Is it really plug-and-play?
The PSE-508 plugs into the audio slot next to the 10-volt regulator in the MASTR-II station control shelf. If you don't plan to use the CTCSS encoding feature, no additional wiring is necessary. You just turn it on, configure the parameters, and you're done. If you do plan to use the CTCSS encoding, you must install a single jumper on the system board in the radio cabinet. We provide photographs and complete instructions to show you where and how.
We have many installations with our boards to date and have had only one installation that did not get immediate plug-and-play functionality. (That one was fixed by cutting a jumper on the 10-volt regulator card). The PSE-508 really makes for an easy, clean, professional plug-and-play installation.
What do I get for the price?
You get a PSE-508 printed circuit board, assembled and tested, a bound copy of the current User's Guide which includes schematics for the board, as well as telephone and email support.
Does the PSE-508 board support multiple channels?
No.
How do I know if I have an "Original PSE-508", a PSE-508-1, -2, or -3?
The original PSE-508 was introduced in October 2006 and the last one was sold in January 2007. The original PSE-508s all have PCB version 1.0 and serial numbers before 0135. They have four red LEDs in a square pattern on the edge of the board.
The PSE-508-1, -2, and -3 are all based on identical PCBs (version 2.1), and have serial numbers 0136 and above. You can tell a PSE-508-1 from a PSE-508-2 or -3 by inspection: the big chip in the middle (voice ID) is missing on the -1 but is present on the -2 and -3.
It is more difficult to tell a PSE-508-2 and PSE-508-3 apart. Both versions of the board have the same ICs installed but the firmware is different. The only way to tell for sure is to power the board up with a computer or terminal plugged into the RS-232 port and read the sign-on message.
Is this board suitable for public service or public safety applications?
No. We test our products to the best of our ability, but we do not have the resources to exhaustively test our board under every possible adverse condition. Our boards have proven to be highly reliable in the lab and in many amateur radio repeaters, but if your application requires medical or military-grade tested reliability, then you must test it yourself to ensure that it meets your operational requirements.
Technical Support
We are available for support calls from 9am to 5pm Pacific Time regarding the installation and operation of our products. The User's Guide is available on the Support page and will answer a number of questions. Answers on the Troubleshooting Tips page may also answer your questions.