Re: [Repeater-Builder] Powering the Repeater With Marine Batteries

[Tony King, W4ZT]

I have bought from them several times in the past and they said on the 
phone that they will sell to hams. Their service was good. They don't or 
didn't take credit cards but did ship as soon as they received my check.

73, Tony W4ZT


Richard wrote:
> I've been doing some research into 3-mode battery chargers and the Ibex
> units seem to fit the bill for my application. Using your link, I checked
> their web site but they state they will not sell to individuals. Is this
> true and is there a way around this?
> 
> Richard, N7TGB
> 
> 
> 
> -Original Message-
> From: Tony King, W4ZT [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED]
> Sent: Friday, January 21, 2005 11:59 AM
> To: Repeater-Builder@yahoogroups.com
> Subject: Re: [Repeater-Builder] Powering the Repeater With Marine
> Batteries
> 
> 
> 
> One of the best ways to manage the charging of your batteries is to use
> a multi-mode charger designed to properly charge and maintain them.
> Ibex  carries two 3 mode chargers that are very
> well suited for the job.  If you look at their web page under the 12
> volt chargers, the last one listed also has load shedding capability.
> That means that not only does it charge the batteries, but you can power
> the receiver, controller and exciter (but not the PA) through the load
> shedding switch and when the battery voltage drops, it will shut
> everything down; saving your batteries from total depletion.
> 
> Using a charger like this you will still need to isolate the output of
> the AC power supply and the batteries.  I personally prefer to do this
> with hard relay contacts so that you don't have voltage drop through a
> diode to contend with. Which ever way you choose, spend a little extra
> to charge the batteries correctly and they will last a very long time
> and be there when you need them.
> 
> 73, Tony W4ZT
> 
> 
> 
> 
> 
> 
>  
> Yahoo! Groups Links
> 
> 
> 
>  
> 
> 
> 





 
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RE: [Repeater-Builder] Powering the Repeater With Marine Batteries

[Richard]

I've been doing some research into 3-mode battery chargers and the Ibex
units seem to fit the bill for my application. Using your link, I checked
their web site but they state they will not sell to individuals. Is this
true and is there a way around this?

Richard, N7TGB



-Original Message-
From: Tony King, W4ZT [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED]
Sent: Friday, January 21, 2005 11:59 AM
To: Repeater-Builder@yahoogroups.com
Subject: Re: [Repeater-Builder] Powering the Repeater With Marine
Batteries



One of the best ways to manage the charging of your batteries is to use
a multi-mode charger designed to properly charge and maintain them.
Ibex  carries two 3 mode chargers that are very
well suited for the job.  If you look at their web page under the 12
volt chargers, the last one listed also has load shedding capability.
That means that not only does it charge the batteries, but you can power
the receiver, controller and exciter (but not the PA) through the load
shedding switch and when the battery voltage drops, it will shut
everything down; saving your batteries from total depletion.

Using a charger like this you will still need to isolate the output of
the AC power supply and the batteries.  I personally prefer to do this
with hard relay contacts so that you don't have voltage drop through a
diode to contend with. Which ever way you choose, spend a little extra
to charge the batteries correctly and they will last a very long time
and be there when you need them.

73, Tony W4ZT






 
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[Repeater-Builder] syntor X 9000

[Rich]

I know you can co-phase Mobil antennas, 33- 45 split.
Can It be done with Base antennas? With 50 ft of hard line.

WE had two GE rangers in our EOC and one went bad.
Let me know...
Rich










 
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[Repeater-Builder] Re: UPS 4sale

[Tedd Doda]

On Sat, 22 Jan 2005 10:38:37 -0500, Q wrote:

>However,lightning wasnt so kind. Anyone have a surplus UPS FS?

Sure, how much do you want to spend :)

I have one surplus to my needs:

A) Alpha UPS 2200 complete with 4 NEW 33AH gell cells 
-laughs at loads below 1.5 KW
-instant start - think of it as a battery operated generator!
-2 piece unit - Main chassis plus battery box
-It's called a "no-break" UPS which means that the
UPS is ALWAYS on and the AC replenishes the batteries.
When power is lost, there is no switch over to batteries.
-Very, very heavy (250+ pounds?) ..pick up only.

Batteries cost me CAN$400, and the UPS cost me $350
(bought used for Y2K). Asking CAN$550.

For a picture:

http://www.sentex.net/tedds_place/UPS2200.jpg



Tedd Doda, VE3TJD

Lazer Audio and Electronics
Baden, Ontario, Canada





 
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[Repeater-Builder] Re: UPS 4sale

[Tedd Doda]

On Sat, 22 Jan 2005 10:38:37 -0500, Q wrote:

>However,lightning wasnt so kind. Anyone have a surplus UPS FS?

Sure, how much do you want to spend :)

I have one surplus to my needs:

A) Alpha UPS 2200 complete with 4 NEW 33AH gell cells 
-laughs at loads below 1.5 KW
-instant start - think of it as a battery operated generator!
-2 piece unit - Main chassis plus battery box
-It's called a "no-break" UPS which means that the
UPS is ALWAYS on and the AC replenishes the batteries.
When power is lost, there is no switch over to batteries.
-Very, very heavy (250+ pounds?) ..pick up only.

Batteries cost me CAN$400, and the UPS cost me $350
(bought used for Y2K). Asking CAN$550.

For a picture:

http://www.sentex.net/tedds_place/UPS2200.jpg



Tedd Doda, VE3TJD

Lazer Audio and Electronics
Baden, Ontario, Canada





 
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[Repeater-Builder] Re: 220 Repeater

[k3phl]

The 13-509's are more common than you might think.  I lot of them are 
popping up in estate sales and on E-Bay for well under $100.  I've 
found half a dozen of them just this past year.  If you just monitor 
one local 220 machine, buying one of these and ordering a crystal set 
for it is an inexpensive way to go.  Don't forget that the Midland 13-
509, Clegg FM-76 and Cobra 200 were all the exact same 220 MHz radio 
marketed under three different names.

