[Repeater-Builder] Wanted: Motorola PT-400 Lunchbox radio
Hi everyone! I have been contacted by a group which is involved in a restoration project at the Reagan Ranch and they are in need of a Motorola PT-400 for one of their artifacts. I looked through my own pile and all I have left is a PT-500 which won't work for them. So I promised that I would post it here. If you have such a thing and can help then please contact Danielle Fowler direct at the following address: daniel...@reaganranch.org %3cdaniel...@reaganranch.org%3e Thanks! - Darrell/KA7BTV
[Repeater-Builder] GE phone patch info needed.....
Hi all, I have here what I think is a simple telephone interconnect made by GE. The # on the front is PL19D413943G3. This came out of a GE MASTR PRO station, and I wish to use it with a different system. I'm pretty sure that I've correctly figured out the wiring, but I'd like to see if it even really is a phone patch or not. If it helps, its housed inside a 1-3/4 high rackmount case, with just a single circuit board. Any help is very much appreciated, and thank you in advance. - Darrell/KA7BTV
[Repeater-Builder] Re: GE phone patch info needed.....
--- In Repeater-Builder@yahoogroups.com, Eric Lemmon [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote: Darrell, The 19D413943G3 is a Remote Keying Panel Interface, Option 7442 for converting a second receiver in a Mastr Pro 72 station to a voting receiver. The station must first be modified for a 4-wire tone remote control. This unit has nothing to do with telephone interconnect operation in its original application. The manual that covers this unit is LBI-4909. Product Code 72 has some information: www.repeater-builder.com/ge/product-code-indexes/index-pc72-professional-72 -stations.pdf or here: http://tinyurl.com/5cthvd 73, Eric Lemmon WB6FLY -Original Message- From: Repeater-Builder@yahoogroups.com [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] On Behalf Of jistabout Sent: Sunday, November 16, 2008 12:19 AM To: Repeater-Builder@yahoogroups.com Subject: [Repeater-Builder] GE phone patch info needed. Hi all, I have here what I think is a simple telephone interconnect made by GE. The # on the front is PL19D413943G3. This came out of a GE MASTR PRO station, and I wish to use it with a different system. I'm pretty sure that I've correctly figured out the wiring, but I'd like to see if it even really is a phone patch or not. If it helps, its housed inside a 1-3/4 high rackmount case, with just a single circuit board. Any help is very much appreciated, and thank you in advance. - Darrell/KA7BTV Thanks Eric, thats exactly what I needed to know. I thought it was an interconnect because it has wht looks like an 88mh toroid coil on it. Thanks again :).
[Repeater-Builder] Re: 2-in-one antenna for UHF repeater?
Jsn, you can do just fine with two good antennas with good quality feedline with as little as 10 feet of vertical separation at 5 mhz frequency spacing. A quick look at the chart within the ARRL FM Repeaters Handbook shows that you can achieve 75db of isolation with just 20 feet of vertical separation at 450mhz, more than enough for duplex operation. I personally have built UHF systems which use two antennas with close spacing and they all show no significant desense and work just fine. 20-30 watts is a good power level for this. - Darrell/KA7BTV
[Repeater-Builder] Re: Motorola EP450
Mark, you might try asking on the Batlabs forum: http://batboard.batlabs.com http://batboard.batlabs.com - Darrell/KA7BTV
[Repeater-Builder] Re: DB420 was broken now fixed.
