Re: [RE: [[Repeater-Builder] Spectrum Communication SCR1000 VHF Manual]]]

2003-11-30 Thread ac0y5
Gee John You're Real close to being right this time.
73
AC0Y


--- In Repeater-Builder@yahoogroups.com, JOHN MACKEY <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> 
wrote:
> WOW!!  Coy said he went with the spectrum because of money.  Now 
this
> offer of a straight trade is one he can't pass up due to the money 
issue!!
> 
> "Kevin King" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> wrote:
> 
> > If money is your limiting factor. I will trade you a mastr II 
mobile for
> the
> > spectrum. Just so I can keep it off the air. I have been the 
recipient of
> > interference from one of those at a site I use to manage.
> > 
> > Kevin
> > 
> > -Original Message-
> > From: ac0y5 [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED]
> > Sent: Friday, November 28, 2003 11:56 AM
> > To: Repeater-Builder@yahoogroups.com
> > Subject: [Re: [[Repeater-Builder] Spectrum Communication SCR1000 
VHF
> > Manual]]
> > 
> > 
> > Thanks for the input Tony.
> > The primary reason that I'm going to try the Spectrum is It's 
what I
> > can afford now and It's something I havn't ran into before. If 
this
> > one gives as much trouble as indicated by thoes of you who have
> > owned them then I'll do something different. But for now it 
sounds
> > like a challange and it's real cheep -$0.00-. I unexpectedly came
> > into two 2 meter pairs at the same time. Here in Central Florida
> > getting a pair is like finding hens teeth so the first pair got 
the
> > MASTRII and the second pair will get the Spectrum until I get 
tired
> > of tweeking it or until I get a replacment, another MASTRII. I 
can
> > only afford a little at a time.
> > 73 Tony and Thanks
> > AC0Y
> > 
> > 
> > --- In Repeater-Builder@yahoogroups.com, Tony King - W4ZT
> > <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> wrote:
> > > First let me start out by saying that I currently have an 
SCR1000
> > in
> > > service on 2 meters but the Mastr II is cooking on the bench 
and
> > will
> > > replace the Spectrum as soon as I finish the box to move the 
CAT-
> > 1000 into.
> > >
> > > At 08:43 PM 11/26/2003, ac0y5 wrote:
> > > >It seems a lot of the complaints are from oscillator drift and
> > > >tuning drift. I have a few questions Does anyone know if the 
main
> > > >problem resides in the exciter, or the power amp?
> > >
> > > I have replaced the PA in this SCR1000 because the old one
> > failed.  This is
> > > a 75 watt model which has the power control board (which gives 
you
> > high/low
> > > power switching). The manual tells you that you MUST re-align 
the
> > exciter
> > > to make it work properly on the reduced voltage.  I always 
found
> > it to be a
> > > bit unstable so it always stayed on high power. If you tune the
> > PA, you'll
> > > find some instability there also. I don't know the answer to 
the
> > question
> > > of bad components or bad design. I'd rather stick with what 
I've
> > got
> > > personal experience with.
> > >
> > > As for oscillator drift, the SCR1000 was available with a 
crystal
> > oven but
> > > mine didn't come that way. It's lived its entire life in the 
house
> > where
> > > there have been no extremes of heat and cold.  Yet, it would 
still
> > move
> > > around some. I did place a small light bulb (in series with a
> > resistor)
> > > right in the oscillator portion of the exciter board and it 
seemed
> > to
> > > become more stable.
> > >
> > > >My plan would
> > > >eliminate all problems related to the oscillator because the 
Tx
> > and
> > > >Rx will be generated from a pair of Numerically Controlled
> > > >Oscillators well filtered. I have already designed the entire
> > > >circuit. Now, if Anyone knows where the problem may lay then I
> > will
> > > >be able to take care of the problem an external PA that I 
have or
> > an
> > > >exciter that I can buy cheaply. The power supply should be 
okay
> > >
> > > I had problems with the power supply.  In the 75 watt model the
> > power
> > > resistors which are mounted on terminal strips between the
> > transformer and
> > > the large heat sink on the back get so hot that they will melt
> > their leads
> > > right out of the solder. That compounds the problem and led to
> > erosion of a
> > > resistor lead and supply failure. The entire supply is horribly
> > > inefficient, generating more heat than the entire unit 
consumed in
> > its
> > > electronics.  I finally removed the transformer, the resistors 
and
> > the
> > > large heat sink with the pass transistors and powered the unit
> > externally.
> > >
> > > >and
> > > >it has been stated that the receiver is quite sensitive. If
> > > >necessary I can add a 5 or 7 pole helical resonator to the 
front
> > end.
> > >
> > > It's sensitive if you can get it tuned without desensitization.
> > That's the
> > > biggest problem with the receiver.  It isn't as sharp as
> > commercial
> > > receivers like the Mastr II or Micor so don't expect that kind 
of
> > performance.
> > >
> > >  From your many other posts it would appear you have 
considerable
> > repeater
> > > experience which makes me wonder why you would want to take 
this
> > o

