jrinnebraska wrote:
>I'm putting up a repeater in my local area--coordinated frequency is
>146.895, going to tone it at 123.0.
>
>The repeater is a Kenwood 270--I know it's not a big Motorola box,
>etc., but the price was right--FREE! I've had it checked and reset
>for the new frequency and it works just fine--puts out 48 watts
>steadily.
>
>Local Emergency Management Agency will provide antenna, feedline and
>installation, we're closing in on a couple of site locations right
>now.
>
>My questions are these:
>
>1. I need a duplexer for this system--what are your thoughts on
>cavities, etc.
>
>
>
You should try and get yourself a TX/RX set of cavities if you can
afford it. Six cavity pack would be ideal, but a "four pack" will
probably work just fine at 50 watts. (don't use a preamp). Try to get as
high quality of an antenna as you can for the system, and stay as far
away from RG 8 or times LMR 400 as you can. (1/2" hardline for runs up
to about 100 feet or so). You will avoid a lot of noise problems and
trips to the site by doing it right. The jumpers from your cavities to
your transmitter, and receiver should be double shielded RG 214, or RG
142. Use only N-type connectors if you can.
>2. Does anyone have a set of cavities we can find cheap? What's the
>best bet for cavities--size, number, etc.
>
>
>
EBAY is a good place to start looking. Generally cheaper cavities would
include the WACOM stuff (no longer made, but available used), or
Telewave. TX/RX, and EMR both offer discounts to tha amateur radio
community.
>3. What do you recommend for ID'ers--need to be compatible with the
>Kenwood.
>
>
If you are going to use the Kenwood internal controller (sory, I know
nothing about kenwood). Get yourself and ID-8 module from communications
specialists. That board is very flexible and can store several CW messages.
>4. What about remote controlling of the repeater? The sites we're
>looking at don't have phone lines available--will probably have to use
>some remote control--what do you suggest? I do have some Motorola
>Syntor UHF units that could perhaps be utilized...or should I be
>looking for some used 220 band stuff?
>
>
>
Look for a Motorola GM300, Maxtrac, or anything on UHF that will do ham
band. Again EBAY. Also, batlabs.com is full of suggestions for using
Motorola gear and making sure it is what you want.
>4. What else will be needed? I'm a novice in the repeater world...
>
>
You should consider and external controller such as a Link
Communications unit, or Arcom's RC210 (less expensive). These units will
all help you remain legal (FCC Standards) by allowing you to set up,
maintain control, and properly identify your station. (If you use the
external control, the ID-8 module won't be needed).
Hope that helps ... my 0.02 worth.
James WJ1D
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