Thanks Mark for sharing your experience. I'm using a DB-411 on a control link (RX only) but it also serves as a backup to the main repeater antenna. If it does anything funny then I guess I know where to look ;). - Darrell/KA7BTV
[Repeater-Builder] Re: Duplexer tuning with an Oscilloscope
Hi Joel, Well, setup is quite simple - For example, if tuning a complete pass/notch type of duplexer, I connect the output of the signal generator to the antenna port of the duplexer. I then connect the scope to whichever side of the duplexer I'm currently tuning, and I also connect a 50-ohm load to the remaining port. Then, I set the frequency of the generator to the pass frequency for the side which I'm tuning, and set the generator output high enough so as to trigger the scope. After the scope is showing a stable display, simply tune the pass adjustments for *maximum* amplitude on the scope, decreasing the generator output as needed. After tuning the pass adjustments, simply retune the signal generator to the notch frequency for the side which you are tuning, and tune the notch adjustments for *minimum* amplitude on the scope, while increasing the generator output as needed. Repeat the above procedure for the other side of the duplexer. All you're doing is using the scope as an output amplitude indicator, just as you would a Spectrum Analyzer (without tracking generator). The neat thing about this is that even VERY small amplitude changes can be easily seen on the scope, so precise tuning is possible, just as with the spectrum analyzer. I've tuned several Motorola T-1500 series UHF pass/notch duplexers this way, both 2 and 4 cavity units, and they work great - no measureable desense. My Oscilloscope uses a Tektronix 7A24 vertical amp plugin, which has a 50-ohm input. But I have also done this with a 7A26 and a 7A16 (both have 1-megohm inputs), and achieved the same results. If I remember correctly, for frequencies around 440-450Mhz, the scope timebase is set at 50ns, and the vertical amp at 1v per division or so. Actually, I usually just set the timebase so as to show several cycles on the display. Any more questions let me know :). - Darrell/KA7BTV --- In Repeater-Builder@yahoogroups.com, v44kai [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote: Hi Darrell, I never done it, and will like to try it. Can you send me a sketch of the setup, with a brief explanation of your procedure for accomplishing this? Will appreciate it very much Darrell. v44kai.Joel. - Original Message - From: jistabout [EMAIL PROTECTED] To: Repeater-Builder@yahoogroups.com Sent: Sunday, June 22, 2008 12:06 AM Subject: [Repeater-Builder] Duplexer tuning with an Oscilloscope Hi All, Just curious if anyone here has used a wide-band oscilloscope (along with a signal source, of course) for duplexer and/or filter tuning? I use an older Tektronix 7904 500mhz scope along with an HP 8640B Signal Generator and it works great. I can't really measure filter response, but I can see amplitude changes both large and small very well, which allows for quite precise tuning. I've tuned a couple of pass/notch type duplexers and several notch-only units with this setup and they all work nicely. Anyway, wonder if anyone else does this and general comments on the technique. Thanks! - Darrell/KA7BTV Yahoo! Groups Links No virus found in this incoming message. Checked by AVG. Version: 8.0.100 / Virus Database: 270.4.1/1512 - Release Date: 6/21/2008 9:27 AM
[Repeater-Builder] Duplexer tuning with an Oscilloscope
Hi All, Just curious if anyone here has used a wide-band oscilloscope (along with a signal source, of course) for duplexer and/or filter tuning? I use an older Tektronix 7904 500mhz scope along with an HP 8640B Signal Generator and it works great. I can't really measure filter response, but I can see amplitude changes both large and small very well, which allows for quite precise tuning. I've tuned a couple of pass/notch type duplexers and several notch-only units with this setup and they all work nicely. Anyway, wonder if anyone else does this and general comments on the technique. Thanks! - Darrell/KA7BTV
[Repeater-Builder] Re: software repeater controller
--- In Repeater-Builder@yahoogroups.com, wd8chl [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote: jistabout wrote: Just my opinion and experience of course, but I've found the Linux Distros which I've tried (Red Hat, Debian, Mandrake and a few others) to be cumbersome to set up and somewhat quirky compared to Windows, especially a stripped-down lean copy of XP. Also, its not as easy to install/use Echolink with Linux. ...I'm still trying to figure out how you took the .net out of XP. All the articles I read on XP when it came out said that .net is the basis of XP. Like DOS is the basis for 95/98. Or at least that it's inextricable. On the other hand, I've heard of repeater systems using Linux control software which work very well and are quite reliable. - Darrell/KA7BTV I haven't played with Linux yet, but it is MUCH more stable then Windows will EVER be. I have seen some hardware that had a Linux-based controller imbedded, and it just ran...and ran...and ran... About the only thing I've seen that was more stable was DEC VAX/VMS...:c) I didn't extract the .net myself. What I have is a very first generation pro copy, and I'm assuming that the .net framework isn't present because all software which I've tried to run that require the .net framework will not run unless I download and install same. Also, whenever it asks me about some .net passport nonsense, I just ignore it. Anyway, don't want to get too far off topic here. For Scott, the original poster, I'll send you some details of the system here just as soon as I get time to sit and put it together. - Darrell/KA7BTV
