[Repeater-Builder] Re: Desoldering MSR2000 RX PCB
I'm not sure about the MSR2000, I was in the portable shop already, but, typically, Motorola uses multi-layer PC boards in most of their radios. Often, one of those layers is mostly ground plane, a huge heat sink. It's not unusual to require a higher wattage iron to flow solder on a seemingly small trace on the surface (the heat is going into a massive piece of foil in one of the inner layers). The only place, I'm aware of, that Motorola used a higher temperature solder (silver bearing) is on the ceramic substrates in the transmitters. That to prevent the higher component temperatures from softening conventional (especially eutectic) solders. My guess is you're just tangling with a big ground plane on an inner board layer. Tom DGN --- In Repeater-Builder@yahoogroups.com, Eric Grabowski ejgrabow...@... wrote: A recent thread discussed a problem disassembling a MSR2000 continuous duty PA. That triggers this query: Does anyone know if Motorola used a higher temperature solder on the MSR2000 units? My reason for asking is that this past weekend I had a hard time removing three leaky electrolytic capacitors from a MSR2000 VHF receiver board. I ended up using a 45 watt soldering pencil, which I only use for stubborn jobs, but even it had a very hard time melting the solder on the positive leads and didn't do anything for the leads soldered to ground. I've never experienced this before on a PCB. In fact the 45 watt pencil usually works well on double-sided PCBs with small to moderate groundplanes, although I'll be the first to admit that it doesn't have enough heat to handle really massive groundplanes found on some industrial PCBs. I've replaced components on many a Micor and Mitrek mobile using my 15 and 20 watt soldering pencils without a problem, so this experience came as a complete surprise. Any thoughts? 73 and aloha, Eric KH6CQ
[Repeater-Builder] Re: Dissasembly of msr 2000 continuous duty amp. How?
I'm told C4 is much more effective and you need less of it! T. --- In Repeater-Builder@yahoogroups.com, Gordon Cooper zl...@... wrote: Maybe a little Black Powder might be needed? Gordon ZL1KL Tauranga N.Z.
[Repeater-Builder] Re: Desoldering MSR2000 RX PCB
Thomas Oliver tsoli...@... wrote: For de-soldering I use a de-solder iron with a squeeze bulb on it from Radio Shack, works great. http://www.radioshack.com/product/index.jsp?productId=2062731 tom Nice for most things but not removing the final modules from an MSR-2000 and/or Micor RF Power Amplifier. You'd need a lot more mass. s.
[Repeater-Builder] Re: Desoldering MSR2000 RX PCB
Eric Grabowski ejgrabow...@... wrote: A recent thread discussed a problem disassembling a MSR2000 continuous duty PA. That triggers this query: Does anyone know if Motorola used a higher temperature solder on the MSR2000 units? Yes s.
[Repeater-Builder] Re: Desoldering MSR2000 RX PCB
What do they use? What alloy? Seems that radio was out too early for RoHS? Tom DGN --- In Repeater-Builder@yahoogroups.com, skipp025 skipp...@... wrote: Eric Grabowski ejgrabowski@ wrote: A recent thread discussed a problem disassembling a MSR2000 continuous duty PA. That triggers this query: Does anyone know if Motorola used a higher temperature solder on the MSR2000 units? Yes s.
