And the Mitrek is just about the easiest radio to convert... snip two diodes, jumper your channel elements hot full-time, disable the T/R relay & add a 2nd antenna connector, controller of your choice, and duplexer. And already in a nice, RF-tight enclosure, to boot!
I picked up a 55-watter on E-Bay recently for $10 plus $10 shipping! I don't see very many MASTR II's pop up on E-Bay, though. -----Original Message----- >From: Paul Plack <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> >Sent: Nov 1, 2007 11:41 PM >To: [email protected] >Subject: Re: [Repeater-Builder] UHF Radio recommendations ?? > >John, > >A few years back, I bought two Motorola 30-watt Mitrek mobiles with channel >elements for $62. They're built like tanks compared to Hamtronics boards, way >less money, and close to the size you say you need. > >I had a UHF machine based on a GE Mastr II mobile, which I converted for full >duplex, and powered down to 18 watts for duty-cycle reasons. The machine went >on the air in 1995 in Orlando, FL. I sold (OK, nearly gave) it away when I >moved from town 10 years ago, and I think the same rig is still on the air. > >I've used small boards, (Repco,) and fabricated enclosures, heatsinks etc., >but having done it both ways, converting a commercial land mobile radio is >head and shoulders the best value. > >And, as mentioned above, there is professional help available if you need it. > >73, Paul AE4KR > > ----- Original Message ----- > From: John Barrett > To: [email protected] > Sent: Thursday, November 01, 2007 9:16 PM > Subject: [Repeater-Builder] UHF Radio recommendations ?? > > > > The major problem I was having is resolved. I've finally got a UHF backyard > pair for my portable repeater J No more hassling with trying to pack 4 radios > into 1mhz of VHF bandwidth J > > > > Since there isn't a way to look at receiver specs and figure how much > isolation is really needed, here I am asking - what is my best bet for radios > to build a UHF repeater? I'm currently looking at a Hamtronics > receiver/exciter pair with separate PA, but I'm pretty much open to anything > I can get at a reasonable price (300-400 for both RX and TX, PA extra if > needed). The repeater controller I will be using has PL built in, so the > radios don't need it. I would prefer 50 watts or better output, 100w max. > > > > Size is important. I've only got about 16" of depth to mount this in, though > there is a way I can get bigger than that if absolutely necessary. If the > equipment recommended has any "front panel" controls, it needs to be 16" or > less front to back. If no controls, then I have a lot more freedom in > mounting. > > >