Remember that you will have to re-crystal the rig for repeater use at 
some additional expense.  Users are receive high and transmit low.  
You'll have to order crystals to convert to receive low and transmit 
high when acting as the repeater.

I am currently building a machine using a 13-509 as an exciter and a 
13-513 as a receiver.  I find that the 13-513 220 synthesized model 
had a much better receiver.

Steve
K3PHL
Philadelphia


--- In Repeater-Builder@yahoogroups.com, "no6b1" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> wrote:
> 
> --- In Repeater-Builder@yahoogroups.com, Mike Morris WA6ILQ
> <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> wrote:
> 
> > >A properly converted commercial radio might be better in
> > >the end, but is a lot more work.
> > 
> > Also true - but try and find a 13-509 these days.  Back in the
> > '80s there were many sources.  These days the '509s are
> > scarce, and Mitreks are common.  You work with what you
> > have or can get.
> > 
> > Mike
> 
> There's a Clegg FM-76 (same thing) on eBay right now (5745586858). 
> Also a manual for same (5745122493).
> 
> Bob NO6B







 
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RE: [Repeater-Builder] Powering the Repeater With Marine Batteries

[Mathew Quaife]

Well the battery and power supply problem
was rectified by a ham that lives about 30 miles from the repeater.  He
recently began using the repeater.  He over heard me talking to another
ham telling him what happened to the power supply, and jumped in and donated
three large capacity lead-acid batteries that came out of a telephone tower
with the power supply to charge them.  He is going to and set them up here
in a few days.  Luck would have it, that his dad and him are both
commercial broadcast technicians and is offering his services on the repeater
technical end.  I do appreciate all the support regarding this.  

 

Mathew

 

 









From: Gran Clark
[mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] 
Sent: Saturday, January 22, 2005
11:12 AM
To: Repeater-Builder@yahoogroups.com
Subject: Re: [Repeater-Builder]
Powering the Repeater With Marine Batteries



 

Mathew

You should at least check the option BB on the Astron.  The backup option
gives 13.8V current limited at about 3A.  We just replaced four deep cycle
batteries in parallel after about seven years of service being kept alive with
the BB option.

Gran K6RIF


At 09:11 1/21/2005, you wrote:






Last night my power supply took a dump!  Good thing for
backups.  
Anyways, what I am wanting to do is put 3 marine batteries together 
to run the power for the repeater with a charger to charge the 
batteries.  If I use a 12 Volt Car charger, do I risk the chance of 
noise, or would the batteries filter that.  What would be a good 
source to charge these batteries?  The power supply that will be 
taking the place of the worthless Pyramid supply will be an Astron 
52 Amp Rack Mount Supply.  I have heard in the past that batteries 
have been charged with these power supplies, but not sure if this if 
true or not.  Any ideas?  Thanks.

Mathew








 
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Re: [Repeater-Builder] Powering the Repeater With Marine Batteries

[Gran Clark]

Mathew
You should at least check the option BB on the Astron.  The backup
option gives 13.8V current limited at about 3A.  We just replaced
four deep cycle batteries in parallel after about seven years of service
being kept alive with the BB option.
Gran K6RIF

At 09:11 1/21/2005, you wrote:

Last night my power supply took
a dump!  Good thing for backups.  
Anyways, what I am wanting to do is put 3 marine batteries together 
to run the power for the repeater with a charger to charge the 
batteries.  If I use a 12 Volt Car charger, do I risk the chance of

noise, or would the batteries filter that.  What would be a good

source to charge these batteries?  The power supply that will be

taking the place of the worthless Pyramid supply will be an Astron 
52 Amp Rack Mount Supply.  I have heard in the past that batteries

have been charged with these power supplies, but not sure if this if

true or not.  Any ideas?  Thanks.
Mathew




 
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Re: [Repeater-Builder] Re: Powering the Repeater With Marine Batteries

[CookTowersInc]

This is all 100% true. But try this little mod.
Add a 14 VDC light bulb in series with the load.
It will help to limit this problem.
Dean,
 













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Re: [Repeater-Builder] Re: Powering the Repeater With Marine Batteries

[CookTowersInc]

Home Depot has a cheap UPS for about $39.00
Beakin or something like that brand. I bought
3 for at home and they work out OK.
Dean Westbrook, EE, PE.
Cook Towers, INC.
 













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[Repeater-Builder] Where can I find the CAS for IC F-420

[Paul]

Can anyone tell me where to find the CAS or COR signal for an Icom F-
420? 







 
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Re: [Repeater-Builder] Re: Powering the Repeater With Marine Batteries

[Q]

The UPS's I have used had current limiting on their charging circuits 
and never had a problem running bigger external battery banks,but YMMV 
depending on the design... However,lightning wasnt so kind. Anyone have 
a surplus UPS FS?

kc2cjw wrote:

>The UPS w/ external battery is a great idea.  One thing you need to 
>watch however is the in-rush current of a nearly drained battery 
>stack.  If there was an outage which took the batteries down to 
>where the UPS shut off, when A/C returned the batteries *might* want 
>allot more food than the UPS's charger can supply. 
>
>Restated, an array of large GelCels or Edisons capable of 200 Ah 
>delivery will toast a 200 VA Triplite's internal charger.  Trust me -
> there's a reason big battery arrays have large chargers.
>
>--- In Repeater-Builder@yahoogroups.com, [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote:
>  
>
>>Just to add to Russ, W3CH.
>>The local club in NJ that did
>>this did NOT install the battery's
>>in the UPS. That was not made
>>real clear. They sit next to 
>>the APC brand UPS in two Sears
>>battery boxes. This has been working
>>on there repeater for well over a
>>year. Russ is correct it is very
>>cost effective back up power.
>>73,
>>Dean Westbrook, EE,PE.
>>Cook Towers, INC.
>>
>>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
> 
>
>  
>





 
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[Repeater-Builder] Re: Powering the Repeater With Marine Batteries

[kc2cjw]

The UPS w/ external battery is a great idea.  One thing you need to 
watch however is the in-rush current of a nearly drained battery 
stack.  If there was an outage which took the batteries down to 
where the UPS shut off, when A/C returned the batteries *might* want 
allot more food than the UPS's charger can supply. 

