RE: [Repeater-Builder] Re: Circular polarization for VHF repeaters?
Gary, Once you get it figured out, PLEASE write up an article for Repeater-Builder for the rest of us!! Mark - N9WYS -Original Message- From: Repeater-Builder@yahoogroups.com On Behalf Of Gary - K7EK Thanks to all that replied. I appreciate your input. I'm still looking for answers, but may be onto something. I have emailed Bill Pasternak, the author of that Cushcraft 4-pole conversion article. I re-read his original article and may have figured out what I must do. That, plus any additional input from Bill, should hopefully help me to complete the project. I will post again later if I have any success. Best regards, Gary, K7EK Personal Web Page: www.k7ek.net
RE: [Repeater-Builder] Re: OT the non religious Jesus Nuts
That's the reference I remember as well Skipp Mark - N9WYS -Original Message- From: Repeater-Builder@yahoogroups.com [ On Behalf Of skipp025 I thought a Jesus Nut was atop a helicopter holding things on or together. If it came off or failed, you normally had an expedited trip to Jesus if you believe in conventional religion. ... if you lost the Jesus Nut on your helicopter, I suspect you will quickly need more than a tetanus shot.
RE: [Repeater-Builder] Polyphaser Question
Huber and Suhner, I think is who you mean... GOOD stuff, but you pay for it. Headquartered in Switzerland. http://www.hubersuhner.com/products/hs-p-rf/hs-rf-lightning-protectors.htm Mark - N9WYS -Original Message- From: Repeater-Builder@yahoogroups.com On Behalf Of STeve Andre' This has been a great discussion. Eric, from the reading I've done it didn't seem to me that the Polyphasers were the best out there, but a European company whose initials were S + H, I think. Care to comment on the best ones, in your opinion?
RE: [Repeater-Builder] Coax length, etc.
Agreed!! Mark - N9WYS -Original Message- From: Repeater-Builder@yahoogroups.com On Behalf Of Eric Lemmon (major snippage) This discussion is both informative and quite entertaining! 73, Eric Lemmon WB6FLY
Re: [Repeater-Builder] OT: Licensing Exam Info
Well if you think about it, Nate, VE's ARE an off-site testing facillity... of sorts. Mark - N9WYS (also a pilot) --- On Thu, 8/12/10, Nate Duehr n...@natetech.com wrote: Side-comment: As a pilot and IT person, I've been taking tests for both at professional testing locations like ProMetric now for at least a decade. With the removal of the Code, I've always wondered why the FCC hasn't gone the way the FAA did, and dropped the need for the VE's altogether. Just send people to the various testing centers around the world, and be done with it. Even most of my other volunteer organizations have moved the majority of their testing online (to their own websites, but those are open-book tests... so no need to have a test proctor, like the professional testing facilities have, and video cameras recording you). -- Nate Duehr n...@natetech.com
Re: [Repeater-Builder] Sorry everyone
AVG Free anti-virus software also has a built-in spyware removal tool. I also use the ones George captioned below - and even I get bit every once in a while by some new bug. It's amazing that so many people have the time on their hands to be able to propagate all this crap... Mark - N9WYS --- On Wed, 8/11/10, George Henry wrote: Nonsense! Spybot Search Destroy, Ad-Aware, Malwarebytes Anti-Malware, and SuperAntiSpyware are all EXCELLENT free anti-spyware programs. I routinely use all 4 of them to clean up infections for people. No spyware in ANY of them and, between the four programs, I have yet to run into something I couldn't clean. George, KA3HSW / WQGJ413 - Original Message - From: Tim Sawyer Was your machine on while you were away? If so you may have gotten a virus or spyware. Sounds like your wife got it too. Spamers like to infect machines just to get control of them for sending spam. The really bad news is that most free spyware removal software is spyware itself. A really good PC guy might be able to remove it. Good luck man! -- Tim
RE: [Repeater-Builder] Re: Moving a MSF5000 from 800 to 900 Ham
Don't think it'll go that far... the articles at R-B will tell you for certain. I guess the easiest way is to read the station programming and see where it is now... if it's in the 800 MHz band, it won't go to 900. Mark - N9WYS -Original Message- From: Repeater-Builder@yahoogroups.com [mailto:repeater-buil...@yahoogroups.com] On Behalf Of Chucklesk Sent: Tuesday, July 27, 2010 4:54 PM To: Repeater-Builder@yahoogroups.com Subject: [Repeater-Builder] Re: Moving a MSF5000 from 800 to 900 Ham Sory I meant the lower 800 Mhz one./...not the 896Mhz split --- In Repeater-Builder@yahoogroups.com, Chuck Kraly ckr...@... wrote: it looks like the 800 Mhz on. C85CXB5103BT On Tue, Jul 27, 2010 at 2:58 PM, Mark n9...@... wrote: Which 800 station are you trying to move? It needs to be an 896 station to actually work on 900 - the lower 800 radio won't go far out-of-band enough. Start here for info: http://www.repeater-builder.com/motorola/msf/msf-index.html Mark - N9WYS -Original Message- From: Repeater-Builder@yahoogroups.com On Behalf Of Chucklesk Sent: Tuesday, July 27, 2010 12:24 PM To: Repeater-Builder@yahoogroups.com Subject: [Repeater-Builder] Moving a MSF5000 from 800 to 900 Ham Well, I have heard that it can be done...question is how big a pain is it? We have access to a couple and before we nab them, wanted to feel out how much effort they would be or to wait for some other opportunity Also is it documented on the web anywhere? Yahoo! Groups Links Yahoo! Groups Links No virus found in this incoming message. Checked by AVG - www.avg.com Version: 9.0.851 / Virus Database: 271.1.1/3034 - Release Date: 07/28/10 03:37:00
RE: [Repeater-Builder] Moving a MSF5000 from 800 to 900 Ham
Which 800 station are you trying to move? It needs to be an 896 station to actually work on 900 - the lower 800 radio won't go far out-of-band enough. Start here for info: http://www.repeater-builder.com/motorola/msf/msf-index.html Mark - N9WYS -Original Message- From: Repeater-Builder@yahoogroups.com On Behalf Of Chucklesk Sent: Tuesday, July 27, 2010 12:24 PM To: Repeater-Builder@yahoogroups.com Subject: [Repeater-Builder] Moving a MSF5000 from 800 to 900 Ham Well, I have heard that it can be done...question is how big a pain is it? We have access to a couple and before we nab them, wanted to feel out how much effort they would be or to wait for some other opportunity Also is it documented on the web anywhere?
RE: [Repeater-Builder] GMRS License Help
You can check the FCC ULS database under your name to see if they have the callsign listed. http://wireless.fcc.gov/uls/index.htm?job=home Click to search licenses, and enter the information pasrameter(s).. Mark - N9WYS From: Repeater-Builder@yahoogroups.com On Behalf Of Brian Raker You'll get a paper license in the mail 1-3 weeks after filing for the license. That license will have your call sign on it. Welcome to the service. -Brian On Tue, Jul 27, 2010 at 11:06 PM, Andy agrimm0...@yahoo.com wrote: I just applied for my GMRS license yesturday evening. I got a confirmation email saying that I did pay my 85.00 bucks. How do I know what my call sign is and all my license information. Will I get another email when all the data is processed by the FCC and everything is confirmed. Will they mail my license to me in the mail??
RE: [Repeater-Builder] Re: Converting the Kenwood TKR-820 to use with D-STAR
Thanks to everyone for the replies. It appears that, at least for now, I think I'll leave well enough alone. The reason I was considering a dual-mode system is that another local repeater (a Quantar) operates in that manner on 2m. Once you are aware that the heterodyne sound is really digital comms taking place, it's no big deal. We operate just fine that way - if you can afford to purchase a digital radio (APCO 25m in this case) you can operate either mode. If not, when major events occur, they operate analog anyway. It just gives those who prefer digital an opportunity to use that mode if they so desire. Again, considering that digital isn't a big thing in my neck of the woods, I think I'll take a stand-by until something forces the change. After all, if it ain't broke, why fix it? Mark - N9WYS
RE: [Repeater-Builder] Converting the Kenwood TKR-820 to use with D-STAR
John, I currently am Trustee for a TKR-820 operating on 444.5500. I wonder - is this conversion dual-mode capable, meaning, can it be accessed BOTH via D-STAR and analog radios, or does it render analog access unusable? I do not want to do this if it eliminates analog access, since this is an Emergency Management-affiliated repeater and many users in my area are not D-STAR capable. As such, I'd have to maintain a dual-mode system, similar to those using Motorola QUANTAR repeaters for digital (APCO 25) as well as analog access. Next questions is, my machine is a multi-receive site (read: SpectraTAC) system - is the D-STAR processing done on the FINAL received signal before being passed to the transmitter, or would I need to convert all the receivers in the system to be compatible? In my system, I do not use the internal receiver in the TKR-820 - I feed a voted signal in from the comparator for repeat. Photos of my system (with one receiver configured) can be seen at the Repeater-Builder Yahoo group: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/Repeater-Builder/photos/album/613821601/pic/li st Look at those associated with WW9AE If it can be configured for a dual-mode/multi-RX site configuration, I might seriously consider adapting our machine. Thanks! Mark - N9WYS -Original Message- From: Repeater-Builder@yahoogroups.com On Behalf Of John My conversion project is at: http://k7ve.org/blog/2010/06/converting-the-kenwood-tkr-820-to-use-with-d-st ar/ 73 de K7VE
RE: [Repeater-Builder] Re: Coax shielding
Hi Ian, I think I'd be taking a close look at both transmitters with a spectrum analyser and seeing if they are both suitable for repeater work. I'm not familiar with either radio, but usually radios designed for duplex work go to a lot more trouble with internal shielding than your average mobile set. The other issue to consider is the impedance matching between all the components in the system. If the SWR is bad somewhere then there will be RF voltage on the outside of the coax linking mis-matched devices, regardless of how good the coax is. For instance if the link transmitter is seeing a high SWR into it's bandpass cavity then the jumper cable could be radiating unfiltered noise straight into the repeater receiver cable. It could also be that putting the bandpass filter in line has upset the SWR seen by the Link Tx and now radiates MORE noise in the shack. I've also seen some cavities make PA stages become unstable, creating very broad band noise, requiring both the cavities and PA to be retuned to solve the problem. 73,Mark VK3BYY From: Repeater-Builder@yahoogroups.com [mailto:repeater-buil...@yahoogroups.com] On Behalf Of kerincom Sent: Monday, 28 June 2010 08:19 AM To: mail=repeater-buil...@yahoogroups.com Subject: Re: [Repeater-Builder] Re: Coax shielding Hi skip .The repeater radios are maxon sm4450sc and the link is a tait t2010.The test I have tried in the past have been definitely point to the link being the problem as when we turn the link off the repeater works to its full range but with it on we get desence. We used to have the link closer to the repeaters aprox 487mhz but we shifted it to 517mhz to fix desense and we find we are still having problems.I think the white noise could be the issue but I tried a notch on the link cable tuned to the repeaters receive and that seem to cause more interference and weaken the links Transmit range.I wondered about putting a BP cavity filter inline with the link but since our link frequencies are 5.2mhz apart I feel you can only tuned the filter for either TX or rx frequencies and not both Unless maybe you can install two in pararell ,one tuned to TX and the other rx . Thank You, Ian Wells, Kerinvale Comaudio, 3A Murchison Street,Biloela.4715 Ph 0749922449 or 0409159932 or 0749922574 www.kerinvalecomaudio.com.auhttp://www.kerinvalecomaudio.com.au/
RE: [Repeater-Builder] transmission is intermittent and voice cuts out with my mc-micro repeater
Chuck is right... So we need to ask: Does this phenomenon happen to just YOUR transmissions, or with everyone's transmissions?? You need to determine WHERE the problem is occurring before you can troubleshoot further. Mark - N9WYS -Original Message- From: Repeater-Builder@yahoogroups.com [mailto:repeater-buil...@yahoogroups.com] On Behalf Of Chuck Kelsey Could be a lot of things. If you are running a PL tone, the level may be too low and your voice is causing talk off. Could be you are falsing the controller's touch tone decoder and it's programmed to not pass audio when it hears a tone. Could be deviation is too high somewhere and you are going out of the passband of the receiver. Might be a bad mic or mic cord on your radio. etc., etc. Chuck WB2EDV - Original Message - From: mimomeg mimo...@yahoo.fr Seem to have period where my transmission (voice) cuts out for a few seconds every so often, and the person at the other end can't hear me. On the receiving end,Does anyone have any idea? Thanks in advance,
RE: [Repeater-Builder] Chassis Question
The receiver and transmitter boards would indicate what frequency range it was on. If you post those numbers, it can be determined from there. Mark - N9WYS From: Repeater-Builder@yahoogroups.com On Behalf Of La Rue Communications Gentlemen - (And Ladies) I have a Micor Unified Chassis here model TCN1187A. Am I right in confirming that this Chassis is not frequency dependent? There are no channel elements in this unit so I cannot confirm what frequency is would work for. Can anyone shed some detailed light on this unit for me please? Thanks! John Hymes La Rue Communications 10 S. Aurora Street Stockton, CA 95202 http://tinyurl.com/2dtngmn No virus found in this incoming message. Checked by AVG - www.avg.com Version: 9.0.819 / Virus Database: 271.1.1/2910 - Release Date: 06/01/10 01:25:00 image001.jpg
[Repeater-Builder] quantar repeater setup
Hi all; I am currently deployed to Afghanistan. I received four quantar repeater/base stations for use here, plus 140+ XTS5000R handhelds. I am attempting to setup the Quantars as repeaters on the VHHF1 band, in non astro/analog mode. I have one setup with a separate transmit, and receive antenna. These antennas are the Andrews Omni, Exposed Dipole Antenna type. I am configured for scan mode, using four channels. The second Quantar is configured for one T/R antenna. (Ran out of mounts here for antennas). At first the setup worked well. (I have various models of handhelds using the system, this is why i chose non astro cofiguration.) Shortly after activation, certain handhelds were not able to hit the repeaters. Both are setup for 125W output. It seems after these were put into use, our radio coverage is worse, not better. Is there an option I'm missing in the software config. of these repeaters? I am new at the repeater business. My background is more tactical radio configurations. This is my first time with repeaters. Any assistance on this is GREATLY appreciated.
[Repeater-Builder] Dayton 2010
Well, the dust is finally settling, and I am beginning to recover from another fun-filled weekend at Dayton. No, I didn't spend a whole lot of money, but I did find some items that were absolute must haves for the shack. I just wanted to say it was great to finally put an eyeball on some of the people with whom I've been communicating with via the lists for several years now, and reacquainting myself with those whom I've met in the past. I also made some wonderful new friends - some who thing I am the go to guy for their projects. I hope I can live up to their expectations. Thanks all. Here's to a great year at Dayton, and I'm looking forward already to next year! 73, Mark - N9WYS
RE: [Repeater-Builder] spectra tranceiver with 9a dual heads
Do you have the accompanying manual for the RSS (programming software)? It's pretty easy - the options are found in the MODE menu... but I'm at Dayton right now, and don't have access to the computer I usually use for programming. Otherwise, I'd list a step-by-step to get into the menu. Mark - N9WYS -Original Message- From: Repeater-Builder@yahoogroups.com On Behalf Of rwrodgers14 are there any specific shop manuals that explain how to erase and add modes or channels?
