Re: [Repeater-Builder] Remote power monitoring
On Dec 16, 2007, at 11:57 PM, Mike Morris WA6ILQ wrote: This is why I wish more repeater controllers had a user-accessible DVR track (even if it was only 10 seconds), and macros to record, play and erase it. I saw a web page a while back on how to build one using a Hallmark record/playback greeting card, but I can't find it now. Another reason to add IRLP... the PC can do this easily. It's come in handy a number of times already around here. :-) As far as I know the CAT-1000 does not have any analog inputs, and no way to add them. This means that even if you had a device to create analog DC voltages from the forward and reverse power (i.e. the forward/reverse power monitoring module from EMR or Telewave that Eric was referring to), you couldn't read the voltage, set thresholds and speak alerts based on those thresholds much less take those voltages, scale them to useful numbers, and speak the numbers back to you. The S-Com 7330 will eventually have support for its external A/D inputs. Should be very useful for such toys! An arbitrarily scaled RSSI monitor could be another useful use for them. Or fake the guys out... set up a DTMF command that when triggered says 97 watts forward, 1.5 watts reverse Unless you really do lose your antenna, or have a power amplifier deck flake out on you the average user will never know the difference. Knowing my luck I'd trigger that thing when it was really broken. :-) -- Nate Duehr, WY0X [EMAIL PROTECTED]
Re: [Repeater-Builder] Remote power monitoring
On Dec 16, 2007, at 11:57 PM, Mike Morris WA6ILQ wrote: This is why I wish more repeater controllers had a user-accessible DVR track (even if it was only 10 seconds), and macros to record, play and erase it Sh, don't tell anyone but both our RC210 and RC810 provide this functionality. Ken -- President and CTO - Arcom Communications Makers of repeater controllers and accessories. http://www.arcomcontrollers.com/ Authorized Dealers for Kenwood and Telewave and we offer complete repeater packages! AH6LE/R - IRLP Node 3000 http://www.irlp.net We don't just make 'em. We use 'em!
RE: [Repeater-Builder] Remote power monitoring
You get what you pay for! GE and Motorola had quality control programs in use when MII and MICOR were being built that increased the cost of their equipment. Not only were the radios put through a final test, but the incoming components were tested prior to manufacturing. I wonder where the components went to that were rejected. Fred W5VAY _ From: Repeater-Builder@yahoogroups.com [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] On Behalf Of Kris Kirby Sent: Monday, December 17, 2007 10:21 PM To: Repeater-Builder@yahoogroups.com Subject: RE: [Repeater-Builder] Remote power monitoring On Mon, 17 Dec 2007, Mike Besemer (WM4B) wrote: Mastr-II vs. Icom? Doesn't that question answer itself? Not really. I'm curious as to if it is the choice of capcitors used or the design of the audio circuits. -- Kris Kirby, KE4AHR [EMAIL PROTECTED] mailto:kris%40catonic.us us But remember, with no superpowers comes no responsibility. --rly
Re: [Repeater-Builder] Remote power monitoring
Kris Kirby wrote: I'm a little dense at times, but how is it that a 40-year old Mastr-II still sounds fine on the air, but a 15-year old Icom sounds tinny? heh-because it always sounded that way-we just didn't notice becasue they still sounded better then a Twin-V with a bad carbon mic! Or an HT220! -- Jim Barbour WD8CHL
Re: [Repeater-Builder] Remote power monitoring
Fred Seamans wrote: You get what you pay for! GE and Motorola had quality control programs in use when MII and MICOR were being built that increased the cost of their equipment. Not only were the radios put through a final test, but the incoming components were tested prior to manufacturing. I wonder where the components went to that were rejected. Spectrum! -- Jim Barbour WD8CHL
RE: [Repeater-Builder] Remote power monitoring
Mike, Your concerns seem to be a typical situation that all of us, as repeater owners/operators, have experienced at least once. I also hear the same complaints - How come the repeater sounds so bad today? or I couldn't get into the machine yesterday. So I take a ride to the site and find nothing has changed - all is well. Further investigation shows they are either in the shadow of the repeater, are in an area where they have never traveled before (which is not covered well by the machine), that they have a problem on THEIR end of the radio chain, etc. (For example - I get complaints almost daily when I'm using the repeater in an area where I know I have trouble getting in with a full-quieting signal. but they complain anyway. I transition this area on my way to and from work each day, and explain it - each day - to these same certain users. Sigh.) If I may offer a suggestion - don't beat your brains out trying to devise something that will not stop the complaints... rather, just take it all in stride. I've found that this is one area where NOBODY will be happy all the time. If you've done a good job engineering the machine, YOU will know that it is operating correctly - and that's what really counts. When YOU hear something change, then it's time to check it out. 73, Mark - N9WYS _ From: Repeater-Builder@yahoogroups.com On Behalf Of Mike Besemer (WM4B) Valid options perhaps, but not what I'm looking for. I want to be able to show the users that all is well and (hopefully) they'll stop being so paranoid every time the repeater signal is down a quarter of an S-unit on their 35 year old rockbound radio. 73, Mike WM4B
