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| Reviews Summary for Idiom Press SCAF-1 |
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Reviews: 75
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Average rating: 4.8/5
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MSRP: $89.95
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Description: The new SCAF-1 filter from Idiom Press makes your radio listener friendly, whether you are an SSB or CW operator. Using a modern but little known technology called SCAF filtering, the SCAF-1 is an active audio low pass filter offering user control of the filter cut-off frequency, yielding a stunning 96dB per octave roll-off of signals above the cut off frequency, and no white noise. It is the perfect partner for your crystal or mechanical filters. And, unlike most audio filters, there is absolutely NO ringing.
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More info: http://www.idiompress.com/scaf-1.html
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write your own review of the Idiom Press SCAF-1.
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VE1NB
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Rating: 5/5
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Jun 11, 2009 13:39
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great product and service
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Time owned: 0 to 3 months
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Hello:
Several days ago, I posted a question concerning the FT2000 sub receiver, and its loud white noise hiss, to the yaesu reflectors. I was looking for possible solutions to remove this hiss from the audio.
It was recommended that I try an Idiom Press Model SCAF-1 audio filter.
I decided to try one.
It arrived today, and is now in service. I can say that this product does exactly what it says as advertised. The white noise is gone.. and I can now use both the main and sub receiver without the irritation of this white noise.
I recommend this product to any one else having the same issue.
brgds / Bruce
VE1NB
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N9EF
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Rating: 5/5
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Mar 23, 2009 13:28
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Worth every penny!
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Time owned: 0 to 3 months
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Based on partly on the eHam reviews of the SCAF-1 and my experience with Idiom Press's K-3 keyer (I love it!) I purchased the SCAF-1 kit.
The kit instructions were clear and it went together in a few hours. I inserted it between my Drake TR-7 and the speaker. What a difference! I was easily able to copy virtually any CW signal that I selected in the middle of a pile-up.
There's some sample audio of the Idion Press web site. If you have any doubts give it a listen.
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N4UE
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Rating: 5/5
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Dec 12, 2008 19:50
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Update
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Time owned: more than 12 months
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I just wanted other folks to realize what an excellent tool this is. I have lots of HF radios with factory 'upgrade' SSB and CW filters and some INRADS, also. This little filter is FANTASTIC, and you can switch it between radios!
Just tonight, I had one of my receivers tuned to the CW portion of 40 M.
(I don't know about your QTH, but here in N. Florida, the bands take a HUGE dive at night, come-on Sol!!)
Anyway, the receiver that usually receives 'background' Ham sounds varies, but this week, my Allied AX-190 was in the queue.
(Don't laugh! This is a nice, sensitive radio. I have gone through it and it works VERY well. I have an SX-190 also).
Since these radios were never made for serious CW reception, the filters being too narrow for AM and too wide for CW, I noticed the SCAF-1 sitting on the nearby FRG-7.
The FRG-7 does have some extra Kiwa filters in it. The SCAF-1 still made a great improvement.
However, when connected to the AX-190, the results were just short of unbelieavable.
Signals that were passing through the AX's 'barndoor IF', became single signals. Usually, just a slight touch on the radio's VFO brought the CW tone just where I like it. Switching off the SCAF-1, returned the other signals AND hiss, etc. Night and day difference!!
No, it ain't gonna turn your $20 special into a FLEX5000, but it will make those boatanchors MUCH more enjoyable!
Is this not what it's ALL about?
Now, if it would just mute 14.275. ha ha
ron
N4UE
I can only say that if you have a bunch of er, 'inexpensive' receivers like I do, this little filter will just flat amaze you....
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W1YB
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Rating: 5/5
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Nov 23, 2008 09:42
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Great product and great people!!
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Time owned: more than 12 months
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Is there another stand alone unit like this???
This thing makes my "Boat Anchor" more fun! Not to mention, the well-used "Pre-owned" rig that has occupies my station.
This thing would have been great back when I was using that Collins and EAC gear in anger!!! :- ]
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K4BXN
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Rating: 5/5
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Nov 20, 2008 13:09
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Well, now.
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Time owned: more than 12 months
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Well, now this is a great addition to many stations. I have had one for years and used it with many rigs ... older ones (Omni C, Corsair II, Drake TR-7, etc.) newer ones (Orion, Omni VII). I have also used other outboard DSP units (by MFJ, RadioShack and Timewave). This SCAF-1 Audio Filter has its place and is an inexpensive way to improve the audio output of many rigs. I mostly operate CW.
73/Crit/K4BXN
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N0XEM
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Rating: 5/5
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Nov 20, 2008 11:57
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Great working filter!
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Time owned: 6 to 12 months
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Read the reviews on this filter and thought I would try it on my Kenwood TS-2000. Am I glad I did! The 2000 does pretty good on it's own but when you put this in line the receive increases dramatically.
Now I'm able to put out very weak signals and hear them very well. Does a great good job rolling off interference several kHz away and completely does away with static crashes.
If you have a high end radio you will most likely not need one. But for me it works great with my TS-2000. Will remain in my shack for a long time to come.
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SM5HUA
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Rating: 5/5
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May 17, 2008 20:54
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Best audio filter there is!
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Time owned: 3 to 6 months
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Got my SCAF-1 a few months back and been testing it on lots of different rigs. On my 950SDX it isnt such a big deal but using it on say the TS870 or 850/DSP100, Astro 103BX - wow! I've had all audio filters there is, from the Datongs back in the 80'es to Timewave, the NIR's and really nothing beats the SCAF-1.
So if you want a truly good filter, go for it. This filter is so good and easy to use so it should really be built-into the rigs by default...
73s de Peter / SM5HUA
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K4ZNC
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Rating: 5/5
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Mar 7, 2008 17:14
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Back to specs
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Time owned: more than 12 months
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This is a followup to my previous post. Since that post, I have talked twice with Rob and received a response to my email.
Apparently my SCAF 1 had a bad 386 chip which he replaced. The unit now works according to factory specs and makes a huge difference with static crashes on 40 meter SSB tonight.
Good customer support from Rob who is trying to catch up with back orders and requests for service.
John K4ZNC
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K7XV
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Rating: 5/5
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Jan 30, 2008 10:18
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This thing works great!
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Time owned: 0 to 3 months
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This is the best $90.00 I have ever spent. I bought it to use it with a Icom IC-718. Never mind buying the cw filter for the rig. This
SCAF-1 filter works better than the cw filter that I bought for the rig.You can only have your choice of one filter for this rig "CW or SSB". Skip both and get this filter. You will be glad you did. I downloaded the audio sample files on there web page before I ordered the filter. It works just as it does on there web page. If you own a rig with limited filtering
this SCAF-1 is a must have.
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AA4XX
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Rating: 5/5
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Dec 1, 2007 07:49
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A Valuable Tool
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Time owned: 0 to 3 months
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My new SCAF-1 proved its utility during the recent ARRL 160M CW Contest. I was immediately and completely impressed with the SCAF's ability to substantially reduce band noise and to provide discrimination against adjacent QRM. During the contest, stations were packed quite closely. By utilizing the IF BW and Passband tuning on my Argonaut II and then adjusting the SCAF's front panel control, the bone crushing signals on Top Band were readily tamed. Switching the SCAF in and out of circuit via the front panel on/off switch made me smile, as it was obvious that the filter was doing just what I had hoped it would do. The SCAF-1 reduces operator fatigue. As a matter of fact, I ended up operating till 4AM, jazzed by the fact that I could now dig out any signal of interest. Once I determined the preferred setting of the front panel control, I left it there for the duration of the contest.
The SCAF-1 has earned its place in my shack.
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