Re: [Repeater-Builder] Re: Milcom International UHF PA
Thanks again!! Adam N2ACF On 6/7/2010 8:31 AM, Jeff DePolo wrote: No, just fill out the RMA form from their web site. You might want to ask for an estimate or quote before you send the unit in, but they'll want the RMA form first. --- Jeff WN3A
Re: [Repeater-Builder] Re: Milcom International UHF PA
Hi Jeff, Thanks for the reply. I too, thought that it was drawing a little too much current. The unit has a sticker on it that says 450 to 470 and I'm testing it with a MastrII exciter on 442.800. So, you're probably right in what's going on. I'm going to see if I have an ICOM for my 449.875 repeater and if so, test it on that frequency. Hopefully, I'll see the current draw go down and then know for sure what's going on. If I want the caps changed, is there anyone in particular at Crescend I need to talk to? I wasn't aware that they would support the Milcom line. Thanks!! Adam N2ACF On 6/6/2010 10:26 AM, Jeff DePolo wrote: 28-29 amps is on the high side. Are you using the amp at more than maybe 5 MHz or so from the original frequency? Some of the Milcom/Crescend amps are tunable, but many used fixed-value metal-clad mica capacitors in the base and collector matching. The values of the caps and/or their placement along the microstrips is varied depending on frequency. While you could experimentally determine the right values/placements using common sense techniques, it's probably easier just to send it to Crescend to have them move it to your frequency. I have a 350 watt Vocom UHF amp that had the same issue - fixed caps. After counting how many caps I'd have to futz with, I concluded it was cheaper to send it to them and letthem do it for $200. They turned it around in about a week. If you need 250 mW in and 100 watts out, a Mastr II PA would do you nicely (and cheaply!). --- Jeff WN3A -Original Message- From: Repeater-Builder@yahoogroups.com [mailto:repeater-buil...@yahoogroups.com] On Behalf Of Adam Feuer Sent: Saturday, June 05, 2010 11:35 PM To: Repeater-Builder@yahoogroups.com Subject: Re: [Repeater-Builder] Re: Milcom International UHF PA Hi Alex, Thanks for the reply! Your description of the pots was great but I don't see ANY tuning caps on any boards in this amp. There's a 10watt board that feeds a 65w board. Then, this 65w board gets split to feed two more 65w boards which get combined as the final output. I can easily set R10 to 100 watts but I would like more info on the tuning caps if it's applicable to this amp. At 100 watts the amp is drawing about 28 to 29 amps. I may be incorrect but I thought some of my other 250mw in 100w out PA's only draw 22 amps. Thanks again! Adam N2ACF On 6/5/2010 6:04 PM, opelgtalex wrote: Adam- R10 controls the bias voltage to the first stage driver- this sets the power out of the amp. Turn this pot down (lower the PA output) peak out all tuning caps starting at the 1st stage, then the 2nd and on to the 4 driver boards. Once all tuning caps are adjusted for peak output, then adjust R10 for the amplifiers rated power out (100W in your case). R9 controls the foldback power in case of a high temp condition the power output is cut by 3dB- the thermal switch is located just below the control board. As per manual R9 is adjusted by removing power from the cooling fan, key the RF source, wait for the unit to reach 135deg F and adjust R9 for 3dB below rated amp output- this is per manual. Hope this helps, Alex --- In Repeater-Builder@yahoogroups.com mailto:Repeater-Builder%40yahoogroups.com , Adam Feuerfeu...@... wrote: Hello All, I have a Milcom International UHF PA on the bench. Model number is P12-O5HA1-C1 rated at 250mw in with 100w out. I'm trying to identify what two pots (R9 R10) do on a board that seems like a control board. Both pots appear to vary the output power and current draw, although one does it more dramatically than the other. Anyone have a manual or information for this PA? Any help would be greatly appreciated. Thanks!! Adam N2ACF Yahoo! Groups Links Yahoo! Groups Links
[Repeater-Builder] Milcom International UHF PA
Hello All, I have a Milcom International UHF PA on the bench. Model number is P12-O5HA1-C1 rated at 250mw in with 100w out. I'm trying to identify what two pots (R9 R10) do on a board that seems like a control board. Both pots appear to vary the output power and current draw, although one does it more dramatically than the other. Anyone have a manual or information for this PA? Any help would be greatly appreciated. Thanks!! Adam N2ACF