[Repeater-Builder] RE: [REPEATER] Hamvention D-STAR Activities
Mark -are you at Dayton this year? -Original Message- On Behalf Of Mark Thompson D-STAR at Dayton Hamvention During the Hamvention several D-STAR events resources will be available. D-STAR Digital Voice repeaters in Dayton are sponsored by DARA (Dayton Amateur Radio Association), the host of the Hamvention. Dayton D-STAR Repeaters 147.105 (+600 KHz) W8BI C Accessible outdoors at Hamvention® HARA Arena with a handheld at 0.5 watts may be marginal so higher power is recommended. 444.0875 (+ 5MHz) W8BI B 70 cm repeater may be operational by time of the Hamvention®. Dayton D-STAR Repeater Reflector Linking Hamvention received approval from the D-STAR Reflector REF030B to link a W8BI D-STAR over the Hamvention® weekend. The repeater was linked last year as well using a different reflector. A reflector allows all repeaters DV Dongles linked to it communicate as a group. D-STAR activity in Dayton over Hamvention® weekend can be followed by using a repeater or DV Dongle linked to the 30-B reflector instead of linking directly to the W8BI gateway. Hamvention D-STAR Repeaters At the Hamvention Icom has D-STAR digital voice 2m, 70cm 23cm digital voice repeaters radios on demonstration and the repeaters may be connected to the D-STAR network. The callsigns frequencies of the demonstration repeaters will be available at the Hamvention. Thursday Night D-STAR Meet, Greet and Eyeball QSO On Thursday night prior to the Hamvention there is a D-STAR Meet, Greet and Eyeball QSO over dinner. It will occur on Thursday May 13th from 7 p.m. – 9 p.m at Marion 's Piaza on 1320 N Fairfield Road in Beavercreek , OH . More information about the event at: http://hamvention.org/events.php#dstar D-STAR Friday Night Get Together For the last four years there has been a Friday Night D-STAR Get Together at a hotel in Dayton hosted by the Texas Alabama D-STAR groups. The event has been an opportunity to hear talks by experienced D-STAR repeater operators innovators and meet with other D-STAR users. This year the Friday Night D-STAR Get Together will be on Friday, May 14th from 8 – 10 pm at the Drury Inn North, the same location as last year. The Georgia D-STAR group will host this year's event. The format this year will be a bit different from previous years with a few short presentations to start the evening followed by an open session with D-STAR experts on many topics stationed around the room to meet and answer your questions. D-STAR Forum, Room #1, Friday, 12:45 – 14:15 pmHosted by Greg Sarratt, W4OZK Speakers DVAP/DV Dongle/D-PLUS/Multiple Software Packages, Robin Cutshaw, AA4RC Home-brew D-STAR repeater, David Lake, G4ULF D-RATS, D-STAR Digital Data Software, Dan Smith, KK7DS
[Repeater-Builder] Hamvention D-STAR Activities
D-STAR at Dayton Hamvention During the Hamvention several D-STAR events resources will be available. D-STAR Digital Voice repeaters in Dayton are sponsored by DARA (Dayton Amateur Radio Association), the host of the Hamvention. Dayton D-STAR Repeaters 147.105 (+600 KHz) W8BI C Accessible outdoors at Hamvention® HARA Arena with a handheld at 0.5 watts may be marginal so higher power is recommended. 444.0875 (+ 5MHz) W8BI B 70 cm repeater may be operational by time of the Hamvention®. Dayton D-STAR Repeater Reflector Linking Hamvention received approval from the D-STAR Reflector REF030B to link a W8BI D-STAR over the Hamvention® weekend. The repeater was linked last year as well using a different reflector. A reflector allows all repeaters DV Dongles linked to it communicate as a group. D-STAR activity in Dayton over Hamvention® weekend can be followed by using a repeater or DV Dongle linked to the 30-B reflector instead of linking directly to the W8BI gateway. Hamvention D-STAR Repeaters At the Hamvention Icom has D-STAR digital voice 2m, 70cm 23cm digital voice repeaters radios on demonstration and the repeaters may be connected to the D-STAR network. The callsigns frequencies of the demonstration repeaters will be available at the Hamvention. Thursday Night D-STAR Meet, Greet and Eyeball QSO On Thursday night prior to the Hamvention there is a D-STAR Meet, Greet and Eyeball QSO over dinner. It will occur on Thursday May 13th from 7 p.m. – 9 p.m at Marion 's Piaza on 1320 N Fairfield Road in Beavercreek , OH . More information about the event at: http://hamvention.org/events.php#dstar D-STAR Friday Night Get Together For the last four years there has been a Friday Night D-STAR Get Together at a hotel in Dayton hosted by the Texas Alabama D-STAR groups. The event has been an opportunity to hear talks by experienced D-STAR repeater operators innovators and meet with other D-STAR users. This year the Friday Night D-STAR Get Together will be on Friday, May 14th from 8 – 10 pm at the Drury Inn North, the same location as last year. The Georgia D-STAR group will host this year's event. The format this year will be a bit different from previous years with a few short presentations to start the evening followed by an open session with D-STAR experts on many topics stationed around the room to meet and answer your questions. D-STAR Forum, Room #1, Friday, 12:45 – 14:15 pmHosted by Greg Sarratt, W4OZK Speakers DVAP/DV Dongle/D-PLUS/Multiple Software Packages, Robin Cutshaw, AA4RC Home-brew D-STAR repeater, David Lake, G4ULF D-RATS, D-STAR Digital Data Software, Dan Smith, KK7DS
RE: [Repeater-Builder] Direct Strike Lightning Detector
Jess, Tape an empty aluminium drink can to the side of the single point earth strap (or to the leg of the tower). The magnetic field from the few thousand amps of strike current should flatten the drink can in microseconds! Mark vk3byy From: Repeater-Builder@yahoogroups.com [mailto:repeater-buil...@yahoogroups.com] On Behalf Of Jesse Lloyd Sent: Thursday, 29 April 2010 10:56 AM To: Repeater-Builder@yahoogroups.com Subject: Re: [Repeater-Builder] Direct Strike Lightning Detector We've followed the polyphasor book to the best that we can, using 3 copper strap everywhere, single point ground, etc, etc. I'm reasonably confident that if it does get hit we won't know. I'd just like something simple to indicate that all our efforts were worth it (so I can say to the boss we got hit and everything survived, told you so). From reading some specs and documentation on tower leg mounted strike counters I think the fuse idea might work. So far I haven't seen any that won't work's float by in the threat, so thats something I suppose. Jesse On Tue, Apr 27, 2010 at 8:44 PM, Gerald Pelnar wd0...@cox.netmailto:wd0...@cox.net wrote: Got tower? On a high spot? It gets hit!! If you can't tell, that's a good thing. Gerald Pelnar WD0FYF McPherson, Kansas - Original Message - From: Jesse Lloyd ve7...@gmail.commailto:ve7lyd%40gmail.com To: Repeater-Builder@yahoogroups.commailto:Repeater-Builder%40yahoogroups.com Sent: Tuesday, April 27, 2010 12:32 AM Subject: [Repeater-Builder] Direct Strike Lightning Detector Hey All, I am trying to think of a way to detect if a tower at one of our sites gets a direct hit. I was thinking of paralleling a ground strap with a 10mA amp glass fuse. Maybe make the two connections to the ground stap 2 ft apart and use a fuse holder for fuse testing and replacement. I suspect the fuse would blow if any significant current went down the ground strap (or would the whole thing melt? I suppose either way I'd know!). Ideas? I live in an area that doesn't see a lot of lightning, I'm curious if the tower gets hit. Jesse Yahoo! Groups Links
RE: [Repeater-Builder] Original Syntor
Terry, He does a marvelous job on Spectras as well... Another source is Andy Brinkley - he did my EPROMS (freq and tone) for the original series Syntor I converted to 2m. http://www.brinkleyelectronics.com/prog/mot/syn/sab/sab.htm Mark - N9WYS -Original Message- From: Repeater-Builder@yahoogroups.com On Behalf Of Eric Lemmon Terry, I have had great Syntor service from Bruce Lane, here: http://www.bluefeathertech.com/ 73, Eric Lemmon WB6FLY -Original Message- From: Repeater-Builder@yahoogroups.com On Behalf Of terry_wx3m Can anyone burn me a channel prom (one frequency) for the original Syntor? I would like to use this for a remote receiver. Thanks, Terry
[Repeater-Builder] Web site issues???
Everyone, Some here may already be aware of this issue, since some of us are also 900 MHz aficionados. However, I placed a link to the MaxTrac landing page (http://www.repeater-builder.com/maxtrac/maxtrac-index.html) on the AR902MHz reflector. I am receiving reports back from members there that the Repeater-Builder website is being blocked and reported as a virus. Mike - Scott, I am posting this here as a possible alert to you that something may be wrong there. but I'm not 100% sure. I have no problems getting onto any of the pages, and I do not receive this alert. I have asked whether this is related to any certain web browser or anti-virus software and will report back once I know further. Mark - N9WYS Thread copied below: -Original Message- From: Mark [n9wys] Sent: Thursday, April 08, 2010 10:19 AM To: 'ar902...@yahoogroups.com' Subject: RE: [AR902Mhz] Webpage Warning Everyone In follow-up to this issue, may I ask what browser(s) are being used to try to get on the Repeater-Builder site, and what anti-virus programs are reporting it as a virus? I am passing this along to the site owners for their attention and review. Repeater-Builder is a treasure trove of information about repeaters and radios in general... it is certainly a shame if someone has done something to the site to cause this grief. I hope everyone here understands and hopefully we can get this problem rectified quickly! Thanks! Mark - N9WYS -Original Message- From: ar902...@yahoogroups.com On Behalf Of kbtgw Mark, N9WYS, the web page you sent me to has been blocked by my Virus Protection program ? Same problem Dick had ? Les, K2TGW -Original Message- From: ar902...@yahoogroups.com On Behalf Of RICHARD SOLOMON If I click on the link my computer comes up with a warning that R/B site has been reported as a harmful site !! Since I didn't get this message when I went there yesterday, I wonder what happened ?? 73, Dick, W1KSZ
RE: [Repeater-Builder] Problems reaching the RB website sigh
Kevin, I'll repost this at AR902MHZ reflector - hopefully it'll help them understand what is going on. Sorry for the extra headaches... 73, Mark - N9WYS -Original Message- From: Repeater-Builder@yahoogroups.com On Behalf Of Kevin Custer I got several personal emails about not being able to reach the Repeater Builder site this morning. Google has reported the site has been hacked and most browsers redirect you to a big warning page. I scanned the supposed infected pages, http://repeater-builder.com and http://www.repeater-builder.com with AVG link scanner http://www.avg.com.au/resources/web-page-scanner/. I also looked at the .htaccess file and other content to make sure there isn't anything going on. I found NOTHING that resembled malware or suspicious links, forwarders, scripts, etc. I have submitted for re-evaluation on both Google and another independent evaluator - stopbadware.org. If you look at the help sites, this BS generates a LOT of business for companies that scan sites for money. We shall see what the re-evaluations say. Realize I changed NOTHING on the website, and I believe it has been clean all along. If the site proved to be clean on these subsequent scans, I can only assume there is collusion between Google and businesses that scan websites for money. I have no proof of this - it's just an observation. Kevin
RE: [Repeater-Builder] To Hear Clear,or not to Hear Clear......
Scott, I have HearClear enabled on my machine. I also have users with non-Motorola (i.e., Kenwood and EF Johnson) radios. They sound fine to me, so I believe the HearClear CODEC works to improve radio with the option enabled, but does not adversely affect radios without it. Mark - N9WYS 927.5250 (151.4) - Joliet, IL -Original Message- From: Repeater-Builder@yahoogroups.com [mailto:repeater-buil...@yahoogroups.com] On Behalf Of kq7dx Sent: Thursday, April 01, 2010 2:10 AM To: Repeater-Builder@yahoogroups.com Subject: [Repeater-Builder] To Hear Clear,or not to Hear Clear.. Hello to group, A thanks to the group for all the help to my prior posts. Your time to post and reply was very much appreciated thanks!!. Well my question here was on hear clear... I have noticed some repeaters back east use it. In the menu you can enable it for any channel in your radio, and disable it for other repeaters that dont use it, so channel specific is good. The only negative I saw was that it would probably only work on Motorola radios and the Johnson or Kenwoods would not benefit or maybe sound poor to them. But since most the guys in my city use Motorola [GTX, Spectra,Maxtrac]I didnt see that as a problem. So Is there anyone using it in their repeater that can tell me if it is worth doing. Does it really improve the audio. At 2.5kc Dev we could use a compander for the weak voices. Thanks again and 73s Yahoo! Groups Links No virus found in this incoming message. Checked by AVG - www.avg.com Version: 9.0.800 / Virus Database: 271.1.1/2783 - Release Date: 04/01/10 01:35:00
RE: [Repeater-Builder] Nice article on the Molotora Gontor
I like the fact that I can contact Flint with it (via ZOWIE). You never know when we'll need to reach out for someone with his talents again! Also, I thought Molotora's direct line numbers were: 1-800-328-7448 or 1-800-382-5633... Mark - N9WYS -Original Message- From: Repeater-Builder@yahoogroups.com [mailto:repeater-buil...@yahoogroups.com] On Behalf Of Scott Zimmerman Sent: Thursday, April 01, 2010 7:47 AM To: Repeater-Builder@yahoogroups.com Subject: Re: [Repeater-Builder] Nice article on the Molotora Gontor Nice. I like it. Interesting radio. I need to get one of those. Are they available from *any* Motorola dealer, or do you need to contact internal sales directly at 1-800-422-4210 and ask for it specifically? Scott Scott Zimmerman Amateur Radio Call N3XCC 474 Barnett Road Boswell, PA 15531 Kevin Custer wrote: Bob Meister has written a nice article on the Molotora Gontor for RB. http://www.repeater-builder.com/molotora/gontor/gontor.html Thanks go out to Bob for his efforts! Kevin Custer Yahoo! Groups Links Yahoo! Groups Links No virus found in this incoming message. Checked by AVG - www.avg.com Version: 9.0.800 / Virus Database: 271.1.1/2783 - Release Date: 04/01/10 01:35:00
RE: [Repeater-Builder] To Hear Clear,or not to Hear Clear......