RE: [Repeater-Builder] Remote power monitoring
Hi there.. I was reading some of the reactions on the topic remote monitoring And I caught my attention I am currently upgrading a 2meter repeater here in the Netherland called pi3goe and am also looking for a remote signaling option to the repeater. During my search I came across a thing call SAMS short for short amateur message system using the modulation POCSAG with the use of former commercial pager in the uhf band Maybe this can be used to send out status messages or similar . It is currently in use in germany using special pocsag encoder to a uhf transmitter .. For more info http://www.weiseedv.de/sams/img0.htm sorry german only http://www.adacom.org/projekte/funkruf/ german only or google it good luck and season greeting from a cold south of Holland .. joost, pe1rmn
Re: [Repeater-Builder] Remote power monitoring
Mike, The Link-Comm RLC-DVR can do what I think you are talking about. I have one on our system and it is programmed to allow an operator to record his callsign and name, and then replay it when he releases the PTT. It worked okay. However I have to reinstall the programming, had a power cut and lost all the voices. I should remember to put a back-up on it. Kevin. Get Skype and call me for free. - Original Message - From: Mike Morris WA6ILQ To: Repeater-Builder@yahoogroups.com Sent: Monday, December 17, 2007 7:57 PM Subject: RE: [Repeater-Builder] Remote power monitoring At 05:40 PM 12/16/07, you wrote: Mike, Oh, you've got one of those guys, too? He might be related to the fellow in my area who thinks that increasing the power on his mobile radio will raise the volume level on the 2m repeater- even if he is already full quieting! Like the local guy that has a beam, and no matter how many times he's told can't seem to remember that he's using a repeater, and the repeater is northeast of him... When he's talking to a guy who is southeast of him he goes and points the beam towards him, and then says that he's got a weak signal... He and his relatives always give loud and clear signal reports, even when the talker is barely readable. These fellows are well-meaning, but they cannot bring themselves to criticize a fellow Ham, even when that Ham has a nearly unreadable signal. This is why I wish more repeater controllers had a user-accessible DVR track (even if it was only 10 seconds), and macros to record, play and erase it. I saw a web page a while back on how to build one using a Hallmark record/playback greeting card, but I can't find it now. Back to the original topic: I shall endeavor to create a plausible interface with the WT-2, after I receive it. 73, Eric Lemmon WB6FLY As far as I know the CAT-1000 does not have any analog inputs, and no way to add them. This means that even if you had a device to create analog DC voltages from the forward and reverse power (i.e. the forward/reverse power monitoring module from EMR or Telewave that Eric was referring to), you couldn't read the voltage, set thresholds and speak alerts based on those thresholds much less take those voltages, scale them to useful numbers, and speak the numbers back to you. Or fake the guys out... set up a DTMF command that when triggered says 97 watts forward, 1.5 watts reverse Unless you really do lose your antenna, or have a power amplifier deck flake out on you the average user will never know the difference. Mike WA6ILQ sparc_nz Description: Binary data
Re: [Repeater-Builder] Remote power monitoring
There is an another option. PacComm had a 4 channel A-D converter board for their Tiny-2 TNCs. It operated with the TheNet X1JR4 node software. Each of the channels had adjustable scaling to yield whatever numbers you wanted on the output. It has been a while since I have been involved with packet but as I recall it would send out the info as part of a bulletin packet or possibly on request. You would need a packet terminal to display the result. I am not sure if the AD-4 is still available (it is mentioned on their website but not shown as a current product) but the actual circuit was quite simple and a diagram was available as I recall with the X1JR4 info. Burt VE2BMQ Mike Besemer (WM4B) wrote: I’m interested in remotely monitoring the power/SWR at the repeater site and having the ability to have a macro poll the device and report status over the repeater output. I see that LDG makes a power meter with a voice output that I could probably interface, but is there something designed more specifically for the application I have in mind? The controller is a CAT-1000. Ideas? Mike WM4B Yahoo! Groups Links * To visit your group on the web, go to: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/Repeater-Builder/ * Your email settings: Individual Email | Traditional * To change settings online go to: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/Repeater-Builder/join (Yahoo! ID required) * To change settings via email: mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] * To unsubscribe from this group, send an email to: [EMAIL PROTECTED] * Your use of Yahoo! Groups is subject to: http://docs.yahoo.com/info/terms/
RE: RE: [Repeater-Builder] Remote power monitoring
