RE: [Repeater-Builder] Repeater Controller with A/D voltage readout and Control Outputs
Try the Arrcom RC-210 it has 8 I/O ports and can be expanded to 64 at least and 8 A/D inputs. You can set Meter Faces to whatever and calibrate them for your input range Rob. KS4EC Sent by Good Messaging (www.good.com) -Original Message- From: Jim Brown [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] Sent: Monday, July 28, 2008 04:46 PM Eastern Standard Time To: repeater-builder@yahoogroups.com Subject:[Repeater-Builder] Repeater Controller with A/D voltage readout and Control Outputs I am looking for a controller for a commercial application that will allow control of several output relays and will allow readout on the repeater of a voltage level via voice. (As well as control the repeater) Rather than pour through all the specs on line, I thought I would query the group for suggestions for one with this capability. Thanks - Jim W5ZIT Since 1974, the award-winning Alpert JFCS has helped families of all faiths throughout most of Palm Beach County, FL, via counseling, seniors services, residences for the disabled, mentoring children, support groups and a lot more. SOLUTIONS FOR LIVING www.JFCSonline.com Please take note of our new website and E-Mail Addresses. Please update your contacts ASAP. NOTICE: This e-mail message and all attachments transmitted with it are intended solely for the use of the addressee and may contain legally privileged and confidential information. If the reader of this message is not the intended recipient, or an employee or agent responsible for delivering this message to the intended recipient, you are hereby notified that any dissemination, distribution, copying, or other use of this message or its attachments is strictly prohibited. If you have received this message in error, please notify the sender immediately by replying to this message and please delete it from your computer.
[Repeater-Builder] OT maybe info wanted on 220 crystal rigs
Anyone on the list know if its a good idea to purchase a good used crystal controlled rig for use on 220 ? I'm wanting to get on that band,without a huge radio investment. I saw Clegg FM-76 listed for sale,as an example. respond thru the list or direct. n3pyj at windstream.net Ray
[Repeater-Builder] 23cm antenna for DSTAR
Any recommendations for a 1.2GHz antenna to be used in a DSTAR DD/DV application at a commercial site (hospital)? John/N4SJW Charleston, SC
[Repeater-Builder] Re: OT maybe info wanted on 220 crystal rigs
Hi Ray: I have a pair of Midland, 13-509 radios which are the same as Clegg FM-76, I use for link radios. They are great radios, even though they're getting a little old, they are easy to work on, and many 220 repeaters have been made out of these radios. The two main drawbacks for using a Clegg FM-76 radio, is a pair of TX/RX crystals cost $30- $40 for each frequency pair, and the radio did not originally come with a TX PL board. So it does not take very long to have more invested in crystals and a PL board than a new synthesized radio costs. Gregory AC6VJ --- In Repeater-Builder@yahoogroups.com, Ray [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote: Anyone on the list know if its a good idea to purchase a good used crystal controlled rig for use on 220 ? I'm wanting to get on that band,without a huge radio investment. I saw Clegg FM-76 listed for sale,as an example. respond thru the list or direct. n3pyj at windstream.net Ray
[Repeater-Builder] Re: Power Supply Question
Mike: In my only vaguely-informed opinion, the situation with two power supplies as you describe is not unreasonable, but a ground loop may or may not be the problem. What is the exact nature of the symptoms? Hum? Buzz? Controller freaking out? If you're running a DC cooling fan (or fans) temporarily disconnect same and see if the problem goes away. Over the years in the broadcast biz, I've seem situations where lifting a ground provided a miracle cure, and almost exact same situations where adding a ground did likewise. I'm convinced that ground problems fall under the heading of FM--freakin' magic! That said, try some experiments: Tie the two power supply grounds together. If none of the gear is floating above ground (or otherwise in a configuration that could result in a difference of potential between cabinets), see what happens if you bond all the various chassis together (but avoid daisy-chain grounding). Try lifting the ground of the AC cord (use one of those 2-to-3 prong adapters); this is only for diagnostic purposes--long term you don't want to leave things this way. Use a voltmeter--one probe on the ground of the P.A., one on the exciter's ground--to see if there's any potential. Then, after you complete all these various science projects, double check the fan situation again. Switch to a DC-relay switched AC powered fan. Good luck. Keep us posted. 73 de K5IQ Bob
[Repeater-Builder] Re: OT maybe info wanted on 220 crystal rigs
I found a newer radio,that will fit the bill nicely. A guy near Pittsburgh had an IC-38A,that just needs new bulbs put in. Thanks to all who responded on and off the list. This list is always a good place to get much needed info. I guess I have to climb the tower now and hang my 220 J-Pole that I had built. 73s Ray N3PYJ
Re: [Repeater-Builder] 23cm antenna for DSTAR
johnmichaelwelton wrote: Any recommendations for a 1.2GHz antenna to be used in a DSTAR DD/DV application at a commercial site (hospital)? John/N4SJW Charleston, SC For a repeater or base station (ID-1)? The options are somewhat limited out there. Sadly it seems the Comet/Diamond type antennas are some that a lot of people are using, and commercial quality options are few. For our repeater, which is on a mountain on the West side of the city, we used a custom-built 120 degree panel reflector. Sending the extra RF of an omnidirectional antenna back into the mountains, turned out to be a problem for our analog 1.2 machine years ago, so we avoided it and went straight to something with some gain toward town on the D-STAR system. DV (voice) on D-STAR 1.2 acts similar to any other analog 1.2 GHz repeater. DD (high speed data) being 100 KHz wide, requires more gain to go the same distance. Gain antennas are often necessary for good links on DD... a 10W radio, 100 KHz wide, isn't much signal left to work with a the far end. There is at least one ham running around saying he's bumped his ID-1 to 20W with no ill effects by finding the power setting pot inside and cranking it wide open. Not sure I'd do that, but just relaying the info. I'd want to look at it on a spectrum analyzer and also keep a very close eye on it for heat load if I were going to mess with the power setting in the rig. But his reports are that his ID-1 is surviving the abuse, just fine so far. Nate WY0X