Bill, I'm aware of the discussion. The question is, whether implementation of HearClear is DETRIMENTAL to other (read: non-Motorola) users. I believe the jury is still out on that issue. or at least I haven't noticed any message stating unequivocally that HearClear MUST be disabled. Then again, I may have missed it. Mark - N9WYS From: Repeater-Builder@yahoogroups.com On Behalf Of Bill Smith You might check out the near-900 group on googlegroups. To hearclear or not has been a running discussion on the New England 900 MHz network with the general consensus that it's not worth using. Bill KB1MGH _ From: Mark Scott, I have HearClear enabled on my machine. I also have users with non-Motorola (i.e., Kenwood and EF Johnson) radios. They sound fine to me, so I believe the HearClear CODEC works to improve radio with the option enabled, but does not adversely affect radios without it. Mark - N9WYS 927.5250 (151.4) - Joliet, IL -Original Message- From: Repeater-Builder@yahoogroups.com On Behalf Of kq7dx Hello to group, A thanks to the group for all the help to my prior posts. Your time to post and reply was very much appreciated thanks!!. Well my question here was on hear clear... I have noticed some repeaters back east use it. In the menu you can enable it for any channel in your radio, and disable it for other repeaters that dont use it, so channel specific is good. The only negative I saw was that it would probably only work on Motorola radios and the Johnson or Kenwoods would not benefit or maybe sound poor to them. But since most the guys in my city use Motorola [GTX, Spectra,Maxtrac]I didnt see that as a problem. So Is there anyone using it in their repeater that can tell me if it is worth doing. Does it really improve the audio. At 2.5kc Dev we could use a compander for the weak voices. Thanks again and 73s
[Repeater-Builder] Illinois D-STAR Net Time Change, Wednesdays @ 9 pm on Illinois D-STAR Reflector REF001B
Recently reflector REF001B was made available for use primarily by Illinois D-STAR users repeaters. We subsequently scheduled a state-wide Illinois D-STAR net at 8 pm on Wednesday nights using reflector REF001B. However, we recently learned a Central Illinois D-STAR net has also recently begun on Wednesday nights at 9 pm using reflector REF001B. So in order to increase state-wide D-STAR activity we have decided to move the new Illinois D-STAR net to 9 pm and incorporate it into the Central Illinois D-STAR net so we have one state-wide Illinois D-STAR net each week. Milt, K9QZI has been the net control of the Central Illinois D-STAR net will continue to be the net control of the state-wide Illinois D-STAR net at 9 pm. Over time we will likely need others to assist with net control. I plan to be also be available on the net as often as possible. We also encourage Illinois D-STAR users repeaters to periodically connect to Illinois Reflector REF001B over the course of the week in order to increase local D-STAR activity and allow D-STAR users in Illinois to connect with each other. 73, Mark, WB9QZB Chicago, IL Illinois D-STAR Group http://groups.yahoo.com/ group/IllinoisD- STAR/ - Forwarded Message From: Mark Thompson wb9qzb_gro...@yahoo.com To: Cc: w...@yahoo.com Sent: Wed, March 10, 2010 3:51:04 PM Subject: [IllinoisD-STAR] Illinois D-STAR Reflector Channel REF001B Announcement As many of you know, in many areas D-STAR reflectors are used to link repeaters together and provide a common place for repeater users DV-Dongle users to communicate with each other. The FRRL (Fox River Radio League) in the western suburbs of Chicago operates D-STAR 2m 70cm repeaters and hosts D-STAR reflector REF001. Kermit, W9XA, technical coordinator of the FRRL D-STAR system reflector has indicated REF001B reflector channel is available for primary use as the Illinois reflector. REF001B will provide a way for Illinois D-STAR users to communicate with each other on an ongoing basis. REF001B reflector can be used by both Illinois D-STAR repeaters DV Dongle users to connect with each other. It is hoped that D-STAR repeater owners in Illinois will connect their appropriate repeaters to REF001B either on a full-time or periodic basis. REF001B will also be used to conduct the weekly Illinois D-STAR net at 8 pm on Wednesday nights and we encourage repeater owners to connect their repeaters to REF001B at that time as well. For more information about D-STAR in Illinois the Illinois D-STAR group was created to facilitate communication among D-STAR users and can be accessed at: http://groups.yahoo.com/ group/IllinoisD- STAR/ 73, Mark, WB9QZB Chicago, IL
RE: [Repeater-Builder] Re: opinions for a public safety repeater
Jed, I use a 150W Crescend PA on my 444.5500 Amateur machine with very good results. It fried something about a year after we put it in service, and I took it back to Crescend. They repaired it under warranty for us. It's been back in service now for over 2 years with no issues. Mark - N9WYS - Original Message - From: Jed Barton Hey there, so it sounds like the tkr750 might be the way to go. I've heard the cresend stuff is awesome.
RE: [Repeater-Builder] Repeater /Crossband Help
Don, There is an article on the Repeater-Builder web site (not the Yahoogroup page) about how to disable the always on channel element in the Micor exciter. I think this is what you need to eliminate your problem. It is described in this article: http://www.repeater-builder.com/micor/stationcontrol.html Look in the section titled, Keyed Exciter Channel Element Modification Also look here: http://www.repeater-builder.com/micor/stationmod.html about half way down the article, under the heading Modifications relating to the chassis and find the subsection titled For the Transmit Exciter you have a choice: I also thought there was a more comprehensive article describing the issue you are experiencing, but for the life of me, I cannot find it right now... Mark - N9WYS -Original Message- From: Repeater-Builder@yahoogroups.com On Behalf Of ka9qjg1 Hello hope Everyone is doing well, I have ran into a little Problem and thought I would get some suggestions on how to resolve it I have a Motorola Micor 224.40 repeater built By Scott N3XCC , here on the Repeater builder group; it has worked great for over 3 Yrs. I have a Few Hams in the area who do not have 220 but the know and would like to talk to some of their friends who do , So I took My Kenwood TM-631 Duel band found a Local 2 Meter Simplex that Myself and a few others have been using for over 20 Yrs . I turned the 220 Transmit down as low as I could get it which is 2 Watts That goes into a Bird 100Watt Dummy load . The 2 Meter side I have set a 10 watts and a 3 In muffing Fan that runs while Transmitting It runs nice and Cool , Everyone likes it and it works fine Except that is has been keying up on the 2 Meter side off and on sometimes as long as 3 4 Min Unfortunately I had disabled the TOT And on this Radio you can only have a PL On one side and I need that on the 220 side . What I think is going on is that the Micor 220 has a Very small signal on the output always being transmitted. No big deal except for what I am trying to do and that will random bring up the 2 Meter Transmit. This radio has the 6 In Pigtails coming out to a SO-239 I wrapped them with Foil and Moved the Duel band radio about 10 ft away from the Repeater which is in a 4 ft Motorola case . The link is being Id When the Repeater is being used. Any thoughts will be great appreciated, The hams using this really like it that don't have 220 they can now use their 2 Meter Mobile and Ht . Thanks Don KA9QJG
[Repeater-Builder] Standard RPT-20 Repeater Info Needed
I'm looking for information about the Standard RPT-20 Repeater. I would like to know the RPT-20s specifications and get a copy of the manual and/or service manual. If anyone has any of this information or a link to it please let me know. Thanks in advance. 73, Mark, WB9QZB
RE: [Repeater-Builder] Re:building a repeater out of 2 Kenwood TK-830G's
I'll second Greg's observations about the TKR-820. I am using one as the primary repeater (exciter/driver) for my club's 440 machine in NE Illinois. It is a 25W station - turned down to about 7W to drive a 150W Crescend PA - and doesn't even really get warm at that power level. It's been in service for three years now without missing a beat. And yes, we are using external duplexers for this rather than the internal one. I think I have photos up on the R-B group site, in the photos section. Mark - N9WYS From: Repeater-Builder@yahoogroups.com On Behalf Of Greg Beat Why would you want to? Surplus Kenwood TKR-820 units are readily available for $300 and less. I have seen at least 30 sold in last 3 months on eBay. These purposes built units have the power supply, interface, BEEFY heat sinks for the TX RF transistors and sometimes even the UHF duplexer ! I would keep those as mobile radios. w9gb
RE: [Repeater-Builder] Re: Sorta OT: Looking for a couple of items
Skipp, You wouldn't happen to have an old 900 MHz analog paging exciter laying around, would you? I still have a complete Glenayre paging station that is digital - would like to find an analog exciter to see if I could cobble up a 900 repeater out of it. Mark - N9WYS -Original Message- From: Repeater-Builder@yahoogroups.com On Behalf Of skipp025 Ken Arck ah...@... wrote: ---You kidding? One of the most reliable, best performing repeaters I run is a Quintron UHF one I bought new, in the crate, in the mid-80's. And it's still going strong! Ken Nope, I wasn't kidding... of course you silly goose I was kidding and referring to the fact that I probably have more vintage odd stuff that most people on this Group so you should have Emailed me first. I was a factory trained Quintron Field Technical Rep in the 80's, which for you means I have probably every Quintron and most Glenayre Manuals, which also means you can probably get a copy of what you need from me... and you did Email me direct so I'll be looking through my collection. I clearly know how well designed and constructed Quintron Glenayre Equipment is... and... I have a few Quintron 900 MHz paging transmitter items in my collection I would happily give to a sincere and proper home. Pick up from The Greater Sacramento Area (kind of a oxymoron) or enough of a desire to pay shipping on some of the heavier items and they could be yours for free or the price of a Dayton Brat/Braut. You'd be helping me along my 12 Step Junk Enders Program. cheers, skipp skipp025 at yahoo.com [I guess I'm going to have to include diagrams with my posts] :-) At 09:40 PM 3/13/2010, skipp025 wrote: Now who in their right mind would have that kind of stuff Ken?
RE: [Repeater-Builder] Re: HAM Mototrbo Systems
Joe, I *think* this system works like other trunking schemes, where each radio has an ID number associated to it, which it broadcasts with each PTT. THIS is what has to be authorized for repeater access, not the talkgroup. But I may be wrong - I'm not that familiar with MotoTRBO. (We do have a MotoTRBO system where I work - I can check further if necessary.) Mark - N9WYS -Original Message- From: Repeater-Builder@yahoogroups.com On Behalf Of MCH Sent: Thursday, March 11, 2010 9:42 PM To: Repeater-Builder@yahoogroups.com Subject: Re: [Repeater-Builder] Re: HAM Mototrbo Systems Just the frequency, and not which TGs it passes? Do all TRBO repeaters pass all TRBO format transmissions? Even those of people who are not authorized to use the repeater? Joe M. Brian Raker wrote: You do have to program it to use a set frequency pair, just like any other repeater. -BR On Thu, Mar 11, 2010 at 5:53 PM, MCH m...@nb.net wrote: So if there are two TRBO repeaters in the same area, there is no way to keep them both from being active and interfering with each other? That doesn't sound right. Or, if I have a repeater, anyone can just buy TRBO radios and use it? Joe M. Nate Duehr wrote: On 3/11/2010 1:54 PM, MCH wrote: I was talking about how many can be programmed in the repeater, not necessarily active at the same time per se. IOW, how many talkgroups can you program into the repeater. I'm assuming that you can 'deprogram' some if you have two systems in the same area. I think WD8CHL answered the question I had - any or all can be made active (except for a few reserved for special use). Joe M. AFAIK the repeater doesn't get programmed with them at all. It just passes them. They're just addresses. The radios handle whether or not they're listening for a particular talk group. Nate
RE: [Repeater-Builder] IWCE Show (Las Vegas) Next Week
We also need to start planning on where to meet at Dayton... I know about the Brat wagon but for some reason, we just didn't make the connection last year. So where's the location gonna be this year? Any special way to reach out and make contact (radio freq, smoke signals, etc.)?? Mark - N9WYS -Original Message- From: Repeater-Builder@yahoogroups.com [mailto:repeater-buil...@yahoogroups.com] On Behalf Of skipp025 Sent: Friday, March 05, 2010 5:44 PM To: Repeater-Builder@yahoogroups.com Subject: [Repeater-Builder] IWCE Show (Las Vegas) Next Week re: IWCE Next Week As you see in the subject line... IWCE is next week. I look forward to the parties *%$^% I mean I look forward to seeing all the new (goodies) radio equipment. Once again if any of you group members are going, be sure to stop by the booth and say hello or catch me/us out walking the floor. It was great to meet a number of you last year... and I expect to have a small number of free admission tickets available. You can save some $$ Email me direct for abuse and information... cheers, skipp skipp025 at yahoo.com
RE: [Repeater-Builder] Fw: FCC RO Involving the Amateur 70cm Band
I want to see what happens when the USAF complains of interference to the PAVE PAWS system, like they did with the 70cm repeater operators. After all, the coppers in the Bay Area (SF/Oakland) and New York have deep pockets and each will probably buy a few of these at several grand a piece - only to find out they cause interference to the Military. Sure, only 1W. Uh-huh. Can you say OOOPS?!?!?! I knew you could. I'll bet nobody has thought of that issue yet. Mark - N9WYS From: Repeater-Builder@yahoogroups.com On Behalf Of David Jordan Ah George, Don't worry! The first time the device fails to deliver the goods to the Public Safety guys, they'll stop using it. Good luck to them. They'll have fun running up against the 1,000watt erp of many 70cm repeaters. 73, Dave Wa3gin _ From: Repeater-Builder@yahoogroups.com On Behalf Of George Henry Re: the waiver request by ReconRobotics for 420 - 450 MHz operation. Hams get the shaft again... George, KA3HSW / WQGJ413
RE: [Repeater-Builder] Fw: FCC RO Involving the Amateur 70cm Band
Didn't the ARRL do that over BPL? Mark - N9WYS -Original Message- From: Repeater-Builder@yahoogroups.com On Behalf Of Kris Kirby On Wed, 3 Mar 2010, George Henry wrote: Re: the waiver request by ReconRobotics for 420 - 450 MHz operation. Hams get the shaft again... Who wants to be the first to sue the FCC? -- Kris Kirby, KE4AHR
RE: [Repeater-Builder] Fw: FCC RO Involving the Amateur 70cm Band
This is already happening in Australia. Amateurs are secondary users for 420-450MHz, with military and radio location being primary. A few years ago our ACMA introduced Low Interference Potential Devices license class (any modulation, for any purpose, 25 mW maximum, no license required). Allegedly this was to allow luxury cars to be imported without modifying their electronic door and security keys. Not surprisingly there are a few luxury cars still parked near amateur repeaters that can't be unlocked :-) Due to poorly written legislation, a whole lot of other devices have now flooded the market, including continuously transmitting data modules, and all cause a lot of trouble to amateur operators and repeaters. The bottom end of the band 420-430MHz of the amateur band has also been eroded by government digital radio networks (because it's cheaper to import equipment from overseas that's already in that band). Amateurs in parts of the country are no longer allowed to use that part of the band. I hope the FCC doesn't follow suit although it sounds like they already are! Mark, VK3BYY _ From: Repeater-Builder@yahoogroups.com [mailto:repeater-buil...@yahoogroups.com] On Behalf Of Richard Sent: Thursday, 4 March 2010 07:11 AM To: Repeater-Builder@yahoogroups.com Subject: RE: [Repeater-Builder] Fw: FCC RO Involving the Amateur 70cm Band I feel a little pessimistic about this, in that I expect it to happen more frequently as time passes. I hope I'm wrong, but I can't help feeling that we are going to gradually lose our spectrum as companies with deep pockets buy our frequencies out from under us. Richard www.n7tgb.net http://www.n7tgb.net/ Government's first duty is to protect the people, not run their lives. -- Ronald Reagan _ From: Repeater-Builder@yahoogroups.com [mailto:repeater-buil...@yahoogroups.com] On Behalf Of George Henry Sent: Wednesday, March 03, 2010 11:15 AM To: repeater-builder@yahoogroups.com Subject: [Repeater-Builder] Fw: FCC RO Involving the Amateur 70cm Band Re: the waiver request by ReconRobotics for 420 - 450 MHz operation. Hams get the shaft again... George, KA3HSW / WQGJ413
RE: [Repeater-Builder] 800 MHz spectras
Glad you mentioned that Mike... I did buy a 9-series remote head Spectra for 800 that I used to convert a 5-series dash mount 900 Spectra to remote. Worked QUITE well, I might add! hehehehe -Original Message- From: Repeater-Builder@yahoogroups.com On Behalf Of Mike Morris WA6ILQ At 07:19 PM 03/01/10, you wrote: Hello to the group- I have a chance to bid on some spectras offered at a local auction. The model number is D35FGA5JB5AK- which makes them 30 watt, 800 Mhz trunked units. Question---are they worth considering for the 900 band or are not even worth a second look. Thanks for any input. John K7FPM True 900 MHz radios are common enough. I'd pass on them unless they are remote mount and you can get them for really really cheap (like one to two dollars a piece) AND if the cables are't cut. It seems that every removal monkey just cuts the cable in half and rips it out from each end. Personally, I'd love to find a cable and B5 head kit for a remote mount Spectra. I know a couple more folks that would love to convert a front mount Spectra to a remote mount. With cars getting smaller and smaller, there are probably a lot more folks out there that would like to as well. Mike WA6ILQ
RE: [Repeater-Builder] Re: 900 meg Spectra radio
Joe, Newer Spectra radios are capable of MPL (Multiple PL). Of course, you can only program 16 different PL/DPL codes, but it's better than one. This is what I have - I went through the list and chose the most commonly used ones. IIRC, this will give me access to about 85% of the 900 repeaters nationwide. Mark - N9WYS -Original Message- From: Repeater-Builder@yahoogroups.com [mailto:repeater-buil...@yahoogroups.com] On Behalf Of MCH And put an external CTCSS/CDCSS encoder on it? There are more tone/code combinations to fill 128 channels on a single frequency. Joe M.