Hi There is a 2-M VHF repeater in Central England (UK), that uses morse ident to fire back the average S-meter value to the user, of their received signal. As it is usally the user's location and kit that will be weak or strong the user use lets the repeater time out, and the the repeater ident in morse and the S meter value then follows OH, in the UK we have to get state site clearance, and specific permission of each and every repeater we put on the air. John S. Bone, MBEng, BSc Hons (H) Tel: 00 44 (0)1525 217383 (H) Email: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Mobile Tel: (00 44) 77 89 35 86 86 (personal) CallSign: G7OOE -Original Message- From: Repeater-Builder@yahoogroups.com [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] Behalf Of Mike Pugh Sent: 17 December 2007 05:19 To: Repeater-Builder@yahoogroups.com Subject: Re: RE: [Repeater-Builder] Remote power monitoring Mike Besemer (WM4B) wrote: Eric, In a perfect world, I’d love to both hear specific values AND be alerted if values drifted out-of-bounds. The idea of remote monitoring came about because we have several users who swear ‘the repeater is weak today’, but whenever I go check it, inevitably it’s just fine. I’d love to be able to punch up the forward and reflected power when one of these jokers catches me on the air, just to show them that nothing has changed. (Of course, that still wouldn’t convince them… but at least I’d get a laugh… AND some piece of mind that everything was okay.) Why spend the money? Just wrote a macro that, when called, says something like 75 watts forward, 1 watt reflected Then you can say, see it's all in your head. I knew a guy years ago that ran a repeater who's users wanted an autopatch on the repeater. He rigged up a macro that sent a dial tone, followed by a busy signal when accessed. The users never knew the difference! Just an idea... 73 :-) Mike KA4MKG Yahoo! Groups Links * To visit your group on the web, go to: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/Repeater-Builder/ * Your email settings: Individual Email | Traditional * To change settings online go to: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/Repeater-Builder/join (Yahoo! ID required) * To change settings via email: mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] * To unsubscribe from this group, send an email to: [EMAIL PROTECTED] * Your use of Yahoo! Groups is subject to: http://docs.yahoo.com/info/terms/
RE: [Repeater-Builder] Remote power monitoring
On Sun, 16 Dec 2007, Eric Lemmon wrote: One question comes to mind: Is it really necessary that you know exactly what the forward/reverse power readings are, or the SWR, or are you concerned about whether the values have drifted outside a certain tolerance? I think that I would want to hear a voice notification that power is abnormally low, or the SWR is abnormally high, rather than the value. I always wondered how much a few inches of radial ice detuned at DB-224. ;) -- Kris Kirby, KE4AHR [EMAIL PROTECTED] But remember, with no superpowers comes no responsibility. --rly
RE: [Repeater-Builder] Remote power monitoring
Given your QTH Kris, hopefully you'll never find out! de WM4B Mike Kathleen, GA From: Repeater-Builder@yahoogroups.com [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] On Behalf Of Kris Kirby Sent: Monday, December 17, 2007 6:14 PM To: Repeater-Builder@yahoogroups.com Subject: RE: [Repeater-Builder] Remote power monitoring On Sun, 16 Dec 2007, Eric Lemmon wrote: One question comes to mind: Is it really necessary that you know exactly what the forward/reverse power readings are, or the SWR, or are you concerned about whether the values have drifted outside a certain tolerance? I think that I would want to hear a voice notification that power is abnormally low, or the SWR is abnormally high, rather than the value. I always wondered how much a few inches of radial ice detuned at DB-224. ;) -- Kris Kirby, KE4AHR [EMAIL PROTECTED] mailto:kris%40catonic.us But remember, with no superpowers comes no responsibility. --rly image001.jpgimage002.jpg
Re: [Repeater-Builder] Remote power monitoring
MFJ marketed that board also. I think it was an MFJ-52, but not sure. You have to make a packet connection to the TNC using the X1J4 firmware and the TNC will respond with the deviation and signal strength of each station in the MHeard list. You can also query for supply voltage and temperature. I am sure you could substitute power out and power reflected for the last two params, and use the repeater as a packet node to get these values. I just installed a regular packet node on a mountaintop and used one of these boards, but did not hook up the hardware for the voltage monitor or temperature. The deviation and signal strength come in handy for keeping up with the various packet stations the node services. The receiver condition could also be monitored using this setup and connecting from a fixed location with a power output that would not saturate the first limiter of the receiver, where the signal strength is picked off. The most stable signal strength I found was from another node about 150 miles away that normally read about S-8 but would vary with the weather conditions. 73 - Jim W5ZIT --- Burt Lang [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote: There is an another option. PacComm had a 4 channel A-D converter board for their Tiny-2 TNCs. It operated with the TheNet X1JR4 node software. Each of the channels had adjustable scaling to yield whatever numbers you wanted on the output. It has been a while since I have been involved with packet but as I recall it would send out the info as part of a bulletin packet or possibly on request. You would need a packet terminal to display the result. I am not sure if the AD-4 is still available (it is mentioned on their website but not shown as a current product) but the actual circuit was quite simple and a diagram was available as I recall with the X1JR4 info. Burt VE2BMQ Mike Besemer (WM4B) wrote: Im interested in remotely monitoring the power/SWR at the repeater site and having the ability to have a macro poll the device and report status over the repeater output. I see that LDG makes a power meter with a voice output that I could probably interface, but is there something designed more specifically for the application I have in mind? The controller is a CAT-1000. Ideas? Mike WM4B Be a better friend, newshound, and know-it-all with Yahoo! Mobile. Try it now. http://mobile.yahoo.com/;_ylt=Ahu06i62sR8HDtDypao8Wcj9tAcJ
