Ameritron ARB-704 Universal amplifier interface buffer Review

Amplifier Interface Buffer The ARB-704 advanced interface is compatible with all common radios and amplifiers even though radios and amplifiers do not have standardized voltages, accessory plugs, or wiring. This interface is designed to work with any amplifier/radio combination. The input is designed to be compatible with any transmitter or transceiver, and the output is compatible with AC control lines or DC positive or negative amplifier control lines having up to 200 Volts peak open circuit voltage and 300 mA of operating current. Why you need the ARB-704 Amplifiers can damage radios if the amplifier has too much relay control voltage, voltage spikes, or excessive current on the relay control line. Such damage often appears as “stuck” or “sticky” transmit relays in exciters or shorted transistors on transmit control lines. In most cases where the radio is damaged, the system transmits normally but the external amplifier stays locked in a “transmit” mode. This prevents receive signals from coming through the amplifier with normal levels whenever the amplifier is in the “ON” or “OPERATE” position. The ARB-704 has many electrical advantages over conventional relay buffer systems. The ARB-704 has no moving parts, switches almost instantaneously. It is noiseless, has very long life, and will not develop dirty contacts. It operates with negative, AC, or positive amplifier relay control lines.