Re: [Repeater-Builder] Desoldering MSR2000 RX PCB
Wattage is of less importance than tip temperature and size. Weller's better irons came with tips that were available in 3 ranges, approx 600, 70, and 800 degrees F. The 800 degree tips were the only ones that I have ever had any degree of success with. Other manufacturers use various types of schemes to adjust the tip temperature. A small narrow tip is fine for small work but will not do well for larger areas where a broad tip with more thermal mass will be more effective.. With most irons it becomes necessary to match the tip size and geometry with the job to be done. Milt - Original Message - From: Eric Grabowski ejgrabow...@yahoo.com To: Repeater-Builder@yahoogroups.comOther Sent: Tuesday, August 03, 2010 1:17 AM Subject: [Repeater-Builder] Desoldering MSR2000 RX PCB A recent thread discussed a problem disassembling a MSR2000 continuous duty PA. That triggers this query: Does anyone know if Motorola used a higher temperature solder on the MSR2000 units? My reason for asking is that this past weekend I had a hard time removing three leaky electrolytic capacitors from a MSR2000 VHF receiver board. I ended up using a 45 watt soldering pencil, which I only use for stubborn jobs, but even it had a very hard time melting the solder on the positive leads and didn't do anything for the leads soldered to ground. I've never experienced this before on a PCB. In fact the 45 watt pencil usually works well on double-sided PCBs with small to moderate groundplanes, although I'll be the first to admit that it doesn't have enough heat to handle really massive groundplanes found on some industrial PCBs. I've replaced components on many a Micor and Mitrek mobile using my 15 and 20 watt soldering pencils without a problem, so this experience came as a complete surprise. Any thoughts? 73 and aloha, Eric KH6CQ Yahoo! Groups Links
Re: [Repeater-Builder] Narrowbanding
That may be what the mask specifies. I have seen the curve plots of the mask. Now run the numbers and see what kind of signal levels that really equates to when the DTV station is running say 1 MW. It looks pretty on paper, it's not so pretty in the real world. - Original Message - From: Glenn Little WB4UIV glennmaill...@bellsouth.net To: Repeater-Builder@yahoogroups.com Sent: Monday, August 02, 2010 11:23 PM Subject: Re: [Repeater-Builder] Narrowbanding I do not know about Nextel, but, the US DTV signal fits into a 6 MHz bandwidth. We use a mask filter to ensure that the bandwidth is no more than 6 MHz. 500 kHz from band edge = -47 dB 6 MHz from band edge = -110 dB 73 Glenn WB4UIV At 10:58 AM 8/2/2010, you wrote: On 8/2/2010 10:45 AM, Scott Zimmerman wrote: I was wondering about that myself. The bandwidths spec'd just didn't seem to compute in my feeble mind. Scott Scott Zimmerman Amateur Radio Call N3XCC 474 Barnett Road Boswell, PA 15531 Jeff DePolo wrote: Florida Repeater Coordinator proposes narrowbanding: http://www.florida-repeaters.org/FRC%202meter%20narrowband%20p olicy%20released%207-18-10.pdf Apparently Carson's Rule works different in Florida than it does everywhere else. --- Jeff WN3A Course, wiki says Carson's rule is of little use in spectrum planning anyway...(http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Carson_bandwidth_rule). These must be the same people that think Nextel's iDen 6:1 TDMA format fits in a 25 KHz channel, or that think the US DTV standard fits in a 6 MHz channel...NOT! Yahoo! Groups Links Yahoo! Groups Links
Re: [Repeater-Builder] Re: Dissasembly of msr 2000 continuous duty amp. How?
On 8/2/2010 11:15 PM, skipp025 wrote: ... The entire project including obtaining the parts from recycled radios takes me about 4.5 hours with beverage of choice and some decent AM Talk-Radio playing at low back-ground volume level (no, not the right-wing whack job stuff). As opposed to the left-wing whack job stuff? ;cD Once you've had to do this type of Motorola PA repair, you more fully appreciate trying to keep the amplifier happy and cool. Boy, ain't that the truth!!! My only other comment-it's not absolutely mandatory, but if you can get silver solder, use it.
Re: [Repeater-Builder] Narrowbanding
On 8/2/2010 11:23 PM, Glenn Little WB4UIV wrote: I do not know about Nextel, but, the US DTV signal fits into a 6 MHz bandwidth. We use a mask filter to ensure that the bandwidth is no more than 6 MHz. 500 kHz from band edge= -47 dB 6 MHz from band edge= -110 dB 73 Glenn WB4UIV And that's why we see noise in the -60 to -90 dBm range 1 to 2 MHz beyond the band edges 10-20 miles from the transmitters... (thank god the ch2 here moved up to 17...6M is usable again!) 500 KHz from the band edge @ 47 dB down on a transmitter that is, say, 10,000W...10KW is +70 dBm minus 47db is +23 dBm, or 200 mW. Free-space loss at..let's be conservative and use 860 MHz (I happen to have the Bird mouse pad in front of me) @ 10 mi is 115 dB. +23 minus 115 is -92 dBm...nah, no one will hear that...free-space loss @ 150 for the same distance is 100 dB, my chart doesn't have 50 Mhz, but I suspect around 90-95. And while Nextel is better than that, because the Nextel channels are interspersed with other (25 KHz spacing), it causes total LOS sometimes as far as a mile or two from a tower. That's why they're moving them up to the top of the 800 band and getting normal 800 users as far away as possible.