Restated, an array of large GelCels or Edisons capable of 200 Ah 
delivery will toast a 200 VA Triplite's internal charger.  Trust me -
 there's a reason big battery arrays have large chargers.

--- In Repeater-Builder@yahoogroups.com, [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote:
> Just to add to Russ, W3CH.
> The local club in NJ that did
> this did NOT install the battery's
> in the UPS. That was not made
> real clear. They sit next to 
> the APC brand UPS in two Sears
> battery boxes. This has been working
> on there repeater for well over a
> year. Russ is correct it is very
> cost effective back up power.
> 73,
> Dean Westbrook, EE,PE.
> Cook Towers, INC.







 
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[Repeater-Builder] Re: Circulator vs. Isolator

[wn1b8]

Eric, Jim, and others,

Thanks for the replies. Your explanations were as I expected but I 
wanted to be certain. I am very familliar with circulators as we use 
them quite often in microwave configurations. When I became aware of 
isolators, I attempted to research them and concluded that there was 
little difference in the aforementioned application. I thought maybe 
I was missing something, but I guess not.

Thanks again for all your help.

73,
Scott Madison, WN1B




--- In Repeater-Builder@yahoogroups.com, Eric Lemmon <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> 
wrote:
> Scott,
> 
> A ferrite circulator is simply a three-terminal device that is 
designed
> to "steer" RF currents so that they move in one direction around a
> circular path between ports that are spaced 120 degrees apart.  
What
> comes in at one port will leave at the next port if the terminating
> impedance is 50 ohms.  Your assumption of its operation is exactly
> correct.
> 
> An isolator is a circulator that includes a 50 ohm load on the 
third
> port.  Some manufacturers use the terms interchangeably, but 
generally
> the term circulator describes the ferrite, garnet, and magnetic 
guts
> that are inside the box.
> 
> A single isolator generally provides about 35 dB of isolation to 
protect
> a PA from incoming RF that can cause intermodulation.  A dual 
isolator
> is just two single circulators in series, with two external dummy 
loads,
> that can provide about 70 dB of isolation.
> 
> Since a circulator is a non-linear device, it will always generate 
a
> strong second harmonic.  For this reason, any ferrite
> circulator/isolator must always be followed by a notch filter, a
> low-pass filter, or a bandpass cavity to eliminate or greatly 
reduce the
> second harmonic.
> 
> 73, Eric Lemmon WB6FLY
> 
> wn1b8 wrote:
> > 
> > List members,
> > 
> > Is there any reason that a circulator could not be used as an 
isolator?  Assuming appropriate power handling capabilities, I would 
think the former would work just fine.  Amp output into port 1, 
Bp/antenna on port 2, dummy load on port 3, and any reflected power 
from the Bp/antenna should be absorbed by the dummy load.  Am I 
missing anything here?







 
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[Repeater-Builder] Re: Powering the Repeater With Marine Batteries

[kc2cjw]

I prefer solid state isolators between the batteries & the supply.  
West Mt.'s was reviewed in a recent QST (see below), and Duracom (& 
others) have similar units at varying prices.  I recommend them 
highly, and use them in commercial, public utility, and public 
safety applications.

I have problems with relays, especially inexpensive ones.  They will 
fail sooner than the iso-diodes.  Granted, it maybe a year or 3, but 
if constantly energized, I've seem some cheap relays become 
magnetized and not release, I've seen coils go open, thus running 
the batteries instead of the A/C mains, and I've seen more than one 
catch fire (A mini-blaze confined to the enclosure), and if hooked 
in on the A/C side of the supply, the system isn't protected from 
power supply failure.

...I don't mean to be judgemental; these are just my brain 
dripppings. 
___

> A friend of mine and I designed a very simple circuit to modify the
> Astron 20A Power supplies to do this job.  Obviously this could be
> done on any power supply but the Astron 20A is common and
> inexpensive and they leave enough room to put this all inside 
> easily.  The first thing you will need is an A.C. operated relay. 
> Radio shack has one that we chose simply because they are cheap, 
> $8.00 and the contacts are rated high enough to handle the
> 20 Amps.  It is RS P/N 275-0217.  The contacts are rated for 10
> Amps but since this is a double throw type, both "throws" can be
> tied together.  I drilled another hole in the rear of the Astron
> to mount another binding post for the battery connection.  The 
> relay coil is connected directly to AC power coming in, the
> contacts are wired to the 13.8 VDC output wire so that

<<--clipped to conserve bandwidth -->>
> 
> > FWIW, the Feb. QST (pg 78) reviews a "PWRgate PG40" by West 
> > Mountain Radio. Basically it contains two 80 amp Schottky diodes
> > on a heat sink and three Anderson Powerpole connectors. The
> > diodes drop about 0.4 volts under load. It's designed for forty
> > amps. It sends whichever input voltage is higher to the output
> > and will isolate your power supply from the battery.  That is,
> > if the AC fails to the power suppy, the battery won't back up
> > into the power supply. It apparently also has a diode and
> > resistor that can be used to charge the battery from the power 
> > supply at a rate of up to one amp.  (Would take days to charge
> > your marine batteries!)  I think it may be a bit over priced at
> > $69.95 but it or something like it may be an answer to your
> > situation.
> >
> > 73,
> > Al K9SI
> >
> >
> >
> >Date: Fri, 21 Jan 2005 17:11:37 -
> >From: "w9mwq" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]>
> > Subject: Powering the Repeater With Marine Batteries
> >
> >
> > Last night my power supply took a dump!  Good thing for backups.