RE: [Repeater-Builder] 800 MHz spectras
John, Take a pass on those... there are already 900 MHz Spectra radios out there for the asking. Mark - N9WYS -Original Message- From: Repeater-Builder@yahoogroups.com On Behalf Of tengelinjohn Sent: Monday, March 01, 2010 9:20 PM To: Repeater-Builder@yahoogroups.com Subject: [Repeater-Builder] 800 MHz spectras Hello to the group- I have a chance to bid on some spectras offered at a local auction. The model number is D35FGA5JB5AK- which makes them 30 watt, 800 Mhz trunked units. Question---are they worth considering for the 900 band or are not even worth a second look. Thanks for any input. John K7FPM
RE: [Repeater-Builder] 900 meg Spectra radio
Not necessarily true, John. There are pockets of HIGH activity on 900 MHz - especially on the coasts, where PAVE PAWS has forced the reduction or elimination of 70cm repeaters. Unfortunately, I'm not on either coast (I'm in the Chicago area) so your observation is accurate -- for me anyway. :-( Mark - N9WYS -Original Message- From: Repeater-Builder@yahoogroups.com On Behalf Of JOHN MACKEY Because 900 Mhz is only available to amateurs in the US and not in Japan. The 900 Mhz amateur activity in the US is not very strong. -- Original Message -- Received: Sat, 27 Feb 2010 07:02:17 PM PST From: Fuggitaboutit mikewm9v SNIP Why cant someone just come up with a 900 meg fm mobile for amateur use? They would sell a zillion of them.
RE: [Repeater-Builder] Re: Micor UHF Repeater Base 9.6 vdc currentrequirement?
Eric, your link doesn't work for me... (404 error) Mark - N9WYS -Original Message- From: Repeater-Builder@yahoogroups.com On Behalf Of Eric Lemmon Or, how about putting old linear technology behind us, and embracing the LM2576T-ADJ switching buck regulator? You can buy this puppy ready-made for about $14: http://tinyurl.com/yhma5h5 Just change the 8200 ohm resistor to fix the output voltage. The LM2576T-ADJ is rated at 3 amperes. 73, Eric Lemmon WB6FLY
RE: [Repeater-Builder] Looking for Preamp info
Tom, I think they only work by the light of the silvery moon... :-p Mark - N9WYS -Original Message- From: Repeater-Builder@yahoogroups.com On Behalf Of w9srv Picked up a UHF Micor repeater yesterday, Attached to it was a Lunar PAG463 preamp. Anybody have any recollection of these or info on them? Google has come up dry. Thanks! Tom W9SRV
RE: [Repeater-Builder] dual band convertacom
Albert, I had a very similar installation as you describe in my car, and I used a dual-band brick PA with my setup. 5W VHF yielded 50W / 4W UHF yielded 40W. My biggest issue with the setup was they side contacts on my radios wouldn't make good contact all the time with the MVA, so I yanked it in favor of a dual-band mobile. But I still have the MVA and the PA, just in case... ;-) Seeing you prefer to use separate PAs, you might want to consider two diplexers - one ahead of each PA to split the feedlines and then one behind them to re-combine them. But to be honest, IMHO this is kinda the Rube Goldberg way of doing it, I think. Compare prices - by the time you get the diplexers and other stuff, you may well be approaching the cost of one dual-band PA. Mark - N9WYS -Original Message- From: Repeater-Builder@yahoogroups.com [mailto:repeater-buil...@yahoogroups.com] On Behalf Of hitekgearhead I know I am going to get the singular answer of WHY but I really would like some technical input on this. In my car I have an old Genesis series convertacom connected to a dual band Comet antenna. I often will swap my VHF and UHF HT back and forth and utilize the dual band capability of my antenna. It works pretty well. What I would like to get some input on however, is how to run some power with this setup. Of course the easiest would be to get a amateur dual band amplifier, but I already have a VHF and a UHF (N1275A and N1274A) amplifier. What I would like to do is parallel these two amps with some kind of switching/duplexer setup so that I could easily switch from VHF to UHF. My initial idea was to run an antenna switch from the convertacom to the amps so I can manually select which one the signal goes to. Then on the output side of the amps I thought about using an antenna duplexer on the output of the amps to feed the antenna. I was also thinking of running a switch to alternately select which amp was receiving DC power, but I don't know if that would be necessary. (Could I leave both amps powered on in this situation?) So, does this sound about right or am I going off the deep end? Thanks Albert
RE: [Repeater-Builder] Re: Can the 4th harmonic of 1250 AM keep UHF repeaters locked up?
I would have thought good grounding practices on the feeder and equipment at the base of the tower would have pretty well bypassed any 1.25MHz stuff. Ferrite 'beads' will reduce common mode pickup on coaxial cables without any effect at all on the signal inside the coax. Don't expect too much attenuation though - usually they are only good for 8-15dB at UHF frequencies, and somewhat less at low frequencies (choose your ferrite material carefully!). 73, Mark VK3BYY -Original Message- From: Repeater-Builder@yahoogroups.com [mailto:repeater-buil...@yahoogroups.com] On Behalf Of DCFluX Sent: Wednesday, 24 February 2010 09:35 AM To: Repeater-Builder@yahoogroups.com Subject: Re: [Repeater-Builder] Re: Can the 4th harmonic of 1250 AM keep UHF repeaters locked up? How about 1.25 MHz RF coming down the outer jacket of the UHF antenna and into the ground of the system? You have about 200 ft or so of coax? Try a mag mount antenna temporarily. Not really sure how you'd cure that though. Not sure if snap on RF beads would work on coax with a signal going in the center.
RE: [Repeater-Builder] Re: Can the 4th harmonic of 1250 AM keep UHF repeaters locked up?
Hi Tony, Are you using a duplexer on this repeater? A lot of cavity filters act as a short circuit to DC and low frequencies, so additional filtering is unlikely to help. I can only think of one type of cavity that has a DC path between from input to output (via an internal inductor) and not to ground. This type could I guess pass low frequencies. It's simple to test - disconnect the antenna and receiver leads and measure the DC resistance with a meter between the centre and outer on the cavity connectors. If it's 0 ohms then it's likely to be a very good high pass filter for broadcast frequencies! Also, using a temporary attenuator you should be able to determine if there is an intermod problem within the receiver, or parts of the antenna filtering system on the receive side of a Duplexer. Inserting an attenuator will reduce the interference (and desired signal) by the same amount if everything on the receiver side of the attenuator is functioning correctly. If instead the interference drops by 2-3 times (in dB, and the desired signal drops only by the attenuator value) then you've found your problem! Placing a power attenuator in the duplexed antenna line is more complicated because you are attenuating both the Tx and Rx signals. You would expect the interfering signal to drop by more than double the attenuation value, and you can't really tell if the problem is in the antenna, antenna feeder, or something external. 73, Mark VK3BYY -Original Message- From: Repeater-Builder@yahoogroups.com [mailto:repeater-buil...@yahoogroups.com] On Behalf Of KT9AC Sent: Wednesday, 24 February 2010 09:02 AM To: Repeater-Builder@yahoogroups.com Subject: Re: [Repeater-Builder] Re: Can the 4th harmonic of 1250 AM keep UHF repeaters locked up? I was able to match up the audio coming through the repeater and the local AM station. My latest theory is that their signal is so strong that its blowing into the receiver's front end and multiplying/mixing there (past the bandpass filters and all). They are heterodyne receivers after all. I'm considering an ICE broadcast high-pass filter that cuts off at 1.8Mhz (model 402). I have an email into them to see how well it might work at 448 Mhz. Tony
RE: [Repeater-Builder] Can the 4th harmonic of 1250 AM keep UHF repeaters locked up?
I know of one amateur repeater where a distant AM broadcast signal mixed with a commercial Tx operating on the same tower to produce interference on the repeater input. The problem was tracked to a rust joint between the galvanised iron roof and the guttering of the equipment hut. The broadcast station was more than 30 miles away, so rusty joints can work as pretty efficient broad band mixers! The only solution was to fix the roof as moving frequencies of the other players wasn't possible :-) Cheers, Mark VK3BYY -Original Message- From: Repeater-Builder@yahoogroups.com [mailto:repeater-buil...@yahoogroups.com] On Behalf Of Tony KT9AC Sent: Monday, 22 February 2010 08:53 AM To: Repeater-Builder@yahoogroups.com Subject: Re: [Repeater-Builder] Can the 4th harmonic of 1250 AM keep UHF repeaters locked up? Thanks Jeff. The AM station has the same power both day and night, just goes from 2 towers to 4 to change the pattern. Rusty bolt or fence line etc seems the most likely. The problem does seem to disappear when its raining out, which helps verify this theory. It might be a needle in a haystack trying to find this, so maybe remoting the receiver might be the easiest. Thanks and I'll continue to investigate. I can try temporarily moving the frequencies apart about 100Khz and see if my 5Mhz theory holds water. Tony Jeff DePolo wrote: So, if we take the 1250Khz signal or 1.25Mhz x 4 = 5Mhz. I realize that the 4th harmonic of a 5KW broadcast station isn't very powerful Well...it *shouldn't* be very strong. It has to be attenuated 43 + 10 * log (Pwatts) as measured in the field (not at the transmitter output terminals). If you have access to a field intensity meter that covers up to 5 MHz, or a spectrum analyzer and a calibrated antenna, you can measure it yourself. AM stations that change power and/or pattern at night sometimes use a different transmitter between day and night depending on the power levels. Some stations also have pre-sunrise, post-sunset, or critical hours authorizations that are intermediate power levels between day and night power levels, or as an adjunct to daytime-only authorization. Bottom line - the 4th harmonic content may vary due to a combination of pattern, transmitter power output, or even different transmitters. but being in its nearfield might be enough to cause a mix with the UHF transmit output. Well, 1 or 2 miles isn't really near-field, but in any case, the field intensity may be relatively high depending on all of the other variables (power, pattern, etc.). Usually interference to VHF/UHF involving mixes with AM broadcast occur somewhere at or near the VHF/UHF site, not at the AM site. In some cases, the problem can actually be caused within the equipment on the ground rather than externally at the antenna or on the tower. If it's an in-the-cabinet mix, it could be caused by inadequate RF shielding. Before going on a wild good chase, I'd ensure that everything is properly RF-shielded, shielded cables are used for interconnects, grounding is good, all shields are in place, all mechanical connections (e.g. screws) are tight, no oxidizes or corroded connectors, etc. To rule out a lot of AM coming down the coax (which is fairly unlikely for most VHF/UHF antenna designs), install a high-pass filter. Even a shorted quarter-wave stub should give a fair amount of attenuation down in the MW range. If you have any in-line lightning protection (Polyphasers, et al), try removing them. But, more than likely, if in fact the AM station is the cause (either its fundamental or a harmonic), you have a passive intermodulation mix, the old rusty bolt problem. It could be in your antenna, on your tower, in your duplexer, in a corroded connector, who knows where. Divide and conquer is the only way to try to isolate it. --- Jeff WN3A Yahoo! Groups Links
RE: [Repeater-Builder] Micor Community Repeater Supplement
Thanks Jeff. I've been meaning to do that as well, but just haven't gotten around to it... My apologies to Eric and the group for my negligence. Mark - N9WYS -Original Message- From: Repeater-Builder@yahoogroups.com On Behalf Of Jeff DePolo For those of you that are interested in the community repeater manual, Eric Lemmon has volunteered to scan it. I'll be sending it to him this weekend, along with some other specialized Micor manuals including PURC, Digital PURC (DRC), and Multiple PL. --- Jeff WN3A -Original Message- From: Repeater-Builder@yahoogroups.com On Behalf Of Jeff DePolo I am in need of a micor UHF community repeater station supplement number is 68-81025E55, or 68P81025E55. Email me at my callsign at yahoo Jim I have it in paper, but not electronic. Is there a particular section you need that I could scan? --- Jeff WN3A
[Repeater-Builder] Motorola Software Users group
Anyone know what has happened to this group? It USED to be THE place regarding Motorola RSS and such... but lately it has been overrun with SPAM. I sent a message to the list owner, with no reply. Thoughts? Suggestions for a replacement? Mark - N9WYS
RE: [Repeater-Builder] HAM Mototrbo Systems
I think it will be interesting to see whether Motorola expands/offers MotoTrbo to the Vertex/Standard/Yaesu radios, now that they have ownership in Vertex/Standard. IMHO, adding MotoTrbo options to the Yaesu line would be one “easy, quick and dirty” way to attempt to wrest digital away from Icom/D-STAR. This could get to be very interesting… Mark – N9WYS From: Repeater-Builder@yahoogroups.com On Behalf Of John Crockett Eric: Back here in the Southeast there are two UHF MotoTrbo repeaters being coordinated in the Charlotte, NC area. It will be interesting if this digital technology will take off. In SC we have enough D-Star repeaters to cover the state, but the number of users is low. It will take a long time before it is viable as a parallel statewide communications system. Analog FM is still the back bone of our statewide communications system and it will be for years to come. www.scheart.us http://www.scheart.us/ The question in the back of my mind is. Is MotoTrbo the digital technology that will leap frog D-Star? I guess we can stay tuned for the outcome! John, KC4YI
RE: [Repeater-Builder] NewBy
There are a couple of users here who offer duplexers... I have used one, and been very satisfied. (Hopefully Jeff will chime in soon! Buehler? Buehler???) 73 de Mark -N9WYS -Original Message- From: Repeater-Builder@yahoogroups.com On Behalf Of Steve Thanks Mark Yes I have built numerous repeaters all of which work, problem is finding suitable duplexers with the right freq split, ie 1.6Mhz or 600Kc/s, at a resonable price. In the UK it is almost impossible to find them, and for 50Mhz unless you want to spend 1000,s of pounds, is a defo no no. Have tried the heliax one but am not happy with them, hence a ready made one is needed 73 Steve, M1SWB
RE: [Repeater-Builder] NewBy
Welcome, Steve! You'll find this list is a wealth of information when you decide to build a repeater, or for most other discussions of technical nature. Great bunch of guys here! 73 de Mark - N9WYS -Original Message- From: Repeater-Builder@yahoogroups.com On Behalf Of bainbridge_steve Hi Iam a new user to the group. My name is Steve licenced radio amateur M1SWB and I live in Liverpool UK. Main interests are building repeaters and fixing them :-) Iam currently building a 6mtr unit and need a Procom DPF 6/6 HX-150 duplexer, so if anyone has such a beast for sale, please contact me. 73 Steve
[Repeater-Builder] Disabling internal repeater controller in the Kenwood TKR 720 / 820