Re: [Repeater-Builder] Re: Milcom International UHF PA
Hi Alex, Thanks for the reply! Your description of the pots was great but I don't see ANY tuning caps on any boards in this amp. There's a 10watt board that feeds a 65w board. Then, this 65w board gets split to feed two more 65w boards which get combined as the final output. I can easily set R10 to 100 watts but I would like more info on the tuning caps if it's applicable to this amp. At 100 watts the amp is drawing about 28 to 29 amps. I may be incorrect but I thought some of my other 250mw in 100w out PA's only draw 22 amps. Thanks again! Adam N2ACF On 6/5/2010 6:04 PM, opelgtalex wrote: Adam- R10 controls the bias voltage to the first stage driver- this sets the power out of the amp. Turn this pot down (lower the PA output) peak out all tuning caps starting at the 1st stage, then the 2nd and on to the 4 driver boards. Once all tuning caps are adjusted for peak output, then adjust R10 for the amplifiers rated power out (100W in your case). R9 controls the foldback power in case of a high temp condition the power output is cut by 3dB- the thermal switch is located just below the control board. As per manual R9 is adjusted by removing power from the cooling fan, key the RF source, wait for the unit to reach 135deg F and adjust R9 for 3dB below rated amp output- this is per manual. Hope this helps, Alex --- In Repeater-Builder@yahoogroups.com, Adam Feuerfeu...@... wrote: Hello All, I have a Milcom International UHF PA on the bench. Model number is P12-O5HA1-C1 rated at 250mw in with 100w out. I'm trying to identify what two pots (R9 R10) do on a board that seems like a control board. Both pots appear to vary the output power and current draw, although one does it more dramatically than the other. Anyone have a manual or information for this PA? Any help would be greatly appreciated. Thanks!! Adam N2ACF Yahoo! Groups Links
[Repeater-Builder] Micor 900mhz Receiver Board
Anyone have a TRF1032A that they would like to sell / part with. I'll take it with or without the housing, whichever is easiest for you to unload. Thanks in advance! Adam N2ACF feu...@optonline.net
[Repeater-Builder] Voters...the LDG Relay
All of the recent chat about voters and a recent trip to my site has reminded me of a question regarding the LDG. Mine has been in service for about 8 years now and just recently hearing the relay clicking has got me wondering: Has anyone had a relay failure in the LDG? If so, were you able to get an exact replacement or did you opt for an alternate method? Any thoughts or experiences would be greatly appreciated. Adam N2ACF
[Repeater-Builder] Motorola GM950 Mobile
Hello All, Would anyone happen to have a service manual to a Motorola GM950 mobile? Band split is not relevant as I'm specifically looking for the part number of that radio's antenna jac. Any help would be greatly appreciated. Thanks!! Adam N2ACF
Re: [Repeater-Builder] UHF Mastr II PA - SLOW
Jeff, Thanks for the thought which is something I did not check. (nor do I know how at the moment, I'll have to find the book) I did check the obvious solder connections that usually fail and even re-flowed them. The POT seems ok as when the amp finally does reach full power, the POT varies the output power just fine. Again, this amp is extremely clean and quite healthy once it finally reaches full power. Back to the bench tonightThanks!! Adam N2ACF Jeff DePolo wrote: After letting it cool, I key'd it up again. It immediately went up to only 20 watts, then after about 30 seconds it hit 75 watts and finally after close to a minute and a half, it hit 100 watts. I let it cool again, and same thing. This appears to be the way this amp is as nothing I can do can get it to change. I checked the exciter and immediately upon being key'd it puts out 220 mw. Any thoughts or suggestions would be greatly appreciated. I'll give you the same recommendation as I would give anyone with a varying-power problem on an amp with power control circuitry - meter the controlled stage voltage! If it's constant, then you have an RF problem (bad connections between boards, a failing component, etc.). If it's varying in correlation to the change in power output, then the control circuitry is causing it (possible causes include the power control pot, thermistor, power control hybrid, pass transistor, etc.). Divide and conquer is your best technique, and this is an important first step. --- Jeff WN3A Yahoo! Groups Links
