PCI Max 2006-Mini Enclosure-Mini LCD

All posts related to PCI MAX transmittors go here!

Moderators: Sir Nigel, Nina, pcs, 5r, phpBB2 - Administrators

Post Reply
User avatar
erobertg
Compulsive poster:)
Compulsive poster:)
Posts: 113
Joined: Fri Oct 29, 2004 2:01 pm

PCI Max 2006-Mini Enclosure-Mini LCD

Post by erobertg »

My PCI Max 2006 runs great but I had issues with the 2004, 2005 and 2006 software for several months. My computer just didn't like the software.

So I decided to bite the bullet and buy the mini enclosure, mini LCD and associated power supply.

Observed pluses...

1. VU Meter, nice for checking modulation, just keep out of the reds as much as possible.

2. Quiet audio, no PC power supply noise.

3. 15V power supply, provides 500 mw I'm told?

Now some bad news...

1. No means of securing the small LCD to the front panel provided. No adhesive, foam or any brackets provided.

2. No means of providing heat transfer from power transistor on LCD to case. Tab on transistor doesn't reach hole on case.

3. A heat sink/bracket for output XMTR transistor was not provided.

4. Power switch on back panel. Just where do solder 2 two yellow wires attach on the board? No instructions for assembly or use were provided.

Right now I'm using wadded tissue paper to load LCD against front panel and still have no means of heat transfer.

To wrap it up, I still need some written instructions and obviously some small parts.

Now what???
User avatar
erobertg
Compulsive poster:)
Compulsive poster:)
Posts: 113
Joined: Fri Oct 29, 2004 2:01 pm

Post by erobertg »

*Bump*
User avatar
pcs
Site master
Site master
Posts: 3132
Joined: Fri Jan 18, 2002 1:00 am
Location: Radio Land
Contact:

Post by pcs »

-----Original Message-----
From: System Administrator
Sent: 16. maj 2006 17:27
To: 'EroII@aol.com'
Subject: Undeliverable: 55071 Mini Enclosure...

Your message did not reach some or all of the intended recipients.

Subject: FW: 55071 Mini Enclosure...
Sent: 16.5.2006 17:27

The following recipient(s) could not be reached:

'EroII@aol.com' on 16.5.2006 17:27
553 Invalid address syntax
Best regards,
Marko - PCS Electronics
--------------------------------------------------------
Turn your PC into a FM radio station!
http://www.pcs-electronics.com
fax +386 4 2316 128
User avatar
erobertg
Compulsive poster:)
Compulsive poster:)
Posts: 113
Joined: Fri Oct 29, 2004 2:01 pm

Post by erobertg »

I also sent a message using PCS internal email.
User avatar
pcs
Site master
Site master
Posts: 3132
Joined: Fri Jan 18, 2002 1:00 am
Location: Radio Land
Contact:

Post by pcs »

Yes, and we replied to it. It got bounced, the error message is above.

Provice a valid email or talk to your ISP, you are not getting all emails.
AOL is deleting/bouncing some of them. I would be pissed.
Best regards,
Marko - PCS Electronics
--------------------------------------------------------
Turn your PC into a FM radio station!
http://www.pcs-electronics.com
fax +386 4 2316 128
User avatar
erobertg
Compulsive poster:)
Compulsive poster:)
Posts: 113
Joined: Fri Oct 29, 2004 2:01 pm

Post by erobertg »

* Peter's reply...

1. No means of securing the small LCD to the front panel provided. No adhesive, foam or any brackets provided.

* That why is there a hole in the midlle of the cover.

2. No means of providing heat transfer from power transistor on LCD to case. Tab on transistor doesn't reach hole on case.

* Twist the legs of the voltage regulator (power transistor) so that it will reach the hole and screw it in that hole. It also holds the lcd display in place.

3. A heat sink/bracket for output XMTR transistor was not provided.

* Heat sink on the pci card should be enough.

4. Power switch on back panel. Just where do solder 2 two yellow wires attach on the board? No instructions for assembly or use were provided.