Re: [RE: [[Repeater-Builder] Spectrum Communication SCR1000 VHF Manual]]]

2003-11-29 Thread albemarle7
Wow !!  Kevin, I got two of those Spectrum repeaters sitting on the shelf.  
Could I turn them into two Mastr II ?   I admit, the front panel is impressive, 
very pretty. The metering would be usefull also. I wanted to someday use the 
front panel and put a decent Rx & Tx unit on the chassis with a small 
controller under neath.  Sure would look good. Just too many irons in the fire.
Gary  K2UQ



 

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Re: [RE: [[Repeater-Builder] Spectrum Communication SCR1000 VHF Manual]]]

2003-11-29 Thread JOHN MACKEY
WOW!!  Coy said he went with the spectrum because of money.  Now this
offer of a straight trade is one he can't pass up due to the money issue!!

"Kevin King" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> wrote:

> If money is your limiting factor. I will trade you a mastr II mobile for
the
> spectrum. Just so I can keep it off the air. I have been the recipient of
> interference from one of those at a site I use to manage.
> 
> Kevin
> 
> -Original Message-
> From: ac0y5 [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED]
> Sent: Friday, November 28, 2003 11:56 AM
> To: Repeater-Builder@yahoogroups.com
> Subject: [Re: [[Repeater-Builder] Spectrum Communication SCR1000 VHF
> Manual]]
> 
> 
> Thanks for the input Tony.
> The primary reason that I'm going to try the Spectrum is It's what I
> can afford now and It's something I havn't ran into before. If this
> one gives as much trouble as indicated by thoes of you who have
> owned them then I'll do something different. But for now it sounds
> like a challange and it's real cheep -$0.00-. I unexpectedly came
> into two 2 meter pairs at the same time. Here in Central Florida
> getting a pair is like finding hens teeth so the first pair got the
> MASTRII and the second pair will get the Spectrum until I get tired
> of tweeking it or until I get a replacment, another MASTRII. I can
> only afford a little at a time.
> 73 Tony and Thanks
> AC0Y
> 
> 
> --- In Repeater-Builder@yahoogroups.com, Tony King - W4ZT
> <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> wrote:
> > First let me start out by saying that I currently have an SCR1000
> in
> > service on 2 meters but the Mastr II is cooking on the bench and
> will
> > replace the Spectrum as soon as I finish the box to move the CAT-
> 1000 into.
> >
> > At 08:43 PM 11/26/2003, ac0y5 wrote:
> > >It seems a lot of the complaints are from oscillator drift and
> > >tuning drift. I have a few questions Does anyone know if the main
> > >problem resides in the exciter, or the power amp?
> >
> > I have replaced the PA in this SCR1000 because the old one
> failed.  This is
> > a 75 watt model which has the power control board (which gives you
> high/low
> > power switching). The manual tells you that you MUST re-align the
> exciter
> > to make it work properly on the reduced voltage.  I always found
> it to be a
> > bit unstable so it always stayed on high power. If you tune the
> PA, you'll
> > find some instability there also. I don't know the answer to the
> question
> > of bad components or bad design. I'd rather stick with what I've
> got
> > personal experience with.
> >
> > As for oscillator drift, the SCR1000 was available with a crystal
> oven but
> > mine didn't come that way. It's lived its entire life in the house
> where
> > there have been no extremes of heat and cold.  Yet, it would still
> move
> > around some. I did place a small light bulb (in series with a
> resistor)
> > right in the oscillator portion of the exciter board and it seemed
> to
> > become more stable.
> >
> > >My plan would
> > >eliminate all problems related to the oscillator because the Tx
> and
> > >Rx will be generated from a pair of Numerically Controlled
> > >Oscillators well filtered. I have already designed the entire
> > >circuit. Now, if Anyone knows where the problem may lay then I
> will
> > >be able to take care of the problem an external PA that I have or
> an
> > >exciter that I can buy cheaply. The power supply should be okay
> >
> > I had problems with the power supply.  In the 75 watt model the
> power
> > resistors which are mounted on terminal strips between the
> transformer and
> > the large heat sink on the back get so hot that they will melt
> their leads
> > right out of the solder. That compounds the problem and led to
> erosion of a
> > resistor lead and supply failure. The entire supply is horribly
> > inefficient, generating more heat than the entire unit consumed in
> its
> > electronics.  I finally removed the transformer, the resistors and
> the
> > large heat sink with the pass transistors and powered the unit
> externally.
> >
> > >and
> > >it has been stated that the receiver is quite sensitive. If
> > >necessary I can add a 5 or 7 pole helical resonator to the front
> end.
> >
> > It's sensitive if you can get it tuned without desensitization.
> That's the
> > biggest problem with the receiver.  It isn't as sharp as
> commercial
> > receivers like the Mastr II or Micor so don't expect that kind of
> performance.
> >
> >  From your many other posts it would appear you have considerable
> repeater
> > experience which makes me wonder why you would want to take this
> on.  It's
> > not a joy to work on.  The controller is junk (I replaced it with
> a CAT1000
> > over a decade ago). It's just old technology that doesn't come
> close to the
> > old technology you find built by GE and Motorola. If you must
> redesign the
> > oscillators, replace the exciter and PA, redesign/modify the
> receiver, come
> > up with a controller, perhaps replace the power supply, hope the
> switches
>

