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Magnum delta force mods
- Thread starter Moleculo
- Start date
J
JustinDePolis2
Guest
There are several things you can do to this radio, seeing that it is made by RF limited, and they aren't really a radio manufacturer. If you notice that I don't comment about RF limited's radios alot, it's simply because I typically don't endorse them. If you would like a copy of some things to try, PM me and I'll get a packet out to you. You would really need some illustrations, as there are about 30 or so changes, and you need about 2 1/2 hours time on the bench.
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S
slim cdx285
Guest
Justin,I'd be interested in that info;if I may?
Mine is the earliest version and I'd like to do the RX improvement that RF limited talked about on their website.
In fact,I called them 1 1/2 years ago and they said they would send it out right away. never did get it! but then again,I didn't call them back either.
Is it too big to just email/PM it to us?
thanks and welcome aboard. hope you & the guys enjoy it
here as much of the rest of us <img src=http://www.ezboard.com/intl/aenglish/images/emoticons/smile.gif ALT="
">
Slim
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Mine is the earliest version and I'd like to do the RX improvement that RF limited talked about on their website.
In fact,I called them 1 1/2 years ago and they said they would send it out right away. never did get it! but then again,I didn't call them back either.
Is it too big to just email/PM it to us?
thanks and welcome aboard. hope you & the guys enjoy it
here as much of the rest of us <img src=http://www.ezboard.com/intl/aenglish/images/emoticons/smile.gif ALT="
"> Slim
N
NorthStar34
Guest
4
440Mudduck Diesel Truck
Guest
I had a Delta Force Magnum and loved the way it got out but I hated the recieve on it! If there was a way to make it more quite I think it would be a great radio. My tech was only able to get about 38-40 watts out of it and he can make a General Lee swing almost 65 watts!
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I just had my Delta Force worked over completely by Justin. I got this Delta from RollingRadios on trade. The first thing Justin did was yank off the diode/resistor mod off and toss that in the trash. He then made about 30 component changes which included changes to the audio/echo board. The result is my TX audio is much fuller and richer, it has a little more "swing" than before. I'm not sure what all he changed, but it's a different radio. The RX on this older delta was always scratchy before. While the RX is still not as good as other radios, it is definately cleaned up quite a bit. I would like to hear further on what all he did because it sure is better. My other question is this: I didn't mess with the radio after RollingRadios gave it to me. Justin, did you see anything changed about the radio besides the diode/resistor when you got it?
Moleculo
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Moleculo
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J
JustinDePolis2
Guest
Hey Tim,
The radio didn't have anyting done to it after you got it from RR except the main limiter was removed ( A no-no for SSB, as the ALC does't function when this is removed) and the diode / resistor mod was done. I changed two capacitors in the audio "chain" from .047 to .2 monolythics, and a resistor that couples them together, added R.F. bypasses in the audio section, and in the final bias circuit. I also changed a few resistors that are normally carbon to non-inductive metal film type. Let's see, changed some ceramic capacitors to different values of the silver mica type. I changed your bandpass filters around for a higher Q, which means a more narrow bandwidth; ie, less RX noise. Some capacitors were changed at the VCO for higher output for a more uniform performance across the frequency range of the radio.
As you know Tim, I am not a big fan of R.F. limited radios, in my opinion, and opinion only, their name fits what they do....LIMITED. The construction layout is not exactly great, there's little or no R.F. bypassing in critical circuits, the RX is horrible, bandpass filtering is way too wide, I.F. filtering is wayyyyy wayyy to wide, and they "jack" the gain in the 1st R.F. amp so high to make uo for attenuation losses later on down the line. (mixer, IF, etc) And actually, it should be opposite. BUT, you get what you get, and you get what you pay for. They're cheap, and overpriced, as long as you know this, going into the hobby, you're ok.
Another note, when Jim Peng (owner and manufacturer of RCI / Galaxy) is handed out on a silver platter, design flaws in his radios, he states that he is well aware, but they work anyways, and people will buy them. Alot of these manufacturers are laughing all the way to the bank.<img src=http://users.joplin.com/dutch64804/posticon24.gif ALT=":lmao">
Take care,
Justin
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The radio didn't have anyting done to it after you got it from RR except the main limiter was removed ( A no-no for SSB, as the ALC does't function when this is removed) and the diode / resistor mod was done. I changed two capacitors in the audio "chain" from .047 to .2 monolythics, and a resistor that couples them together, added R.F. bypasses in the audio section, and in the final bias circuit. I also changed a few resistors that are normally carbon to non-inductive metal film type. Let's see, changed some ceramic capacitors to different values of the silver mica type. I changed your bandpass filters around for a higher Q, which means a more narrow bandwidth; ie, less RX noise. Some capacitors were changed at the VCO for higher output for a more uniform performance across the frequency range of the radio.