[Repeater-Builder] UHF Mastr II PA - SLOW
Hello All, I have on the bench into a dummy load an exceptionally clean Mastr II 100 watt UHF PA. It appears to be a late model version because it has the Z-Match board right above the RF output connector. At 13.6 volts and 21 amps, it's doing 100 watts easily. I can vary it down all the way and vary it up to about 128 watts. So, to me it seems like it's in good shape. I left it key'd for 30 minutes and the current and power output stayed the same, 21 amps and 100 watts. After letting it cool, I key'd it up again. It immediately went up to only 20 watts, then after about 30 seconds it hit 75 watts and finally after close to a minute and a half, it hit 100 watts. I let it cool again, and same thing. This appears to be the way this amp is as nothing I can do can get it to change. I checked the exciter and immediately upon being key'd it puts out 220 mw. Any thoughts or suggestions would be greatly appreciated. Thanks!! Adam N2ACF
[Repeater-Builder] Mastr II IFAS Board
Hello All, Today, I came in possession of a Mastr II low band receiver on 33mhz for a 10 meter project that I'm working on. What caught my eye right away on this particular receiver was the IFAS board. This board looked dramatically different from all those I have seen before. There were numerous 14 pin IC's, only one audio device mounted on the side, and no transformer. The part number on this board is 19D902492G2 Rev F. I'm wondering if anyone has any experience in the use of this board as pertains to squelch action. Were there any improvements or anything that might have made things worse? I know pretty much what to expect with the other (maybe older?) style IFAS boards but this one is new to me. Any information would be greatly appreciated. Thanks! Adam N2ACF
Re: [Repeater-Builder] Micor Bi-Level Squelch Circuit
I am a very big fan of the Micor bi-level squelch. It's action is second to none on my 440 and 900 system however, I too am having the exact same problem on my 29.540 receiver in carrier squelch. I just will not take anyone into the noise but rather near quieting signals just pop out and disapear under the squelch. I have tried cleaning all of the pins and swapping out the audio control module but nothing seems to help. Interesting enough, this is NOT happening on my 6 meter Spectra Tac! At the moment, I have placed my 29.540 Spectra Tac aside and replaced it with a GE Mastr II auxiliary receiver on 10 meters. The results are much better as pertains to the squelch, but this is not to start a Micor vs. Mastr II comparison.something is just not right on 10 meters with a Spectra Tac receiver. If it can work on all of the other bands (especially six meters!) it should work on 10. If anyone has any suggestions, perhaps some part changes on the audio control module, they would be greatly appreciated! Adam N2ACF kq2h wrote: I've been impressed with the operation of the Micor bi-level squelch circuit based on the M7716 IC. I use Micor Spectra-Tac receivers exclusively on 440, 902, 6 Meters and 222 MHz (VHF to 222 conversion) with excellent results. However, I am perplexed by 10 Meters. The Spectra-Tac squelch circuit doesn't work well at all. It squelches up on fading signals that aren't all that noisy and drops out for no apparant reason. It appears that the squelch is set too high, but it isn't. I've tried different audio/squelch modules, receiver boards and housings. Even the IMTS modification which defeats the short squelch tail doesn't help the situation. When a UHF reciever is substituted in place of the 10 Meter receiver, the squelch circuit works fine. An old 25-30 MHz Motrac receiver, with its simple 3 transistor squelch circuit, works perfectly on 10 Meters. There are no problems with drop outs. The receiver squelch remains open well into the noise. This leads me to believe that the Micor bi-level circuit needs to be optimized for 10 Meters. Does anyone know of any component value changes in the Micor bi-level circuit to optimize operation on 10 Meters? Yahoo! Groups Links
Re: [Repeater-Builder] MastrII Receiver Failure