Re: [[Re: [[Repeater-Builder] Spectrum Communication SCR1000 VHF Manual]]]

2003-11-28 Thread JOHN MACKEY
That is one of the major problems that causes bad repeaters, decisions of
equipment based on financial inability rather than technical appropriateness.


"ac0y5" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> wrote:
> The primary reason that I'm going to try the Spectrum is It's what I 
> can afford now and It's something I havn't ran into before. If this 
> one gives as much trouble as indicated by thoes of you who have 
> owned them then I'll do something different. But for now it sounds 
> like a challange and it's real cheep -$0.00-. I unexpectedly came 
> into two 2 meter pairs at the same time. Here in Central Florida 
> getting a pair is like finding hens teeth so the first pair got the 
> MASTRII and the second pair will get the Spectrum until I get tired 
> of tweeking it or until I get a replacment, another MASTRII. I can 
> only afford a little at a time.
> 73 Tony and Thanks
> AC0Y   





 

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Re: [Re: [[Repeater-Builder] Spectrum Communication SCR1000 VHF Manual]]

2003-11-26 Thread mch
I think much of the problem is in the
tuning caps on both the exciter and PA.

Joe M.

ac0y5 wrote:
> 
> It seems a lot of the complaints are from oscillator drift and
> tuning drift. I have a few questions Does anyone know if the main
> problem resides in the exciter, or the power amp? My plan would
> eliminate all problems related to the oscillator because the Tx and
> Rx will be generated from a pair of Numerically Controlled
> Oscillators well filtered. I have already designed the entire
> circuit. Now, if Anyone knows where the problem may lay then I will
> be able to take care of the problem an external PA that I have or an
> exciter that I can buy cheaply. The power supply should be okay and
> it has been stated that the receiver is quite sensitive. If
> necessary I can add a 5 or 7 pole helical resonator to the front end.
> 
> 73
> AC0Y
> 
> --- In Repeater-Builder@yahoogroups.com, JOHN MACKEY <[EMAIL PROTECTED]>
> wrote:
> > The Siouxland Amateur Radio Association in Sioux City, Iowa bought
> a used
> > Spectrum repeater on 2 meters about 3 years ago for something like
> $1100,
> > (with duplexer) fully operational.  I attended a meeting of the
> repeater
> > managers in Sioux City about 2 weeks ago & they were saying they
> wish they had
> > never bought it.  (I tried to tell them not to buy it but they
> ignored me!!)
> 
> 
> 
> Your use of Yahoo! Groups is subject to http://docs.yahoo.com/info/terms/



 

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Re: [Re: [[Repeater-Builder] Spectrum Communication SCR1000 VHF Manual]]

2003-11-25 Thread JOHN MACKEY
The Siouxland Amateur Radio Association in Sioux City, Iowa bought a used
Spectrum repeater on 2 meters about 3 years ago for something like $1100,
(with duplexer) fully operational.  I attended a meeting of the repeater
managers in Sioux City about 2 weeks ago & they were saying they wish they had
never bought it.  (I tried to tell them not to buy it but they ignored me!!)





