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USB Radio Adapter Interface Board
For Two-Way Radio Applications

Support Documentation
for
Model RA-33

Looking for radio adapters for digital applications? See our new DRA-Series.


Top side of RA-33 board - shown slightly enlarged.
(Click photo to show a very large image)

Bottom side of RA-33 board - shown slightly enlarged.
(Click photo to show a very large image)

Schematic Image - Click to download a high quality PDF.

Overview of the RA-33
1, EEPROM is NOT supplied - but it can be installed optionally.
2, Access to all GPIO from circuit board 'lands' marked G1 through G8.
3, PSEL option (preconfigured for a ground - see below).
4 VSEL option (preconfigured for an open - see below).
5, Kits come with the surface-mount IC preinstalled.

The PSEL and VSEL options are only required for proper operation of the CM119 (without the A suffix) or the CM108. All boards are shipped with CM119A chips, and PSEL and VSEL are preconfigured for normal operation and won't require any jumpers or other attention.

If you purchased our kit, refer to the parts list and make sure you have all of the components you need to build it.
Click here for Parts List.

Construction/Assembly:
Click here for assembly instructions and construction notes - with large photo.

Optional Plastic Case:
A Plastic Case is available optionally for the RA-33. Choose this option from our PayPal ordering drop-down. See below.

Installation:
This device is intended to be installed inside a radio, computer, or project box for protection. Refer to the schematic for the pinout of the DB9F where all of the logic signals, power connections, and audio signals are listed.
Click here for DB9, jumpers and other board connection assignments.

H1 and H2 header pin assignments:
Click here
for a detailed header pin explanation. The primary purpose of the headers H1 and H2 are for installation of optional FL-10 audio filters. The FL-10 is designed to be installed onto the header pins directly or remotely by extending the four pins with wires. Jumpers are needed over the center two pins if the optional filters are not installed.

Recommended powering requirements:
The board is supplied with 5 VDC from the USB connection. The optional FL-10 audio filters can run from this, or from an external power source of 10 to 30 VDC. Jumper JU2 controls where the voltage for the filter is sourced from.

Recommended receive audio input level:
The RA-33 accepts the widest range of audio compared to any other similar radio adapter. The input signal is attenuated by a potentiometer, giving the broadest range of acceptable levels. As little as 20 mV P-P can be used with a setting of rxboost=1, and as much as 20 volts P-P with a setting of rxboost=0. If your receive audio level is adjustable or programmable we recommend around 2.0 volts P-P and a rxboost=0 setting. This allows very good signal-to-noise ratio and low cabling cross talk. This level results in a 50% rotational setting of the potentiometer.

Which C-Media chipset is used?
All boards are supplied with a Genuine C-Media CM119A.

The board was designed to be versatile, and can be used with a CM108, CM119 in addition to the CM119A. There are slight differences between these components, and the board can be 'programmed' to accept any of the three.

Information on the CM119A.
Click here
to download a manual for the C-Media CM119A.

Secure PayPal ordering from the main RA-33 page.

Custom radio cables are available from URI Cables. They will build a custom cable for the RA-33 for many radios.

Third Party Compatible Projects:
MABEL is an interface and software that allows analog control of the Yaesu DR-1X repeater and access to the AllStar VOIP network with the Raspberry Pi3 and AllStar Asterisk. (Offsite Link)

Email Kevin Custer for ordering information, ordering by check, and/or support of this exciting product.
 
 

Product of Masters Communications, all rights reserved.
Specifications may change without notice.
Images property of Kevin Custer - W3KKC
Board layout by Kevin Custer - W3KKC.
HTML 11-24-2020, W3KKC All Rights Reserved!