RE: [Repeater-Builder] 23cm antenna for DSTAR
Nate, Here's something that I recall from some years back, an experience from when I lived around the Washington, D.C. area. Owen, then K6LEW put a 1.2hgz machine on the air in the mid to late '90's. He first bought an AUSTIN brand fiberglass radome antenna, and as I recall it was in the neighborhood of 20ft long. It did not play very well and was unusually noisy. It was sent back to AUSTIN twice for evaluation with no satisfaction. He replaced that antenna with a modest antenna from either COMET or DIAMOND and it not only played better but the noise that we could only conclude came from the antenna had disappeared. - Mike From: Repeater-Builder@yahoogroups.com [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] On Behalf Of Nate Duehr Sent: Tuesday, July 29, 2008 5:16 PM To: Repeater-Builder@yahoogroups.com Subject: Re: [Repeater-Builder] 23cm antenna for DSTAR johnmichaelwelton wrote: Any recommendations for a 1.2GHz antenna to be used in a DSTAR DD/DV application at a commercial site (hospital)? John/N4SJW Charleston, SC For a repeater or base station (ID-1)? The options are somewhat limited out there. Sadly it seems the Comet/Diamond type antennas are some that a lot of people are using, and commercial quality options are few. For our repeater, which is on a mountain on the West side of the city, we used a custom-built 120 degree panel reflector. Sending the extra RF of an omnidirectional antenna back into the mountains, turned out to be a problem for our analog 1.2 machine years ago, so we avoided it and went straight to something with some gain toward town on the D-STAR system. DV (voice) on D-STAR 1.2 acts similar to any other analog 1.2 GHz repeater. DD (high speed data) being 100 KHz wide, requires more gain to go the same distance. Gain antennas are often necessary for good links on DD... a 10W radio, 100 KHz wide, isn't much signal left to work with a the far end. There is at least one ham running around saying he's bumped his ID-1 to 20W with no ill effects by finding the power setting pot inside and cranking it wide open. Not sure I'd do that, but just relaying the info. I'd want to look at it on a spectrum analyzer and also keep a very close eye on it for heat load if I were going to mess with the power setting in the rig. But his reports are that his ID-1 is surviving the abuse, just fine so far. Nate WY0X __ NOD32 3301 (20080727) Information __ This message was checked by NOD32 antivirus system. http://www.eset.com
Re: [Repeater-Builder] 23cm antenna for DSTAR
At 10:01 7/29/2008, johnmichaelwelton wrote: Any recommendations for a 1.2GHz antenna to be used in a DSTAR DD/DV application at a commercial site (hospital)? John/N4SJW Charleston, SC Do you want directional or omnidirectional??? Yahoo! Groups Links No virus found in this incoming message. Checked by AVG - http://www.avg.com Version: 8.0.138 / Virus Database: 270.5.7/1580 - Release Date: 7/29/2008 5:26 PM -- Dave Gomberg, San Francisco NE5EE gomberg1 at wcf dot com All addresses, phones, etc. at http://www.wcf.com/ham/info.html -
Re: [Repeater-Builder] 23cm antenna for DSTAR
Michael Ryan wrote: Nate, Here’s something that I recall from some years back, an experience from when I lived around the Washington, D.C. area. Owen, then K6LEW put a 1.2hgz machine on the air in the mid to late ‘90’s. He first bought an AUSTIN brand fiberglass radome antenna, and as I recall it was in the neighborhood of 20ft long. It did not play very well and was unusually noisy. It was sent back to AUSTIN twice for evaluation with no satisfaction. He replaced that antenna with a modest antenna from either COMET or DIAMOND and it not only played better but the noise that we could only conclude came from the antenna had disappeared. - Mike Could be. 1.2 GHz is a strange beast. Fun because it's different, but kinda annoying too... if you're used to taking care of VHF/UHF systems. Have to think like a microwave guy more and less like a normal repeater guy. Our commercial 1.2 GHz antennas were fiberglass sticks a lot sorter than 20', and never performed well from what I've heard. As always, Whatever works! Nate WY0X Yahoo! Groups Links * To visit your group on the web, go to: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/Repeater-Builder/ * Your email settings: Individual Email | Traditional * To change settings online go to: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/Repeater-Builder/join (Yahoo! ID required) * To change settings via email: mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] * To unsubscribe from this group, send an email to: [EMAIL PROTECTED] * Your use of Yahoo! Groups is subject to: http://docs.yahoo.com/info/terms/
Re: [Repeater-Builder] OT maybe info wanted on 220 crystal rigs
--- On Tue, 7/29/08, Ray [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote: From: Ray [EMAIL PROTECTED] Subject: [Repeater-Builder] OT maybe info wanted on 220 crystal rigs To: Repeater-Builder@yahoogroups.com Date: Tuesday, July 29, 2008, 12:41 PM Anyone on the list know if its a good idea to purchase a good used crystal controlled rig for use on 220 ? I'm wanting to get on that band,without a huge radio investment. I saw Clegg FM-76 listed for sale,as an example. respond thru the list or direct. n3pyj at windstream.net If you can find the rigs with crystals for the local repeaters they are fine. I just would not want to order several sets at todays prices. I have a Clegg fm76 that is around 20 years old. I bought it to run on RTTY. There was about 20 of us running that rig or a Midline (probably mispelld that) that is the same exect rig except it has a fancy face plate. The internal wiring is all the same. They put out around 10 watts on high power. We have ran them for 20 minuits to a hour key down and they took it without any problems. It stayed on receive 24 hours a day except when transmitting.