 

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Re: [[[Re: [[Repeater-Builder] Spectrum Communication SCR1000 VHF Manual]]]]

2003-11-25 Thread Ken Arck
At 09:59 PM 11/25/2003 -0600, you wrote:

>Of  course, any transmitter can have that statement said.

<---Wasn't that VHF Engineering's motto? :-)

Ken

--
President and CTO - Arcom Communications
Makers of state-of-the-art repeater controllers
and accessories.
http://www.ah6le.net/arcom/index.html
Our new Repeater Audio Delay (RAD) board is now shipping! 
Compatible with many controllers!
AH6LE/R - IRLP Node 3000
http://www.irlp.net



 

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Re: [[[Re: [[Repeater-Builder] Spectrum Communication SCR1000 VHF Manual]]]]

2003-11-25 Thread JOHN MACKEY
If you had a couple UHF Mastr Pro transmitters that were dirty, I can
guarantee it was NOT tuned and/or maintained correctly.

"ac0y5" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> wrote:

> Yep it was done CORRECTLY!!
> 
> 
> --- In Repeater-Builder@yahoogroups.com, JOHN MACKEY <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> 
> wrote:
> > That can be true, since the UHF Mastr Pro transmitter is a little 
> picky about
> > it's tuning. If you are unfamilar with that transmitter or don't 
> follow the
> > tuning procedure CORRECTLY, it can be a dirty transmitter.  Of 
> course, any
> > transmitter can have that statement said.
> > 
> > "ac0y5" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> wrote:
> > > NOW THAT'S FUNNY.LAO.  I had a couple UHF GE MASTR PRO BASE 
> > > STATIONS that did that ONCE for about 3 or 4 minutes, till I 
> checked 
> > > the output with the spectrum analyzer after tune up. It had 60 
> watts 
> > > out and looked like a Christmas Tree.





 

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Re: [Re: [[Repeater-Builder] Spectrum Communication SCR1000 VHF Manual]]

2003-11-25 Thread Neil McKie

  If you sincerely believe it is large enough. 

Vincent McKever wrote:
> 
> What size drain bucket?  Maby 5000 Moos?
> 
> - Original Message -
> From: "Neil McKie" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]>
> To: 
> Sent: Tuesday, November 25, 2003 6:19 AM
> Subject: Re: [Re: [[Repeater-Builder] Spectrum Communication SCR1000 VHF
> Manual]]
> 
> >
> >   Don't forget to place the drain bucket under the grid leak resistor.
> >
> >   Neil
> >
> >
> > Virden Clark Beckman wrote:
> > >
> > > If you service the mastr-pro final be certain to clean the tube
> > > socket and covers well as these areas are good for collecting dusty
> > > swarf and can make some spurs as well as sparks inside the cage, as
> > > with any tube gear be sure the drain resistors are working properly
> > > before inserting any metal tools into the cage.
> > >
> > > ac0y5 wrote:
> > > >
> > > > --- In Repeater-Builder@yahoogroups.com, "Jeff DePolo WN3A"
> > > > <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> wrote:
> > > > > > > I'm not knocking Spectrum - I'm just relating experience. I
> > > > > > have yet
> > > > > > > to see one that stayed clean over the long haul. Any that
> > > > > > aren't clean
> > > > > > > surely can't meet the type acceptance they once had.
> > > > > >
> > > > > > Well said, very well said.
> > > > >
> > > > > Humor:
> > > > >
> > > > > "I have a Spectrum repeater on the air."
> > > > >
> > > > > "Oh really?  What frequency is it on?"
> > > > >
> > > > > "All of them."
> > > >
> > > > NOW THAT'S FUNNY.LAO.  I had a couple UHF GE MASTR PRO BASE
> > > > STATIONS that did that ONCE for about 3 or 4 minutes, till I checked
> > > > the output with the spectrum analyzer after tune up. It had 60 watts
> > > > out and looked like a Christmas Tree.
> > > > 73 ALL
> > > >
> > > >
> > > >
> > > > Your use of Yahoo! Groups is subject to
> http://docs.yahoo.com/info/terms/
> > >
> > > --
> > > 73...Clark Beckman N8PZD
> > >
> > > Pursuant to U.S. Code, title 47, Chapter 5, Subchapter II, ß227,
> > > "Any and all nonsolicited commercial E-mail sent to this address
> > > is subject to a download and archival fee of $500.00 U.S.".
> > > E-mailing denotes acceptance of these terms.
> > >
> > >
> > >
> > > Your use of Yahoo! Groups is subject to
> http://docs.yahoo.com/info/terms/
> >
> >
> >
> >
> >
> > Your use of Yahoo! Groups is subject to http://docs.yahoo.com/info/terms/
> >
> >
> 
> 
> 
> Your use of Yahoo! Groups is subject to http://docs.yahoo.com/info/terms/