[Repeater-Builder] Re: software repeater controller
--- In Repeater-Builder@yahoogroups.com, Scott Zimmerman [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote: Here is some software for the IBM PC using linux as the base OS. I used to work for the fellow who wrote this. He is VERY through in what he does. It uses USB sound cards as its interface. Since it is linux based, it is open source and can be modified to do what YOU want it to. http://www.xelatec.com/xipar/ I have yet to try it, but it does sound VERY intreguing to me. Scott Scott Zimmerman Amateur Radio Call N3XCC 474 Barnett Road Boswell, PA 15531 - Original Message - From: [EMAIL PROTECTED] To: Repeater-Builder@yahoogroups.com Sent: Wednesday, June 18, 2008 11:58 PM Subject: Re: [Repeater-Builder] Re: software repeater controller That does look interesting Scott, but I do see that it needs recommended hardware, with one board (the quad) costing $895.00!! and that the user must know how to install and configure the software on Linux. I assume that you must also have a Linux distro which correctly works with it. As to Open Source, at some point I will likely release the source code to my program as soon as I'm satisfied with the quality of the code, and I get the time. Then folks can modify it any way they wish. There really isn't any magic nor secrets within the program, and I believe that any competent programmer could easily duplicate everything which I've done. Just my opinion and experience of course, but I've found the Linux Distros which I've tried (Red Hat, Debian, Mandrake and a few others) to be cumbersome to set up and somewhat quirky compared to Windows, especially a stripped-down lean copy of XP. Also, its not as easy to install/use Echolink with Linux. On the other hand, I've heard of repeater systems using Linux control software which work very well and are quite reliable. - Darrell/KA7BTV
[Repeater-Builder] Re: software repeater controller
I *know* no Windows OS based machine would last months without a reboot, Well, as I mentioned earlier, the XP system in use on the machine here *does* run for months at a time with no reboots. Mabye even a whole year, not sure. - Darrell/KA7BTV
[Repeater-Builder] Re: software repeater controller
--- In Repeater-Builder@yahoogroups.com, wd8chl [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote: jistabout wrote: Hi Scott, I've been running a somewhat complex system which uses an old PC as the controller for several years now and it works just fine. You can see pictures and details at: http://www.ka7btv.com/cora.htm http://www.ka7btv.com/cora.htm This system deos not use the Echostation software to which you refer, but I see no reason why that shouldn't work fine for you. The system here does use Windows XP Professional, and it easily runs both Echolink and the custom repeater control program. Windows XP is the only operating system which I have found that correctly handles multiple sound cards. Good luck and please let us know of your progress. - Darrell/KA7BTV I can't believe a PII-233 is running XP. I have yet to see a PC of ANY speed run XP well enough to call it adequate. The company laptop is a Compaq PIII-1200 w/ 256M ram, and it makes me feel like I'm back with the old 486-66 and Win95 installed from floppyXcP The Sony Vaio I had at the last job was a P-IV 1800, and it wasn't much better...w/512M ram... Oh well, enough rant...any likely hood of making the prog/interface publicly available? Well, I'm not sure why you have so many problems with XP, but it runs fine on the repeater computer and is plenty fast enough. I've even used it on occassion to look up info on the web with the repeater stuff running in the background. But, the copy of XP on that machine is first-generation, with no service packs, no .net framework, nor any other such nonsense. Perhaps that helps, I'm not sure. But I do know that this system has been very reliable, having been in continuous operation for years now. I rarely see the repeater itself these days, and computer reboots are nearly unheard of. I will likely post technical details and mabye some parts of the control program on the website at some point. In the meantime, if anyone is interested, I'll be glad to answer questions if I can. - Darrell/KA7BTV
[Repeater-Builder] Re: software repeater controller