[Repeater-Builder] Motorola R1225 Question.
Quick question: I am planning on using a R1225 as a portable repeater. Can the 16 pin accessory jack on the back of R1225 be wired to the 16 pin accessory jack a GM-300 to use as a link radio? I want to use a UHF R1225 as a full duplexed repeater with VHF link radio. Thanks
Re: [Repeater-Builder] Motorola R1225 Question.
Highly likely yes. All of the controls exist to do so, and even if using the built-in controller on the R1225, the 16 pin connector can still be used for COR, PTT, audio, etc. You'll probably need connectors, wires and probably a pot or two for padding audio levels... maybe even a fixed resistor divider. The internal controller will do you no real good on the link radio. I'd be more comfortable with a real controller between the repeater RX, TX, and Link. I've been using a LOT of GM-300 and R1225s lately (anyone looking to let go a used R1225 VHF in good condition?) and have pretty much forsaken my stockpile of Micors, Mitreks, and even MSR2000s because that little 16 pin connector and the software selections available for logic and audio work so well. On Jul 29, 2008, at 5:23 PM, n2len wrote: Quick question: I am planning on using a R1225 as a portable repeater. Can the 16 pin accessory jack on the back of R1225 be wired to the 16 pin accessory jack a GM-300 to use as a link radio? I want to use a UHF R1225 as a full duplexed repeater with VHF link radio. Thanks -- Cort Buffington H: +1-785-838-3034 M: +1-785-865-7206
[Repeater-Builder] Re: 23cm antenna for DSTAR
Omni directional, this will be on top of the one of the tallest building in Charleston (not saying much :-). Feedline run will be about 75 feet. John/N4SJW --- In Repeater-Builder@yahoogroups.com, Dave Gomberg [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote: At 10:01 7/29/2008, johnmichaelwelton wrote: Any recommendations for a 1.2GHz antenna to be used in a DSTAR DD/DV application at a commercial site (hospital)? John/N4SJW Charleston, SC Do you want directional or omnidirectional??? Yahoo! Groups Links No virus found in this incoming message. Checked by AVG - http://www.avg.com Version: 8.0.138 / Virus Database: 270.5.7/1580 - Release Date: 7/29/2008 5:26 PM -- Dave Gomberg, San Francisco NE5EE gomberg1 at wcf dot com All addresses, phones, etc. at http://www.wcf.com/ham/info.html -
[Repeater-Builder] Re: 23cm antenna for DSTAR
Nate, what type of coverage are you getting in the Denver area for 1.2 data and voice? How well does the building penetration compare to 440MHz FM voice rptrs up on the mountain? John/N4SJW --- In Repeater-Builder@yahoogroups.com, Nate Duehr [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote: johnmichaelwelton wrote: Any recommendations for a 1.2GHz antenna to be used in a DSTAR DD/DV application at a commercial site (hospital)? John/N4SJW Charleston, SC For a repeater or base station (ID-1)? The options are somewhat limited out there. Sadly it seems the Comet/Diamond type antennas are some that a lot of people are using, and commercial quality options are few. For our repeater, which is on a mountain on the West side of the city, we used a custom-built 120 degree panel reflector. Sending the extra RF of an omnidirectional antenna back into the mountains, turned out to be a problem for our analog 1.2 machine years ago, so we avoided it and went straight to something with some gain toward town on the D-STAR system. DV (voice) on D-STAR 1.2 acts similar to any other analog 1.2 GHz repeater. DD (high speed data) being 100 KHz wide, requires more gain to go the same distance. Gain antennas are often necessary for good links on DD... a 10W radio, 100 KHz wide, isn't much signal left to work with a the far end. There is at least one ham running around saying he's bumped his ID- 1 to 20W with no ill effects by finding the power setting pot inside and cranking it wide open. Not sure I'd do that, but just relaying the info. I'd want to look at it on a spectrum analyzer and also keep a very close eye on it for heat load if I were going to mess with the power setting in the rig. But his reports are that his ID-1 is surviving the abuse, just fine so far. Nate WY0X
Re: [Repeater-Builder] Re: 23cm antenna for DSTAR
johnmichaelwelton wrote: Nate, what type of coverage are you getting in the Denver area for 1.2 data and voice? How well does the building penetration compare to 440MHz FM voice rptrs up on the mountain? John/N4SJW Crappy right now. ;-) The temporary site near Boulder, CO has a ridge-line between Boulder and Denver. It can just barely see over it, but it's not doing so hot. Well, at least not down where I live. Another problem is we're all so spread out... I'm a LONG way from the repeater site and don't really have a clear line-of-sight shot for 1.2 GHz. Just about everywhere in the city will be line-of-sight once we get it up to the high site. So, I've put off all the DD testing (unless I feel like going mobile in my relatively small Jeep with a laptop and a borrowed ID-1 that I really don't want to damage or even scratch up in any way)... for the moment. An opposite-polarized 34-element yagi (yeah yeah, I know... it's also borrowed and I didn't want to do major surgery on it to change it's mounting brackets, since the boom is thin -- end up drilling holes and that boom's gonna break someday after I give it back