FC-301/D Mini 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 of
tele-control 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 from 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 they are working on a 23cm
(1240-1300MHz) version as well.
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.
As is often the case with products from Asia, the manual is not very good..
this is mostly a matter of not being fluent enough in the language, and we
now have received permission to write a new manual for the radio. Until the
new manual is ready, you can download a copy of the current one
here.
Some general info on the units is below:
| Certifications: |
Complies with CE EN300086, FCC Parts22,74,90,210 |
| Built-in software watchdog |
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| Two-way audio telecommunication, frequency programmable. |
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| Technical Specifications: |
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| Carrier frequency: |
VHF/UHF |
| Frequency range: |
400-470MHz (70cm band) |
| 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: |
Q9K (BNC) |
| DC Power Supply: |
+9 ~+15V, 13.8V typical |
| 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.
If you have pictures of your setup, and wish to share them,
let us know !
Starting June 25th, we are 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
now order these radios through our Web Shop.