RA-38 Radio Adapter Interface Board - by Masters Communications

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Model RA-38
For Two-Way Radio Applications

Pricing:
- Unassembled Kit - NO Case - $50.00 each.
- Unassembled Kit with Plastic Case * - $65.00 each.
- Unassembled Kit with Metal Case # - $80.00 each.
- Assembled and Tested - NO Case - $80.00 each.
- Assembled and Tested with Plastic Case * - $95.00 each.
- Assembled and Tested with Metal Case # - $110.00 each.

* The RA-Case is available optionally in several colors for the RA-Series radio adapters - $15.00 each.
# The Metal-SC Case is available optionally in blue, black or red for the RA-Series radio adapters - $30.00 each.

Shipping and handling is calculated at checkout for US and International orders.
First-Class shipping available to most locations worldwide, calculated at checkout.
PayPal accepted - order below.

Looking for radio adapters for digital applications? See our new DRA-Series.

RA-38 REV1 top photo - shown larger than actual size.
(Click to see larger impge.)

Shown with configuration socket "manually" wired for Baofeng UV-5R.

What is it - and why do I need it?
The RA-38 is intended to easily make a portable AllStar Link RF hotspot. It easily connects to some portable radios like the Baofeng UV-5R (not included) to make a simplex AllStar Link node with little fuss. Works on VARA FM narrow and other slower digital data protocols too. The RA-38 senses the COS signal that's available at the radios Earphone jack and connects using a cable available from another vendor. This enables the user to easily make a simplex node without needing to do any modifications or building radio cables. The radio cable is not included or available from me - you will need to purchase it separately / additionally from Tigertronics to complete the package (details below).

Quick features list:

  • Modification of the radio is NOT required.
  • On-board COS circuitry and a (yellow) LED to show receiver activity.
  • Pre-made radio cable is available from Tigertronics (NOT included).
  • Works with VARA FM for digital data (at lower "narrow" speeds).
  • Comes with pre-stripped wires for "manually wiring" the configuration socket (eliminates the need to purchase a configuration module).
  • Pre-made configuration modules (jumper modules) are available to easily map out the required radio cable wiring - (no soldering required - plugs into the configuration socket instead of the jumper wires).
  • Near Plug-&-Play operation - (audio calibration may be required - radio dependent).
  • Use of low power and a remotely mounted antenna is encouraged to minimize RF interference to the host computer (Raspberry Pi).
  • Supplied with a ferrite equipped USB cable to help reduce RFI problems.
  • Radio cables and configuration modules are NOT included.
  • Baofeng radio is NOT included.
    For the Baofeng UV-5R - use the following cable from Tigertronics - Purchased Separately:
    Tigertronics SLCABHTW
    NOTE: We supply the RA-38 pre-configured for use with the above cable.
    However, you may want the matching configuration module for other reasons - available below.
    Tigertronics SLMOD6PM Purchased Separately:
    NOTE: Set the SLMOD6PM jumper module to the "12" (1200) position.
    All RAs come with a USB cable to connect the interface to the host computer or Raspberry Pi. The cable supplied with the RA-38 has been upgraded with ferrite choke filtering to help reduce RFI and help provide stable operation. RFI issues can result when using a portable radio with a rubber duck antenna directly attached to the radio. Secure PayPal Ordering
    Quantity can be changed at PayPal after pressing the "Add to Cart" button.
    Choose selection carefully!
    RA-38 Unassembled Kit (NO Case)
    RA-38 Unassembled Kit (With Plastic Case)
    Case Color - Use down arrow to choose.
    White Black Blue Bright Red Dark Cherry Red Pearl White

    RA-38 Unassembled Kit (With Metal Case)
    Case (box) Color - Use down arrow to choose:
    Black Blue Red
    RA-38 Assembled & Tested (NO Case)
    RA-38 Assembled & Tested (With Plastic Case)
    Case Color - Use down arrow to choose.
    White Black Blue Bright Red Dark Cherry Red Pearl White

    RA-38 Assembled & Tested (With Metal Case)
    Case (box) Color - Use down arrow to choose:
    Black Blue Red

    Shipping amount is calculated at checkout for shipping to most locations Worldwide.
    Support Documentation - Schematic, Parts List, installation and set-up instructions for the RA-38.
    RA-38 Construction Article.
    Summary Features List.
    Detailed Description.
    Plastic case for the RA-38.
    Custom cables available from Tigertronics. They have custom radio cables and configuration jumper modules for the RA-38 for many radios.
    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 May 19, 2023, W3KKC All Rights Reserved!
    Page last modified 03/10/2025 09:20:59
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RA-38 Radio Adapter Interface Board - by Masters Communications