to the VHF+ contesters that own it!) is barely able to get into the system in DV mode from my QTH 35 miles away. I don't always hold the repeater open. DD just isn't gonna happen... So when we get it up higher, we'll see how it does up there. I am hearing rumblings of 2 weeks for that... but I'm not in charge of the move, and there's a crew hard at work changing other things on UHF up there to make the site capable of having the UHF D-STAR module there. (There were some UHF links real close to the repeater frequencies now used for digital/narrowband on UHF in Colorado, and the group using them is graciously changing their linking frequencies so the UHF D-STAR repeater will work up there at the same site. That's what's been going on up there and why we're not up there yet... they had a number of sites to change, not just the hub.) Nate WY0X
Re: [Repeater-Builder] OT maybe info wanted on 220 crystal rigs
The big thing, as someone stated, is the price of crystals. If you only want to talk to one repeater and the Clegg is cheap ($25) it may be worth it. some of us still have Midland/Clegg/ crystal sets kicking around. What freq are you looking for? But, your best overall bet is to pick up a synthesized radio with built-in PL deck. 73, Joe, K1ike Ray wrote: Anyone on the list know if its a good idea to purchase a good used crystal controlled rig for use on 220 ? I'm wanting to get on that band,without a huge radio investment. I saw Clegg FM-76 listed for sale,as an example. respond thru the list or direct. n3pyj at windstream.net Ray
Re: [Repeater-Builder] 23cm antenna for DSTAR
On top of a building? Probably not all that tall so I can recommend the Diamond X6000A so long as you aren't pushing more than about 50w to it. It's also a 2m and 70cm amateur omni which may come in handy some time. Diamond offers a few other models you may want to consider. Website is; http://www.rfparts.com/diamond/Product_Catalog/base_station.html They're available from most amateur gear dealers. Gary johnmichaelwelton wrote: Any recommendations for a 1.2GHz antenna to be used in a DSTAR DD/DV application at a commercial site (hospital)? John/N4SJW Charleston, SC Yahoo! Groups Links
[Repeater-Builder] Re: OT maybe info wanted on 220 crystal rigs
Thanks people for responding to my inquiry,but I purchased a 220 rig this afternoon,from a gent near Pittsburgh. A fully operational Icom rig is on its way here. 73 Ray N3PYJ
[Repeater-Builder] MastrII Exciter board option
LBI 30422A There is an option on the audio input circuit to feed battery for a mic. The strap is from H8-H9 (I think. Very fine print and old eyes here!!) Since I am putting together a repeater, and the local mic is fed battery from the 10V supply, why is this strap necessary. It puts a 200ohm termination across the audio input. The unit was a JL channel repeater at one time and the strap is in.. Any comments?? Thanks Doug VE5DA
[Repeater-Builder] Re: 23cm antenna for DSTAR
--- In Repeater-Builder@yahoogroups.com, johnmichaelwelton [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote: Any recommendations for a 1.2GHz antenna to be used in a DSTAR DD/DV application at a commercial site (hospital)? John/N4SJW Charleston, SC I do not have a DStar repeater but just analog voice and have had a Comet GP-21 up on the top of a 275' tower since june 02. Its been a solid performer for me. I would not recommend a multiband omni as they are usually multi section antennas and that leads to more going wrong with it over time. The base of the tower is at about 100' above sea level. My coverage with the GP-21 is about 25 miles out for the 10watt mobiles over mostly flat terrain. Portables at 1 watt out to about 10 to 15 miles if you pick your spot well. See info below .dan n2aym http://www.rigpix.com/antennas/comet_gp21.htm GP-21 Specs Mono Band 1240-1300MHz Base/Repeater Antenna Gain Wave: 14.9dBi 1#8260;2 wave x 21 VSWR: 1.5:1 or less Max Power: 100 watts Length: 8' Weight: 2 lbs. 8 ozs. Mounting Mast Diameter: 11#8260;4-21#8260;2 Connector: N-Type Construction: Single-piece fiberglass
[Repeater-Builder] Re: Zetron 38A Manual
Tim, Did you ever get the schematics for the Zetron 38a? I have them in PDF files and can email them to you. Let me know. N3GH George --- In Repeater-Builder@yahoogroups.com, m0hlm [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote: Hi I got the Manual incl. scematic, diagram, for diffrent Zetron Logics .send me an email [EMAIL PROTECTED] --- In Repeater-Builder@yahoogroups.com, Scott Zimmerman n3xcc@ wrote: I apologize. I didn't realize that the PDF had blank pages. Scott Scott Zimmerman Amateur Radio Call N3XCC 474 Barnett Road Boswell, PA 15531 - Original Message - From: Mike Morris WA6ILQ To: Repeater-Builder@yahoogroups.com Sent: Friday, April 25, 2008 1:52 AM Subject: Re: [Repeater-Builder] Zetron 38A Manual Yep, he did. The schematics pages in that PDF file are blank (unfortunately it's all we have). A good example of Zetron customer service at its best. I've heard it from several people - they buy Zetron, they shelve the manual. Several years later the unit needs repair - maybe they zap a COR input, or something. They pull the manual off the shelf, and the schematics are blank. Unhappy customers tend to make later purchases elsewhere. Mike At 12:06 PM 04/24/08, you wrote: Doesn't anyone check the website or do a google search anymore?? http://www.repeater-builder.com/zetron/zetron-model-38a-inst% 20manual-025-9043y.pdf Scott Scott Zimmerman Amateur Radio Call N3XCC 474 Barnett Rd Boswell, PA 15531 - Original Message - From: Jack Davis To: Repeater-Builder@yahoogroups.com Sent: Wednesday, April 23, 2008 11:24 PM Subject: [Repeater-Builder] Zetron 38A Manual Does anyone have the schematics for a Zetron Model 38A repeater controller? The pages are blank in my manual and I need to fix it. Thanks, Jack K6YC --- --- No virus found in this incoming message. Checked by AVG. Version: 7.5.524 / Virus Database: 269.23.2/1389 - Release Date: 4/21/2008 8:34 AM --- --- No virus found in this incoming message. Checked by AVG. Version: 7.5.524 / Virus Database: 269.23.5/1399 - Release Date: 4/26/2008 2:17 PM
