RE: [Repeater-Builder] Wacom WP-639 Duplexer question
Rich, Eric speaks the truth. The will HANDLE 200 watts without arcing, etc, but do not provide nearly enough isolation at 600 KHz spacing to handle 100 watts. For a 35 watt transmitter, I run cans that provide around 96 dB of isolation. the 85 dB your cans can provide just ain't gonna cut it. 73, Mike WM4B _ From: Repeater-Builder@yahoogroups.com [mailto:repeater-buil...@yahoogroups.com] On Behalf Of Richard Kelly Sent: Wednesday, September 08, 2010 9:19 PM To: repeater-builder@yahoogroups.com Subject: RE: [Repeater-Builder] Wacom WP-639 Duplexer question Good evening Eric, Maybe this is why when the trasmit power is dropped to the 20-50 watt range, the receive opens way up like it should. However, according to the spec sheets regarding the Wacom SP-639 Duplexer, it is rated for 200 watts. So, again, not sure what's going on. We will be trying other things such as adding a second ground rod outside the shack instead of the single one we use now. We will also try isolating the amp some more and replacing the coax feed line with hard line. Thank you very much. We will be contacting Wacom directly tomorrow. Rich Kelly, W2RRK x To: Repeater-Builder@yahoogroups.com From: wb6...@verizon.net Date: Wed, 8 Sep 2010 18:10:44 -0700 Subject: RE: [Repeater-Builder] Wacom WP-639 Duplexer question I'm not surprised- you're asking too much of a duplexer that has four 5 cans. According to my CommShop program, a duplexer with an 80 dB spec is more suitable with transmitter power in the 10-15 watt range, assuming a solid-state PA and a receiver sensitivity around 0.35 uV at 12 dB SINAD. On a 100 watt repeater, I'd expect something like a WP-642, which has six 8 cans. BTDT, got the T-shirt and mug... 73, Eric Lemmon WB6FLY -Original Message- From: Repeater-Builder@yahoogroups.com [mailto:repeater-buil...@yahoogroups.com] On Behalf Of RichardK Sent: Wednesday, September 08, 2010 3:11 PM To: Repeater-Builder@yahoogroups.com Subject: [Repeater-Builder] Wacom WP-639 Duplexer question Good evening, our club has a Wacom WP-639 four can duplexer as part of our repeater system. Input Fq is 147.915 and Output Fq is 147.315. We have a 600kHz (+) offset. Very simply, our main problem is when we run the transmitter at full power 100 watts, there is a HUGE desense on the receive side of things. When we drop the transmitter power level to around 20-50 watts, the receive side opens WAY up to a large area where people can get into the repeater. As we begin to bring up the transmitter power, white noise begins to appear and the receive side starts to desense again. All the cables have been switched to double sheilded cables and all the same wavelength in length. We have the duplexer seperated sheilded from the transmitter preamp parts. We have not replaced the antenna feed coax with double sheilded coax yet. Antenna is a Hustler G7 atop a 55' mast. The duplexer was retuned just over 1 year ago. Any suggestions as to what we could look into next? Some of us believe the problem is with the tuning of the duplexer receive cans. Thank you very much. Yahoo! Groups Links
RE: [Repeater-Builder] Re: no power out of duplexer SOLVED with more questions
WACOM specs their 6 cavity pass-reject cans at 2.2dB insertion loss. 2.0 dB down from 100 watts is 63 watts, so you're doing good. Remember, 3dB is going to take your power down 50%. 73, Mike WM4B From: Repeater-Builder@yahoogroups.com [mailto:repeater-buil...@yahoogroups.com] On Behalf Of W3ML Sent: Monday, September 06, 2010 10:55 AM To: Repeater-Builder@yahoogroups.com Subject: [Repeater-Builder] Re: no power out of duplexer SOLVED with more questions Thanks Joe. We did most of those and then found the problem. The T-connector center pin had broken off when we apparently hooked up some test equipment and did not notice it. I still have one question though. Is it normal to have 100 watts coming out of radio and only 70 watts coming out of duplexer? Wacom 6 can type duplexer. That seems to be quite a loss. Again I appreciate all the help. 73 John, W3ML --- In Repeater-Builder@yahoogroups.com mailto:Repeater-Builder%40yahoogroups.com , Joe k1ike_m...@... wrote: What make and model is the duplexer? I know of one instance that the loop inside the duplexer can come disconnected due to a bad solder joint, but can't remember what one it was. A search on this list should find it, as it was discussed recently. The first thing would be to check all connections for tightness. Do not over-tighten the connections! Just make sure that they are snug. If your knuckles are turning white, your tightening too much. N connectors need to be snug, UHF connectors need to be a little tighter, but not cranked down tight, but not until they break. What you can do is take the connecting cables off the transmit side cans and test the first one for power out. Then connect the next can in series and see if there is output from that can. This process should isolate the bad can(s). Disconnect the receiver while doing this just to be safe. MARK all the cables as to where they came from. Do not mix them up. It may be a bad cable, so if you find a problem make sure that it is not the interconnecting cable. If all the cans and cables test OK, their may be a problem on the receive side of the duplexer. Keep it simple, don't fool with the cans unless you prove that one is bad. This process is to eliminate the obvious before you go tinkering with the duplexer. Check the tightness of connections first, cables second, and lastly the cans. The process above will help you isolate the bad can so you hopefully only have to tinker with one can. The real fix would involve some test equipment. What do you have available? Service monitor, tracking generator? Others will probably have some good suggestions, these ideas are just off the top of my head. On 9/6/2010 9:37 AM, W3ML wrote: Hi, First, let me say that we are still new to the repeater business and learning as we go. This the first time in 30 ham years that I have been involved with a VHF repeater system. Our repeater was working okay at 80 watts out of GE Mastr II and 60 watts out of Duplexer. When I turn the power up to 100 out of radio and 80 out of duplexer it seemed to be working okay. But, now a few hours later there is no power coming out of duplexer at all. Radio still shows power coming out. Nothing was touch on the duplexer. Any ideas? 73 John, W3ML
RE: [Repeater-Builder] Re: no power out of duplexer SOLVED with more questions
Paul speaks the truth. I had one fellow who always insisted something was wrong with the repeater when the foliage came on the trees every spring. I tried to explain to him that the leaves and humidity were attenuating the signal and that it was just a fact of life for the fringe-area users. Nonetheless, he insisted that the power was down or the VSWR was up. After arguing (nicely) with this fellow for a couple of weeks, I programmed a voice message on the repeater that I could call at-will and then told him I'd installed a wattmeter at the site that interfaced with the controller. I then demonstrated it to him. The message read The forward power is 35 watts and the reflected power is 0.7 watts. With this new 'feature' installed, he turned his attention to improving his antenna system. 73, Mike WM4B From: Repeater-Builder@yahoogroups.com [mailto:repeater-buil...@yahoogroups.com] On Behalf Of Paul Plack Sent: Monday, September 06, 2010 5:04 PM To: Repeater-Builder@yahoogroups.com Subject: Re: [Repeater-Builder] Re: no power out of duplexer SOLVED with more questions John, here's a more subtle lesson on repeaters, and it has nothing to do with hardware... If you dial the power back 1 dB, your PA may be much happier. If you simultaneously change the courtesy beep to be 10% faster, users will ask you what's changed on the repeater. Tell them you've increased the transmitter output 3 dB, and they'll claim to have noticed the improved coverage. Tell him guys...am I wrong? ;^) 73, Paul, AE4KR - Original Message - From: Tim Sawyer mailto:tisaw...@gmail.com To: Repeater-Builder@yahoogroups.com Sent: Monday, September 06, 2010 2:43 PM Subject: Re: [Repeater-Builder] Re: no power out of duplexer SOLVED with more questions In that spirit. Going from 80 to 100 watts is 0.97 db better. That's probably not an improvement your users will notice. When one considers what a pain it is when the PA dies, it might not be worth it. Just my 2 cents but I think you're better off leaving the amp at 80 watts.
RE: [Repeater-Builder] Re: Intermod Calculation
I was just wondering. Sounds like something we had going on here in middle Georgia. Good luck es 73, Mike WM4B _ From: Repeater-Builder@yahoogroups.com [mailto:repeater-buil...@yahoogroups.com] On Behalf Of Tim Sawyer Sent: Saturday, August 21, 2010 12:43 AM To: Repeater-Builder@yahoogroups.com Subject: Re: [Repeater-Builder] Re: Intermod Calculation I'm in Huntington Beach. -- Tim :wq On Aug 20, 2010, at 8:52 PM, Mike Besemer (WM4B) wrote: Tim, Where are you located? 73, Mike WM4B _ From: mailto:Repeater-Builder@yahoogroups.com Repeater-Builder@yahoogroups.com [mailto:repeater-buil...@yahoogroups.com] On Behalf Of Tim Sawyer Sent: Friday, August 20, 2010 11:49 PM To: Repeater-Builder@yahoogroups.com Subject: Re: [Repeater-Builder] Re: Intermod Calculation No, I never, ever have heard any other audio. But there is time when I don't hear it at all... as if it takes two signals to occur. -- Tim :wq On Aug 20, 2010, at 7:46 PM, MCH wrote: Could be a spur. Can you hear any other audio with the page? (ever) Joe M. Tim Sawyer wrote: It seems to pick up most of the page. Occasionally the beginning is missing or it will get just the very end. It always seems to drop at the same time as the page. -- Tim :wq On Aug 20, 2010, at 4:38 PM, Chuck Kelsey wrote: Does the entire page happen, or does it abruptly stop part way through some of the time? Partial page would indicate to me that another transmitter is in the mix and dropping before the pager does. However, I had a situation where there were four paging sites scattered in the county on the same frequency and one of the transmitters was spurious and getting into my receiver. In that case, I always heard the entire page, but only when that particular transmitter came up. Chuck WB2EDV - Original Message - From: Tim - WD6AWP tisaw...@gmail.com mailto:tisawyer%40gmail.com mailto:tisawyer%40gmail.com To: Repeater-Builder@yahoogroups.com mailto:Repeater-Builder%40yahoogroups.com mailto:Repeater-Builder%40yahoogroups.com Sent: Friday, August 20, 2010 7:27 PM Subject: [Repeater-Builder] Re: Intermod Calculation It occurs whether or not the repeater transmitter is keyed. --- In Repeater-Builder@yahoogroups.com mailto:Repeater-Builder%40yahoogroups.com mailto:Repeater-Builder%40yahoogroups.com, Jeff DePolo j...@... wrote: Before we get into the math, an important question that needs to be answered is whether or not this mix occurs when your repeater transmitter is unkeyed. --- Jeff WN3A -Original Message- From: Repeater-Builder@yahoogroups.com mailto:Repeater-Builder%40yahoogroups.com mailto:Repeater-Builder%40yahoogroups.com [mailto:Repeater-Builder@yahoogroups.com mailto:Repeater-Builder%40yahoogroups.com mailto:Repeater-Builder%40yahoogroups.com] On Behalf Of Tim Sawyer Sent: Friday, August 20, 2010 6:36 PM To: Repeater-Builder@yahoogroups.com mailto:Repeater-Builder%40yahoogroups.com mailto:Repeater-Builder%40yahoogroups.com Subject: [Repeater-Builder] Intermod Calculation I have paging intermod from 157.740 Mhz. My receiver is on 144.540 Mhz. I'm 100% sure there is another transmitter involved in the mix because sometimes the pager is transmitting and I have no interference. I have an intermod calculator program but it wants all the known transmitters and the target receiver. But I need to solve for an unknown transmitter. Is there a way to calculate the other possible soruce(s)? -- Tim :wq Yahoo! Groups Links -- No virus found in this incoming message. Checked by AVG - www.avg.com http://www.avg.com http://www.avg.com/ Version: 9.0.851 / Virus Database: 271.1.1/3084 - Release Date: 08/20/10 14:35:00 Yahoo! Groups Links
RE: [Repeater-Builder] Re: Intermod Calculation
What about hot vs. cold days and sunny vs. cloudy? We'd see our problem on hot days pretty much all the time. Cool and cloudy (or cold) days were quiet. Cool days with full sun usually caused the problem to occur. You could almost set your watch by it. 73, Mike WM4B _ From: Repeater-Builder@yahoogroups.com [mailto:repeater-buil...@yahoogroups.com] On Behalf Of Tim Sawyer Sent: Saturday, August 21, 2010 9:37 AM To: Repeater-Builder@yahoogroups.com Subject: Re: [Repeater-Builder] Re: Intermod Calculation Another tidbit about this problem is that it's clean in the mornings. The paging transmitter can be going off like crazy and the repeater will be totally clean in carrier squelch. As the day progresses it gets worse. -- Tim :wq On Aug 20, 2010, at 7:51 PM, Chuck Kelsey wrote: I agree, if you don't hear anything else in the mix, and it pretty much happens for the full length of the page, it's likely a spur on the paging transmitter, at least that's what I'd be looking at. Chuck WB2EDV - Original Message - From: MCH m...@nb.net mailto:mch%40nb.net To: Repeater-Builder@yahoogroups.com mailto:Repeater-Builder%40yahoogroups.com Sent: Friday, August 20, 2010 10:46 PM Subject: Re: [Repeater-Builder] Re: Intermod Calculation Could be a spur. Can you hear any other audio with the page? (ever) Joe M. Tim Sawyer wrote: It seems to pick up most of the page. Occasionally the beginning is missing or it will get just the very end. It always seems to drop at the same time as the page. -- Tim :wq On Aug 20, 2010, at 4:38 PM, Chuck Kelsey wrote: Does the entire page happen, or does it abruptly stop part way through some of the time? Partial page would indicate to me that another transmitter is in the mix and dropping before the pager does. However, I had a situation where there were four paging sites scattered in the county on the same frequency and one of the transmitters was spurious and getting into my receiver. In that case, I always heard the entire page, but only when that particular transmitter came up. Chuck WB2EDV - Original Message - From: Tim - WD6AWP tisaw...@gmail.com mailto:tisawyer%40gmail.com mailto:tisawyer%40gmail.com To: Repeater-Builder@yahoogroups.com mailto:Repeater-Builder%40yahoogroups.com mailto:Repeater-Builder%40yahoogroups.com Sent: Friday, August 20, 2010 7:27 PM Subject: [Repeater-Builder] Re: Intermod Calculation It occurs whether or not the repeater transmitter is keyed. --- In Repeater-Builder@yahoogroups.com mailto:Repeater-Builder%40yahoogroups.com mailto:Repeater-Builder%40yahoogroups.com, Jeff DePolo j...@... wrote: Before we get into the math, an important question that needs to be answered is whether or not this mix occurs when your repeater transmitter is unkeyed. --- Jeff WN3A -Original Message- From: Repeater-Builder@yahoogroups.com mailto:Repeater-Builder%40yahoogroups.com mailto:Repeater-Builder%40yahoogroups.com [mailto:Repeater-Builder@yahoogroups.com mailto:Repeater-Builder%40yahoogroups.com mailto:Repeater-Builder%40yahoogroups.com] On Behalf Of Tim Sawyer Sent: Friday, August 20, 2010 6:36 PM To: Repeater-Builder@yahoogroups.com mailto:Repeater-Builder%40yahoogroups.com mailto:Repeater-Builder%40yahoogroups.com Subject: [Repeater-Builder] Intermod Calculation I have paging intermod from 157.740 Mhz. My receiver is on 144.540 Mhz. I'm 100% sure there is another transmitter involved in the mix because sometimes the pager is transmitting and I have no interference. I have an intermod calculator program but it wants all the known transmitters and the target receiver. But I need to solve for an unknown transmitter. Is there a way to calculate the other possible soruce(s)? -- Tim :wq Yahoo! Groups Links -- No virus found in this incoming message. Checked by AVG - www.avg.com http://www.avg.com Version: 9.0.851 / Virus Database: 271.1.1/3084 - Release Date: 08/20/10 14:35:00 Yahoo! Groups Links -- No virus found in this incoming message. Checked by AVG - www.avg.com Version: 9.0.851 / Virus Database: 271.1.1/3084 - Release Date: 08/20/10 14:35:00 Yahoo! Groups Links
RE: [Repeater-Builder] Re: Motorola style Rack Clip Nuts
We used a similar name for the Tinnerman nuts we used on aircraft. I can't imagine WHY somebody would think it was a good idea to use hardware like that in places where you CANNOT afford to drop something and leave it behind (like an aircraft instrument panel or throttle quadrant)! We called snap rings and 'E'-clips 'Jesus Clips' because when they flew off the fastener at a high rate of speed, you always said 'Jesus. where the hell did that thing go?' Ah, the good old days! 73, Mike WM4B From: Repeater-Builder@yahoogroups.com [mailto:repeater-buil...@yahoogroups.com] On Behalf Of La Rue Communications Sent: Friday, August 20, 2010 5:16 PM To: Repeater-Builder@yahoogroups.com Subject: Re: [Repeater-Builder] Re: Motorola style Rack Clip Nuts [SNIP} They were also called Jesus nuts by my coworkers, probably named in a spontaneously outburst by some guy who was about to need a tetanus shot. [/SNIP] So much for drinking a tasty beverage while reading some of these posts...excuse me while I clean up. John Hymes La Rue Communications 10 S. Aurora Street Stockton, CA 95202 http://tinyurl.com/2dtngmn
RE: [Repeater-Builder] Re: Jesus Nuts
Ah. we called those 'Chicken Sticks'. 73, Mike WM4B _ From: Repeater-Builder@yahoogroups.com [mailto:repeater-buil...@yahoogroups.com] On Behalf Of Al Wolfe Sent: Friday, August 20, 2010 10:00 PM To: Repeater-Builder@yahoogroups.com Subject: [Repeater-Builder] Re: Jesus Nuts Inside every commercial broadcast transmitter is the Jesus Stick that is used to ground out everything before sticking your hand in the transmitter. Al, K9SI [SNIP} They were also called Jesus nuts by my coworkers, probably named in a spontaneously outburst by some guy who was about to need a tetanus shot. [/SNIP]
RE: [Repeater-Builder] Re: Intermod Calculation
Tim, Where are you located? 73, Mike WM4B _ From: Repeater-Builder@yahoogroups.com [mailto:repeater-buil...@yahoogroups.com] On Behalf Of Tim Sawyer Sent: Friday, August 20, 2010 11:49 PM To: Repeater-Builder@yahoogroups.com Subject: Re: [Repeater-Builder] Re: Intermod Calculation No, I never, ever have heard any other audio. But there is time when I don't hear it at all... as if it takes two signals to occur. -- Tim :wq On Aug 20, 2010, at 7:46 PM, MCH wrote: Could be a spur. Can you hear any other audio with the page? (ever) Joe M. Tim Sawyer wrote: It seems to pick up most of the page. Occasionally the beginning is missing or it will get just the very end. It always seems to drop at the same time as the page. -- Tim :wq On Aug 20, 2010, at 4:38 PM, Chuck Kelsey wrote: Does the entire page happen, or does it abruptly stop part way through some of the time? Partial page would indicate to me that another transmitter is in the mix and dropping before the pager does. However, I had a situation where there were four paging sites scattered in the county on the same frequency and one of the transmitters was spurious and getting into my receiver. In that case, I always heard the entire page, but only when that particular transmitter came up. Chuck WB2EDV - Original Message - From: Tim - WD6AWP tisaw...@gmail.com mailto:tisawyer%40gmail.com mailto:tisawyer%40gmail.com To: Repeater-Builder@yahoogroups.com mailto:Repeater-Builder%40yahoogroups.com mailto:Repeater-Builder%40yahoogroups.com Sent: Friday, August 20, 2010 7:27 PM Subject: [Repeater-Builder] Re: Intermod Calculation It occurs whether or not the repeater transmitter is keyed. --- In Repeater-Builder@yahoogroups.com mailto:Repeater-Builder%40yahoogroups.com mailto:Repeater-Builder%40yahoogroups.com, Jeff DePolo j...@... wrote: Before we get into the math, an important question that needs to be answered is whether or not this mix occurs when your repeater transmitter is unkeyed. --- Jeff WN3A -Original Message- From: Repeater-Builder@yahoogroups.com mailto:Repeater-Builder%40yahoogroups.com mailto:Repeater-Builder%40yahoogroups.com [mailto:Repeater-Builder@yahoogroups.com mailto:Repeater-Builder%40yahoogroups.com mailto:Repeater-Builder%40yahoogroups.com] On Behalf Of Tim Sawyer Sent: Friday, August 20, 2010 6:36 PM To: Repeater-Builder@yahoogroups.com mailto:Repeater-Builder%40yahoogroups.com mailto:Repeater-Builder%40yahoogroups.com Subject: [Repeater-Builder] Intermod Calculation I have paging intermod from 157.740 Mhz. My receiver is on 144.540 Mhz. I'm 100% sure there is another transmitter involved in the mix because sometimes the pager is transmitting and I have no interference. I have an intermod calculator program but it wants all the known transmitters and the target receiver. But I need to solve for an unknown transmitter. Is there a way to calculate the other possible soruce(s)? -- Tim :wq Yahoo! Groups Links -- No virus found in this incoming message. Checked by AVG - www.avg.com http://www.avg.com Version: 9.0.851 / Virus Database: 271.1.1/3084 - Release Date: 08/20/10 14:35:00 Yahoo! Groups Links
RE: [Repeater-Builder] Repeater Control Operator via Other-Than-Phone-Line
Kenneth, Can you elaborate on the programming piece? I'm hung up on the fact that to program the CAT-1000 via serial port, you've got to first activate the CAT-1000 serial port via the DIP switch. (I'm thinking there may be a DTMF command to activate the serial port as well, but don't have my manual handy.) 73, Mike WM4B _ From: Repeater-Builder@yahoogroups.com [mailto:repeater-buil...@yahoogroups.com] On Behalf Of Kenneth Cook Sent: Thursday, July 08, 2010 11:52 PM To: Repeater-Builder@yahoogroups.com Subject: RE: [Repeater-Builder] Repeater Control Operator via Other-Than-Phone-Line Mike, I use the internet to my repeater site to control everything. Including the AC, Heating, Packet, Alarm System, and controlling/programming the two CAT-1000s on the VHF and UHF repeaters. I am planning on adding IRLP as well as video feeds at the site. I use a program called VNC2. It is the free version and works very well for me. Kenneth Cook, W8DZN 5726 Timpson Rd. Caledonia, Ohio 43314 ARRL VE, ARRL Registered, Certified Instructor/Examiner for ECOMM Levels I, II and III IS-22, IS-100, IS-120A, IS-200, IS700, IS-800 and IS -802 Certified. W8DZN Repeaters in Bucyrus, Ohio Repeaters 147.165 PL88.5 442.525 PL88.5 _ From: Repeater-Builder@yahoogroups.com [mailto:repeater-buil...@yahoogroups.com] On Behalf Of Mike Besemer (WM4B) Sent: Thursday, July 08, 2010 10:32 PM To: Repeater-Builder@yahoogroups.com Subject: [Repeater-Builder] Repeater Control Operator via Other-Than-Phone-Line At our club meeting tonight a discussion came up regarding the cost of the phone line to our 2-meter repeater system. Originally it was there for the Autopatch, but has evolved to being primarily used for me to program the controller (CAT-1000) and to control the system. (The autopatch is rarely used, since everyone carries a cellphone now.) Everyone understands that the phone line is needed for control and programming, but we started toying with other ideas. Specifically, having an Internet connection at the site seemed like it had a lot of potential, but frankly I don't know why! It'd be nice to run an I-Gate from that location (we already have an APRS weather node there), but it's not essential. I could probably use it to monitor the site as well, but that's not really much of a concern either. So, the question is, how can we use Internet to control/program the CAT-1000? We could get Internet at the site for about the same cost as the phone, and if we could use it for repeater control/programming AND the other things I mentioned, it'd be a better deal. Can IRLP be used for control/programming? I'm not familiar with that system whatsoever, but am always willing to learn. 73, Mike WM4B
RE: [Repeater-Builder] Repeater Control Operator via Other-Than-Phone-Line
That'd work for me from my home QTH, but not for my other control ops or from my mobile. I'd like to have more than 20 miles range as well. It's an interesting idea though and I do know where I can get my hands on a couple of data radios. Thanks! 73, Mike WM4B _ From: Repeater-Builder@yahoogroups.com [mailto:repeater-buil...@yahoogroups.com] On Behalf Of Ross Johnson Sent: Friday, July 09, 2010 9:13 AM To: Repeater-Builder@yahoogroups.com Subject: RE: [Repeater-Builder] Repeater Control Operator via Other-Than-Phone-Line Yet another option. 930Mhz serial data radios. I found a pair Data Link Group radios on eBay for $100. Would be like plugging it in to the back of your computer. There quite easy to get running. Well over 20miles LOS. And one of my radios was on an omni. I use them for weather stations and camera control. Have fun 73 Ross www.kc7rjk.net http://www.kc7rjk.net/ -Original Message- From: Repeater-Builder@yahoogroups.com [mailto:repeater-buil...@yahoogroups.com] On Behalf Of Mike Besemer (WM4B) Sent: Thursday, July 08, 2010 7:32 PM To: Repeater-Builder@yahoogroups.com Subject: [Repeater-Builder] Repeater Control Operator via Other-Than-Phone-Line At our club meeting tonight a discussion came up regarding the cost of the phone line to our 2-meter repeater system. Originally it was there for the Autopatch, but has evolved to being primarily used for me to program the controller (CAT-1000) and to control the system. (The autopatch is rarely used, since everyone carries a cellphone now.) Everyone understands that the phone line is needed for control and programming, but we started toying with other ideas. Specifically, having an Internet connection at the site seemed like it had a lot of potential, but frankly I don't know why! It'd be nice to run an I-Gate from that location (we already have an APRS weather node there), but it's not essential. I could probably use it to monitor the site as well, but that's not really much of a concern either. So, the question is, how can we use Internet to control/program the CAT-1000? We could get Internet at the site for about the same cost as the phone, and if we could use it for repeater control/programming AND the other things I mentioned, it'd be a better deal. Can IRLP be used for control/programming? I'm not familiar with that system whatsoever, but am always willing to learn. 73, Mike WM4B
