On 3/20/07, Sam <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> wrote: > Do you have to use an external controller when putting 2 radios > together for a repeater? I just want a simple RX & TX and have the TX > radio PG with a 2min TOT. There are some cables on the internet that > claim all you have to do is plug and play (MOTO Radiuu 16 pin). Do they > really work? > > Sam
What service are you putting the repeater in? Amateur? Commercial? GMRS? Most services need some sort of transmitter ID to be legal. If the radios can't generate an ID, then the cross-over cable between two rigs will "work" as a basic repeater, but could be illegal without some form of ID. Of course, we don't even know where you are, either -- since this is an international list, so ... perhaps you're somewhere the rules are different. Also if this is your first foray into repeater building, you'll need more than just the two radios and a cable! If you're planning on duplexing those radios into the same antenna you'll need at least a duplexer... best to read up at http://www.repeater-builder.com for a while on antenna systems. This is a good starting point: http://www.repeater-builder.com/rbtip/checklist.html The majority of the cost (2x to 4x or more of the cost of the radios themselves) of a good repeater setup at a fixed location isn't in the radios at all, it's in the antenna, duplexer, isolator, bandpass cavities (if needed), and feed line... if you're doing it "right". Since you're talking about using mobile rigs, be aware that most mobile rig transmitters will have to be de-rated in power by quite a bit (and probably have fans added too) to survive the 100% duty-cycle of typical repeater operation. It all depends on what you're trying to accomplish... a couple of mobile rigs can make a decent low-usage "backyard" low-power (and usually low performance) repeater... but with some work can perform okay. Share some more details of what you're trying to accomplish, and folks here are very helpful... most folks here can really say "been there, done that - here's the best way to do what you're trying to accomplish"... or at least give you two or three good options. Nate WY0X