[Repeater-Builder] Zetron 38a Schematics
Greetings All! I have uploaded PDF files of schematics for the Zetron 38A controller. Have fun! 73, N3GH George
Re: [Repeater-Builder] Zetron 38a Schematics
That's like totally great news, dude! One very important piece of information missing, however. Bob M. == --- On Tue, 7/29/08, n3gh_1 [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote: From: n3gh_1 [EMAIL PROTECTED] Subject: [Repeater-Builder] Zetron 38a Schematics To: Repeater-Builder@yahoogroups.com Date: Tuesday, July 29, 2008, 8:45 PM Greetings All! I have uploaded PDF files of schematics for the Zetron 38A controller. Have fun! 73, N3GH George
RE: [Repeater-Builder] Re: Power Supply Question
Something to keep in mind: Some power supplies come with the negative terminal grounded, that is, connected to the metal cabinet which is normally connected to the green wire in the power plug, but some are left floating. Interesting things happen when two or more power supplies are connected to different loads in the same rack, because there may be a DC potential on the grounding system. It is not always a good idea to have the negative lead grounded in more than one location. 73, Eric Lemmon WB6FLY -Original Message- From: Repeater-Builder@yahoogroups.com [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] On Behalf Of Bob Sent: Tuesday, July 29, 2008 1:06 PM To: Repeater-Builder@yahoogroups.com Subject: [Repeater-Builder] Re: Power Supply Question Mike: In my only vaguely-informed opinion, the situation with two power supplies as you describe is not unreasonable, but a ground loop may or may not be the problem. What is the exact nature of the symptoms? Hum? Buzz? Controller freaking out? If you're running a DC cooling fan (or fans) temporarily disconnect same and see if the problem goes away. Over the years in the broadcast biz, I've seem situations where lifting a ground provided a miracle cure, and almost exact same situations where adding a ground did likewise. I'm convinced that ground problems fall under the heading of FM--freakin' magic! That said, try some experiments: Tie the two power supply grounds together. If none of the gear is floating above ground (or otherwise in a configuration that could result in a difference of potential between cabinets), see what happens if you bond all the various chassis together (but avoid daisy-chain grounding). Try lifting the ground of the AC cord (use one of those 2-to-3 prong adapters); this is only for diagnostic purposes--long term you don't want to leave things this way. Use a voltmeter--one probe on the ground of the P.A., one on the exciter's ground--to see if there's any potential. Then, after you complete all these various science projects, double check the fan situation again. Switch to a DC-relay switched AC powered fan. Good luck. Keep us posted. 73 de K5IQ Bob
[Repeater-Builder] Emergency Power
Does anyone have a circuit to the reduce the power output of a VHF GE MASTR II repeater station when primary power is lost? I searched the messages and found some comments, but no circuit. Recommendations? David
[Repeater-Builder] Re: Emergency Power
--- In Repeater-Builder@yahoogroups.com, drwoolweaver [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote: Does anyone have a circuit to the reduce the power output of a VHF GE MASTR II repeater station when primary power is lost? I've replaced the power-set pot with two pots and a DPDT relay. The relay swaps between the two pots, allowing two different power settings. Works very well here. I can describe how in more detail if you like... Laryn K8TVZ
[Repeater-Builder] Curious Situation
Rber's, I posted a note very early this week about my looking for a someplace to get a 220 duplexer tuned in the TAMPA area. Having not much luck I contacted a local MOTOROLA shop and paid $95 for the service. The receipt returned with the cans indicates that the specifications published by WACOM are very close. Having tuned these merely to incoming signals before, peaking them while the repeater is still in a testing mode, seemed to return decent results but the tune-up was thought to be a better idea. Not so.. Today's tune-up hardly was worth the wait or the price based on the results. While a 5 watt HT 10 miles away could work the repeater, now 25 watts from a roof top antenna is now just about full quieting. Fifteen watts does not make the repeater through the same roof top ground plane. Does logic dictate that we go back to seat of the pants tuning and cast fate to the wind? - Mike
