Custom Products for the Digital Radio Amateur Enthusiast

Can I still use the RA-Series for digital applications?
Yes - But we recommend using DRA's unless there's some specific reason not to. It's generally easier and cheaper in the long run.

How did the DRA Series come about?
The DRA Series digital radio adapters are the result of re-engineering the very successful RA-25, '35 and '40 AllStar Link radio adapters with digital communications applications and Windows® operating environments in mind. Like the RA Series, the DRA's are very high quality - but quite affordable.

When the developer of VARA FM introduced PTT capability for the C-Media sound chips, several folks started using the RA-25 very successfully in digital installations. A few forward thinking individuals suggested some changes to make it more suited for digital deployments. In December of 2019, I redesigned the RA-25, and took delivery of 30 prototype boards a few weeks later. These were called the RA-25K. The "K" meant it was compatible with Kantronics cables and wiring. All of the prototypes were deployed and everyone reported great success. The RA-25K went through a few more refinements, like the addition of potentiometers for adjusting the transmitter audio level manually. The final result is the production model "DRA-30".

Similarly the RA-40 was redesigned with many changes to make it more digital friendly, and that became the DRA-45. The DRA-30 and DRA-45 are the basis of which all other DRA's are designed.

So what's different between the RA and DRA Series?
Here are the high points:

• The DRA-30, 45, and 65 have a DB9 pinout that matches the Kantronics KPC-3. It can be adapted to a Mini-DIN-6 with optional "DIN-6" adapter board.
  
• The DRA-34 has a RJ45 female radio connector.
• The DRA-36, 50, 70, and 80 have a Mini-DIN-6 female radio connector.
• PTT logic protection circuit to keep the Red LED from unintentionally illuminating.
  
• Several option jumpers used to enable and disable some features.
  
• Two TX audio level potentiometers to finely set TX deviation levels.
  
• Push To Talk resistor options for keying portable radios. (DRA-30 Only)
  
• VOX PTT capability with DRA-65, DRA-70, and DRA-80, or optionally with the DRA-45 when the VOX-10 board is added.
  

What hasn't changed?

• The DRA Series adapters still work for AllStar Link.
  
• Like the RA-40, the DRA-45, 50, 65, 70, and 80 have lots of transmit audio for those harder to drive radios.
  
• The size of the circuit board - all RA's and DRA's fit into the RA/DRA-Case.
• Quality & Value!

DRA-30 Low-Cost High-Quality digital USB radio adapter.
DRA-34 Similar to the DRA-30 but with a RJ45 radio connector.
DRA-36 Similar to the DRA-30 but with a Mini-DIN-6 radio connector.
DRA-45 High-Quality digital USB radio adapter with TX audio amplifiers for more TX audio level.
DRA-50 Similar to the DRA-45 but with a Mini-DIN-6 radio connector.
DRA-65 High-Quality VOX capable digital USB radio adapter with high transmit level capability.
DRA-70 Similar to the DRA-65 but with a Mini-DIN-6 radio connector.
DRA-80 Similar to the DRA-70 but uses a relay to properly key some HF stations.

Other Options:
The DIN-6 radio connector adapter can be added optionally to the DRA-Series to convert the DB9 radio connector to Mini-DIN-6 female.
The RJ45-6 radio connector adapter can be added optionally to the DRA-Series to convert the DB9 radio connector to RJ45 female.
The VOX-10 Voice (DATA) Activated PTT adapter can be added optionally to the DRA-45.
The RA/DRA-Case can be added optionally to any of the RA or DRA Series radio adapters to protect it. It's a nice 3D printed plastic case. Choose the desired color!

Email Kevin Custer for more information, ordering by check, and/or support of these exciting products.

Products of Masters Communications, all rights reserved.
Specifications may change without notice.
Images are property of Kevin Custer - W3KKC
Board layouts by Kevin Custer - W3KKC
HTML March 10, 2020, W3KKC All Rights Reserved!