Wow! Thanks for the tip. I changed out that FET and the sensitivity is back to normal. I went to Radio Shack and used an MPF-102. Now the question: Do I put it back at the site with the Radio Shack device? (I'm not sure who makes their transistors) Or do I order something better? Thanks again! Adam N2ACF DCFluX wrote: Replace the FET that is in the helical casting. on the RF Pre-selector board. It is a 2N4416, Radioshack carries the MPF-102 as a readily available substitution. I'd use a J-310 if you have one. See: http://www.repeater-builder.com/ge/lbi-library/lbi-4991g.pdf On Fri, Jun 19, 2009 at 11:27 AM, Adam Feuerfeu...@optonline.net wrote: Hello All I've had a MastrII low band receiver (29.540) on the air for close to 10 years now with no issues. It's been very sensitive and breaks squelch at around .17uv. Recently, after a lightening storm, the receiver went deaf. I went to the site thinking that the antenna might have got struck by lightening but it turns out that the receiver now breaks squelch and around 8uv. (or whatever is in between the 5 and 10uv setting on my IFR1200S) The antenna checks out fine. Having only tuned these receivers up and never having to trouble shoot a failure, I'm wondering if anyone knows of a smoking gun when it comes to a MastrII receiver failure like this. I'm going to dig out the book and see what I can find but any help or guidance would be greatly appreciated. Thanks in advance! Adam N2ACF Yahoo! Groups Links Yahoo! Groups Links
Re: [Repeater-Builder] MastrII Receiver Failure
Yea, I actually bought three when I was there soback to the site I go. THANKS AGAIN!! Adam N2ACF DCFluX wrote: Buy a couple of spares and keep them in the manual at the site. On Sat, Jun 20, 2009 at 1:48 PM, Adam Feuerfeu...@optonline.net wrote: Wow! Thanks for the tip. I changed out that FET and the sensitivity is back to normal. I went to Radio Shack and used an MPF-102. Now the question: Do I put it back at the site with the Radio Shack device? (I'm not sure who makes their transistors) Or do I order something better? Thanks again! Adam N2ACF DCFluX wrote: Replace the FET that is in the helical casting. on the RF Pre-selector board. It is a 2N4416, Radioshack carries the MPF-102 as a readily available substitution. I'd use a J-310 if you have one. See: http://www.repeater-builder.com/ge/lbi-library/lbi-4991g.pdf On Fri, Jun 19, 2009 at 11:27 AM, Adam Feuerfeu...@optonline.net wrote: Hello All I've had a MastrII low band receiver (29.540) on the air for close to 10 years now with no issues. It's been very sensitive and breaks squelch at around .17uv. Recently, after a lightening storm, the receiver went deaf. I went to the site thinking that the antenna might have got struck by lightening but it turns out that the receiver now breaks squelch and around 8uv. (or whatever is in between the 5 and 10uv setting on my IFR1200S) The antenna checks out fine. Having only tuned these receivers up and never having to trouble shoot a failure, I'm wondering if anyone knows of a smoking gun when it comes to a MastrII receiver failure like this. I'm going to dig out the book and see what I can find but any help or guidance would be greatly appreciated. Thanks in advance! Adam N2ACF Yahoo! Groups Links Yahoo! Groups Links Yahoo! Groups Links Yahoo! Groups Links
[Repeater-Builder] MastrII Receiver Failure
Hello All I've had a MastrII low band receiver (29.540) on the air for close to 10 years now with no issues. It's been very sensitive and breaks squelch at around .17uv. Recently, after a lightening storm, the receiver went deaf. I went to the site thinking that the antenna might have got struck by lightening but it turns out that the receiver now breaks squelch and around 8uv. (or whatever is in between the 5 and 10uv setting on my IFR1200S) The antenna checks out fine. Having only tuned these receivers up and never having to trouble shoot a failure, I'm wondering if anyone knows of a smoking gun when it comes to a MastrII receiver failure like this. I'm going to dig out the book and see what I can find but any help or guidance would be greatly appreciated. Thanks in advance! Adam N2ACF
Re: [Repeater-Builder] Noise on UHF
Yes, I'm getting it in Rockland County, NY on one of my UHF machines. I'm told that the noise I'm hearing, which I only hear every blue moon, is some sort of military radar. Adam N2ACF Chuck Kelsey wrote: Is anyone hearing a strange noise (buzz/whine) on UHF? Chuck WB2EDV Yahoo! Groups Links