 

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Re: [Re: [[Repeater-Builder] Spectrum Communication SCR1000 VHF Manual]]

2003-11-25 Thread Vincent McKever
What size drain bucket?  Maby 5000 Moos?

- Original Message - 
From: "Neil McKie" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]>
To: 
Sent: Tuesday, November 25, 2003 6:19 AM
Subject: Re: [Re: [[Repeater-Builder] Spectrum Communication SCR1000 VHF
Manual]]


>
>   Don't forget to place the drain bucket under the grid leak resistor.
>
>   Neil
>
>
> Virden Clark Beckman wrote:
> >
> > If you service the mastr-pro final be certain to clean the tube
> > socket and covers well as these areas are good for collecting dusty
> > swarf and can make some spurs as well as sparks inside the cage, as
> > with any tube gear be sure the drain resistors are working properly
> > before inserting any metal tools into the cage.
> >
> > ac0y5 wrote:
> > >
> > > --- In Repeater-Builder@yahoogroups.com, "Jeff DePolo WN3A"
> > > <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> wrote:
> > > > > > I'm not knocking Spectrum - I'm just relating experience. I
> > > > > have yet
> > > > > > to see one that stayed clean over the long haul. Any that
> > > > > aren't clean
> > > > > > surely can't meet the type acceptance they once had.
> > > > >
> > > > > Well said, very well said.
> > > >
> > > > Humor:
> > > >
> > > > "I have a Spectrum repeater on the air."
> > > >
> > > > "Oh really?  What frequency is it on?"
> > > >
> > > > "All of them."
> > >
> > > NOW THAT'S FUNNY.LAO.  I had a couple UHF GE MASTR PRO BASE
> > > STATIONS that did that ONCE for about 3 or 4 minutes, till I checked
> > > the output with the spectrum analyzer after tune up. It had 60 watts
> > > out and looked like a Christmas Tree.
> > > 73 ALL
> > >
> > >
> > >
> > > Your use of Yahoo! Groups is subject to
http://docs.yahoo.com/info/terms/
> >
> > --
> > 73...Clark Beckman N8PZD
> >
> > Pursuant to U.S. Code, title 47, Chapter 5, Subchapter II, ß227,
> > "Any and all nonsolicited commercial E-mail sent to this address
> > is subject to a download and archival fee of $500.00 U.S.".
> > E-mailing denotes acceptance of these terms.
> >
> >
> >
> > Your use of Yahoo! Groups is subject to
http://docs.yahoo.com/info/terms/
>
>
>
>
>
> Your use of Yahoo! Groups is subject to http://docs.yahoo.com/info/terms/
>
>




 

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Re: [Re: [[Repeater-Builder] Spectrum Communication SCR1000 VHF Manual]]

2003-11-25 Thread Neil McKie

  Don't forget to place the drain bucket under the grid leak resistor. 

