Incidentally, I just contacted Sean Culbert about a half hour ago, telling him I would like to buy one if available, but I have to wait until November 1st to do so, he replied:
Hi,
Due to the long construction time I very rarely build them.
If you want to go ahead I can start a build when I get back from vacation. and list it on Nov 1st.
Thanks.
Sean.
I replied, "Yes, please have one ready for me come November, I'll be ready to purchase." Also asked how many more might be available in the future based on the parts he has left. I haven't got a reply to that yet but will let you all know what he says. Two years ago he said there would probably be no more after he uses up the parts he currently has, because the parts were getting harder to find.
@rugster By the way, nice to see you popping back in, it's been a few months.
@rugster By the way, nice to see you popping back in, it's been a few months.
Good to see you too @RichPowers. I've been busy with other things, but it's good to see the same folk still here, chattin' away about Part 15 matters!
(Sorry for the double post, @mark could you delete the first one? It had cut off the bottom) .. oh you deleted the second one! that was the one that wasn't clipped off . Oh well)
The one above is from a screenshot I took last night, I forget what prompt I had used, but just now I tried: "Sean Cuthbert processor vs Schlockwood processor", and it said there was no such thing as a Sean Cuthbert processor, but did tell me all about the Schlockwood. So I came back at it saying "it's often used by part 15 AM hobbyists", and then it came back saying basically that they don't compare because one is a kit and the other is a manufactured turn-key unit... So I replied the Culbert is frequently available fully built for $189 directly or on eBay, and it came back saying well that changes everything, etc. etc. and concluded with this chart - which like the last isn't exactly incorrect, but not quite accurate either. Nevertheless, I find these little comparison charts a good at-a-glance comparisons
Sorry about the one I deleted. I did it before I saw your post about the first one. Looking quick they were the same.
A good comparison you came up with.
@mark Not a big deal, it just cut off part of a lines of current status, there wasn't anything after that.
Current Status
Schlockwood (SW200)
Original unit (SW200) discontinued. Replaced by the more advanced SW210 and the board-only SW205.
Cuthbert (6-Channel/3-Band)
Availability depends on the seller: products are still offered for sale directly.
I've already committed to purchasing a Cuthbert on the first of November, he's already began building it. But that doesn't necessarily mean I won't be buying a SW205 when they come out, I have two Rangemasters, the other of which will eventually have a separate location, so never know. But for a totally off grid install the Culbert makes more sense and it's less expensive. So I'm happy with my decision.
Another thing, The Culberts are going the way of the SStrans, They won't be around much longer, and with the several indepth positive reviews from different sources, it seems prudent to get one while still available, because they are on their last manufactured run.
The Schlockwoods aren't going anywhere, new models soon, I can always get one later.
@richpowers That's the reason he offers his AM transmitter as a kit. It's time consuming to hand build them especially if they sell fast. But this, he couldn't do as a kit, much too complicated and adjustments that require expensive equipment to get right.
If you get one, you have to look inside and see how it's done. It is mind boggling! No printed board, all hand done, 100%. Hard to describe it, you have to see it. And hundreds(and hundreds) of components all hand wired.
All you can do is admire how it's done like this with no mistakes and how painstaking it is to build them in this fashion. And I could take a picture for you to see. Maybe later another evening evening when my listeners are in bed I'll go off air to post the picture of the inner workings. I have a listener who listens to the OTR till about 1:30 at night.
I guess they could be available as long as he keeps active doing this and will build them even if on demand like in your case. Makes me think I should get another for back up but I'll forgo that for now.
I guess they could be available as long as he keeps active doing this and will build them even if on demand like in your case. Makes me think I should get another for back up but I'll forgo that for now.
Well as I mentioned when you posted that video demonstration of it, Sean said in the video comment (2 years ago):
"These are no longer sold due to parts shortages and prices but if you are genuinely interested I have enough stock to put one together. Cost would be $189. Let me know and I'll list one."
So the one he is building me right now, from that same stock he has on hand. He also sold one on eBay several months ago, but it appears he only builds them up on request, but the parts are limited to only those he still has on hand. These are the last of them.
@richpowers That video was made I think 8 years ago think it says on Youtube? No, 11 years ago and has since kept occasionally building them and you see one for sale. Maybe he can still do it on a special interest basis.
@mark Right, Yeah, the video is 8 years old, but look in the comments of that video, in it shows where he made that comment "(2 years ago)"
Incidentally, I took a look at his past auctions and I see he's been a busy man building electronic devices..
He sold only one Culbert Compressor on August 2, that is the one he listed in response to when I had asked him why he doesn't list them anymore, and someone else bought it.
But in the past year he sold (on eBay) two of his AM Transmitter kits (unassembled) $159, two AM C-Quam Stereo Transmitter (also kits) for $189, and one 10w C-Quam Stereo Transmitter (kit) $250, four Fm/Bluetooth To AM Converter/Transmitters $79, a couple of his Retro Intercoms $89. Also several of the $69 brick short range AM transmitters..