[Repeater-Builder] Re: Dissasembly of msr 2000 continuous duty amp. How?
Apparently no one here got the moto memo on working with giant heat-sinks. First you only need a 30-40 watt iron to work on them as moto did at the factory The secret is.. raising the heat-sink to about 3-400 degrees while you are working on what needs to be done. PS .. don't touch it with fingers or arms. This technique also lowers possibility of cracking the ceramics. I usually lay out everything that has to be done in advance with extra planning. Hey, I didn't say it was going to be quick... . Bill Atlanta . . --- In Repeater-Builder@yahoogroups.com, wd8chl wd8...@... wrote: On 8/2/2010 11:15 PM, skipp025 wrote: ... The entire project including obtaining the parts from recycled radios takes me about 4.5 hours with beverage of choice and some decent AM Talk-Radio playing at low back-ground volume level (no, not the right-wing whack job stuff). As opposed to the left-wing whack job stuff? ;cD Once you've had to do this type of Motorola PA repair, you more fully appreciate trying to keep the amplifier happy and cool. Boy, ain't that the truth!!! My only other comment-it's not absolutely mandatory, but if you can get silver solder, use it.
[Repeater-Builder] Re: De-Soldering Motorola MSR-2000 Micor RF PA Substrates
Eric Grabowski ejgrabowski@ wrote: A recent thread discussed a problem disassembling a MSR2000 continuous duty PA. That triggers this query: Does anyone know if Motorola used a higher temperature solder on the MSR2000 units? skipp025 skipp025@ wrote: Yes s. wb6dgn wb6...@... wrote: What do they use? What alloy? Seems that radio was out too early for RoHS? Tom DGN Don't know what specific type of solder Motorola used in the MSR-2000 PA Sections but I do know the type was changed or updated at least once. The early A version PA's had serious teething problems (meaning most failed unexpectedly early) and just plain died without notice (within the Warranty Period). The B version MSR-PA was offered up as a retro-fit trade in fix warranty replacement to resolve some of the A Version mortally terminal design issues. I suspect Part of the MSR-2000 B-Version PA rework probably included revising the solder type. I don't know what they used but I have three or four different types of solder in use depending on the requirement. High RF Current points within a working RF solid state Amplifier can often get very hot. It's not uncommon to have certain areas become so hot, the parts start to unsolder themselves. I've seen more than a modest number of RF Amplifiers with self un-soldered parts in/at the typical high RF Current locations. A classic retrofit fix is to remove and re-flow High RF Current Connections with a higher quality, higher melting point Solder. In more than a few examples the solder upgrade doesn't really solve the problem and a re-design is required. The Engineer is now tasked with really understanding the requirements of High RF Currents and unwanted localized heating within the MSR-2000 Micor or any similar RF Amplifier circuit design. A number of the External 100 watt and above - level RF Amplifier mfgrs suffered very similar or same issues. They didn't have a realistic estimate for the cost of lunch. s.
Re: [Repeater-Builder] Re: Dissasembly of msr 2000 continuous duty amp. How?
Bill wrote: Apparently no one here got the moto memo on working with giant heat-sinks. First you only need a 30-40 watt iron to work on them as moto did at the factory The secret is.. raising the heat-sink to about 3-400 degrees while you are working on what needs to be done. PS .. don't touch it with fingers or arms. This technique also lowers possibility of cracking the ceramics. I usually lay out everything that has to be done in advance with extra planning. Hey, I didn't say it was going to be quick... . Bill Atlanta The amplifier in question is a MSR2000 VHF, not UHF - no ceramics to worry about - no oven required. Kevin
[Repeater-Builder] Re: Dissasembly of msr 2000 continuous duty amp. How?
The amplifier in question is a MSR2000 VHF, not UHF - no ceramics to worry about - no oven required. Kevin Don't know what you'd really use the Oven for... For the VHF PA (like the Micor) I switch from the mondo iron to the trusty Weller 550 and 8200 guns. I feel it's better get on and off a section as quick as possible. Weller also makes a decent size iron like the WP-60. s.