As you know Tim, I am not a big fan of R.F. limited radios, in my opinion, and opinion only, their name fits what they do....LIMITED. The construction layout is not exactly great, there's little or no R.F. bypassing in critical circuits, the RX is horrible, bandpass filtering is way too wide, I.F. filtering is wayyyyy wayyy to wide, and they "jack" the gain in the 1st R.F. amp so high to make uo for attenuation losses later on down the line. (mixer, IF, etc) And actually, it should be opposite. BUT, you get what you get, and you get what you pay for. They're cheap, and overpriced, as long as you know this, going into the hobby, you're ok.
Another note, when Jim Peng (owner and manufacturer of RCI / Galaxy) is handed out on a silver platter, design flaws in his radios, he states that he is well aware, but they work anyways, and people will buy them. Alot of these manufacturers are laughing all the way to the bank.<img src=http://users.joplin.com/dutch64804/posticon24.gif ALT=":lmao">
Take care,
Justin
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J
JustinDePolis2
Guest
Hello DX vader.
A couple of things. First of all, I wasn't criticizing anyone. I was simply stating the facts. I mean, it is what it is. There was a main limiter taken out, and that is a bad thing. The ALC on SSB doesn't function. Do some research, and you'll find out why having no ALC isn't a good idea. Every amateur radio out on the market today has ALC, and it's there for a reason. I am not getting paid tuition, I will not get off topic and explain the reasoning behind wanting a radio to operate within it's linear region.
Secondly, you have to keep in mind that there are alot of techs out there that are self proclaimed, and they don't even as so much hold a valid amateur radio ticket. (not that this means anything, but it's a good start) Then let's break it down... how many of them hold a valid general radio telephone license? (that they don't issue anymore, but have a similar license) I'm sorry, people working at a truck stop, or a little shed in the back yard aren't techs to me. Would you take a car in for repairs to a guy that operates that kind of business, and claim he can get 100 more horse power from your vehicle? Maybe he even could...but for how long, and with what kind of smog emissions? (relating smog standards to R.F. purity standards for those of you not following me)
Third, you ask if there is a radio that I personally like that people can afford. Well, what is the definition of affordable? For 750.00, you can get an Icom 706 MIIG, and it's a great radio. These little mobile radios in a big metal box, with crummy power supplies (otherwise known as CB base stations) cannot compare to one. But, they'll pay 500.00 - 700.00 for one of these, and have good 'ol joe-billy-bob technician (see reference above to the guy out of the tools shed in the back yard) go through it for another 100.00. It just makes no sense.
There are other radios as well that I seem to have liked. The Uniden President Lincoln is an excellent radio for what it is.... a glorified CB, and any other variant of this radio, the HR-2510, 2600, etc. They use a moderate to good receiver design, a nice transmitter circuit, the only complaint is that they use low-level modulation for AM TX. not that that is a bad thing, but when you compare what CB AM operators say "sound good" to what broadcast engineers say "sound good" they are two totally different opinions, so I think the AM on these radios does have potential.
In the end of your statement, you say that you are tired of all the BS... I am too, which is why some people will either like me or absolutely hate me. I am not on the forum to say, "OH yeah, good buddy, clip this here, twist this there, and you gotcha a good 'ol setup that is the best thing since sliced bread!" I am here to be factual, to the point, and personally don't have time for the CB "BS" that goes around.
I ask these techs that have different opinions to come forward with factual data. I base my information on knowing engineers of these radios personally, talking to them on the phone, and working with a technician that used to work at RCI in San Diego before they moved to National City, and helped design the RCI 2950, and suggested improvements, which resulted in the RCI-2950DX series boards. The improved receiver design came right from Bill Good, after talking to Jim Peng, JR, and John from RCI.
I am not trying to sound defensive either, and don't mean to "diss you" at all. In fact, I'm glad you brought this up. It's very simple, you can't wave the magic wand, add a couple components, in an incorrect manor, and expect excellent results. I mean doesn't common sense, even if you're not an R.F. engineer tell you this? It's back to the car mechanic, he adds a couple of small parts to your car and it's a hot rod? I think not.