RE: [Repeater-Builder] Repeater Control Operator via Other-Than-Phone-Line
Mike, Im thinking along the same lines as what youre saying. I got the manual out and found that I can remotely activate the serial port without having to flip the switch. Id thought of using a relay as well, but wanted to avoid any additional hardware. Both of the CAT ports are in use, but I might be about to parallel the audio into one of the ports to allow DTMF control as well. More to think about why do I get myself into these things?! 73, Mike WM4B From: Repeater-Builder@yahoogroups.com [mailto:repeater-buil...@yahoogroups.com] On Behalf Of Mike Morris Sent: Friday, July 09, 2010 4:19 PM To: Repeater-Builder@yahoogroups.com Subject: RE: [Repeater-Builder] Repeater Control Operator via Other-Than-Phone-Line Basically you cross-connect a serial port from the IRLP computer to the CAT controller. Then you remote into the IRLP computer, and you can program the CAT just as if you were local to it. And the serial cable from the IRLP box to the CAT will have to cross over the transmit and receive data lines. I've never used a CAT controller, so have no idea how the remote programming is done. If serial won't work for you , then you can always use the DTMF send feature of the IRLP software to send DTMF strings to one of the receiver audio inputs of the CAT. I helped out on one repeater where the owner had AUX 3 output of the IRLP card wired to a reed relay coil. One armature of the relay was wired to the receiver audio in connection on the repeater controller , the normally closed contact was wired to the repeater receiver audio, the normally open contact was wired to the IRLP sound card output. With AUX3 off the system worked normally, with AUX 3 on it allowed remote programming. As to the serial port on the CAT being active, well, you will have to handle that as a separate project. As I said above, I've never seen a CAT controller in person. Do you have to flip the switch between operating and programing, or can you leave it in the programming enabled position and still have the system usable?? Worst case, use the above idea and use a multiple pole relay, with one pole across the particular section of the DIP switch? Then flip the DIP switch remotely with an AUX output? Mike WA6ILQ
RE: [Repeater-Builder] Repeater Control Operator via Other-Than-Phone-Line
Thanks Ken. this is looking interesting now! On the way to the site in a few minutes to swap out an APRS radio. Gonna have to look around a little! 73, Mike WM4B _ From: Repeater-Builder@yahoogroups.com [mailto:repeater-buil...@yahoogroups.com] On Behalf Of Kenneth Cook Sent: Friday, July 09, 2010 7:16 PM To: Repeater-Builder@yahoogroups.com Subject: RE: [Repeater-Builder] Repeater Control Operator via Other-Than-Phone-Line Yes there is a DTMF command. Using the CAT-1000 Editor and Communication program. Start the terminal program and send 100 97 and this activiates the RS232 port. Type the password cat1000 and I can send files to and from the controller. I program them off line and then load them. I also use a simple FTP server at the site to transfer files between my home and the site. Here is an attached file that may help you. 73.de Kenneth Cook, W8DZN 5726 Timpson Rd. Caledonia, Ohio 43314 ARRL VE, ARRL Registered, Certified Instructor/Examiner for ECOMM Levels I, II and III IS-22, IS-100, IS-120A, IS-200, IS700, IS-800 and IS -802 Certified. W8DZN Repeaters in Bucyrus, Ohio Repeaters 147.165 PL88.5 442.525 PL88.5 _ From: Repeater-Builder@yahoogroups.com [mailto:repeater-buil...@yahoogroups.com] On Behalf Of Mike Besemer (WM4B) Sent: Friday, July 09, 2010 8:59 AM To: Repeater-Builder@yahoogroups.com Subject: RE: [Repeater-Builder] Repeater Control Operator via Other-Than-Phone-Line Kenneth, Can you elaborate on the programming piece? I'm hung up on the fact that to program the CAT-1000 via serial port, you've got to first activate the CAT-1000 serial port via the DIP switch. (I'm thinking there may be a DTMF command to activate the serial port as well, but don't have my manual handy.) 73, Mike WM4B _ From: Repeater-Builder@yahoogroups.com [mailto:repeater-buil...@yahoogroups.com] On Behalf Of Kenneth Cook Sent: Thursday, July 08, 2010 11:52 PM To: Repeater-Builder@yahoogroups.com Subject: RE: [Repeater-Builder] Repeater Control Operator via Other-Than-Phone-Line Mike, I use the internet to my repeater site to control everything. Including the AC, Heating, Packet, Alarm System, and controlling/programming the two CAT-1000s on the VHF and UHF repeaters. I am planning on adding IRLP as well as video feeds at the site. I use a program called VNC2. It is the free version and works very well for me. Kenneth Cook, W8DZN 5726 Timpson Rd. Caledonia, Ohio 43314 ARRL VE, ARRL Registered, Certified Instructor/Examiner for ECOMM Levels I, II and III IS-22, IS-100, IS-120A, IS-200, IS700, IS-800 and IS -802 Certified. W8DZN Repeaters in Bucyrus, Ohio Repeaters 147.165 PL88.5 442.525 PL88.5 _ From: Repeater-Builder@yahoogroups.com [mailto:repeater-buil...@yahoogroups.com] On Behalf Of Mike Besemer (WM4B) Sent: Thursday, July 08, 2010 10:32 PM To: Repeater-Builder@yahoogroups.com Subject: [Repeater-Builder] Repeater Control Operator via Other-Than-Phone-Line At our club meeting tonight a discussion came up regarding the cost of the phone line to our 2-meter repeater system. Originally it was there for the Autopatch, but has evolved to being primarily used for me to program the controller (CAT-1000) and to control the system. (The autopatch is rarely used, since everyone carries a cellphone now.) Everyone understands that the phone line is needed for control and programming, but we started toying with other ideas. Specifically, having an Internet connection at the site seemed like it had a lot of potential, but frankly I don't know why! It'd be nice to run an I-Gate from that location (we already have an APRS weather node there), but it's not essential. I could probably use it to monitor the site as well, but that's not really much of a concern either. So, the question is, how can we use Internet to control/program the CAT-1000? We could get Internet at the site for about the same cost as the phone, and if we could use it for repeater control/programming AND the other things I mentioned, it'd be a better deal. Can IRLP be used for control/programming? I'm not familiar with that system whatsoever, but am always willing to learn. 73, Mike WM4B
RE: [Repeater-Builder] Repeater Control Operator via Other-Than-Phone-Line
Yes it is. Care to describe your setup? 73, Mike WM4B ARRL O-O _ From: Repeater-Builder@yahoogroups.com [mailto:repeater-buil...@yahoogroups.com] On Behalf Of JOHN MACKEY Sent: Friday, July 09, 2010 8:15 PM To: Repeater-Builder@yahoogroups.com Subject: Re: [Repeater-Builder] Repeater Control Operator via Other-Than-Phone-Line For about 10 years I have been controlling my repeater using an internet connection. The repeater is 1900 miles away from me. Wireline control is legal for amateur radio! -- Original Message -- Received: Thu, 08 Jul 2010 07:31:52 PM PDT From: Mike Besemer \(WM4B\) mwbese...@cox.net mailto:mwbesemer%40cox.net To: Repeater-Builder@yahoogroups.com mailto:Repeater-Builder%40yahoogroups.com Subject: [Repeater-Builder] Repeater Control Operator via Other-Than-Phone-Line At our club meeting tonight a discussion came up regarding the cost of the phone line to our 2-meter repeater system. Originally it was there for the Autopatch, but has evolved to being primarily used for me to program the controller (CAT-1000) and to control the system. (The autopatch is rarely used, since everyone carries a cellphone now.) Everyone understands that the phone line is needed for control and programming, but we started toying with other ideas. Specifically, having an Internet connection at the site seemed like it had a lot of potential, but frankly I don't know why! It'd be nice to run an I-Gate from that location (we already have an APRS weather node there), but it's not essential. I could probably use it to monitor the site as well, but that's not really much of a concern either. So, the question is, how can we use Internet to control/program the CAT-1000? We could get Internet at the site for about the same cost as the phone, and if we could use it for repeater control/programming AND the other things I mentioned, it'd be a better deal. Can IRLP be used for control/programming? I'm not familiar with that system whatsoever, but am always willing to learn. 73, Mike WM4B
[Repeater-Builder] Repeater Control Operator via Other-Than-Phone-Line
At our club meeting tonight a discussion came up regarding the cost of the phone line to our 2-meter repeater system. Originally it was there for the Autopatch, but has evolved to being primarily used for me to program the controller (CAT-1000) and to control the system. (The autopatch is rarely used, since everyone carries a cellphone now.) Everyone understands that the phone line is needed for control and programming, but we started toying with other ideas. Specifically, having an Internet connection at the site seemed like it had a lot of potential, but frankly I don't know why! It'd be nice to run an I-Gate from that location (we already have an APRS weather node there), but it's not essential. I could probably use it to monitor the site as well, but that's not really much of a concern either. So, the question is, how can we use Internet to control/program the CAT-1000? We could get Internet at the site for about the same cost as the phone, and if we could use it for repeater control/programming AND the other things I mentioned, it'd be a better deal. Can IRLP be used for control/programming? I'm not familiar with that system whatsoever, but am always willing to learn. 73, Mike WM4B
RE: [Repeater-Builder] Coax shielding
I think the coax causing issues is a reasonable assumption… and probably the easiest thing to try. Good luck. 73, Mike WM4B _ From: Repeater-Builder@yahoogroups.com [mailto:repeater-buil...@yahoogroups.com] On Behalf Of kerincom Sent: Sunday, June 27, 2010 10:51 AM To: mail=repeater-buil...@yahoogroups.com Subject: [Repeater-Builder] Coax shielding Hi guys .I am just wanted to confirm a question on coax shielding . With 2-10 watts transmitting through rg213u could rf be escaping that could cause desensitization to other radios .The repeater I have setup uses 9 meters of heliax from the main diplexer to ant and rg213u from the link radio to its antenna . I am finding I am getting problems with the link transmission interfering with the repeater rx The link antenna is a yagi 3 meters above the ground and the main repeater antenna is 6 meters above it .I am currently trying band pass cavity on the receiver rx or band pass/band reject diplexer with some success but I am wondering if the rf escaping from the cable is causing problems inside the repeater shed even at a low wattage .I am definitely changing the rg213u to either rg223u or lmr400 as it is only on the link radio and shouldn't have any effect on the repeater's operation .Has anyone else had the same sort of problem where the rf energy leaks out of the cable in the shed and causes problems to the repeater and they had to upgrade the link cable to 100% coverage cable Thank You, Ian Wells, Kerinvale Comaudio, 3A Murchison Street,Biloela.4715 Ph 0749922449 or 0409159932 or 0749922574 www.kerinvalecomaud http://www.kerinvalecomaudio.com.au io.com.au
RE: [Repeater-Builder] Transformer cores
I've used a small rubber band or some thread. Most of the time, I've had to trim the rubber band with a razor blade to get very narrow. I've also coated the thread in wax prior to dangling it into the tube. 73, Mike WM4B From: Repeater-Builder@yahoogroups.com [mailto:repeater-buil...@yahoogroups.com] On Behalf Of Chuck Kelsey Sent: Saturday, May 29, 2010 12:46 PM To: Repeater-Builder@yahoogroups.com Subject: Re: [Repeater-Builder] Transformer cores I've always heard about inserting a small diameter piece of rubber band in between, but have never found anyone that actually had it work. If it were me, I'd get some bees wax, melt it, and quickly dip the core in it using a tuning tool so as not to coat the innards. This would put a small coating of bees wax on it, increasing the diameter and making it a bit sticky. That said, I've never done any procedure. Chuck WB2EDV - Original Message - From: Doug Hutchison specialq@ntlworld.com mailto:specialq.que%40ntlworld.com To: repeater-builder@yahoogroups.com mailto:repeater-builder%40yahoogroups.com Sent: Saturday, May 29, 2010 12:37 PM Subject: [Repeater-Builder] Transformer cores Hello, Got situation where the 'elastic' or whatever inside RX IF transformer has disintegrated through age allowing ferrite core to drop to bottom thus negating adjustment. What successful fixes have been found for such a problem which will continue to allow adjustment yet not jam the core? Doug - GM7SVK
RE: [Repeater-Builder] Lost 10 volts in a Master II UHF Repeater
This is also a good place for the 'finger test'. If there are suspect components you can get to that can't easily be removed (by pulling boards, etc.) then a calibrated finger will often lead you to the defective component. If it's really a cap, it should be generating a lot of heat. Sometimes your nose is a good indicator of what's getting hot too, but you really don't want to be sniffing the cap when the purple smoke and sparks decide to leak out! Every Tech Order I ever used in the Air Force started with 'Perform a through visual inspection'. Often times, that was good advice. 73, Mike WM4B From: Repeater-Builder@yahoogroups.com [mailto:repeater-buil...@yahoogroups.com] On Behalf Of Eric Lemmon Sent: Saturday, May 22, 2010 10:48 AM To: Repeater-Builder@yahoogroups.com Subject: RE: [Repeater-Builder] Lost 10 volts in a Master II UHF Repeater Whenever you have a shorted component, such as a tantalum capacitor, the current drawn by that short might burn out a PC board trace before burning up the capacitor. If that happens, finding the original problem becomes much more difficult. Perhaps a better and safer tack would be to use a small current-limited power supply to energize the 10 volt buss, but with the current limit set to 1/4 ampere or so. Following Jeff's suggestion, start unplugging and/or disconnecting loads until the buss voltage jumps up to 10 volts. I don't know what current is normally drawn from the 10 volt regulator in a properly-operating station, but that value should be measured and recorded for future troubleshooting efforts. 73, Eric Lemmon WB6FLY -Original Message- From: Repeater-Builder@yahoogroups.com [mailto:repeater-buil...@yahoogroups.com] On Behalf Of Jeff DePolo Sent: Saturday, May 22, 2010 6:36 AM To: Repeater-Builder@yahoogroups.com Subject: RE: [Repeater-Builder] Lost 10 volts in a Master II UHF Repeater I would look for a shorted tantalum capacitor hanging somewhere on the 10V rail. I agree. If you hook 10V from an outside source to the 10V buss, you'll probably find it's drawing all kinds of current. The 10V regulator circuit will go into fold back before burning up. This is by design. I usually hook a source of 10V at about 1.5A and look for smoke. It's usually one of the tantalum capacitors that starts to smoke. Once it's done smoking, problem solved!! Put a DMM on the 10V line, then start disconnecting things until you narrow it down, divide and conquer. Pull all of the cards out of the cage (except the 10V reg card obviously), disconnect the exciter, remove the receiver, etc. With a good ohmmeter that measures fractions of an ohm, you should be able to narrow it down further once you've found the suspect module/board. I have lost track of how many shorted tantalums I have had over the years. When they occur in the B+ of the high current PA supply, they simply burn up and th problem fixes itself. They make a cool purple smoke with lots of sparks when they flame out! --- Jeff WN3A
RE: [Repeater-Builder] Re: Another neat kit for repeaters
Nice little device for terrorists to trigger IEDs too. I bet if you ordered 100 of them, you'd get a visit from guys wearing dark shades and talking into their cuff. 73, Mike WM4B From: Repeater-Builder@yahoogroups.com [mailto:repeater-buil...@yahoogroups.com] On Behalf Of skipp025 Sent: Sunday, May 02, 2010 12:57 PM To: Repeater-Builder@yahoogroups.com Subject: [Repeater-Builder] Re: Another neat kit for repeaters http://www.electronickits.com/kit/complete/ligh/vemk160.htm I was looking for a way to turn a portable repeater on/off remotely when I was out of the RF coverage area. This scheme uses a cellphone with a simple photo cell to detect when the screen lights up during ringing. For about 20 bucks and a cheap prepay phone I can control the repeater from anywhere I have cell phone coverage. Interesting. I'm almost laughing out loud while thinking about all the wrong numbers and undesired telemarketer calls shutting down the repeater mid sentence. s.
RE: [Repeater-Builder] Re: Another neat kit for repeaters
I was thinking the same thing, Skipp! That's how you know you're having a bad day. Hey Abdul... past me the duct tape. Ring-Ring Oh Crap! 73, Mike WM4B From: Repeater-Builder@yahoogroups.com [mailto:repeater-buil...@yahoogroups.com] On Behalf Of skipp025 Sent: Sunday, May 02, 2010 1:31 PM To: Repeater-Builder@yahoogroups.com Subject: [Repeater-Builder] Re: Another neat kit for repeaters Mike Besemer \(WM4B\) mwbese...@... wrote: Nice little device for terrorists to trigger IEDs too. I bet if you ordered 100 of them, you'd get a visit from guys wearing dark shades and talking into their cuff. In reality they'd show up in the interests of job security only. It would be smart money on behalf of the Government to provide these devices to the Terrorists. Imagine a wrong number in the middle of the device construction stage. Problem solved and everyone could again get on with enjoying life and the dark shade guys would hopefully be out of a job/early retirement. It's a real win-win :-) s. On Behalf Of skipp025 Subject: Re: Another neat kit for repeaters I'm almost laughing out loud while thinking about all the wrong numbers and undesired telemarketer calls shutting down the repeater mid sentence. s. http://www.electronickits.com/kit/complete/ligh/vemk160.htm I was looking for a way to turn a portable repeater on/off remotely when I was out of the RF coverage area. This scheme uses a cellphone with a simple photo cell to detect when the screen lights up during ringing. For about 20 bucks and a cheap prepay phone I can control the repeater from anywhere I have cell phone coverage. Interesting.
RE: [Repeater-Builder] Re: A warning to Land Mobile Radio Dealers
Kinda wandering off repeaters here, arent we? Mike WM4B From: Repeater-Builder@yahoogroups.com [mailto:repeater-buil...@yahoogroups.com] On Behalf Of Matthew Kaufman Sent: Saturday, May 01, 2010 3:06 PM To: Repeater-Builder@yahoogroups.com Subject: Re: [Repeater-Builder] Re: A warning to Land Mobile Radio Dealers Brian Raker wrote: §97.111 Authorized transmissions. (a) An amateur station may transmit the following types of two-way communications: ... (3) Transmissions necessary to exchange messages with a station in another FCC-regulated service while providing emergency communications; Yes, we are allowed to do so only while providing emergency communications. It's up to us to determine (hopefully with a good helping of common sense) what is an emergency. Actually that's pretty easy. See 97.403 and 97.405. Matthew Kaufman
RE: [Repeater-Builder] Re: Strange Signal on 158.275(ish)
If I recall correctly from the Yahoo Group I moderate, there is a way to set up the group so that it does or does not allow attachments to show from the web. I cant remember what it was called, but I remember that it was rather obscure. 73, Mike WM4B From: Repeater-Builder@yahoogroups.com [mailto:repeater-buil...@yahoogroups.com] On Behalf Of La Rue Communications Sent: Friday, April 30, 2010 7:53 PM To: Repeater-Builder@yahoogroups.com Subject: Re: [Repeater-Builder] Re: Strange Signal on 158.275(ish) Chuck is on the ball more than I am..Yes, if you are not using your email client to view these messages, its very likely the attachments do not show up properly on the web page. I need to check the web page out and verify for myself. In the meantime, you can tell us how you are vieweing these messages. John Hymes La Rue Communications 10 S. Aurora Street Stockton, CA 95202 http://tinyurl.com/2dtngmn - Original Message - From: Chuck Kelsey To: Repeater-Builder@yahoogroups.com Sent: Friday, April 30, 2010 4:45 PM Subject: Re: [Repeater-Builder] Re: Strange Signal on 158.275(ish) You say IE8, so I'm assuming you are viewing the messages on the web rather than individual emails. If so, I suspect that's the problem. I don't know what happens to attachments when you are using the web page to read stuff. Chuck WB2EDV - Original Message - From: kd8biw kd8...@hotmail.com To: Repeater-Builder@yahoogroups.com Sent: Friday, April 30, 2010 7:26 PM Subject: [Repeater-Builder] Re: Strange Signal on 158.275(ish) IBM with Windows XP and IE8. Any help is appreciated!
RE: [Repeater-Builder] Re: Strange Signal on 158.275(ish)
That's it. Funny you can't include in emails and the site. 73, Mike WM4B _ From: Repeater-Builder@yahoogroups.com [mailto:repeater-buil...@yahoogroups.com] On Behalf Of Chuck Kelsey Sent: Friday, April 30, 2010 8:37 PM To: Repeater-Builder@yahoogroups.com Subject: Re: [Repeater-Builder] Re: Strange Signal on 158.275(ish) Attachments on Yahoo Groups have these options for the list owner: Attachments a.. Store on site (exclude from emails) b.. Include in emails (exclude from site) c.. Exclude from site and emails Chuck WB2EDV - Original Message - From: Mike Besemer (WM4B) mwbese...@cox. mailto:mwbesemer%40cox.net net To: Repeater-Builder@ mailto:Repeater-Builder%40yahoogroups.com yahoogroups.com Sent: Friday, April 30, 2010 8:31 PM Subject: RE: [Repeater-Builder] Re: Strange Signal on 158.275(ish) If I recall correctly from the Yahoo Group I moderate, there is a way to set up the group so that it does or does not allow attachments to show from the web. I can't remember what it was called, but I remember that it was rather obscure. 73, Mike WM4B From: Repeater-Builder@ mailto:Repeater-Builder%40yahoogroups.com yahoogroups.com [mailto:Repeater-Builder@ mailto:Repeater-Builder%40yahoogroups.com yahoogroups.com] On Behalf Of La Rue Communications Sent: Friday, April 30, 2010 7:53 PM To: Repeater-Builder@ mailto:Repeater-Builder%40yahoogroups.com yahoogroups.com Subject: Re: [Repeater-Builder] Re: Strange Signal on 158.275(ish) Chuck is on the ball more than I am..Yes, if you are not using your email client to view these messages, its very likely the attachments do not show up properly on the web page. I need to check the web page out and verify for myself. In the meantime, you can tell us how you are vieweing these messages. John Hymes La Rue Communications 10 S. Aurora Street Stockton, CA 95202 http://tinyurl. http://tinyurl.com/2dtngmn com/2dtngmn - Original Message - From: Chuck Kelsey To: Repeater-Builder@ mailto:Repeater-Builder%40yahoogroups.com yahoogroups.com Sent: Friday, April 30, 2010 4:45 PM Subject: Re: [Repeater-Builder] Re: Strange Signal on 158.275(ish) You say IE8, so I'm assuming you are viewing the messages on the web rather than individual emails. If so, I suspect that's the problem. I don't know what happens to attachments when you are using the web page to read stuff. Chuck WB2EDV - Original Message - From: kd8biw kd8...@hotmail. mailto:kd8biw%40hotmail.com com To: Repeater-Builder@ mailto:Repeater-Builder%40yahoogroups.com yahoogroups.com Sent: Friday, April 30, 2010 7:26 PM Subject: [Repeater-Builder] Re: Strange Signal on 158.275(ish) IBM with Windows XP and IE8. Any help is appreciated! Yahoo! Groups Links -- No virus found in this incoming message. Checked by AVG - www.avg.com Version: 9.0.814 / Virus Database: 271.1.1/2846 - Release Date: 04/30/10 14:27:00
RE: [Repeater-Builder] Strange Signal on 158.275(ish)
Well, Robins AFB is just up the street. From: Repeater-Builder@yahoogroups.com [mailto:repeater-buil...@yahoogroups.com] On Behalf Of La Rue Communications Sent: Wednesday, April 28, 2010 6:37 PM To: Repeater-Builder@yahoogroups.com Subject: Re: [Repeater-Builder] Strange Signal on 158.275(ish) Extraterrestrial signals? :-) John Hymes La Rue Communications 10 S. Aurora Street Stockton, CA 95202 http://tinyurl.com/2dtngmn - Original Message - From: Rob mailto:n1...@cox.net To: Repeater-Builder@yahoogroups.com Sent: Wednesday, April 28, 2010 3:29 PM Subject: Re: [Repeater-Builder] Strange Signal on 158.275(ish) On 4/28/2010 6:19 PM, Mike Besemer (WM4B) wrote: Can anybody identify the signal in the attached file? It appears on 158.275 +/- 5 KHz or so. I set my receiver to AM mode for this recording. It does appear in FM and NFM, but not as clearly. Note that the PRF is not fixed... it does vary over time. It is audible over a fairly large (10 - 12 miles that I've checked so far) area. I doubt that is has anything to do with the pager interference I've been having, but it does happen to be just about half of our suspected mix frequency of around 316.6 MHz. Thanks, Mike WM4B That signal sounds much like one I am hearing up here in Central MA on the MURS frequencies. It rotates through all 5 frequencies somewhat randomly and I hear it over a 4-5 mile radius. Fortunately, it is 20 miles from my home so it doesn't bother me on a daily basis but I do hear it during my normal commute. - Rob
RE: [Repeater-Builder] Interference from local 600 kHz radio station.
