+5V Power on Serial Pin 9?

[ae4cw]

Bob,

Does the AIM-4170 5V power supply have the capacity to supply 90 mA max to pin 9 of the serial connector. If so, I'd like to use it to supply a Serial-Bluetooth adapter from USConverters.com (part UCBT232EXA). I have 4170 serial number 202.

I'm also planning to add a 1450 mAh lithium polymer battery on a shelf inside the case to make the 4170 completely portable for long duration work. Charging would be done through a separate connector with a LiPo charger. Any suggestions are welcome. Thanks!
---
Chuck, AE4CW

[Bob]

Hi Chuck,
Several years ago, the first attempt to use bluetooth with the AIM showed the bluetooth device generated a lot of noise on the +5V line that supplies the mixers. Fortunately, using a separate 5V regulator takes care of the problem. The details are shown in the following document:
AIM4170_Options_Guide.pdf

The board is laid out for the extra components and they can be installed from the top without having to remove the board from the case.
Are you going to use a tablet computer with the AIM?

--73/Bob

[ae4cw]

Thanks Bob,

I have the original 4170 (board date of 11/9/06) which does not have the regulator location nor connection to pin 9. Since I plan to add an aluminum shelf to mount the LiPo battery, I suppose the regulator could be placed there with a wire jumper to pin 9 on the bottom of the board. Again, other ideas are welcome.

And, yes, I have a WinBook 8" Windows 8.1 tablet from Microcenter. I think it will work fine once I have Bluetooth enabled on the 4170. The 865A software works fine thought I've seen the "sizing" problem others have reported on 880A.
---
Chuck, AE4CW

[Bob]

A regulator with a tab, like a TO-220 package, will probably not be too hard to mount. The WinBook looks interesting. That's a fabulous deal for $140. I understand that Microsoft has dropped the cost of the Win OS used on tablets to compete with Android. Maybe there will be other competitively priced tablets on the market soon.

Keep us posted on the Bluetooth operation
Maybe you can write an app note.

--73/Bob