This question came up on the list earlier, and I replied off-list to the person who inquired. After that I was asked to post the procedure I used to disable the internal controller and connect and external controller. Here is the procedure, but I must give credit to Gary “JR” Sutton, who is the one who assisted me with this… DISCONNECT and/or REMOVE the internal signaling unit. On CN6 of the repeater, apply a jumper to pins 23, 89, 1011, respectively. If the external controller is wired CORRECTLY to the 15 pin accessory plug, it WILL work properly. NEVER use the internal controller with an external controller. You are asking for problems. Note: CN6 is also CN2 at the internal signaling unit – you can insert your jumpers at either location. Connect the controller to the 15-pin accessory plug on the rear of the repeater: Pin FunctionUse 1 Hook Switch Must be grounded for unit to transmit 2 TX Mod. input ground 3 Direct Modulation Input This is where your CTCSS and/or DCS output from your controller would go. (SUB TONE) 4 RX Discriminator output This is the raw receiver carrier, this is before squelch 5 TX Modulation inputTransmit audio out of the controller 6 Speaker ground 7 Switched B+ 8 PTT 9 Speaker Input This ties to pin 12 to use internal speaker 10 De-Emphasis output Squelched RX audioDO NOT USE 11 GROUND 12 Speaker output RX audio controlled by volume control 13 COR outputI believe this is an active low 14 N/C 15 N/C 73 de Mark – N9WYS
RE: RE: [Repeater-Builder] Spectra Scan
Yep – I designated which Modes are displayed in each Zone… FWIW – this morning on the way to work (I know – I should do this while PARKED) I tried to activate SCAN again. If I hold the SCAN button down for 2 seconds, the SCAN indicator flashes and I get “SEL MODE”, so apparently the scan list is empty. ??? However, it appears the scan list is NOT Zone-dependent, since the first Mode that showed up when I tried to toggle through was one from a different Zone than the one I had selected to operate from. I wonder if I can create scan lists by Zone… Now, if I can just find the Spectra operator’s manual I have squirreled-away… ;-) Mark – N9WYS From: Repeater-Builder@yahoogroups.com On Behalf Of dmurman… I'll have to check later tonight when I get home but it is not an option but a function key on the bottom of the screen when you are in the Zones menu. Like I mentioned when I get home tonight I'll fire up the computer and give you the proper function keys to get to the scan menu. When you entered the modes did it ask for the Zone? David
RE: [Repeater-Builder] Spectra Scan
Thanks Tim! Yes, it helps immensely!! Maybe one problem I had this morning is I may not have the SEL button designated (or maybe in the wrong position?) since pressing that did nothing... Back to the RSS! Thanks! Mark - N9WYS -Original Message- From: Repeater-Builder@yahoogroups.com [mailto:repeater-buil...@yahoogroups.com] On Behalf Of Tim Ahrens Sent: Monday, February 01, 2010 11:02 AM To: Repeater-Builder@yahoogroups.com Subject: RE: RE: [Repeater-Builder] Spectra Scan Hey Mark, In the 'old' spectra, after you hold in the scan button get the 'sel mode' message, use the mode buttons to go through the modes. When you get one you want, push the 'SEL' button. Multiple presses will take it through the priorities. To delete, use the 'DEL' key. While the 'sel' message is displayed, you can also hit the 'SEL' button to change the priority of the mode that is selected. Oh, Pushing the 'HOME' button will take you out of the scan program mode. hope this helps. Tim Yahoo! Groups Links No virus found in this incoming message. Checked by AVG - www.avg.com Version: 8.5.432 / Virus Database: 271.1.1/2662 - Release Date: 02/01/10 12:37:00
RE: [Repeater-Builder] Kenwood TKR 720
To save bandwidth, replies taken off list… Mark – N9WYS From: Repeater-Builder@yahoogroups.com [mailto:repeater-buil...@yahoogroups.com] On Behalf Of Greg Niles Sent: Wednesday, January 20, 2010 9:44 PM To: Repeater-Builder@yahoogroups.com Subject: RE: [Repeater-Builder] Kenwood TKR 720 Mark I have only jumpered pin #11 to ground what else needs to be done? Thanks, Greg --- On Thu, 1/21/10, N9WYS n9...@ameritech.net wrote: From: N9WYS n9...@ameritech.net Subject: RE: [Repeater-Builder] Kenwood TKR 720 To: Repeater-Builder@yahoogroups.com Date: Thursday, January 21, 2010, 2:47 AM Greg, Have you disabled the internal controller? It needs to be completely disconnected and some wires jumpered before the external controller will work as designed... Mark - N9WYS -Original Message- From: Repeater-Builder@ yahoogroups. com http://us.mc1112.mail.yahoo.com/mc/compose?to=Repeater-Builder%40yahoogroups.com [mailto:Repeater-Builder@ yahoogroups. com http://us.mc1112.mail.yahoo.com/mc/compose?to=Repeater-Builder%40yahoogroups.com ] On Behalf Of k9gjn Sent: Wednesday, January 20, 2010 7:27 PM To: Repeater-Builder@ yahoogroups. com http://us.mc1112.mail.yahoo.com/mc/compose?to=Repeater-Builder%40yahoogroups.com Subject: [Repeater-Builder] Kenwood TKR 720 Trying to interface a NHRC controler with a TKR 720 can hear the controler ID very faintly in the background but cannot get it to accept any commands. Any suggestions why the repeater cannot communicate with the controler? The repeater works fine just cant get the controler to work. Thanks Greg K9GJN No virus found in this incoming message. Checked by AVG - www.avg.com Version: 8.5.432 / Virus Database: 271.1.1/2636 - Release Date: 01/21/10 07:34:00 image001.jpg
RE: [Repeater-Builder] Can we tuning duplexer with this equipment?
It depends on the type of duplexer. Certainly a spectrum analyser with tracking generator, or better still a network analyser, is ideal for tuning notch type duplexers, but you can get away with simpler equipment with bandpass type cavity duplexers. Indeed I have tuned several repeater duplexers with nothing more than a SWR meter, power meter, handheld TX, Attenuator, and dummy loads. A harmonic marker generator with a tunable receiver can be used as a rather crude substitute for a spec-an. I have a marker generator that produces the equivalent of a few tens of microvolts at 100kHz spacings across 2 meters. By tuning back and forth between the rx and tx frequencies of the duplexer you can get an rough idea of the notch and bandpass tuning prior to applying more power. It's not much good at measuring deep notches because you'd need a receiver with about 0.01uV sensitivity to measure a 60dB notch, but you can at least measure individual cavities. Mark Harrison VK3BYY -Original Message- From: Repeater-Builder@yahoogroups.com [mailto:repeater-buil...@yahoogroups.com] On Behalf Of Azam Sent: Wednesday, December 23, 2009 8:20 AM To: Repeater-Builder@yahoogroups.com Subject: [Repeater-Builder] Can we tuning duplexer with this equipment? I found this simple and cheap rf measurement kit at http://www.foxdelta.com/products/pm3.htm http://www.foxdelta.com/products/pm3.htm Can it be used to tune a duplexer? rgds azam
RE: [Repeater-Builder] Henry Repeater Amp or TE Systems
Jim, I have a Crescend PA on my 440 machine. When I did have a problem, they were quick to repair it under warranty. Mark - N9WYS From: Repeater-Builder@yahoogroups.com On Behalf Of James Adkins TPL I will never consider. We used their 300-W amps for low-band at work, they'd oscillate unless we put in a second TR Relay with a 50-ohm dummy load, then they'd burn up. Not to mention, the 100-w ones we had were very dirty if we ran them above 35w or so. One brand I considered was Crescend for UHF, they are rock solid. But, they don't make a 220 amp. Will check into Volcom, never heard of them. On Sun, Dec 20, 2009 at 11:09 AM, Maire-Radios maire-rad...@verizon.net wrote: we have used TE, Henry, Volcom and TPL. Volcom and TPL have great service TE got a 150 watt and UHF and no matter what we do to it only puts out 120 watts came with paper work that show tested at 134 watts on a 150 watt amp. Had no luck to get this corrected. Will never but a TE amp ever if it was at very low cost. go with a good brand spend a bit more but it works and works Volcom 1ST TPL 2nd John - Original Message - From: James Adkins mailto:adkins.ja...@gmail.com Okay all, looking for opinions. Our club is going to purchase a 220 amplifier and a 440 amplifier for our repeaters. For 220, we're looking at either the TE Systems 2210RAN or the Henry C100B10R For UHF, it's either the TE Systems 4412RA or the Henry C100D30R. We have a Henry C300C30R in use for about 3-1/2 years now (running it at 250w output) on our 6-meter repeater and had to send it in about 13 months into its life to have the finals replaced. No problems since, though. I was pleased with Henry's response to the problem. Even though it was out of warranty, they fixed it under warranty. Though the TE systems amplifiers have more output (150w vs 100w), I have concerns about their reliability. The local D* repeater has had a lot of problems with their VHF amplifier, and it's not very clean (of course, that could be the fault of the D* repeater transmitter, too!). What are your opinions, TE Systems vs Henry? -- James Adkins, KB0NHX Vice-President -- Nixa Amateur Radio Club, Inc. (KC0LUN) www.nixahams.net Southern Missouri Assistant Frequency Coordinator - Missouri Repeater Council www.missourirepeater.org The Nixa Amateur Radio Club - There is no charge for awesomeness! (Well, only $1.00 per month)
RE: [Repeater-Builder] Re: Source of Coil Slugs - OT reply
Holy cow, Skipp!! I haven't conjugated verbs for years... (Is that the term??) I/you/he/she/we/they/it... Wow!! Hahahaha -Original Message- From: Repeater-Builder@yahoogroups.com On Behalf Of skipp025 Probably not going to be exactly what you want... but I'll throw this out for you. Hamtronics sells a grab bag of parts and the bag contains coils he/they Jerry/Hamtronics uses on/with their kits. I buy the grab bags and I have spare parts and parts to proto-type with... and they're cheap. (buy the grab bag for the coils... the individual coil purchase doesn't have the slugs... cheers, skipp
RE: [Repeater-Builder] Re: Motorola Spectra Power Cord Reversal
FB, Stephen. Glad to hear you were able to resurrect it! Mark - N9WYS -Original Message- From: Repeater-Builder@yahoogroups.com On Behalf Of Stephen M. Parker Thanks to all for the advice about the Spectra that I connected reverse polarity power to. Replacing the big, honkin' diode near where the red power lead connects to the board solved the problem. Apparently, no other damage was done, despite my foolish oversight. And, thanks to Motorola for a good engineering design! It's nice to find a friendly, helpful group like this one! Thanks again to those who responded to my plea. _ Stephen, WR9A shortw...@verizon.net
RE: [Repeater-Builder] Batteries for Backup- Methods
Tom and all, I think I'd be more worried about corrosion issues associated with H2S gas mixing with water vapor and creating sulfuric acid (H2SO4) Mark - N9WYS From: Repeater-Builder@yahoogroups.com On Behalf Of Chris Quirk Well boats usually do not blow up or catch fire from hydorgen leaking from batteries. It is usually from gasoline vapors or leaking propane. The plastic battery box is a corrosion / spill containment issue. My Jaguar XJ8 L has the battery in the well sealed trunk of the vehicle, I have also owned several cars that the batteries were under the back seat. So Hydrogen gas and venting is a real issue but statically incidents are pretty low from what I can tell Like I said earlier there are repeaters in the same block house that mine is in and they place the batteries in the bottom of the cabinet with no real venting taking place, does not seem to be an issues and as most of the chargers are slow charge with trickle so not a lot of gas released anyway. You add to this that hydrogen rises very quickly as it is much lighter than air and you ask the question how much gas would stay in an enclosed area ? My guess is little to none. --- On Mon, 11/30/09, TGundo 2003 tgundo2...@yahoo.com wrote: From: TGundo 2003 tgundo2...@yahoo.com Subject: Re: [Repeater-Builder] Batteries for Backup- Methods To: Repeater-Builder@yahoogroups.com Date: Monday, November 30, 2009, 3:35 PM Thanks to everyone for the feedback so far! So here is what is bothering me this afternoon. Maybe someone here can shed some light on this for me. The battery I am thinking about using was one I bought a while ago for my boat, but I didn't use it because it was too big for the battery box in the boat (don't ask). I kept it knowing full well I had other uses for it. Thinking about this some more, by law any wet cell battery on a boat must be contained in a battery box. Thinking more about this, I realize that the standard plastic battery box is not really vented, nor completely sealed. In the case of my boat (24' pontoon)has two such batteries, one under the seat in the rear for the motor and the other under the seat in the front for the trolling motor. The compartments under the seats are enclosures in and of themselves. The rear one is charging off the engine during run time. On an afternoon cruise it could run for several hours charging the battery the whole time. So the wet cell battery, in the box by law, is charging in a box with little ventalation. Are boat owners everywhere sitting on ticking hydrogen bombs? Tom W9SRV No virus found in this incoming message. Checked by AVG - www.avg.com Version: 8.5.426 / Virus Database: 270.14.88/2537 - Release Date: 12/01/09 07:59:00 image001.jpg
RE: [Repeater-Builder] Re: MSF5000 internal 14.4MHz osc.
Steve, Not sure I understand what it is you are needing... I believe you said that you require the 14.4 oscillator. But then there was mention of the 5 MHz OCXO. (Or was that another thread?) Anyway, if you have the freq reference tray but are missing the HSO (Hi-Stability frequency reference Oscillator), ANY 5 or 10 MHz OCXO will work. Look here for the solutions we used here in the US to get a series of GPS-referenced, 900 MHz stations operating as stand-alone repeaters: http://www.repeater-builder.com/motorola/msf/900-msf.html and http://www.repeater-builder.com/motorola/msf/msf5000-conversion.html You'll see references to the frequency reference tray about 1/3 of the way down in each article... The HSO normally gets installed in the open space on the left side. Hope this helped. Mark- N9WYS -Original Message- From: Repeater-Builder@yahoogroups.com On Behalf Of sjs1005 Thanks Bill for your reply and info There appears to be a REF OSC on the uni board, Part id and numbers are; KXN1096A 14.4MHZ (M) X9211 Located top edge (opened) about halfway. Next to a seriously big can / RF cover ? Its a matter of now finding out which parts to take out or add ? I used fix old teles and radios 25-30 yrs ago since then i have worked for the state government in a different field. I cant even remember those days clearly anymore !, curse of working for the govt i suppose and stuck to one occupation. But now feel the need to catch up ! Seem to have plenty of time these days with the kids growing up. I do appreciate any help, i beleive a circuit diagram would probbarly be of the greatest assistance ? Difficult to find an UHF one. Plenty of 800-900 mhz though, but unfotunately those bands do not have the on board REF OSC. Motorola's (AU) position is that they now longer support these repeaters and to give the net a try ? Have pictures if needed. Thanks all Steve Sydney AU --- In Repeater-Builder@yahoogroups.com, Bill jawjabill...@... wrote: First be sure the xtal is on the board, if not you may search for a spare uni board to transfer the parts. If the cost or time get out of control, consider putting in a rubidium osc that can be programmed to the 14.4 mhz. They are plentiful on ebay and some what reasonably priced. Some operate at 15 to 18 volts. . bill atlanta . --- In Repeater-Builder@yahoogroups.com, sjs1005 sjs1005@ wrote: Hello all, I hope someone can help me out with a couple of msf5000s (UHF r3) I brought these 2nd hand from a govt department, thay are in good order. They are the CXB type. For the repeaters to fire up or lock in, they require a external 14.4Mhz reference input. I sig gen'd a 14.4 MHz signal and sure enough they locked in. I have been looking and reading a bit about these repeaters and discovered that they have a built in 14.4Mhz motorola Osc xtal on the RF board. This saves me building a exernal oven type osc on 14.4Mhz. What i need help with is reversing the external input freg and re enable the on board 14.4Mhz osc xtal? I have searched everywhere for any specific info on this as well for a manaul to no avail. Basically i need to know what resistors etc to replace or remove etc? to fire up this osc xtal ? Can anyone assist me with this ? and many thanks to all. Steve Yahoo! Groups Links No virus found in this incoming message. Checked by AVG - www.avg.com Version: 8.5.425 / Virus Database: 270.14.78/2521 - Release Date: 11/23/09 07:52:00
RE: [Repeater-Builder] Re: MSF5000 internal 14.4MHz osc.