--- In Repeater-Builder@yahoogroups.com, [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote: At 6/6/2008 03:27, you wrote: Hi Scott, I've been running a somewhat complex system which uses an old PC as the controller for several years now and it works just fine. You can see pictures and details at: http://www.ka7btv.com/cora.htmhttp://www.ka7btv.com/cora.htm This system deos not use the Echostation software to which you refer, but I see no reason why that shouldn't work fine for you. The system here does use Windows XP Professional, and it easily runs both Echolink and the custom repeater control program. Windows XP is the only operating system which I have found that correctly handles multiple sound cards. What do you mean by correctly handles? I have 2 sound cards in my Win2000 system here they both work simultaneously with no problems. Bob NO6B Hi Bob, what I mean is that when building this system a few years ago, I tried several different operating systems with varying degrees of success. I tried Win95, Win98, WinME, Win2000 Pro, and WinXP Pro (first generation). With every operating system except WinXP, I had to find and install drivers for each of the sound cards. 3 of the cards are Soundblaster PCI models, and the fourth is a SoundBlaster ISA unit. The problems I experienced ranged from interaction between the individual mixer controls of the different cards to occassional computer lockups. In contrast, when I tried WinXP, it picked up ALL of the sound cards during installation and I didn't have to install any drivers whatsoever, even for the old ISA card. And, it placed all cards correctly within the sound devices system, assigned mixers, and I have no interaction between them at all. Of course, this is just my experience with my particular computer hardware and your milage may vary. - Darrell/KA7BTV
[Repeater-Builder] Re: software repeater controller
--- In Repeater-Builder@yahoogroups.com, Alexandre Souza alexandre- [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote: For multiple audio ports these days I'd recommend using USB audio devices. ISA slots are way gone and PCI slots aren't far behind. For an embedded PC controlling radios 24/7 you want something small, quiet and low power, most form factors that fit that description usually have few if any PCI slots. A PC controlling a repeater?!?!?! What is the problem of using a small microcontroller, with some BASIC programming??? You are using a cannon to kill a microbe he he he Not at all. Using a PC to control a repeater as complex as the system here with remotes etc. is a perfectly logical choice and allows nearly unlimited flexability. The original controller on the system here back in the mid 1980s was a Commodore VIC-20 :). Any young'ens remember those? - Darrell/KA7BTV
[Repeater-Builder] Re: software repeater controller
--- In Repeater-Builder@yahoogroups.com, Alexandre Souza alexandre- [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote: Not at all. Using a PC to control a repeater as complex as the system here with remotes etc. is a perfectly logical choice and allows nearly unlimited flexability. The original controller on the system here back in the mid 1980s was a Commodore VIC-20 :). Any young'ens remember those? A Vic-20 is wyy safer and more stable than a PC. I'd not trust my repeater to a PC. Of course, I have a extense background in microcontrollers. I do hope the one creating this controller make it safe :P Greetings from Brazil Pu1BZZ Alexandre Actually, I probably wouldn't use a PC either on a remote mountaintop system. But I must say that the PC control system here really has been very reliable, much more so than I originally expected. I go for months at a time without touching anything. But for a remote location I'd probably opt for a simple microcontroller or one of the proven repeater controllers which are already available. - Darrell/KA7BTV
[Repeater-Builder] Re: software repeater controller
--- In Repeater-Builder@yahoogroups.com, Mike Reed [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote: Repeater software for Vic-20's? Have the machines, need the software, don't know where to find it. I could use a copy of it for local project. 73 Mike - N7ZEF Mike, I might still have a copy of the VIC-20 program which we wrote back then around here somewhere. If I do then you're certainly welcome to it. It was written in CBM Basic, and its a simple program that provides just the necessities - Hang time, Timeout, Courtesy Tone, and CWID. If memory serves, COR PTT were connected to the #1 joystick port. Anyway, I'll look and let you know. - Darrell/KA7BTV
[Repeater-Builder] Re: software repeater controller
Hi Scott, I've been running a somewhat complex system which uses an old PC as the controller for several years now and it works just fine. You can see pictures and details at: http://www.ka7btv.com/cora.htm http://www.ka7btv.com/cora.htm This system deos not use the Echostation software to which you refer, but I see no reason why that shouldn't work fine for you. The system here does use Windows XP Professional, and it easily runs both Echolink and the custom repeater control program. Windows XP is the only operating system which I have found that correctly handles multiple sound cards. Good luck and please let us know of your progress. - Darrell/KA7BTV
[Repeater-Builder] Yaesu FT-817 as remote base radio?
