If you're the type of person who enjoys doing things from the ground up... then the conversions and kits are the way to go if you have the test equipment to get the show on the road once it's built. Otherwise you might consider a turn-key repeater from the Repeater Builder folks, Hamtronics or Maggiore.
I would not suggest you go with the Midland 13-509 conversion because after all the work is done... the receiver is just not the best performer. I just sold a well done Midland 13-509 conversion on Ebay. Item number: 140158007480 if you want to see what one looks like. I have "Selection D" brands of 220 repeaters in operation. That being 'all the above" in brands like Hamtronics, Spectrum, Maggiore, conversions, receiving converters in front of commercial radios and commercial radio conversions. I just sold off the Midland 13-509 conversion so I guess that's off the list. They all work for what they are... The serious Repeater Hawk really wouldn't be happy with a 13-509 conversion unless it's the only game in town. Better to get a receiver made for the application... as in the proper front end and image protection. On a sidebar note... I just replaced a dead Icom 220 repeater receiver with a drop in Hamtronics unit and much to my surprise it's working like a real champ. In fact it's quite a bit more alive than the original Icom receiver it replaced. I'm also very happy with Maggiore Hi-Pro Repeater purchased a few years ago. Once in a while an old dog gets a bone... cheers, s. > "Keith, KB7M" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> wrote: > I just looked at the prices for the Hamtronics and Maggiore > equipment as suggested by others, and you're right. They're > expensive! I'd be much better off going with a repeater-builder > conversion. Has anyone had experience with the older Midland > 220 rigs converted to repeater operation? It looks like that > may be a real inexpensive solution if I can find one and > if they work well. > Keith > [EMAIL PROTECTED]
