Re: [Repeater-Builder] Controller recommendations
On 7/18/2010 10:28 AM, Steve Jones wrote: Thanks for everyone's input. Controller choice seems to be like a religion. Everybody has their favourite and are reluctant to try another brand. Didn't see anybody mention S-Com! http://www.scomcontrollers.com/ It'll do what you want, and they just run...and run...and run...
Re: [Repeater-Builder] Controller recommendations
S-Com can be a love/hate relationship. The older models did not have an RS-232 interface, so you needed to keep track of everything religiously on paper. BUT, they seemed to last forever. I have a few of them and they have never glitched..never. The newer S-Com controller has all the bells and whistles, including the computer interface. 73, Joe, K1ike On 7/19/2010 9:32 AM, wd8chl wrote: Didn't see anybody mention S-Com! http://www.scomcontrollers.com/ It'll do what you want, and they just run...and run...and run...
Re: [Repeater-Builder] Controller recommendations
On 7/19/2010 10:02 AM, Joe wrote: S-Com can be a love/hate relationship. The older models did not have an RS-232 interface, so you needed to keep track of everything religiously on paper. BUT, they seemed to last forever. I have a few of them and they have never glitched..never. The newer S-Com controller has all the bells and whistles, including the computer interface. 73, Joe, K1ike heh-RS-232 on a ham controller was a pretty rare bird no matter what...only a few had it...til abt 7-8 years ago or so...
Re: [Repeater-Builder] Controller recommendations
The ability to program over-the-air, via phone line, or through the optional RS-232 port was one of the big advantages of the ACC controllers in the 1980's. This was a controller that was way in front of the curve, but the cost was prohibitive for the average ham. 73, Joe, K1ike On 7/19/2010 12:30 PM, wd8chl wrote: heh-RS-232 on a ham controller was a pretty rare bird no matter what...only a few had it...til abt 7-8 years ago or so...
Re: [Repeater-Builder] Controller recommendations
At 7/19/2010 09:30, you wrote: On 7/19/2010 10:02 AM, Joe wrote: S-Com can be a love/hate relationship. The older models did not have an RS-232 interface, so you needed to keep track of everything religiously on paper. BUT, they seemed to last forever. I have a few of them and they have never glitched..never. The newer S-Com controller has all the bells and whistles, including the computer interface. 73, Joe, K1ike heh-RS-232 on a ham controller was a pretty rare bird no matter what...only a few had it...til abt 7-8 years ago or so... ...so will be be another 7-8 years before we see a USB interface on all controllers? Bob NO6B
Re: [Repeater-Builder] Controller recommendations
On 7/19/2010 3:49 PM, n...@no6b.com wrote: At 7/19/2010 09:30, you wrote: On 7/19/2010 10:02 AM, Joe wrote: S-Com can be a love/hate relationship. The older models did not have an RS-232 interface, so you needed to keep track of everything religiously on paper. BUT, they seemed to last forever. I have a few of them and they have never glitched..never. The newer S-Com controller has all the bells and whistles, including the computer interface. 73, Joe, K1ike heh-RS-232 on a ham controller was a pretty rare bird no matter what...only a few had it...til abt 7-8 years ago or so... ...so will be be another 7-8 years before we see a USB interface on all controllers? Bob NO6B Probably more-the Land Mobile mfgs are just getting around to that in the last 2-3 years...and some are better then others...