RE: [Repeater-Builder] Remote power monitoring
Valid options perhaps, but not what I'm looking for. I want to be able to show the users that all is well and (hopefully) they'll stop being so paranoid every time the repeater signal is down a quarter of an S-unit on their 35 year old rockbound radio. 73, Mike WM4B From: Repeater-Builder@yahoogroups.com [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] On Behalf Of Jim Brown Sent: Monday, December 17, 2007 6:48 PM To: Repeater-Builder@yahoogroups.com Subject: Re: [Repeater-Builder] Remote power monitoring MFJ marketed that board also. I think it was an MFJ-52, but not sure. You have to make a packet connection to the TNC using the X1J4 firmware and the TNC will respond with the deviation and signal strength of each station in the MHeard list. You can also query for supply voltage and temperature. I am sure you could substitute power out and power reflected for the last two params, and use the repeater as a packet node to get these values. I just installed a regular packet node on a mountaintop and used one of these boards, but did not hook up the hardware for the voltage monitor or temperature. The deviation and signal strength come in handy for keeping up with the various packet stations the node services. The receiver condition could also be monitored using this setup and connecting from a fixed location with a power output that would not saturate the first limiter of the receiver, where the signal strength is picked off. The most stable signal strength I found was from another node about 150 miles away that normally read about S-8 but would vary with the weather conditions. 73 - Jim W5ZIT --- Burt Lang [EMAIL PROTECTED] mailto:burt%40rocler.qc.ca wrote: There is an another option. PacComm had a 4 channel A-D converter board for their Tiny-2 TNCs. It operated with the TheNet X1JR4 node software. Each of the channels had adjustable scaling to yield whatever numbers you wanted on the output. It has been a while since I have been involved with packet but as I recall it would send out the info as part of a bulletin packet or possibly on request. You would need a packet terminal to display the result. I am not sure if the AD-4 is still available (it is mentioned on their website but not shown as a current product) but the actual circuit was quite simple and a diagram was available as I recall with the X1JR4 info. Burt VE2BMQ Mike Besemer (WM4B) wrote: I'm interested in remotely monitoring the power/SWR at the repeater site and having the ability to have a macro poll the device and report status over the repeater output. I see that LDG makes a power meter with a voice output that I could probably interface, but is there something designed more specifically for the application I have in mind? The controller is a CAT-1000. Ideas? Mike WM4B __ Be a better friend, newshound, and know-it-all with Yahoo! Mobile. Try it now. http://mobile.yahoo.com/;_ylt=Ahu06i62sR8HDtDypao8Wcj9tAcJ image001.jpgimage002.jpg
Re: [Repeater-Builder] Remote power monitoring
Let them complain. If they don't like it, tell them to take their rag chewing elsewhere. I did like the guys idea about just having a macro announce some number. Can you imagine, the repeater is putting out 1.21 jigawatts. Of course, you would need to add a flux capacitor, but well worth the output power and range you will get. -Original Message- From: Mike Besemer \(WM4B\) [EMAIL PROTECTED] Date: Mon, 17 Dec 2007 19:36:46 To:Repeater-Builder@yahoogroups.com Subject: RE: [Repeater-Builder] Remote power monitoring Valid options perhaps, but not what I’m looking for. I want to be able to show the users that all is well and (hopefully) they’ll stop being so paranoid every time the repeater signal is down a quarter of an S-unit on their 35 year old rockbound radio. 73, Mike WM4B From: Repeater-Builder@yahoogroups.com [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] On Behalf Of Jim Brown Sent: Monday, December 17, 2007 6:48 PM To: Repeater-Builder@yahoogroups.com Subject: Re: [Repeater-Builder] Remote power monitoring MFJ marketed that board also. I think it was an MFJ-52, but not sure. You have to make a packet connection to the TNC using the X1J4 firmware and the TNC will respond with the deviation and signal strength of each station in the MHeard list. You can also query for supply voltage and temperature. I am sure you could substitute power out and power reflected for the last two params, and use the repeater as a packet node to get these values. I just installed a regular packet node on a mountaintop and used one of these boards, but did not hook up the hardware for the voltage monitor or temperature. The deviation and signal strength come in handy for keeping up with the various packet stations the node services. The receiver condition could also be monitored using this setup and connecting from a fixed location with a power output that would not saturate the first limiter of the receiver, where the signal strength is picked off. The most stable signal strength I found was from another node about 150 miles away that normally read about S-8 but would vary with the weather conditions. 