<<--clipped to conserve bandwidth -->>
> 







 
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Re: [Repeater-Builder] Powering the Repeater With Marine Batteries

[Rick - VA3RZS/Charlotte - VA3CMR]

We also use the same idea here ... 

we use 2 batts from the scotters .. thay are sealed lead acids . work 
great !! and thay can really be drawn down if needed  ( that's what 
thay where made to do)

and the price is not bad ..  we paid $100 each for them  and verry 
will worth it 

and we also have them on the outside of the UPS .. thay wont fint 
inside :)

if any one wants a model # I can provide  or just go down to your 
local batt store .. NO not sears or the same .. but a true batt store 
and look around 


Rick

On 21 Jan 2005 at 19:16, [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote:

> Just to add to Russ, W3CH.
> The local club in NJ that did
> this did NOT install the battery's
> in the UPS. That was not made
> real clear. They sit next to 
> the APC brand UPS in two Sears
> battery boxes. This has been working
> on there repeater for well over a
> year. Russ is correct it is very
> cost effective back up power.
> 73,
> Dean Westbrook, EE,PE.
> Cook Towers, INC.
> 


Rick Szajkowski VA3 RZS
Charlotte Darby VA3 CMR
Node Owners of IRLP Node 2120
Lakefield Ont Canada




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Re: [Repeater-Builder] Re: Powering the Repeater With Marine Batteries

[Wade Lake]

 A friend of mine and I designed a very simple circuit to modify the
Astron 20A Power supplies to do this job.  Obviously this could be done on
any power supply but the Astron 20A is common and inexpensive and they leave
enough room to put this all inside easily.  The first thing you will need is
an A.C. operated relay.  Radio shack has one that we chose simply because
they are cheap, $8.00 and the contacts are rated high enough to handle the
20 Amps.  It is RS P/N 275-0217.  The contacts are rated for 10 Amps but
since this is a double throw type, both "throws" can be tied together.  I
drilled another hole in the rear of the Astron to mount another binding post
for the battery connection.  The relay coil is connected directly to AC
power coming in, the contacts are wired to the 13.8 VDC output wire so that
when the relay is energized, the power is routed though the relay from the
power supply to the output binding post, the output binding post being wired
to the "throws" of the relay.  When AC power is lost the relay deenergizes
and these contacts of the relay are wired to the backup battery.  That takes
care of isolating the battery from the power supply, the only thing left is
a simple charging circuit.  To accomplish this, an 8 Ohm, 25 Watt resistor
from the relay "throws" to the battery contacts was added.  This only allows
for trickle charging, but as the battery voltage approaches the supply
voltage, the current "self regulates" to almost nothing.  Also, since AC
power is present 99.9% of the time trickle charging in this way is not a
problem.  This does the job nicely.
 We have done this mod to 2 different repeater systems with excellent
results, and no failures of the backup system.  Not as easy as buying a
power supply ready for the task, but still easy to do and I would bet,
usually less expensive.

Hope that helps

73, Wade- KR7K

- Original Message - 
From: "Al Wolfe" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]>
To: 
Sent: Friday, January 21, 2005 10:16 PM
Subject: [Repeater-Builder] Re: Powering the Repeater With Marine Batteries


>
> Mathew,
> There has been some good advice on here about different method to
> accomplish what you want to do. I have used both the relay idea and the
> diode isolator with success. As others have mentioned, using a "smart
> charger" is your best insurance for reasonable battery life.
>
> FWIW, the Feb. QST (pg 78) reviews a "PWRgate PG40" by West Mountain
> Radio. Basically it contains two 80 amp Schottky diodes on a heat sink and
> three Anderson Powerpole connectors. The diodes drop about 0.4 volts under
> load. It's designed for forty amps. It sends whichever input voltage is
> higher to the output and will isolate your power supply from the battery.
> That is, if the AC fails to the power suppy, the battery won't back up
into
> the power supply. It apparently also has a diode and resistor that can be
> used to charge the battery from the power supply at a rate of up to one
amp.
> (Would take days to charge your marine batteries!)  I think it may be a
bit
> over priced at $69.95 but it or something like it may be an answer to your
> situation.
>
> 73,
> Al K9SI
>
>
>
>Date: Fri, 21 Jan 2005 17:11:37 -
>From: "w9mwq" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]>
> Subject: Powering the Repeater With Marine Batteries
>
>
> Last night my power supply took a dump!  Good thing for backups.
> Anyways, what I am wanting to do is put 3 marine batteries together
> to run the power for the repeater with a charger to charge the
> batteries.  If I use a 12 Volt Car charger, do I risk the chance of
> noise, or would the batteries filter that.  What would be a good
> source to charge these batteries?  The power supply that will be
> taking the place of the worthless Pyramid supply will be an Astron
> 52 Amp Rack Mount Supply.  I have heard in the past that batteries
> have been charged with these power supplies, but not sure if this if
> true or not.  Any ideas?  Thanks.
>
> Mathew
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
> Yahoo! Groups Links
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>





 
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Re: [Repeater-Builder] Re: Powering the Repeater With Marine Batteries

[NØATH]

