Subject: Re: [Repeater-Builder] Wanted
Radio Communications Service Monitor
I have both the 1500S and the 1200S and my
favorite is still the 1500S. I guess that's just because I have had it
so long and I'm used to it. The 1500S is very heavy, the 1200S is much
easier to carry around.
BUT, here is the caveat, the 1500S is started
to die a slow death. The attenuator is beginning to act up, a common
problem. If the CRT tube finally goes, I understand that there may not
be a replacement available for it. I did fix the power supply in one
of them, not an easy job for an amateur. These are old technology
service monitors in todays standard.
If I were able to find either
the 1500S or the 1200S at a very reasonable price, I would probably but
it. I would be very careful not to spend too much on a piece of
equipment that may turn out hard or impossible to repair. There are a
lot of service monitors kicking around lately because of the changes in
technology has made them obsolete. You just have to find one(s) like I
did.
73, Joe, K1ike
At 06:17 AM 8/18/2004, you
wrote:
Hi Roger:
If what you
are after is a service monitor to tune cavities and service amateur
equipment, then the IFR 1500 might be a bit much. This box was intended
for cellular and trunked system servicing as well and carried a price
tag to match (a fully tricked out new '1500S used to go for around
$20k).
I think you'll find an IFR 1200S a bit lighter in your
pocketbook and easier to carry (it's a lot lighter than the
'1500). Make sure it has the tracking generator option and can
"do" DMTF and CTCSS tones. I'd also opt for the precision
oscillator if it were me.
BTW, if you run across an older Singer,
Marconi, or Cushman service monitor, you can't hardly go wrong with
these in good shape and working order.
As they say,
YMMV.
73, Russ Hines WB8ZCC
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