No words of wisdom, Bruce. but wanted to offer my condolences. The dang pager interference we've got is about to drive me to drink. which is probably the ONLY nice thing I can say about it. Hope you find your demon! 73, Mike WM4B _ From: Repeater-Builder@yahoogroups.com [mailto:repeater-buil...@yahoogroups.com] On Behalf Of Bruce Coates Sent: Monday, April 26, 2010 10:27 PM To: Repeater-Builder@yahoogroups.com Subject: Re: [Repeater-Builder] Interference from local 600 kHz radio station. I snowed here yesterday, does that count? ;-) In all seriousness so far we only know that it comes and goes. We've yet to find a clear pattern of day/night, week day/weekend (it's on an office tower) , hot/cold, wet/dry, etc. yet. We hope to do a bit of a fox hunt at the sight later this spring. 73, Bruce - Original Message - From: Joe k1ike_m...@snet. mailto:k1ike_mail%40snet.net net To: Repeater-Builder@ mailto:Repeater-Builder%40yahoogroups.com yahoogroups.com Sent: Monday, April 26, 2010 8:16 PM Subject: Re: [Repeater-Builder] Interference from local 600 kHz radio station. There was a 6 meter repeater here in Connecticut that was receiving interference from an AM station several states away that was broadcasting on 1000KHz. It only occurred in the nighttime. (The 6 meter repeater was on a 1MHz split). They narrowed it down to something on the 21+ towers that are on the site, but never found it to my knowledge. It could have been a piece of loose hardware, rusty joint, bad antenna, etc. If I remember correctly, rain made it go away. This can be a real bugger of a problem to find. I would look at guy wires or anything that is long enough to pick up enough signal from your 600KHz station. Does it happen when it rains? 73, Joe, K1ike On 4/25/2010 11:06 PM, lpcoates wrote: Hi We have a local AM radio station on 600 kHz. Their transmitter site is about 10 miles from the center of the city. From what I've found on the web, they run 25,000 watts during the day and 8,000 watts at night. On at least one of our repeaters we're finding that this is mixing with the output of repeater to create a phantom signal exactly on the input. We're not sure whether the mixing is happening inside the repeater or in something in the environment near the repeater. We've confirmed this is the source of the problem on one repeter and supect it on another. Has anyone had experince with a loacl AM station on 600 kHz? We're looking for way to combat the interference. Thanks Bruce - VE5BNC Yahoo! Groups Links
[Repeater-Builder] Pager Interference Revisited
This is a continuation of the repeater interference issue we started to have last October. Maybe with a few new pieces of data, it'll spur some new thoughts. Background: Last October, our repeater (146.850 MHz) started experiencing pager interference. The interference can be clearly heard on the input from various diverse locations around town. Most of the time, the interference seems to drift across the receiver passband (you can hear it coming and going as it drifts through), although this year it seems pretty much stuck in the repeater input (don't hear the drifting anymore). Last year, the interference was also heard on a couple of other area repeaters, 145.43 in Macon (15 or so air miles away) and 145.11 in Cochran (20 air miles away), so you can see that whatever this is covering a pretty large portion of the spectrum. I've also been told that it's been heard on public-service frequencies as well, although I don't know what those frequencies are (exactly) and have never witnessed it myself. Yesterday, the interference moved from the input of 146.85 to the input of 145.11 in a very rapid manner. a period of 5 minutes or so, and then reversed itself a couple of hours later. We know that the paging interference is coming from 462.775 MHz. The paging company owner is a ham and has been very helpful. The interference can come from any one of three different sites, one locally, one in Macon and one in Roberta (about 25 air miles away), all on the same frequency. He has set up a phone number that I can call and leave a voice page on the local system, which help us with the tracking immensely. I believe he's going to do the same for the other two systems. I've sat very near his system locally and heard NOTHING on the repeater input while the interference event is occurring. I've also checked all the likely mixing products as well as frequencies in his multiplier chain and heard nothing. We feel certain that it's got to be a mixing issue, (it's not likely he has three transmitters with the same garbage on the output) but given the way it behaves it's hard to locate the source. The large, rapid frequency excursions are a bit baffling. If you just consider 462.775 and 146.25, it puts you very near the audio carrier of CATV Channel 39, but seeing it move to the input of 145.11 and 145.43 puts the possible mix frequency somewhere between Channel 39 and Channel 40. The issue disappeared over the winter months. If it's a hot, sunny day you can be sure the problem will be present. A hot, cloudy day is also a fairly good bet. Also, a cooler, sunny day will bring it out. Cool and cloudy or cold and sunny do not allow the problem to manifest. The issue has been present during and after several days of rain, so that seems to eliminate the 'rusty bolt' syndrome. I tend to believe it's an amplifier mounted on a pole or tower someplace that's going spurious with heat, but that is just a theory. Beam headings tend to point to the paging transmitters rather than the possible mixing source, which is baffling me as well. I feel like I must be missing something obvious here, but all the back and forth ideas we've all been working on never seem to answer all of the questions. What do you guys think? 73, Mike WM4B
RE: [Repeater-Builder] Pager Interference Revisited
That's one I hadn't thought of, Chuck. Definitely be a bugger to find! Mike WM4B From: Repeater-Builder@yahoogroups.com [mailto:repeater-buil...@yahoogroups.com] On Behalf Of Chuck Kelsey Sent: Saturday, April 24, 2010 12:57 PM To: Repeater-Builder@yahoogroups.com Subject: Re: [Repeater-Builder] Pager Interference Revisited Since it sounds like the problem is there continuously (with the correct WX conditions) it pretty much rules out another TX that is less than continuously on. My very first thought was a TV antenna preamp. I've seen those generate a lot of crap before. The paging may be mixing at the preamp. Just a thought. Chuck WB2EDV - Original Message - From: Mike Besemer (WM4B) mwbese...@cox.net mailto:mwbesemer%40cox.net To: Repeater-Builder@yahoogroups.com mailto:Repeater-Builder%40yahoogroups.com Sent: Saturday, April 24, 2010 12:08 PM Subject: [Repeater-Builder] Pager Interference Revisited This is a continuation of the repeater interference issue we started to have last October. Maybe with a few new pieces of data, it'll spur some new thoughts. Background: Last October, our repeater (146.850 MHz) started experiencing pager interference. The interference can be clearly heard on the input from various diverse locations around town. Most of the time, the interference seems to drift across the receiver passband (you can hear it coming and going as it drifts through), although this year it seems pretty much stuck in the repeater input (don't hear the drifting anymore). Last year, the interference was also heard on a couple of other area repeaters, 145.43 in Macon (15 or so air miles away) and 145.11 in Cochran (20 air miles away), so you can see that whatever this is covering a pretty large portion of the spectrum. I've also been told that it's been heard on public-service frequencies as well, although I don't know what those frequencies are (exactly) and have never witnessed it myself. Yesterday, the interference moved from the input of 146.85 to the input of 145.11 in a very rapid manner. a period of 5 minutes or so, and then reversed itself a couple of hours later. We know that the paging interference is coming from 462.775 MHz. The paging company owner is a ham and has been very helpful. The interference can come from any one of three different sites, one locally, one in Macon and one in Roberta (about 25 air miles away), all on the same frequency. He has set up a phone number that I can call and leave a voice page on the local system, which help us with the tracking immensely. I believe he's going to do the same for the other two systems. I've sat very near his system locally and heard NOTHING on the repeater input while the interference event is occurring. I've also checked all the likely mixing products as well as frequencies in his multiplier chain and heard nothing. We feel certain that it's got to be a mixing issue, (it's not likely he has three transmitters with the same garbage on the output) but given the way it behaves it's hard to locate the source. The large, rapid frequency excursions are a bit baffling. If you just consider 462.775 and 146.25, it puts you very near the audio carrier of CATV Channel 39, but seeing it move to the input of 145.11 and 145.43 puts the possible mix frequency somewhere between Channel 39 and Channel 40. The issue disappeared over the winter months. If it's a hot, sunny day you can be sure the problem will be present. A hot, cloudy day is also a fairly good bet. Also, a cooler, sunny day will bring it out. Cool and cloudy or cold and sunny do not allow the problem to manifest. The issue has been present during and after several days of rain, so that seems to eliminate the 'rusty bolt' syndrome. I tend to believe it's an amplifier mounted on a pole or tower someplace that's going spurious with heat, but that is just a theory. Beam headings tend to point to the paging transmitters rather than the possible mixing source, which is baffling me as well. I feel like I must be missing something obvious here, but all the back and forth ideas we've all been working on never seem to answer all of the questions. What do you guys think? 73, Mike WM4B
RE: [Repeater-Builder] Re: Pager Interference Revisited
Elaborate please Barry. you lost me. Mike WM4B From: Repeater-Builder@yahoogroups.com [mailto:repeater-buil...@yahoogroups.com] On Behalf Of Barry Sent: Saturday, April 24, 2010 2:36 PM To: repeater-builder@yahoogroups.com Subject: RE: [Repeater-Builder] Re: Pager Interference Revisited So has anyone conducted tests to determine if it is a mixing problem ? sig gen and proximity ? _ To: Repeater-Builder@yahoogroups.com From: mwbese...@cox.net Date: Sat, 24 Apr 2010 17:28:41 + Subject: [Repeater-Builder] Re: Pager Interference Revisited --- In Repeater-Builder@yahoogroups.com, Kris Kirby k...@... wrote: On Sat, 24 Apr 2010, Mike Besemer (WM4B) wrote: The issue disappeared over the winter months. If it's a hot, sunny day you can be sure the problem will be present. A hot, cloudy day is also a fairly good bet. Also, a cooler, sunny day will bring it out. Cool and cloudy or cold and sunny do not allow the problem to manifest. The issue has been present during and after several days of rain, so that seems to eliminate the 'rusty bolt' syndrome. I tend to believe it's an amplifier mounted on a pole or tower someplace that's going spurious with heat, but that is just a theory. Beam headings tend to point to the paging transmitters rather than the possible mixing source, which is baffling me as well. Does the paging transmitter have a circulator, or a bandpass cavity between it and the antenna? Does it stay on one frequency or hop around? -- Kris Kirby, KE4AHR Disinformation Analyst I'm told that they do Kris, although I've never been inside any of the sites to see for myself. Given the amount of effort that the pager operator has put in to this effort, I'm inclinded to take him at his word. Even if they did not, I'm having a hard time believe that 3 transmitters in 3 different locations would produce the same issue. (Of course, stranger things have happened.) The transmitters all stay on 462.775. Mike _ Meet local singles online. Browse http://clk.atdmt.com/NMN/go/150855801/direct/01/ profiles for FREE!
RE: [Repeater-Builder] Pager Interference Revisited
Barry, If you read the original post you'll see that we have beam headings pointing every which way. Been there, done that, gone broke buying gas. We're not ever sure what we're hunting yet. 73, Mike WM4B From: Repeater-Builder@yahoogroups.com [mailto:repeater-buil...@yahoogroups.com] On Behalf Of Barry Sent: Saturday, April 24, 2010 2:38 PM To: repeater-builder@yahoogroups.com Subject: RE: [Repeater-Builder] Pager Interference Revisited foxhunt maybe ? _ To: Repeater-Builder@yahoogroups.com From: mwbese...@cox.net Date: Sat, 24 Apr 2010 13:09:08 -0400 Subject: RE: [Repeater-Builder] Pager Interference Revisited That's one I hadn't thought of, Chuck. Definitely be a bugger to find! Mike WM4B From: Repeater-Builder@yahoogroups.com [mailto:repeater-buil...@yahoogroups.com] On Behalf Of Chuck Kelsey Sent: Saturday, April 24, 2010 12:57 PM To: Repeater-Builder@yahoogroups.com Subject: Re: [Repeater-Builder] Pager Interference Revisited Since it sounds like the problem is there continuously (with the correct WX conditions) it pretty much rules out another TX that is less than continuously on. My very first thought was a TV antenna preamp. I've seen those generate a lot of crap before. The paging may be mixing at the preamp. Just a thought. Chuck WB2EDV - Original Message - From: Mike Besemer (WM4B) mwbese...@cox.net To: Repeater-Builder@yahoogroups.com Sent: Saturday, April 24, 2010 12:08 PM Subject: [Repeater-Builder] Pager Interference Revisited This is a continuation of the repeater interference issue we started to have last October. Maybe with a few new pieces of data, it'll spur some new thoughts. Background: Last October, our repeater (146.850 MHz) started experiencing pager interference. The interference can be clearly heard on the input from various diverse locations around town. Most of the time, the interference seems to drift across the receiver passband (you can hear it coming and going as it drifts through), although this year it seems pretty much stuck in the repeater input (don't hear the drifting anymore). Last year, the interference was also heard on a couple of other area repeaters, 145.43 in Macon (15 or so air miles away) and 145.11 in Cochran (20 air miles away), so you can see that whatever this is covering a pretty large portion of the spectrum. I've also been told that it's been heard on public-service frequencies as well, although I don't know what those frequencies are (exactly) and have never witnessed it myself. Yesterday, the interference moved from the input of 146.85 to the input of 145.11 in a very rapid manner. a period of 5 minutes or so, and then reversed itself a couple of hours later. We know that the paging interference is coming from 462.775 MHz. The paging company owner is a ham and has been very helpful. The interference can come from any one of three different sites, one locally, one in Macon and one in Roberta (about 25 air miles away), all on the same frequency. He has set up a phone number that I can call and leave a voice page on the local system, which help us with the tracking immensely. I believe he's going to do the same for the other two systems. I've sat very near his system locally and heard NOTHING on the repeater input while the interference event is occurring. I've also checked all the likely mixing products as well as frequencies in his multiplier chain and heard nothing. We feel certain that it's got to be a mixing issue, (it's not likely he has three transmitters with the same garbage on the output) but given the way it behaves it's hard to locate the source. The large, rapid frequency excursions are a bit baffling. If you just consider 462.775 and 146.25, it puts you very near the audio carrier of CATV Channel 39, but seeing it move to the input of 145.11 and 145.43 puts the possible mix frequency somewhere between Channel 39 and Channel 40. The issue disappeared over the winter months. If it's a hot, sunny day you can be sure the problem will be present. A hot, cloudy day is also a fairly good bet. Also, a cooler, sunny day will bring it out. Cool and cloudy or cold and sunny do not allow the problem to manifest. The issue has been present during and after several days of rain, so that seems to eliminate the 'rusty bolt' syndrome. I tend to believe it's an amplifier mounted on a pole or tower someplace that's going spurious with heat, but that is just a theory. Beam headings tend to point to the paging transmitters rather than the possible mixing source, which is baffling me as well. I feel like I must be missing something obvious here, but all the back and forth ideas we've all been working on never seem to answer all of the questions. What do you guys think? 73, Mike WM4B _ Meet local singles online. Browse http://clk.atdmt.com/NMN/go/150855801
RE: [Repeater-Builder] Re: Pager Interference Revisited
Given that the interference is in three different repeaters over about 40 air-miles, I have not done that. I've THOUGHT about it, but it didn't make sense, give the circumstances. 73, Mike WM4B From: Repeater-Builder@yahoogroups.com [mailto:repeater-buil...@yahoogroups.com] On Behalf Of Barry Sent: Saturday, April 24, 2010 2:44 PM To: repeater-builder@yahoogroups.com Subject: RE: [Repeater-Builder] Re: Pager Interference Revisited Portable sig gen into the repeater site and swing it about the place in various locations , sort of a revrse hammer to the power poles if it is coax introduced you quickly confirm your suspicions but if its ac introduced or grounding or some other oddity it usually helps to eliminate the rf feed I have seen some odd stuff introduced via the oddest things into commercial sites so discount nothing and the best of luck Have to go service now as its 4:30 am Lest We Forget _ Find it on Domain.com.au Need a http://clk.atdmt.com/NMN/go/157631292/direct/01/ new place to live?
RE: [Repeater-Builder] Re: Pager Interference Revisited
I don't think so, Chuck. I work on Robins and traverse it pretty much from end-to-end daily. I also have to traverse it quite a ways just to get off of it to go foxhunt this beast. Generally the signals on-base are weak to non-existent. It's bloody amazing how much RF crap is in the air. Using a Google Earth application I can see zillions of sites within earshot. The mixing possibilities are endless! I'm somewhat surprise that we've never heard any audio mixing in with it. 73, Mike WM4B From: Repeater-Builder@yahoogroups.com [mailto:repeater-buil...@yahoogroups.com] On Behalf Of Chuck Kelsey Sent: Saturday, April 24, 2010 3:16 PM To: Repeater-Builder@yahoogroups.com Subject: Re: [Repeater-Builder] Re: Pager Interference Revisited How close is Robins AFB? Maybe? Chuck WB2EDV - Original Message - From: Mike Besemer (WM4B) mailto:mwbese...@cox.net To: Repeater-Builder@yahoogroups.com Sent: Saturday, April 24, 2010 2:48 PM Subject: RE: [Repeater-Builder] Re: Pager Interference Revisited Given that the interference is in three different repeaters over about 40 air-miles, I have not done that. I've THOUGHT about it, but it didn't make sense, give the circumstances. 73, Mike WM4B
RE: [Repeater-Builder] Re: Pager Interference Revisited
Milt, Not sure what you mean by 'come and go'. It's there when the pager transmitter is up, gone when it's not. It also comes and goes with heat and sun. we may have days with no interference if it's cool and cloudy or just plain cold. Rain makes no difference. Nothing remarkable about the audio. sounds like clean, clear paging tones. Never heard anything else. There is an abundance of TV stations, DTV, translators, AM, FM. you name it. The paging signals are both, depending on which site it's coming from. I can get my hands on pretty much anything I need. Spectrum analyzer is no problem. I have a good 'connection'. Did some hunting with a spectrum analyzer last year to no avail, but now that I have the ability to call the system and have it send out a page we have a little better advantage. I'd call the area 'populated', but not 'urban'. Mostly housing around the site, but plenty of industry (and towers) visible from the top of the water tank. (We are, by the way, the only user on the tank.) From: Repeater-Builder@yahoogroups.com [mailto:repeater-buil...@yahoogroups.com] On Behalf Of Milt Sent: Saturday, April 24, 2010 4:19 PM To: Repeater-Builder@yahoogroups.com Subject: e: [Repeater-Builder] Re: Pager Interference Revisited Mike, Does the interfering signal come and go or is it constant? Does it have any AC component; ie buzz or hum at 60Hz, 120Hz, etc., or any raw buzzing noise? Are there any broiadcast TV stations in the area, DTV or LP translators? Is the UHF pager signal analog, digital or both? What test equipmet do you ahve available? Is the repeater in a poplulated area or remote? Milt N3LTQ - Original Message - From: Mike Besemer (WM4B) mailto:mwbese...@cox.net To: Repeater-Builder@yahoogroups.com Sent: Saturday, April 24, 2010 3:36 PM Subject: RE: [Repeater-Builder] Re: Pager Interference Revisited I don't think so, Chuck. I work on Robins and traverse it pretty much from end-to-end daily. I also have to traverse it quite a ways just to get off of it to go foxhunt this beast. Generally the signals on-base are weak to non-existent. It's bloody amazing how much RF crap is in the air. Using a Google Earth application I can see zillions of sites within earshot. The mixing possibilities are endless! I'm somewhat surprise that we've never heard any audio mixing in with it. 73, Mike WM4B From: Repeater-Builder@yahoogroups.com [mailto:repeater-buil...@yahoogroups.com] On Behalf Of Chuck Kelsey Sent: Saturday, April 24, 2010 3:16 PM To: Repeater-Builder@yahoogroups.com Subject: Re: [Repeater-Builder] Re: Pager Interference Revisited How close is Robins AFB? Maybe? Chuck WB2EDV - Original Message - From: Mike Besemer (WM4B) mailto:mwbese...@cox.net To: Repeater-Builder@yahoogroups.com Sent: Saturday, April 24, 2010 2:48 PM Subject: RE: [Repeater-Builder] Re: Pager Interference Revisited Given that the interference is in three different repeaters over about 40 air-miles, I have not done that. I've THOUGHT about it, but it didn't make sense, give the circumstances. 73, Mike WM4B
RE: [Repeater-Builder] Re: Pager Interference Revisited
1 is wireline, two are satellite. From: Repeater-Builder@yahoogroups.com [mailto:repeater-buil...@yahoogroups.com] On Behalf Of Matthew Kaufman Sent: Saturday, April 24, 2010 4:44 PM To: Repeater-Builder@yahoogroups.com Subject: Re: [Repeater-Builder] Re: Pager Interference Revisited How do the paging signals get to the three transmitters? Wireline? 72 MHz link? 930 MHz link? Matthew Kaufman
RE: [Repeater-Builder] Re: Pager Interference Revisited
Not sure about the paging systems. The repeaters themselves are a variety of systems and their architecture really doesn't matter since the interference can be heard on the input frequency with a string and a tin can. That being said, I know that 2 of them (mine) are using DB-224s, 7/8 hardline and WACOM cans. Mike WM4B From: Repeater-Builder@yahoogroups.com [mailto:repeater-buil...@yahoogroups.com] On Behalf Of Oz-in-DFW Sent: Saturday, April 24, 2010 5:17 PM To: Repeater-Builder@yahoogroups.com Subject: Re: [Repeater-Builder] Re: Pager Interference Revisited Mike, I'm coming to this late, but I have comments and questions. What type of hardware are the paging transmitters? What are the repeaters in question, and what type of duplexers, feedline, and antennas are used? On 4/24/2010 3:42 PM, Mike Besemer (WM4B) wrote: Not sure what you mean by 'come and go'. It's there when the pager transmitter is up, gone when it's not. In another message you implied it sweeps across multiple repeater inputs. It also comes and goes with heat and sun. we may have days with no interference if it's cool and cloudy or just plain cold. Rain makes no difference. We saw the same thing with Radio Shack and Winegard active TV antennas on RVs. The problem was a high band pager and our UHF radio inputs. Nothing remarkable about the audio. sounds like clean, clear paging tones. Never heard anything else. This implies a first order contribution to a mix or spur. If the second or third harmonic of the pager was involved, the deviation would be a suitable multiple and should sound distorted. Might be good to ask him what transmit dev. he runs, or measure it. There is an abundance of TV stations, DTV, translators, AM, FM. you name it. Yeah but this sounds like something flying. If mixes sweep across your input one contributor is almost always an amplifier that is oscillating. The two frequencies you mention would require a channel 37 station and those don't exist in the US. The paging signals are both, depending on which site it's coming from. Eh? what do you mean here? I can get my hands on pretty much anything I need. Spectrum analyzer is no problem. I have a good 'connection'. Did some hunting with a spectrum analyzer last year to no avail, but now that I have the ability to call the system and have it send out a page we have a little better advantage. Is the paging system key down, or is it transmit on demand? Can you hear the interference far from your site (several miles?) The ability to DF it sort of implies this. I'd call the area 'populated', but not 'urban'. Mostly housing around the site, but plenty of industry (and towers) visible from the top of the water tank. (We are, by the way, the only user on the tank.) What kind of sites are the paging transmitters on? Rental tower, water tank, building? -- mailto:o...@ozindfw.net Oz POB 93167 Southlake, TX 76092 (Near DFW Airport)
RE: [Repeater-Builder] Re: Pager Interference Revisited
