XPR5550 Remote Kit - is it just connectors?

[Kaze]

After searching and not finding the info, here I am.

I've seen pics of the XPR5550 Remote Mounting Kit, but only the "pretty" side of the two main parts.

Is there a circuit in these, or are they just covers with connectors? Would it be possible to homebrew the interface and save a few bucks? Since the control head will be in a console, the mount doesn't need to be particularly pretty.

 

[Mars]

Ham radio operator?

 

[Kaze]

Myself, yes, and I'm doing comm support for aerospace and the broadcast industry.

In the case of the XPR5550, this is being installed into an aircraft.

 

[mobios]

Jeezus.

It is way understating it to say that it is "just connectors". Even if you were able to hack something together you would run the risk of bricking your radio if you get it wrong. Those interface kits are only ~$150 NEW. Why would you want to f*ck with something homebrew?

 

[Kaze]

I've never seen an extension cord brick a radio. If they are just covers with connectors, they are only extension cords.

If so, I can do what I need for about ten bucks, and I'm pretty sure I could find other uses for the extra $140 (which is about 1/4 the cost of the radio).

If I'm stuck having to buy the kit, so be it, but I don't want to spend the money only to find out that I didn't have to.

 

[com501]

Well, since the XPR is not TSO'd nor does it require a STC to install in the airframe, but your A&P sign off is going to cost you that $150 anyway, and why would you
A)Void the warranty if covered,
B)put such a kludge in a real working airframe (even if it's a 60's Cessna)
c)ruin the resale value of a perfectly fine radio.

Not to mention the possibility of violating the FCC Type Acceptance. You would have to peruse the submission documents to determine Type Acceptance.

It's just not a good idea.

 

[Kaze]

Good points, but each has already been considered on this end, and homebrew looks like the best set of trade-offs.

The only thing I'm afraid of is that there is a circuit to provide control interface, amplification, etc., which would make the whole discussion moot.

 

[Vocoder]

There is significant electronical componitry on both sides of that tubular electron pipe.
Do not leave the back of the control head exposed unless you want the receive audio to sound like a Baofeng.

 

[Vocoder]

I just ripped my XPR5550 open for you. Here's what both sides of the remote kit look like.
Radio on the left, head on the right.



This isn't anything that you want to try to replicate.

 

[Kaze]

Agreed, that answers the question once and for all!