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.