</p>Edited by: <A HREF=http://p067.ezboard.com/bworldwidecbradioclub.showUserPublicProfile?gid=justindepolis2>JustinDePolis2</A> at: 9/3/04 12:47 am
A couple of things. First of all, I wasn't criticizing anyone. I was simply stating the facts. I mean, it is what it is. There was a main limiter taken out, and that is a bad thing. The ALC on SSB doesn't function. Do some research, and you'll find out why having no ALC isn't a good idea. Every amateur radio out on the market today has ALC, and it's there for a reason. I am not getting paid tuition, I will not get off topic and explain the reasoning behind wanting a radio to operate within it's linear region.
Secondly, you have to keep in mind that there are alot of techs out there that are self proclaimed, and they don't even as so much hold a valid amateur radio ticket. (not that this means anything, but it's a good start) Then let's break it down... how many of them hold a valid general radio telephone license? (that they don't issue anymore, but have a similar license) I'm sorry, people working at a truck stop, or a little shed in the back yard aren't techs to me. Would you take a car in for repairs to a guy that operates that kind of business, and claim he can get 100 more horse power from your vehicle? Maybe he even could...but for how long, and with what kind of smog emissions? (relating smog standards to R.F. purity standards for those of you not following me)
Third, you ask if there is a radio that I personally like that people can afford. Well, what is the definition of affordable? For 750.00, you can get an Icom 706 MIIG, and it's a great radio. These little mobile radios in a big metal box, with crummy power supplies (otherwise known as CB base stations) cannot compare to one. But, they'll pay 500.00 - 700.00 for one of these, and have good 'ol joe-billy-bob technician (see reference above to the guy out of the tools shed in the back yard) go through it for another 100.00. It just makes no sense.
There are other radios as well that I seem to have liked. The Uniden President Lincoln is an excellent radio for what it is.... a glorified CB, and any other variant of this radio, the HR-2510, 2600, etc. They use a moderate to good receiver design, a nice transmitter circuit, the only complaint is that they use low-level modulation for AM TX. not that that is a bad thing, but when you compare what CB AM operators say "sound good" to what broadcast engineers say "sound good" they are two totally different opinions, so I think the AM on these radios does have potential.
In the end of your statement, you say that you are tired of all the BS... I am too, which is why some people will either like me or absolutely hate me. I am not on the forum to say, "OH yeah, good buddy, clip this here, twist this there, and you gotcha a good 'ol setup that is the best thing since sliced bread!" I am here to be factual, to the point, and personally don't have time for the CB "BS" that goes around.
I ask these techs that have different opinions to come forward with factual data. I base my information on knowing engineers of these radios personally, talking to them on the phone, and working with a technician that used to work at RCI in San Diego before they moved to National City, and helped design the RCI 2950, and suggested improvements, which resulted in the RCI-2950DX series boards. The improved receiver design came right from Bill Good, after talking to Jim Peng, JR, and John from RCI.
I am not trying to sound defensive either, and don't mean to "diss you" at all. In fact, I'm glad you brought this up. It's very simple, you can't wave the magic wand, add a couple components, in an incorrect manor, and expect excellent results. I mean doesn't common sense, even if you're not an R.F. engineer tell you this? It's back to the car mechanic, he adds a couple of small parts to your car and it's a hot rod? I think not.
</p>Edited by: <A HREF=http://p067.ezboard.com/bworldwidecbradioclub.showUserPublicProfile?gid=justindepolis2>JustinDePolis2</A> at: 9/3/04 12:47 am
J
JustinDePolis2
Guest
I've purchased a Magnum Delta Force from Rolling Radios and have had my Galaxy 77 repaired and retuned by William. Is he a Radio God?<img src=http://www.ezboard.com/intl/aenglish/images/emoticons/eyes.gif ALT=":rolleyes"> Maybe.<img src=http://www.ezboard.com/intl/aenglish/images/emoticons/smokin.gif ALT=":smokin"> Is he an honest,straightforward tech that won't steal ya blind?<img src=http://www.ezboard.com/intl/aenglish/images/emoticons/wink.gif ALT=""> YES HE IS!!!!!!!!!!!!! <img src=http://www.ezboard.com/intl/aenglish/images/emoticons/wink.gif ALT=""> I'll send my radios to him for a long time to come! Makes 'em sound loud and proud and clean! I will agree with Justin on his critique of the RF Limited line as far as RX performance. Damn shame too because they have great features especially for multi-band operators like me. As far as the best mobile in the world the Delta coulda been a contender!!!!!!!!