  Neil 


Virden Clark Beckman wrote:
> 
> If you service the mastr-pro final be certain to clean the tube 
> socket and covers well as these areas are good for collecting dusty 
> swarf and can make some spurs as well as sparks inside the cage, as 
> with any tube gear be sure the drain resistors are working properly 
> before inserting any metal tools into the cage. 
> 
> ac0y5 wrote:
> >
> > --- In Repeater-Builder@yahoogroups.com, "Jeff DePolo WN3A"
> > <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> wrote:
> > > > > I'm not knocking Spectrum - I'm just relating experience. I
> > > > have yet
> > > > > to see one that stayed clean over the long haul. Any that
> > > > aren't clean
> > > > > surely can't meet the type acceptance they once had.
> > > >
> > > > Well said, very well said.
> > >
> > > Humor:
> > >
> > > "I have a Spectrum repeater on the air."
> > >
> > > "Oh really?  What frequency is it on?"
> > >
> > > "All of them."
> >
> > NOW THAT'S FUNNY.LAO.  I had a couple UHF GE MASTR PRO BASE
> > STATIONS that did that ONCE for about 3 or 4 minutes, till I checked
> > the output with the spectrum analyzer after tune up. It had 60 watts
> > out and looked like a Christmas Tree.
> > 73 ALL
> >
> >
> >
> > Your use of Yahoo! Groups is subject to http://docs.yahoo.com/info/terms/
> 
> --
> 73...Clark Beckman N8PZD
> 
> Pursuant to U.S. Code, title 47, Chapter 5, Subchapter II, ß227,
> "Any and all nonsolicited commercial E-mail sent to this address
> is subject to a download and archival fee of $500.00 U.S.".
> E-mailing denotes acceptance of these terms.
> 
> 
> 
> Your use of Yahoo! Groups is subject to http://docs.yahoo.com/info/terms/



 

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Re: [Re: [[Repeater-Builder] Spectrum Communication SCR1000 VHF Manual]]

2003-11-25 Thread Neil McKie

  Yup, the UHF Mastr-Pro transmitter will do that if you don't do 
 the maintenance on it properly.  

  I have worked on a few of those transmitters over the years. 

  Neil McKie - WA6KLA 


ac0y5 wrote:
> 
> --- In Repeater-Builder@yahoogroups.com, "Jeff DePolo WN3A"
> <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> wrote:
> > > > I'm not knocking Spectrum - I'm just relating experience. I
> > > have yet
> > > > to see one that stayed clean over the long haul. Any that
> > > aren't clean
> > > > surely can't meet the type acceptance they once had.
> > >
> > > Well said, very well said.
> >
> > Humor:
> >
> > "I have a Spectrum repeater on the air."
> >
> > "Oh really?  What frequency is it on?"
> >
> > "All of them."
> 
> NOW THAT'S FUNNY.LAO.  I had a couple UHF GE MASTR PRO BASE
> STATIONS that did that ONCE for about 3 or 4 minutes, till I checked
> the output with the spectrum analyzer after tune up. It had 60 watts
> out and looked like a Christmas Tree.
> 73 ALL
> 
>



 

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Re: [Re: [[Repeater-Builder] Spectrum Communication SCR1000 VHF Manual]]

2003-11-24 Thread Mike WA6ILQ
At 11:03 PM 11/24/03 -0600, you wrote:

>mch <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> wrote:
>
> > ac0y5 wrote:
> > > Otherwise I must use what I can get at a price that I can afford.
> >
> > I don't know what you paid (perhaps nothing?), but you can buy a
> > Motorola or GE for a couple hundred bucks down to next to nothing.
> > If I were to consider my time, I would save more money spending a couple
> > hundred bucks now. Yes, I would take a Spectrum. I could use the rack
> > for mounting a controller or something.
>
>The spectrum RF gear does work EXCELLENT as a door stop!!
>
> > But the main problem I've had with Spectrum is that it can be 'right'
> > when you put it on, but a few weeks later, the tuning changes on its own
> > and it's no longer 'right'!
>
>I've also seen this with spectrum equipment.
>
> > I eagerly anticipate your views on Spectrum in a year. :-))
>
>Yes, that will be interesting.

Let me tell you about a certain high-band Spectrum...

Many years ago the W6TRW ham radio club at TRW in Los
Angeles had a Spectrum that was factory ordered in the low
end of the 145mhz range...

Mind you this group had some high powered RF types as
members guys that designed RF links for spy satellites...
I worked there in the 1986-87-88 time frame For a feeling
of the environment there read the book "The Falcon and the
Snowman" sometime... it all happened there.

The Spectrum SCR-1000 RX was quite sensitive once you
got past the tendency to desense (use the best duplexer
you can afford), and the TX was OKexcept...