*Solder those 2 yellow wires instead of jumper. Take jumper off.
User avatar
erobertg
Compulsive poster:)
Compulsive poster:)
Posts: 113
Joined: Fri Oct 29, 2004 2:01 pm

Post by erobertg »

Peter,

Thanks for your input.

Some suggestions...

1. Provide a single assembly sheet showing an exploded view of the assembly.

2. Using only one screw to attached to the voltage regulator and secure the LCD is a Mickey Mouse way of doing things. The LCD could easily push back and bend the regulator leads while pushing those 3 buttons to make adjustments.

3. The yellow wires should be pre-soldered to the switch while other end of the leads could be attached to a plug the same size as the jumper. It would be more intuitive and convenient as well as eliminate end user soldering in tight areas.

4. Attach 4 inexpensive self adhesive rubber feet to bottom half of the case for obvious reasons.

Other than that, the unit works very well and I'm generally pleased with the electronics.

The unit is quiet, sounds great and I really like the VU meter for checking proper modulation input levels.

Bob
User avatar
pcs
Site master
Site master
Posts: 3132
Joined: Fri Jan 18, 2002 1:00 am
Location: Radio Land
Contact:

Post by pcs »

Bob,

admit it, you're looking for a hair in the egg again :)

All these things can be easily solved with a bit of resourcefullness.
Assembling is fairly simple, apart for the jumper and wires. But anyone who asks
via e-mail is told what to do. Think of it as a puzzle. You're the first one who asked,
really, even for those two on/off wires.

We will write a manual some day. Right now we have too many things on our hands.
For now, anyone who can't use a bit of superglue should buy a fully assembled unit.
Best regards,
Marko - PCS Electronics
--------------------------------------------------------
Turn your PC into a FM radio station!
http://www.pcs-electronics.com
fax +386 4 2316 128
User avatar
erobertg
Compulsive poster:)
Compulsive poster:)
Posts: 113
Joined: Fri Oct 29, 2004 2:01 pm

Post by erobertg »

"admit it, you're looking for a hair in the egg again :)"

This wasn't some special order, the items was an advertised on your web page.

Think of how much time and money could be saved by just simply putting some good instructions.

Using voltage regulator leads and a single screw to secure the front panel is really Mickey Mouse.

And the use of rubber feet is what normal people expect in their electronic hardware.

It's those little things that show a first rate company is all about.

If you intend to stay just a second rate company, hey suit your self...
Last edited by erobertg on Thu May 18, 2006 12:16 pm, edited 1 time in total.
User avatar
pcs
Site master
Site master
Posts: 3132
Joined: Fri Jan 18, 2002 1:00 am
Location: Radio Land
Contact:

Post by pcs »

We use glue, too. It works just perfect and regulator is being cooled at the same time.
Never had a problem with this.

Screws would make it look ugly.
Best regards,
Marko - PCS Electronics
--------------------------------------------------------
Turn your PC into a FM radio station!
http://www.pcs-electronics.com
fax +386 4 2316 128
User avatar
erobertg
Compulsive poster:)
Compulsive poster:)
Posts: 113
Joined: Fri Oct 29, 2004 2:01 pm

Post by erobertg »

About that problem mounting the LCD.

Visit your neighborhood Radio Shack and buy a package of some 3/4" double sided foam tape p/n #64-2343. Apply about 2" length and center tape along the front top and bottom edges of the clamshell case.

Owing to fact your voltage regulator is connected to top half of the case via just one screw and nut, and your old 2006+ PCS card is held bottom half of the case, assembly will be rather tricky.

Carefully line up the front of the LCD face with front edges as well as center the unit using the front panel to properly orient as a guide. This is quite critical because the tape is quite sticky. Your tuning buttons and LED's have to perfectly line up with the holes or your frequency will go bonkers from misalignment during operation. After alignment, squeeze the two half's together and attach your front panel and hope for best.

If your tuning buttons are still out of alignment, repeat the previous process and pray you don't break the voltage regulator leads in the process. After you eventually get it right you'll find that squeezed sticky tape will secure the LCD assembly permanently.
Post Reply