JD<img src=http://www.ezboard.com/intl/aenglish/images/emoticons/pimp.gif ALT=":hat">
<img src=http://users.joplin.com/dutch64804/posticon24.gif ALT=":lmao">
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"> YES HE IS!!!!!!!!!!!!! <img src=http://www.ezboard.com/intl/aenglish/images/emoticons/wink.gif ALT=""> I'll send my radios to him for a long time to come! Makes 'em sound loud and proud and clean! I will agree with Justin on his critique of the RF Limited line as far as RX performance. Damn shame too because they have great features especially for multi-band operators like me. As far as the best mobile in the world the Delta coulda been a contender!!!!!!!!JD<img src=http://www.ezboard.com/intl/aenglish/images/emoticons/pimp.gif ALT=":hat">
<img src=http://users.joplin.com/dutch64804/posticon24.gif ALT=":lmao">
Well not to diss on anyone, just stateing a fact, Justin has a Long time educational background with electronics and understands all the laws of it. Also he has THOUSANDS of dollars in test equipment that can make a radio damn near perfect and again was also worked with one of the best Ham Radio techs in the world (god rest his soul). This guy has a background that would make most Extra ham ops cry, so when a guy of this magnitude gives his opinion, you can just about trust what he says is true. Not to down any of the other techs out there, it is easy to make a raido sound LOUD and blow smoke, thats nothing but to do it the RIGHT way is soemthing that is often hard to find in a tech.
You can send me a raido and i Promise you will think i changed the world and made your radio sound like a monster, but if you want it to sound that way and done the right way and have nothing but quality equipment hooked up to it while it is done, then justin is your man. Just my 2 cents<img src=http://www.ezboard.com/intl/aenglish/images/emoticons/wink.gif ALT="">
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You can send me a raido and i Promise you will think i changed the world and made your radio sound like a monster, but if you want it to sound that way and done the right way and have nothing but quality equipment hooked up to it while it is done, then justin is your man. Just my 2 cents<img src=http://www.ezboard.com/intl/aenglish/images/emoticons/wink.gif ALT="
">
R
RollingRadios
Guest
Wow, I guess enough emails sent and I will respond. Mole, your radio left in a package with limiter intact. What happened afterwards I have no idea. That doesn't mean I'm saying Justin or anyone else is untruthful, just fact. No radio leaves my shop with a limiter pulled.
I profess to be no guru, masters degreed educate, nor the be all end all. I do radios as I would my own and with the end result that does good power, clarity, and receives compliments. I have no miracles nor dazzling ingenious reworking of radio design, just happy customers (usually).
Sory Mole you thought I was on this forum for years just trying to peddle services and not help others, I thought quite the contrary. Anyway, maybe ole Justin could teach me a thing or two. One is never to old to learn, but character is something you have or don't.
Rollingradios@aol.com
Sales/Service/Installation
National XFORCE Representative
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I profess to be no guru, masters degreed educate, nor the be all end all. I do radios as I would my own and with the end result that does good power, clarity, and receives compliments. I have no miracles nor dazzling ingenious reworking of radio design, just happy customers (usually).
Sory Mole you thought I was on this forum for years just trying to peddle services and not help others, I thought quite the contrary. Anyway, maybe ole Justin could teach me a thing or two. One is never to old to learn, but character is something you have or don't.
Rollingradios@aol.com
Sales/Service/Installation
National XFORCE Representative
</p>
Hey RR, I never once ever posted anything about you being on the forum to just peddle services; I'm not sure where you got that idea from. In fact I have said on many occasions that you were helpful. If you look at my previous posts, I never made any criticism about what you did or didn't do to the radio. I simply stated that I got it in trade from you.
Now, about who was or wasn't in the radio: NOONE was in the radio after I got it except me until I took it Justin. And the ONLY thing I did was set the deadkey to match my amp and make slight adjustments on the ALC to try and set where I wanted it for SSB use. THAT WAS IT. Remember, this was a used radio I traded you for. If the limited was removed, maybe it wasn't by you and it just got missed on the way out since it wasn't new when you got it. Who knows? I wasn't passing judgement; I just took it Justin to see what he could do to the radio.
RR, you're always welcome on our forum and have helped many people, and you are always welcome to express your opinions.
Moleculo
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Now, about who was or wasn't in the radio: NOONE was in the radio after I got it except me until I took it Justin. And the ONLY thing I did was set the deadkey to match my amp and make slight adjustments on the ALC to try and set where I wanted it for SSB use. THAT WAS IT. Remember, this was a used radio I traded you for. If the limited was removed, maybe it wasn't by you and it just got missed on the way out since it wasn't new when you got it. Who knows? I wasn't passing judgement; I just took it Justin to see what he could do to the radio.
RR, you're always welcome on our forum and have helped many people, and you are always welcome to express your opinions.
Moleculo
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J
JustinDePolis2
Guest
I have a better idea, RR, instead of you learning a thing or two from me, how about we all start learning from each other. After all, isn't that what the hobby, and life is all about?
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