Re: [Repeater-Builder] Controller recommendations
Thanks for everyone's input. Controller choice seems to be like a religion. Everybody has their favourite and are reluctant to try another brand. The 3x4 vs 4x4 is a big one for me. I think the only radio I own with a 4x4 keypad is an old 03AT. At the remote site, I would have telnet access or serial access from the public internet and software access from within the private wan. At this point I think I'll read over a few manuals and contact a couple of vendors. Right now the biggest problem is to keep the internal repeat function of the repeater enabled while still allowing the controller to manage the remote link. I think it's doable and will just require the right controller and a bit of playing. Once again, thanks. -- Steve steve.jones at rogers.com
RE: [Repeater-Builder] Controller recommendations
At 7/16/2010 20:03, you wrote: ff-800 really hard to go to something else. Even when the something else was better. ...and the manufacturer is local ;) I personally don't like the FF-800, but as the original poster said he last used the ACC RC-96, the FF Systems unit might actually be the best choice because IIRC it tries to mimic the ACC programming paradigm. Bob NO6B
Re: [Repeater-Builder] Controller recommendations
On Jul 18, 2010, at11:21 AM, n...@no6b.com wrote: the FF Systems unit might actually be the best choice because IIRC it tries to mimic the ACC programming paradigm. It's been years since I had to program anything on the ACC controllers so that won't be a problem. From the looks of it, controller firmware is leaps and bounds ahead of the ACC products so I'll have some reading to do anyways. -- Steve steve.jones at rogers.com
RE: [Repeater-Builder] Controller recommendations
My biggest likes of the ff-800: 5 radio ports (4 if you use a local mic/monitor) Electronic pots for audio. My biggest dislikes: Volatile memory in the dvr. -Can't tell you how many times those tracks were loaded/reloaded from the irlp box. Kb0wlf -Original Message- From: Repeater-Builder@yahoogroups.com [mailto:Repeater- buil...@yahoogroups.com] On Behalf Of n...@no6b.com Sent: Sunday, July 18, 2010 10:22 AM To: Repeater-Builder@yahoogroups.com Subject: RE: [Repeater-Builder] Controller recommendations At 7/16/2010 20:03, you wrote: ff-800 really hard to go to something else. Even when the something else was better. ...and the manufacturer is local ;) I personally don't like the FF-800, but as the original poster said he last used the ACC RC-96, the FF Systems unit might actually be the best choice because IIRC it tries to mimic the ACC programming paradigm. Bob NO6B Yahoo! Groups Links No virus found in this incoming message. Checked by AVG - www.avg.com Version: 8.5.441 / Virus Database: 271.1.1/2962 - Release Date: 07/18/10 06:35:00
Re: [Repeater-Builder] Controller recommendations
Steve, How do you propose to operate the Quantar in analog mode with the external controller and simultaniously in digital mode using the internal controller? The Quantar can operate as a mixed mode repeater ( analog to analog and digital to digital) but only with the internal controller function. - Original Message - From: Steve Jones To: Repeater-Builder@yahoogroups.com Sent: Friday, July 16, 2010 1:25 PM Subject: Re: [Repeater-Builder] Controller recommendations I forgot two items which will affect my choice: 1) Control codes cannot contain the DTMF codes A,B,C or D since I don't have a radio with the full 4x4 keypad. 2) The Quantar will probably have to be left setup as a repeater in order to pass the P25. The controller would only need to key the repeater for link audio and repeater messages. -- Steve steve.jones at rogers.com
[Repeater-Builder] Controller recommendations
Hello all. I'm looking at replacing an MSR2000 and homebuilt controller with a Quantar and commercially built controller. Last controller I played with was an RC96 so it's been a while. The repeater setup is pretty simple. VHF MSR2000 with a simple courtesy beep and CW id'er. Two 5 DTMF digit commands allow us to turn the repeater on and off. The controller acknowledges the commands with a simple CW R. There's a UHF link (MCX100) down to a hub repeater which allows linking to other repeaters. The VHF repeater can be linked from the local side or the UHF link side. Two 3 digit commands allow us to turn the link on or off. The link has a 5 minute inactivity timer that takes the link down if nobody is using it from the local VHF side. Two additional 5 digital DTMF commands allow us to make the link permanent and remove it. This is used during Canwarn operations. The courtesy beep changes to a boop during local activity while the link is up. During linkup, the last 3 letters of the callsign are sent on the link and the local side as an acknowledgement the link is up. That's it. Pretty simple system that has been in use about 10 years now. The only reason to change it out at this point is to add another P25 capable repeater to the area. I'd like to keep the current functionality and possibly add a Weather Alert function. I have a remote serial port available at the site for programming. Some sort of command line interface would be best. I've looked at some of the Link Communications products and I've heard good things about them. Any other recommendations? Thanks, -- Steve steve.jones at rogers.com VE3XF
Re: [Repeater-Builder] Controller recommendations
I forgot two items which will affect my choice: 1) Control codes cannot contain the DTMF codes A,B,C or D since I don't have a radio with the full 4x4 keypad. 2) The Quantar will probably have to be left setup as a repeater in order to pass the P25. The controller would only need to key the repeater for link audio and repeater messages. -- Steve steve.jones at rogers.com