But his big sellers this year and in years past is, of all things, is his "Telephone Exchange Intercom Rotary Phones" devices that range from $169-$250 dependent upon the number of lines. He sold ten of those this year.
(Past auctions: https://www.ebay.com/sch/i.html?sid=sean-jcil&isRefine=true&LH_Complete=1)
It seems to me Culbert Compressor (assembled and ready to go) is a steal at $189, and I am looking forward to it
My gut still tells me (for what it's worth) that the Schlockwood is probably the higher quality processor of the two, but despite that, all things considered (primarily the power requirements) I think the Cuthbert was the better option for me. It's supposed to be arriving by the end of the week and I'm slightly anxious over if I've made the right decision or not, I guess I'll find out soon enough.
You know it seemed to me like there had been lots of reviews for the Cuthbert processor over the years, but really, other than maybe some of Marks post here and again, there's been only one review and that was Radio Jay Allen's review.. I'm not actually sure why it is I've always considered his reviews to be particularly reliable and significant but I do.. he's got the background and seems to know what he's talking about. That said, below is excerpts from his review with all the details stripped away leaving only his personal overall opinion of it's performance and value, I like putting things at a glance. Of course anyone considering getting one themself needs click the link to read all the nitty gritty details
https://radiojayallen.com/cuthbert-6-channel-3-band-stereo-audio-compressor/
Cuthbert 6 Channel 3 Band Stereo Audio Compressor
I bought one of these great little compressors to use with my home FM and AM transmitters and I have not been disappointed. As a lifelong professional and home broadcaster it represents the first time I have been able to get my home radio broadcasts to approach the consistent, full sound quality of the professional stations.
There are many reasons why you will never totally match the sound of the pros in all its nuances but this piece of equipment has gotten me closer than ever before and I am thrilled with the results…for the first time my home “stations” begin to resemble the sound of real broadcast stations. ... ... ..
Home transmitters (including the Cuthbert reviewed here) sometimes have some sort of audio compression built-in, and there are a number of stand-alone single-band audio compressors available, but if you push those limiters too hard the result will be unnatural sound. Yet when you back off on the processing your station cannot match the volume and “fullness” of the pros. With this multiband processor, it can. .... ...
Conclusion: Sean explained to me that in order to emulate the audio performance of multi-kilobuck professional audio processors like the well-known Optimod he patterned this processor after but at a very tiny fraction of the cost, there inevitably had to be some compromises.
Fortunately, he made some clever design choices which resulted in great performance by home hobbyist standards with the only drawback being some less-than intuitive setup procedures, but once I understood how he designed the unit I was able to get great results which have transformed the sound of my home broadcasts…the results are truly awesome. ... Setting up audio processors is something that takes a bit of understanding…since I worked in broadcasting most of my career I have considerable background with this kind of equipment but for the average user a better set of instructions would certainly help…I hope this article will aid somewhat in that regard).
I have spent hours listening through my FM Transmitter (a C. Crane FM-3 which is a very high-fidelity home FM transmitter) and a few AM transmitters including the Cuthbert reviewed here. I have really enjoyed the much-improved sound of some very familiar music. In particular it is exciting to hear the bass line of many oldies emerge with more punch and clarity than they ever did before…but also my FM station now seems about as loud as the big boys without audible artifacts. I LOVE this new toy!
The bottom line is that I don’t know of any other affordable audio processor that will give you these results…this great sound, anywhere near this price. My home broadcasts are now louder than they were before and the sound is fuller and more consistent, sounding much more like real broadcast stations. I also got rid of the annoying pumping sound I was getting using a single band compressor…the three-band design works wonders.
The Cuthbert Multiband Processor is ideal for home broadcasters and has many other applications where sound control can improve the listening experience. Whether for parties or clubs, recording or home theater this little gem will give you the control you need at a fraction of the cost of professional gear
Highly recommended!
Jay Allen
@richpowers One thing about the Jay Allen review, He says more compression is turning the control counterclockwise, or to the left but it's to the right. I asked Sean Cuthbert about that and that was 11 or so years ago (didn't go to look the exact date) that that review was done and it's to the right or clockwise for more compression. There was a reversal of the wiring back when he did that review. That's what I was told. Go by what the instruction sheet shows. More compression makes audio louder. Sean Cuthbert will answer any questions you have. There's been a few changes since the review by Jay Allen.
You may be right in your assumption that the Schlockwood is the better of the two but affordable? In Canada by the time you add the exchange(30% including Visa conversion charge) and extra costs getting it here to the $429 I think it was, it's not really affordable anymore! And add shipping cost and exchange on that!
You are a bit better in the USA as no exchange rate. The price is the price.