Simpson Model A

Object/Artifact

-

Radio Alpha

Image: Joe Veras, K9OCO

Image: Joe Veras, K9OCO

Name/Title

Simpson Model A

Description

6 Watt 2 Meter FM Transceiver

Category

Transceiver, VHF FM

Made/Created

Manufacturer

Simpson Electronics

Date made

1971

Dimensions

Height

2-1/2 in

Width

8-1/2 in

Depth

11 in

Weight

5 lb

Valuations

Value

$249.00

General Notes

Note

Note that Simpson Electronics is not the same as Simpson Electric (maker of the model 260 VOM, et al). Simpson Electronics of Miami, Florida was a well-known manufacturer of marine communications gear. Their FM transceiver for the 2 meter amateur band had four crystal-controlled channels. Transmit and receive frequencies were selected independently using diodes to switch the crystals. The Model A's power output was 6 watts ($249.00, 1971 ). Simpson's push button-controlled Model B two meter transceiver was based on one of the company's VHF marine radios. he 6-watt Simpson Model A features four channels, sensitivity of 0.6 uV for 20-dB quieting and separate plug-in transmitter and receiver boards with easy access to all tuning and metering points. The solid-state design uses integrated circuits and diode frequency switching. The squelch is fully regulated and compensated with squelch sensitivity at 0.25 pV or less. Intermodulation interference rejection i s 70 dB minimum. Spurious response attenuation is greater than 60 dB. Selectivity, furnished by ceramic filter: 13 kHz at 6 dB down and 36 kHz at 60dB down. Audio output is 2 watts with less than 10% distortion. Current drain on receive: squelched, 250 mA; unsquelched, 480 mA. The transmitter has ±5 kHz deviation for 100% modulation at 1 kHz and includes instantaneous automatic deviation limiting. Transmitter audio response is +1 dB to -3 dB from 300 to 3000 Hz. Tuning range is 144 to 148 MHz. References Brief description. Electronics World, May 1971, p. 83. Review. Popular Electronics, Aug 1971, p. 84. Review: QST, Oct 1971, p. 58.