Re: [Repeater-Builder] Re: GMRS Radio
Dick rert...@ix.netcom.com wrote: I missed the original posting. Was someone looking to buy GMRS mobiles and handhelds, and perhaps even a GMRS repeater? If so contact n5sx...@charter,com 73's group
Re: [Repeater-Builder] Re: GMRS Radio
Where is that written? Nothing that I see in the rules covering ERP except a maximum TX power out of 50 watts under 47CFR95.135 From: Dick rert...@ix.netcom.com To: Repeater-Builder@yahoogroups.com Sent: Mon, August 2, 2010 10:31:24 PM Subject: Re: [Repeater-Builder] Re: GMRS Radio Bear in mind that GMRS XMT power is limited to 40 watts ERP. Dick -Original Message- From: cmr359 Sent: Jul 30, 2010 8:29 AM To: Repeater-Builder@yahoogroups.com Subject: [Repeater-Builder] Re: GMRS Radio Most lmr radios will program gmrs frequencies. Be mindful of output power programmed as most will do over the limit. Many ameuter radios with transmitter mods will also do this. My radio vendor of choice is Icom. They are very tough with mil specs and all. --- In Repeater-Builder@yahoogroups.com, Joel joellan...@... wrote: Anybody have any reviews or maybe a used GMRS radio? I would like a 4 watt radio. Is the FCC doing in with GMRS repeaters? Does anybody have them for sale? Do they make a portable repeater?
RE: [Repeater-Builder] Re: Dissasembly of msr 2000 continuous duty amp. How?
I use the mass of an old martial-aid size soldering iron, which are often passed over by uninformed souls shopping at Ham Flea Markets. s. Skipp, you kill me! They used those in sheet metal shops and doing rain gutters. Got one and it is amazing on touch and ping off it comes!. The solder iron anyway..
RE: [Repeater-Builder] Re: Dissasembly of msr 2000 continuous duty amp. How?
Hmmm my comments were lost. Oh well I just commented you kill me Skipp. _ From: Repeater-Builder@yahoogroups.com [mailto:repeater-buil...@yahoogroups.com] On Behalf Of Kevin King Sent: Tuesday, August 03, 2010 2:54 PM To: Repeater-Builder@yahoogroups.com Subject: RE: [Repeater-Builder] Re: Dissasembly of msr 2000 continuous duty amp. How? I use the mass of an old martial-aid size soldering iron, which are often passed over by uninformed souls shopping at Ham Flea Markets. s.
Re: [Repeater-Builder] Narrowbanding
What's nastier is T-band sharing. WCVB in Boston on channel 20 routinely hammers a number of 500 MHZ public safety systems in New Jersey. From: Milt men...@pa.net To: Repeater-Builder@yahoogroups.com Sent: Tue, August 3, 2010 6:56:05 AM Subject: Re: [Repeater-Builder] Narrowbanding That may be what the mask specifies. I have seen the curve plots of the mask. Now run the numbers and see what kind of signal levels that really equates to when the DTV station is running say 1 MW. It looks pretty on paper, it's not so pretty in the real world. - Original Message - From: Glenn Little WB4UIV glennmaill...@bellsouth.net To: Repeater-Builder@yahoogroups.com Sent: Monday, August 02, 2010 11:23 PM Subject: Re: [Repeater-Builder] Narrowbanding I do not know about Nextel, but, the US DTV signal fits into a 6 MHz bandwidth. We use a mask filter to ensure that the bandwidth is no more than 6 MHz. 500 kHz from band edge = -47 dB 6 MHz from band edge = -110 dB 73 Glenn WB4UIV At 10:58 AM 8/2/2010, you wrote: On 8/2/2010 10:45 AM, Scott Zimmerman wrote: I was wondering about that myself. The bandwidths spec'd just didn't seem to compute in my feeble mind. Scott Scott Zimmerman Amateur Radio Call N3XCC 474 Barnett Road Boswell, PA 15531 Jeff DePolo wrote: Florida Repeater Coordinator proposes narrowbanding: http://www.florida-repeaters.org/FRC%202meter%20narrowband%20p olicy%20released%207-18-10.pdf Apparently Carson's Rule works different in Florida than it does everywhere else. --- Jeff WN3A Course, wiki says Carson's rule is of little use in spectrum planning anyway...(http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Carson_bandwidth_rule). These must be the same people that think Nextel's iDen 6:1 TDMA format fits in a 25 KHz channel, or that think the US DTV standard fits in a 6 MHz channel...NOT! Yahoo! Groups Links Yahoo! Groups Links Yahoo! Groups Links http://docs.yahoo.com/info/terms/