Re: [Repeater-Builder] Glenayre UHF PA
Chuck, Not being sure which model Glenayre PA you're referring to, I'm running several QT-7795 and QT-6775's on 442 thru 449 with no degradation. Do you have a QT series or the 97 series? Adam N2ACF Chuck Kelsey wrote: Anyone know if a UHF Glenayre PA will work in the ham portion of the band? Chuck WB2EDV Yahoo! Groups Links
Re: [Repeater-Builder] Glenayre UHF PA
Ok, I don't use that model myself. I only have QT's in service. Adam Chuck Kelsey wrote: It is the 97 series. Chuck WB2EDV - Original Message - From: Adam Feuer feu...@optonline.net To: Repeater-Builder@yahoogroups.com Sent: Sunday, June 14, 2009 7:05 PM Subject: Re: [Repeater-Builder] Glenayre UHF PA Chuck, Not being sure which model Glenayre PA you're referring to, I'm running several QT-7795 and QT-6775's on 442 thru 449 with no degradation. Do you have a QT series or the 97 series? Adam N2ACF Chuck Kelsey wrote: Anyone know if a UHF Glenayre PA will work in the ham portion of the band? Chuck WB2EDV Yahoo! Groups Links Yahoo! Groups Links Yahoo! Groups Links
[Repeater-Builder] MSF Squelch EEpot
After interfacing my C74CXB to an external controller, everything seems to be playing real nice. In scrutinizing received signals, it seems as if the the MSF squelch is a little tight and not letting week signals become week but rather just squelching them out. The receiver is programmed for CTCSS decode so I would like to loosen the squelch a little. In the list of available EEpots, there are two settings that I'm not totally familiar with: Repeater Squelch and Receiver Squelch. If someone could provide me an explanation of both as well as which one I should lower to help my issue, it would be greatly appreciated. Thanks! Adam N2ACF
Re: [Repeater-Builder] MSF Squelch EEpot
Great, thanks James! Adam N2ACF James Delancy wrote: Receiver Squelch is just that ... a level at which the local receiver un-squelches. The repeater squelch is the level the station uses to determine (for its own internal controller) when it is actually going to pass a signal through for repeat. I would recommend that you just set both at the same level. The squelch knob on the front of the SSCB may also affect your squelch levels depending on where you are deriving your COR signaling. James Adam Feuer wrote: After interfacing my C74CXB to an external controller, everything seems to be playing real nice. In scrutinizing received signals, it seems as if the the MSF squelch is a little tight and not letting week signals become week but rather just squelching them out. The receiver is programmed for CTCSS decode so I would like to loosen the squelch a little. In the list of available EEpots, there are two settings that I'm not totally familiar with: Repeater Squelch and Receiver Squelch. If someone could provide me an explanation of both as well as which one I should lower to help my issue, it would be greatly appreciated. Thanks! Adam N2ACF Yahoo! Groups Links Yahoo! Groups Links
Re: [Repeater-Builder] MSF Squelch EEpot
Hi Mark, Good to know and thanks! I haven't been back to the repeater yet but when I get there, I'll make some small adjustments. Thanks again! Adam N2ACF N9WYS wrote: Adam... My experience with a C85GFB is that my squelch also seems a bit tight, but so far I have not been able to do anything about it. I set it to threshold when I had the service monitor on it, and the station was within specifications. FWIW - I currently have the station set for AND squelch, but have been told that PL-only squelch may be a bit more forgiving. I just haven't had an opportunity to get to the tower and change the setting to see for myself whether this is true. Mark - N9WYS -Original Message- From: Repeater-Builder@yahoogroups.com On Behalf Of Adam Feuer Great, thanks James! Adam N2ACF James Delancy wrote: Receiver Squelch is just that ... a level at which the local receiver un-squelches. The repeater squelch is the level the station uses to determine (for its own internal controller) when it is actually going to pass a signal through for repeat. I would recommend that you just set both at the same level. The squelch knob on the front of the SSCB may also affect your squelch levels depending on where you are deriving your COR signaling. James Adam Feuer wrote: After interfacing my C74CXB to an external controller, everything seems to be playing real nice. In scrutinizing received signals, it seems as if the the MSF squelch is a little tight and not letting week signals become week but rather just squelching them out. The receiver is programmed for CTCSS decode so I would like to loosen the squelch a little. In the list of available EEpots, there are two settings that I'm not totally familiar with: Repeater Squelch and Receiver Squelch. If someone could provide me an explanation of both as well as which one I should lower to help my issue, it would be greatly appreciated. Thanks! Adam N2ACF Yahoo! Groups Links