Problem is Milt, the darn signal level varies like crazy from day to day and location to location. I can be in a certain spot and receive the signal very well, drive until it disappears, and then have it reappear at a high level as I continue on. Obviously elevation and blockage has a lot to do with that, but it actually does that to the point of being ridiculous. almost like it moves. I have been wondering if one of the pole-mounted CATV amps is going crazy and the stuff is squirting out of the CATV system every place it leaks. Sure wish we'd get a trace of audio (besides the pager) on the darn thing. This is gonna drive us nuts before we're done. I'm hearing the stupid thing in my sleep! 73, Mike WM4B From: Repeater-Builder@yahoogroups.com [mailto:repeater-buil...@yahoogroups.com] On Behalf Of Milt Sent: Saturday, April 24, 2010 5:27 PM To: Repeater-Builder@yahoogroups.com Subject: Re: [Repeater-Builder] Re: Pager Interference Revisited OK, this is probably not going to be an easy one. I have seen several instances of mast-mounted TV preamps oscillating and acting as miniature transmitters capable of sweeping over wide swaths of spectrum as the temperature changes. They usually exhibit a raw AC buzz on the signal. They are almost never active when the weather is cold, only coming active as the ambient temperature rises. Usually were fed with twin lead. Your description of the audio seems to put that possibility pretty far down the list. At this point I would probably want to look at the incoming signals on the repeater with a spectrum analyser and see if you can quantify the level of the incoming interference signals. If the interference level is high enough you should be able to hear it and maybe track it with a service monitor that can be run off of 12v in a mobile. Since you can call a number on one of the transmitters you can control things a bit. Good luck hunting. Milt - Original Message - From: Mike Besemer (WM4B) mailto:mwbese...@cox.net To: Repeater-Builder@yahoogroups.com Sent: Saturday, April 24, 2010 4:42 PM Subject: RE: [Repeater-Builder] Re: Pager Interference Revisited Milt, Not sure what you mean by 'come and go'. It's there when the pager transmitter is up, gone when it's not. It also comes and goes with heat and sun. we may have days with no interference if it's cool and cloudy or just plain cold. Rain makes no difference. Nothing remarkable about the audio. sounds like clean, clear paging tones. Never heard anything els There is an abundance of TV stations, DTV, translators, AM, FM. you name it. The paging signals are both, depending on which site it's coming from. I can get my hands on pretty much anything I need. Spectrum analyzer is no problem. I have a good 'connection'. Did some hunting with a spectrum analyzer last year to no avail, but now that I have the ability to call the system and have it send out a page we have a little better advantage. I'd call the area 'populated', but not 'urban'. Mostly housing around the site, but plenty of industry (and towers) visible from the top of the water tank. (We are, by the way, the only user on the tank.) From: Repeater-Builder@yahoogroups.com [mailto:repeater-buil...@yahoogroups.com] On Behalf Of Milt Sent: Saturday, April 24, 2010 4:19 PM To: Repeater-Builder@yahoogroups.com Subject: e: [Repeater-Builder] Re: Pager Interference Revisited Mike, Does the interfering signal come and go or is it constant? Does it have any AC component; ie buzz or hum at 60Hz, 120Hz, etc., or any raw buzzing noise? Are there any broiadcast TV stations in the area, DTV or LP translators? Is the UHF pager signal analog, digital or both? What test equipmet do you ahve available? Is the repeater in a poplulated area or remote? Milt N3LTQ - Original Message - From: Mike Besemer (WM4B) mailto:mwbese...@cox.net To: Repeater-Builder@yahoogroups.com Sent: Saturday, April 24, 2010 3:36 PM Subject: RE: [Repeater-Builder] Re: Pager Interference Revisited I don't think so, Chuck. I work on Robins and traverse it pretty much from end-to-end daily. I also have to traverse it quite a ways just to get off of it to go foxhunt this beast. Generally the signals on-base are weak to non-existent. It's bloody amazing how much RF crap is in the air. Using a Google Earth application I can see zillions of sites within earshot. The mixing possibilities are endless! I'm somewhat surprise that we've never heard any audio mixing in with it. 73, Mike WM4B From: Repeater-Builder@yahoogroups.com [mailto:repeater-buil...@yahoogroups.com] On Behalf Of Chuck Kelsey Sent: Saturday, April 24, 2010 3:16 PM To: Repeater-Builder@yahoogroups.com Subject: Re: [Repeater-Builder] Re: Pager Interference Revisited How close is Robins AFB? Maybe? Chuck WB2EDV - Original
RE: [Repeater-Builder] Re: Pager Interference Revisited
Laryn, I don't 'think' there are any forgotten links, but I'll certainly ask the question when I speak to the owner again. He's very open about his systems and I believe he's very involved, but like any of us who is getting older, it's possible he forgot something. I agree about the spur sounding like a dirty transmitter. that was my first thought when we heard it and it took a lot of convincing for me to believe that the pager transmitters were clean. That being said, it's still very possible (and likely) that it's mixing with something that is extremely cruddy and unstable. I can't imagine anything different. I also agree with your comment about multipath. I also think there is only one problem source. I've done quite a bit of foxhunting in the past, but will admit that I'm rusty and also that I've never hunted in this area. It also seems like every place I want to go to take a shot, there's a darn chain link fence that's either funneling or reflecting the signals. Nothing is easy anymore! I've not been to any of the other sites while this is going on. The issue with 145.43 was only made known to me after-the-fact and the operator of that system and I have had several disagreements in the past, so I've just let that sleeping dog lie. The 145.11 in Cochran only experiences the problem on occasion (as opposed to just about any warm/sunny day for the 146.85) and it takes me about 40 minutes to drive to there from either work or home, so I haven't made a huge effort to do so. Last time we hooked up the spectrum analyzer to the repeater antenna, what we were seeing was very daunting. I need to go back through the many pages of notes and emails from last year to see if there's anything that I might have overlooked at the time. At this point, I'd like to find the offending device and beat it to pieces with a baseball bat! 73, Mike WM4B _ From: Repeater-Builder@yahoogroups.com [mailto:repeater-buil...@yahoogroups.com] On Behalf Of larynl2 Sent: Saturday, April 24, 2010 9:04 PM To: Repeater-Builder@yahoogroups.com Subject: [Repeater-Builder] Re: Pager Interference Revisited At the risk of mentioning something that's been mentioned and/or checked by you before... I believe you said that linking to the sites is not terrestrial RF but wireline and satellite. Be sure that there isn't some RF linking that's been fogotten by someone not very familiar with the entire system. I've seen 72 mc. link transmitters transmit spurs just like any defective transmitter can. The way this spur wanders around sure sounds like a dirty transmitter. Puzzling thing is that you've said that the bearings to the spurs while DFing wander all over the place. I would doubt there's more than one spur generator, so, point is, make sure your DFing person is an experienced Foxhunter and knows how to handle multipath, one of the biggest *spoilers* for any Foxhunter. You said you sat near one of the sites but the interfering signal was weak, or non-existent. Have you done the same at the other two sites? Good luck finding this beast! Laryn K8TVZ
RE: [Repeater-Builder] Re: Pager Interference Revisited
No guys. The signals on the INPUT are heard in many places around town. If the signals are on the INPUT it ain't the ham equipment. Aside from that, I've already stated that the hardline is 7/8 and the antennas are DB-224. WM4B _ From: Repeater-Builder@yahoogroups.com [mailto:repeater-buil...@yahoogroups.com] On Behalf Of n3ssl Sent: Saturday, April 24, 2010 10:12 PM To: Repeater-Builder@yahoogroups.com Subject: [Repeater-Builder] Re: Pager Interference Revisited What Coax or hardline and antenna's are in use for both rpt's ? What happens when another RX is used at the site? Maybe a IF issue with the Ham rpt's and 72 mhz some thoughts. Ryan n3ssl
RE: [Repeater-Builder] Re: Pager Interference Revisited
You're reading my mind, Gary! 73, Mike WM4B _ From: Repeater-Builder@yahoogroups.com [mailto:repeater-buil...@yahoogroups.com] On Behalf Of Gary Schafer Sent: Saturday, April 24, 2010 10:59 PM To: Repeater-Builder@yahoogroups.com Subject: RE: [Repeater-Builder] Re: Pager Interference Revisited Just for grins, find a place (house) to hook your spectrum analyzer up to the local cable system and see if it is on there. 73 Gary K4FMX _ From: Repeater-Builder@yahoogroups.com [mailto:repeater-buil...@yahoogroups.com] On Behalf Of Mike Besemer (WM4B) Sent: Saturday, April 24, 2010 6:15 PM To: Repeater-Builder@yahoogroups.com Subject: RE: [Repeater-Builder] Re: Pager Interference Revisited Problem is Milt, the darn signal level varies like crazy from day to day and location to location. I can be in a certain spot and receive the signal very well, drive until it disappears, and then have it reappear at a high level as I continue on. Obviously elevation and blockage has a lot to do with that, but it actually does that to the point of being ridiculous. almost like it moves. I have been wondering if one of the pole-mounted CATV amps is going crazy and the stuff is squirting out of the CATV system every place it leaks. Sure wish we'd get a trace of audio (besides the pager) on the darn thing. This is gonna drive us nuts before we're done. I'm hearing the stupid thing in my sleep! 73, Mike WM4B From: Repeater-Builder@yahoogroups.com [mailto:repeater-buil...@yahoogroups.com] On Behalf Of Milt Sent: Saturday, April 24, 2010 5:27 PM To: Repeater-Builder@yahoogroups.com Subject: Re: [Repeater-Builder] Re: Pager Interference Revisited OK, this is probably not going to be an easy one. I have seen several instances of mast-mounted TV preamps oscillating and acting as miniature transmitters capable of sweeping over wide swaths of spectrum as the temperature changes. They usually exhibit a raw AC buzz on the signal. They are almost never active when the weather is cold, only coming active as the ambient temperature rises. Usually were fed with twin lead. Your description of the audio seems to put that possibility pretty far down the list. At this point I would probably want to look at the incoming signals on the repeater with a spectrum analyser and see if you can quantify the level of the incoming interference signals. If the interference level is high enough you should be able to hear it and maybe track it with a service monitor that can be run off of 12v in a mobile. Since you can call a number on one of the transmitters you can control things a bit. Good luck hunting. Milt - Original Message - From: Mike Besemer (WM4B) mailto:mwbese...@cox.net To: Repeater-Builder@ mailto:Repeater-Builder@yahoogroups.com yahoogroups.com Sent: Saturday, April 24, 2010 4:42 PM Subject: RE: [Repeater-Builder] Re: Pager Interference Revisited Milt, Not sure what you mean by 'come and go'. It's there when the pager transmitter is up, gone when it's not. It also comes and goes with heat and sun. we may have days with no interference if it's cool and cloudy or just plain cold. Rain makes no difference. Nothing remarkable about the audio. sounds like clean, clear paging tones. Never heard anything els There is an abundance of TV stations, DTV, translators, AM, FM. you name it. The paging signals are both, depending on which site it's coming from. I can get my hands on pretty much anything I need. Spectrum analyzer is no problem. I have a good 'connection'. Did some hunting with a spectrum analyzer last year to no avail, but now that I have the ability to call the system and have it send out a page we have a little better advantage. I'd call the area 'populated', but not 'urban'. Mostly housing around the site, but plenty of industry (and towers) visible from the top of the water tank. (We are, by the way, the only user on the tank.) From: Repeater-Builder@yahoogroups.com [mailto:repeater-buil...@yahoogroups.com] On Behalf Of Milt Sent: Saturday, April 24, 2010 4:19 PM To: Repeater-Builder@yahoogroups.com Subject: e: [Repeater-Builder] Re: Pager Interference Revisited Mike, Does the interfering signal come and go or is it constant? Does it have any AC component; ie buzz or hum at 60Hz, 120Hz, etc., or any raw buzzing noise? Are there any broiadcast TV stations in the area, DTV or LP translators? Is the UHF pager signal analog, digital or both? What test equipmet do you ahve available? Is the repeater in a poplulated area or remote? Milt N3LTQ - Original Message - From: Mike Besemer (WM4B) mailto:mwbese...@cox.net To: Repeater-Builder@ mailto:Repeater-Builder@yahoogroups.com yahoogroups.com Sent: Saturday, April 24, 2010 3:36 PM Subject: RE: [Repeater-Builder] Re: Pager Interference Revisited I don't think so
RE: [Repeater-Builder] Re: Welcome to Dayton (Partial Hamvention Primer)
Irony mode on C'mon Tom. you've gotta be kiddin'! Somebody with a '6' call complaining about Ohio drivers? Yer killin' me. Lemme go through these by the numbers: 1: Date---un, o-HI-o 2: I believe this refers to Texas 3: I lived there 12 years. in the 80's. can't tell you where any of those were 4: Yep. same as any other military town 5: That's Texas (or Georgia) again! 6: Pretty much 7/8: That describes the entire Midwest! 9: Texas again! 10: True. Same holds true for I-70 Westbound. The close you get to Indy, the higher the speeds. 11: Good advice anywhere in the U.S. these days. Ya never know who's packin' a .40 under the seat! 12: Georgia! 13/14: Ohio, Michigan, Indiana, at least! 15: Isn't there a festival EVERY weekend in Dayton?! Irony mode off I sure miss that place (except the snow)! 73, Mike WM4B From: Repeater-Builder@yahoogroups.com [mailto:repeater-buil...@yahoogroups.com] On Behalf Of wb6dgn Sent: Sunday, March 21, 2010 4:29 PM To: Repeater-Builder@yahoogroups.com Subject: [Repeater-Builder] Re: Welcome to Dayton (Partial Hamvention Primer) Agreed to all above BUT what's different from the REST of OHIO? Worst drivers and highest insurance rates I've ever encountered anywhere. That says it all! --- In Repeater-Builder@yahoogroups.com mailto:Repeater-Builder%40yahoogroups.com , skipp025 skipp...@... wrote: You probably have to be somewhat or a local to get some of these, but what the heck. Enjoy and get ready for the Dayton Hamvention just around the corner... s. Visitor's Guide to Dayton, Ohio 1. You must learn to correctly pronounce the city name. It is Date ---uhn, O-hi-o 2. Forget the traffic rules you learned elsewhere. Dayton has its own version of traffic rules - the truck with the loudest exhaust goes next at a 4-way stop. The truck with the biggest tires goes after that. The exception to the above is that blue haired ladies driving anything have the right of way anytime. 3. To find anything in Dayton, it is required that you know where the old Rike's, Rike's Kettering, and Mayor's Jewelers buildings were. 4. The morning rush hour is from 5:00 to 10:00 am. The evening rush hour is from 3:00 to 7:00. Friday's rush hour starts Thursday morning. 5. If you actually stop at a yellow light, you will be rear ended, cussed out and possibly shot. 6. You must know that Woodman Drive, Harshman Road, Turner Road, Shoup Mill and Wright Brothers Parkway are the same road. 7. Construction is a permanent fixture in Dayton. The orange barrels are moved around in the middle of the night to make the next days driving a bit more exciting. 8. Watch carefully for road hazards such as deer, skunks, dogs, barrels, cones, cows, horses, pot holes, cats, pieces of other cars, opossum, truck tires, raccoons, squirrels, rabbits, and crows or vultures feeding on any of these items. Be careful of individuals scouring these items for possible usage as the main entree on their dinner menu. 9 . If someone actually has their turn signal on, wave them to the shoulder immediately to let them know it has been accidentally activated and welcome them to Dayton, because they must be a visitor. 10. The minimum acceptable speed on the Indy speedway (I-675) is 95 mph. Anything less is considered downright sissy. This is Dayton's version of NASCAR and the Indy 500. 11. Never honk at anyone. To do so, invites serious bodily injury. 12. If you are in the left lane, and only going 70 in a 55 zone ... you are considered a road hazard and will receive flashing lights and blaring horns from other drivers.. 13. Ground clearance of at least 12 inches is recommended for city driving. 14. If it's 100 degrees, Thanksgiving must be next weekend. 15. If it's 10 degrees and sleeting/snowing, then there's a Festival going on somewhere in the Dayton area. (If you work at Wright-Patt, there's a 95% chance you'll have a fire drill).
RE: [Repeater-Builder] Re: Welcome to Dayton (Partial Hamvention Primer)
When I moved to Edwards, CA (Kern County) from Dayton, my insurance doubled. When I moved to Texas, it went up again. Maybe we'll get Obamacare for autos and we'll all be saved. Mike WM4B From: Repeater-Builder@yahoogroups.com [mailto:repeater-buil...@yahoogroups.com] On Behalf Of wb6dgn Sent: Sunday, March 21, 2010 5:03 PM To: Repeater-Builder@yahoogroups.com Subject: [Repeater-Builder] Re: Welcome to Dayton (Partial Hamvention Primer) C'mon Tom. you've gotta be kiddin'! Somebody with a `6' call complaining about Ohio drivers? Mike, I wouldn't have believed it either! My insurance slightly more than DOUBLED when I moved to Ohio from a like sized city in Indiana. My insurance in Ohio was about the SAME rate for my Plymouth Voyager (getting conservative in my old age) as it was for my high performance Corvette (L82) in California a few years before I moved East. Is there a message there somewhere? --- In Repeater-Builder@yahoogroups.com mailto:Repeater-Builder%40yahoogroups.com , Mike Besemer \(WM4B\) mwbese...@... wrote: Irony mode on C'mon Tom. you've gotta be kiddin'! Somebody with a '6' call complaining about Ohio drivers? Yer killin' me. Lemme go through these by the numbers: 1: Date---un, o-HI-o 2: I believe this refers to Texas 3: I lived there 12 years. in the 80's. can't tell you where any of those were 4: Yep. same as any other military town 5: That's Texas (or Georgia) again! 6: Pretty much 7/8: That describes the entire Midwest! 9: Texas again! 10: True. Same holds true for I-70 Westbound. The close you get to Indy, the higher the speeds. 11: Good advice anywhere in the U.S. these days. Ya never know who's packin' a .40 under the seat! 12: Georgia! 13/14: Ohio, Michigan, Indiana, at least! 15: Isn't there a festival EVERY weekend in Dayton?! Irony mode off I sure miss that place (except the snow)! 73, Mike WM4B From: Repeater-Builder@yahoogroups.com mailto:Repeater-Builder%40yahoogroups.com [mailto:Repeater-Builder@yahoogroups.com mailto:Repeater-Builder%40yahoogroups.com ] On Behalf Of wb6dgn Sent: Sunday, March 21, 2010 4:29 PM To: Repeater-Builder@yahoogroups.com mailto:Repeater-Builder%40yahoogroups.com Subject: [Repeater-Builder] Re: Welcome to Dayton (Partial Hamvention Primer) Agreed to all above BUT what's different from the REST of OHIO? Worst drivers and highest insurance rates I've ever encountered anywhere. That says it all! --- In Repeater-Builder@yahoogroups.com mailto:Repeater-Builder%40yahoogroups.com mailto:Repeater-Builder%40yahoogroups.com , skipp025 skipp025@ wrote: You probably have to be somewhat or a local to get some of these, but what the heck. Enjoy and get ready for the Dayton Hamvention just around the corner... s. Visitor's Guide to Dayton, Ohio 1. You must learn to correctly pronounce the city name. It is Date ---uhn, O-hi-o 2. Forget the traffic rules you learned elsewhere. Dayton has its own version of traffic rules - the truck with the loudest exhaust goes next at a 4-way stop. The truck with the biggest tires goes after that. The exception to the above is that blue haired ladies driving anything have the right of way anytime. 3. To find anything in Dayton, it is required that you know where the old Rike's, Rike's Kettering, and Mayor's Jewelers buildings were. 4. The morning rush hour is from 5:00 to 10:00 am. The evening rush hour is from 3:00 to 7:00. Friday's rush hour starts Thursday morning. 5. If you actually stop at a yellow light, you will be rear ended, cussed out and possibly shot. 6. You must know that Woodman Drive, Harshman Road, Turner Road, Shoup Mill and Wright Brothers Parkway are the same road. 7. Construction is a permanent fixture in Dayton. The orange barrels are moved around in the middle of the night to make the next days driving a bit more exciting. 8. Watch carefully for road hazards such as deer, skunks, dogs, barrels, cones, cows, horses, pot holes, cats, pieces of other cars, opossum, truck tires, raccoons, squirrels, rabbits, and crows or vultures feeding on any of these items. Be careful of individuals scouring these items for possible usage as the main entree on their dinner menu. 9 . If someone actually has their turn signal on, wave them to the shoulder immediately to let them know it has been accidentally activated and welcome them to Dayton, because they must be a visitor. 10. The minimum acceptable speed on the Indy speedway (I-675) is 95 mph. Anything less is considered downright sissy. This is Dayton's version of NASCAR and the Indy 500. 11. Never honk at anyone. To do so, invites serious bodily injury. 12. If you are in the left lane, and only going 70 in a 55 zone
RE: [Repeater-Builder] Re: Copper pipe rather than 2/0 copper wire
Horse dead now. Back to repeaters? Mike WM4B From: Repeater-Builder@yahoogroups.com [mailto:repeater-buil...@yahoogroups.com] On Behalf Of Chuck Kelsey Sent: Wednesday, March 17, 2010 4:58 PM To: Repeater-Builder@yahoogroups.com Subject: Re: [Repeater-Builder] Re: Copper pipe rather than 2/0 copper wire Their store comes up right in my computer room ;-) Chuck WB2EDV - Original Message - From: wd8chl wd8...@gmail.com mailto:wd8chl%40gmail.com To: Repeater-Builder@yahoogroups.com mailto:Repeater-Builder%40yahoogroups.com Sent: Wednesday, March 17, 2010 4:43 PM Subject: Re: [Repeater-Builder] Re: Copper pipe rather than 2/0 copper wire On 3/17/2010 3:47 PM, Gary Schafer wrote: Here is another place to get copper strap even cheaper: http://www.gacopper.com/ $1.05 per foot for 2 inch strap. (.012 thickness) $1.70 per foot for 2 inch strap. (.022 thickness) 73 Gary K4FMX Sorry-I don't have one of their stores in my neighborhood...
RE: [Repeater-Builder] Unlawful in Il to Rebroadcast Public Safety Communications
Provides that this provision does not apply to the public safety radio communication transmitted by any system station for the use of the general public, including Amber Alerts and other communications specifically intended for rebroadcast to the public. The way I read this, you specifically CAN retransmit Amber Alerts, etc. Also, the provision reads that you cannot retransmit voice or data transmitted via the STATES public radio system. Amber Alerts going out over NOAA Weather Radio are NOT being transmitted by state facilities. NOAA is a Federal agency. Mike WM4B From: Repeater-Builder@yahoogroups.com [mailto:repeater-buil...@yahoogroups.com] On Behalf Of ka9qjg1 Sent: Thursday, February 18, 2010 9:28 PM To: Repeater-Builder@yahoogroups.com Subject: [Repeater-Builder] Unlawful in Il to Rebroadcast Public Safety Communications FYI It is now Against the Law in Il To Rebroadcast Public safety Communications including radio or Internet I know most of us in this Hobby are aware of all the Scanner Type Communications being linked d to the Internet. I always wondered about the legality of doing this especially living in one of the Few States that have an Anti Scanner Law against mobiles and Handhelds unless one is exempt. I always liked the idea of seeing something big on the News and finding a site from that area to listen to it Live . Well it looks like Il has put together a law against doing this I do not know about other states . Or how this is going to stop the On Line Scanner stations. Also as written unless I have permission it looks like I cannot rebroadcast the Amber Alerts which come out over My Emerg Weather Receive on My Repeaters I am sure others have this on the Repeters too This will be interesting to see if anyone is a actually charged with this Don KA9QJG Statutes Amended In Order of Appearance 20 ILCS 2615/11 new 20 ILCS 2615/12 new Synopsis As Introduced Amends the State Police Radio Act. Provides that a person receiving public safety voice or data communication transmitted via the facilities of the State's public safety radio system by wire or radio shall not, without the written authority of the originator of the communication, rebroadcast the communication via any means, including radio or Internet, or otherwise divulge or publish the existence, contents, substance, purport, effect, or meaning thereof. Provides that this provision does not apply to the public safety radio communication transmitted by any system station for the use of the general public, including Amber Alerts and other communications specifically intended for rebroadcast to the public. Provides that radio access to the public safety radio system within the State may only be accomplished upon receipt of written authorization granted by the appropriately licensed authority. Provides that a violation of these provisions is a Class A misdemeanor. Effective immediately. http://tinyurl.com/yf3on2y
RE: [Repeater-Builder] Unlawful in Il to Rebroadcast Public Safety Communications
That's not true. Certain information (that which is specifically intended for rebroadcast to the public) MAY be rebroadcast. The statute (both Federal and State) has to do with privileged communications, not material which is intended for public consumption. It appears to me that this law is redundant. but then again most of the Gov't is redundant, so what else is new. WM4B _ From: Repeater-Builder@yahoogroups.com [mailto:repeater-buil...@yahoogroups.com] On Behalf Of James Delancy Sent: Thursday, February 18, 2010 10:31 PM To: Repeater-Builder@yahoogroups.com Subject: Re: [Repeater-Builder] Unlawful in Il to Rebroadcast Public Safety Communications Then it is a federal matter and not that I am much good with this legal stuff ... but no matter where you are, it is illegal to divulge what you hear to a 3rd party ... that would include a re-broadcast via IP or radio anyway?? So with that, aren't all the scanner sites illegal? James Paul Plack wrote: Don, the copy of the statute you quoted specifically exempts communications transmitted ...for the use of the general public, including Amber Alerts. What I want to know is, what if you set up across the state line with a yagi, and put it on the web from there? Your QTH would be just the place from which to do it! Nyah-nyah, Illinois! 73, Paul, AE4KR
RE: [Repeater-Builder] Programming a CAT1000
Joe, Have you got a manual? If not, it's available on the CATAUTO website. You need to do a Dipswitch 7 reset to reset the password. Per the manual: Switch 7 This switch is used to initialize the CAT-1000B. Set this switch to ON. Cycle the power OFF and back ON. During power-up, the memory will be flushed and reloaded with default values. The voice will say: RESET DATA LOAD COMPLETED. Set switch #7 to the OFF position. Don't forget, if you're programming by the Serial Port, you have to set Dipswitch 8 ON before programming and OFF again when complete. This switch is used to program a new unlock number. Set switch 8 to ON. The voice will say: ENTER CONTROL. After the seven-digit unlock number is entered, set switch 8 to OFF. This switch is also used to activate the CAT-1000B computer interface. This permits programming of the CAT-1000B through the RS-232 serial port. Set dipswitch 8 to ON and apply power to the CAT-1000B. After the power up message is complete, the CAT- 1000B will automatically switch to the computer terminal programming mode. This RS- 232 port is configured Mike -Original Message- From: Repeater-Builder@yahoogroups.com [mailto:Repeater- buil...@yahoogroups.com] On Behalf Of Joe Sent: Monday, December 07, 2009 6:02 PM To: Repeater-Builder@yahoogroups.com Subject: [Repeater-Builder] Programming a CAT1000 I found my DOS disk program, but can't find my notes on how to use the program. Anyone have this information? Also, it looks like someone changed the default password of cat1000, does anyone know if it can be reset? I'm working on a repeater for a club and I'm trying to get it off my bench, any help is appreciated! 73, Joe, K1ike Yahoo! Groups Links
RE: [Repeater-Builder] Programming a CAT1000
Good luck, Joe. I went through that drill a couple of years ago. I managed to get it all straightened out and documented, but it was quite a headache at the time. 73, Mike WM4B _ From: Repeater-Builder@yahoogroups.com [mailto:repeater-buil...@yahoogroups.com] On Behalf Of Joe Sent: Monday, December 07, 2009 8:52 PM To: Repeater-Builder@yahoogroups.com Subject: Re: [Repeater-Builder] Programming a CAT1000 Thanks Mike, This is an older cat1000 and not the B model. I'm trying to short-cut this repair to get it off my bench but it looks like I'm going to have to dig into things. This is an older Spectrum Communications repeater with the CAT1000 controller. The original builder is long gone and there are many mods done with no documentation. A small repair favor for a club looks like it's going to be in my basement for awhile until I figure things out. 73, Joe, K1ike Mike Besemer (WM4B) wrote: Joe, Have you got a manual? If not, it's available on the CATAUTO website.
