The only problem I see is that most (like the NHRC-2) require a 16 button DTMF pad. I have yet to see a 902 HT that has one. I switched to a Zetron 37, much easier to program.
73, Dick, W1KSZ -----Original Message----- From: DCFluX [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] Sent: Sunday, December 26, 2004 3:29 AM To: [email protected] Subject: Re: [Repeater-Builder] Re: Repeater Controllers As a controller designer I can recommend the following: For a single stand alone repeater: NHRC-2 This controller is an excelent value featuring real voice storage. For a repeater with a link port: NHRC-4 No voice, CW only. But it will run a remote base or link radio and is cheap so who cares? For multiple links/repeaters: Arcom RC-210 Features upgradeable in the field firmware and individual DTMF decoders for all three ports, plus PL decoder logic inputs. Also includes a big ISD voice storage chip for a nice package all the way around. I don't own one personally, but have interacted with a couple in the past 6 months to know they are designed extremlly well, with about the only thing I don't like is some of the status LED's occasionally have a slight glow when not active, but if this doesn't bother you... Featuring an autopatch: NHRC-10 Basicly take a NHRC-2, NHRC-4 and slap on an autopatch and add more speech storage and other stuff. This will also interface with certain radios to provide frequency agile remotes. Controllers to stay away from: I've tried ICS a time or two and didn't really like it. I have an ICS linker and it is a pain to program. kinda buggy too, When you change the CW ID speed the inter character spacing still stays at about 10WPM, Very humorous. Gonna replace it with a NHRC-4 when I get around to it. CAT-300's have good autopatches, but that is about it. Their software is buggy too. Known to skip letters in the voice ID's unless they re-wrote it, and it is still that same old school texas instruments voice from the speak and spell days. Also they will not release their coding wanting approx $100 to send eproms for a upgrade. I have heard If you have a friend with a "DX" version you can clone its prom and change out the clock module and swap a jumper to transform a plain 300 to a 300DX. Programming is a pain, if you forget one charector you have to start over on a ID string "Keypad data error", unless you pony up the $60 for the programming software. I have no experience with their other controllers though, so take a chance! CES, Need I say more? Middle of the road: ACC RC-850's are just plain cool! But generate alot of RFI. Plus the company is out of buisness so it is a act of congress to find one living and breathing and if it breaks, it ususally stays broken unless you wan't to spend the $250 to send it to "The Guy". Programming is fairly easy with the message editior and most of the commands work without ABCD touch tones. It is back to the speak and spell days unless you have a functioning DVR, but on the plus side it can generate DTMF tones in the courtesy tone generator, you will spend countless hours driving your local channel cops insane as you play hip hop DJ and change CT's just cause you can! Remember: These are my opinions only and you should not base your buying decision soley on them. Yahoo! Groups Links Yahoo! Groups Links <*> To visit your group on the web, go to: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/Repeater-Builder/ <*> To unsubscribe from this group, send an email to: [EMAIL PROTECTED] <*> Your use of Yahoo! Groups is subject to: http://docs.yahoo.com/info/terms/
