On 4/25/07, Jesse Stanley <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> wrote:
Hello All, Looking for a cheap 220 Repeater. Anyone have any ideas? Thanks Jesse KD8CHP
220 MHz and "cheap" usually don't go together, due to the cost of the duplexer (if you're running higher power levels)... everything's just a little more expensive on this (unfortunately) lighter-used band. But I applaud that you're going to give it a shot. There are ways to save a lot of money on the radios themselves... Repeater Builder's website has a lot of information on various modifications to other radios that can be done (for example, using the Midland mobiles), but the added costs are in the filters (duplexer), isolator, and a good antenna... all of which are 10-30% higher in price than the equivalent VHF or UHF models of the same... RB also does 220 conversions of common commercial rigs used by Amateurs as repeaters... Micors and MASTR II's, if you need someone to do the "hard stuff" for you. I've done one conversion and working on another after the first didn't come out as good as I had hoped... and I can tell you, if your time is worth anything -- Kevin and Scott's price is well worth it. With that said, sometimes you find deals, just like anything... or someone wanting to scrap a 220 MHz antenna or whole system at a site. Everyone gets lucky from time to time... start asking around your local area and ask anyone you talk with... someone may have taken a 220 system off-air years ago and have junk in their garage. You just never know. Other newbie info for 220 MHz: Stay away from the ACSSB "Sea" repeaters and radios on eBay if you're looking to make a standard Amateur FM repeater... they look cheap, but they're not FM. People get "bit" by them all the time, and the seller(s) tout them as Amateur gear... sure they could be used, but that's usually not what you're looking for. Nate WY0X