Hey Jim - wouldn't that work if you used a 12 volt relay powered by the Astron?
I understand what you are saying and your post has warned me of a potential
problem coming on my system ( which has a 120 volt relay ) Never ever even 
considered that possibility. Thanks for the tip, Dave / NØATH


The only problem with that is that if the Astron blows, the relay won't 
drop out (since there's still AC), and the batt's won't pick up, so yer 
off the air.
-- 
Jim Barbour






 
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Re: [Repeater-Builder] Re: Powering the Repeater With Marine Batteries

[Wade Lake]

- Original Message - 
From: "Jim B." <[EMAIL PROTECTED]>
To: 
Sent: Friday, January 21, 2005 1:20 PM
Subject: Re: [Repeater-Builder] Re: Powering the Repeater With Marine
Batteries


>
> edctexas wrote:
>
> >
> > Look on the Kevin's Web site under Astron power supplies for info on
> > how to use an Astron to float batteries.  There needs to be a diode
> > between the power supply and the batteries to prevent the batteries
> > from discharging back into the power supply when the AC is gone.  You
> > can alos use a BIG relay that drops the PSU when the AC goes off.
>
> The only problem with that is that if the Astron blows, the relay won't
> drop out (since there's still AC), and the batt's won't pick up, so yer
> off the air.
> -- 
> Jim Barbour
> WD8CHL
>

That's not hard.  A very small relay, powered by the supply output, in
series with the coil circuit of the big relay, takes care of that nicely.

Wade - KR7K





 
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Re: [Repeater-Builder] Powering the Repeater With Marine Batteries

[Ronny Julian]

Mathew where are you buying yours?

Ebay has lots!
http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&rd=1&item=7948379212&category=33574

- Original Message - 
From: "Mathew Quaife" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]>
To: 
Sent: Friday, January 21, 2005 10:13 PM
Subject: RE: [Repeater-Builder] Powering the Repeater With Marine Batteries


>
> Pretty Expensive, my cost as a dealer is near the $200.00 mark, and that's
> before shipping.  At least for the good ones.  Might work.
>
> Mathew
>
>
> -Original Message-
> From: Mark Holman [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED]
> Sent: Friday, January 21, 2005 6:55 PM
> To: Repeater-Builder@yahoogroups.com
> Subject: Re: [Repeater-Builder] Powering the Repeater With Marine
Batteries
>
>
> I was wondering about those new Dry Batteries that the young generation is
> using for their mobile Ghetto Blasters I cannot recall right now ( Brain
> Tired ) the brand name but Auto Zone Just started carrying them.   be
kinda
> interesting the Amper Hour Rating on those !
> M. H.
>
> - Original Message - 
> From: "Q" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]>
> To: 
> Sent: Friday, January 21, 2005 9:04 PM
> Subject: Re: [Repeater-Builder] Powering the Repeater With Marine
Batteries
>
>
> >
> > And also note that marine grade batteries wont last very long in standby
> > duty,a little better than a car battery but not much. Its worth the
> > extra money to buy gel cell type batteries designed for that type of
> > duty.They are also totally sealed which may be required if used in your
> > home or at a big tower site. Ever see a hydrogen explosion rip apart a
> > battery? Also,pay attention to the recommended float voltages of the
> > manufacturer,also a good idea to give them an equalizing charge monthly.
> > I have run battery backup here for 27 years! Fuse everything!
> > 73,Lee,N3APP
> >
> > Tony King, W4ZT wrote:
> >
> >>One of the best ways to manage the charging of your batteries is to use
> >>a multi-mode charger designed to properly charge and maintain them.
> >>Ibex  carries two 3 mode chargers that are very
> >>well suited for the job.  If you look at their web page under the 12
> >>volt chargers, the last one listed also has load shedding capability.
> >>That means that not only does it charge the batteries, but you can power
> >>the receiver, controller and exciter (but not the PA) through the load
> >>shedding switch and when the battery voltage drops, it will shut
> >>everything down; saving your batteries from total depletion.
> >>
> >>Using a charger like this you will still need to isolate the output of
> >>the AC power supply and the batteries.  I personally prefer to do this
> >>with hard relay contacts so that you don't have voltage drop through a
> >>diode to contend with. Which ever way you choose, spend a little extra
> >>to charge the batteries correctly and they will last a very long time
> >>and be there when you need them.
> >>
> >>73, Tony W4ZT
> >>
> >>
> >>w9mwq wrote:
> >>
> >>
> >>>Last night my power supply took a dump!  Good thing for backups.
> >>>Anyways, what I am wanting to do is put 3 marine batteries together
> >>>to run the power for the repeater with a charger to charge the
> >>>batteries.  If I use a 12 Volt Car charger, do I risk the chance of
> >>>noise, or would the batteries filter that.  What would be a good
> >>>source to charge these batteries?  The power supply that will be
> >>>taking the place of the worthless Pyramid supply will be an Astron
> >>>52 Amp Rack Mount Supply.  I have heard in the past that batteries
> >>>have been charged with these power supplies, but not sure if this if
> >>>true or not.  Any ideas?  Thanks.
> >>>
> >>>Mathew
> >>>
> >>>
> >>
> >>
> >>
> >>
> >>
> >>
> >>
> >>
> >
> >
> >
> >
> >
> >
> > Yahoo! Groups Links
> >
> >
> >
> >
> >
> >
> >
> >
>
>
>
>
>
>
> Yahoo! Groups Links
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
> Yahoo! Groups Links
>
>
>
>
>
>
>








 
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Re: [Repeater-Builder] Powering the Repeater With Marine Batteries

[Ronny Julian]

I think you are talking about Optima batteries.  Yea I've got one in my
Minivan :)  It's the main battery and has been working great for quite
awile.  3 year free replacement.  I have the Red top battery but all the
young bucks say the yellow lasts longer.  I didn't see much difference.
http://www.optimabatteries.com/publish/optima/americas0/en/config/home.html

I'm adding a second one thats going to live in the rear part of the van.
You can mount these upside down in the passenger seat if you so desire.  No
venting issues (they say)  Real nice thing if you have a GM (side post)
battery,  It gives you that extra set of top posts to wire radios to in a
separate set of circuits.  I'm running a 4 guage to the rear of the van and
using a expansion block to split it off to several fused circuits for other
radios.  Also fused at the battery.

