Japan Radio JRC CHE-199 Module For NRD-545 Radio Receiver 30 MHz- 1999 MHz

Description

As you can see, offered for sale is the scarce Japan Radio CHE-199 module manufactured exclusively for the NRD-545 shortwave receiver. The NRD-545 was Japan Radio's last consumer receiver and it was discontinued about 9 years ago and all remaining stock was sold through their distributors.
Universal Radio offered this unit for 9.99 when it was available for purchase and far fewer of the CHE-199's were sold than the NRD-545 receiver.  As you can see, our price reflects the scarcity of the item and assumed value to a perspective buyer.
This CHE-199 is new old stock in an open box and is sold in original and proper working condition as supplied from JRC.  Everything is "as new" except that the box has a little damage with a slight depression and some marking on the lid.  Often these CHE-199's were installed at the equipment dealer and the boxes were not passed along so having a box in any sort of condition is much less common.
The CHE-199 comes along with the CHE-199 installation directions plus a set of board pullers which can be used with all JRC boards.  Installation will take about 15 minutes and requires you to remove 4 top cover screws, slide the module into the designated CHE-199 slot in the chassis and snap it into the bottom with a little push, plug in the RF connector that is attached to the upper antenna jack on the back panel, and then replace the cover.  This is a non-technical installation and the only tool you will need is a Phillips screwdriver to remove the screws retaining the top cover of the 545 receiver.
So what does this unit do?  It takes the 545 that was designed for HF reception (and also longwave and mediumwave) and makes it a wideband receiver that some like to refer to as a "DC to daylight" receiver due to the frequency coverage.  Thus, instead of the receiver's receiving frequency ending at 30 MHz as supplied from the factory, with this optional module, it will extend up to 1999,995.00 MHz.
The unit is able to pick up a full scope of frequencies, but the 545 receiver is blocked in the USA to avoid the cellular bands and to remain in compliance with federal laws. Thus, the CHE-199 receiving range in the USA is 30-823.9, 849.1-868.9, 894.1-1849.9, 1910.1-1929.9 and 1990.1-1999.9 MHz.  If you live in Europe and have one of the European NRD-545 receivers, there are no blocked frequencies and you will enjoy the full tuning range without interruption.
In case you need a primer on what analog signals you may expect to hear within a receiving range and using a proper antenna, here is a list:
aircraft and ground control
fire
police
other emergency personnel & rescue
campus security
wireless microphones
railroads
road crews
taxi drivers
National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration Service weather broadcasts
commercial FM radio
Ham radio 10, 6, 2, 1.2 meters and 70, 33, and 23 cm (in addition to the standard broadcasts on the HF bands)
TV analog audio channels 1 thru 69
CB radio
wireless and cordless phones
air to ground telephone
GMRS (General Mobile Radio Service)
FRS or family handheld units
military emergency guard and strategic air command
search and rescue
helicopters and unicom
prison security
business frequencies
theme park communications
drive thru fast food
Border Patrol
news media
US Customs
ATF frequencies
FBI
NASA / Satellite
Of course you may not want to listen to some of the above communications (like drive thru fast food), but the point is that you have the opportunity to pick up virtually all communications (not including cellular or encrypted government).  To get reception outside the HF frequencies, you will need to connect a second antenna that gets reception on the VHF, UHF, and Microwave bands. We would recommend anyone using this device to purchase a good discone antenna and mount it on the roof of their home.  However, many people get decent results with placing the discone inside in an attic.  But the best antenna we have tested is the discone for wideband use and located as high and away from obstacles as can be reasonably done.  If you desire to pick up NASA or Satellite comms, you will need an even more specialized antenna.
Let us say this, if you wish to pick up the wideband communications, you can do so for the price of a good handheld wideband scanner for the price we are selling this CHE-199.  However, if you want your NRD-545 to be able to tune from 100 KHz to 1999,995.00 MHz (less cellular) and be a "do-all" type analog receiver, then you will need to have this device to be able to accomplish that.
Please use the Ebay shipping calculator to determine your shipping cost.  This cost includes proper packing materials for safe delivery and insurance cost against damage or loss.
Those buyers living outside the USA are also welcome to purchase from us.  We have shipped to 105 countries during the past 22 years on Ebay and we are happy to ship virtually anywhere in the world.  You may use the shipping calculator to determine your shipping cost.
Please keep in mind that this cost does not include any import, customs, or VAT fees.  If you are uncertain of these costs, we ask you to check with your local post office prior to making a purchase from us.  Thank you!
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