And if you ever need help with a CAT controller----just call CAT----very helpful and accommodating----
Scott ----- Original Message ----- From: Steve McCarter To: [email protected] Sent: Monday, March 19, 2007 7:11 PM Subject: RE: [Repeater-Builder] Repeater Controller Recommendations Hey Will, long time no see ;) I'll second the CAT controller route for the "Chirp Beep and Talk" features. We've used the CAT-1000 on one of our club machines for over a decade with little trouble. When we upgraded the other machine we bought another '1000. The '1000 would be overkill, but the CAT-300 is the lowest price product with those features (including autopatch) from catauto. If you really don't need the autopatch, however, the 200 or 250 is cheaper. Obviously there are other products on the market, and I'm sure you'll get some recommendations on those as well..Steve> Here's the link to the 300: http://www.catauto.com/cat300.html Steve McCarter, KB4OID, [EMAIL PROTECTED] http://www.kb4oid.org Trustee of the PARC Repeater, W4ZBB/R on 146.79 Fort Walton Beach, FL ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ From: [email protected] [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] On Behalf Of N9WYS Sent: Monday, March 19, 2007 9:36 PM To: [email protected] Subject: RE: [Repeater-Builder] Repeater Controller Recommendations Here's my 2ยข worth. My group uses a CAT-300 interfaced to a Kenwood TKR-820. I just received the EEPROM which enables the controller to be programmed via laptop computer. This means that until I install this upgrade, any changes I need to do are programmed via DTMF coding. Honestly, I can't wait until I try these new features. I will admit that initial programming of the controller was cumbersome via DTMF. Also, since I didn't build the "telephone interface project" box, I did it all over-the-air (at very low power). The project box allows a standard telephone to be interfaced to the controller for programming. However, since then I have not had ONE lick of trouble with the controller. It has voice interface, so it will "speak" your callsign and other items if you so desire, or it will send CW (or both). When I did call Tech Support via phone regarding some questions I had while setting up the controller, they were very helpful. I would recommend one to anyone looking for a reasonable controller, with some "whiz bang" features. <wink> IMHO, the only thing it lacks is a PL encode deck - an aftermarket add-on (Com-Spec) has been ordered. (If it does have one, I haven't been able to determine that via the manual.) Mark - N9WYS Repeater Trustee, WW9AE/R (444.550 PL114.8) ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ From: [email protected] On Behalf Of [EMAIL PROTECTED] Question for the gurus: I am tuning up and donating an E.F. Johnson CR1100 repeater to the local Ham Club. They have asked me to install a talking, chirping, beeping type repeater controller (which they have offered to buy). I work with basic "repeater, one each" type stuff, so I have no idea where to start. I welcome any opinions of a repeater controller that meets the following somewhat carefully thought out criteria: 1. Reasonably affordable. (a couple hundred bucks or so) 2. It has to talk, beep and chirp. 3. It has to have a phone patch. 4. Well supported. 5. Reliable. 6. Not require re-engineering the radio. (Translation: easy installation) Feel free to add to this list. Thanks Will <hr size=3 width="100%" align=center> AOL now offers free email to everyone. Find out more about what's free from AOL at AOL.com.