K4RJJ




- Original Message - 
From: "Mark Holman" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]>
To: 
Sent: Friday, January 21, 2005 9:54 PM
Subject: Re: [Repeater-Builder] Powering the Repeater With Marine Batteries


>
> I was wondering about those new Dry Batteries that the young generation is
> using for their mobile Ghetto Blasters I cannot recall right now ( Brain
> Tired ) the brand name but Auto Zone Just started carrying them.   be
kinda
> interesting the Amper Hour Rating on those !
> M. H.
>
> - Original Message - 
> From: "Q" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]>
> To: 
> Sent: Friday, January 21, 2005 9:04 PM
> Subject: Re: [Repeater-Builder] Powering the Repeater With Marine
Batteries
>
>
> >
> > And also note that marine grade batteries wont last very long in standby
> > duty,a little better than a car battery but not much. Its worth the
> > extra money to buy gel cell type batteries designed for that type of
> > duty.They are also totally sealed which may be required if used in your
> > home or at a big tower site. Ever see a hydrogen explosion rip apart a
> > battery? Also,pay attention to the recommended float voltages of the
> > manufacturer,also a good idea to give them an equalizing charge monthly.
> > I have run battery backup here for 27 years! Fuse everything!
> > 73,Lee,N3APP
> >
> > Tony King, W4ZT wrote:
> >
> >>One of the best ways to manage the charging of your batteries is to use
> >>a multi-mode charger designed to properly charge and maintain them.
> >>Ibex  carries two 3 mode chargers that are very
> >>well suited for the job.  If you look at their web page under the 12
> >>volt chargers, the last one listed also has load shedding capability.
> >>That means that not only does it charge the batteries, but you can power
> >>the receiver, controller and exciter (but not the PA) through the load
> >>shedding switch and when the battery voltage drops, it will shut
> >>everything down; saving your batteries from total depletion.
> >>
> >>Using a charger like this you will still need to isolate the output of
> >>the AC power supply and the batteries.  I personally prefer to do this
> >>with hard relay contacts so that you don't have voltage drop through a
> >>diode to contend with. Which ever way you choose, spend a little extra
> >>to charge the batteries correctly and they will last a very long time
> >>and be there when you need them.
> >>
> >>73, Tony W4ZT
> >>
> >>
> >>w9mwq wrote:
> >>
> >>
> >>>Last night my power supply took a dump!  Good thing for backups.
> >>>Anyways, what I am wanting to do is put 3 marine batteries together
> >>>to run the power for the repeater with a charger to charge the
> >>>batteries.  If I use a 12 Volt Car charger, do I risk the chance of
> >>>noise, or would the batteries filter that.  What would be a good
> >>>source to charge these batteries?  The power supply that will be
> >>>taking the place of the worthless Pyramid supply will be an Astron
> >>>52 Amp Rack Mount Supply.  I have heard in the past that batteries
> >>>have been charged with these power supplies, but not sure if this if
> >>>true or not.  Any ideas?  Thanks.
> >>>
> >>>Mathew
> >>>
> >>>
> >>
> >>
> >>
> >>
> >>
> >>
> >>
> >>
> >
> >
> >
> >
> >
> >
> > Yahoo! Groups Links
> >
> >
> >
> >
> >
> >
> >
> >
>
>
>
>
>
>
> Yahoo! Groups Links
>
>
>
>
>
>
>








 
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Re: [Repeater-Builder] Cook Towers

[CookTowersInc]

Sorry we do not have a web page.
You may e-mail us direct at [EMAIL PROTECTED]
or call us toll free 877-992-2665
73,
Dean Westbrook, EE, PE.
Cook Towers
 













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Re: [Repeater-Builder] Powering the Repeater With Marine Batteries

[CookTowersInc]

Just to add to Russ, W3CH.
The local club in NJ that did
this did NOT install the battery's
in the UPS. That was not made
real clear. They sit next to 
the APC brand UPS in two Sears
battery boxes. This has been working
on there repeater for well over a
year. Russ is correct it is very
cost effective back up power.
73,
Dean Westbrook, EE,PE.
Cook Towers, INC.













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[Repeater-Builder] Re: Powering the Repeater With Marine Batteries

[Al Wolfe]

Mathew,
There has been some good advice on here about different method to 
accomplish what you want to do. I have used both the relay idea and the 
diode isolator with success. As others have mentioned, using a "smart 
charger" is your best insurance for reasonable battery life.

FWIW, the Feb. QST (pg 78) reviews a "PWRgate PG40" by West Mountain 
Radio. Basically it contains two 80 amp Schottky diodes on a heat sink and 
three Anderson Powerpole connectors. The diodes drop about 0.4 volts under 
load. It's designed for forty amps. It sends whichever input voltage is 
higher to the output and will isolate your power supply from the battery. 
That is, if the AC fails to the power suppy, the battery won't back up into 
the power supply. It apparently also has a diode and resistor that can be 
used to charge the battery from the power supply at a rate of up to one amp. 
(Would take days to charge your marine batteries!)  I think it may be a bit 
over priced at $69.95 but it or something like it may be an answer to your 
situation.

