follow on. Scanner World had some but they sold out fast. Right now, I think Scannermaster is the only vendor offering them.

I think that the only difference is that the current version has firmware to support the XT series radios already loaded.
 

cdknapp

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Please count me in for 2 of these fine units, either design (prefer the later generation). Now I'm going to have to go out and buy another remote head and amplified speaker (one for the truck and the other for the house)! Please let me know. Great work!!
 

ausscan

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I'd be interested in one of these in AU. How much AUD + postage do you think they would be? Might be able to strike interest out here, possibly even onsell them from my location?
 

K4APR

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Again, thanks to everyone for great feedback on the project and what you are looking for. I am confident that we have a product that people are going to use and love.
 

K4APR

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I'd be interested in one of these in AU. How much AUD + postage do you think they would be? Might be able to strike interest out here, possibly even onsell them from my location?

A quick US to Aussie conversion comes up with: $45 AUD + $8 AUD for shipping.

For now, I plan to be sole source, but if there is enough demand down under, I might look for a dist.
 

ausscan

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Keep in touch when these go into full production and we'll see where we are at. :)
 

K4APR

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Just an update on this project. I have board files ready to roll and I also have some quotes in for cables. Everyone is in holiday shutdown still, most will be until next week some time.

Once everyone is back to work, I can get this ball rolling again. More details as I get them.
 

trooperdude

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Just an update on this project. I have board files ready to roll and I also have some quotes in for cables. Everyone is in holiday shutdown still, most will be until next week some time.

Once everyone is back to work, I can get this ball rolling again. More details as I get them.

I'd be in for a couple of these units as well.

Great job.
 

Robert721

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ditto, 2 would work for me. I like the mic switch also. let me know if you plan to roll those out I have two Kenwood V7's. one Mic would be nice. I am looking at making a mod to the Chevy shark fin antenna. Unsung the 800 for trunking and adding a sma mount behind the fin for a wide band ht antenna like a miracle baby.
 
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