Re: [Repeater-Builder] First UHF MSF5000 Attempt
True, BUT the book says 110 and 85 (I think) at the antenna port. What I'm getting at is that it may NOT have been right (122.5) from the start. Maire-Radios wrote: *well if it was 85 watts with 122.5 watts* *it would be lower at 110 watts and any be the 71 watts do the math should be about the same values.* ** *John* ** - Original Message - *From:* n2acf mailto:feu...@optonline.net *To:* Repeater-Builder@yahoogroups.com mailto:Repeater-Builder@yahoogroups.com *Sent:* Friday, May 08, 2009 2:49 PM *Subject:* [Repeater-Builder] First UHF MSF5000 Attempt Hello All, Attempted to tune up the TX side of a C74CXB today. The odds weren't really in my favor as I've never worked on a UHF MSF nor have I ever used a tracking generator. I brought the station to a friends shop and I used an IFR1200S for the tuning. I checked the station before I began and on 453.900 there was 82.5 watts at the antenna port and 122.5 coming out of the PA. So, I reprogrammed the station, adjusted the VCO, and then began to re-tune the 3 pole and 4 pole filter. I also changed the output power of the PA to 110 watts because I believe that is what the station is rated for. The new TX frequency is 441.950. When I was done with both filters, I checked the power at the antenna port and it's only 71 watts. I believe it's supposed to be 85. The PA looks very clean on the spectrum analyzer and the carrier is right on frequency. Again, I'm not the best at reading the scope while using the tracking generator but I did it the best I could for the first time. Is my output power OK at 71 watts or is something wrong? Thanks in advanced! Adam N2ACF
Re: [Repeater-Builder] First UHF MSF5000 Attempt
Hmm??? The book at my friends shop said (if I read it right) that a C74 with the filter option was rated at 110 from the PA and 85 at the junction box which is why I'm concerned about my 71 watts. James Delancy wrote: UHF models that are 110 Watts, are rated for that out the side of the cabinet. This usually results in 160 Watts out of the PA. Then you are down around 100-110 Watts after the harmonic filter and the pre/post pass filters. James Maire-Radios wrote: *well if it was 85 watts with 122.5 watts* *it would be lower at 110 watts and any be the 71 watts do the math should be about the same values.* ** *John* ** - Original Message - *From:* n2acf mailto:feu...@optonline.net *To:* Repeater-Builder@yahoogroups.com mailto:Repeater-Builder@yahoogroups.com *Sent:* Friday, May 08, 2009 2:49 PM *Subject:* [Repeater-Builder] First UHF MSF5000 Attempt Hello All, Attempted to tune up the TX side of a C74CXB today. The odds weren't really in my favor as I've never worked on a UHF MSF nor have I ever used a tracking generator. I brought the station to a friends shop and I used an IFR1200S for the tuning. I checked the station before I began and on 453.900 there was 82.5 watts at the antenna port and 122.5 coming out of the PA. So, I reprogrammed the station, adjusted the VCO, and then began to re-tune the 3 pole and 4 pole filter. I also changed the output power of the PA to 110 watts because I believe that is what the station is rated for. The new TX frequency is 441.950. When I was done with both filters, I checked the power at the antenna port and it's only 71 watts. I believe it's supposed to be 85. The PA looks very clean on the spectrum analyzer and the carrier is right on frequency. Again, I'm not the best at reading the scope while using the tracking generator but I did it the best I could for the first time. Is my output power OK at 71 watts or is something wrong? Thanks in advanced! Adam N2ACF
Re: [Repeater-Builder] First UHF MSF5000 Attempt
