It is a siren's call! It is burning a hole in your pocket and almost as good as Mary Jo after a feast on a Bob's Big Boy Hamburger.
So yesterday was Father's Day and I announced that if any presents should pass on to me that the wording Amazon Gift Card should appear somewhere. That worked well! Maybe blog readers were clever enough to use my ploy and you too have some gift cards.
So now I am flush with resources and a visit to Amazon produced this jewel.
This 50 Watt CB "leenear" good from 3 to 30 MHz can be had for $70. It has two (not one but two) 5 Star ratings.
This is certainly tantalizing especially with the ARRL Field Day coming next weekend. Or you POTA, SOTA, IOTA guys can get the Xiegu GC106 and with BJ-200 operate at 50 Watts from that exotic location.
But just like a blonde hottie likely the looks belie what may be under the hood. There are some telling things just from the outset -- so before you flash your Amazon Gift Cards -- what are you buying? The write up is certainly scant. There is a caution about not using high and low voltage -- the Vin is 13.8 VDC so I see a flashing red light and have no idea what that means! The Model Number is BJ-200 which is maybe a clue -- Bad Joke #200.
Firstly, the packaging and size (and cost) make you drool. But there is no band switch so likely one (or none) Low Pass Filter in the mix. But that is OK as you can always add external LPF boxes.
Next, a real RF Device will cost more than $70 to produce 50 watts. Thus, some IRF510 type devices (maybe IRF530) are in the mix where likely you could see 50 watts on 20M but if lucky only 25 on 10M. But that may be OK as on Field Day everyone is 5X9.
Has the "RF in a Box" passed by the FCC and is it type certified. Like the Baofeng UV35R -- many are sold and if you get a pink slip from Friendly Cousin Charlie (FCC) it is on you for using the device without 1st checking its legality.
But you argue -- it was sold by Amazon!
On the other side the new technology and improved manufacturing processes plus Chinese dumping of products could in fact bring viable products that sort of work for a price of $70.
I would not rush to buy this although terribly tempted by this red headed hottie until it was clear what is in the box and how good of an amp it is. But if it does pass the smell test this would be a great afterburner for a QRP radio.
So, OK the temptation is too great for you -- after you get it working let me know how good it is.
73's
Pete N6QW