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Differences between the Model RA-40 and RA-40M.
What's different and what's not.


Quick Explanation:
The RA-40M sound card is made specifically for our extruded & anodized Metal-SC Cases. The "M" Series sound cards have the same high-performance as our Standard Series, and in most cases even have the same model number - just with a M appended to the end.

The RA-40M is a mechanically and electrically refined RA-40 that's easier to use because of easier to access headers and jumpers, and, (mostly) eliminating the need for adapter rails and their associated attachment hardware.

Revision 2 puts the blue COMM OK LED on the front panel, and adds selectable Relay or Transistor PTT keying. All usable features are retained, and all headers / jumpers are numbered the same as a RA-40.

   
RA-40M Front and Rear



More information for those willing to continue reading:
If you've ever purchased a RA-25 thru RA-42 along with a Metal-SC case, you know that adapter rails are used to make the board wider and longer - so it can slide into the mating slots of the metal cases. The rails are simply installed as part of the build process. The M Series circuit boards eliminate the need for adapter rails and maximizes usability because the board is a little larger. The new boards slide directly into the slots of the metal case. The boards have a tinned copper shielding enhancement area that slides into the slots of the metal case. This tinned area maximizes the coupling between the board and case and minimizes RFI.

Plastic cases allow all LED's to be viewed from the top. Prior to REV2 M Series boards - there was no easy way to view the blue COMM OK LED when a board was placed in a Metal-SC case. As shown above, a new front panel adds the blue LED, and new rear panels properly identify the M Series boards.

The PTT keying method is selectable by two mechanical jumpers. You choose between Transistor or Relay keying. The Relay position adds compatibility with all radios. The Transistor position insures the fastest keying on radios that are okay with electronic keying. A reed type relay minimizes the keying delay when this option must be used.

Because the M series circuit boards are slightly larger, we now have the room to move things around without compromising performance. In the case of the RA-40M - we've moved the headers to a more easily accessible spot. Needle nose pliers are no longer required to move any jumpers.

All headers and jumpers share the same numerical designation as the original RA-40. Even the part numbers are the same between the two boards. If you know these boards well - you won't need to learn anything new!

We currently make the following M Series products:

  • DRA-30M
  • DRA-36M
  • DRA-39M
  • DRA-45M
  • DRA-50M
  • RA-40M
  • RA-42M
  • RA-DR1XM

    And - we'll still supply any other Standard RA or DRA board in a metal case when that option is chosen - using adapter rails and hardware.


    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 June 16, 2024 - W3KKC All Rights Reserved!