We had it feeding a isolator, a pass cavity, a PD 6-can pass-
reject duplexer, 30-40 feet of 7/8" feedline and a 22' Stationmaster.

The equipment was installed in the utility room of the penthouse of a
12 story office building, with the antenna on a 10 foot tower section
mounted to the roof of the adjacent elevator equipment room.

There was one other radio there, a 60w GE Mastr-II UHF repeater used
by the company rent-a-cops (the radio was complete with a 4-channel
GE voter, with three aux receivers in outlying buildings - this was a
10-12 building campus spread across 4 city blocks).

There is still to this day another 3 story government office building across
the street that hosts a number of city, county, state and federal agencies
and on the roof is a forest of antennas...

Despite the skill of the RF engineers at TRW, and at least one, maybe two
return trips to Spectrum, over a period of time the Spectrum caused the
W6TRW folk to get to know the radio techs from the LAPD, the LAFD,
the LA county radio shop, the FBI, the FAA (at LAX, a few miles away), the
Navy, the Air Force, the Secret Service, and at least one alphabet soup
agency that officially doesn't exist... (one of the customers for the spy 
satellites)
all of which used the radio spectrum in the 136-150 or 160-172mhz range
or "somewhere in the 225-420mhz range"

Each time the interference complaints stopped the day the Spectrum
went off the air.  Each time it was turned back on after being "fixed" it
was clean for a while (anything from a week to 4 months) then a phone
call arrived from a different agency...

It was replaced with a factory built 136-150mhz 90w Mastr-II that was
set up by WA6DPB's commercial 2-way shop. The day it went up on
the building the temptation to drop the Spectrum off the side was there
but the ham club would have had to pay for the cracked concrete 12
stories below.  Aside from resetting the frequency about 6 months after
it went up (after the crystals aged a little) the GE radio has needed zero
attention in over 12 years.

Please tune your new toy with a spectrum analyzer, then think three
times about putting it on an antenna, and if you value your amateur
license don't put it on a hill.

Mike WA6ILQ





 

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Re: [Re: [[Repeater-Builder] Spectrum Communication SCR1000 VHF Manual]]

2003-11-24 Thread JOHN MACKEY
"ac0y5" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> wrote:
> OH NO MR MACKEY, That's where you are WRONG AGAIN !! I unlike other 

When was I wrong the FIRST time?

> some people ALWAYS have questions, and I'll ask them. The "perfect" 
> radio presents NO challange there for no chance for a learning 
> experiance. Oh I put a line in my post for you... " Or if there is 
> someone that would like to contribute to the cause contact me off 
> board."  If you would like to contribute a, SAY, Motorola or GE, you 
> can contact me off board. Otherwise I must use what I can get at a 
> price that I can afford. First, YOU or anyone else has NEVER been 

You can easily find a a Motorola or GE at most hamfests and on ebay.
Example on this web link:
http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=3059774381&category=4674


> interfered with by one of MY repeaters. I DO NOT PUT UP TRASH !!! IF 
> it's not right, it does not go into service by me period. You did 

We'll see what happens AFTER you put up your Spectrum

SNIP
> shure that it was one of the best sounding machines in town and may 

Please be sure to read what Kevin told you about the best sounding
machines





 

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Re: [Re: [[Repeater-Builder] Spectrum Communication SCR1000 VHF Manual]]

2003-11-24 Thread JOHN MACKEY


Kevin Custer <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> wrote:
> Sometimes the best sounding repeaters are the ones that need to be 
> looked at more closely.  Over occupied bandwidth issues can result in 
> excellent sounding audio, but at the expense of needed filtering to 
SNIP

Very very true.





 

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Re: [Re: [[Repeater-Builder] Spectrum Communication SCR1000 VHF Manual]]

2003-11-24 Thread JOHN MACKEY


mch <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> wrote:

> ac0y5 wrote:
> > Otherwise I must use what I can get at a price that I can afford.
> 
> I don't know what you paid (perhaps nothing?), but you can buy a
> Motorola or GE for a couple hundred bucks down to next to nothing.
> If I were to consider my time, I would save more money spending a couple
> hundred bucks now. Yes, I would take a Spectrum. I could use the rack
> for mounting a controller or something.

The spectrum RF gear does work EXCELLENT as a door stop!!