No harm - no foul, Tom! ;-) Mark- N9WYS -Original Message- From: Repeater-Builder@yahoogroups.com [mailto:repeater-buil...@yahoogroups.com] On Behalf Of wb6dgn Sent: Monday, November 23, 2009 8:37 PM To: Repeater-Builder@yahoogroups.com Subject: [Repeater-Builder] Re: MSF5000 internal 14.4MHz osc. Mark, I think I duplicated your references further down. Sorry, somehow I missed your post. Too much skipping here and there instead of sticking to one thread. Tom DGN --- In Repeater-Builder@yahoogroups.com, Mark n9...@... wrote: Steve, Not sure I understand what it is you are needing... I believe you said that you require the 14.4 oscillator. But then there was mention of the 5 MHz OCXO. (Or was that another thread?) Anyway, if you have the freq reference tray but are missing the HSO (Hi-Stability frequency reference Oscillator), ANY 5 or 10 MHz OCXO will work. Look here for the solutions we used here in the US to get a series of GPS-referenced, 900 MHz stations operating as stand-alone repeaters: http://www.repeater-builder.com/motorola/msf/900-msf.html and http://www.repeater-builder.com/motorola/msf/msf5000-conversion.html You'll see references to the frequency reference tray about 1/3 of the way down in each article... The HSO normally gets installed in the open space on the left side. Hope this helped. Mark- N9WYS -Original Message- From: Repeater-Builder@yahoogroups.com On Behalf Of sjs1005 Thanks Bill for your reply and info There appears to be a REF OSC on the uni board, Part id and numbers are; KXN1096A 14.4MHZ (M) X9211 Located top edge (opened) about halfway. Next to a seriously big can / RF cover ? Its a matter of now finding out which parts to take out or add ? I used fix old teles and radios 25-30 yrs ago since then i have worked for the state government in a different field. I cant even remember those days clearly anymore !, curse of working for the govt i suppose and stuck to one occupation. But now feel the need to catch up ! Seem to have plenty of time these days with the kids growing up. I do appreciate any help, i beleive a circuit diagram would probbarly be of the greatest assistance ? Difficult to find an UHF one. Plenty of 800-900 mhz though, but unfotunately those bands do not have the on board REF OSC. Motorola's (AU) position is that they now longer support these repeaters and to give the net a try ? Have pictures if needed. Thanks all Steve Sydney AU --- In Repeater-Builder@yahoogroups.com, Bill jawjabillatl@ wrote: First be sure the xtal is on the board, if not you may search for a spare uni board to transfer the parts. If the cost or time get out of control, consider putting in a rubidium osc that can be programmed to the 14.4 mhz. They are plentiful on ebay and some what reasonably priced. Some operate at 15 to 18 volts. . bill atlanta . --- In Repeater-Builder@yahoogroups.com, sjs1005 sjs1005@ wrote: Hello all, I hope someone can help me out with a couple of msf5000s (UHF r3) I brought these 2nd hand from a govt department, thay are in good order. They are the CXB type. For the repeaters to fire up or lock in, they require a external 14.4Mhz reference input. I sig gen'd a 14.4 MHz signal and sure enough they locked in. I have been looking and reading a bit about these repeaters and discovered that they have a built in 14.4Mhz motorola Osc xtal on the RF board. This saves me building a exernal oven type osc on 14.4Mhz. What i need help with is reversing the external input freg and re enable the on board 14.4Mhz osc xtal? I have searched everywhere for any specific info on this as well for a manaul to no avail. Basically i need to know what resistors etc to replace or remove etc? to fire up this osc xtal ? Can anyone assist me with this ? and many thanks to all. Steve Yahoo! Groups Links No virus found in this incoming message. Checked by AVG - www.avg.com Version: 8.5.425 / Virus Database: 270.14.78/2521 - Release Date: 11/23/09 07:52:00 Yahoo! Groups Links No virus found in this incoming message. Checked by AVG - www.avg.com Version: 8.5.425 / Virus Database: 270.14.78/2521 - Release Date: 11/23/09 07:52:00
RE: [Repeater-Builder] Re: Motorola Spectra 900's
Mel, Reference the write-up, PLEASE DO!!! There are others here who would be grateful for the knowledge (myself included). 73, Mark - N9WYS -Original Message- From: Repeater-Builder@yahoogroups.com On Behalf Of wa6jbd I've managed to get 900 Spectras to receive in the 902 range. There are three steps, and it's not necessarily a 'beginner project'. 1. Hack bandlimits to allow programming 2. Modify VCO 3. Retune front end filter. It's possible to meet or exceed rated performance after modification, but takes patience, a steady hand, and a network analyzer or spectrum analyzer and tracking generator. I'm toying with the idea of putting together an article on how to do it, complete with pictures it there is sufficient interest. In the meantime, I'd be happy to supply a description of what's involved to anyone who'd like to give it a try. Mel - WA6JBD --- In Repeater-Builder@yahoogroups.com, James Adkins adkins.ja...@... wrote: Looking for anyone that's actually used a Motorola Spectra to RX on 902.xxx MHz for a repeater receiver Has anyone on the list tried this? Looking for something besides the standard maxtrac option. -- James Adkins, KB0NHX Vice-President -- Nixa Amateur Radio Club, Inc. (KC0LUN) Southern Missouri Frequency Coordinator - Missouri Repeater Council www.nixahams.net The Nixa Amateur Radio Club - There is no charge for awesomeness! (Well, only $1.00 per month)
RE: [Repeater-Builder] Power Connectors - spectras/GM/Maxtrac/...
Tim, Or if you can find a Radio Shack that carries anything other than cell phones, you may find them there as well. That's' where I got my last few sets. Mark - N9WYS From: Repeater-Builder@yahoogroups.com On Behalf Of Steve Gebhard Find a local trailer supply store, those pigtails are very common wiring plugs for trailers. _ From: Repeater-Builder@yahoogroups.com On Behalf Of tahrens301 Hi Folks, I'm looking for some power connectors for the above types of radios. I don't need much more than pigtails, as I am doing a special cabling project. I've looked at both Mouser Digikey, but they don't seem to carry anything similar. I have seen 'generic' types before... somewhere! If anybody has some ideas, please let me know. I need about 20 of them. Thanks, Tim
RE: [Repeater-Builder] is there a guide for programming msf5000 to typeII
I'm not sure, George, but I think you'd need a trunking controller (separate system) and **several** (i.e., two or more) MSF5000 stations in order to have a trunked system. The 900 MHz MSF5000 I bought from the East Coast was part of a trunked system, but each station itself was set for only *ONE* of the system's frequencies. That company had a 6- (or maybe it was 8- ?) channel trunked system, and they changed-out *137* stations... Mark - N9WYS -Original Message- From: Repeater-Builder@yahoogroups.com On Behalf Of George hi, i would like to reprogram my msf5000 to work with my spectras at typeII trunked repeater, is there a guide online to read for basics and program accordingly?
RE: [Repeater-Builder] OT - now I know where all of the older neat radios went....
If I had that guy's money, I'd burn mine... hehehe NICE collection! Mark - N9WYS -Original Message- From: Repeater-Builder@yahoogroups.com On Behalf Of Mike Morris WA6ILQ Sent: Saturday, November 14, 2009 6:29 PM To: Repeater-Builder@yahoogroups.com Subject: [Repeater-Builder] OT - now I know where all of the older neat radios went Check the photos at http://www.qrz.com/db/w9evt Mike WA6ILQ
RE: [Repeater-Builder] PGE Smart Meter Program
Skipp, Isn't this close enough to PAVE PAWS to cause some problems? They basically cleared the 440 band out... Literally millions of transmitters potentially interfering with the RADAR... Hmm. This sounds like it could get interesting. Mark - N9WYS -Original Message- From: Repeater-Builder@yahoogroups.com On Behalf Of skipp025 For those of us out here on the West (Left) Coast... PGE our Electricity Provider has started their Smart Meter program, where the meter reading will now be done by RF Communications. I had concerns about the equipment causing interference so I called and received the following information. RF Frequency Range of operation 450-470 MHz FSK Modulation Power Out - reported 100 to 300 mW, 200mW typical. Reporting Time - once every 4 to 6 hours. Who's going to pay for it... you the customer. cheers, s. Yahoo! Groups Links No virus found in this incoming message. Checked by AVG - www.avg.com Version: 8.5.425 / Virus Database: 270.14.60/2496 - Release Date: 11/11/09 07:40:00
RE: [Repeater-Builder] repeater problems solved
John, Regarding the hum - it's just trying to remember the words... ;-) Seriously, it sounds as if you suspect CTCSS coming through, and I would agree. First you need to know is whether this happens ALL the time or not. If it occurs all the time, it sounds as if your repeater's CTCSS tone encoder is at fault; if it occurs only occasionally, then someone else may be over-deviating their tone. Happy hunting... 73 de Mark - N9WYS -Original Message- From: Repeater-Builder@yahoogroups.com On Behalf Of W3ML Hello, I wanted to thank everyone again for the recommendations on how to fix our system. I made several of the changes posted and we replaced the antenna and hardline with new ones. The system is working right now. The problem with the radio power going up has stopped and the noise is all gone when people talk. Only one thing to figure out is a low hum coming across on transmit. We have ruled out the power supply. From what I have read on here today in old messages, I feel it may be the CTCSS coming through. But, it is nice to have the power up high and to be able to understand people when they talk instead trying to make it out through the noise. Thanks again for all the help. 73 John, W3ML
RE: [Repeater-Builder] Lightning Rod (Bolt)?
Doug, Not sure how soon you need this antenna, but if you have time to wait - go to Dayton next year. There has been a guy there the past two years selling RFS/Cellwave Super Stationmaster antennas. DEFINITELY commercial-grade. I bought one 2 years ago from the guy (I wish I could remember his name) but it cost me something like $80. still in the original shipping tube! Rated at 12.14 dBi (10 dBd). About 13.5 ft tall. He's in the flea market, behind the Arena, maybe one or two rows out. Someone else my know who he is, but he had a number of them both years, and on different freqs, so make sure you get one for 900-935 range (Model 10017-8). This one had Motorola numbers on it as well; I'm sure it was made for Motorola. NICE antenna!! Sinclair makes enclosed folded dipole antennas, but they are not full omni antennas - I use one on my station at the home QTH. It's a SRL411C4N, designed for 851-960. center freq of 930.. Happy antenna hunting. Mark - N9WYS From: Repeater-Builder@yahoogroups.com On Behalf Of Doug Rehman I just looked at the TX/RX catalog - looks like you're referring to their CC Series antennas; the description indicate that the lightning spike (their term) is connected to a solid brass support pipe. They're not made for 900 MHz though, only UHF/700/800. Looks like the price for the 6dB gain version is around $2K. Their collinear description does not mention anything about a lightning spike, just internal DC grounding for lightning protection and reduction of precipitation noise. It also occurs to me that the lightning spikes I've seen on 900 MHz DB Products antennas are not in the center of the cap, but offset to one side. They appear to be molded into the cap, not just part of the antenna passing thru it. Well I guess worst case, the Maxrad 900 antennas can be had fairly cheaply on eBay. I picked up 3 of the 6dB models for around $80 shipped. Much cheaper to replace than the Comet GP-15's! (Plus I've got a three year supply at my current lightning strike rate.) Doug K4AC
RE: [Repeater-Builder] Lightning Rod (Bolt)?
Ah, OK Doug. I understand your project better now. I'm sure you'll find something that'll fit your needs. and you can keep the Super Stationmaster in mind for the new tower later. ;-) 73, Mark - N9WYS From: Repeater-Builder@yahoogroups.com On Behalf Of Doug Rehman Mark: I could probably come up with a used 9dB DB Products antenna, but for this application, weight is a MAJOR factor. A DB-809 is around 25 pounds and a DB-589 is still about 11 pounds. The 5dB gain Maxrad MFB9155 is less than 2 pounds. This is going on top of a 24' mast that is on top of a 54' tower. The mast already has multiple HF-1.2 GHz antennas, so loading is the major consideration. The DB-809 would equal about 600 pounds at the thrust bearing and the DB-859 would equal about 264 pounds- way more than the Maxrad. I'll eventually put up a second tower in the 100' range (I'm height limited due to a nearby 3800' grass strip airport) and will be able to go to something more substantial on it. For now, the Maxrad will have to suffice. This is for one of several 927 MHz repeaters that will be UHF linked. It doesn't need to have huge range, it is mainly to cover about a 10 mile radius. The other sites will be using DB Products antennas. Doug K4AC
RE: [Repeater-Builder] Re: Announcements from a PC...