RE: [Repeater-Builder] OT: Astron RM-20A-BB Question
How is it overpriced? The BB is currently selling for $9 LESS than the non-BB at my favorite vendor. Mike WM4B From: Repeater-Builder@yahoogroups.com [mailto:repeater-buil...@yahoogroups.com] On Behalf Of Mike Morris WA6ILQ Sent: Saturday, November 21, 2009 1:26 AM To: Repeater-Builder@yahoogroups.com Subject: Re: [Repeater-Builder] OT: Astron RM-20A-BB Question The BB option is an overpriced pair of big diodes, and a resetting of the voltage pot. See the Astron page at www.repeater-builder.com At 07:08 PM 11/20/09, you wrote: I have a RM-50. It has a 1/4 stud, by 1 1/4. What is the BB option on your Astron? I await your reply. 73's, Jim Kh6jkg. -Original Message- From: Mike Besemer (WM4B) mwbese...@cox.net To: Repeater-Builder@yahoogroups.com; amateur-repa...@yahoogroups.com Sent: Fri, Nov 20, 2009 1:35 am Subject: [Repeater-Builder] OT: Astron RM-20A-BB Question Sorry for the Off-Topic post, but I know that this group is a great resource for questions like this. I'm thinking of purchasing an Astron RM-20A-BB to consolidate my power source for all the ancillary equipment at my site (WX radio, link radio, APRS radio, APRS tracker, etc), but I'd like to know what the power output terminal are. I suspect they're 1/4 studs, but would like to know for sure. Thanks in advance es 73, Mike WM4B
[Repeater-Builder] OT: Astron RM-20A-BB Question
Sorry for the Off-Topic post, but I know that this group is a great resource for questions like this. I'm thinking of purchasing an Astron RM-20A-BB to consolidate my power source for all the ancillary equipment at my site (WX radio, link radio, APRS radio, APRS tracker, etc), but I'd like to know what the power output terminal are. I suspect they're 1/4 studs, but would like to know for sure. Thanks in advance es 73, Mike WM4B
RE: [Repeater-Builder] OT: Astron RM-20A-BB Question
Switching for Battery Backup. _ From: Repeater-Builder@yahoogroups.com [mailto:repeater-buil...@yahoogroups.com] On Behalf Of kh6...@netscape.net Sent: Friday, November 20, 2009 10:08 PM To: Repeater-Builder@yahoogroups.com Subject: Re: [Repeater-Builder] OT: Astron RM-20A-BB Question I have a RM-50. It has a 1/4 stud, by 1 1/4. What is the BB option on your Astron? I await your reply. 73's,JimKh6jkg. -Original Message- From: Mike Besemer (WM4B) mwbese...@cox.net To: Repeater-Builder@yahoogroups.com; amateur-repa...@yahoogroups.com Sent: Fri, Nov 20, 2009 1:35 am Subject: [Repeater-Builder] OT: Astron RM-20A-BB Question Sorry for the Off-Topic post, but I know that this group is a great resource for questions like this. I'm thinking of purchasing an Astron RM-20A-BB to consolidate my power source for all the ancillary equipment at my site (WX radio, link radio, APRS radio, APRS tracker, etc), but I'd like to know what the power output terminal are. I suspect they're 1/4 studs, but would like to know for sure. Thanks in advance es 73, Mike WM4B
RE: [Repeater-Builder] Pager Interference to 2-meter VHF Public Service Band
Joe, The problem isn't traffic dependant (10 am being a busy time), as I monitor on and off all day and there is PLENTY of traffic all day long. It seems to have more to do with temperature. You can clearly hear the signals come on and fade off frequency. It's also easy to hear which transmitter is sending the pages. I have two dual band radios in my vehicle. Typically one is on the repeater output, one on the input, one of VHF paging and one on UHF paging. It's also been confirmed by having the owner send test bursts by specific transmitters. The other two UHF frequencies are also paging transmitters. Good thoughts about the transmitter self-oscillating when unkeyed... that's another road we can go down. Speaking of going down roads. what I really need is more help! Several of our club members are engaged in assisting, but what I really need is a dedicated team of folks. Having to work for a living is taking a serious bite out my tracking time! 73, Mike WM4B From: Repeater-Builder@yahoogroups.com [mailto:repeater-buil...@yahoogroups.com] On Behalf Of Joe Sent: Wednesday, October 28, 2009 11:51 PM To: Repeater-Builder@yahoogroups.com Subject: Re: [Repeater-Builder] Pager Interference to 2-meter VHF Public Service Band Hello Mike. The first clue is that the signal is moving up and down the 2 meter band. This would tell me that something not frequency controlled is causing the interference. Not frequency controlled would mean that the transmitter is not crystal or GPS locked to a specific frequency. Now, something that is frequency controlled may be involved with the IMD mix, but the signal that is free running is possibly causing an IMD mix to drift. I have seen this happen in a PA when it was NOT transmitting. We had a case of a paging transmitter PA that would go into self oscillation when it was not keyed by the exciter. The PA had power to it at all times and it would create interference when it was idle. Some random thoughts: Your paging company signal may be mixing with it, but they may not be the culprit. 10AM can be busy time for a paging company, so the fact that it happens around that time would not be unusual. How do you know the data is from a specific paging company? Did you listen to their signal and the interference at the same time? Is it exactly the same? He says that he has remote control of the transmitters. What happens when he shuts them both off? As someone else pointed out, does he have a link frequency that he ties the sites together with? The link transmitter may be causing the interference, or be part of the RF mix. An IMD program will be useless to figure the IMD of a drifting transmitter that is part of a mix. You said 462.850 and 462.925 are also involved. What is on those frequencies? Who is on these frequencies and how are they involved? A lightning hit may have caused this all to happen. In my last job I troubleshooted lots of interference. You really need to take an antenna and directional find the source of the interference. It is time consuming, but will lead you to the physical source of the interference. Don't be fooled that it is positively the paging companies fault, as it may just be a mix in some other service PA. The last one I found was interference on a 53.85 Mhz repeater. At first, the culprit seemed to be the NOAA weather station on 162.55Mhz. NOAA weather audio was coming through the repeater crystal clear. It turned out to be a telemetry station PA that was mixing 4 X 53.85 - 162.55 = 52.85Mhz. The mix was exactly on the input! The telemetry station was owned by the water company that allowed us on the site, so we ended up moving the repeater to 53.71Mhz. We could have pushed the water company to fix their equipment, but probably would have been asked to leave the site. Sometimes diplomacy rules. I worked for paging companies for quite awhile and know that they get a bad rap, probably rightfully so for the most part. This sounds like the paging company is willing to work with you. My gut feeling is that you are going to find something else causing the problem. Again, diplomacy rules. 73, Joe, K1ike Mike wrote: A couple of weeks ago, our repeater system started to experience interference from a paging system. The repeater is on 146.850 (-600 KHz), with the antenna system about 120 feet up a water tower. T
RE: [Repeater-Builder] Pager Interference to 2-meter VHF Public Service Band
Joe, I was told (caveat) that he verified the spectrum after the interference started. Since he's investing quite a bit of time into helping clear this up, I have to believe he's done that. 73, Mike WM4B From: Repeater-Builder@yahoogroups.com [mailto:repeater-buil...@yahoogroups.com] On Behalf Of MCH Sent: Wednesday, October 28, 2009 11:51 PM To: Repeater-Builder@yahoogroups.com Subject: Re: [Repeater-Builder] Pager Interference to 2-meter VHF Public Service Band I have to wonder how he can say his stuff is clean when this just started a couple weeks ago. Did he perform a PM check within the last two weeks? Unlikely. Stuff can go south in a minute, and seldom just before you check it. Joe M. Paul Plack wrote: Mike, If it moves around based on time of day, my first guess is a PA that's gone bad, and has a parasitic that's temperature-related. If you've tracked an individual spur drifting 70 kHz up the band during a single transmission, this is not some (intentional) oscillator drifting, but some combination of failed components or tuning which has produced a parasitic. Sorry to say, but a paging transmitter owner swearing his stuff is clean is pretty meaningless. The assumption in his industry is the professionals who maintain his stuff are not the problem, it's those damn hams. Sadly, it may more often be the other way around these days, as companies maintaining paging equipment have transitioned to underpaid, under-trained card-swappers instead of component-level technicians with a clue about RF systems. 73, Paul, AE4KR - Original Message - *From:* Mike mailto:mwbese...@cox.net mailto:mwbesemer%40cox.net *To:* Repeater-Builder@yahoogroups.com mailto:Repeater-Builder%40yahoogroups.com mailto:Repeater-Builder@yahoogroups.com mailto:Repeater-Builder%40yahoogroups.com *Sent:* Wednesday, October 28, 2009 12:28 PM *Subject:* [Repeater-Builder] Pager Interference to 2-meter VHF Public Service Band A couple of weeks ago, our repeater system started to experience interference from a paging system... ...one evening I tracked it from about 145.120 to 145.190 as it swept through each transmission... . -- Internal Virus Database is out of date. Checked by AVG - www.avg.com Version: 8.5.387 / Virus Database: 270.13.38/2274 - Release Date: 07/31/09 05:58:00
RE: [Repeater-Builder] Pager Interference to 2-meter VHF Public Service Band
Paul, I'm with ya on your third paragraph. We've worked well together so far, but we have very different techniques and motivations. Right now, my motivation is to make is stop before I go crazy. I'm hearing paging tones in my sleep! I kinda think one of the sites took a lightning strike about the time this started (we had a pretty good lightning event about that time), so I think the PA is a good possibility. Or an isolator/combiner. I'd like to have the first whack with a baseball bat when we find it! 73, Mike WM4B From: Repeater-Builder@yahoogroups.com [mailto:repeater-buil...@yahoogroups.com] On Behalf Of Paul Plack Sent: Wednesday, October 28, 2009 6:29 PM To: Repeater-Builder@yahoogroups.com Subject: Re: [Repeater-Builder] Pager Interference to 2-meter VHF Public Service Band Mike, If it moves around based on time of day, my first guess is a PA that's gone bad, and has a parasitic that's temperature-related. If you've tracked an individual spur drifting 70 kHz up the band during a single transmission, this is not some (intentional) oscillator drifting, but some combination of failed components or tuning which has produced a parasitic. Sorry to say, but a paging transmitter owner swearing his stuff is clean is pretty meaningless. The assumption in his industry is the professionals who maintain his stuff are not the problem, it's those damn hams. Sadly, it may more often be the other way around these days, as companies maintaining paging equipment have transitioned to underpaid, under-trained card-swappers instead of component-level technicians with a clue about RF systems. 73, Paul, AE4KR - Original Message - From: Mike mailto:mwbese...@cox.net To: Repeater-Builder@yahoogroups.com Sent: Wednesday, October 28, 2009 12:28 PM Subject: [Repeater-Builder] Pager Interference to 2-meter VHF Public Service Band A couple of weeks ago, our repeater system started to experience interference from a paging system... ...one evening I tracked it from about 145.120 to 145.190 as it swept through each transmission... . http://geo.yahoo.com/serv?s=97359714/grpId=104168/grpspId=1705063108/msgId= 95309/stime=1256754552/nc1=4025338/nc2=5191953/nc3=5741393
RE: [Repeater-Builder] Pager Interference to 2-meter VHF Public Service Band
Ya'll know as much as I do about what the paging equipment is. I'm working with limited knowledge. only what gets passed on to me from the owner. I'll ask about that, as well as the exciter frequencies. From: Repeater-Builder@yahoogroups.com [mailto:repeater-buil...@yahoogroups.com] On Behalf Of Kevin King Sent: Wednesday, October 28, 2009 6:02 PM To: Repeater-Builder@yahoogroups.com Subject: RE: [Repeater-Builder] Pager Interference to 2-meter VHF Public Service Band I would look at the exciter freq on the uhf paging transmitter. It would help with some info on the paging transmitters. Model and such. -Original Message- From: Repeater-Builder@yahoogroups.com mailto:Repeater-Builder%40yahoogroups.com [mailto:Repeater-Builder@yahoogroups.com mailto:Repeater-Builder%40yahoogroups.com ] On Behalf Of Mike Sent: Wednesday, October 28, 2009 1:29 PM To: Repeater-Builder@yahoogroups.com mailto:Repeater-Builder%40yahoogroups.com Subject: [Repeater-Builder] Pager Interference to 2-meter VHF Public Service Band A couple of weeks ago, our repeater system started to experience interference from a paging system. The repeater is on 146.850 (-600 KHz), with the antenna system about 120 feet up a water tower. The repeater itself is an Advanced Communications System KRP-5000 running 35 watts through a set of 4 WACOM cans. The feedline is 7/8 hardline feeding a DB-224. All jumpers are RG-214 MILSPEC with MILSPEC connectors. This system has been in service for years and has never given us any problems, and we are the only ones at the site. To be clear, the interference we are experiencing is clearly audible on the repeater input. I have the capability to monitor via telephone and have heard it on the receiver, and I've also traveled to the site and heard the interference on my mobile radio hooked to the repeater antenna. The interference is also audible on the input in various locations around town. Also, the interference can be heard on the input regardless of whether or not the repeater transmitter is on. It also continued to be present during several days of continuous heavy rain. The interference typically shows up at least once a day, although some days (rarely) it does not show up at all and other days it will show up several times. Lately, it's been making an appearance around 10 a.m. and hangs around for an hour or two. As it begins to disappear, it sounds as though it is moving off frequency. This interference has also been heard on at least two other repeaters in the area. One is about 22 air-miles from the 146.85 machine and is on 145.110 (-600 KHz). It has also been heard on or near the output frequency of that machine, and one evening I tracked it from about 145.120 to 145.190 as it swept through each transmission. The other repeater it has been heard on is 147.300 (+600 KHz). I also have reports from a neighboring county a ham/deputy sheriff there has been hearing it on VHF public safety frequencies. As you can see, it's all over the place. I've been working with the owner of a local paging company and we can clearly tell that the data we're hearing is coming from 152.480 and 462.775. He has two sites (about 20 miles apart) that simulcasts on both frequencies and when those transmitters are active it's easy to tell that the data is the same. He also tells me that he can key each transmitter separately and the data from each transmitter will be heard on our repeater. We also believe that there are other systems on nearby frequencies that are being heard on our repeater, specifically 462.850 and 462.925. I've run IMD numbers on everything I can think of, but can't come up with a common thread. For it to be moving all through the 2-meter band and for it to be mixing with several different frequencies, it seems to me that it's got to be very ugly and unstable. What am I missing here? Mike WM4B Yahoo! Groups Links
RE: [Repeater-Builder] Pager Interference to 2-meter VHF Public Service Band
Strangely enough, I happen to be an O-O (as is the another club member, who sponsors the 145.110 repeater. which is also being interfered with) and have been in touch with our coordinator. He's been very helpful in urging us along and providing us guidance (or reassurance) that we're going about this the right way. He's also indicated that he's willing to go to ARRL HQ with it if we need to and then let them go lateral to the FCC. We had a great experience with Laura Smith about a year ago when we needed help convincing a banned user to stay off our systems. It took one letter to her (complete with recordings) and one phone call to get our banned user a nice letter from Laura reminding him that he really couldn't afford to pay what she was prepared to charge him for using our repeater! So. I think that, armed with enough ammunition, we can go that route. However, I REALLY don't want to. The fellow who owns the paging company has tried to work with us, and although it's not going as fast as we'd like, I understand that he's got a different motivation than we do.Aside from that, he helped us out with a professional climbing crew a couple of years ago, got us a good deal on a DB-224, and cut us a break on some hardline and connectors. The bottom line is, it's not a relationship we want to end through a Federal intervention! That being said, I HAVE reminded him that he's admitted that we're carrying his data on our repeater, and whether or not it's his equipment at fault or somebody else's, HE'S going to be the first person they come looking for and it'll be a terrible pain in his butt. and wallet. He acknowledges that fact. So. while I'd like for him to do some things differently. I get where he's coming from and I appreciate that he's helped as much as he has. On the other hand, if it turns out to be equipment that belongs to another company. I'll drop a dime in a heartbeat if I don't get satisfaction from them! 73, Mike WM4B From: Repeater-Builder@yahoogroups.com [mailto:repeater-buil...@yahoogroups.com] On Behalf Of Paul Plack Sent: Wednesday, October 28, 2009 7:48 PM To: Repeater-Builder@yahoogroups.com Subject: Re: [Repeater-Builder] Pager Interference to 2-meter VHF Public Service Band Mike, the interference is clearly not caused by your own rusty roof, and is both eggregious and easily documented. I know we hate to go there unless it's a last resort, but I'll bet the FCC is almost as tired of non-compliant pager systems as we are. Perhaps that technique would prove motivating. - Original Message - From: Mike Besemer (WM4B) mailto:mwbese...@cox.net To: Repeater-Builder@yahoogroups.com Sent: Wednesday, October 28, 2009 5:34 PM Subject: RE: [Repeater-Builder] Pager Interference to 2-meter VHF Public Service Band I'm with ya on your third paragraph. We've worked well together so far, but we have very different techniques and motivations... . http://geo.yahoo.com/serv?s=97359714/grpId=104168/grpspId=1705063108/msgId= 95324/stime=1256772865/nc1=4025338/nc2=5733770/nc3=4836037
RE: [Repeater-Builder] kendecom repeaters on 220
Well, I had to ask. I'm sure I can figure it out, but I'm WAY too old to think about reinventing the wheel if I don't have to! 73, Mike WM4B _ From: Repeater-Builder@yahoogroups.com [mailto:repeater-buil...@yahoogroups.com] On Behalf Of n...@no6b.com Sent: Thursday, October 22, 2009 10:21 PM To: Repeater-Builder@yahoogroups.com Subject: RE: [Repeater-Builder] kendecom repeaters on 220 At 10/22/2009 08:06, you wrote: Bob, Have you got a diagram or notes on how you did your installation? Unfortunately, no. It was done for a friend's repeater that was partially stolen (including the RX); the remaining pieces were sold. Bob NO6B
RE: [Repeater-Builder] kendecom repeaters on 220
Anybody got any suggestions about fixing the squelch circuit? (Spare me the 'get a REAL repeater' comments please!) Is the MICOR squelch still available? Anybody done it to one of these? I've got 3 of these beasts (2 in service and one spare) and the squelch on one of them in particular is pretty lousy. 73, Mike WM4B From: Repeater-Builder@yahoogroups.com [mailto:repeater-buil...@yahoogroups.com] On Behalf Of Nate Duehr Sent: Tuesday, October 20, 2009 11:48 PM To: Repeater-Builder@yahoogroups.com Subject: Re: [Repeater-Builder] kendecom repeaters on 220 On Oct 18, 2009, at 11:28 AM, Jed Barton wrote: Hey guys, I'm working with a group and have given them several suggestions for repeaters on 220 including hipro, ge, moto, etc. One thing i don't know much about is the kendecom, and thought i would ask since they want to know. As far as relyability, good, bad? Reliability: Looking inside ours, at the quality of the components, I would have given it only a few years before it fried. Surprisingly it's been up for way over 10 years now. Maybe 20? Originally installed when novices were given 220 MHz voice priveleges, hard linked to 2m, so they could talk to the higher license classes. We keep meaning to replace it with a converted MASTR II, but it hasn't forced us to make it a priority, if you catch my drift. Complaints match Kevin and other's comments: Squelch action, crappy. Seriously crappy. Way too much hysteresis means you have to crank it way up to get any kind of decent squelch action. RX is relatively deaf, but workable with a pre-amp. (220 is so darn QUIET, it's hard NOT to hear signals... so it works, but it could work a LOT better.) Like almost everyone else, the club's main techs at the time, ripped out/bypassed the internal controller. It was so long ago, I wasn't even a Ham back then (prior to 1991 for sure!) and did a custom interface to an S-Com controller. Sounds like they'll do it for you at the factory these days. The really annoying one for us has been this: TX frequency stability is very poor. We have to put it back on TX frequency on a regular basis (annually at least). The potentiometer quality used for this adjustment is abysmal and gets worse to fiddle with every year it gets older. Another one of those dilemmas... mess with it and put in a multi-turn pot, or just replace the whole thing with a GE?... (We just had our first neighbor pair on 220 utilized in the area, and the owner is someone I know. He noted that we're off frequency in his direction (this time) a little bit, and I promised him I'd go tweak the thing again at first opportunity.) Oh... almost forgot about this one: Getting the cover off and working on the thing in a rack-mount environment is a complete PITA. Put a rack shelf under it for when you need to get at the guts. Have a place to put all the little screws (or ditch half of them and never put them back) and make your cabling long enough to turn the thing upside down on the shelf if you have to troubleshoot the underside of any of the circuit boards. Ours took a lightning hit -- again, more than ten years ago -- which toasted some of the metering circuitry, making the pretty little meters on the front, somewhat useless in some modes of the switches. Unbelievable that it survived, it has ball lightning marks at the screw holes in the front in the blue paint, to this day. Oh, by the way... lesson learned... scrape the pretty blue paint off around those holes and get down to bare metal before shooting your rack screws into it. Waste of pretty blue paint, since you want your rack rails properly grounded to the repeater's case anyway. Four or five years ago, we found a dried out capacitor in the audio chain that caused it to sound horrible. (Perhaps that's why Bob can always tell them, and other people rave about their audio... again, low quality components...) It was a chore to follow the audio chain through the thing (upside down) with a scope to find the stage that was dead. Once found, and replaced, it popped back to the usual good quality audio we were used to hearing out of it.) My plan has always just been to replace it... everything else in the network other than the 1.2 GHz analog machine, is GE MASTR II's... no reason not to continue the standardization process eventually, when other more pressing issues are completed. Working on the MASTR II's is just easier. It'd make a good basement/backyard repeater. On a mountain, in tight working quarters in a rack, it's a pain, and the build quality just isn't what we like to use. The MASTR II shelves are MADE to drop them open and work on them on- site... etc. Why fight with it? It ever dies, it's not getting repaired to go back to the hill. That's probably enough. I won't bash them completely, but I wouldn't put another into service. Especially not at their very proud of this blue box NEW pricing. Ouch. --
RE: [Repeater-Builder] kendecom repeaters on 220
Thanks Kevin. As soon as I get the infamous round-tuit, Im gonna look into that. 73, Mike WM4B From: Repeater-Builder@yahoogroups.com [mailto:repeater-buil...@yahoogroups.com] On Behalf Of Kevin Custer Sent: Wednesday, October 21, 2009 7:56 PM To: Repeater-Builder@yahoogroups.com Subject: Re: [Repeater-Builder] kendecom repeaters on 220 The MICOR squelch is available from Link Comm, but its price has become a bit hard to swallow (IMHO) (currently $110.00 not including shipping). With that in mind, you could obtain a Audio Squelch Board from a mobile or station (cheap) and carefully extract the squelch chip and build your own. Here are some links: http://www.link-comm.com/lpage.php?cid=2 http://www.repeater-builder.com/micor/micor-bi-level-squelch-theory.html http://www.repeater-builder.com/temp/micor-bilevel.gif Good luck! Kevin Custer anybody got any suggestions about fixing the squelch circuit? (Spare me the get a REAL repeater comments please!) Is the MICOR squelch still available? Anybody done it to one of these? Ive got 3 of these beasts (2 in service and one spare) and the squelch on one of them in particular is pretty lousy. 73, Mike WM4B
RE: [Repeater-Builder] Re: kendecom repeaters on 220
Only 550mA at 24 volts. but the left out the 12 volts that feeds the driver! Nonetheless, I've got two of them in service on 2 meters and they both are doing very well. I had a glitch at the site that left one of them keyed almost continuously for about 12 hours and it didn't miss a beat. They ARE proud ($$) of them though! 73, Mike WM4B From: Repeater-Builder@yahoogroups.com [mailto:repeater-buil...@yahoogroups.com] On Behalf Of Paul Plack Sent: Monday, October 19, 2009 4:22 PM To: Repeater-Builder@yahoogroups.com Subject: Re: [Repeater-Builder] Re: kendecom repeaters on 220 Now Skipp, they're obviously protecting some very impressive technology. Look down the specs...their high-power 2m transmitter does 30 watts out while drawing only 500 mA at 24V. I don't care where you live...250% efficiency, including all stages, is impressive! ;^) 73, Paul, AE4KR - Original Message - From: skipp025 mailto:skipp...@yahoo.com To: Repeater-Builder@yahoogroups.com Sent: Monday, October 19, 2009 9:37 AM Subject: [Repeater-Builder] Re: kendecom repeaters on 220 I gotta laugh at their web pages a bit... http://www.advcommsys.com/mr4receiver.html http://www.advcommsys.com/mt4transmitter.html Lots of pictures of the outside of boxes but no internal circuit board views. Why can't we see what's under the hood? . http://geo.yahoo.com/serv?s=97359714/grpId=104168/grpspId=1705063108/msgId= 95074/stime=1255966655/nc1=1/nc2=2/nc3=3
RE: [Repeater-Builder] Re: kendecom repeaters on 220
That's 'continuous, 90% duty cycle'! Mike WM4B From: Repeater-Builder@yahoogroups.com [mailto:repeater-buil...@yahoogroups.com] On Behalf Of Paul Plack Sent: Monday, October 19, 2009 4:25 PM To: Repeater-Builder@yahoogroups.com Subject: Re: [Repeater-Builder] Re: kendecom repeaters on 220 On the transmitter page, ACS says, all our products are rated for continuous commercial duty. Then, a little lower, 90% DUTY CYCLE Do they even know? 73, Paul, AE4KR - Original Message - From: skipp025 mailto:skipp...@yahoo.com To: Repeater-Builder@yahoogroups.com Sent: Monday, October 19, 2009 9:37 AM Subject: [Repeater-Builder] Re: kendecom repeaters on 220 I gotta laugh at their web pages a bit... http://www.advcommsys.com/mr4receiver.html http://www.advcommsys.com/mt4transmitter.html . http://geo.yahoo.com/serv?s=97359714/grpId=104168/grpspId=1705063108/msgId= 95074/stime=1255966655/nc1=1/nc2=2/nc3=3
RE: [Repeater-Builder] OT: Tape
H. wonder when it became 'Queer Tape'? For the 24 years I was in, it was F-4 tape. (Anybody who ever worked F-4's knows why!) I still work for the Air Force. I'll have to ask some of the Spark Chaser and Pointy Heads! 73, Mike WM4B From: Repeater-Builder@yahoogroups.com [mailto:repeater-buil...@yahoogroups.com] On Behalf Of Kris Kirby Sent: Thursday, September 10, 2009 6:37 AM To: Repeater-Builder@yahoogroups.com Subject: Re: [Repeater-Builder] OT: Tape On Wed, 9 Sep 2009, Majdi S. Abbas wrote: Self-vulcanizing rubber tape is GREAT for splices. However, you need something to wrap it with to protect the rubber...and there's where the friction tape comes in. Traditional splices were self-vulcanizing rubber underneath friction tape for this reason (and it's the reason they are all still available.) There is a type of tape used by the Air Force which is based on silicone which has a unique property of not sticking to hands or anything else except itself. I believe you stretch it a little when you're applying it, but once it's been applied, it is a completely single unit and cannot be unwrapped. (I tried.) The unofficial Air Force term for it is Queer Tape, Times Microwave sells it in their kits for connector sealing. -- Kris Kirby, KE4AHR Disinformation Analyst
RE: [Repeater-Builder] Re: De-sense question
There's a great document on the RB website that discusses desense. If you haven't looked at it, I'd definitely recommend it. 73, Mike WM4B _ From: Repeater-Builder@yahoogroups.com [mailto:repeater-buil...@yahoogroups.com] On Behalf Of jmp46534 Sent: Monday, September 07, 2009 10:26 AM To: Repeater-Builder@yahoogroups.com Subject: [Repeater-Builder] Re: De-sense question Thanks Oz for the comments. You are right it could be the duplexer, but my money is still on that used antenna. I know when I moved the duplexer to here, I had it wrapped in a blanket and strapped in to the car seat like a baby. I found a document on hooking a handheld to the transmit side and adjusting for maximum output. Guess that is my next step since I don't have a service monitor. 73 John --- In Repeater-Builder@ mailto:Repeater-Builder%40yahoogroups.com yahoogroups.com, Rich Osman li...@... wrote: John, Some comments and observations; Moving a 30 or 40 year old might radio invalidate the fact that it was working at the other site. Duplexers, particularly 'vintage' duplexers don't always travel well. This is particularly true when the person doing the alignment forgets to run the locking nuts in... (Of course I've never done this.) Of course **I've** never made a mistake reconnecting stuff after a radio's been moved, either. ;-) The idea of a binary search is valid and lets you verify the facts you think you know. It doesn't hurt to prove that it's the site and not the radio. Finally, remember what happens when you assume... Oz jmp46534 wrote: Thanks guys for all the answers and suggestions. I will try most of them, probably not the isolator until we can find one. The interconnecting cables for the duplexer are from Wacom and are a matched set of RG214 that came with the 6 cans. I also have RG214 going from the cans to radio and bandpass. The radio was tuned using a service monitor by the Ham that set up all of equipment. He owns multiple repeaters and does know what he is doing. It worked fine when it was on his tower. The only changes have been the coax and antenna now that it is here on our tower. That is why I am thinking it must be in the antenna. Oh, I am using a Daiwa CN 801 wattmeter/swr meter with a RG214 cable. Off to try some of your ideas. Thanks and 73 John, W3ML -- mailto:o...@... Oz POB 93167 Southlake, TX 76092 (Near DFW Airport)
RE: [Repeater-Builder] Re: Repeaters and Water Towers
That's pretty much what we have here as well. We do have a formal contract with the county that spells everything out, but in general the water authority guys know who's allowed to be there. I've been maintaining our system on that tower for about 6 years and I think I know all the water guys. Most of them stop by the shack to talk whenever they come out (and I'm sure they're checking up on me as well). We have a daisy-chain lock system and the one time that somebody bypassed my lock, the water guys were out in a very short time to unlock their lock for me. They were also very responsive when I called about a power outage (blown circuit breaker inside the pump-house due to a lightning strike on the tower). partially because we're on the same circuit as the beacon lighting on top of the tower. (They were happy I let them know that power was out and the beacon had gone dark.) Same thing when they hit our power cable with a backhoe. it was repaired within 4 hours of the accident. We do have a good relationship with the county, the city, and the EMA. Our ARES program is growing by leaps and bounds and the county is very happy to know that we're here to help. Building that relationship over the years and providing a little bit of public service has gone a LONG way with keeping out happy home on the tower. BTW, in another community about 30 miles from here, the city BEGGED us to put a repeater up. They gave us a spot on the tower, including a DB-224 and feedline. They also gave us a spot in their shack and we get free power. Needless to say, I jumped through hoops getting a repeater installed there. 73, Mike WM4B _ From: Repeater-Builder@yahoogroups.com [mailto:repeater-buil...@yahoogroups.com] On Behalf Of NORM KNAPP Sent: Thursday, August 20, 2009 9:56 PM To: Repeater-Builder@yahoogroups.com Subject: Re: [Repeater-Builder] Re: Repeaters and Water Towers From what I understand from talking to people who work for water authorities in my particular area, the fenses and gates must be in good order and access must be restricted (whatever that means). Having said that, my friend WX4MOB was just given permission to put his repeater on one of the local water authorities tanks free of charge. - Original Message - From: Repeater-Builder@ mailto:Repeater-Builder%40yahoogroups.com yahoogroups.com Repeater-Builder@ mailto:Repeater-Builder%40yahoogroups.com yahoogroups.com To: Repeater-Builder@ mailto:Repeater-Builder%40yahoogroups.com yahoogroups.com Repeater-Builder@ mailto:Repeater-Builder%40yahoogroups.com yahoogroups.com Sent: Thu Aug 20 20:27:02 2009 Subject: Re: [Repeater-Builder] Re: Repeaters and Water Towers I worked for local government for almost 35 years, retiring last year. We had both municipal water and electric departments. There was absolutely no homeland security involvement with our utilities. Sounds like your municipality is feeding someone a line. Chuck WB2EDV - Original Message - From: kc8fwd kc8...@hotmail. mailto:kc8fwd%40hotmail.com com mailto:kc8fwd%40hotmail.com To: Repeater-Builder@ mailto:Repeater-Builder%40yahoogroups.com yahoogroups.com mailto:Repeater-Builder%40yahoogroups.com Sent: Thursday, August 20, 2009 9:14 PM Subject: [Repeater-Builder] Re: Repeaters and Water Towers We have a repeater at a water tower site and they are concerned that they can get in trouble if they let us have access.It has been there for six months.I am just taking over getting it to run at par.They just don't want to get in trouble with homeland security.
