Custom Products for the Digital Radio Amateur Enthusiast

Concept:
There is a physical fit issue when the "new" SLMOD6PM or SLMODVAR "Plug-&-Play" module is used in a DRA-100-RJ45. This has transpired because Tigertronics made a recent change (August 2022) to this popular Plug & Play jumper module. This change adds a vertical 3-pin header to select between "1200" and "9600" receive audio from a mechanical selection. This problem doesn't exist when using an older SLMOD6PM or these new modules for their intended purpose, so please don't contact Tigertronics about this change when using their products with DRA's are concerned. Our reuse of their accessories has no bearing on how they conduct their business. Of course, using the supplied jumper wires alleviates the necessity of this modification.

The modules referenced above, as supplied, are too tall to allow the case (box) to be installed. The very ends of the 3 pins come in contact with the top of the case and prevent it from sliding on. However - there is an easy modification to allow it to work and fit nicely.

Modification:
The three pin header that's installed on these modules has a black plastic spacer / separator / holder that's intended to keep the pins in alignment until the header is soldered into place. This plastic piece (outlined in red in this linked photo) can be carefully pried / slid up off of the pins and totally removed. Just work it a little at a time going back and forth between ends until it pops off - being careful not to bend the pins. The jumper (short) that's provided is an "open top" type - meaning the pins can stick through it - even if the pins are too long. After the plastic spacer is removed, the jumper can be positioned over two of the pins and slid down until the bottom of it contacts the surface of the circuit board. The excess pin length is then trimmed off with a good pair of "flush cutting pliers". These are sharp diagonal cutters that trim closely to their bottom surface. You simply lay the flush cutters along and in parallel with the top surface of the jumper and trim off the excess pin length of all three pins. In no way does this modification hinder the operation nor compromises the electrical connection or physical / mechanical strength. And - with the excess pin length trimmed - the module fits into the DRA-100-RJ45 with a little room to spare. The flush cutters also work well to carefully pry the plastic spacer off of the pins.

Here's what I use:
Harbor Freight Flush Cutting Pliers

Here is a photo of a newer unmodified SLMOD6PM module before modification:

Here are photos of a modified SLMOD6PM module with the black base removed and the pins cut off to the height of the mechanical jumper (short):   

Email Kevin Custer for additional support.
 
 

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Specifications may change without notice.
Images property of Kevin Custer - W3KKC
Board layout by Kevin Custer - W3KKC.
HTML September 6, 2022, W3KKC All Rights Reserved!