73 - Jim W5ZIT --- Burt Lang [EMAIL PROTECTED] mailto:burt%40rocler.qc.ca qc.ca wrote: There is an another option. PacComm had a 4 channel A-D converter board for their Tiny-2 TNCs. It operated with the TheNet X1JR4 node software. Each of the channels had adjustable scaling to yield whatever numbers you wanted on the output. It has been a while since I have been involved with packet but as I recall it would send out the info as part of a bulletin packet or possibly on request. You would need a packet terminal to display the result. I am not sure if the AD-4 is still available (it is mentioned on their website but not shown as a current product) but the actual circuit was quite simple and a diagram was available as I recall with the X1JR4 info. Burt VE2BMQ Mike Besemer (WM4B) wrote: I’m interested in remotely monitoring the power/SWR at the repeater site and having the ability to have a macro poll the device and report status over the repeater output. I see that LDG makes a power meter with a voice output that I could probably interface, but is there something designed more specifically for the application I have in mind? The controller is a CAT-1000. Ideas? Mike WM4B __ Be a better friend, newshound, and know-it-all with Yahoo! Mobile. Try it now. http://mobile. http://mobile.yahoo.com/;_ylt=Ahu06i62sR8HDtDypao8Wcj9tAcJ yahoo.com/;_ylt=Ahu06i62sR8HDtDypao8Wcj9tAcJ Yahoo! Groups Links * To visit your group on the web, go to: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/Repeater-Builder/ * Your email settings: Individual Email | Traditional * To change settings online go to: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/Repeater-Builder/join (Yahoo! ID required) * To change settings via email: mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] * To unsubscribe from this group, send an email to: [EMAIL PROTECTED] * Your use of Yahoo! Groups is subject to: http://docs.yahoo.com/info/terms/
RE: [Repeater-Builder] Remote power monitoring
On Mon, 17 Dec 2007, Mike Besemer (WM4B) wrote: Valid options perhaps, but not what I'm looking for. I want to be able to show the users that all is well and (hopefully) they'll stop being so paranoid every time the repeater signal is down a quarter of an S-unit on their 35 year old rockbound radio. I'm a little dense at times, but how is it that a 40-year old Mastr-II still sounds fine on the air, but a 15-year old Icom sounds tinny? -- Kris Kirby, KE4AHR [EMAIL PROTECTED] But remember, with no superpowers comes no responsibility. --rly
RE: [Repeater-Builder] Remote power monitoring
At 04:36 PM 12/17/2007, you wrote: Valid options perhaps, but not what I'm looking for. I want to be able to show the users that all is well and (hopefully) they'll stop being so paranoid every time the repeater signal is down a quarter of an S-unit on their 35 year old rockbound radio. ---Ever heard of a placebo? Just program a message with some power level announcement and be done with it :-) See? The repeater says it's making 60 watts Ken -- President and CTO - Arcom Communications Makers of repeater controllers and accessories. http://www.arcomcontrollers.com/ Authorized Dealers for Kenwood and Telewave and we offer complete repeater packages! AH6LE/R - IRLP Node 3000 http://www.irlp.net We don't just make 'em. We use 'em!
RE: [Repeater-Builder] Remote power monitoring
Funny you should mention that. My top-of-the-hour announcement does mention that we're transmitting a BLAZING 30,000 milliwatts. 73, Mike WM4B -Original Message- From: Repeater-Builder@yahoogroups.com [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] On Behalf Of [EMAIL PROTECTED] Sent: Monday, December 17, 2007 7:58 PM To: Repeater-Builder@yahoogroups.com Subject: Re: [Repeater-Builder] Remote power monitoring Let them complain. If they don't like it, tell them to take their rag chewing elsewhere. I did like the guys idea about just having a macro announce some number. Can you imagine, the repeater is putting out 1.21 jigawatts. Of course, you would need to add a flux capacitor, but well worth the output power and range you will get. -Original Message- From: Mike Besemer \(WM4B\) [EMAIL PROTECTED] Date: Mon, 17 Dec 2007 19:36:46 To:Repeater-Builder@yahoogroups.com Subject: RE: [Repeater-Builder] Remote power monitoring Valid options perhaps, but not what Im looking for. I want to be able to show the users that all is well and (hopefully) theyll stop being so paranoid every time the repeater signal is down a quarter of an S-unit on their 35 year old rockbound radio. 73, Mike WM4B From: Repeater-Builder@yahoogroups.com [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] On Behalf Of Jim Brown Sent: Monday, December 17, 2007 6:48 PM To: Repeater-Builder@yahoogroups.com Subject: Re: [Repeater-Builder] Remote power monitoring MFJ marketed that board also. I think it was an MFJ-52, but not sure. You have to make a packet connection to the TNC using the X1J4 firmware and the TNC will respond with the deviation and signal strength of each station in the MHeard list. You can also query for supply voltage and temperature. I am sure you could substitute power out and power reflected for the last two params, and use the repeater as a packet node to get these values. I just installed a regular packet node on a mountaintop and used one of these boards, but did not hook up the hardware for the voltage monitor or temperature. The deviation and signal strength come in handy for keeping up with the various packet stations the node services. The receiver condition could also be monitored using this setup and connecting from a fixed location with a power output that would not saturate the first limiter of the receiver, where the signal strength is picked off. The most stable signal strength I found was from another node about 150 miles away that normally read about S-8 but would vary with the weather conditions. 