PCI MAX 2006+ is arriving!

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pcs
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PCI MAX 2006+ is arriving!

Post by pcs »

You can read more about it here:
http://www.pcs-electronics.com/en/produ ... c_fm_trans

What is new since PCI MAX 2005?

PCI MAX 2006+ is a major design upgrade from the PCI MAX 2005. We really took our time with this version. We started by analyzing any reported problems with the previous models and we considered various ideas for improvements submitted over the years by the users. We implemented some major changes plus a number of small, but effective improvements was made, ensuring excellent audio quality and great stereo separation. Some of the improvements (not all) are listed below:

- External power supply connector moved to the back for easy access (for those with noisy PC power supplies or perfectionists trying to get the most out of their PC based FM transmitter system.
- All boards are prepared for RDS, a daughter board is simply plugged in (this could only be done in our laboratory before). Besides, the mounting of RDS board is now much more elegant.
- Additional RF stage for increased isolation (stability) and more RF power (~350mW & 1W versions available). Low power version will be noticeably stronger than the old 2005 cards.
- A LED diode at the PC backplate for transmitter power indication, it makes it possible to check whether transmitter is ON or OFF (and what the power level is). Its very handy for troubleshooting and looks good, too.
- DC/DC convertor is now synchronized with stereo encoder, which eliminates interference problems.
- Power adjustment circuitry has been redesigned entirely and now performs much better.
- A trimmer lets users set maximum adjustable power (to say 0-50mW or 0-250mW)
- PLL loop filter was redesigned for better audio quality
- 15KHz low pass filter was added (this was really needed as it sounds much better now).
- Improved PCB layout
- An optional external box will be provided as well as miniature LCD display board with VU meter (2x5LEDs)
- 50KHz PLL steps

This is a more/less complete list.

We will be releasing PCI MAX 2006+ on December 1st! RDS daughter boards are expected to arrive 1-2 weeks after PCI MAX 2006+ and can be shipped later and easily installed by the customer.

SAVE 20 EURO BY ORDERING NOW !
We are now taking pre-orders for PCI MAX 2006+. You can order now and save 20 Euro (cards will be 20 Euro more expensive when they start shipping on December the 1st).


This pre-release price rebate (20 euro) was established to reward all
those patiently waiting for the new model.


We will be selling boxes and minuature LCD display units, which together make for an attractive, small and feature rich stand-alone stereo (maybe even RDS) transmitter.

More details as the release date approaches.
Last edited by pcs on Sun Dec 10, 2006 9:06 pm, edited 1 time in total.
Best regards,
Marko - PCS Electronics
--------------------------------------------------------
Turn your PC into a FM radio station!
http://www.pcs-electronics.com
fax +386 4 2316 128
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Post by anon »

Please forgive me if I am just overlooking this but are the prices listed at http://www.pcs-electronics.com/en/produ ... c_fm_trans the prices before or after the 20 euro discount?
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Post by pcs »

PCI MAX 2005 used to cost 149, the current price on the website
for regular version is 129.

Yes, prices on the website are already 20 euro cheaper.
They will be increased 20 euro once the card starts shipping.
Best regards,
Marko - PCS Electronics
--------------------------------------------------------
Turn your PC into a FM radio station!
http://www.pcs-electronics.com
fax +386 4 2316 128
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Post by Sir Nigel »

Cool!

Question. Is the 1 watt version completely adjustable in output power, and is it mechanical or software driven?
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Post by pcs »

There are two ways to adjust the power.

First, there is a trimmer that sets the power cap,
the maximum power that can be adjusted with software.

Next there's software control from 0 to whatever the maximum
is.
Best regards,
Marko - PCS Electronics
--------------------------------------------------------
Turn your PC into a FM radio station!
http://www.pcs-electronics.com
fax +386 4 2316 128
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Post by anhisr »

Since the 2006 driver will work with the old 2005 card, when do you think you will be able to post it in download section. The 2004 driver seems to be having its share of problems for me now. I need to show it to the person that is thinking of buying me 2005 card so, I can move up to 2006.
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Post by pcs »

Around the same time the card gets released.

