Manager


Manager - NA4M
Manager Notes

Reviews For: DDS 0-21Mhz Norcal FCC-2 and FCC-1

Category: Ham Radio Kits

eMail Subscription

Registered users are allowed to subscribe to specific review topics and receive eMail notifications when new reviews are posted.
Review Summary For : DDS 0-21Mhz Norcal FCC-2 and FCC-1
Reviews: 6MSRP:
Description:
The FCC-2 is a DC - 21MHz DDS VFO.
The FCC-1 is a highly flexible frequency counter.

Product is in production
More Info: http://www.norcalqrp.org
# last 180 days Avg. Rating last 180 days Total reviews Avg. overall rating
0064
KC9KEP Rating: 2014-12-29
highly reccommended! Time Owned: more than 12 months.
I've mounted the FCC-1 & 2 into a small enclosure and use it frequently as a bench test-oscillator and a VFO for my tube rigs. I can't imagine the amount of effort that went into developing this kit, let alone the firmware for it ;-)
K7DAA Rating: 2014-04-30
The best digital display and DDS VFO ever produced Time Owned: more than 12 months.
I fail to see how a reviewer could say that the product works very well, then gives it a score of 1 because it is out of production. Should we also do this with all Hallicrafters or Hammarlund ham radios as well?

I have four sets of the FCC-1 and FCC-2, and they are by far the best digital display and DDS VFO on the market. The DDS harmonics are very low, better than -50 dB below the fundamental. The FCC-1 counter is very low power, and low-noise as well.

I sincerely hope that the new NorCalQRP group sees fit to bring the FCC-1 and FCC-2 back in the future. These fine kits, as well as all the others that NorCal has done, were discontinued because of the death of Jim Cates, as well as changes that naturally occur in any volunteer organization. They have recently re-organized, and will hopefully be reviving some past efforts, such as these great kits.
W5DTW Rating: 2012-07-06
Would be good if you could get one Time Owned: more than 12 months.
I have used the FCC-1 and FCC 2 for several years and they would well, BUT I have not been able to get another for a couple years now because every time I look they are out of stock, if they are not going to get any more they should just discontinue them so we will stop waiting!!!!!
KG8LB Rating: 2011-02-16
It Works AND ! Time Owned: more than 12 months.
It works well . The FCC-1 is a stand alone frequency counter that is quite useful on it's own. Programable offsets and pre-scaling allow you to use this as a freq display with older analog receivers and transmitters. You can program multiple offsets for different bands and applications. They are switch selectable. Add the FCC-2 and you now have a VFO with the same programming power. You can use the VFO in transceive with the required offsets and still display your actual operating frequency . These are PLUSSES not MINUSES when scoring this fine product. The surface mount components make for a solid, compact package as well as holding the cost down to a very reasonable level.
The reason the counter (FCC-1) is offered seperately is because it has uses as a stand alone counter. You can then ADD the DDS VFO if you have an application for the FCC-2. Nothing radical or non-sensical there.

I have built 6 of the FCC-1 and a pair of the FCC-2. They are well worth buying when NorCal offers them up.

All in all this is a very good package that can also serve as a basis for an excellent signal generator. The individual offerings allow the buyer to buy only what he needs.
KC5EJT Rating: 2010-01-03
Works But? Time Owned: 0 to 3 months.
There are lots of SMT parts, I don't know why the simple R's and C's have to be surface mount. I understand that the DDS chip is only avaiable that way, but the other parts could be through hole.

But with some help from my grandson, who has better eyes and a steady hand, we managed to get it together, and working.

Also I am quite puzzled as to why it is sold as an accessory to a frequency counter?? This is quite confusing. There is no need for a frequency counter when you have a DDS, the DDS simply generates the frequency you ask it to generate and thats that. But for some confusing reason, you have to get thier frequency counter kit, then add this DDS.
KD7RDZI2 Rating: 2008-12-08
quality product Time Owned: more than 12 months.
although the frequency range is limited to 21Mhz for the FCC-2, the kits FCC-2 and FCC-1 are easy to assemble and work very well indeed.