I guess you're about half done with the board now.
Dugger, if you're really looking for a transmitter quick, you might want to check into the "Spitfire" model on auction sites, it's similar to the AMT 3000 here, with the chip layout and switched inductors and tuneup cap at the output.
I haven't tried the Spitfire, but a few people like it, going by videos I've seen.
Thanks Nate! Yeah, I mentioned that earlier. See the replies on that. I saw a Hamilton Rangemaster in the 'Bayster recently. It was going for $300. That's two month's savings. There's gotta be a ProCaster or Rangemaster out there on the 2nd hand market!
I might save for the iAM Radio Enhanced Audio TH5 for $295. Too bad about Phil. He had a great product! Wonder what happened to him...
Doug
$300 is still nearly 60% off the cost of a new one.
What I like about the TH and the SSTRAN? Easy setup. The TH ran for more than a year, with the wire antenna hanging out my 2nd floor window! It covered downtown from the fire station to the trestle bridge! All of Water Street!
I would expect the SSTRAN would do at least that well, using the wire antenna. Hang it out the window like the TH. But I love the audio on the SSTRAN! If the new Enhanced Audio TH is at least that good, then I'll save for that, and get it next month.
Doug
Yes, I'm almost done with the AMT3000. I made a good but think I can fix it with patience. Looks like I'm missing two capacitors. Since I had trouble with the owner communicating I thought about just dropping into my local electronics shop and buying them.
No communication, 60 days late, missing components. That's all I need to know! Sad...
Doug
Just got an email from SSTRAN. The 3000 is on the way, Priority Mail! Wow!
Doug
I am glad to hear that. I had contacted them also inquiring about the length of time it would take to get an AMT5000 shipped. I have not heard back yet.
I ended up buying a Hamilton Rangemaster from Ebay. I hope it works out...it hasn't arrived yet. I hope that I gain some distance with it.
My AMT3000 is a great transmitter. I love the way it sounds. I have plans to set it up in a remote location for more coverage.
All things being equal, the Rangemaster should give you greater range. I had the best range with my Rangemaster - and I've owned an AMT3000, various Talking Houses, the Talking Sign, and probably a few that I've forgotten about.
I can see out of only one eye. I had a "stroke" in my right eye about four years ago. I have no 3-D vision which makes it VERY difficult to do stuff like this. I got solder in a wrong hole. I need to correct that before continuing. I can barely see stuff like this. I need LIGHT anf a magnifier.
So, I bought the SpitFire and LOVE it! But, it's my BACK-UP transmitter! I'll be getting back to the SSTRAN soon.
Doug
I am reprinting this from another site:
This was posted in another set of forums (for antique radio collectors, some of whom use Part 15 to broadcast music for reception on their collection of antique radios) and I though I would pass it along here, as I don't recall seeing Bill's byline there so he may not see the original post:
Subject: Warning about SSTran
I've purchased the A.M. transmitters from SSTran in the past, but last month I ordered 2 more, which I never received. I sent Phil 5 emails, with no response. Finally I opened a case with Paypal. They also tried to contact them, with no response either. Looks like they're out of business?
Their website is still up, and you can still order products from them, but unless you want to throw your money away, or at least have it tied up for a month or so, I wouldn't advise it.
FYI, they are talking about this over on the Antique Radio Forum also. No one is getting their orders there either.
So, you see, all is not well at SSTRAN yet. To be fair, this post was made:
This was supposedly posted by Phil on his Ontheair3 page:
"Please Note: As of October 27th I'm unable to accept new orders until all current orders are complete."
So he must be dealing with a large backlog of orders. Some have suggested waiting two months before filing a claim with PayPal.
Wow. It got bigger than Phil can handle! So SSTRAN is not gone. Just swamped.
Doug
Well I think this is encouraging. I have just ordered an AMT5000 and hope to get started soon. I have read about the shipping delays and I'm ok with that but Jim I do hope to get it within a month!
Hmmm. I placed an order with him just yesterday and my debit card was processed, so I HOPE this means the backlog is cleared! It's been my experience that most vendors will not hit your credit/debit card until they are ready to ship. However if that's not the case this time I'm still ok. I understand how a small operation with a great product can get swamped, and I do not think he would be swamped if it was not a great product. I am willing to be patient and give the man the benefit of the doubt though I hope I do receive it within 30 days, 60 days at the outside.
Jim
Craig, If you want plug and play then you might wish to contact Pat at [Edit by mod...link removed due to the possibly illegal practice of selling uncertified assembled kits] who offers the SSTRANs assembled and tested. Not sure that you will get it any quicker though.
If that's such a hassle, then no one seems to have a problem with the Spitfire. Look on our favorite auction site for that. In fact, when you go there, type AM Transmitter in the search bar. The SpitFire is the first one listed! $90 and change...
Doug