I do have another proposal, today I had problems installing
one card on a system and the easy solution was to install
the old pci max plus driver on top of the other installs without
previously uninstallilng them.

Than I used the new 2005 user interface and it worked.
Best regards,
Marko - PCS Electronics
--------------------------------------------------------
Turn your PC into a FM radio station!
http://www.pcs-electronics.com
fax +386 4 2316 128
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Post by anhisr »

I have already tried that and it didn't work for me. Sometimes if I start the 2005 and get the moved the card error, close 2005 and start 2004 the 2004 dirver will work as good as it ever has. It is just a shot in the dark that I try. December will be here soon enough
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Post by pcs »

Best regards,
Marko - PCS Electronics
--------------------------------------------------------
Turn your PC into a FM radio station!
http://www.pcs-electronics.com
fax +386 4 2316 128
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Post by anon »

The new PCI Max looks great! It looks like there is no trimmer for power adjustment on the board though there is a place for one, is that right or am I not seeing another trimmer somewhere else?

I like the LED in the back plate and, as minor and rediculous as it is, I like that there is a blue heatsink to match the caps - it will look great in my case.

Can't wait 'til mine arrives!
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Post by Sir Nigel »

anon wrote:Can't wait 'til mine arrives!
Same here!

Ooohh, look at all the colours.
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Post by pcs »

You should see it with the green LED on and
the leds in the limiter blinking :)

Update: all 350mW were shipped, the 1W are slated
for monday.

About 50 units were purchased in the "20 euro off special"
frenzy. We lost 1000 euro, but 50 guys out there appreciate
it :)
Best regards,
Marko - PCS Electronics
--------------------------------------------------------
Turn your PC into a FM radio station!
http://www.pcs-electronics.com
fax +386 4 2316 128
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Post by anhisr »

I noticed on the 2006 model there is not a place to plug in speakers to listen to the music at your computer. On the old units there were two mini jacks.
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Post by Sir Nigel »

Yeah I noticed that too. Although I must say I've never needed to use it and a splitter right before your input would work just as well. Having three soundcards in your computer also helps. :lol:
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Can't find setup.exe on the cd...

Post by erobertg »

I can't seem to find setup.exe in the root directory...

Can I download it?
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Post by erobertg »

On the provided CD-ROM there's all kinds of stuff even for RDS, music and other nonessentials. But nothing for firing up the card. I even tried searching hidden files, nothing... No Setup.EXE.

BTW....I use Windows XP...

It would be sure nice if you could simply download the required file(s) without going thru all kinds of waiting and aggravation.
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Post by pcs »

It should be under drivers

If all fails, check our website, support, software download.
The 2005 driver will work with 2006+
Best regards,
Marko - PCS Electronics
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http://www.pcs-electronics.com
fax +386 4 2316 128
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Post by erobertg »

There is no drivers directory on the CD Rom I got...

How do you get into support?
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Post by pcs »

http://www.pcs-electronics.com/en/index.php?sub=support

I'm not entirely sure about the CD as Peter is handling those,
but the driver is definitely there.
Best regards,
Marko - PCS Electronics
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http://www.pcs-electronics.com
fax +386 4 2316 128
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Post by erobertg »

NO...THE DRIVER ISN'T ON THE CD YOU SENT.

BTW...I was finally able to get a password to the support section, and I downloaded the the 2005 setup program.

Next round of problems, I have two free slots...The card worked in neither. The message popped up saying it was unable to find the card, move it to another slot or reload the software. I did all that, still nothing...

Actually windows should automatically recognize new hardware at startup and then load software from disk. If there's any conflicts it handles them there. That's the modern way...

I'll wait till the 16th to try the 2006 software. If that don't work I guess I'll have to send the card back.

Lastly, I'd work on quality control issues...
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