Re: [Repeater-Builder] Controller recommendations
I have RLC's and RC-210's both are very good controllers .. the Arcom RC-210 is very will supported and if you want a good controller I would go that route .. not to say the RLC's are not good I went back to my 2A and love it .. the RLC does the 220 repeater Rick On Fri, Jul 16, 2010 at 1:25 PM, Steve Jones steve.jo...@rogers.com wrote: I forgot two items which will affect my choice: 1) Control codes cannot contain the DTMF codes A,B,C or D since I don't have a radio with the full 4x4 keypad. 2) The Quantar will probably have to be left setup as a repeater in order to pass the P25. The controller would only need to key the repeater for link audio and repeater messages. -- Steve steve.jones at rogers.com
Re: [Repeater-Builder] Controller recommendations
Hi Rick, Have a look here and give Ken a call, number is on the page. http://www.arcomcontrollers.com/ Doug On 16/07/2010 5:30 PM, Rick Szajkowski wrote: I have RLC's and RC-210's both are very good controllers .. the Arcom RC-210 is very will supported and if you want a good controller I would go that route .. not to say the RLC's are not good I went back to my 2A and love it .. the RLC does the 220 repeater Rick On Fri, Jul 16, 2010 at 1:25 PM, Steve Jones steve.jo...@rogers.com mailto:steve.jo...@rogers.com wrote: I forgot two items which will affect my choice: 1) Control codes cannot contain the DTMF codes A,B,C or D since I don't have a radio with the full 4x4 keypad. 2) The Quantar will probably have to be left setup as a repeater in order to pass the P25. The controller would only need to key the repeater for link audio and repeater messages. -- Steve steve.jones at rogers.com http://rogers.com
Re: [Repeater-Builder] Controller recommendations
Hi Doug I have one of Kens .. and love it .. I did an ops .. the 2aq does the 2m and the 210 does the 220 mhz repeater .. On Fri, Jul 16, 2010 at 1:36 PM, Doug Hutchison specialq@ntlworld.comwrote: Hi Rick, Have a look here and give Ken a call, number is on the page. http://www.arcomcontrollers.com/ Doug On 16/07/2010 5:30 PM, Rick Szajkowski wrote: I have RLC's and RC-210's both are very good controllers .. the Arcom RC-210 is very will supported and if you want a good controller I would go that route .. not to say the RLC's are not good I went back to my 2A and love it .. the RLC does the 220 repeater Rick On Fri, Jul 16, 2010 at 1:25 PM, Steve Jones steve.jo...@rogers.comwrote: I forgot two items which will affect my choice: 1) Control codes cannot contain the DTMF codes A,B,C or D since I don't have a radio with the full 4x4 keypad. 2) The Quantar will probably have to be left setup as a repeater in order to pass the P25. The controller would only need to key the repeater for link audio and repeater messages. -- Steve steve.jones at rogers.com
Re: [Repeater-Builder] Controller recommendations
On Jul 16, 2010, at 8:13 AM, Steve Jones wrote: Hello all. I'm looking at replacing an MSR2000 and homebuilt controller with a Quantar and commercially built controller. My usual recommendation... anything built by S-COM. Have some that are coming up on 20 years in service, I think... You're basically asked a religious question, not a technical one, in which brand/model of controller to use. ;-) You'll get all sorts of zealots with answers. Mine included. I haven't given you any technical reason to use the controller I like, but then again, you didn't say what features you wanted. :-) Heh heh, -- Nate Duehr, WY0X n...@natetech.com
Re: [Repeater-Builder] Controller recommendations
I have a Link RLC-1 and a RLC-1 Plus. They are nice controllers and very durable. I acquired the RLC-1 from a friend of mine that had it installed at 3 different sites. One site took a direct lightning hit (nothing was grounded), controller survived. The RLC-1 is a lot of controller. If you want a lot of bells and whistles, timers, schedulers, etc, the RLC-1 Plus is really nice; and if you liked the way the old RC-96 sounded, you can make this one sound like it (Link bought the remains of ACC). Both controllers can also be setup to run two separate repeaters as well. Hope this helps. 73, Terry KM5UQ From: Steve Jones steve.jo...@rogers.com To: Repeater-Builder@yahoogroups.com Sent: Fri, July 16, 2010 9:13:49 AM Subject: [Repeater-Builder] Controller recommendations Hello all. I'm looking at replacing an MSR2000 and homebuilt controller with a Quantar and commercially built controller. Last controller I played with was an RC96 so it's been a while. The repeater setup is pretty simple. VHF MSR2000 with a simple courtesy beep and CW id'er. Two 5 DTMF digit commands allow us to turn the repeater on and off. The controller acknowledges the commands with a simple CW R. There's a UHF link (MCX100) down to a hub repeater which allows linking to other repeaters. The VHF repeater can be linked from the local side or the UHF link side. Two 3 digit commands allow us to turn the link on or off. The link has a 5 minute inactivity timer that takes the link down if nobody is using it from the local VHF side. Two additional 5 digital DTMF commands allow us to make the link permanent and remove it. This is used during Canwarn operations. The courtesy beep changes to a boop during local activity while the link is up. During linkup, the last 3 letters of the callsign are sent on the link and the local side as an acknowledgement the link is up. That's it. Pretty simple system that has been in use about 10 years now. The only reason to change it out at this point is to add another P25 capable repeater to the area. I'd like to keep the current functionality and possibly add a Weather Alert function. I have a remote serial port available at the site for programming. Some sort of command line interface would be best. I've looked at some of the Link Communications products and I've heard good things about them. Any other recommendations? Thanks, -- Steve steve.jones at rogers.com VE3XF
