My opinion posted within your questions: ----- Original Message ----- From: Dave Gomberg To: Repeater-Builder@yahoogroups.com Sent: Monday, August 18, 2008 7:44 PM Subject: [Repeater-Builder] Build your own
I have long considered building my own 2m repeater out of 2 Icom 2100 or 2200 back to back thru a repeater controller, using a good duplexer and a Comet or Hustler antenna. Here are my questions: 1. Nobody seems to like the Comet or Hustler antennas. Why? I have no ice here, lots of wind tho. These antennas "typically" don't hold up well. If the repeater is at a low profile site, like your house, go ahead and use them. 2. Why is a 50w 2m transceiver, derated to 25w and driving a power amp a bad choice? Or is it OK? Some radios will start to spur if the power is turned down too low. I'm not sure if the models you listed are ham rigs or commercial ones, but it will be cheaper, and usually better, to pick up a used Mastr II or Micor and be done with it. 3. Any suggestions on how to keep the duplexer cavities affordable? Steal them ;-) Seriously, they are expensive unless you happen to get very lucky. 4. Which repeater controller? Or is that a religious question? Yep, they are both religous and political ;-) Anything else I should be wary of? Yes. DO NOT use 9913 or any similar foil/braid coax. Get heliax for your run. All jumpers on the radio end should be either superflex or RG-400 (NOT LMR 400!) Those are my suggestions. Others may say different. Chuck WB2EDV