73,
Al K9SI



   Date: Fri, 21 Jan 2005 17:11:37 -
   From: "w9mwq" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]>
Subject: Powering the Repeater With Marine Batteries


Last night my power supply took a dump!  Good thing for backups.
Anyways, what I am wanting to do is put 3 marine batteries together
to run the power for the repeater with a charger to charge the
batteries.  If I use a 12 Volt Car charger, do I risk the chance of
noise, or would the batteries filter that.  What would be a good
source to charge these batteries?  The power supply that will be
taking the place of the worthless Pyramid supply will be an Astron
52 Amp Rack Mount Supply.  I have heard in the past that batteries
have been charged with these power supplies, but not sure if this if
true or not.  Any ideas?  Thanks.

Mathew


 





 
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Re: [Repeater-Builder] Circulator vs. Isolator

[Eric Lemmon]

Scott,

A ferrite circulator is simply a three-terminal device that is designed
to "steer" RF currents so that they move in one direction around a
circular path between ports that are spaced 120 degrees apart.  What
comes in at one port will leave at the next port if the terminating
impedance is 50 ohms.  Your assumption of its operation is exactly
correct.

An isolator is a circulator that includes a 50 ohm load on the third
port.  Some manufacturers use the terms interchangeably, but generally
the term circulator describes the ferrite, garnet, and magnetic guts
that are inside the box.

A single isolator generally provides about 35 dB of isolation to protect
a PA from incoming RF that can cause intermodulation.  A dual isolator
is just two single circulators in series, with two external dummy loads,
that can provide about 70 dB of isolation.

Since a circulator is a non-linear device, it will always generate a
strong second harmonic.  For this reason, any ferrite
circulator/isolator must always be followed by a notch filter, a
low-pass filter, or a bandpass cavity to eliminate or greatly reduce the
second harmonic.

73, Eric Lemmon WB6FLY

wn1b8 wrote:
> 
> List members,
> 
> Is there any reason that a circulator could not be used as an isolator?  
> Assuming appropriate power handling capabilities, I would think the former 
> would work just fine.  Amp output into port 1, Bp/antenna on port 2, dummy 
> load on port 3, and any reflected power from the Bp/antenna should be 
> absorbed by the dummy load.  Am I missing anything here?





 
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RE: [Repeater-Builder] Powering the Repeater With Marine Batteries

[Mathew Quaife]

Pretty Expensive, my cost as a dealer is near the $200.00 mark, and that's
before shipping.  At least for the good ones.  Might work.  

Mathew


-Original Message-
From: Mark Holman [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] 
Sent: Friday, January 21, 2005 6:55 PM
To: Repeater-Builder@yahoogroups.com
Subject: Re: [Repeater-Builder] Powering the Repeater With Marine Batteries


I was wondering about those new Dry Batteries that the young generation is 
using for their mobile Ghetto Blasters I cannot recall right now ( Brain 
Tired ) the brand name but Auto Zone Just started carrying them.   be kinda 
interesting the Amper Hour Rating on those !
M. H.

- Original Message - 
From: "Q" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]>
To: 
Sent: Friday, January 21, 2005 9:04 PM
Subject: Re: [Repeater-Builder] Powering the Repeater With Marine Batteries


>
> And also note that marine grade batteries wont last very long in standby
> duty,a little better than a car battery but not much. Its worth the
> extra money to buy gel cell type batteries designed for that type of
> duty.They are also totally sealed which may be required if used in your
> home or at a big tower site. Ever see a hydrogen explosion rip apart a
> battery? Also,pay attention to the recommended float voltages of the
> manufacturer,also a good idea to give them an equalizing charge monthly.
> I have run battery backup here for 27 years! Fuse everything! 
> 73,Lee,N3APP
>
> Tony King, W4ZT wrote:
>
>>One of the best ways to manage the charging of your batteries is to use
>>a multi-mode charger designed to properly charge and maintain them.
>>Ibex  carries two 3 mode chargers that are very
>>well suited for the job.  If you look at their web page under the 12
>>volt chargers, the last one listed also has load shedding capability.
>>That means that not only does it charge the batteries, but you can power
>>the receiver, controller and exciter (but not the PA) through the load
>>shedding switch and when the battery voltage drops, it will shut
>>everything down; saving your batteries from total depletion.
>>
>>Using a charger like this you will still need to isolate the output of
>>the AC power supply and the batteries.  I personally prefer to do this
>>with hard relay contacts so that you don't have voltage drop through a
>>diode to contend with. Which ever way you choose, spend a little extra
>>to charge the batteries correctly and they will last a very long time
>>and be there when you need them.
>>
>>73, Tony W4ZT
>>
>>
>>w9mwq wrote:
>>
>>
>>>Last night my power supply took a dump!  Good thing for backups.
>>>Anyways, what I am wanting to do is put 3 marine batteries together
>>>to run the power for the repeater with a charger to charge the
>>>batteries.  If I use a 12 Volt Car charger, do I risk the chance of
>>>noise, or would the batteries filter that.  What would be a good
>>>source to charge these batteries?  The power supply that will be
>>>taking the place of the worthless Pyramid supply will be an Astron
>>>52 Amp Rack Mount Supply.  I have heard in the past that batteries
>>>have been charged with these power supplies, but not sure if this if
>>>true or not.  Any ideas?  Thanks.
>>>
>>>Mathew
>>>
>>>
>>
>>
>>
>>
>>
>>
>>
>>
>
>
>
>
>
>
> Yahoo! Groups Links
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
> 





 
Yahoo! Groups Links



 







 
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Re: [Repeater-Builder] Powering the Repeater With Marine Batteries

[Mark Holman]

I was wondering about those new Dry Batteries that the young generation is 
using for their mobile Ghetto Blasters I cannot recall right now ( Brain 
Tired ) the brand name but Auto Zone Just started carrying them.   be kinda 
interesting the Amper Hour Rating on those !
M. H.

