WinRadio WA-811 Antenna Distribution System

[blantonl]

So every once in a while, something really unique and nice shows up on Ebay, and this was one of those things. (5) WinRadio WA-811 Antenna Distribution Systems for sale for $1000.00 each. I ended up springing for one of them. The pictures showed them mounted in a nice custom designed case, but I assumed I was just getting the WA-811, but I was WRONG.

The case arrived a few days later - and holy cow the custom designed case and rack is probably worth the $1000 bucks by itself. It's HUGE and durable and has a lot of utility.

The WA-811? In immaculate shape and works perfect. I doubt it was ever even really used. I had it up an running in just a few minutes, and following the serial command instructions I was able to control it remotely using PuTTY. I emailed WinRadio for a link to the control software and they emailed me back immediately with the softare, but I can't figure out how to actually run it (I run the setup and it asks me for a serial port and then does nothing else)

The full specs are here: WiNRADiO WA-811 Antenna Distribution System

I've gotten it installed in my rack, and setup to distribute to lots of multicouplers and radios. It has already improved my workflow tremendously. I was also able to eliminate a bunch of band pass filters (AM and FM broadcast) and bias-t's since they are built into the unit and selectable per antenna. For something that is 20 years old, it's really really a well built, *quiet* piece of equipment.

 

[vagrant]

I wonder if you have to write it out/save "e", before it works/runs.
e = Save current state in non volatile memory (EEPROM)

Reading further down on the command page it notes:

Save current state in non volatile memory ("e")

The ADU maintains the current settings in non-volatile memory, so that it will return to the pre-powerdown status when it is next switched on. To avoid excessive writing to the non-volatile memory, changes made via remote control are not stored until this command is issued.

Are you using the PC software as well or just PuTTY?

 

[EricCottrell]

Hello,

Wow, I have been looking for something like this that is transportable. I help with the Listening Lounge at the Winter SWLFest and this would help with managing the antennas and radios.

73 Eric

 

[EricCottrell]

Hello,

I got the unit today, Wow! It came with the manual and DVD with what looks like the software in the front pocket. It would be interesting to see if I can fit other equipment in the WiNRADiO Ruggedized Transport. Case. Thanks again for the heads-up!

73 Eric

 

[blantonl]

Ha, that's funny, I didn't even check nor see the front pocket. Mine as well came with the manual and CDROM

Let me know if you get the software working and how you did.

 

[blantonl]

My unit seems to have an extremely strong carrier that blasts right around 353 MHz. Eric, do you see this as well on your unit?

 

[iMONITOR]

Nice! Can't wait to hear more about it.

 

[EricCottrell]

Hello,

I found a reference from 2012 that the GSA price for a WA-0811 is 10,595.47. The case model number is likely WR-NRC and the GSA price is $569.77. The case is likely made by Trimcast (Australia). Pelican acquired Trimcast in 2011.

The software did not install under Windows 10, even with Windows XP SP3 compatibility and as Administrator. It could not write a file. It did install as Adminstrator in Windows 7 after compatibility was applied (Windows XP SP2). The software installs a ADU0811Server executable under WiNRADIO/plugins. When I run tje program it just asks for the com port and disappears when I select ok. There is also a .xrs file. I assume the software intergrates into a WinRadio program and allows control.

I have not hooked a receiver up to it yet as I am still at work.

73 Eric

 

[EricCottrell]

Hello,

Pretty much I expected inside with a shielded CPU/Keyboard/Display.

73 Eric

 

[EricCottrell]

Hello,

I quickly checked my unit and I had no carrier around 353 MHz. I get the impression that the unit has some gain. The FM filter seems to knock down FM signals by around 20 dB.

73 Eric

 

[blantonl]

Interesting - my unit is located next to some networking equipment, so I may have some spurious injection somewhere.

Overall I'm SUPER pleased with the unit. It's very well built and very quiet otherwise on RF.

Only thing I'm disappointed with is the lack of Bias-T 12V injection on Antenna input 1 for HF. Sure could have used that for powering a loop antenna or HF preamp!