FC-301/D Mini Data Transceiver
For systems that must be small and lightweight, and where
RF output power requirements are low to moderate, a "mini" radio
transceiver can often be used instead of a full-blown Amateur Radio
transceiver. Such mini transceivers are usually designed for use in a
telemetry or telecontrol system, for example to periodically send out measurement data,
or control/status commands to a remote site.
One of such transceivers is the FC-301/D,
manufactured by Friendcom
Ltd in Shenzhen, China. We have been using this radio for a variety of
projects, some being analog (audio) based, and some being digital with the
use of modem boards. The transceiver is currently available for the 2m
(140-170MHz) and 70cm (400-470MHz) bands, and a 23cm (1240-1300MHz)
version is possible, depending on requests from buyers.
By design, this transceiver can be used for both regular analog audio
projects (it has a built-in MIC preamp circuit, as well as an LF amp for a
small speaker), as well as most digital projects, by also providing access
to the discriminator- and modulator audio lines, which is needed by most
high-speed data applications. The selection between these two modes ("audio"
and "data") is done with a jumper, inside the unit.
The firmware shipped in the radio can be configured for up to 16 channels,
each with separate RX and TX frequencies. The actual channel used can be
selected through a software command, or by setting the "channel select" DIP
switch on the inside of the unit.
Some general info on the units is below:
| Technical Specifications: |
|
| Certifications: |
Complies with CE EN300086, FCC Parts22,74,90,210 |
| |
|
| Carrier frequency: |
VHF/UHF |
| Frequency range: |
136-174 / 400-470 MHz |
| Modulation method: |
Direct FM |
| Channel spacing: |
25kHz /12.5kHz |
| Step range: |
5 kHz, 6.25 kHz, 10 kHz, 12.5 kHz, 25 kHz |
| RF output power: |
1-5W programmable |
| Channels: |
16 |
| Frequency stability: |
±2.5ppm |
| Antenna Output Impedance: |
50Ω |
| Antenna Socket: |
BNC |
| DC Power Supply: |
+9 ~+15V, 13.8V typical |
| DC Power Usgae: |
< 0.8A @ 1W, < 1.5A @ 5W |
| Dimensions: |
117(L) x 62(W) x 30(H) mm |
| Weight: |
150g |
This little radio is a perfect match with the GMSK modulation used by
D-STAR systems, and several people have already built setups consisting of a
PC running the HotSpot software, a Node Adapter board, and an FC-301/D radio
for use as a local gateway to the D-STAR network.
You can download the User Manual, Programming Software from our
Software page The Windows driver
for the USB-based Programming Cable can also be found there!
If you have pictures of your setup, and wish to share them,
let us know !
DUTCH*Star is the point-of-sale for this part of the world,
and have been given all rights by the people at Friendcom in China. You can
order these radios (and some accesories) through our Web Shop.