Dave, Randy, and all. I know it's been a while since I first responded about this. It has taken me a while to reach out for the originator of the program, and he in turn referred me to the user of it. To sum it up, I am not able to offer it. The writer was all for it, but because of his work obligations, he cannot support it in any way, shape or form. He didn't have the code anymore and thus referred me to the user. I reached out for him and was also rebuffed. He wanted no part of it at all. If things change in the future I can revisit this, but for now I apologize that I cannot be of any further assistance. Sorry all. Mark - N9WYS From: David Murman Sent: Thursday, October 22, 2009 8:01 PM To: Mark Subject: RE: [Repeater-Builder] Re: Announcements from a PC... Mark, I would like that info also and how they hooked it up to the controller. I maintain the KLUB repeaters here in Plano and definitely interested. David WA4ECM -Original Message- From: Repeater-Builder@yahoogroups.com On Behalf Of Mark Sent: Monday, October 05, 2009 8:35 AM Randy, One of the local clubs here runs a program that makes text-to-voice announcements, like capturing NWS bulletins and converting them to speech for the 2m repeater. They call the program M-5 and it was written by another ham who has since moved to Galena, IL. If this might be what you are interested in, I can contact both the guy who wrote the program and the guy who is employing it and see what they have... Mark - N9WYS - Original Message - From: ki4zji To: Repeater-Builder@yahoogroups.com mailto:Repeater-Builder%40yahoogroups.com Sent: Sunday, October 04, 2009 4:19 PM Subject: [Repeater-Builder] Announcements from a PC... Does anyone know of any software that would allow scheduled announcements (either recorded voice or synthesized) through a soundcard interface and remote radio? Thanks, Randy
[Repeater-Builder] Fwd: Georgia Statewide ARES Network Receives Funding $$$ for D-STAR Equipment [1 Attachment]
Great example of what's possible with good planning. See message below attached presentation. $$$ Georgia statewide network receives funding $$$ Posted by: WB4QDX wb4...@arrl.net jdavis6129 Date: Thu Oct 29, 2009 4:38 pm ((PDT)) An official announcement will be released in the next few days, but it can be announced to the Amateur community that $165,000 in Federal funding has been secured by Georgia Emergency Management Agency (GEMA) to complete the statewide Georgia D-STAR network. Equipment has already been ordered and is beginning to arrive. This is a project that began back in 2005 with a vision for Amateur Radio emergency communications in Georgia. Georgia Public Broadcasting's former Director of Engineering Mark Fehlig, WA6NGC, seized an opportunity to install two Amateur Radio antennas on each of nine tall television towers that provide statewide Public Television coverage as a part of the required conversion to Digital Television. Fehlig designated Georgia ARES to control the use of these facilities for emergency communications. The next task was to determine what technology or mode would provide the best use of these sites for emergency communications. After considering many modes and technologies including linked FM repeaters and packet. About this time, the D-STAR digital technology was emerging as a state of the art platofrm for voice and data communications. D-STAR allows flexible linking of repeaters and provides simultaneous voice and low speed data along with high speed data with Internet connectivity on 1.2 GHz. 2 meter, 440 and 1.2 GHz voice and data repeaters will be installed on each of the nine television towers of Georgia Public Broadcasting (GPB). These nine towers are strategically located to provide near statewide Public Television coverage. They will also provide similar Amateur Radio coverage from two antennas located between 500 and 600 feet above ground and connected with 1 5/8 transmission lines. GPB will also provide indoor equipment space with backup power at each site. Connectivity on GPB's robust DS-3 data network will be provided with Internet access to allow flexible linking of repeaters using the D-STAR technology. Two of the D-STAR repeaters are already in operation at Pembroke, Georgia near Savannah and atop Stone Mountain serving the Atlanta metro area. The funding also provides 20 dual-band D-STAR radios for installation at EMA offices around the state, a portable UHF D-STAR repeater for emergency deployment, three 1.2 GHz D-STAR radios with laptops for sending data and photos from field locations and a robust reflector to serve the Georgia network during emergency conditions and available for general use during non-emergency times. The complete Georgia D-STAR network should be in operation by early 2010. The Georgia network will complement other D-STAR systems planned or in operation in neighboring states of Alabama, Florida and South Carolina creating regional capabilities in the Southeast. Weather systems approach Georgia either as severe thunderstorms and tornadoes from the West or tropical systems from the Gulf or the Atlantic. Having flexible statewide communications will provide new capabilities to support emergency communications. John Davis WB4QDX District Emergency Coordinator Georgia ARES
RE: [Repeater-Builder] Double Shielded Cable
I'll second that. Joel is a great guy to do business with, and he'll make any cable/connector combination you need. Mark - N9WYS From: Repeater-Builder@yahoogroups.com On Behalf Of Michael Ryan Call Joel at the RF Connection in Gaithersburg, MD . He can make up whatever you want with whatever connectors you want. He is on the web. - Mike -- On Sun, 10/25/09, kc8fwd wrote: Hello, What is a good source to get Double Shielded Cable with N connectors to go from the duplexer to receiver and duplexer to transmitter? What kind of coax etc.All info is appreciated Thanke Mike KC8FWD
RE: [Repeater-Builder] More about the PAC-RT
OK, good to know. Mine is on VHF (154.920 right now), and I'd probably want to move it to 2m for my use. I haven't looked at the manual yet (I do have a digital form of the PAC-RT VHF manual) but I assume these are rock-bound... Hmmm. Time to research! Thanks es 73, Mark - N9WYS -Original Message- From: Repeater-Builder@yahoogroups.com [mailto:repeater-buil...@yahoogroups.com] On Behalf Of wd8chl Mark wrote: I have one of these sitting in my basement gathering dust. I'm wondering if this could be put to use as a control access point for one of my repeaters? Of course I wouldn't need it to return audio to the portable via that frequency, just be available as the input for repeater control. It seems as if it could be used for this function, but I wanted to bounce this off the learned group for opinions. Thanks, Mark - N9WYS Sure. The Motorola PAC-RT is basically a Handie-Com MH-10 or MH-70 (or 2) in a box. If you have the book for one of them, on the band your unit is on, you have a good part of the RF board info, at least.
[Repeater-Builder] More about the PAC-RT
I have one of these sitting in my basement gathering dust. I'm wondering if this could be put to use as a control access point for one of my repeaters? Of course I wouldn't need it to return audio to the portable via that frequency, just be available as the input for repeater control. It seems as if it could be used for this function, but I wanted to bounce this off the learned group for opinions. Thanks, Mark - N9WYS
RE: [Repeater-Builder] Re: what pac-rt means
Skipp's statement can also be rephrased as you're life depends on low bid... Mark - N9WYS -Original Message- From: Repeater-Builder@yahoogroups.com On Behalf Of skipp025 --- (snippage) --- I always found their selection of radios to be a bit odd until about 10 years ago. For a while they would use the GE system in the car and a Motorola for other systems, Government Public Safety (an oxymoron)
RE: [Repeater-Builder] Re: what pac-rt means
That’s a typical problem with the PAC-RT and other mobile repeater systems… From: Repeater-Builder@yahoogroups.com On Behalf Of dmur...@verizon.net Had a problem with the PAC-RTs when I worked in Virginia for the State Police. Most of the officers did not put the portable in the charger so when more than one officer arrived on the scene and took their portables with them all PAC-RTs would transmit when the officer would key his portable. When the portable is removed from the charger a tone is emitted to let other PAC-RTs set their counters so they do not repeat. Only the last one to arrive on the scene and pull his portable form the charger would repeat. If another unit arrives and pulls the portable from the charger that one is now the one repeating. David
[Repeater-Builder] OT: Our very own Mike Morris in this month's QST!
Congrats Mike on getting your photo published in this month's QST! 73 de Mark - N9WYS
RE: [Repeater-Builder] OT: Our very own Mike Morris in this month's QST!
Bottom of Page 102. From: Repeater-Builder@yahoogroups.com On Behalf Of Chuck Kelsey Page number please. I skip through the rag most of the time. Chuck WB2EDV - Original Message - From: Mark mailto:n9...@ameritech.net Congrats Mike on getting your photo published in this month's QST! 73 de Mark - N9WYS
RE: [Repeater-Builder] OT: Our very own Mike Morris in this month's QST!
I can see how my message was misconstrued. Sorry! From: Repeater-Builder@yahoogroups.com [mailto:repeater-buil...@yahoogroups.com] On Behalf Of Chuck Kelsey Well, there's the problem ;-) I was looking for a picture of Mike, not a picture of a car that Mike took. LOL Chuck WB2EDV - Original Message - From: Mark mailto:n9...@ameritech.net Bottom of Page 102. From: Repeater-Builder@yahoogroups.com On Behalf Of Chuck Kelsey Page number please. I skip through the rag most of the time. Chuck WB2EDV - Original Message - From: Mark mailto:n9...@ameritech.net Congrats Mike on getting your photo published in this month's QST! 73 de Mark - N9WYS No virus found in this incoming message. Checked by AVG - www.avg.com Version: 8.5.423 / Virus Database: 270.14.26/2451 - Release Date: 10/22/09 08:51:00 image001.jpg
RE: [Repeater-Builder] Re: Antenna question
I’d like to chime in here as well… I also agree that your first venture into repeaters should be as an assistant Trustee (or something similar) for your local ham club. Doing this will help you gain necessary experience and knowledge before you try to venture on your own. It will also allow you time to put together some of the test instruments necessary for building and testing repeaters This is how I got started, but ended up getting a baptism of fire when the repeater went down and no one else was available to assist me. In the end, I wound up being the primary Trustee. As I learned how to repair and improve the repeater, I gained valuable knowledge which allowed me to try to “roll my own” for 900 MHz. The homebrew was on the air for nearly 2 years before I acquired a commercial repeater station to replace it with. The homebrew is still in the shack, and I have plans to put it back on the air in the future, but no time schedule has been set. Take your time – you have a lifetime of fun (and accompanying headaches) ahead of you! Mark – N9WYS From: Repeater-Builder@yahoogroups.com On Behalf Of Andrew Seybold Nate—et al, Fortunately on the left coast we don’t really have a lightening problem AND since our sites are all within view of the ocean, I don’t do anything but fiberglass OR coated folding dipoles, aluminum does not like salt air at all. And as Nate says—all you have to do is look around—and you will end up on a repeater committee or team—it started for me in the late 1960’s when we founded the Northeast FM Repeater Assn, and then Phila’s Para, then on to Cincy, and the same thing, make friends, show you know a little, have a Cushman and are you ever popular. Now on the left coast, this has happened twice—once near San Jose and now in Santa Barbara—LOTS of repeaters, very few folks who know how to make them talk and keep them talking—it is a lot of fun, and rewarding, and yes it costs money out of my own pocket here and there but that is what I like to do—build em and keep em running—let someone else use them! Andy W6AMS
RE: [Repeater-Builder] Re: Announcements from a PC...
Randy, One of the local clubs here runs a program that makes text-to-voice announcements, like capturing NWS bulletins and converting them to speech for the 2m repeater. They call the program M-5 and it was written by another ham who has since moved to Galena, IL. If this might be what you are interested in, I can contact both the guy who wrote the program and the guy who is employing it and see what they have... Mark - N9WYS - Original Message - From: ki4zji To: Repeater-Builder@yahoogroups.com Sent: Sunday, October 04, 2009 4:19 PM Subject: [Repeater-Builder] Announcements from a PC... Does anyone know of any software that would allow scheduled announcements (either recorded voice or synthesized) through a soundcard interface and remote radio? Thanks, Randy
RE: [Repeater-Builder] Re: Radio for repeater use Response to Tom's comments
John, I'll chime in here and agree with Chuck's suggestion to try a little more fire in the wire... It sounds as if your PA is less spurious now than before, but you need to dial it up more to eliminate all the spurious products. Solid state PAs, especially mobiles, are noted for this when run at considerably less than rated output. If I remember the beginning of the thread, this was a Mastr-II mobile... Seems as if I remember a rule of thumb that a solid state PA won't be stable beginning around 60-70% of its rated output. If you're at 55W now, another 10-15W won't make much difference in the received signal strength, but will help a LOT to stabilize the PA. This article: http://www.repeater-builder.com/ge/mastrIIgeneral.html says not to run Mastr-II PAs at less than 40%. In your case, you're at about 50% now and still a little spurious, so... crank her up a tad more (to maybe 70W) and see if that clears it all up. ;-) The article also has other suggestions on how to deal with desense. 73, Mark - N9WYS -Original Message- From: Repeater-Builder@yahoogroups.com On Behalf Of W3ML I probably will turn it up more to see what happens. When I had it at 5 watts out we had no problems at all. Over the 10 watts is when the noise was really bad. Now at 55 it works and then it doesn't and then it works again. So, yes I still have something wrong and maybe one of these days I will get another grant and convince the club to buy another GE Mastr II and and a new antenna and coax. Maybe that will fix it. People we got radio from are not answering. John --- In Repeater-Builder@yahoogroups.com, Chuck Kelsey wb2...@... wrote: I'd suggest turning the power up more. You have it set at about 50% and the transmitter may be intermittently spurious at that level. Watch the wattmeter when things act up and see if anything changes when you notice the desense happening. You can also pull the TX ICOM when the problem is happening and see if the receive clears up on the local speaker. There are so many things that could be at fault - loose connector, bad antenna, problem with transmitter, problem with receiver, intermod issue, etc. Ask the people you got the radio from if they had the same problem with it. Chuck WB2EDV
[Repeater-Builder] ARRL/TAPR Digital Communications Conference Next Weekend [2 Attachments]
http://www.arrl.org/?artid=9182 ARRL/TAPR Digital Communications Conference Next Weekend (Sep 17, 2009) -- ARRL and the Tucson Amateur Packet Radio Group (TAPR) will jointly host the 28th Annual Digital Communications Conference (DCC www.tapr.org/dcc) September 25-27 in Chicago. The DCC has something for everyone from those new to digital modes to those experienced with digital communications including technical and introductory forums. According to DCC Co-host Mark Thompson, WB9QZB, one of the highlights of this year's DCC will be Bob Bruninga, WB4APR, presenting Universal Ham Radio Text Messaging. The Saturday night banquet speaker will be Bill Brown, WB8ELK, a pioneer in flying balloons with payloads including Amateur Radio digital communication technologies. Brown is the publisher and editor of Amateur Television Quarterly magazine. ARRL Technical Relations Manager Brennan Price, N4QX, will be on hand to discuss the upcoming World Radiocommunications Conference in his talk WRC-12 Agenda Item 1.19: Shaping the International Regulatory Framework for Software Defined and Cognitive Radio Systems. QEX Editor Larry Wolfgang, WR1B, and ARRL Central Division Director Dick Isely, W9GIG, will also be in attendance. The 2009 DCC forum and speaker schedule is available online http://www.tapr.org/pdf/DCC_2009_Schedule_Preliminary2009-09-16.pdf. TAPR provides leadership and resources to radio amateurs for the purpose of advancing the radio art and is a research and development oriented group offering kits, assembled products and publications related to the intersection of Amateur Radio and digital technology.