73 - Jim W5ZIT --- Burt Lang [EMAIL PROTECTED] mailto:burt%40rocler.qc.ca qc.ca wrote: There is an another option. PacComm had a 4 channel A-D converter board for their Tiny-2 TNCs. It operated with the TheNet X1JR4 node software. Each of the channels had adjustable scaling to yield whatever numbers you wanted on the output. It has been a while since I have been involved with packet but as I recall it would send out the info as part of a bulletin packet or possibly on request. You would need a packet terminal to display the result. I am not sure if the AD-4 is still available (it is mentioned on their website but not shown as a current product) but the actual circuit was quite simple and a diagram was available as I recall with the X1JR4 info. Burt VE2BMQ Mike Besemer (WM4B) wrote: Im interested in remotely monitoring the power/SWR at the repeater site and having the ability to have a macro poll the device and report status over the repeater output. I see that LDG makes a power meter with a voice output that I could probably interface, but is there something designed more specifically for the application I have in mind? The controller is a CAT-1000. Ideas? Mike WM4B __ Be a better friend, newshound, and know-it-all with Yahoo! Mobile. Try it now. http://mobile. http://mobile.yahoo.com/;_ylt=Ahu06i62sR8HDtDypao8Wcj9tAcJ yahoo.com/;_ylt=Ahu06i62sR8HDtDypao8Wcj9tAcJ Yahoo! Groups Links
RE: [Repeater-Builder] Remote power monitoring
Mastr-II vs. Icom? Doesn't that question answer itself? Mike WM4B (HF = Kenwood) (VHF = Yaesu) From: Repeater-Builder@yahoogroups.com [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] On Behalf Of Kris Kirby Sent: Monday, December 17, 2007 8:04 PM To: Repeater-Builder@yahoogroups.com Subject: RE: [Repeater-Builder] Remote power monitoring On Mon, 17 Dec 2007, Mike Besemer (WM4B) wrote: Valid options perhaps, but not what I'm looking for. I want to be able to show the users that all is well and (hopefully) they'll stop being so paranoid every time the repeater signal is down a quarter of an S-unit on their 35 year old rockbound radio. I'm a little dense at times, but how is it that a 40-year old Mastr-II still sounds fine on the air, but a 15-year old Icom sounds tinny? -- Kris Kirby, KE4AHR [EMAIL PROTECTED] mailto:kris%40catonic.us But remember, with no superpowers comes no responsibility. --rly image001.jpgimage002.jpg
RE: [Repeater-Builder] Remote power monitoring
I think I like it! Mike WM4B From: Repeater-Builder@yahoogroups.com [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] On Behalf Of Ken Arck Sent: Monday, December 17, 2007 8:04 PM To: Repeater-Builder@yahoogroups.com Subject: RE: [Repeater-Builder] Remote power monitoring At 04:36 PM 12/17/2007, you wrote: Valid options perhaps, but not what I'm looking for. I want to be able to show the users that all is well and (hopefully) they'll stop being so paranoid every time the repeater signal is down a quarter of an S-unit on their 35 year old rockbound radio. ---Ever heard of a placebo? Just program a message with some power level announcement and be done with it :-) See? The repeater says it's making 60 watts Ken -- President and CTO - Arcom Communications Makers of repeater controllers and accessories. http://www.arcomcontrollers.com/ Authorized Dealers for Kenwood and Telewave and we offer complete repeater packages! AH6LE/R - IRLP Node 3000 http://www.irlp.net We don't just make 'em. We use 'em! image001.jpgimage002.jpg
RE: [Repeater-Builder] Remote power monitoring
On Mon, 17 Dec 2007, Mike Besemer (WM4B) wrote: Mastr-II vs. Icom? Doesn't that question answer itself? Not really. I'm curious as to if it is the choice of capcitors used or the design of the audio circuits. -- Kris Kirby, KE4AHR [EMAIL PROTECTED] But remember, with no superpowers comes no responsibility. --rly
RE: [Repeater-Builder] Remote power monitoring
Mike, The LDG TW-2 talking power monitor appears to be ideally suited to your application, since all you need is to provide switch closures to the unit and then apply the audio output to the controller for transmission. If you were to use a commercial forward/reverse power monitoring module from EMR or Telewave, you would need to amplify and scale the outputs, create voice macros, and do the calculations to generate meaningful SWR announcements. That's a lot of work! I have no personal experience with the LDG TW-2, but I am awaiting the arrival of one, and I will be happy to share my findings and interface suggestions with you and any others who are interested in this unique application. One question comes to mind: Is it really necessary that you know exactly what the forward/reverse power readings are, or the SWR, or are you concerned about whether the values have drifted outside a certain tolerance? I think that I would want to hear a voice notification that power is abnormally low, or the SWR is abnormally high, rather than the value. 73, Eric Lemmon WB6FLY -Original Message- From: Repeater-Builder@yahoogroups.com [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] On Behalf Of Mike Besemer (WM4B) Sent: Sunday, December 16, 2007 4:22 PM To: Repeater-Builder@yahoogroups.com Subject: [Repeater-Builder] Remote power monitoring I'm interested in remotely monitoring the power/SWR at the repeater site and having the ability to have a macro poll the device and report status over the repeater output. I see that LDG makes a power meter with a voice output that I could probably interface, but is there something designed more specifically for the application I have in mind? The controller is a CAT-1000. Ideas? Mike WM4B
