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Reviews For: GAP HEAR IT Inline Module

Category: Filters, Audio: (DSP and others)

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Review Summary For : GAP HEAR IT Inline Module
Reviews: 26MSRP: 180
Description:
Stand alone audio DSP unit with variable audio and DSP level control.
Product is in production
More Info: http://www.gapantenna.com/hearit.htm
# last 180 days Avg. Rating last 180 days Total reviews Avg. overall rating
00264.5
N2JSG Rating: 2006-09-07
A Powerful Aid In Noise Reduction Time Owned: 0 to 3 months.
I must echo other reviewers in saying that the Hear-It module works amazingly well. I must admit that I was initially skeptical of its ability to REALLY null out AC power line noise and the annoying buzz from dimmer switches. Needless to say I was quite anxious when I put the module to the test. Well, my anxiety was replaced with elation when I discovered that it eliminated all of the AC powerline noise completely from the reception of the desired signals. Not reduced noise, but complete elimination of the noise. FANTASTIC! Now I can monitor longwave signals again, something I could not do prior to my installation of the Hear-It module. I can't begin to tell anyone who suffers from the scourge of radio reception, namely line noise, of how satisfied I am with the unit. Also, I have eliminated my dimmer buzz.

Another thing that the Hear-It does well is the reduction of hiss and splatter caused by nearby signals. Also, lightning-induced static crashes seemed to be "softened," increasing intelligibility of a desired signal. An outstanding achievement.

However, as great as this unit does perform, like anything else, there are some drawbacks, but these are quite minor. First, in some situations, a noticeable fuzziness occurs when the DSP reduction is engaged. I have found that reducing the gain level of the DSP reduces this effect. Also, the unit does not come with "feet." As a consequence, it sits on one's operating desk w/o any stability and is prone to moving around when touched. Since my radio gear is installed in a rack console, I have Velcroed the module to a blank rack panel to alleviate the mounting issue.

Will you get the same great results I get from the Hear-It Module? I feel confident that you will, based on my experience.

73, Dean
K4SCI Rating: 2006-03-08
Buy one, it's that good. Time Owned: 3 to 6 months.
I'm a serious low band ragchewer, and recieve on 75 meters can be annoying with all the noise. In the past I used to crank up the DSP on my 746 until I discovered the clear speech DSP unit. No longer made the clear speech is good, but the Hear IT is awesome.

Now using a 756 Pro III, with a Gap Hear IT and a Sounds Sweet speaker, I'm in heaven. The Gap Hear IT does everything already said about it. This setup makes LSB sound like FM!

Bottom line, try one. I'm about to purchase a FT-897, and I'm having the DSP board installed in to the radio. It's that good.
WG7H Rating: 2004-07-02
IT MAKES THE DIFFERENCE Time Owned: 0 to 3 months.
Whether you have outside line noise as I do or are just tired of the static/hash that we all get, this device will amaze you. The gap inline module effectively reduces the noise so you can hear stations clearly. I normally have an 8 to 9 noise level on 40 meters. I talk with a group regularly on 40 meters and often times really struggled to hear some stations. With this device they are clear and I only miss things from QSB, not noise. Even when I am on one of the upper bands, 20, 17 etc. and have little or no noise level it reduces hash and makes signals clear. I have worked a lot of DX since I have had this that I simply would not have herd had I not been using this device.

It is easy to install, just plug and play as they say in computer lingo. I use a headphone but you can hook up a speaker to it, I have tried both and they work equally as well. It is powered simply by hooking up to your power supply.

I really can't speak highly enough for this module. I thank Gap for making such a great accessory to enhance my ham radio enjoyment.
AF4KK Rating: 2004-04-12
GREAT on SSB!! Time Owned: 0 to 3 months.
I've owned my GAP in-line DSP module for almost a month now and I am loving it (sorry, McDonalds)! It really elliminated the noise on those messsy HF bands and it really cleans up a signal for SSTV work!! When I turn the DSP up to the maximum levels, the audio can get kinda' "weird" sounding, but that's to be expected! It really shines on SSB!! GREAT job, GAP!!

Scott Heath (AF4KK)
K5PA Rating: 2004-02-26
Excellent Device Time Owned: 0 to 3 months.
I was looking for a noise reduction solution based on DSP technology but wasn't sure I wanted a speaker-DSP unit quite yet. With this module, I have full flexibility to use in the home or car just by unpugging 3 cables.

Works fantastic with my older pre-DSP radios (TS-450, FT-871, etc.) and for all modes (RTTY, CW, SSB, etc.) In the home, the XYL appreciates not having to hear all the power line noise and other nuiscenses coming from the speakers. Makes monitoring a real joy with much less fatigue.

I did get the manual with unit that is also down loadble on-line. Unit has controls for level input, power level output, speaker volume output, source input select, and rotary switch for depth of noise cancellation. Requies 12 VDC power source.

All controls are accessible from the top of the unit as it rests on my desk (I added 4 small rubber feet). LED's indicate level of input overload and output noise cancelation active.

Based on this unit, I will consider the purchase of a speaker based system where I can dedicate it to mobile (I did run this unit mobile and it worked as stated).

Purchased on-line and received within 2 days. Highly recommend the unit.
W5IUA Rating: 2003-07-11
The difference... Time Owned: 0 to 3 months.
This unit in some situations has been the difference between copying stations and not. I bought it because of the flexibility provided for audio and DSP level control, and also the LINE and AUDIO connectivity.

I would not say that it improves all signals, particularly very strong ones where signal to noise ratio is inconsequential. But, sometimes I switch the noise reduction off and cannot believe that I operated without it. I have gotten some degree of audio distortion at times. Consider this a tradeoff that comes with using audio DSP functionality, and the variable level controls help in this regard.

An IF-DSP rig (I have an Icom 746 Pro) and this unit are a powerful combination.

Didn't get a manual from GAP...they sent a manual for the HEAR IT speaker instead. Since it's a new product, maybe they haven't got them printed yet.