 
> But the main problem I've had with Spectrum is that it can be 'right'
> when you put it on, but a few weeks later, the tuning changes on its own
> and it's no longer 'right'!

I've also seen this with spectrum equipment.


> I eagerly anticipate your views on Spectrum in a year. :-))

Yes, that will be interesting.





 

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Re: [[Re: [[Repeater-Builder] Spectrum Communication SCR1000 VHF Manual]]]

2003-11-24 Thread JOHN MACKEY
That can be true, since the UHF Mastr Pro transmitter is a little picky about
it's tuning. If you are unfamilar with that transmitter or don't follow the
tuning procedure CORRECTLY, it can be a dirty transmitter.  Of course, any
transmitter can have that statement said.

"ac0y5" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> wrote:
> NOW THAT'S FUNNY.LAO.  I had a couple UHF GE MASTR PRO BASE 
> STATIONS that did that ONCE for about 3 or 4 minutes, till I checked 
> the output with the spectrum analyzer after tune up. It had 60 watts 
> out and looked like a Christmas Tree.

 






 

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Re: [Re: [[Repeater-Builder] Spectrum Communication SCR1000 VHF Manual]]

2003-11-24 Thread Virden Clark Beckman
If you service the mastr-pro final be certain to clean the tube socket
and covers well as these areas are good for collecting dusty swarf and
can make some spurs as well as sparks inside the cage, as with any tube
gear be sure the drain resistors are working properly before inserting
any metal tools into the cage.

ac0y5 wrote:
> 
> --- In Repeater-Builder@yahoogroups.com, "Jeff DePolo WN3A"
> <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> wrote:
> > > > I'm not knocking Spectrum - I'm just relating experience. I
> > > have yet
> > > > to see one that stayed clean over the long haul. Any that
> > > aren't clean
> > > > surely can't meet the type acceptance they once had.
> > >
> > > Well said, very well said.
> >
> > Humor:
> >
> > "I have a Spectrum repeater on the air."
> >
> > "Oh really?  What frequency is it on?"
> >
> > "All of them."
> 
> NOW THAT'S FUNNY.LAO.  I had a couple UHF GE MASTR PRO BASE
> STATIONS that did that ONCE for about 3 or 4 minutes, till I checked
> the output with the spectrum analyzer after tune up. It had 60 watts
> out and looked like a Christmas Tree.
> 73 ALL
> 
> 
> 
> Your use of Yahoo! Groups is subject to http://docs.yahoo.com/info/terms/

-- 
73...Clark Beckman N8PZD

Pursuant to U.S. Code, title 47, Chapter 5, Subchapter II, ß227,
"Any and all nonsolicited commercial E-mail sent to this address
is subject to a download and archival fee of $500.00 U.S.".
E-mailing denotes acceptance of these terms.



 

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RE: [Re: [[Repeater-Builder] Spectrum Communication SCR1000 VHF Manual]]

2003-11-24 Thread Jeff DePolo WN3A
> > I'm not knocking Spectrum - I'm just relating experience. I
> have yet
> > to see one that stayed clean over the long haul. Any that
> aren't clean
> > surely can't meet the type acceptance they once had.
>
> Well said, very well said.

Humor:

"I have a Spectrum repeater on the air."

"Oh really?  What frequency is it on?"

"All of them."






 

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Re: [Re: [[Repeater-Builder] Spectrum Communication SCR1000 VHF Manual]]

2003-11-24 Thread JOHN MACKEY
Hmm, perahps you are right.  These are the answers
I propose for those questions.

mch <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> wrote:
> On the contrary. I think we will be answering a lot of questions...
> "What duplexer gives me the most off-freq rejection?"

The dupleser with the most off-freq rejection will be the one NOT 
connected to the Spectrum transmitter.


> "What can I do to reduce TX noise"

Replace the spectrum transmitter with a different manufacturer.

 
> "Does anyone have a spectrum analyzer for sale?"

Yes, but with all the gas money you are losing on repeat trips to the
transmitter site, along with buying the best cables, duplexer, etc for the
package you probably won't be able to afford the analyzer.

> I'm not knocking Spectrum - I'm just relating experience. I have
> yet to see one that stayed clean over the long haul. Any that
> aren't clean surely can't meet the type acceptance they once had.

Well said, very well said.





 

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