RE: [Repeater-Builder] Remote power monitoring
Eric, In a perfect world, I'd love to both hear specific values AND be alerted if values drifted out-of-bounds. The idea of remote monitoring came about because we have several users who swear 'the repeater is weak today', but whenever I go check it, inevitably it's just fine. I'd love to be able to punch up the forward and reflected power when one of these jokers catches me on the air, just to show them that nothing has changed. (Of course, that still wouldn't convince them. but at least I'd get a laugh. AND some piece of mind that everything was okay.) The LDG TW-2 is exactly what I was thinking about. seems easy enough to interface via the CAT-1000 user outputs and user inputs. I was even thinking about finding a way to set some sort of break-points to trigger an alarm, as you were talking about. I'm definitely interested in hearing what you find out once yours arrives. If you have good luck, I'm going to see if I can get the club to spring for one. 73, Mike WM4B From: Repeater-Builder@yahoogroups.com [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] On Behalf Of Eric Lemmon Sent: Sunday, December 16, 2007 8:10 PM To: Repeater-Builder@yahoogroups.com Subject: RE: [Repeater-Builder] Remote power monitoring Mike, The LDG TW-2 talking power monitor appears to be ideally suited to your application, since all you need is to provide switch closures to the unit and then apply the audio output to the controller for transmission. If you were to use a commercial forward/reverse power monitoring module from EMR or Telewave, you would need to amplify and scale the outputs, create voice macros, and do the calculations to generate meaningful SWR announcements. That's a lot of work! I have no personal experience with the LDG TW-2, but I am awaiting the arrival of one, and I will be happy to share my findings and interface suggestions with you and any others who are interested in this unique application. One question comes to mind: Is it really necessary that you know exactly what the forward/reverse power readings are, or the SWR, or are you concerned about whether the values have drifted outside a certain tolerance? I think that I would want to hear a voice notification that power is abnormally low, or the SWR is abnormally high, rather than the value. 73, Eric Lemmon WB6FLY -Original Message- From: Repeater-Builder@yahoogroups.com mailto:Repeater-Builder%40yahoogroups.com [mailto:Repeater-Builder@yahoogroups.com mailto:Repeater-Builder%40yahoogroups.com ] On Behalf Of Mike Besemer (WM4B) Sent: Sunday, December 16, 2007 4:22 PM To: Repeater-Builder@yahoogroups.com mailto:Repeater-Builder%40yahoogroups.com Subject: [Repeater-Builder] Remote power monitoring I'm interested in remotely monitoring the power/SWR at the repeater site and having the ability to have a macro poll the device and report status over the repeater output. I see that LDG makes a power meter with a voice output that I could probably interface, but is there something designed more specifically for the application I have in mind? The controller is a CAT-1000. Ideas? Mike WM4B image001.jpgimage002.jpg
RE: [Repeater-Builder] Remote power monitoring
Mike, Oh, you've got one of those guys, too? He might be related to the fellow in my area who thinks that increasing the power on his mobile radio will raise the volume level on the 2m repeater- even if he is already full quieting! He and his relatives always give loud and clear signal reports, even when the talker is barely readable. These fellows are well-meaning, but they cannot bring themselves to criticize a fellow Ham, even when that Ham has a nearly unreadable signal. Back to the original topic: I shall endeavor to create a plausible interface with the WT-2, after I receive it. 73, Eric Lemmon WB6FLY -Original Message- From: Repeater-Builder@yahoogroups.com [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] On Behalf Of Mike Besemer (WM4B) Sent: Sunday, December 16, 2007 5:21 PM To: Repeater-Builder@yahoogroups.com Subject: RE: [Repeater-Builder] Remote power monitoring Eric, In a perfect world, I'd love to both hear specific values AND be alerted if values drifted out-of-bounds. The idea of remote monitoring came about because we have several users who swear 'the repeater is weak today', but whenever I go check it, inevitably it's just fine. I'd love to be able to punch up the forward and reflected power when one of these jokers catches me on the air, just to show them that nothing has changed. (Of course, that still wouldn't convince them. but at least I'd get a laugh. AND some piece of mind that everything was okay.) The LDG TW-2 is exactly what I was thinking about. seems easy enough to interface via the CAT-1000 user outputs and user inputs. I was even thinking about finding a way to set some sort of break-points to trigger an alarm, as you were talking about. I'm definitely interested in hearing what you find out once yours arrives. If you have good luck, I'm going to see if I can get the club to spring for one. 73, Mike WM4B From: Repeater-Builder@yahoogroups.com [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] On Behalf Of