RE: [Repeater-Builder] how do I turn off email notice?
Ron, I think Yahoo is having issues. I quit a group 2 days ago and I'm still getting emails. I even rejoined and quit again and it didn't help. 73, Mike WM4B From: Repeater-Builder@yahoogroups.com [mailto:repeater-buil...@yahoogroups.com] On Behalf Of ron Sent: Wednesday, July 29, 2009 6:51 PM To: Repeater-Builder@yahoogroups.com Subject: [Repeater-Builder] how do I turn off email notice? I selected web only so I don't get my email box filled up every day with posts. How do I turn it off?
RE: [Repeater-Builder] Re: Closed Repeaters
That's true, John. but it was the national simplex calling frequency BEFORE repeaters were invented. It just happens to lie in an island in the middle of the subbands. 73, Mike WM4B From: Repeater-Builder@yahoogroups.com [mailto:repeater-buil...@yahoogroups.com] On Behalf Of JOHN MACKEY Sent: Sunday, July 26, 2009 3:05 PM To: Repeater-Builder@yahoogroups.com Subject: RE: [Repeater-Builder] Re: Closed Repeaters -- Original Message -- Received: Sun, 26 Jul 2009 11:55:42 AM PDT To: Repeater-Builder@yahoogroups.com mailto:Repeater-Builder%40yahoogroups.com Today if someone is using the output of a repeater frequency for a simplex conversation and someone else wanted to use the repeater then there would be interference to the conversation that was first on that frequency. Could this be considered malicious interference? Times like this it is interesting to point out the best known simplex freq of 146.52 MHz is in the repeater sub-band and NOT the simplex sub-band!!
RE: [Repeater-Builder] Re: Closed Repeaters
Martin, It SOUNDS as though he's trying to help. Why not give him the list and see what happens? That's how we obtained coordination for one of our systems here in GA. Mike WM4B From: Repeater-Builder@yahoogroups.com [mailto:repeater-buil...@yahoogroups.com] On Behalf Of rahwayflynn Sent: Sunday, July 26, 2009 5:24 PM To: Repeater-Builder@yahoogroups.com Subject: [Repeater-Builder] Re: Closed Repeaters Mr. Alfieri, I understand you are a volunteer, and appreciate your efforts on behalf of the amateur community. I also understand that MetroCor does not have the resources to track down out-of-service machines, and depends on the honesty of the amateur to relinquish coordination when he takes a system permanently out of service. That being said, and with all due respect: Over a 60 day period, if I cannot bring up a coordinated repeater with a 125W Motorola Spectra sitting on top of a 50+ foot building into a unity gain antenna, using the PL codes published on the metrocor website, A) it does not exist, or B)is out of service. Martin --- In Repeater-Builder@yahoogroups.com mailto:Repeater-Builder%40yahoogroups.com , Captainlance captainla...@... wrote: WE would be very interested in your supplying us with the list of the many paper repeaters on 2m. in your area that you claim to be on 2 meters. lance Alfieri President, MetroCor, Inc.
RE: [Repeater-Builder] Re: Closed Repeaters
I'd love to hear how this plays out. Locally, we had great luck decoordinating a paper repeater and getting it recoordinated to us. All it took was a good relationship with our state coordinator and a little bit of time monitoring. We all understand that sometimes a system goes down and takes a bit longer to get operational again than we'd originally anticipated, but there are definitely repeaters out there. all over the US. that are paper only and will remain that way indefinitely unless we help. 73, Mike WM4B From: Repeater-Builder@yahoogroups.com [mailto:repeater-buil...@yahoogroups.com] On Behalf Of Captainlance Sent: Sunday, July 26, 2009 6:24 PM To: Repeater-Builder@yahoogroups.com Subject: Re: [Repeater-Builder] Re: Closed Repeaters You are totally correct, it is not MetroCor's function to track down anyone, but if as you say you have such a list of paper repeaters, why not do everyone a service and send it to us? if you are really interested in the repeater community, you might consider volunteering some of your time to assist our organization in it's duties.We openly solicit any responsible amateur to assist us. Any open channels that we can confirm only allow someone else to gain their use and coordination. you would be doing a public service to the Amateur community here in NY/NJ lance N2HBA President, MetroCor, Inc. - Original Message - From: rahwayflynn mailto:mafl...@att.net To: Repeater-Builder@yahoogroups.com Sent: Sunday, July 26, 2009 4:24 PM Subject: [Repeater-Builder] Re: Closed Repeaters Mr. Alfieri, I understand you are a volunteer, and appreciate your efforts on behalf of the amateur community. I also understand that MetroCor does not have the resources to track down out-of-service machines, and depends on the honesty of the amateur to relinquish coordination when he takes a system permanently out of service. That being said, and with all due respect: Over a 60 day period, if I cannot bring up a coordinated repeater with a 125W Motorola Spectra sitting on top of a 50+ foot building into a unity gain antenna, using the PL codes published on the metrocor website, A) it does not exist, or B)is out of service. Martin --- In Repeater-Builder@yahoogroups.com mailto:Repeater-Builder%40yahoogroups.com , Captainlance captainla...@... wrote: WE would be very interested in your supplying us with the list of the many paper repeaters on 2m. in your area that you claim to be on 2 meters. lance Alfieri President, MetroCor, Inc. _ No virus found in this incoming message. Checked by AVG - www.avg.com Version: 8.5.392 / Virus Database: 270.13.31/2265 - Release Date: 07/26/09 17:59:00
RE: [Repeater-Builder] Re: Closed Repeaters
If something ain't right then you fight it and fix it. Toss 'em under the bus if that's what it takes, but to sit and do nothing (and/or complain about it) is pointless. 73, Mike WM4B _ From: Repeater-Builder@yahoogroups.com [mailto:repeater-buil...@yahoogroups.com] On Behalf Of Cort Buffington Sent: Sunday, July 26, 2009 7:57 PM To: Repeater-Builder@yahoogroups.com Subject: Re: [Repeater-Builder] Re: Closed Repeaters Unless the state frequency coordinator is the one with all of the paper repeaters On Jul 26, 2009, at 6:39 PM, Mike Besemer (WM4B) wrote: I'd love to hear how this plays out. Locally, we had great luck decoordinating a paper repeater and getting it recoordinated to us. All it took was a good relationship with our state coordinator and a little bit of time monitoring. We all understand that sometimes a system goes down and takes a bit longer to get operational again than we'd originally anticipated, but there are definitely repeaters out there. all over the US. that are paper only and will remain that way indefinitely unless we help. 73, Mike WM4B From: Repeater-Builder@yahoogroups.com [ mailto:Repeater- mailto:repeater-buil...@yahoogroups.com] On Behalf Of Captainlance Sent: Sunday, July 26, 2009 6:24 PM To: Repeater-Builder@yahoogroups.com Subject: Re: [Repeater-Builder] Re: Closed Repeaters You are totally correct, it is not MetroCor's function to track down anyone, but if as you say you have such a list of paper repeaters, why not do everyone a service and send it to us? if you are really interested in the repeater community, you might consider volunteering some of your time to assist our organization in it's duties.We openly solicit any responsible amateur to assist us. Any open channels that we can confirm only allow someone else to gain their use and coordination. you would be doing a public service to the Amateur community here in NY/NJ lance N2HBA President, MetroCor, Inc. - Original Message - From: mailto:mafl...@att.net rahwayflynn To: mailto:Repeater-Builder@yahoogroups.com Repeater-Builder@yahoogroups.com Sent: Sunday, July 26, 2009 4:24 PM Subject: [Repeater-Builder] Re: Closed Repeaters Mr. Alfieri, I understand you are a volunteer, and appreciate your efforts on behalf of the amateur community. I also understand that MetroCor does not have the resources to track down out-of-service machines, and depends on the honesty of the amateur to relinquish coordination when he takes a system permanently out of service. That being said, and with all due respect: Over a 60 day period, if I cannot bring up a coordinated repeater with a 125W Motorola Spectra sitting on top of a 50+ foot building into a unity gain antenna, using the PL codes published on the metrocor website, A) it does not exist, or B)is out of service. Martin --- In mailto:Repeater-Builder%40yahoogroups.com Repeater-Builder@yahoogroups.com, Captainlance captainla...@... wrote: WE would be very interested in your supplying us with the list of the many paper repeaters on 2m. in your area that you claim to be on 2 meters. lance Alfieri President, MetroCor, Inc. _ No virus found in this incoming message. Checked by AVG - http://www.avg.com www.avg.com Version: 8.5.392 / Virus Database: 270.13.31/2265 - Release Date: 07/26/09 17:59:00 -- Cort Buffington H: +1-785-838-3034 M: +1-785-865-7206
RE: [Repeater-Builder] Re: Closed Repeaters
That's not the issue here and you know it. Let's see you spend your money to finance a repeater and see how you feel when individuals fail to respect the rules you set forth. In the meantime, if you've got something to say, have the guts to sign your message. WM4B _ From: Repeater-Builder@yahoogroups.com [mailto:repeater-buil...@yahoogroups.com] On Behalf Of AA8K73 GMail Sent: Saturday, July 25, 2009 10:56 PM To: Repeater-Builder@yahoogroups.com Subject: Re: [Repeater-Builder] Re: Closed Repeaters I can remember when no one could own an amateur radio frequency. Cort Buffington wrote: An amateur repeater STATION is exactly that -- a STATION... just happens to be under automatic control. The owner of a repeater STATION is under no more obligation to allow someone to use it than the owner of any other STATION is. I don't show up at a hams house and demand to use his STATION, just because mine happens to be a repeater doesn't make it any different.
RE: [Repeater-Builder] Re: crimping vs soldering types of coax connectors
Also, the Air Force did a similar study and concluded the same thing with crimped center pins. When properly installed, I never had one go bad. Mike WM4B From: Repeater-Builder@yahoogroups.com [mailto:repeater-buil...@yahoogroups.com] On Behalf Of Chuck Kelsey Sent: Monday, July 20, 2009 5:27 PM To: Repeater-Builder@yahoogroups.com Subject: Re: [Repeater-Builder] Re: crimping vs soldering types of coax connectors Years ago, TX/RX Systems studied crimped connectors and concluded that a properly crimped RF connector (center pin soldered) provided a superior mechanical connection while maintaining the required electrical specifications. This information came from an individual who worked at their Angola, NY facility for many years. Chuck WB2EDV - Original Message - From: Barry ate...@hotmail.com mailto:atec77%40hotmail.com To: repeater-builder@yahoogroups.com mailto:repeater-builder%40yahoogroups.com Sent: Monday, July 20, 2009 5:19 PM Subject: RE: [Repeater-Builder] Re: crimping vs soldering types of coax connectors Tells me little , worth every penny but for the amateur a 20$ pair would suffice . image001.jpgimage002.jpg
RE: [Repeater-Builder] Re: crimping vs soldering types of coax connectors
Absolutely. The words properly installed are key! All of our crimpers were of the removable die variety and the crimpers ran several hundred bucks. Dies varied in price, but most were $50 - $100. Pricy, but considering the consequences of failure for some systems, it was money well spent. Top quality connectors are a must as well. All of ours were either Amphenol or King and they worked flawlessly. 73, Mike WM4B From: Repeater-Builder@yahoogroups.com [mailto:repeater-buil...@yahoogroups.com] On Behalf Of Richard Sent: Monday, July 20, 2009 8:26 PM To: Repeater-Builder@yahoogroups.com Subject: RE: [Repeater-Builder] Re: crimping vs soldering types of coax connectors Top quality crimpers are a must, though. Richard www.n7tgb.net The trouble with socialism is that you eventually run out of other people's money. -Margaret Thatcher From: Repeater-Builder@yahoogroups.com [mailto:repeater-buil...@yahoogroups.com] On Behalf Of Mike Besemer (WM4B) Sent: Monday, July 20, 2009 4:43 PM To: Repeater-Builder@yahoogroups.com Subject: RE: [Repeater-Builder] Re: crimping vs soldering types of coax connectors Also, the Air Force did a similar study and concluded the same thing with crimped center pins. When properly installed, I never had one go bad. Mike WM4B From: Repeater-Builder@yahoogroups.com [mailto:repeater-buil...@yahoogroups.com] On Behalf Of Chuck Kelsey Sent: Monday, July 20, 2009 5:27 PM To: Repeater-Builder@yahoogroups.com Subject: Re: [Repeater-Builder] Re: crimping vs soldering types of coax connectors Years ago, TX/RX Systems studied crimped connectors and concluded that a properly crimped RF connector (center pin soldered) provided a superior mechanical connection while maintaining the required electrical specifications. This information came from an individual who worked at their Angola, NY facility for many years. Chuck WB2EDV - Original Message - From: Barry ate...@hotmail.com To: repeater-builder@yahoogroups.com Sent: Monday, July 20, 2009 5:19 PM Subject: RE: [Repeater-Builder] Re: crimping vs soldering types of coax connectors Tells me little , worth every penny but for the amateur a 20$ pair would suffice .
RE: [Repeater-Builder] Re: crimping vs soldering types of coax connectors
Joe, Who manufactured them? Amp and King usually included instructions (at least in our MILSPEC packing anyhow), but for bulk orders they may not. Check the manufacturers website... my experience is that different companies use slightly different measurements, which is why we always used Amp/King (which used the same measurements). Good luck. Mike WM4B -Original Message- From: Repeater-Builder@yahoogroups.com [mailto:Repeater- buil...@yahoogroups.com] On Behalf Of Joe Sent: Monday, July 20, 2009 9:05 PM To: Repeater-Builder@yahoogroups.com Subject: Re: [Repeater-Builder] Re: crimping vs soldering types of coax connectors Here's a question: Where do you get the cable preparation for the crimp-on connectors. Connectors that we have ordered from Tessco, etc, come in a bag but with no installation instructions. Joe Mike Besemer (WM4B) wrote: Absolutely. The words 'properly installed' are key! Yahoo! Groups Links
RE: [Repeater-Builder] crimping vs soldering types of coax connectors
Albert, I installed hundreds (probably thousands) of connectors of various types on various types of cable while I was in the Air Force. If I had to guess, I'd say it was about a 50/50 split of crimp vs. solder. Both worked extremely well when properly installed. Generally, I preferred crimp because it could be done quickly and without the need to drag a soldering gun to the aircraft (which also drove a requirement for a generator which provided 115 VAC 60 Hz, verses the 400 Hz power which was available on the aircraft), but sometimes we had to solder a connector on because of limited space to work or because the cable was getting too short to cut back far enough to install a crimp. For the average ham, I don't know if you could justify the expense of a GOOD set of crimpers, which in my opinion are absolutely key to a good crimped connection. But, if money was not an issue, I'd certainly purchase a good set of crimpers. Of course, one benefit of solder-on connectors is that they can be reused. I usually keep a small stock of the rubber seals used in BNC and N-type solder-on connectors so I can reuse them as much as possible. I know I haven't been much help, but I can say I've had great luck with both types. for me it kind of depends on the job and tools available at the moment of need. 73, Mike WM4B _ From: Repeater-Builder@yahoogroups.com [mailto:repeater-buil...@yahoogroups.com] On Behalf Of Albert Sent: Friday, July 17, 2009 5:35 PM To: Repeater-Builder@yahoogroups.com Subject: [Repeater-Builder] crimping vs soldering types of coax connectors I was wondering if you guys could give me the pros and cons of soldering vs crimping coax connectors. To put the question in context, this is all related to my hobby as an amateur. I don't really need to worry too much about making cables on the spot in the field. I have good soldering skills and the equipment to tackle most soldering jobs, so I was wondering if it was worth the investment to buy the tools for crimping coax connectors. Also, I am a little confused regarding coax connectors, sizes and types of coax. For example, will the same type (size) of connectors that are designed for RG58 work on lmr200 and lmr195? Also, the same question goes for connectors designed for RG8. Would the same category work on LMR400, and 9913. Lastly, I know that I haven't been asking any directly repeater related questions. I hope you guys don't mind too much. I just feel that with all of the professional and commercial experience on this group I can't go wrong. Compare that to the expertise on some of the ham radio and cb groups and I think you would feel the same. Again, I hope you don't mind. Thanks for the help Albert KI40RI
[Repeater-Builder] OT: Dry Transfers for PCB Construction
20 or so years ago, I used to do quite a bit of PCB etching using dry transfers that were available at Radio Shack. None of the 'Shacks around here carry them any more and I've not found anything on the 'net yet. Is anybody still etching their own boards using dry transfers, or am I just an old dinosaur? I'm not interested in any of the other methods. just looking for some dry transfer materials. 73, Mike WM4B
RE: [Repeater-Builder] sleeping arrangements - Dayton Hamvention
Dayton is no worse/better than any other location where you might find sleeping arrangements maxed out. Some rooms/locations are going to be better than others and some hotel staff will be more helpful than others. It's just a microcosm of society. Mike WM4B (Formerly from Dayton/Former DARA member) From: Repeater-Builder@yahoogroups.com [mailto:repeater-buil...@yahoogroups.com] On Behalf Of n...@no6b.com Sent: Saturday, May 23, 2009 1:17 PM To: Repeater-Builder@yahoogroups.com Subject: Re: [Repeater-Builder] sleeping arrangements - Dayton Hamvention At 5/17/2009 19:54, you wrote: Do not stay in miamisburg. You will be sorry. We had 30 messages about drugs on our room voicemail. Also when my other friend checked in someone said 'welcome to hell' to him. This was at the studio 6 in miamisburg. There also was when the miamisburg PD almost rear ended my friend who was driving.. I've stayed there 5 times never had a problem. At less than $30/night for a week w/fridge microwave, I don't expect much else other than no bedbugs/loud neighbors/dirty rooms. Bob NO6B image001.jpgimage002.jpg
[Repeater-Builder] OT: Value of IC-22A and IC-22U
Anybody know what a fair price for either of these beasts would be these days? I'm assuming it's in working condition and doesn't look like it's been assaulted by an 18-wheeler. Mike WM4B
RE: [Repeater-Builder] 440 MHZ Duplexer Recommendation/Repeater at TV Station
Eric, As always, thanks for the advice. I'll add the bandpass cavity filter to the shopping list. We 'should' have good coverage, so we can probably forego any preamp until we can assess the footprint and add it later if necessary. Hopefully my cohort in crime got more word about the site today. I'm hoping we can tour the site soon with the site manager and/or engineer to see what we might have to work with and what they'll expect from us. I definitely believe in being a good tenant, especially when the benefactor is being so generous to us. I don't know what we'll use for repeater equipment yet, but suspect we'll end up with a MASTR II or MICOR conversion. I'm looking at different controllers to see what will do the job, not be a pain to program, and not cost us both arms and a leg. (We 'think' we might have some help from the EMA, but I don't want to be greedy either!) The two systems I have on the air now both have CAT-1000's and the other one that I help with has a CAT-500. I love the CAT-1000 (probably because I've got it figured out now) but they are a bit in the PRICEY side. I do believe, however, that it's worth spending the money to get something we can actually work with and that will lend itself to expansion (perhaps a link or remote-base) at a later time. Do you have a recommendation for a duplexer for this application (or any of the other equipment I need for that matter)? Everything I maintain now was either already in place or built from existing spare pieces-parts. I've never had the opportunity to select all the equipment for the site before and I don't want to mis-spend somebody else's money. 73, Mike WM4B From: Repeater-Builder@yahoogroups.com [mailto:repeater-buil...@yahoogroups.com] On Behalf Of Eric Lemmon Sent: Thursday, May 07, 2009 8:08 PM To: Repeater-Builder@yahoogroups.com Subject: RE: [Repeater-Builder] 440 MHZ Duplexer Recommendation/Repeater at TV Station Mike, Whenever I am putting a repeater- commercial or Amateur- at a broadcasting site, my preference is to always plan for a dual 8 bandpass cavity filter between the duplexer and the receiver input. My choice is usually a Telewave TWPC-4508-2, since it is very effective and is available with a Ham discount. I have two UHF repeaters at high-RF sites (one is close to a five megawatt FAA radar, and the other is close to a 25 kW coastal radar, while both are near UHF trunked radio systems.) but the bandpass filters are effective in eliminating receiver desense caused by brute force RF presence. If your site has good coverage, you may not need any amplification to make up for the slight insertion loss of the bandpass filter. I suggest that you use a good BpBr duplexer, rather than a simple notch duplexer, to gain additional bandpass filtering. 73, Eric Lemmon WB6FLY -Original Message- From: Repeater-Builder@yahoogroups.com [mailto:repeater-buil...@yahoogroups.com] On Behalf Of Mike (WM4B) Besemer Sent: Thursday, May 07, 2009 7:56 AM To: Repeater-Builder@yahoogroups.com Subject: [Repeater-Builder] 440 MHZ Duplexer Recommendation/Repeater at TV Station Greetings all, A friend of mine has been approached about accepting some tower/shack space at a local Public Broadcasting station. Between us, we've been working up our wants/needs for a 440 MHz system and I'm looking for suggestions for duplexers. The TV Station is on DT Channel 7 (175.25 video 179.75 sound) transmitting 31kW ERP. I've been fortunate so far in that both of my other sites are RF-free (we're the only tenant) so I've not had to deal with large amounts of RF floating about. What do I need to look out for? Thanks in advance, Mike WM4B
RE: [Repeater-Builder] 440 Repeater Project
Actually, the /R is not ALLOWED by FCC rules any longer. Mike WM4B From: Repeater-Builder@yahoogroups.com [mailto:repeater-buil...@yahoogroups.com] On Behalf Of Paul Plack Sent: Monday, May 04, 2009 2:20 AM To: Repeater-Builder@yahoogroups.com Subject: Re: [Repeater-Builder] 440 Repeater Project Dean, you have one: KJ4LII/R. Discreet repeater callsigns have been gone for decades. The repeater's callsign these days is typically the owner, another individual designated by the owner as the licensee, or in some cases a club callsign. Controllers are often programmed to appends /R to the end of the callsign, but even that is not required any more. 73, Paul, AE4KR - Original Message - From: redleg_8 mailto:redle...@yahoo.com To: Repeater-Builder@yahoogroups.com Sent: Sunday, May 03, 2009 6:16 PM Subject: [Repeater-Builder] 440 Repeater Project I have selected hardware, controller, duplexer, antenna, and location. SERA has provided me with available frequency pairs and a blank application. What I CAN'T locate any information on is how to obtain a legal callsign for a individually owned repeater. Thanks, Dean KJ4LII image001.jpgimage002.jpg
RE: [Repeater-Builder] Re: desense question
Mike, I assume the purpose of the paint can is to act as a Faraday cage? Is it attached to the common-point ground system or left freestanding? 73, Mike WM4B From: Repeater-Builder@yahoogroups.com [mailto:repeater-buil...@yahoogroups.com] On Behalf Of Mike Morris WA6ILQ Sent: Monday, May 04, 2009 5:19 PM To: Repeater-Builder@yahoogroups.com Subject: Re: [Repeater-Builder] Re: desense question At 06:07 AM 05/04/09, you wrote: The amp is a UHF PA off a mobile rig, and I needed about 50 feet of RG58U to attenuate the signal from the repeater into the amp module. Not good, probably better to bypass (not use) the 15 watt amplifier and drive the external amp direct from the exciter. Not a thing wrong with using a length of coax as an attenuator if it's done right. Have used this technique often when a little attenuation is needed. Al, K9SI Somewhere I've got a couple of photos of attenuators made from a paint can with coil of coax inside it. A pair of hooded SO239s on the lid and you're done. One is of a 5 gallon paint can, the other of a 1 gallon. Mike image001.jpgimage002.jpg
RE: [Repeater-Builder] Re: desense question
Thanks Mike. I'll file that trick away for future use! Mike WM4B _ From: Repeater-Builder@yahoogroups.com [mailto:repeater-buil...@yahoogroups.com] On Behalf Of Mike Morris WA6ILQ Sent: Monday, May 04, 2009 7:10 PM To: Repeater-Builder@yahoogroups.com Subject: RE: [Repeater-Builder] Re: desense question At 02:22 PM 05/04/09, you wrote: Mike, I assume the purpose of the paint can is to act as a Faraday cage? Yep. Cheap coax is lossy and leaky. Is it attached to the common-point ground system or left freestanding? If I remember the situation (it's been over 15 years since I shot the photo) it was freestanding (but the DC continuity went from the shield of coax #1 through the connector to the paint can lid to the connector #2). Of course it also went through the coax braid. The can was just in the coax line from the exciter to the PA deck. Nothing fancy, just two superflex jumpers and the attenuator can. 73, Mike WM4B From: Repeater-Builder@yahoogroups.com [ mailto:Repeater-Builder@yahoogroups.com mailto:repeater-buil...@yahoogroups.com] On Behalf Of Mike Morris WA6ILQ Sent: Monday, May 04, 2009 5:19 PM To: Repeater-Builder@yahoogroups.com Subject: Re: [Repeater-Builder] Re: desense question At 06:07 AM 05/04/09, you wrote: The amp is a UHF PA off a mobile rig, and I needed about 50 feet of RG58U to attenuate the signal from the repeater into the amp module. Not good, probably better to bypass (not use) the 15 watt amplifier and drive the external amp direct from the exciter. Not a thing wrong with using a length of coax as an attenuator if it's done right. Have used this technique often when a little attenuation is needed. Al, K9SI Somewhere I've got a couple of photos of attenuators made from a paint can with coil of coax inside it. A pair of hooded SO239s on the lid and you're done. One is of a 5 gallon paint can, the other of a 1 gallon. Mike
RE: [Repeater-Builder] 440 Repeater Project
Paul, I've actually HEARD comments about CW ID's (not on any of my systems thankfully. but up in the ATL area) from several repeater users. Something about not being able to tell what repeater they're on. (I guess the frequency isn't a good enough clue.) Kinda makes me want to take the voice ID's off my systems! 73, Mike WM4B _ From: Repeater-Builder@yahoogroups.com [mailto:repeater-buil...@yahoogroups.com] On Behalf Of Paul Plack Sent: Monday, May 04, 2009 9:40 PM To: Repeater-Builder@yahoogroups.com Subject: Re: [Repeater-Builder] 440 Repeater Project Larry, I hear ya, and this is probably what the folks who consider this vague and unenforceable refer to. I'm sure we'll be hearing /R for years to come. In fact, before it goes out of use, I expect to start hearing new Technician-class licensees start asking on-air, Hey...what's that wierd beeping noise I keep hearing about every ten minutes? My comment on 10-codes was only to suggest the FCC would have many layers of other priorities to wade through before getting to /R on repeaters, not to suggest that you condone ciphers. And...thanks for taking this in the spirit of friendly debate in which it was intended. ;^) 73, Paul, AE4KR - Original Message - From: Larry mailto:larrywago...@bellsouth.net Wagoner To: Repeater-Builder@ mailto:Repeater-Builder@yahoogroups.com yahoogroups.com Sent: Monday, May 04, 2009 6:54 PM Subject: Re: [Repeater-Builder] 440 Repeater Project At 01:52 PM 5/4/2009, you wrote: ...The question is posed by the addition of anything that could reasonably be seen to obscure, hide or somehow bring one to the belief that the identifying sign was something other than what it is... ...10-codes? I don't use those either. Indeed - I TEACH prospective technicians - and the non-use of ciphers is part of my course... . http://geo.yahoo.com/serv?s=97359714/grpId=104168/grpspId=1705063108/msgId= 91167/stime=1241484965/nc1=4025338/nc2=5689698/nc3=5658254
RE: [Repeater-Builder] Repeater Insurance?