Re: [Repeater-Builder] Controller recommendations
Controllers are like religion - everyone has their own one true way. In many cases you can track a personal preference back to the first controller that they were introduced to - I know folks that grew up with Link RLCs, understand them and won't touch anything else. Ditto on others and Computer Automation Technologies (CAT Auto). There's a list of controller manufacturers on this page: http://www.repeater-builder.com/rbtip/supplyindex.html Mike WA6ILQ At 07:13 AM 07/16/10, you wrote: Hello all. I'm looking at replacing an MSR2000 and homebuilt controller with a Quantar and commercially built controller. Last controller I played with was an RC96 so it's been a while. The repeater setup is pretty simple. VHF MSR2000 with a simple courtesy beep and CW id'er. Two 5 DTMF digit commands allow us to turn the repeater on and off. The controller acknowledges the commands with a simple CW R. There's a UHF link (MCX100) down to a hub repeater which allows linking to other repeaters. The VHF repeater can be linked from the local side or the UHF link side. Two 3 digit commands allow us to turn the link on or off. The link has a 5 minute inactivity timer that takes the link down if nobody is using it from the local VHF side. Two additional 5 digital DTMF commands allow us to make the link permanent and remove it. This is used during Canwarn operations. The courtesy beep changes to a boop during local activity while the link is up. During linkup, the last 3 letters of the callsign are sent on the link and the local side as an acknowledgement the link is up. That's it. Pretty simple system that has been in use about 10 years now. The only reason to change it out at this point is to add another P25 capable repeater to the area. I'd like to keep the current functionality and possibly add a Weather Alert function. I have a remote serial port available at the site for programming. Some sort of command line interface would be best. I've looked at some of the Link Communications products and I've heard good things about them. Any other recommendations? Thanks, -- Steve steve.jones at rogers.com VE3XF
Re: [Repeater-Builder] Controller recommendations
At 7/16/2010 10:30, you wrote: I have RLC's and RC-210's both are very good controllers .. the Arcom RC-210 is very will supported and if you want a good controller I would go that route .. not to say the RLC's are not good I went back to my 2A and love it .. the RLC does the 220 repeater Rick I highly recommend LinkComm SCom. SCom has the best new product in the 7330 is cheaper, but LinkComm has several multiport controllers to choose from. Both are far more versatile than other controllers. Bob NO6B
RE: [Repeater-Builder] Controller recommendations
ff-800 really hard to go to something else. Even when the something else was better. ;) Kb0wlf From: Repeater-Builder@yahoogroups.com [mailto:repeater-buil...@yahoogroups.com] On Behalf Of Mike Morris Sent: Friday, July 16, 2010 6:52 PM To: Repeater-Builder@yahoogroups.com Subject: Re: [Repeater-Builder] Controller recommendations Controllers are like religion - everyone has their own one true way. In many cases you can track a personal preference back to the first controller that they were introduced to - I know folks that grew up with Link RLCs, understand them and won't touch anything else. Ditto on others and Computer Automation Technologies (CAT Auto). There's a list of controller manufacturers on this page: http://www.repeater-builder.com/rbtip/supplyindex.html http://www.repeater-builder.com/rbtip/supplyindex.html Mike WA6ILQ At 07:13 AM 07/16/10, you wrote: Hello all. I'm looking at replacing an MSR2000 and homebuilt controller with a Quantar and commercially built controller. Last controller I played with was an RC96 so it's been a while. The repeater setup is pretty simple. VHF MSR2000 with a simple courtesy beep and CW id'er. Two 5 DTMF digit commands allow us to turn the repeater on and off. The controller acknowledges the commands with a simple CW R. There's a UHF link (MCX100) down to a hub repeater which allows linking to other repeaters. The VHF repeater can be linked from the local side or the UHF link side. Two 3 digit commands allow us to turn the link on or off. The link has a 5 minute inactivity timer that takes the link down if nobody is using it from the local VHF side. Two additional 5 digital DTMF commands allow us to make the link permanent and remove it. This is used during Canwarn operations. The courtesy beep changes to a boop during local activity while the link is up. During linkup, the last 3 letters of the callsign are sent on the link and the local side as an acknowledgement the link is up. That's it. Pretty simple system that has been in use about 10 years now. The only reason to change it out at this point is to add another P25 capable repeater to the area. I'd like to keep the current functionality and possibly add a Weather Alert function. I have a remote serial port available at the site for programming. Some sort of command line interface would be best. I've looked at some of the Link Communications products and I've heard good things about them. Any other recommendations? Thanks, -- Steve steve.jones at rogers.com VE3XF No virus found in this incoming message. Checked by AVG - www.avg.com Version: 8.5.441 / Virus Database: 271.1.1/2962 - Release Date: 07/16/10 06:35:00