Hi Mark, Interesting about your MSR2000. I'm not sure about it's band splits but if I'm not mistaken, my MSF is in band all the way down to 438mhz. I'm suspicious about my tuning of that 4 pole filter because of my lack of knowledge on the use of a tracking generator. Although, when I was done tuning it, my scope looked very similar to the pics on the MSF page here on Repeater-Builder. I tried tuning it three times and every time I'm done, I only get 70 to 72 watts at the side of the cabinet. OH wellthanks anyway! Adam N2ACF Mark wrote: Adam, It may be far enough out-of-band for the harmonic filter that it isn't passing as much RF to the antenna connection port, regardless of what the specs call for... I had an MSR2000 that was like that - it was in the commercial UHF band and worked fine, but when it got moved to 444.5500, it kept burning up the PA - melted the connections to the harmonic filter, even with silver solder. (We finally gave up on that one.) Mark - N9WYS -Original Message- From: Repeater-Builder@yahoogroups.com On Behalf Of Adam Feuer Sent: Friday, May 08, 2009 2:49 PM To: Repeater-Builder@yahoogroups.com Subject: Re: [Repeater-Builder] First UHF MSF5000 Attempt Hmm??? The book at my friends shop said (if I read it right) that a C74 with the filter option was rated at 110 from the PA and 85 at the junction box which is why I'm concerned about my 71 watts. James Delancy wrote: UHF models that are 110 Watts, are rated for that out the side of the cabinet. This usually results in 160 Watts out of the PA. Then you are down around 100-110 Watts after the harmonic filter and the pre/post pass filters. James Maire-Radios wrote: *well if it was 85 watts with 122.5 watts* *it would be lower at 110 watts and any be the 71 watts do the math should be about the same values.* ** *John* ** - Original Message - *From:* n2acf mailto:feu...@optonline.net *To:* Repeater-Builder@yahoogroups.com mailto:Repeater-Builder@yahoogroups.com *Sent:* Friday, May 08, 2009 2:49 PM *Subject:* [Repeater-Builder] First UHF MSF5000 Attempt Hello All, Attempted to tune up the TX side of a C74CXB today. The odds weren't really in my favor as I've never worked on a UHF MSF nor have I ever used a tracking generator. I brought the station to a friends shop and I used an IFR1200S for the tuning. I checked the station before I began and on 453.900 there was 82.5 watts at the antenna port and 122.5 coming out of the PA. So, I reprogrammed the station, adjusted the VCO, and then began to re-tune the 3 pole and 4 pole filter. I also changed the output power of the PA to 110 watts because I believe that is what the station is rated for. The new TX frequency is 441.950. When I was done with both filters, I checked the power at the antenna port and it's only 71 watts. I believe it's supposed to be 85. The PA looks very clean on the spectrum analyzer and the carrier is right on frequency. Again, I'm not the best at reading the scope while using the tracking generator but I did it the best I could for the first time. Is my output power OK at 71 watts or is something wrong? Thanks in advanced! Adam N2ACF Yahoo! Groups Links No virus found in this incoming message. Checked by AVG - www.avg.com Version: 8.5.325 / Virus Database: 270.12.21/2102 - Release Date: 05/08/09 11:43:00 Yahoo! Groups Links
Re: [Repeater-Builder] Converting a TKR-750/850 for Amateur Usage
Hi Ed, Thanks for the information. The 840 is very attractive to me because I see that it can be turned down to 250mw to drive my Quintron Amps when I can no longer find any MastrII exciters. What was programming them like out of band? Adam N2ACF Ed Yoho wrote: Adam Feuer wrote: Ken, How about the TKR-840? Any idea if that one will go down via the software and tune without issues as well? Adam N2ACF Adam, I and others are using the TKR-840s here in so-cal. The only down side is the helicals are not narrow as you would normally find in an older GE/Ericsson or Motorola receiver. I don't remember exactly how wide, but IIRC they are about a 15 MHz wide quasi window filter. Here in so-cal we receive low (440-445). Depending on where in the band you need to receive, the helicals may or may not make it that far. They are easily bypassed (part of the unit's design). Ed Yoho W6YJ Yahoo! Groups Links
Re: [Repeater-Builder] Converting a TKR-750/850 for Amateur Usage
