Hi Nate,
Comments threaded...
Kevin wrote:
After you get frustrated with trying the above <grin> do this:
<http://www.link-comm.com/controllers/accessories/rlcmot/rlc-mot.htm>
Nate Duehr wrote:
Kevin,
Any good notes on how to specifically install one of these into a GE MASTR II floating
around anywhere or any data on just how much it "helps"?
It's easy to connect, just power it, and connect VOL/SQ High to the
input. As far as 'data' on how much it helps, I think its a matter of
preference. I use a repeaters to the end of their string. Having a
really good carrier squelch is a necessity when you are on the fringes,
or syllable chop will result. The dual action of the Micor squelch is
something that I have always liked. It's quick when it can be, and slow
when it needs to be.
While the GE Mastr II is designed to have both slow and fast, the fast
function is disabled in the Station configuration from the factory; it's
only allowed to be slow. I have never seen a GE Mastr II squelch
perform like a Micor squelch. It's supposed to, and I have spent days
working on it, with only some improvement, which is what is documented.
I'm guessing that GE couldn't make it stop chopping syllables in
repeater duty, and is why they chose to disable the fast function. Even
when the fast squelch is disabled, the slow squelch isn't slow enough;
in my opinion - on some bands.
The Micor carrier squelch really works. It is nice to have near instant
closure when the receiver quieting is good, and have sloooow closure
when signals are in the noise. The Micor squelch is one of most popular
options on our GE Mastr II mobile repeater conversions. We've had
several folks complain about the action of the OEM GE carrier squelch, I
have never had a complaint about a GE conversion using a Micor carrier
squelch.
The real show off for a Micor squelch is on a UHF repeater where rapid
deep nulls can exist. A mobile approaching a stop light is a good
example. The GE squelch will chop them, /no matter how loose you set
it/, but the Micor squelch will follow them into the noise and out the
other side.
From what we've seen here, if the squelch on the MASTR II is set right
on the station, using "AND" squelch (logically AND'ing the CAS and
CTCSS in the controller itself) works VERY well, timing-wise, and also
keeps virtually all noise/interference out of the system.
I agree, set correctly the GE squelch works very well; a heck of a lot
better than a lot of receivers I have seen.
But... not as good as a Micor - IMHO
AND squelch is a good way to do it, for sure. Luckily, most repeater
controllers these days have AND squelch as an available option; so we no
longer have to add the logic components.
I know that comment doesn't help those who want to run
carrier-squelch, but it really does work well on our systems here.
The only thing I can say is try one for yourself. If you don't want to
spend the $50 or so on the Link-Comm unit (cheap in my opinion), you can
adapt a Micor audio/squelch board into a Mastr II, or get a chip off of
a board and build one of these circuits yourself - maybe for a little less:
<http://www.repeater-builder.com/micor/pix/newbilevel.gif>
Hope this helps...
Kevin Custer