We have ours through ARRL. Not sure of the rates, but they're posted on the ARRL website. Mike WM4B _ From: Repeater-Builder@yahoogroups.com [mailto:repeater-buil...@yahoogroups.com] On Behalf Of georgiaskywarn Sent: Friday, April 24, 2009 9:52 PM To: Repeater-Builder@yahoogroups.com Subject: [Repeater-Builder] Repeater Insurance? Good Evening Folks, How many of you have repeater insurance? With our new installation, we thought this might be the next step. How much are you paying and who do you have the insurance with? Thanks, Robert KD4YDC http://disneycrazy. http://disneycrazy.smugmug.com/gallery/7943953_gF4Q3 smugmug.com/gallery/7943953_gF4Q3 (Hope to get some more pictures up this weekend.)
[Repeater-Builder] Repeater ID Enforcement
I know we're not supposed to discuss FCC rules on this forum, so I hope this isn't across the line. I'm trying to find a Rileygram citing a repeater owner because his repeater ID'd at 10-minute intervals without user input (beaconing). Does anybody happen to have a copy or know where it's posted? I've been going through the Amateur Enforcement Actions on the FCC page, but haven't come across it yet. and am hoping not to have to dig too far! 73, Mike WM4B
RE: [Repeater-Builder] Repeater ID Enforcement
Been looking. just haven't hit paydirt yet! 73, Mike WM4B From: Repeater-Builder@yahoogroups.com [mailto:repeater-buil...@yahoogroups.com] On Behalf Of Mike Mullarkey Sent: Sunday, April 12, 2009 9:59 AM To: Repeater-Builder@yahoogroups.com Subject: RE: [Repeater-Builder] Repeater ID Enforcement Go to the www.fcc.gov http://www.fcc.gov/ web page and search there. They are bound by law to post all nasty grams there and are available for the public to view. Hope this helps. Mike _ From: Repeater-Builder@yahoogroups.com [mailto:repeater-buil...@yahoogroups.com] On Behalf Of Mike Besemer (WM4B) Sent: Sunday, April 12, 2009 7:10 AM To: Repeater-Builder@yahoogroups.com Subject: [Repeater-Builder] Repeater ID Enforcement I know we're not supposed to discuss FCC rules on this forum, so I hope this isn't across the line. I'm trying to find a Rileygram citing a repeater owner because his repeater ID'd at 10-minute intervals without user input (beaconing). Does anybody happen to have a copy or know where it's posted? I've been going through the Amateur Enforcement Actions on the FCC page, but haven't come across it yet. and am hoping not to have to dig too far! 73, Mike WM4B image001.jpgimage002.jpg
RE: [Repeater-Builder] Repeater ID Enforcement
No it was within the last year or so. From: Repeater-Builder@yahoogroups.com [mailto:repeater-buil...@yahoogroups.com] On Behalf Of George Henry Sent: Sunday, April 12, 2009 2:30 PM To: Repeater-Builder@yahoogroups.com Subject: Re: [Repeater-Builder] Repeater ID Enforcement Unfortunately, the FCC web site enforcement listings only go back 10 years, and IIRC, it was WELL before that. Seems to me it was in the early or mid-80's. 73, George, KA3HSW / WQGJ413 - Original Message - From: Mike Mullarkey k7...@comcast.net To: Repeater-Builder@yahoogroups.com Sent: Sunday, April 12, 2009 8:58 AM Subject: RE: [Repeater-Builder] Repeater ID Enforcement Go to the www.fcc.gov http://www.fcc.gov/ web page and search there. They are bound by law to post all nasty grams there and are available for the public to view. Hope this helps. Mike
RE: [Repeater-Builder] Repeater ID Enforcement
A lot of the nasty-grams are posted, but I'm starting to wonder the same thing. It might have been in ARRL letter or something like that. Mike WM4B From: Repeater-Builder@yahoogroups.com [mailto:repeater-buil...@yahoogroups.com] On Behalf Of Randy Brumback Sent: Sunday, April 12, 2009 2:56 PM To: Repeater-Builder@yahoogroups.com Subject: RE: [Repeater-Builder] Repeater ID Enforcement Mike, I am sitting here wondering if a nasty-gram would be considered enforcement? If they are two different things then looking in the enforcement section might not be the right place. Randy From: Repeater-Builder@yahoogroups.com [mailto:repeater-buil...@yahoogroups.com] On Behalf Of Mike Besemer (WM4B) Sent: Sunday, April 12, 2009 10:51 AM To: Repeater-Builder@yahoogroups.com Subject: RE: [Repeater-Builder] Repeater ID Enforcement Been looking just havent hit paydirt yet! 73, Mike WM4B From: Repeater-Builder@yahoogroups.com [mailto:repeater-buil...@yahoogroups.com] On Behalf Of Mike Mullarkey Sent: Sunday, April 12, 2009 9:59 AM To: Repeater-Builder@yahoogroups.com Subject: RE: [Repeater-Builder] Repeater ID Enforcement Go to the www.fcc.gov web page and search there. They are bound by law to post all nasty grams there and are available for the public to view. Hope this helps. Mike From: Repeater-Builder@yahoogroups.com [mailto:repeater-buil...@yahoogroups.com] On Behalf Of Mike Besemer (WM4B) Sent: Sunday, April 12, 2009 7:10 AM To: Repeater-Builder@yahoogroups.com Subject: [Repeater-Builder] Repeater ID Enforcement I know were not supposed to discuss FCC rules on this forum, so I hope this isnt across the line. Im trying to find a Rileygram citing a repeater owner because his repeater IDd at 10-minute intervals without user input (beaconing). Does anybody happen to have a copy or know where its posted? Ive been going through the Amateur Enforcement Actions on the FCC page, but havent come across it yet and am hoping not to have to dig too far! 73, Mike WM4B
RE: [Repeater-Builder] Repeater ID Enforcement
Same thing I'm thinking. It really doesn't fit the definition of 'broadcasting' or 'beaconing', but it's definitely a one-way transmission. Just trying to prove a point to someone less-informed! 73, Mike WM4B From: Repeater-Builder@yahoogroups.com [mailto:repeater-buil...@yahoogroups.com] On Behalf Of n...@no6b.com Sent: Sunday, April 12, 2009 3:42 PM To: Repeater-Builder@yahoogroups.com Subject: RE: [Repeater-Builder] Repeater ID Enforcement At 4/12/2009 11:55, you wrote: Mike, I am sitting here wondering if a nasty-gram would be considered enforcement ? If they are two different things then looking in the enforcement section might not be the right place. Generally speaking, the FCC has decreed that a repeater shall not speak unless spoken to, with common-sense allowances for final IDs a few minutes after the last transmission from a user. Recurring transmissions originated from the repeater station itself are one-way transmissions are not permitted unless they are occasional QSTs of general interest (i.e. AR Newsline). A repeater IDing every 10 minutes on its own is continuously sending one-way transmissions or broadcasts, is not permitted. I once received a Notice of Operating Conditions from the local field office back in the 80's stating such, but can't find it now. Bob NO6B
RE: [Repeater-Builder] Repeater ID Enforcement
If my O-O Coordinator can't lay his hands on it, I might do that. I specifically remember the letter because it made me do the 'RCA Victor Dog' thing until I thought about it for a few minutes. I'd just never thought about it before! More than anything, it drives me nuts not being able to find it. (I have a bad case of CDO. That's like OCD only with the letters in the proper order!) 73, Mike WM4B From: Repeater-Builder@yahoogroups.com [mailto:repeater-buil...@yahoogroups.com] On Behalf Of Mike Morris WA6ILQ Sent: Sunday, April 12, 2009 6:45 PM To: Repeater-Builder@yahoogroups.com Subject: Re: [Repeater-Builder] Repeater ID Enforcement At 06:10 AM 04/12/09, you wrote: I know we're not supposed to discuss FCC rules on this forum, so I hope this isn't across the line. I'm trying to find a Rileygram citing a repeater owner because his repeater ID'd at 10-minute intervals without user input (beaconing). Does anybody happen to have a copy or know where it's posted? I've been going through the Amateur Enforcement Actions on the FCC page, but haven't come across it yet. and am hoping not to have to dig too far! 73, Mike WM4B If you are an ARRL member, drop a note to Dan Henderson, N1ND, ARRL Regulatory Information Specialist. He worked with Riley extensively and if anybody outside the FCC has a file cabinet full of FCC notices he will. If you aren't a member, have a friend who is drop a note. Mike image001.jpgimage002.jpg
RE: [Repeater-Builder] Repeater ID Enforcement
Nope. I saw that one too and it piqued my interest, but the one I'm thinking of was just a simple violation of the 'speak when spoken to' philosophy. just a repeater sending it's callsign every 10 minutes whether active or not. When I find it, I'll wonder why it took so long1 Thanks es 73, Mike WM4B _ From: Repeater-Builder@yahoogroups.com [mailto:repeater-buil...@yahoogroups.com] On Behalf Of Mike Morris WA6ILQ Sent: Sunday, April 12, 2009 10:26 PM To: Repeater-Builder@yahoogroups.com Subject: RE: [Repeater-Builder] Repeater ID Enforcement Is this it ? https://www. https://www.arrl.org/news/stories/2002/09/18/100/?nc=1 arrl.org/news/stories/2002/09/18/100/?nc=1 Mike WA6ILQ At 05:10 PM 04/12/09, you wrote: If my O-O Coordinator can't lay his hands on it, I might do that. I specifically remember the letter because it made me do the 'RCA Victor Dog' thing until I thought about it for a few minutes. I'd just never thought about it before! More than anything, it drives me nuts not being able to find it. (I have a bad case of CDO. That's like OCD only with the letters in the proper order!) 73, Mike WM4B From: Repeater-Builder@yahoogroups.com [ mailto:Repeater-Builder@yahoogroups.com mailto:repeater-buil...@yahoogroups.com] On Behalf Of Mike Morris WA6ILQ Sent: Sunday, April 12, 2009 6:45 PM To: Repeater-Builder@yahoogroups.com Subject: Re: [Repeater-Builder] Repeater ID Enforcement At 06:10 AM 04/12/09, you wrote: I know we're not supposed to discuss FCC rules on this forum, so I hope this isn't across the line. I'm trying to find a Rileygram citing a repeater owner because his repeater ID'd at 10-minute intervals without user input (beaconing). Does anybody happen to have a copy or know where it's posted? I've been going through the Amateur Enforcement Actions on the FCC page, but haven't come across it yet. and am hoping not to have to dig too far! 73, Mike WM4B If you are an ARRL member, drop a note to Dan Henderson, N1ND, ARRL Regulatory Information Specialist. He worked with Riley extensively and if anybody outside the FCC has a file cabinet full of FCC notices he will. If you aren't a member, have a friend who is drop a note. Mike
RE: [Repeater-Builder] supply
I don't know about the supply, but the WORKBENCH looks familiar! Mike WM4B From: Repeater-Builder@yahoogroups.com [mailto:repeater-buil...@yahoogroups.com] On Behalf Of Merrill Sent: Thursday, March 26, 2009 7:06 PM To: Repeater-Builder@yahoogroups.com Subject: [Repeater-Builder] supply can anyone identify this supply thanks in advance Merrill KG4IDD image001.jpgimage002.jpg
RE: [Repeater-Builder] Re: Micor Mobile TLD8262B10 Exciter Question
Trash? What the heck is ‘trash’? de WM4B From: Repeater-Builder@yahoogroups.com [mailto:repeater-buil...@yahoogroups.com] On Behalf Of n4...@aol.com Sent: Sunday, March 15, 2009 11:38 PM To: Repeater-Builder@yahoogroups.com Subject: Re: [Repeater-Builder] Re: Micor Mobile TLD8262B10 Exciter Question Mike, Don't pitch em in the trash, I'll take em. Collin -Original Message- From: Mike Besemer (WM4B) mwbese...@cox.net mailto:mwbesemer%40cox.net To: Repeater-Builder@yahoogroups.com mailto:Repeater-Builder%40yahoogroups.com Sent: Sun, 15 Mar 2009 10:35 pm Subject: RE: [Repeater-Builder] Re: Micor Mobile TLD8262B10 Exciter Question Guys, As I said in my previous post, I DID that. No joy. Mike WM4B -- From: Repeater-Builder@yahoogroups.com mailto:Repeater-Builder%40yahoogroups.com [mailto:Repeater-Builder@yahoogroups.com mailto:Repeater-Builder%40yahoogroups.com ] On Behalf Of Don Kupferschmidt Sent: Sunday, March 15, 2009 10:33 PM To: Repeater-Builder@yahoogroups.com mailto:Repeater-Builder%40yahoogroups.com Subject: Re: [Repeater-Builder] Re: Micor Mobile TLD8262B10 Exciter Question Mike, Take the advise that Skipp has given you. In one project I didn't heed the advise of others to preset the coils from the service manual and I was pulling my hair out for days trying to figure out why the exciter wouldn't tune up properly. Do like he says . . . . reset everything back to the chart indicated height position. Then use the manual to tune up the exciter. Trust me, (and others), the exciter *will* tune up properly UNLESS you have something else going on. 73, Don, KD9PT - Original Message - From: skipp025 skipp...@yahoo.com mailto:skipp025%40yahoo.com To: Repeater-Builder@yahoogroups.com mailto:Repeater-Builder%40yahoogroups.com Sent: Sunday, March2015, 2009 8:57 PM Subject: [Repeater-Builder] Re: Micor Mobile TLD8262B10 Exciter Question Based on my experience with radios like the Micor Mobile with the tx band-pass filter and the MSR-2000 exciter... the best way to tune up these units is to find the coil preset information in the Service Manual and start with reseting those items back to the chart indicated height position. Sure you can adjust some coils when moving the exciter small distances from the last operating frequency. But some coils are not simple peak or dip adjustments. They interact with the previous or trailing coil adjustments and should be adjusted per the manual only... re-tweaks just don't do it. In the process of tuning the exciter and related filters you'll sometimes see only slight meter movements as you step up through the chain/process. One stage adjustment of the MSR-2000 is really hard to see initial meter movement. A re-tweak of the exciter won't always show the mentioned small meter movements and it's sometimes very easy to adjust a stage to a wrong peak/dip. So start from scratch most every time. Be sure to use the coil position chart information provided in the manual or your results will surely vary. cheers, s. Mike Besemer \(WM4B\) mwbese...@... wrote: Not lookin' good for the home-team. I've got some reading at the meter plug pin 3, but L403 doesn't effect it at all. No indication at meter plug 4 at all. Guess I need to troubleshoot or scare up another exciter. Good thing this is a long-term project! 73, Mike WM4B From: Repeater-Builder@yahoogroups.com mailto:Repeater-Builder%40yahoogroups.com [mailto:Repeater-Builder@yahoogroups.com mailto:Repeater-Builder%40yahoogroups.com ] On Behalf Of Eric Lemmon Sent: Sunday, March 15, 2009 4:46 PM To: Repeater-Builder@yahoogroups.com mailto:Repeater-Builder%40yahoogroups.com Subject: RE: [Repeater-Builder] Micor Mobile TLD8262B10 Exciter Question Mike, Probably. The fact that you could receive the signal suggests that the exciter is working, but just has a very low output. Tuning should fix that. Most commercial-band VHF exciters will tune to 2m without modification, but that is not always the case. 73, Eric Lemmon WB6FLY -Original Message- From: Repeater-Builder@yahoogroups.com mailto:Repeater-Builder%40yahoogroups.com mailto:Repeater-Builder%40yahoogroups.com [mailto:Repeater-Builder@yahoogroups.com mailto:Repeater-Builder%40yahoogroups.com mailto:Repeater-Builder%40yahoogroups.com ] On Behalf Of Mike Besemer (WM4B) Sent: Sunday, March 15, 2009 1:30 PM To: Repeater-Builder@yahoogroups.com mailto:Repeater-Builder%40yahoogroups.com mailto:Repeater-Builder%40yahoogroups.com Subject: RE: [Repeater-Builder] Micor Mobile TLD8262B10 Exciter Question Eric, Got that. thanks. But the exciter is okay as-is (except for tuning), is that correct? Mike From: Repeater-Builder@yahoogroups.com mailto:Repeater-Builder%40yahoogroups.com mailto:Repeater-Builder%40yahoogroups.com [mailto:Repeater-Builder
[Repeater-Builder] Micor Mobile TLD8262B10 Exciter Question
Micor Gurus, I just came into possession of a Micor Mobile with this exciter installed. The unit had no Channel Elements installed when I got it, so I borrowed one out of another Micor I have just to try the radio out. With a 147.015 MHz Channel Element installed in this exciter, I get no power from the radio, but I do hear the signal in a nearby receiver. I swapped the Exciter (same Part #) from my other (working) Micor into the unknown radio and get good power using this channel element. With the unknown exciter in the known-good radio, I get no power output. Obviously, I've isolated the 'issue' to the exciter. My question is, will this exciter work in the 2-meter range without modification? If so, then apparently I've got some troubleshooting to do. If not, what mods need to be done to make it work down this low? Thanks in advance, Mike WM4B
RE: [Repeater-Builder] Micor Mobile TLD8262B10 Exciter Question
Eric, Got that. thanks. But the exciter is okay as-is (except for tuning), is that correct? Mike From: Repeater-Builder@yahoogroups.com [mailto:repeater-buil...@yahoogroups.com] On Behalf Of Eric Lemmon Sent: Sunday, March 15, 2009 4:19 PM To: Repeater-Builder@yahoogroups.com Subject: RE: [Repeater-Builder] Micor Mobile TLD8262B10 Exciter Question Mike, Besides tuning the exciter, you'll also need to tune the bandpass filter that is between the exciter and the PA. Start here: www.repeater-builder.com/rbtip/micorvhfbpf.html 73, Eric Lemmon WB6FLY -Original Message- From: Repeater-Builder@yahoogroups.com mailto:Repeater-Builder%40yahoogroups.com [mailto:Repeater-Builder@yahoogroups.com mailto:Repeater-Builder%40yahoogroups.com ] On Behalf Of Mike Besemer (WM4B) Sent: Sunday, March 15, 2009 1:00 PM To: Repeater-Builder@yahoogroups.com mailto:Repeater-Builder%40yahoogroups.com Subject: [Repeater-Builder] Micor Mobile TLD8262B10 Exciter Question Micor Gurus, I just came into possession of a Micor Mobile with this exciter installed. The unit had no Channel Elements installed when I got it, so I borrowed one out of another Micor I have just to try the radio out. With a 147.015 MHz Channel Element installed in this exciter, I get no power from the radio, but I do hear the signal in a nearby receiver. I swapped the Exciter (same Part #) from my other (working) Micor into the unknown radio and get good power using this channel element. With the unknown exciter in the known-good radio, I get no power output. Obviously, I've isolated the 'issue' to the exciter. My question is, will this exciter work in the 2-meter range without modification? If so, then apparently I've got some troubleshooting to do. If not, what mods need to be done to make it work down this low? Thanks in advance, Mike WM4B image001.jpgimage002.jpg
RE: [Repeater-Builder] Micor Mobile TLD8262B10 Exciter Question
Cool. I'll investigate further soon. 73, Mike WM4B From: Repeater-Builder@yahoogroups.com [mailto:repeater-buil...@yahoogroups.com] On Behalf Of Eric Lemmon Sent: Sunday, March 15, 2009 4:46 PM To: Repeater-Builder@yahoogroups.com Subject: RE: [Repeater-Builder] Micor Mobile TLD8262B10 Exciter Question Mike, Probably. The fact that you could receive the signal suggests that the exciter is working, but just has a very low output. Tuning should fix that. Most commercial-band VHF exciters will tune to 2m without modification, but that is not always the case. 73, Eric Lemmon WB6FLY -Original Message- From: Repeater-Builder@yahoogroups.com mailto:Repeater-Builder%40yahoogroups.com [mailto:Repeater-Builder@yahoogroups.com mailto:Repeater-Builder%40yahoogroups.com ] On Behalf Of Mike Besemer (WM4B) Sent: Sunday, March 15, 2009 1:30 PM To: Repeater-Builder@yahoogroups.com mailto:Repeater-Builder%40yahoogroups.com Subject: RE: [Repeater-Builder] Micor Mobile TLD8262B10 Exciter Question Eric, Got that. thanks. But the exciter is okay as-is (except for tuning), is that correct? Mike From: Repeater-Builder@yahoogroups.com mailto:Repeater-Builder%40yahoogroups.com [mailto:Repeater-Builder@yahoogroups.com mailto:Repeater-Builder%40yahoogroups.com ] On Behalf Of Eric Lemmon Sent: Sunday, March 15, 2009 4:19 PM To: Repeater-Builder@yahoogroups.com mailto:Repeater-Builder%40yahoogroups.com Subject: RE: [Repeater-Builder] Micor Mobile TLD8262B10 Exciter Question Mike, Besides tuning the exciter, you'll also need to tune the bandpass filter that is between the exciter and the PA. Start here: www.repeater-builder.com/rbtip/micorvhfbpf.html 73, Eric Lemmon WB6FLY -Original Message- From: Repeater-Builder@yahoogroups.com mailto:Repeater-Builder%40yahoogroups.com mailto:Repeater-Builder%40yahoogroups.com [mailto:Repeater-Builder@yahoogroups.com mailto:Repeater-Builder%40yahoogroups.com mailto:Repeater-Builder%40yahoogroups.com ] On Behalf Of Mike Besemer (WM4B) Sent: Sunday, March 15, 2009 1:00 PM To: Repeater-Builder@yahoogroups.com mailto:Repeater-Builder%40yahoogroups.com mailto:Repeater-Builder%40yahoogroups.com Subject: [Repeater-Builder] Micor Mobile TLD8262B10 Exciter Question Micor Gurus, I just came into possession of a Micor Mobile with this exciter installed. The unit had no Channel Elements installed when I got it, so I borrowed one out of another Micor I have just to try the radio out. With a 147.015 MHz Channel Element installed in this exciter, I get no power from the radio, but I do hear the signal in a nearby receiver. I swapped the Exciter (same Part #) from my other (working) Micor into the unknown radio and get good power using this channel element. With the unknown exciter in the known-good radio, I get no power output. Obviously, I've isolated the 'issue' to the exciter. My question is, will this exciter work in the 2-meter range without modification? If so, then apparently I've got some troubleshooting to do. If not, what mods need to be done to make it work down this low? Thanks in advance, Mike WM4B image001.jpgimage002.jpg
RE: [Repeater-Builder] Micor Mobile TLD8262B10 Exciter Question