[Repeater-Builder] Re: 23cm antenna for DSTAR
There isn't going to be much warning before that RF output module self-destructs. When he has to foot the bill for a new RF module (or even transistors), even if he replaces it/them himself, I'll bet that power set pot will be glued in place at 10 watts. Just hope he isn't too long-winded. Tom --- In Repeater-Builder@yahoogroups.com, Nate Duehr [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote: johnmichaelwelton wrote: Any recommendations for a 1.2GHz antenna to be used in a DSTAR DD/DV application at a commercial site (hospital)? John/N4SJW Charleston, SC For a repeater or base station (ID-1)? The options are somewhat limited out there. Sadly it seems the Comet/Diamond type antennas are some that a lot of people are using, and commercial quality options are few. For our repeater, which is on a mountain on the West side of the city, we used a custom-built 120 degree panel reflector. Sending the extra RF of an omnidirectional antenna back into the mountains, turned out to be a problem for our analog 1.2 machine years ago, so we avoided it and went straight to something with some gain toward town on the D-STAR system. DV (voice) on D-STAR 1.2 acts similar to any other analog 1.2 GHz repeater. DD (high speed data) being 100 KHz wide, requires more gain to go the same distance. Gain antennas are often necessary for good links on DD... a 10W radio, 100 KHz wide, isn't much signal left to work with a the far end. There is at least one ham running around saying he's bumped his ID-1 to 20W with no ill effects by finding the power setting pot inside and cranking it wide open. Not sure I'd do that, but just relaying the info. I'd want to look at it on a spectrum analyzer and also keep a very close eye on it for heat load if I were going to mess with the power setting in the rig. But his reports are that his ID-1 is surviving the abuse, just fine so far. Nate WY0X
[Repeater-Builder] Re: Curious Situation
Assuming that your duplexer is a BP/BR type, it's true, setting the pass pretty close is not too difficult using an incoming signal. How did you set the reject side? Not that it can't be done (at least, close) but I'm sure your investment in time is several times that that the shop spent setting it (hopefully) correctly. When I first started messing with two way, I obviously didn't have much equipment to work with. I usually was able to make things work but when I got into the business, I quickly found that I didn't have time to mess with things long enough to make them work right. All of a sudden the test equipment became a real bargain and I KNEW that what I turned out was right. Tom -- In Repeater-Builder@yahoogroups.com, Michael Ryan [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote: Rber's, I posted a note very early this week about my looking for a someplace to get a 220 duplexer tuned in the TAMPA area. Having not much luck I contacted a local MOTOROLA shop and paid $95 for the service. The receipt returned with the cans indicates that the specifications published by WACOM are very close. Having tuned these merely to incoming signals before, peaking them while the repeater is still in a testing mode, seemed to return decent results but the tune-up was thought to be a better idea. Not so.. Today's tune-up hardly was worth the wait or the price based on the results. While a 5 watt HT 10 miles away could work the repeater, now 25 watts from a roof top antenna is now just about full quieting. Fifteen watts does not make the repeater through the same roof top ground plane. Does logic dictate that we go back to seat of the pants tuning and cast fate to the wind? - Mike
RE: [Repeater-Builder] Curious Situation
Welcome to the wonderful world of duplexers. When I first started messing with repeaters I used nothing more than a signal generator with attenuator and an ht with a bar graph signal strength meter. That and a dummy load is the minimum you really need to do a decent job. I replaced a 2 meter receiver with a hotter receiver one time and experienced reduced rx coverage much as you described, I traced it down to the cable between the transmitter and duplexer. This was causing the transmitter to see some reflected power looking into the duplexer. As per Wacom manual I started adding a couple inches at a time until the reflected power went away. I ended up having to add about six inches to what I had. The hamtronics receiver wasn't bothered by the resulting effects from the mismatched transmitter load but the Spectrum was. My duplexers were tuned at the factory I suppose on a network analyzer that is supposed result in a perfect 50 ohm input, trouble is my transmitter was not a perfect match hence the reflected power. By adding length to the cable I was making a transformer that made the receiver happy. This may not have anything to do with your problem at all. You need to check your antenna match first then see if your transmitter is seeing the same SWR when the duplexer is in line it should be the same. You need a way of quickly turning the transmitter on and off while listening to a weak signal. If the signal improves when the transmitter is off then you are experiencing de-sense. This could be caused by many things. Bad cables or connectors or feed line or duplexer or too much power or spurious transmitter or poor receiver or... the