RH96 Control Head Remote Kit - First Look

[davidmc36]

Aliby19 already did a good job answering your question, but if interested, I have a GPS module I am working on to install internally of the 996(XT) mobile. The 396 is the handheld, so the module would not do you any good. Just thought I might mention I have somthing else in the works.

Once I get past getting this remote head kit on the market, I will start on the GPS module and depending on response, I will make that available as well.

EDIT: That reminds me, I am still looking for anyone to submit some pictures of the INSIDE of the 996. Both sides would be nice. I need to see how much free room there is and how well access to the back panel is open for mounting the GPS antenna connector.

http://forums.radioreference.com/pi...934-new-install-bc-t15-bcd996t-built-gps.html

I have some more internal pics like you say, of both sides on photobucket but I can't get on there from work computer. I can get you a link later, but should you be able to find them under my user name davidmc36?

EDIT: Just got home and appear to be mistaken. there was only one pic on PhotoBucket of the bottom of the board. I have the pics on laptop though.

By the way there is tons of room for antenna connectors, GPS modules, and the like. It is like a big empty box.

 

[davidmc36]

I have the pics on laptop though.

996 Innards pictures by davidmc36 - Photobucket

That would be a nice upgrade to have a bulkhead connector on the back plate for the antenna.

I have (had) a GPS module in the works for installing into my 396XT but dropped the module and it is kaput. Have another on order. Requires a TTL to RS-232 converter chip but both will fit inside the scanner. Will need an ON/OFF switch to free up the comm port.

 

[K4APR]

http://forums.radioreference.com/pi...934-new-install-bc-t15-bcd996t-built-gps.html

I have some more internal pics like you say, of both sides on photobucket but I can't get on there from work computer. I can get you a link later, but should you be able to find them under my user name davidmc36?

EDIT: Just got home and appear to be mistaken. there was only one pic on PhotoBucket of the bottom of the board. I have the pics on laptop though.

By the way there is tons of room for antenna connectors, GPS modules, and the like. It is like a big empty box.

David, this is exactly what I have designed. The only difference is, the module I designed is a single GPS chipset that I have used in several of my other products. The connector is an SMA that is soldered right to the board, with an extra long neck. This allowed me to use ring nuts and star washers on both sides of the back panel and hard mount the whole module. Also, by putting the connector as close to the module as possible, I reduce any loss with a very short strip feedline on the PCB. The serial and power connections are made via edge solder pads and use wire jumpers to the various points on the board.

Your pictures confirmed my belief that there was plenty of room in there for the board, jumpers and anything else needed to make the module work.

Thanks!

 

[K4APR]

Here is the board that I have had designed for a while now:

 

[davidmc36]

Here is the board that I have had designed for a while now:

That's a fine looking board to add to a great scanner.

How about some pics and dimensions and you can design one for the 396

 

[K4APR]

That's a fine looking board to add to a great scanner.

How about some pics and dimensions and you can design one for the 396

Let me work on getting that info posted later this evening. I don't have access to that computer at the moment.

 

[K4APR]

Just ANOTHER update. Still waiting on some information about the custom length cables for the kit. The PCB house is back in the swing of things, so I will have an order into them this week for the final board design. Once I can cinch up the cables and get them on the way, we will be ready to take orders.

I hope I have not taken too long and caused people to lose interest!

 

[DaveIN]

Still waiting patently. Thanks for the update Jason.

 

[commscanaus]

I hope I have not taken too long and caused people to lose interest!

And I hope you will take orders from the other side of the world!

Need some of your fantastic handywork here.

Commscanaus.

 

[K4APR]

And I hope you will take orders from the other side of the world!

Yes, we will be taking international orders. If there is enough demand after the first wave, I may look for a Euro reseller.

 

[FoeHammer]

How far can you go with a remote head anyway , I have often wondered if I got a 996 would I be able to extend the remote some 50 feet away to my garage?

 

[gadget-51]

Wow!

Looks great - I'm in for at least one

 

[K4APR]

How far can you go with a remote head anyway , I have often wondered if I got a 996 would I be able to extend the remote some 50 feet away to my garage?

In the video, I did a test from one side of my house to the other. Judging on the length of the house, with the CAT5 running up to the attic, across and back down, my guess is about 90-100' is what I got out of that test.

 

[kyguy]

.............still waitin............and waitin......................................and waitin.........

 

[FoeHammer]

hmmm ok it could work up to 100 feet away ? what about the head itself could it withstand temperature swings in a unheated garage in the winter & the really hot summers I would think if u can mount it in your car it should be tough & not too sensitive....

 

[mharris]

Jason,

Great job! This is outstanding. The main reason I don't ever use my RH96 is because of the requirement to run external power to it. It will be so much easier to put the control head on the dash with Velcro and remove it at the end of my shift with only one cable involved.

Thanks for all your hard work!

Matt
WY8E

 

[K4APR]

Today, I received my brand new 996XT and put it right to work testing out the latest version of the RH96 remote kit. Everything is working well and I am getting closer. I am still going back and fourth with the cable maker. I am looking at having to invest a significant amount of money for the cables, so I hope the potential buyers are still out there

I snapped a few pictures with the 996XT:

 

[K4APR]

One thing I forgot to mention was, the 996 users have the added advantage of using the rear DB9 connector for their control head interface. This is nice for keeping the connections all of the same side of the radio. The disadvantage to this is you will not be able to run a GPS concurrently with the RH-96 via the DB9 connection. Otherwise, run the GPS through the DB9 and run the RH-96 through the front panel programming interface jack.

 

[joesheets]

Jason,
I am very interested in buying one of your kits, but I cant find the RH-96 head anywhere. Some sites said it has been discontinued. If this is true, is Bearcat working on a newer version or is a supply demand issue?
Thanks,
Joe
KJ4LZM

 

[garys]

Jason,
I am very interested in buying one of your kits, but I cant find the RH-96 head anywhere. Some sites said it has been discontinued. If this is true, is Bearcat working on a newer version or is a supply demand issue?
Thanks,
Joe
KJ4LZM

Discontinued, no replacement in the works. At least non has been announced. It wasn't a very popular item until after it was discontinued.