Eric Lemmon Sent: Sunday, December 16, 2007 8:10 PM To: Repeater-Builder@yahoogroups.com Subject: RE: [Repeater-Builder] Remote power monitoring Mike, The LDG TW-2 talking power monitor appears to be ideally suited to your application, since all you need is to provide switch closures to the unit and then apply the audio output to the controller for transmission. If you were to use a commercial forward/reverse power monitoring module from EMR or Telewave, you would need to amplify and scale the outputs, create voice macros, and do the calculations to generate meaningful SWR announcements. That's a lot of work! I have no personal experience with the LDG TW-2, but I am awaiting the arrival of one, and I will be happy to share my findings and interface suggestions with you and any others who are interested in this unique application. One question comes to mind: Is it really necessary that you know exactly what the forward/reverse power readings are, or the SWR, or are you concerned about whether the values have drifted outside a certain tolerance? I think that I would want to hear a voice notification that power is abnormally low, or the SWR is abnormally high, rather than the value. 73, Eric Lemmon WB6FLY -Original Message- From: Repeater-Builder@yahoogroups.com mailto:Repeater-Builder%40yahoogroups.com [mailto:Repeater-Builder@yahoogroups.com mailto:Repeater-Builder%40yahoogroups.com ] On Behalf Of Mike Besemer (WM4B) Sent: Sunday, December 16, 2007 4:22 PM To: Repeater-Builder@yahoogroups.com mailto:Repeater-Builder%40yahoogroups.com Subject: [Repeater-Builder] Remote power monitoring I'm interested in remotely monitoring the power/SWR at the repeater site and having the ability to have a macro poll the device and report status over the repeater output. I see that LDG makes a power meter with a voice output that I could probably interface, but is there something designed more specifically for the application I have in mind? The controller is a CAT-1000. Ideas? Mike WM4B
Re: [SPAM]RE: [Repeater-Builder] Remote power monitoring
Mike Besemer (WM4B) wrote: Eric, In a perfect world, I’d love to both hear specific values AND be alerted if values drifted out-of-bounds. The idea of remote monitoring came about because we have several users who swear ‘the repeater is weak today’, but whenever I go check it, inevitably it’s just fine. I’d love to be able to punch up the forward and reflected power when one of these jokers catches me on the air, just to show them that nothing has changed. (Of course, that still wouldn’t convince them… but at least I’d get a laugh… AND some piece of mind that everything was okay.) Why spend the money? Just wrote a macro that, when called, says something like 75 watts forward, 1 watt reflected Then you can say, see it's all in your head. I knew a guy years ago that ran a repeater who's users wanted an autopatch on the repeater. He rigged up a macro that sent a dial tone, followed by a busy signal when accessed. The users never knew the difference! Just an idea... 73 :-) Mike KA4MKG Yahoo! Groups Links * To visit your group on the web, go to: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/Repeater-Builder/ * Your email settings: Individual Email | Traditional * To change settings online go to: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/Repeater-Builder/join (Yahoo! ID required) * To change settings via email: mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] * To unsubscribe from this group, send an email to: [EMAIL PROTECTED] * Your use of Yahoo! Groups is subject to: http://docs.yahoo.com/info/terms/
RE: [Repeater-Builder] Remote power monitoring
At 05:40 PM 12/16/07, you wrote: Mike, Oh, you've got one of those guys, too? He might be related to the fellow in my area who thinks that increasing the power on his mobile radio will raise the volume level on the 2m repeater- even if he is already full quieting! Like the local guy that has a beam, and no matter how many times he's told can't seem to remember that he's using a repeater, and the repeater is northeast of him... When he's talking to a guy who is southeast of him he goes and points the beam towards him, and then says that he's got a weak signal... He and his relatives always give loud and clear signal reports, even when the talker is barely readable. These fellows are well-meaning, but they cannot bring themselves to criticize a fellow Ham, even when that Ham has a nearly unreadable signal. This is why I wish more repeater controllers had a user-accessible DVR track (even if it was only 10 seconds), and macros to record, play and erase it. I saw a web page a while back on how to build one using a Hallmark record/playback greeting card, but I can't find it now. Back to the original topic: I shall endeavor to create a plausible interface with the WT-2, after I receive it. 73, Eric Lemmon WB6FLY As far as I know the CAT-1000 does not have any analog inputs, and no way to add them. This means that even if you had a device to create analog DC voltages from the forward and reverse power (i.e. the forward/reverse power monitoring module from EMR or Telewave that Eric was referring to), you couldn't read the voltage, set thresholds and speak alerts based on those thresholds much less take those voltages, scale them to useful numbers, and speak the numbers back to you. Or fake the guys out... set up a DTMF command that when triggered says 97 watts forward, 1.5 watts reverse Unless you really do lose your antenna, or have a power amplifier deck flake out on you the average user will never know the difference. Mike WA6ILQ
