[TenTec] Obtaining a noise blanker module for the Scout 555

[Jerry Volpe]

I can only think of two possibilities for adding a Noise Blanker to a 
Scout or Agro that doesn't already have one:

1. Buy a Scout with the module installed and sell your Scout (or mix and 
match parts of the two Scouts and sell the version you don't want to 
keep. I just bought a second Scout directly from Ten-Tec with the noise 
blanker installed. In my case I am keeping both Scouts.... one for the 
car and one at the station (fixed and portable).

2. Build your own noise blanker board. This is probably not as difficult 
as it may sound. The schematic is readily available (although it was 
only in one of my two Scout manuals). No special connectors are needed 
and the parts count isn't that high:

2ea MC1350 ICs
3 ea MPS6514
2 ea 2N5087
2 ea 2.8 uH variable inductors
Assortment of standard resistors and capacitors

I imagine a few of the more unique parts might be available in small 
quantity from Ten-Tec service but I would start with Digikey, JAN,  etc.

I imagine if someone were to put together an aftermarket kit including a 
circuit board it would sell fairly well. The Scout was sold new for 
eight years I think so there are probably more than a hand full that 
don't have the noise blanker installed but who's owners wish they did. I 
puzzle over this as the noise blanker option was less than $25 
originally. Frankly, in my electrically noisy environment my Scout would 
be almost useless without its noise blanker.

Just a couple of thoughts for consideration.

73,

Jerald, KG6TT