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Model RA-38 & RA-38M
For Two-Way Radio Applications

    Pricing:
  • Unassembled Kit - NO Case - $50.00 each.
  • Unassembled Kit with Plastic Case * - $65.00 each.
  • RA-38M Unassembled Kit with Metal Case # - $80.00 each.
  • Assembled and Tested - NO Case - $80.00 each.
  • Assembled and Tested with Plastic Case * - $95.00 each.
    		•
  • RA-38M Assembled and Tested with Metal Case # - $110.00 each.
    		•

    * The RA-Case is available optionally in several colors - $15.00 each.
    # The RA-38M comes with a blue, black or red metal case.

    Article on the differences between the RA-38 and RA-38M

    Shipping and handling is calculated at checkout for US and International orders.
    First-Class shipping available to most locations worldwide, calculated at checkout.
    PayPal accepted - order below.

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


    RA-38 REV1 top photo - shown larger than actual size.
    (Click to see larger impge.)

    Shown with configuration socket "manually" wired for Baofeng UV-5R.



    What is it - and why do I need it?
    The RA-38 is intended to easily make a portable AllStar Link RF hotspot. It easily connects to some portable radios like the Baofeng UV-5R (not included) to make a simplex AllStar Link node with little fuss. Works on VARA FM narrow and other slower digital data protocols too. The RA-38 senses the COS signal that's available at the radios Earphone jack and connects using a cable available from another vendor. This enables the user to easily make a simplex node without needing to do any modifications or building radio cables. The radio cable is not included or available from me - you will need to purchase it separately / additionally from Tigertronics to complete the package (details below).

    Quick features list:

  • Modification of the radio is NOT required.
  • On-board COS circuitry and a (yellow) LED to show receiver activity.
  • Pre-made radio cable is available from Tigertronics (NOT included).
  • Works with VARA FM for digital data (at lower "narrow" speeds).
  • Comes with pre-stripped wires for "manually wiring" the configuration socket (eliminates the need to purchase a configuration module).
  • Pre-made configuration modules (jumper modules) are available to easily map out the required radio cable wiring - (no soldering required - plugs into the configuration socket instead of the jumper wires).
  • Near Plug-&-Play operation - (audio calibration may be required - radio dependent).
  • Use of low power and a remotely mounted antenna is encouraged to minimize RF interference to the host computer (Raspberry Pi).
  • Supplied with a ferrite equipped USB cable to help reduce RFI problems.
  • Radio cables and configuration modules are NOT included.
  • Baofeng radio is NOT included.

    For the Baofeng UV-5R - use the following cable from Tigertronics - Purchased Separately:
    Tigertronics SLCABHTW

    NOTE: We normally supply the RA-38 pre-configured for use with the above cable.
    However, you may want the matching configuration module for other reasons - available below.

    The configuration socket is the 16 pin IC socket that allows the RJ45 to be configured properly with various cables / radios. For a Baofeng portable - they follow this wiring scheme:

    1 - MC
    2 - GND
    3 - PT
    5 - SP

    The proper arrangement can be seen on the photo of the RA-38 above.

    Tigertronics SLMOD6PM Purchased Separately:
    NOTE: Set the SLMOD6PM jumper module to the "12" (1200) position.

    All RAs come with a USB cable to connect the interface to the host computer or Raspberry Pi. The cable supplied with the RA-38 has been upgraded with ferrite choke filtering to help reduce RFI and help provide stable operation. RFI issues can result when using a portable radio with a rubber duck antenna directly attached to the radio.


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    RA-38 Unassembled Kit - NO Plastic Case

    RA-38 Unassembled Kit with Plastic Case

    RA-38M Unassembled Kit with Metal Case

    RA-38 Assembled & Tested - NO Plastic Case

    RA-38 Assembled & Tested (With Plastic Case)

    RA-38M Assembled & Tested with Metal Case

    Shipping amount is calculated at checkout for shipping to most locations Worldwide.


    Support Documentation - Schematic, Parts List, installation and set-up instructions for the RA-38.
    RA-38 Construction Article.
    Summary Features List.
    Detailed Description.
    Plastic case for the RA-38.
    RA-38M Support Documentation.

    Custom cables available from Tigertronics. They have custom radio cables and configuration jumper modules for the RA-38 and RA-38M for many radios.
    For the Baofeng UV-5R - use the following cable from Tigertronics - Purchased Separately:
    Tigertronics SLCABHTW

    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 are property of Kevin Custer - W3KKC
    Board layout by Kevin Custer - W3KKC
    HTML May 19, 2023, W3KKC All Rights Reserved!