[Premium-Rx] History: WJ 8711, 12, 12P, HF-1000, and A versions

[Steve Pappin via Premium-Rx]

So what were the major differences between all of the WJ-8711 based radios?

Firmware for one but it goes much deeper than that. Terry O' suggested that 
all WJ radios are custom and he is correct. Having worked directly with DRS 
on a few projects I am finding that nothing is equal. Radios were built for 
contracts, not for individuals. When you buy one of these radios you get 
whatever was issued to the contracting customer, and it's never exactly the 
same. Even the power supplies had major revs and ECO's.

So here's a quick scan for all who are interested:

1) WJ-8711: Can have the newer or original front panel with raised keys as 
seen on the 8711-1. SP-1348 power supply but sometimes the SP-1348A. Lower 
firmware numbers not compatible with the 8711A or even within 8711 builds. 
Often with "D" shaped metal tuning encoder shafts. Issues with tuning 
encoder splatter and odd power on behavior. Wide IF outputs and flat audio 
for decoding data. Harsh audio recovery requiring external audio processors.

2) WJ-8712: The remote only version on the 8711 in a half rack chassis. The 
same internal components but different firmware optimized for use with 
WJ-RCS control software. The front panel has a phone jack, volume control, 
and power switch. The RS-232 cable exits the rear of the chassis.

3) HF-1000: The civilian version of the 8711 with firmware optimized for 
voice communications. Smooth audio recovery and internal speaker loaded 
under the top cover.

4) WJ-8711A: Has the newer front panel with low profile screened keys. The 
SP-1348A power supply with more vent holes in the cover. Higher firmware 
numbers not compatible with the 8711. A new controller board with a RAM / 
Battery time keeper IC. The RF tuner board remains basically the same. Most 
often with round metal tuning encoder shafts. Issues with tuning encoder 
splatter. Wide IF outputs and flat audio for decoding data. Harsh audio 
recovery requiring external audio processors.

5) HF-1000A: The civilian version of the 8711A with firmware optimized for 
voice communications. Smooth audio recovery and internal speaker loaded 
under the top cover. The tuning encoder shaft is plastic and there are no 
EMI splatter issues.

6) WJ-8712A: The remote only version on the 8711A in a new half rack 
chassis. The same internal components but different firmware optimized for 
use with WJ-RCS32 control software. The front panel has a phone jack, volume 
control, DB-25 connector, and power switch. The RS-232 cable connects to the 
front panel DB-25 connector.

7) WJ-8712P: The front panel version on the 8712A in a half rack chassis. 
The same internal components but different firmware optimized for front 
panel operation. The front panel is extremely robust and has backlit keys 
with gold contacts. There is an internal cooling fan. Each section is 
separated by aluminum bulkheads with the RF tuner on top, controller on the 
bottom, and power supply between the front panel and other sections. The 
tuning encoder has a plastic shaft. The radio is very quiet and has none of 
the EMI noise issues of the early radios. Audio recovery is very good and 
can be optimized for voice or data. This is a very rare version and less 
than 500 were made.

Notes: Options for all versions included pre-selectors, front panel ground 
straps, special tuning encoders, optimized firmware, precision references, 
and a host of add on cards that are too numerous to list. You may find 
versions built by WJ, BAE, DRS, and Signia-IDT, all spawned by 
Watkins-Johnson.

If you could afford it WJ would build it. Prices were all over the map!

The last two 8711A's were sold in December 2012 and they went for $5130.00 
each. They were stripped down versions and purchased by a contractor for 
spares. Sheet metal is no longer available. A few parts can still be 
ordered, are extremely pricey, end of life, and pretty much the last pieces 
of the WJ front panel radios.

The government communities now support a policy of elimination at the end of 
use. As radios come out of service the boards are removed, all parts are 
crushed or incinerated, and the chassis recycled.

Best Regards,
Steve 


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