[Repeater-Builder] Mastr II drift problem
Hello all, I have having a severe drift problem on my GE Mastr II 2 meter repeater. The transmit freq will drift nearly 2 KHZ over a 5-10 minute period. I have changed exciters and used a different ICOM but no improvement. The building that I am in is not ventilated and is very very hot. I put a high/low thermometer in and one day the high temp in the building was 114 degrees. Is this the problem? Thanks for any help. Steve W4SEF
RE: [Repeater-Builder] Mastr II drift problem
Only if your crystals in the ICOMs are from BOMAR. David From: Repeater-Builder@yahoogroups.com [mailto:repeater-buil...@yahoogroups.com] On Behalf Of steve Sent: Tuesday, August 03, 2010 5:33 PM To: Repeater-Builder@yahoogroups.com Subject: [Repeater-Builder] Mastr II drift problem Hello all, I have having a severe drift problem on my GE Mastr II 2 meter repeater. The transmit freq will drift nearly 2 KHZ over a 5-10 minute period. I have changed exciters and used a different ICOM but no improvement. The building that I am in is not ventilated and is very very hot. I put a high/low thermometer in and one day the high temp in the building was 114 degrees. Is this the problem? Thanks for any help. Steve W4SEF
[Repeater-Builder] Mastr II Mobile Repeater?
Gentlemen (And Ladies) I have a MASTR II Exec mobile here, I think its a UHF Repeater. I want to confirm with you - but I am curious what RCC stands for. Comb number YS55SSXX88A. Nothing comes up on Google and not sure which Comb spec sheet to look this up with Hall Electronics or here on RB Archives. Thanks for your input! John Hymes La Rue Communications 10 S. Aurora Street Stockton, CA 95202 http://tinyurl.com/2dtngmn
Re: [Repeater-Builder] Antenna coax length
If it is easy to do, go with the single lenght. Less connector losses and chances of failure due to water ingress or corrosion etc. Greg Sent from your Iphone. -Original Message- From: Craig fxbuil...@yahoo.com Sender: Repeater-Builder@yahoogroups.com Date: Tue, 03 Aug 2010 23:43:04 To: Repeater-Builder@yahoogroups.com Reply-To: Repeater-Builder@yahoogroups.com Subject: [Repeater-Builder] Antenna coax length My repeater antenna is up in a tree. The tree is growing and putting pressure on the coax. I'm using Cablexperts CXP1318F and have had good luck. My cable is now 50ft. I need to move to the 75ft length prebuilt. Am I going to have a heavy loss when I add the 25ft? I could make a 65ft cable. Would that be better? Thanks for the help. Craig
Re: [Repeater-Builder] Mastr II Mobile Repeater?
John, In it's former life it probably was a mobile telephone. 73 John VE3AMZ - Original Message - From: La Rue Communications To: Repeater-Builder@yahoogroups.com Sent: Tuesday, August 03, 2010 7:28 PM Subject: [Repeater-Builder] Mastr II Mobile Repeater? Gentlemen (And Ladies) I have a MASTR II Exec mobile here, I think its a UHF Repeater. I want to confirm with you - but I am curious what RCC stands for. Comb number YS55SSXX88A. Nothing comes up on Google and not sure which Comb spec sheet to look this up with Hall Electronics or here on RB Archives. Thanks for your input! John Hymes La Rue Communications 10 S. Aurora Street Stockton, CA 95202 http://tinyurl.com/2dtngmn
[Repeater-Builder] Re: Mastr II Mobile Repeater?
