Jordan, You are correct when you say that, in *standard* configuration, they do require a 100% status tone on the line. HOWEVER, there was a discussion a while back about using the SpectraTAC system and modifying it so you didn't need the status tone to vote... but I can't find where that was right now. If my memory serves me (and at times, it doesn't <grin>) the mod wasn't all that involved.
I use a SpectraTAC system on my 444.550 machine, but I also have a definite advantage in that the county where the repeater is located is allowing me to use up to three voice channels on their microwave backbone (MUX?) to bring remote RX audio back to the comparator at main repeater. So I'm using the status tone. ;-) I only experienced two issues with my system - power supply failures in the receivers (I've had to rebuild two of them so far), and SQM cards. This is probably due to the fact that this came out of an old VHF Low band system that was in use since the early 70's. (And yes, I did convert the receivers over to UHF with different RX boards. "Plug and play" for the most part...) The replacement electrolytic caps (23D83093G13) I received from Motorola were substantially larger (physically) than the ones that came out of the old power supply, so I had to modify the receiver cabinet (cut a notch) so the supply would go back into the cabinet after the repair. But there isn't even a HINT of AC in with the DC voltage now. (Saw 0.9VAC on the 13.8VDC before the repair... caused the status tone to vary all over the place.) hehehehe I've also rebuilt five of my SQMs - I had a total of six altogether - so I now have what I hope will be good spares... Had to replace the 3 electrolytic caps on the boards - the electrolyte was actually coming out of the ends of the caps. Check them - the "aging" effects will be visible. (Or at least they were to me...) One caution - I was told by a Motorola tech NOT to "mess around with" (i.e., replace) the one 2% tolerance cap the board. Apparently changing it can wreak havoc in trying to get the card working properly again if you don't get the exact same value. Interfacing it to my Kenwood TKR-820 repeater was a bit of a challenge, but has been successfully done - thanks to the assistance of those here on the list. Good luck - and I'm sure someone here will be able to remember the discussion about the modification better than I. Sorry... 73 de Mark - N9WYS -----Original Message----- From: [email protected] On Behalf Of twoway_tech Has anyone had much luck with a specra tac voter? I found one at a good price, but I was wanting to know if it would be worth messing with for my amateur repeater. I was told that they require a 100% transmit on the links, but someone else also told me that they could be used normally as well. (when a remote receives a signal, the link keys up) Any info at all would be appreciated. Thanks, Jordan