Not lookin' good for the home-team. I've got some reading at the meter plug pin 3, but L403 doesn't effect it at all. No indication at meter plug 4 at all. Guess I need to troubleshoot or scare up another exciter. Good thing this is a long-term project! 73, Mike WM4B From: Repeater-Builder@yahoogroups.com [mailto:repeater-buil...@yahoogroups.com] On Behalf Of Eric Lemmon Sent: Sunday, March 15, 2009 4:46 PM To: Repeater-Builder@yahoogroups.com Subject: RE: [Repeater-Builder] Micor Mobile TLD8262B10 Exciter Question Mike, Probably. The fact that you could receive the signal suggests that the exciter is working, but just has a very low output. Tuning should fix that. Most commercial-band VHF exciters will tune to 2m without modification, but that is not always the case. 73, Eric Lemmon WB6FLY -Original Message- From: Repeater-Builder@yahoogroups.com mailto:Repeater-Builder%40yahoogroups.com [mailto:Repeater-Builder@yahoogroups.com mailto:Repeater-Builder%40yahoogroups.com ] On Behalf Of Mike Besemer (WM4B) Sent: Sunday, March 15, 2009 1:30 PM To: Repeater-Builder@yahoogroups.com mailto:Repeater-Builder%40yahoogroups.com Subject: RE: [Repeater-Builder] Micor Mobile TLD8262B10 Exciter Question Eric, Got that. thanks. But the exciter is okay as-is (except for tuning), is that correct? Mike From: Repeater-Builder@yahoogroups.com mailto:Repeater-Builder%40yahoogroups.com [mailto:Repeater-Builder@yahoogroups.com mailto:Repeater-Builder%40yahoogroups.com ] On Behalf Of Eric Lemmon Sent: Sunday, March 15, 2009 4:19 PM To: Repeater-Builder@yahoogroups.com mailto:Repeater-Builder%40yahoogroups.com Subject: RE: [Repeater-Builder] Micor Mobile TLD8262B10 Exciter Question Mike, Besides tuning the exciter, you'll also need to tune the bandpass filter that is between the exciter and the PA. Start here: www.repeater-builder.com/rbtip/micorvhfbpf.html 73, Eric Lemmon WB6FLY -Original Message- From: Repeater-Builder@yahoogroups.com mailto:Repeater-Builder%40yahoogroups.com mailto:Repeater-Builder%40yahoogroups.com [mailto:Repeater-Builder@yahoogroups.com mailto:Repeater-Builder%40yahoogroups.com mailto:Repeater-Builder%40yahoogroups.com ] On Behalf Of Mike Besemer (WM4B) Sent: Sunday, March 15, 2009 1:00 PM To: Repeater-Builder@yahoogroups.com mailto:Repeater-Builder%40yahoogroups.com mailto:Repeater-Builder%40yahoogroups.com Subject: [Repeater-Builder] Micor Mobile TLD8262B10 Exciter Question Micor Gurus, I just came into possession of a Micor Mobile with this exciter installed. The unit had no Channel Elements installed when I got it, so I borrowed one out of another Micor I have just to try the radio out. With a 147.015 MHz Channel Element installed in this exciter, I get no power from the radio, but I do hear the signal in a nearby receiver. I swapped the Exciter (same Part #) from my other (working) Micor into the unknown radio and get good power using this channel element. With the unknown exciter in the known-good radio, I get no power output. Obviously, I've isolated the 'issue' to the exciter. My question is, will this exciter work in the 2-meter range without modification? If so, then apparently I've got some troubleshooting to do. If not, what mods need to be done to make it work down this low? Thanks in advance, Mike WM4B image001.jpgimage002.jpg
RE: [Repeater-Builder] Re: Micor Mobile TLD8262B10 Exciter Question
Skipp, I went down both roads with the same outcome. no response from the 2nd set of coils. No time to troubleshoot further. may have a bad transistor or coil. Hopefully time will materialize soon. 73, Mike WM4B _ From: Repeater-Builder@yahoogroups.com [mailto:repeater-buil...@yahoogroups.com] On Behalf Of skipp025 Sent: Sunday, March 15, 2009 9:58 PM To: Repeater-Builder@yahoogroups.com Subject: [Repeater-Builder] Re: Micor Mobile TLD8262B10 Exciter Question Based on my experience with radios like the Micor Mobile with the tx band-pass filter and the MSR-2000 exciter... the best way to tune up these units is to find the coil preset information in the Service Manual and start with reseting those items back to the chart indicated height position. Sure you can adjust some coils when moving the exciter small distances from the last operating frequency. But some coils are not simple peak or dip adjustments. They interact with the previous or trailing coil adjustments and should be adjusted per the manual only... re-tweaks just don't do it. In the process of tuning the exciter and related filters you'll sometimes see only slight meter movements as you step up through the chain/process. One stage adjustment of the MSR-2000 is really hard to see initial meter movement. A re-tweak of the exciter won't always show the mentioned small meter movements and it's sometimes very easy to adjust a stage to a wrong peak/dip. So start from scratch most every time. Be sure to use the coil position chart information provided in the manual or your results will surely vary. cheers, s. Mike Besemer \(WM4B\) mwbese...@... wrote: Not lookin' good for the home-team. I've got some reading at the meter plug pin 3, but L403 doesn't effect it at all. No indication at meter plug 4 at all. Guess I need to troubleshoot or scare up another exciter. Good thing this is a long-term project! 73, Mike WM4B From: Repeater-Builder@ mailto:Repeater-Builder%40yahoogroups.com yahoogroups.com [mailto:Repeater-Builder@ mailto:Repeater-Builder%40yahoogroups.com yahoogroups.com] On Behalf Of Eric Lemmon Sent: Sunday, March 15, 2009 4:46 PM To: Repeater-Builder@ mailto:Repeater-Builder%40yahoogroups.com yahoogroups.com Subject: RE: [Repeater-Builder] Micor Mobile TLD8262B10 Exciter Question Mike, Probably. The fact that you could receive the signal suggests that the exciter is working, but just has a very low output. Tuning should fix that. Most commercial-band VHF exciters will tune to 2m without modification, but that is not always the case. 73, Eric Lemmon WB6FLY -Original Message- From: Repeater-Builder@ mailto:Repeater-Builder%40yahoogroups.com yahoogroups.com mailto:Repeater-Builder%40yahoogroups.com [mailto:Repeater-Builder@ mailto:Repeater-Builder%40yahoogroups.com yahoogroups.com mailto:Repeater-Builder%40yahoogroups.com ] On Behalf Of Mike Besemer (WM4B) Sent: Sunday, March 15, 2009 1:30 PM To: Repeater-Builder@ mailto:Repeater-Builder%40yahoogroups.com yahoogroups.com mailto:Repeater-Builder%40yahoogroups.com Subject: RE: [Repeater-Builder] Micor Mobile TLD8262B10 Exciter Question Eric, Got that. thanks. But the exciter is okay as-is (except for tuning), is that correct? Mike From: Repeater-Builder@ mailto:Repeater-Builder%40yahoogroups.com yahoogroups.com mailto:Repeater-Builder%40yahoogroups.com [mailto:Repeater-Builder@ mailto:Repeater-Builder%40yahoogroups.com yahoogroups.com mailto:Repeater-Builder%40yahoogroups.com ] On Behalf Of Eric Lemmon Sent: Sunday, March 15, 2009 4:19 PM To: Repeater-Builder@ mailto:Repeater-Builder%40yahoogroups.com yahoogroups.com mailto:Repeater-Builder%40yahoogroups.com Subject: RE: [Repeater-Builder] Micor Mobile TLD8262B10 Exciter Question Mike, Besides tuning the exciter, you'll also need to tune the bandpass filter that is between the exciter and the PA. Start here: www.repeater-builder.com/rbtip/micorvhfbpf.html 73, Eric Lemmon WB6FLY -Original Message- From: Repeater-Builder@ mailto:Repeater-Builder%40yahoogroups.com yahoogroups.com mailto:Repeater-Builder%40yahoogroups.com mailto:Repeater-Builder%40yahoogroups.com [mailto:Repeater-Builder@ mailto:Repeater-Builder%40yahoogroups.com yahoogroups.com mailto:Repeater-Builder%40yahoogroups.com mailto:Repeater-Builder%40yahoogroups.com ] On Behalf Of Mike Besemer (WM4B) Sent: Sunday, March 15, 2009 1:00 PM To: Repeater-Builder@ mailto:Repeater-Builder%40yahoogroups.com yahoogroups.com mailto:Repeater-Builder%40yahoogroups.com mailto:Repeater-Builder%40yahoogroups.com Subject: [Repeater-Builder] Micor Mobile TLD8262B10 Exciter Question Micor Gurus, I just came into possession of a Micor Mobile with this exciter installed. The unit had no Channel Elements installed when I got it, so I borrowed one out of another Micor I have just to try the radio out
RE: [Repeater-Builder] Re: Micor Mobile TLD8262B10 Exciter Question
Guys, As I said in my previous post, I DID that. No joy. Mike WM4B _ From: Repeater-Builder@yahoogroups.com [mailto:repeater-buil...@yahoogroups.com] On Behalf Of Don Kupferschmidt Sent: Sunday, March 15, 2009 10:33 PM To: Repeater-Builder@yahoogroups.com Subject: Re: [Repeater-Builder] Re: Micor Mobile TLD8262B10 Exciter Question Mike, Take the advise that Skipp has given you. In one project I didn't heed the advise of others to preset the coils from the service manual and I was pulling my hair out for days trying to figure out why the exciter wouldn't tune up properly. Do like he says . . . . reset everything back to the chart indicated height position. Then use the manual to tune up the exciter. Trust me, (and others), the exciter *will* tune up properly UNLESS you have something else going on. 73, Don, KD9PT - Original Message - From: skipp025 skipp...@yahoo. mailto:skipp025%40yahoo.com com To: Repeater-Builder@ mailto:Repeater-Builder%40yahoogroups.com yahoogroups.com Sent: Sunday, March 15, 2009 8:57 PM Subject: [Repeater-Builder] Re: Micor Mobile TLD8262B10 Exciter Question Based on my experience with radios like the Micor Mobile with the tx band-pass filter and the MSR-2000 exciter... the best way to tune up these units is to find the coil preset information in the Service Manual and start with reseting those items back to the chart indicated height position. Sure you can adjust some coils when moving the exciter small distances from the last operating frequency. But some coils are not simple peak or dip adjustments. They interact with the previous or trailing coil adjustments and should be adjusted per the manual only... re-tweaks just don't do it. In the process of tuning the exciter and related filters you'll sometimes see only slight meter movements as you step up through the chain/process. One stage adjustment of the MSR-2000 is really hard to see initial meter movement. A re-tweak of the exciter won't always show the mentioned small meter movements and it's sometimes very easy to adjust a stage to a wrong peak/dip. So start from scratch most every time. Be sure to use the coil position chart information provided in the manual or your results will surely vary. cheers, s. Mike Besemer \(WM4B\) mwbese...@... wrote: Not lookin' good for the home-team. I've got some reading at the meter plug pin 3, but L403 doesn't effect it at all. No indication at meter plug 4 at all. Guess I need to troubleshoot or scare up another exciter. Good thing this is a long-term project! 73, Mike WM4B From: Repeater-Builder@ mailto:Repeater-Builder%40yahoogroups.com yahoogroups.com [mailto:Repeater-Builder@ mailto:Repeater-Builder%40yahoogroups.com yahoogroups.com] On Behalf Of Eric Lemmon Sent: Sunday, March 15, 2009 4:46 PM To: Repeater-Builder@ mailto:Repeater-Builder%40yahoogroups.com yahoogroups.com Subject: RE: [Repeater-Builder] Micor Mobile TLD8262B10 Exciter Question Mike, Probably. The fact that you could receive the signal suggests that the exciter is working, but just has a very low output. Tuning should fix that. Most commercial-band VHF exciters will tune to 2m without modification, but that is not always the case. 73, Eric Lemmon WB6FLY -Original Message- From: Repeater-Builder@ mailto:Repeater-Builder%40yahoogroups.com yahoogroups.com mailto:Repeater-Builder%40yahoogroups.com [mailto:Repeater-Builder@ mailto:Repeater-Builder%40yahoogroups.com yahoogroups.com mailto:Repeater-Builder%40yahoogroups.com ] On Behalf Of Mike Besemer (WM4B) Sent: Sunday, March 15, 2009 1:30 PM To: Repeater-Builder@ mailto:Repeater-Builder%40yahoogroups.com yahoogroups.com mailto:Repeater-Builder%40yahoogroups.com Subject: RE: [Repeater-Builder] Micor Mobile TLD8262B10 Exciter Question Eric, Got that. thanks. But the exciter is okay as-is (except for tuning), is that correct? Mike From: Repeater-Builder@ mailto:Repeater-Builder%40yahoogroups.com yahoogroups.com mailto:Repeater-Builder%40yahoogroups.com [mailto:Repeater-Builder@ mailto:Repeater-Builder%40yahoogroups.com yahoogroups.com mailto:Repeater-Builder%40yahoogroups.com ] On Behalf Of Eric Lemmon Sent: Sunday, March 15, 2009 4:19 PM To: Repeater-Builder@ mailto:Repeater-Builder%40yahoogroups.com yahoogroups.com mailto:Repeater-Builder%40yahoogroups.com Subject: RE: [Repeater-Builder] Micor Mobile TLD8262B10 Exciter Question Mike, Besides tuning the exciter, you'll also need to tune the bandpass filter that is between the exciter and the PA. Start here: www.repeater-builder.com/rbtip/micorvhfbpf.html 73, Eric Lemmon WB6FLY -Original Message- From: Repeater-Builder@ mailto:Repeater-Builder%40yahoogroups.com yahoogroups.com mailto:Repeater-Builder%40yahoogroups.com mailto:Repeater-Builder%40yahoogroups.com [mailto:Repeater-Builder@ mailto:Repeater-Builder%40yahoogroups.com yahoogroups.com
[Repeater-Builder] Part Number for Micor Mobile Connector (Harness End)
Does anybody have the part number for a Micor mobile connector (with backshell) handy? Is there another good source for these, or should I go directly to Motorola? I'm just trying to put together a quick and dirty test harness. 73, Mike WM4B
RE: [Repeater-Builder] Part Number for Micor Mobile Connector (Harness End)
Thanks Eric! 73, Mike WM4B _ From: Repeater-Builder@yahoogroups.com [mailto:repeater-buil...@yahoogroups.com] On Behalf Of Eric Lemmon Sent: Monday, February 23, 2009 9:23 PM To: Repeater-Builder@yahoogroups.com Subject: RE: [Repeater-Builder] Part Number for Micor Mobile Connector (Harness End) Mike, The radio-end connector is assembly 1V84307A89, which comprises three major components, as follows: 37-contact connector 9C84086B01 Front Housing 15D84044C01 or 15D84278A01 Rear Housing 15D84045C01 or 15D84279B01 Unfortunately, all five of the above parts are NLA from Motorola. Rather than risk the auction source, just call up one of the regular vendors- or even a local radio shop- and offer to buy just the radio end of a Micor cable with two feet or so of cable connected. I did that a few years ago and paid five bucks each, with free shipping. 73, Eric Lemmon WB6FLY -Original Message- From: Repeater-Builder@ mailto:Repeater-Builder%40yahoogroups.com yahoogroups.com [mailto:Repeater-Builder@ mailto:Repeater-Builder%40yahoogroups.com yahoogroups.com] On Behalf Of Mike Besemer (WM4B) Sent: Monday, February 23, 2009 5:25 PM To: Repeater-Builder@ mailto:Repeater-Builder%40yahoogroups.com yahoogroups.com Subject: [Repeater-Builder] Part Number for Micor Mobile Connector (Harness End) Does anybody have the part number for a Micor mobile connector (with backshell) handy? Is there another good source for these, or should I go directly to Motorola? I'm just trying to put together a quick and dirty test harness. 73, Mike WM4B
[Repeater-Builder] Micor newbie needs advice
Greetings all, I normally maintain a couple of 'out-of-the-box' (Kendecom) repeaters, but recently I've been asked to help out with another system that is homebrewed from Micors. It consists of 4 Micors (TX on 2 meters, RX on 2 meters, TX on 440 and RX on 440) linked with a CAT-500 and a set of homebrew controls. Lately, the 2 meter RX has become intermittent. For a while, I'd been able to either wiggle the plug on the front of the receiver or give the receiver a good whack and it'd come back to life, but lately it's become more and more obstinate. A couple of weeks ago, I brought the RX back to my shop and pulled all the boards, cleaned the pins and did my best to look for obvious problems. I really didn't see anything wrong, but when I reinstalled the RX, it work fine and I thought (after it ran for a couple of weeks) I must have fixed it. (I have no way of running it on the bench... so it was just a plug-and-pray fix.) Unfortunately, it crapped out again a couple of days ago, and this time reseating the plug and banging had no effect. One thing I did notice that I'd not seen before (it's hard to access the rear of the repeater) is that the plug (on the harness) is missing a piece of plastic surrounding the three pins nearest the hinged side of the handle. I haven't had time to pull up the drawings yet to see what those pins are, but I suspect that may be at the heart of my problem. At any rate, I'd like to be able to run this beast on my bench. Where can I come up with a harness and control, and what (if any) additional hardware would I need to be able to get this thing hooked up? Second, IF the harness plug IS the problem, what's the best course of action? Changing the plug looks like a real bugger. I haven't traced it up to the homebrew controls yet, so I'm not sure how difficult it'd be to swap out the entire harness (if I had one), but either way doesn't look like much fun. 73, Mike WM4B
RE: [Repeater-Builder] Micor newbie needs advice
Yeah. I thought of that. It deeply offends my OCD, but that might be the logical solution! Mike WM4B From: Repeater-Builder@yahoogroups.com [mailto:repeater-buil...@yahoogroups.com] On Behalf Of Chuck Kelsey Sent: Saturday, February 21, 2009 12:40 PM To: Repeater-Builder@yahoogroups.com Subject: Re: [Repeater-Builder] Micor newbie needs advice You might be better off drilling a hole and running the handful of necessary wires through and soldering them inside the radio. Chuck WB2EDV - Original Message - From: Mike Besemer (WM4B) mwbese...@cox.net mailto:mwbesemer%40cox.net To: Repeater-Builder@yahoogroups.com mailto:Repeater-Builder%40yahoogroups.com Sent: Saturday, February 21, 2009 12:28 PM Subject: [Repeater-Builder] Micor newbie needs advice Second, IF the harness plug IS the problem, what's the best course of action? Changing the plug looks like a real bugger. I haven't traced it up to the homebrew controls yet, so I'm not sure how difficult it'd be to swap out the entire harness (if I had one), but either way doesn't look like much fun. 73, Mike WM4B image001.jpgimage002.jpg
RE: [Repeater-Builder] Micor newbie needs advice
Yeah. I cleaned 'em all when I had it at the shop a few weeks ago. Didn't really see anything that looked problematic. Wish I could run it on the bench. BEFORE I decide to mess with the busted plug! Mike WM4B From: Repeater-Builder@yahoogroups.com [mailto:repeater-buil...@yahoogroups.com] On Behalf Of Chuck Kelsey Sent: Saturday, February 21, 2009 1:29 PM To: Repeater-Builder@yahoogroups.com Subject: Re: [Repeater-Builder] Micor newbie needs advice Maybe you'd feel better re-connectorizing (in-line) the new set of wires. Another thing to watch for with a Micor mobile. There are shield plates on the underside of some boards. These just press in place with some pins. These pins corrode and cause grief. Pull the shields off and clean things. Chuck WB2EDV - Original Message - From: Mike Besemer (WM4B) mailto:mwbese...@cox.net To: Repeater-Builder@yahoogroups.com Sent: Saturday, February 21, 2009 1:05 PM Subject: RE: [Repeater-Builder] Micor newbie needs advice Yeah. I thought of that. It deeply offends my OCD, but that might be the logical solution! Mike WM4B From: Repeater-Builder@yahoogroups.com [mailto:repeater-buil...@yahoogroups.com] On Behalf Of Chuck Kelsey Sent: Saturday, February 21, 2009 12:40 PM To: Repeater-Builder@yahoogroups.com Subject: Re: [Repeater-Builder] Micor newbie needs advice You might be better off drilling a hole and running the handful of necessary wires through and soldering them inside the radio. Chuck WB2EDV - Original Message - From: Mike Besemer (WM4B) mwbese...@cox.net mailto:mwbesemer%40cox.net To: Repeater-Builder@yahoogroups.com mailto:Repeater-Builder%40yahoogroups.com Sent: Saturday, February 21, 2009 12:28 PM Subject: [Repeater-Builder] Micor newbie needs advice Second, IF the harness plug IS the problem, what's the best course of action? Changing the plug looks like a real bugger. I haven't traced it up to the homebrew controls yet, so I'm not sure how difficult it'd be to swap out the entire harness (if I had one), but either way doesn't look like much fun. 73, Mike WM4B image001.jpgimage002.jpg
RE: [Repeater-Builder] Micor newbie needs advice
Rick, Yeah. I failed to mention that they're mobiles. The original builder stripped all the unneeded parts out of each unit (no TX parts in the RX, and vice versa) so there's no hope in swapping them. I 'might' be able to swap the 440 RX into the 2-meter slot (haven't even looked into the 440 cabinet yet) and create a temporary 'Frankenrepeater) just to see if it's the plug or not. The problem is, I'm working on a system designed by two hams (one of which is deceased now) and the other just hasn't got time to help me. I've got limited drawings at this point, and I DON'T want to make anything worse. I REALLY need to go out and mark a bunch of cables. the labels are starting to fall of and if I disconnect something by accident (which I've done several times) I'll have a heck of a mess! I ought to have better sense then to get into situations like this! Mike WM4B From: Repeater-Builder@yahoogroups.com [mailto:repeater-buil...@yahoogroups.com] On Behalf Of Rick Szajkowski Sent: Saturday, February 21, 2009 2:24 PM To: Repeater-Builder@yahoogroups.com Subject: Re: [Repeater-Builder] Micor newbie needs advice I had the same sorta set un till I got a harris Radio Phone 60 watts cont. duty right out of the box and thay tune to the ham bang nicely When I ran the Micros I had both worked for RX and TX so if my RX died I could flip the radios and be back on the air thats an idea if it was set up that way .. I will look in my spare part to see if I have my bench set up still kicking around Rick On Sat, Feb 21, 2009 at 12:28 PM, Mike Besemer (WM4B) mwbese...@cox.net wrote: Greetings all, I normally maintain a couple of 'out-of-the-box' (Kendecom) repeaters, but recently I've been asked to help out with another system that is homebrewed from Micors. It consists of 4 Micors (TX on 2 meters, RX on 2 meters, TX on 440 and RX on 440) linked with a CAT-500 and a set of homebrew controls. Lately, the 2 meter RX has become intermittent. For a while, I'd been able to either wiggle the plug on the front of the receiver or give the receiver a good whack and it'd come back to life, but lately it's become more and more obstinate. A couple of weeks ago, I brought the RX back to my shop and pulled all the boards, cleaned the pins and did my best to look for obvious problems. I really didn't see anything wrong, but when I reinstalled the RX, it work fine and I thought (after it ran for a couple of weeks) I must have fixed it. (I have no way of running it on the bench... so it was just a plug-and-pray fix.) Unfortunately, it crapped out again a couple of days ago, and this time reseating the plug and banging had no effect. One thing I did notice that I'd not seen before (it's hard to access the rear of the repeater) is that the plug (on the harness) is missing a piece of plastic surrounding the three pins nearest the hinged side of the handle. I haven't had time to pull up the drawings yet to see what those pins are, but I suspect that may be at the heart of my problem. At any rate, I'd like to be able to run this beast on my bench. Where can I come up with a harness and control, and what (if any) additional hardware would I need to be able to get this thing hooked up? Second, IF the harness plug IS the problem, what's the best course of action? Changing the plug looks like a real bugger. I haven't traced it up to the homebrew controls yet, so I'm not sure how difficult it'd be to swap out the entire harness (if I had one), but either way doesn't look like much fun. 73, Mike WM4B image001.jpgimage002.jpg