RCC = Radio Common Carrier. The OLD mobile telephone service. Before IMTS (Improved Mobile Telephone Service) and long before cell. BTW Perry Mason used RCC Bill N4XIR --- In Repeater-Builder@yahoogroups.com, La Rue Communications laruec...@... wrote: Gentlemen (And Ladies) I have a MASTR II Exec mobile here, I think its a UHF Repeater. I want to confirm with you - but I am curious what RCC stands for. Comb number YS55SSXX88A. Nothing comes up on Google and not sure which Comb spec sheet to look this up with Hall Electronics or here on RB Archives. Thanks for your input! John Hymes La Rue Communications 10 S. Aurora Street Stockton, CA 95202 http://tinyurl.com/2dtngmn
RE: [Repeater-Builder] Mastr II drift problem
Did you just buy the crystals and insert them in the ICOMs or did you send them in to the crystal MFG to be compensated. If you did them yourself the compensation is probably now messed up. The best way to fix it is to send them in to the crystal MFG for compensation. Stan From: Repeater-Builder@yahoogroups.com [mailto:repeater-buil...@yahoogroups.com] On Behalf Of steve Sent: Tuesday, August 03, 2010 5:33 PM To: Repeater-Builder@yahoogroups.com Subject: [Repeater-Builder] Mastr II drift problem Hello all, I have having a severe drift problem on my GE Mastr II 2 meter repeater. The transmit freq will drift nearly 2 KHZ over a 5-10 minute period. I have changed exciters and used a different ICOM but no improvement. The building that I am in is not ventilated and is very very hot. I put a high/low thermometer in and one day the high temp in the building was 114 degrees. Is this the problem? Thanks for any help. Steve W4SEF
RE: [Repeater-Builder] Re: Mastr II Mobile Repeater?
Perry mason or Ironside? kb0wlf -Original Message- From: bil.isom bil.i...@yahoo.com Sent: Tuesday, August 03, 2010 7:25 PM To: Repeater-Builder@yahoogroups.com Subject: [Repeater-Builder] Re: Mastr II Mobile Repeater? RCC = Radio Common Carrier. The OLD mobile telephone service. Before IMTS (Improved Mobile Telephone Service) and long before cell. BTW Perry Mason used RCC Bill N4XIR --- In Repeater-Builder@yahoogroups.com, La Rue Communications laruec...@... wrote: Gentlemen (And Ladies) I have a MASTR II Exec mobile here, I think its a UHF Repeater. I want to confirm with you - but I am curious what RCC stands for. Comb number YS55SSXX88A. Nothing comes up on Google and not sure which Comb spec sheet to look this up with Hall Electronics or here on RB Archives. Thanks for your input! John Hymes La Rue Communications 10 S. Aurora Street Stockton, CA 95202 http://tinyurl.com/2dtngmn Yahoo! Groups Links
[Repeater-Builder] Re: Looking for manual for Celwave 526-4-2
I am also looking for the same manual and have searched wide and far. Did this thread have any success that could point me in the right direction or could someone be so kind as to forward a copy? svfdcook KE5VJH --- In Repeater-Builder@yahoogroups.com, Ken Arck ah...@... wrote: At 01:40 PM 4/4/2010, DCFluX wrote: The ones I have were a little bit hinky until I lengthened the jumpers approx 3/4. ---This one was already working properly in the ham band but I needed to move it half a meg or so. So I have to assume the cables were correct in the first place. I have it going now (thanks for the manual Eric)- 100+ dB of isolation and everything.Weird though - I couldn't get it to tune correctly using an SA/TG 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!