Hi All, has anyone done this? That is, used a Yaesu FT-817 5w rig as a remote base radio on your repeater? Any reason why/why not? Just curious, thanks. - Darrell/KA7BTV
[Repeater-Builder] Re: linking frequencies?
Not so sure that I'd use 420-450mhz new these days due to PAVE PAWS. - Darrell/KA7BTV --- In Repeater-Builder@yahoogroups.com, let_cyber [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote: Is 900 Mhz still useable for repeater linking, or is it so full of garbage that there would be problems? How about 440 Mhz? Thanks, Al KB2AYU
[Repeater-Builder] Will this hurt my radio?
Hi everyone! I just installed an Icom IC-706MKIIG in my UHF repeater for use as a remote base. I did this to consolidate, and to replace 3 other aging remote radios. The method which I use to activate/deactivate the IC-706 actually switches DC power to the radio on off. So here's my question: If I just leave the power button on the '706 in the on state, and switch DC power on/off to the rear power connector, will this hurt the IC-706? It seems to work ok this way. Any thoughts on this and also any tips on using the IC-706 as a remote are appreciated. Thanks! - Darrell/KA7BTV
[Repeater-Builder] Re: Micor power supply rating, how many amps does it produce
Well, if the ones which you have are of the TPN1110A or B variety, then they will produce 25 amps continuous. I think also that most other Micor station supplies have similar ratings --- In Repeater-Builder@yahoogroups.com, n9lv [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote: Is there a way to find out how many amps a power supply is from a motorola micor system. For instance a power supply from a 100 watt system? A way to look up the model numbers. I am trying to develope a power supply capable of giving at least 40 amps continous duty that is rack mountable. Currently I have an Astron 70 amp power supply, but would like to remove that amp and replace it with something that is rack mountable, but don't want to incur the cost of buying a new one if the two that I have will work. Mathew
[Repeater-Builder] Re: Help / suggestion needed...feedback? on Mitrek
Hi Scott, Some early production 30w and 50w Mitreks had PA spurious problems when operating much lower than rated output. If you're using the original control cable connector on the radio to feed your controller signals in/out, check closely the connector between the Interconnect board and the Main board inside the radio. I've had these connectors go south and do all kinds of strange and unpredictable things. I am a great fan of the Mitrek - been using a converted 100w UHF mobile in repeater service here for almost 2 years running 50w into the duplexer with no problems whatsoever except for the above mentioned connector several months ago. Cleaning the connector solved the problem. Anyway, good luck and I'm sure you'll find the problem - Darrell/KA7BTV Yahoo! Groups Links * To visit your group on the web, go to: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/Repeater-Builder/ * 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/
[Repeater-Builder] Re: what kind of repeater do i have?
Can you post a picture in the Photo section here? --- In Repeater-Builder@yahoogroups.com, wa2gym [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote: this repeater is in a 30 in cabnet. 4 can duplexers on the floor next power supply then reciver then tone,pl,cor rack then xmiter and last a 100 watt amp on top. this was a working repeater on 174 mhz, the xtrals have been taken out. the repeater looks to be around 15 years old. o yes its heavy around 85 lbs. maybe more. I cant seem to find any kind of modle number on this setup.the only number i can find is stamped in white on the inside door. 15e84143003 thanks for any input.william. i would like to use this radio. any help??. Yahoo! Groups Links * To visit your group on the web, go to: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/Repeater-Builder/ * 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/
[Repeater-Builder] Re: Small Signals
--- In Repeater-Builder@yahoogroups.com, Dave VanHorn [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote: Does anyone have a pointer to a low level signal source, VHF/UHF? I don't have a service monitor, and I can't really justify one. I occasionally need to tune up a receiver. What I don't have, is a signal source at the 10uV and down level. I've used HTs and attenuators, but the leakage through the cable usually exceeds the attenuated signal. I would like to have calibrated levels, at least to some degree. I use an HP 8640B signal generator, just like this one: http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll? ViewItemcategory=97198item=7522218189rd=1ssPageName=WDVW These are still very widely used, info and parts are easily obtainable, and these units can often be had at very good prices from eBay with wise bidding. Hope this helps and good luck :). Yahoo! Groups Links * To visit your group on the web, go to: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/Repeater-Builder/ * 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/