RE: [Repeater-Builder] OT FS: IFR-1200s
Chris, I just checked this and it says the auction has ended. Ended: Sep 18, 200907:43:37 PDT Did you forget to set the auction length parameters? wink Mark - N9WYS -Original Message- From: Repeater-Builder@yahoogroups.com On Behalf Of Chris Curtis Sent: Friday, September 18, 2009 7:58 AM To: Repeater-Builder@yahoogroups.com Subject: [Repeater-Builder] OT FS: IFR-1200s Pardon my OT intrusion once again. I'm letting go my IFR-1200s with factory manuals Ebay auction # 180409235224 Options 2,4,10 7.1-00 Thanks for the bandwidth Chris Kb0wlf Yahoo! Groups Links No virus found in this incoming message. Checked by AVG - www.avg.com Version: 8.5.409 / Virus Database: 270.13.103/2378 - Release Date: 09/17/09 06:18:00
RE: [Repeater-Builder] OT FS: IFR-1200s
WOW! That was FAST!!! Sorry, Chris! -Original Message- From: Repeater-Builder@yahoogroups.com [mailto:repeater-buil...@yahoogroups.com] On Behalf Of Tedd Doda Sent: Friday, September 18, 2009 10:44 AM To: Repeater-Builder@yahoogroups.com Subject: Re: [Repeater-Builder] OT FS: IFR-1200s Mark wrote: Chris, I just checked this and it says the auction has ended. Ended: Sep 18, 200907:43:37 PDT Someone used buy-it-now for $1,100. Great deal :) Tedd Doda, VE3TJD Lazer Audio and Electronics http://www.ve3tjd.com My idea of a symphony: 8 pistons playing the tune my right foot tells them to. Yahoo! Groups Links No virus found in this incoming message. Checked by AVG - www.avg.com Version: 8.5.409 / Virus Database: 270.13.105/2380 - Release Date: 09/18/09 07:49:00
[Repeater-Builder] ARRL/TAPR DCC (Digital Communications Conference) Forum Schedule Announced [2 Attachments]
ARRL/TAPR DCC (Digital Communications Conference) Forum Schedule Announced TAPR is the premiere national digital organization covering all digital voice data technologies and digital techniques such as SDR. More information about TAPR can be found at: www.tapr.org TAPR is active throughout the year. At the Dayton Hamvention TAPR sponsors a digital forum and a joint banquet with AMSAT. TAPR publishes a quarterly journal, the PSR and develops digital techniques such as SDR. TAPR holds in conjuntion with the ARRL an annual national Digital Communication Conference. You can follow TAPR's activities, events updates regularly on Twitter at: www.twitter.org/taprdigital The ARRL/TAPR DCC (Digital Communications Conference) will be held on September 25 - 27, 2009 again in the northwest suburbs of Chicago at the Elk Grove Village Holiday Inn near O'Hare airport with a free hotel shuttle bus. The DCC has something for everyone from those new to digital modes to those experienced with digital communications. The DCC has 2 full days of Technical forums on Friday Saturday. On Saturday there is an additional concurrent track of Introductory forums. On Sunday morning there is a 1/2 day technical session which is a deep dive into one or more digital topics, such as SDR. The DCC is well known for introducing new technologies concepts.. This year presentations include: * Two Ham DTV, Digital Television presentations by Art, WA8RMC Ken, W6HHC. * Use of Digital Communications at the Marine Corps Marathon in Washington D.C. by Tom, N4ZPT. * Universal Ham Radio Text Messaging by Bob Bruninga, WB4APR, creator of APRS. The 2009 DCC forum speaker schedule is attached is available online at the TAPR web site at: http://www.tapr.org/pdf/DCC_2009_Schedule_Preliminary2009-09-08.pdf After the Friday night social we plan to have another D-STAR get together. The Saturday night banquet speaker will be Bill Brown, WB8ELK. Bill is a pioneer in flying BalloonSats, balloons with payloads including amateur radio digital communication technologies. You can learn more about the DCC register on-line at: www.tapr.org/dcc Registration is preferred prior to September 17th for planning purposes, but walk-in registrations will be accepted. If you can't attend the DCC the Proceedings can be purchased at the TAPR web site at: www.tapr.org/pub_dcc.html Starting last year, 2008 and continuing this year DCC presentations are being recorded by Amateur Radio Video News. DVDs of the prresentations are available at: http://www.arvideonews.com If you have any questions you can reach the TAPR Office at: taproff...@tapr.org Look foward to seeing many of you at the DCC. 73, Mark, WB9QZB DCC Local Co-Host Chicago, IL
RE: [Repeater-Builder] Diplex antenna installation using coaxial cable for 10M and 6 M
Steve, The shorter length stub most likely will give you wider matching bandwidth... This may be why Motorola spec'd a 1/4λ stub as opposed to a 1/2λ stub, as well as nominally lower costs for the shorter cable length. Maybe this will help explain my reasoning: http://www.ittc.ku.edu/~jstiles/723/handouts/Shunt%20Stub%20Tuning.pdf Or maybe I misunderstood the question - which happens more often that I like to admit. ;-) Mark - N9WYS -Original Message- From: Repeater-Builder@yahoogroups.com On Behalf Of steven_schultz92 Hello, I am new to this group. A fellow ham recommended I look into this group to answer a question I have. I am also interested in amateur radio equipment design and building so this motivated me to join the group as well. My question is related to the design of a diplex low band antenna installation. It is described in a Motorola technical publication 68P80100W86-A dated 9/27/85. This note describes how to connect two low band antennas (30 to 50 MHz) to a common coax. A coaxial cable cutting chart is provided in the note. The installation is such that a given length of coax is connected between say a 30 MHz antenna and a T connection and another different given length of coax is connected between say a 50 MHz antenna the T connection. The third connection of the T connection is connected to the radio with an arbitrary length of coax. The cutting chart refers to what they call standard RG-58A/U coax. For a 30MHz and 50MHz antenna installation the chart prescribes a 47 inch length of coax for feeding the 30 MHz antenna and a 100 inch length of coax for feeding the 50 MHz antenna. My ham friend says these are 1/4 wavelengths of transmission line for the opposite band (100 inch is approx 1/4 at 30 MHz and 47 inch is approx 1/4 at 50 MHz). Being an analytical guy I modeled the antenna system in both Ansoft Designer and an antenna modeling program. In Ansoft Designer the antennas were modeled as a series RLC load with 50 ohms at resonance and a Q of 15. Transmission lines were modeled with VF equal to that of RG-58A/U coax. In the antenna modeling program the antennas were modeled as 1/4 verticals with transmission lines having VF=0, antenna spacing of 1 meter, and perfect ground (assuming auto metal). The Motorola note suggests a minimum spacing of 3 feet between antennas. My conclusion was that the values in the Motorola cutting chart for 30 MHz and 50 MHz antenna diplexor are not optimum. Much better results are obtained with transmission line lengths corresponding to 1/2 wavelengths. With 1/2 wavelength transmission line the impedance is repeated. For 1/4 wavelength verticals the out of band impedance is high and with the in band impedance being low the total impedance is governed by the in band antenna. I would like to know what others might know about this 30 MHz and 50 MHz diplexor made of coax and what is the basis for the cutting values in the Motorola note. I tried to find information about this system on the Repeater Builder site but I could not. Thank You Steve Schultz WB8WGY 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:repeater-builder-dig...@yahoogroups.com mailto:repeater-builder-fullfeatu...@yahoogroups.com * To unsubscribe from this group, send an email to: repeater-builder-unsubscr...@yahoogroups.com * Your use of Yahoo! Groups is subject to: http://docs.yahoo.com/info/terms/
Re: [Repeater-Builder] Re: Spectra power up 900mhz
I also am experiencing a power-up problem with a 900 MHz Spectra. This one is one I converted to an A9 control head and conventional operation. It's been working fine for about the past three months or so, but now I am stuck in, for lack of a better description, a boot loop. The radio starts to power up fine, but then restarts itself again and again. (SELF CHECK) Could this be the caps in the control head? This is one control head I haven't recapped yet... FWIW - the radio did this ONCE back during the summer when the control head got very warm (after being in the closed car in the sun for an extended period) but as soon as the head cooled down some, it worked fine again and the prpoblem hasn't resurfaced until now. Thanks, Mark - N9WYS
[Repeater-Builder] RAIN Report: KT1B Commentary on Green Petition to Ban Closed Repeaters
RAIN Report 8/21/09: KT1B Commentary on Green Petition to Ban Closed Repeaters (9 minutes) http://www.therainreport.com/rainreport_archive/rainreport-8-21-2009.mp3 RAIN Report 7/24/09: K3BEQ Petitions the FCC to Outlaw Closed Repeaters (14 minutes) http://www.therainreport.com/rainreport_archive/rainreport-7-24-2009.mp3
RE: [Repeater-Builder] Low Power VHF Repeater - Solar
Tim, Is this a business band thing they are looking at, or can a GMRS repeater be a solution? Mark - N9WYS -Original Message- From: Repeater-Builder@yahoogroups.com [mailto:repeater-buil...@yahoogroups.com] On Behalf Of tahrens301 Sent: Wednesday, August 26, 2009 9:42 AM To: Repeater-Builder@yahoogroups.com Subject: [Repeater-Builder] Low Power VHF Repeater - Solar A friend of mine who is the foreman for a large ranch asked me about providing radio coverage. As there are a couple of hills (2000' AGL) around the ranch, coverage in some places would be spotty, so a repeater on one of the hills would be the best solution. However, there is no power available, so a solar/wind power solution would be necessary. (we get a lot of sun here!) I've done a couple of solar projects, but this needs to be pretty much commercial quality, so I was wondering if there is a commercial repeater available that would be a good candidate for solar power. I figure the RF power out could be 5 watts or less and still give good coverage throughout the ranch. Thanks, Tim Yahoo! Groups Links No virus found in this incoming message. Checked by AVG - www.avg.com Version: 8.5.409 / Virus Database: 270.13.67/2326 - Release Date: 08/25/09 18:07:00
RE: [Repeater-Builder] 1.2 GHz Base antennas
Doug, Check out the articles on the companion website: http://www.repeater-builder.com/antenna/pdf/wr9aea-antenna-n9sn-hr09-79.pdf http://www.repeater-builder.com/antenna/wa6svt.html and the master page: http://www.repeater-builder.com/antenna/ant-sys-index.html#antennas A real treasure trove of information! 73 de Mark - N9WYS -Original Message- From: Repeater-Builder@yahoogroups.com [mailto:repeater-buil...@yahoogroups.com] On Behalf Of n3dab Sent: Wednesday, August 26, 2009 11:14 AM To: Repeater-Builder@yahoogroups.com Subject: [Repeater-Builder] 1.2 GHz Base antennas I'm looking for any information and/or construction details for a hi-gain folded dipole omni-directional antenna in the 1.2 GHz Amateur band (similar to the VHF design shown in the ARRL Handbook or the DB products line) for use as a base or repeater antenna. I would like to build the folded dipole type, but am not to familiar with the way to compute the dipole dimensions, stand off from the mast and vertical spacing of the dipole loops. If someone has already built one successfully, I would appreciate them contacting me of list at de underscore n3dab @ tds dot net (no spaces) if they are willing to share their knowledge. Yahoo! Groups Links No virus found in this incoming message. Checked by AVG - www.avg.com Version: 8.5.409 / Virus Database: 270.13.67/2326 - Release Date: 08/25/09 18:07:00
RE: [Repeater-Builder] Re: 1.2 GHz Base antennas
No problem - I was merely offering options/suggestions. I understand your desire to have a folded dipole! Good luck! 73 de Mark - N9WYS -Original Message- From: Repeater-Builder@yahoogroups.com On Behalf Of n3dab Mark - To keep from repeating my self i'll refer you to my response to John's reply. I appreciate your reply but your references were for Yagi's and colinear antennas and not applicable to what i had in mind of building, though the colinear antenna may be a fallback. If Chuck Kelsey is amongst the readers of this post maybe he has some additional info on the 1.2 GHz dimensions i'm looking for. Thanks again for your input.
RE: [Repeater-Builder] Re: Repeater building
I don't know what band Nick is trying to operate on, but my suggestion would be to get a purpose-built vehicular repeater, like a Motorola PAC-RT, and operate that way. Maybe Uniden has something similar - I'm only familiar with Motorola... FWIW, Nick, the PAC-RT operates on a completely different band than the primary radio (for example, the primary is VHF and the PAC-RT is UHF), so you would need two antennas, but no duplexer. So your UHF portable would transmit to the car, which in turn would transmit on VHF. Mark - N9WYS -Original Message- From: Repeater-Builder@yahoogroups.com On Behalf Of agrimm0034 I have very little knowledge with Uniden but I am with Motorola. I don't know if this will help you any but you would definitely need a duplexer because at 50 watts tx on a repeater your antenna's would have to be separated vertically around 50 ft and horizontally as much as a mile to get the necessary separation. As far as linking them together I'd recommend having 2 Motorola type radio's, there easier to work with --- In Repeater-Builder@yahoogroups.com, flame05154 flame05...@... wrote: I have 2 mobile radio's and im very new at this but i was wondering if there was a way that i could make a reapeater out of them for my vechical. My goal is to be able to talk to my mobile repeater that will in turn transmit over the 50watt radio other than my portable which is 5watt. I have an older model uniden and older model motorola. i know i would need to purches a duplexer (at least i think i would unless i put 2 antennas on my truck) but anyway, if anyone has any ideas on making on that would be grand. Thanks, Nick
[Repeater-Builder] K3BEQ Petitions the FCC to Outlaw Closed Repeaters
RAIN Report This Week: K3BEQ Petitions the FCC to Outlaw Closed Repeaters. (14 minutes) http://www.therainreport.com/rainreport_archive/rainreport-7-24-2009.mp3
[Repeater-Builder] Need Lightning Protection Equipment Recommendatoin for Building Repeater Site
I am involved with a ham radio club that has repeaters on the top of a 55-story condo building 6 miles north of downtown Chicago on the Lake Michigan lakefront. The club is a general purpose ham club, not a repeater club, and does not seem to have any members who are in the 2-way radio business or have experience with commercial repeater site installations. They've had a 70cm FM repeater on this building for about 15 years. It has never had any form of lightning protection equipment protection equipment. The club has been lucky and not experienced any apparent problems from lightning.. Within the last two years the club has replaced it's Icom 70cm FM repeater with a new commercial Motorola 70cm FM repeater. They've also added a D-STAR 70cm Digital Voice repeater, a D-STAR 23cm Digital Voice repeater and a D-STAR 23cm Digital Data Access Point. It's possible a 23cm FM repeater will also be added soon. There are three antennas on the roof currently for 70cm FM, 70cm D-STAR and 23cm D-STAR. A fouth antenna may be aded for 23cm FM. All antennas are fed with hardline ultimately terminated in N connectors at the repeaters. It is a very ham friendly site and we can do work on the repeaters the roof unsupervised. The only other repeater system on the building is a high-band U.S. government repeater adjacent to the ham repeater equipment rack. The government repeater seems to be grounded to a grounding bar running through the equipment room. These new repeaters antennas should have lightning protection. My question to the group is what form of lighning protection would you recommend for these repeaters. I assume Polyphaser equipment is one option, but we need recommendations of specific brands model #s of equipment with approximate prices if you have them. We plan to review any recommendations received then forward them to the club's board of directors for acquisition installation. Please reply to me directly and thanks in advance for any advice you have. 73, Mark, WB9QZB Chicago, IL
[Repeater-Builder] Looking for John Holland...
I am trying to reach out for John Holland... we communicated a couple of months back regarding some Newbridge MainStreet 3624 units I am trying to program. John, Can you reach out for me via private email again? You email is bouncing. Thanks to the moderators for the bandwidth. Mark - N9WYS n9wys (at) ameritech (dot) net
[Repeater-Builder] LCS2000 for 900 MHz Amateur
OK, I picked up a couple of these at Dayton. (Yes, the price was good!!) Can I program them with the standard RSS, or will I need a hacked version to allow freq entry? Mark - N9WYS
[Repeater-Builder] RE: Spectra RX sensitivity questions - The sequel
Well, everyone, I have finally figured this out. and it turned out NOT to be anything anyone had suggested. After trying two other PA assemblies and seeing no improvement in receive sensitivity, I decided to try a different RX filter hybrid. When I removed the one in the radio, I noted that it was not securely plugged into the VCO assembly. I changed it out anyway, and made certain that the RF cable was well plugged into the VCO board. The plug did not fit tight (like the other RF connections in the radio did) but it stayed connected, so I put it back in the car and tested my repair. VOILA!! Receive is now on par with the GTX and MaxTracs I have tested the Spectra against. I have no idea why the RF interconnect cable became loose and/or disconnected, or why the connection felt different (i.e., more loose) than the others in the radio, but I'll keep an eye (or should I say, EAR) on the receive performance, and if it deteriorates again, I'll take the radio apart and see if I can tighten the RF connection on the VCO board somehow. Thanks to everyone who gave me suggestions on how to troubleshoot this situation! Hope to see some of you at Dayton. You won't be able to miss me - I'll be wearing a floppy brown felt hat and armed with a 900MHz GTX portable! Mark - N9WYS From: Mark To: ar902...@yahoogroups.com ; 900...@yahoogroups.com ; Repeater-Builder@yahoogroups.com Sent: Saturday, May 09, 2009 2:41 PM Subject: Spectra RX sensitivity questions I have a Spectra converted for operation on the amateur portion of the 900 MHz band. This thing seems to be somewhat deaf - it barely opens squelch while the same signal on a GTX (either handheld or mobile) is much stronger, and when squelch is open, the signal; is markedly weaker. Is there something I can do in software (i.e., alignment) to improve the RX sensitivity, or is this a filter issue, or what? Mine is not the only one I am aware of that exhibits this problem. Thanks, Mark - N9WYS