list goes on. you need to give us a rundown on what your system consists of - what antenna feed line connectors cables transmitter and receiver are you using. tom - Original Message - From: Michael Ryan To: Repeater-Builder@yahoogroups.com Sent: 7/29/2008 11:36:32 PM Subject: [Repeater-Builder] Curious Situation Rbers, I posted a note very early this week about my looking for a someplace to get a 220 duplexer tuned in the TAMPA area. Having not much luck I contacted a local MOTOROLA shop and paid $95 for the service. The receipt returned with the cans indicates that the specifications published by WACOM are very close. Having tuned these merely to incoming signals before, peaking them while the repeater is still in a testing mode, seemed to return decent results but the tune-up was thought to be a better idea. Not so . Todays tune-up hardly was worth the wait or the price based on the results. While a 5 watt HT 10 miles away could work the repeater, now 25 watts from a roof top antenna is now just about full quieting. Fifteen watts does not make the repeater through the same roof top ground plane. Does logic dictate that we go back to seat of the pants tuning and cast fate to the wind? - Mike No virus found in this incoming message. Checked by AVG - http://www.avg.com Version: 8.0.138 / Virus Database: 270.5.6/1579 - Release Date: 7/29/2008 6:43 AM
Re: [Repeater-Builder] Curious Situation
At 7/29/2008 20:37, you wrote: Rber s, I posted a note very early this week about my looking for a someplace to get a 220 duplexer tuned in the TAMPA area. Having not much luck I contacted a local MOTOROLA shop and paid $95 for the service. The receipt returned with the cans indicates that the specifications published by WACOM are very close. Having tuned these merely to incoming signals before, peaking them while the repeater is still in a testing mode, seemed to return decent results but the tune-up was thought to be a better idea. Not so. Today s tune-up hardly was worth the wait or the price based on the results. While a 5 watt HT 10 miles away could work the repeater, now 25 watts from a roof top antenna is now just about full quieting. Fifteen watts does not make the repeater through the same roof top ground plane. Does logic dictate that we go back to seat of the pants tuning and cast fate to the wind? - Mike Trying not to open the Pandora's Box of the should the duplexer be 'touched up' after installation debate, I will say that I normally never have to readjust the duplexer tuning after tuning on proper test equipment (in my case a spectrum analyzer with tracking generator 10 dB pads on the generator output analyzer input). However, if you have very little reserve isolation in your duplexer or your TX, RX and/or antenna impedances are very far from 50 ohms it may be necessary. What kind of repeater are you using? You may have an unstable RFPA that doesn't like the new off-channel reactance being presented to it by the duplexer. Bob NO6B
RE: [Repeater-Builder] Curious Situation
The repeater transceiver is a NEUTEC commercial radio in the 220 band. The repeater is a RANGER brand unit with the NEUTEC unit as the heart. ( RANGER is out in Calif from what I remember..they make a line of 10m. 6mtr and 11 mtr radios ). The cabling in the rack is all double shielded RG-214 .every bit. All the appliances came with UHF connectors, so I had not option to cable with N type connectors which I would have preferred. Connectors are silver. I am using an ARCOM 210 controller. Power supply is a rack mount ASTRON 35. I had planned on a larger supply or to use a separate supply on the amp, but the draw against the one supply with all the components should not be taxing it. The transmitter was dialed back to about 10 watts and is driving a TE Systems amp doing about 100 watts to the duplexer. This power level was not a problem the night before the visit to the Motorola shop, but we could detect some desense and I was hoping to improve the situation. The antenna is a HyGain V-3 ( this is a temporary antenna that was available for the testing phase ) ground plane which has 2 sets of radials. The antenna is fed with ½ Heliax. The antenna is 30 to 40 feet horizontially separated and 20 ft vertically. ( Not a lot of separation to be sure but again the install at this location is temporary while working the kinks out..). Thats the basic rundown -M From: Repeater-Builder@yahoogroups.com [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] On Behalf Of Thomas Oliver Sent: Wednesday, July 30, 2008 12:41 AM To: Repeater-Builder@yahoogroups.com Subject: RE: [Repeater-Builder] Curious Situation Welcome to the wonderful world of duplexers. When I first started messing with repeaters I used nothing more than a signal generator with attenuator and an ht with a bar graph signal strength meter. That and a dummy load is the minimum you really need to do a decent job. I replaced a 2 meter receiver with a hotter receiver one time and experienced reduced rx coverage much as you described, I traced it down to the cable between the transmitter and duplexer. This was causing the transmitter to see some reflected power looking into the duplexer. As per Wacom manual I started adding a couple inches at a time until the reflected power went away. I ended up having to add about six inches to what I had. The hamtronics