Martin, Definitely go for the MTR2000. I assume that the unit is the high-power model, identified with fans on each side. It operates on 28 VDC, but can be set for 50 watts output. If it does not have fans, it is probably a 40 watt station that operates on 14 VDC.
The primary reason I recommend the MTR2000 over the TKR850 is because the MTR has a reverse burst that is universal with all Motorola products- which you have stated is what the users already have. If you chose the TKR850, neither the repeater nor the user radios would mute quietly. Squelch crashes become very annoying real fast. I now have six MTR2000 repeaters in service, and I have set up a TKR850 for a ham club, so I am quite familiar with their pluses and minuses. A low-tier repeater like the TKR850 has no place in a Public Safety radio system. Kenwood does make the TKR840, which is a very good unit that is in service with many Public Safety agencies in Central California, but it does require a power amplifier. A TKR840 with a TPL PA is hard to beat for durability. Needless to say, the TKR850 and the TKR840 are light years apart in quality and performance. 73, Eric Lemmon WB6FLY -----Original Message----- From: Repeater-Builder@yahoogroups.com [mailto:repeater-buil...@yahoogroups.com] On Behalf Of rahwayflynn Sent: Saturday, March 21, 2009 8:19 AM To: Repeater-Builder@yahoogroups.com Subject: [Repeater-Builder] Mobile Repeater I was asked by a Technical Rescue group to help them set up a repeater for a mobile command post they are building. The chassis is MCI bus, so it's not going off road. Here's the notes: * The are licensed in commercial UHF. * The bus has both 12V and 24V available from 2 different battery sets * The have access to a commercial style rack with shock mounts * Their hand-held radios are all HT1250, multiple varients. Some of the members have opted to install Motorola Spectra radios in their POV. * The have access to an MTR2000 station and a Kenwood TKR850 from a local car dealership. The can pick either, the other goes to another non-profit. * The antenna is an looks like an RFS BA1012 on a 20' push up pole (they are attempting to obtain a 60' Wilburt mast from a television station) I'm leaning toward the MTR2000 as has better specs and it a high power unit (will not require an external PA). Is there something I am missing in pointing them at the MTR station? Martin
