Last year on ‘11m DX Activities Oz’, I reviewed the awesome bhi NES10-2 MK1 after picking up one of the units from Andrews Communications in Sydney for around $250 AUS. After perusing a recent issue of RadioUser Magazine, I noticed an advertisement for a new MKII version made by the same company and ordered one immediately.

(Apparently, they’ve been available for just over 12 months just eluded my attention!) Well, it arrived in 5 days, carefully packaged, ready for operation!

Unlike the first unit which I still have on the radio shack bench top plugged into the back of a small Icom rig for QRP operations, the new MKII has a power switch and unique audio bypass system. In short, the power on/off switch removes power from the speaker and bypasses the audio, allowing the speaker to be used as a normal extension speaker without the DSP. This adds a nice versatile feature to the unit.

Like the original NES 10-2, it incorporates the latest Digital Signal Processing (DSP) technology to remove unwanted background noise from speech which enables you to concentrate and to listen ‘stress free’ when operating on the ‘typically noisy’ 11m band.

As you would expect from any bhi product, the NES10-2 MK II greatly improves the clarity and intelligibility of speech in SSB and other modes and is suitable for use with any Kenwood Transceiver and most other two-way radios, as well as many other similar applications where background noise and interference give poor quality reception. Using my TS2000, a decent signal on SSB became almost FM in quality. A hard to hear signal became audible.

The NES10-2 is completely useless — in fact worse than useless — on CW, as it thinks that the signal is an interfering heterodyne, and does its best to eliminate it altogether. Considering that it is actually the desired signal, this can be a bit disconcerting until you remember to turn the thing off. Still, I hardly ever listen to CW, so I don't find that a problem. On SSB it's just brilliant, and I thoroughly recommend it.

Apart from the fact that the labels on the speaker were not stuck down properly, the only other criticism I have is that the 12 volt power connector is a bit loose and has popped out a couple of times when engaged in portable DX use.

Even with the additional features listed above, amazingly the price stays the same, offering even greater value for money.

Features:

• Fully Adaptive noise cancelling
• Power on/off switch with audio bypass
• Noise cancellation 9 - 35dB
• 8 user selectable noise cancelling levels
• Compact robust speaker unit
• Greatly improved signal to noise ratio
• Headphone socket
• Easy to install with adjustable mounting bracket
• Noise Cancellation on / off switch
• 12 – 24Vdc operation
• Input sensitivity control
• 2m audio lead
• Optional extras available

Typical Applications Include:

• Citizen Band Radio
• Amateur Radio
• Taxi Base Stations
• Marine Communications
• Hands Free Car Kits
• Car and Truck Fleets
• Emergency Vehicles

NES10-2 basic set-up procedure and operation

1. Connect the bhi power supply or a suitable 12 to 24 Vdc power supply to the power socket at the back of the NES10-2. Note: Make sure the centre pole of your power supply connector is connected to positive (+ve). Switch the power switch on.

2. Switch the noise-cancelling switch off. The front panel LED should be illuminated red.

3. Turn the sensitivity control fully anticlockwise, and then back a quarter of a turn.

4. Connect the audio lead to your external speaker socket using the 2m audio lead with 3.5mm jack plug. If your external speaker socket is not a 3.5mm jack socket, then audio lead adapters are available from bhi. A 2 metre audio extension lead is available if your equipment is more than 2m away from the NES10-2.

5. Set the noise cancellation level DIP switch to level

6. To start with using the table on the following page or on the label on the rear of the speaker for the correct switch setting. Note: Switch 4 is NOT used.

If you are interested in purchasing one of the MKII noise eliminating speakers for the shack, then you will be pleased to know that bhi are offering free postage and packaging until the 31st of December 2006.

73

Darren
43SD054/43FR010
Admin Team
11m DX Activities Oz
www.11mdxactivitiesoz.com