[Repeater-Builder] Re: Mastr II drift problem
Hi Stan, Yes I sent the crystals to International. I have 3 fans running full time on the heat sink. Thanks for any help! Steve --- In Repeater-Builder@yahoogroups.com, Stanley Stanukinos ka5...@... wrote: Did you just buy the crystals and insert them in the ICOMs or did you send them in to the crystal MFG to be compensated. If you did them yourself the compensation is probably now messed up. The best way to fix it is to send them in to the crystal MFG for compensation. Stan From: Repeater-Builder@yahoogroups.com [mailto:repeater-buil...@yahoogroups.com] On Behalf Of steve Sent: Tuesday, August 03, 2010 5:33 PM To: Repeater-Builder@yahoogroups.com Subject: [Repeater-Builder] Mastr II drift problem Hello all, I have having a severe drift problem on my GE Mastr II 2 meter repeater. The transmit freq will drift nearly 2 KHZ over a 5-10 minute period. I have changed exciters and used a different ICOM but no improvement. The building that I am in is not ventilated and is very very hot. I put a high/low thermometer in and one day the high temp in the building was 114 degrees. Is this the problem? Thanks for any help. Steve W4SEF
RE: [Repeater-Builder] Re: Mastr II drift problem
Next thing look at the comp voltage going to the tcxo it comes off of the 10v reg card. Have you checked or swapped it yet? From: Repeater-Builder@yahoogroups.com [mailto:repeater-buil...@yahoogroups.com] On Behalf Of steve Sent: Tuesday, August 03, 2010 8:06 PM To: Repeater-Builder@yahoogroups.com Subject: [Repeater-Builder] Re: Mastr II drift problem Hi Stan, Yes I sent the crystals to International. I have 3 fans running full time on the heat sink. Thanks for any help! Steve --- In Repeater-Builder@yahoogroups.com mailto:Repeater-Builder%40yahoogroups.com , Stanley Stanukinos ka5...@... wrote: Did you just buy the crystals and insert them in the ICOMs or did you send them in to the crystal MFG to be compensated. If you did them yourself the compensation is probably now messed up. The best way to fix it is to send them in to the crystal MFG for compensation. Stan From: Repeater-Builder@yahoogroups.com mailto:Repeater-Builder%40yahoogroups.com [mailto:Repeater-Builder@yahoogroups.com mailto:Repeater-Builder%40yahoogroups.com ] On Behalf Of steve Sent: Tuesday, August 03, 2010 5:33 PM To: Repeater-Builder@yahoogroups.com mailto:Repeater-Builder%40yahoogroups.com Subject: [Repeater-Builder] Mastr II drift problem Hello all, I have having a severe drift problem on my GE Mastr II 2 meter repeater. The transmit freq will drift nearly 2 KHZ over a 5-10 minute period. I have changed exciters and used a different ICOM but no improvement. The building that I am in is not ventilated and is very very hot. I put a high/low thermometer in and one day the high temp in the building was 114 degrees. Is this the problem? Thanks for any help. Steve W4SEF
RE: [Repeater-Builder] Antenna coax length
Greg , That is the Same as LMR-400 Put that in the Calculator and Check I did not see your Freq posted , Good advice use one piece Connectors /splice Etc . will give a big loss depending on the Freq hope this helps http://www.ocarc.ca/coax.htm Godd Luck PS Trees are great at 63 I have a Few up in the Trees From: Repeater-Builder@yahoogroups.com [mailto:repeater-buil...@yahoogroups.com] On Behalf Of Greg Sent: Tuesday, August 03, 2010 6:46 PM To: Repeater-Builder@yahoogroups.com Subject: Re: [Repeater-Builder] Antenna coax length If it is easy to do, go with the single lenght. Less connector losses and chances of failure due to water ingress or corrosion etc. Greg Sent from your Iphone. _ From: Craig fxbuil...@yahoo.com Sender: Repeater-Builder@yahoogroups.com Date: Tue, 03 Aug 2010 23:43:04 - To: Repeater-Builder@yahoogroups.com ReplyTo: Repeater-Builder@yahoogroups.com Subject: [Repeater-Builder] Antenna coax length My repeater antenna is up in a tree. The tree is growing and putting pressure on the coax. I'm using Cablexperts CXP1318F and have had good luck. My cable is now 50ft. I need to move to the 75ft length prebuilt. Am I going to have a heavy loss when I add the 25ft? I could make a 65ft cable. Would that be better? Thanks for the help. Craig ._,___
[Repeater-Builder] Desoldering MSR2000 RX PCB
Thanks for the comments and suggestions. Here's a summary and some parting thoughts. Tom wrote: For de-soldering I use a de-solder iron with a squeeze bulb on it from Radio Shack, works great. I've got one of those. In fact, it was the first tool I tried. It wouldn't melt the solder on the small pad for the positive side of the cap (a small pad with a plated thru hole). Tom DGN wrote: I'm not sure about the MSR2000 ... Motorola uses multi-layer PC boards in most of their radios. Yep, they do in the newer ones, especially the portables. I've had experience with 4 and 6 layer boards but this one looks to be just a plain vanilla 2 layer board. Milt wrote: Wattage is of less importance than tip temperature and size. I tend to agree but for soldering/desoldering components to/from large groundplanes wattage does come into play. Long story short: I have a very old soldering iron that I was given back in the 60s. The wattage rating faded away long ago, but it has a massive tip. I use it for soldering coax shields to PL-259s. It does that job in no time flat and doesn't damage the insulation. I've also used it for replacing helical coils on Micor/Mitrek radios and it works great for that job too. I'm pretty sure that particular tool would melt a hole through the fender of a 52 Hudson. :-) Personally, I've found that I get better results using a little hotter iron for a shorter period of time. The joints look better and the components stay cooler than if I had used a cooler iron for a longer time. YMMV. I think I may have first heard about this technique from building Heathkits back in the day. Also, I believe Skipp mentioned this technique in one of his responses (maybe not on this particular thread though). Skipp wrote: Yes (Motorola used a higher temperature solder on the MSR2000 units) Well, ok then. Since I've got a few more MSR2000 receiver and exciter boards to fix, I guess I'll start hunting for a tool more suitable for the job, i.e., one with a higher temperature and more mass. Thanks to all who responded. 73 and aloha, Eric KH6CQ
Re: [Repeater-Builder] Mastr II Mobile Repeater?