Thanks Ed!! Adam N2ACF Ed Yoho wrote: Adam Feuer wrote: Hi Ed, Thanks for the information. The 840 is very attractive to me because I see that it can be turned down to 250mw to drive my Quintron Amps when I can no longer find any MastrII exciters. What was programming them like out of band? Adam N2ACF Adam, If you have access to KPG47D, the steps are: 1. Make a simple one channel configuration on say 451.250 rx and 456.250 tx with the appropriate PL and other settings. 2. Save it. 3. Open it with a hex editor and go down to address 0830. There you will see the following: FF FF 00 50 12 45 00 50 62 45 XX XX 00 00 FF FF || || || || || || || || RX 78 56 34 12|78 56 34 12 TX RX 451.25000 12 45 34 12 56 50 78 00 TX 456.25000 12 45 34 62 56 50 78 00 4. Replace the numbers with your frequencies and save it. 5. Verify it shows your desired frequencies. 6. Load file into KPG47D and program the 840. You can go back into the file to change settings other than frequency if needed. If you touch the frequencies, it will force them back to 450.000. Ed Yoho W6YJ Yahoo! Groups Links
Re: [Repeater-Builder] Converting a TKR-750/850 for Amateur Usage
Ken, How about the TKR-840? Any idea if that one will go down via the software and tune without issues as well? Adam N2ACF Ken Arck wrote: At 01:40 PM 4/16/2009, ptt_pupil wrote: Can anyone tell me how you can convert a TKR-750/850 U.S. model to be used for amateur radio frequency? I see that people have. There is a European model that includes amatuer bands, but can't get it here in the U.S. Thanks! ---No conversion necessary. They tune down no problems at all. Ken -- President and CTO - Arcom Communications Makers of repeater controllers and accessories. http://www.arcomcontrollers.com/ Authorized Dealers for Kenwood and Telewave and we offer complete repeater packages! AH6LE/R - IRLP Node 3000 http://www.irlp.net We don't just make 'em. We use 'em! Yahoo! Groups Links
Re: [Repeater-Builder] Re: MSF5000 Squelch
Bob, Good to know and thanks for the test! Adam N2ACF n...@no6b.com wrote: A A friend of mine has a stock MSF5000 repeater on the air well within HT range, so I tried sending some strong weak signals to it. Sure enough, it's noise squelch acts a lot like the Micor, but it's not as good IMO. The MSF5000's short squelch sounds like it's 10 to 20 milliseconds, not as quiet as the Micor's 2 to 4 milliseconds. Bob NO6B Yahoo! Groups Links
[Repeater-Builder] MSF5000 Squelch
Hello All, I've just come into owning my first MSF5000 UHF Repeater model C74CXB. Also, I've spent the last few hours reading Bob's (WA1MIK) MSF/PURC Station Page as well as the Photo Tour page on Repeater Builder. By the way Bob, very well done and informative! Thanks!! I'm not sure if I missed it but I'm curious about the MSF's squelch. In particular, how it compares to the Micor Bi-Level Squelch. I have no experience yet with the MSF and I'm just wondering how it's squelch would do in general and as compared to that of the Micor. Thanks in advance! Adam N2ACF
Re: [Repeater-Builder] Re: 220 Repeater Power Amp
I wouldn't waste any time or money on Henry or TE Systems repeater amplifiers. On my 220 repeater, I had the Henry and it was the biggest POS I had ever seen. The workmanship with regard to the soldering of components was terrible. I've used one on my 440 machine and it was worse! I have been using the TPL that I received from Jeff without any issues, keyed down for hours. Just looking at the PA board in the TPL versus the Henry is enough to tell you why the Henrys fail. Spend the extra money once, it will be well worth it. Adam N2ACF Jeff DePolo wrote: I second Skipp's motion, having been burned by Henry twice before, UHF amps delivered without a low pass filter, second harmonic about -40 dBc in the cell band... Also, TPL manufactures 220 amps (I had one, Adam N2ACF has it now), primarily for overseas markets. They use the same devices as in their UHF amps (MRF646's and MRF648's primarily). You'll probably have to call to find out availability in the US. --- Jeff Make sure you ask (at the time of the order) if the Amateur Band Amplifier you're buying includes the same type low pass filter supplied with the commercial RF deck. There's a historical reason why I make this comment... s. repeat...@... repeat...@... wrote: Henry Radio also makes 220 amplifiers. 1-800-877-7979 also give amateur discounts. Paul AA3VI No virus found in this incoming message. Checked by AVG - www.avg.com Version: 8.0.237 / Virus Database: 270.11.3/1970 - Release Date: 03/15/09 14:07:00 Yahoo! Groups Links