receiver wasn't bothered by the resulting effects from the mismatched transmitter load but the Spectrum was. My duplexers were tuned at the factory I suppose on a network analyzer that is supposed result in a perfect 50 ohm input, trouble is my transmitter was not a perfect match hence the reflected power. By adding length to the cable I was making a transformer that made the receiver happy. This may not have anything to do with your problem at all. You need to check your antenna match first then see if your transmitter is seeing the same SWR when the duplexer is in line it should be the same. You need a way of quickly turning the transmitter on and off while listening to a weak signal. If the signal improves when the transmitter is off then you are experiencing de-sense. This could be caused by many things. Bad cables or connectors or feed line or duplexer or too much power or spurious transmitter or poor receiver or... the list goes on. you need to give us a rundown on what your system consists of - what antenna feed line connectors cables transmitter and receiver are you using. tom - Original Message - From: Michael Ryan mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] To: Repeater-Builder@yahoogroups.com Sent: 7/29/2008 11:36:32 PM Subject: [Repeater-Builder] Curious Situation Rbers, I posted a note very early this week about my looking for a someplace to get a 220 duplexer tuned in the TAMPA area. Having not much luck I contacted a local MOTOROLA shop and paid $95 for the service. The receipt returned with the cans indicates that the specifications published by WACOM are very close. Having tuned these merely to incoming signals before, peaking them while the repeater is still in a testing mode, seemed to return decent results but the tune-up was thought to be a better idea. Not so . Todays tune-up hardly was worth the wait or the price based on the results. While a 5 watt HT 10 miles away could work the repeater, now 25 watts from a roof top antenna is now just about full quieting. Fifteen watts does not make the repeater through the same roof top ground plane. Does logic dictate that we go back to seat of the pants tuning and cast fate to the wind? - Mike No virus found in this incoming message. Checked by AVG - http://www.avg.com Version: 8.0.138 / Virus Database: 270.5.6/1579 - Release Date: 7/29/2008 6:43 AM __ NOD32 3301 (20080727) Information __ This message was checked by NOD32 antivirus system. http://www.eset.com
RE: [Repeater-Builder] Re: Curious Situation
Tom, Assuming the shop set the transmit side is/was set right , the swr should be flat if into a 50ohm load. It is just that. I guess what I am thinking here ( excuse me if this flies in the face of what may be the correct and accepted method ) if the transmitter sees no standing wave, ( after the shop adjusted it as such, even though we had done the same thing )and if the recv side can be tweaked in such a way as we did a few nights ago, (while running nearly 100 watts to the duplexer by the way) isn't the real success, that the recv hears well enough to not notice the amp, etc.??..I mean if it wasn't broke did I make a mistake ( let's be honest) in trying to fix it, being greedy, striving for absolutely no desense, at the Motorola shop? - From: Repeater-Builder@yahoogroups.com [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] On Behalf Of Tom Sent: Wednesday, July 30, 2008 12:34 AM To: Repeater-Builder@yahoogroups.com Subject: [Repeater-Builder] Re: Curious Situation Assuming that your duplexer is a BP/BR type, it's true, setting the pass pretty close is not too difficult using an incoming signal. How did you set the reject side? Not that it can't be done (at least, close) but I'm sure your investment in time is several times that that the shop spent setting it (hopefully) correctly. When I first started messing with two way, I obviously didn't have much equipment to work with. I usually was able to make things work but when I got into the business, I quickly found that I didn't have time to mess with things long enough to make them work right. All of a sudden the test equipment became a real bargain and I KNEW that what I turned out was right. Tom -- In Repeater-Builder@yahoogroups.com mailto:Repeater-Builder%40yahoogroups.com , Michael Ryan [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote: Rber's, I posted a note very early this week about my looking for a someplace to get a 220 duplexer tuned in the TAMPA area. Having not much luck I contacted a local MOTOROLA shop and paid $95 for the service. The receipt returned with the cans indicates that the specifications published by WACOM are very close. Having tuned these merely to incoming signals before, peaking them while the repeater is still in a testing mode, seemed to return decent results but the tune-up was thought to be a better idea. Not so.. Today's tune-up hardly was worth the wait or the price based on the results. While a 5 watt HT 10 miles away could work the repeater, now 25 watts from a roof top antenna is now just about full quieting. Fifteen watts does not make the repeater through the same roof top ground plane. Does logic dictate that we go back to seat of the pants tuning and cast fate to the wind? - Mike __ NOD32 3301 (20080727) Information __ This message was checked by NOD32 antivirus system. http://www.eset.com