Most likely an old RCC mobile phone. Full duplex mobile, check for multiple channel elements crystalled in the 454/459 area. Milt N3LTQ Quoting La Rue Communications laruec...@gmail.com: Gentlemen (And Ladies) I have a MASTR II Exec mobile here, I think its a UHF Repeater. I want to confirm with you - but I am curious what RCC stands for. Comb number YS55SSXX88A. Nothing comes up on Google and not sure which Comb spec sheet to look this up with Hall Electronics or here on RB Archives. Thanks for your input! John Hymes La Rue Communications 10 S. Aurora Street Stockton, CA 95202 http://tinyurl.com/2dtngmn
RE: [Repeater-Builder] Mastr II Mobile Repeater?
I'm sure Harris in Lynchburg VA will have that combination breakdown. They purchased MACOM, previously purchased Ericcson, GE, etc... From: Repeater-Builder@yahoogroups.com [mailto:repeater-buil...@yahoogroups.com] On Behalf Of La Rue Communications Sent: Tuesday, August 03, 2010 7:29 PM To: Repeater-Builder@yahoogroups.com Subject: [Repeater-Builder] Mastr II Mobile Repeater? Gentlemen (And Ladies) I have a MASTR II Exec mobile here, I think its a UHF Repeater. I want to confirm with you - but I am curious what RCC stands for. Comb number YS55SSXX88A. Nothing comes up on Google and not sure which Comb spec sheet to look this up with Hall Electronics or here on RB Archives. Thanks for your input! John Hymes La Rue Communications 10 S. Aurora Street Stockton, CA 95202 http://tinyurl.com/2dtngmn image001.jpgimage002.jpg
[Repeater-Builder] UHF Isolator Wanted
Ok, one last try. I need a UHF isolator and thought I would ask here again. Brian, K5IN
Re: [Repeater-Builder] Mastr II drift problem
At 03:33 PM 08/03/10, you wrote: Hello all, I have having a severe drift problem on my GE Mastr II 2 meter repeater. The transmit freq will drift nearly 2 KHZ over a 5-10 minute period. I have changed exciters and used a different ICOM but no improvement. The building that I am in is not ventilated and is very very hot. I put a high/low thermometer in and one day the high temp in the building was 114 degrees. Is this the problem? Thanks for any help. Steve W4SEF Can you elaborate on the situation? Is it an FM exciter or a phase mod exciter? Is it an EC, a 5C, or 2C Icom? Have you read http://www.repeater-builder.com/ge/m2icoms.html especially the paragraph that starts with Any voltage change on the +10vDC power supply line will change the frequency on the Icom... ?? You will also what to read the page at http://www.repeater-builder.com/tech-info/temperature-compensation.html. An idea on cooled down a building before you set the frequency... I once took a couple of cheapie box fans and setting one to blow in (at floor level) and the second stacked above it to blow out (at the top of the door level), and with a piece of cardboard in between them as an air dam. The cardboard was cut from the side of a large cardboard box that was used to ship a washing machine (ask for one at any appliance store). You could do something similar for the time period needed to set the frequency - your target is 75 to 80 degrees F for about an hour. Look at page 5 of this: http://www.repeater-builder.com/ge/lbi-library/lbi-38505a.pdf Yes, it's a receiver LBI, and you have a drifting transmitter, but the temperature notes apply. Mike WA6ILQ