- Original Message - 
From: "Q" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]>
To: 
Sent: Friday, January 21, 2005 9:04 PM
Subject: Re: [Repeater-Builder] Powering the Repeater With Marine Batteries


>
> And also note that marine grade batteries wont last very long in standby
> duty,a little better than a car battery but not much. Its worth the
> extra money to buy gel cell type batteries designed for that type of
> duty.They are also totally sealed which may be required if used in your
> home or at a big tower site. Ever see a hydrogen explosion rip apart a
> battery? Also,pay attention to the recommended float voltages of the
> manufacturer,also a good idea to give them an equalizing charge monthly.
> I have run battery backup here for 27 years! Fuse everything! 
> 73,Lee,N3APP
>
> Tony King, W4ZT wrote:
>
>>One of the best ways to manage the charging of your batteries is to use
>>a multi-mode charger designed to properly charge and maintain them.
>>Ibex  carries two 3 mode chargers that are very
>>well suited for the job.  If you look at their web page under the 12
>>volt chargers, the last one listed also has load shedding capability.
>>That means that not only does it charge the batteries, but you can power
>>the receiver, controller and exciter (but not the PA) through the load
>>shedding switch and when the battery voltage drops, it will shut
>>everything down; saving your batteries from total depletion.
>>
>>Using a charger like this you will still need to isolate the output of
>>the AC power supply and the batteries.  I personally prefer to do this
>>with hard relay contacts so that you don't have voltage drop through a
>>diode to contend with. Which ever way you choose, spend a little extra
>>to charge the batteries correctly and they will last a very long time
>>and be there when you need them.
>>
>>73, Tony W4ZT
>>
>>
>>w9mwq wrote:
>>
>>
>>>Last night my power supply took a dump!  Good thing for backups.
>>>Anyways, what I am wanting to do is put 3 marine batteries together
>>>to run the power for the repeater with a charger to charge the
>>>batteries.  If I use a 12 Volt Car charger, do I risk the chance of
>>>noise, or would the batteries filter that.  What would be a good
>>>source to charge these batteries?  The power supply that will be
>>>taking the place of the worthless Pyramid supply will be an Astron
>>>52 Amp Rack Mount Supply.  I have heard in the past that batteries
>>>have been charged with these power supplies, but not sure if this if
>>>true or not.  Any ideas?  Thanks.
>>>
>>>Mathew
>>>
>>>
>>
>>
>>
>>
>>
>>
>>
>>
>
>
>
>
>
>
> Yahoo! Groups Links
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
> 





 
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RE: [Repeater-Builder] Powering the Repeater With Marine Batteries

[Mathew Quaife]

I agree!  One only know how much damage could have been created once the
power supply died.  I don't even know if it sent any power backwards, but no
damage to the equipment.  The donator of the batteries is a commercial
broadcast technician as is his father, and has offered his knowledge in
helping with the repeater.  So this is all a good thing.

Mathew


-Original Message-
From: Q [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] 
Sent: Friday, January 21, 2005 6:05 PM
To: Repeater-Builder@yahoogroups.com
Subject: Re: [Repeater-Builder] Powering the Repeater With Marine Batteries


And also note that marine grade batteries wont last very long in standby 
duty,a little better than a car battery but not much. Its worth the 
extra money to buy gel cell type batteries designed for that type of 
duty.They are also totally sealed which may be required if used in your 
home or at a big tower site. Ever see a hydrogen explosion rip apart a 
battery? Also,pay attention to the recommended float voltages of the 
manufacturer,also a good idea to give them an equalizing charge monthly. 
I have run battery backup here for 27 years! Fuse everything!  73,Lee,N3APP

Tony King, W4ZT wrote:

>One of the best ways to manage the charging of your batteries is to use 
>a multi-mode charger designed to properly charge and maintain them. 
>Ibex  carries two 3 mode chargers that are very 
>well suited for the job.  If you look at their web page under the 12 
>volt chargers, the last one listed also has load shedding capability. 
>That means that not only does it charge the batteries, but you can power 
>the receiver, controller and exciter (but not the PA) through the load 
>shedding switch and when the battery voltage drops, it will shut 
>everything down; saving your batteries from total depletion.
>
>Using a charger like this you will still need to isolate the output of 
>the AC power supply and the batteries.  I personally prefer to do this 
>with hard relay contacts so that you don't have voltage drop through a 
>diode to contend with. Which ever way you choose, spend a little extra 
>to charge the batteries correctly and they will last a very long time 
>and be there when you need them.
>
>73, Tony W4ZT
>
>
>w9mwq wrote:
>  
>
>>Last night my power supply took a dump!  Good thing for backups.  
>>Anyways, what I am wanting to do is put 3 marine batteries together 
>>to run the power for the repeater with a charger to charge the 
>>batteries.  If I use a 12 Volt Car charger, do I risk the chance of 
>>noise, or would the batteries filter that.  What would be a good 
>>source to charge these batteries?  The power supply that will be 
>>taking the place of the worthless Pyramid supply will be an Astron 
>>52 Amp Rack Mount Supply.  I have heard in the past that batteries 
>>have been charged with these power supplies, but not sure if this if 
>>true or not.  Any ideas?  Thanks.
>>
>>Mathew
>>
>>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>  
>





 
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Re: [Repeater-Builder] Powering the Repeater With Marine Batteries

[Q]

And also note that marine grade batteries wont last very long in standby 
duty,a little better than a car battery but not much. Its worth the 
extra money to buy gel cell type batteries designed for that type of 
duty.They are also totally sealed which may be required if used in your 
home or at a big tower site. Ever see a hydrogen explosion rip apart a 
battery? Also,pay attention to the recommended float voltages of the 
manufacturer,also a good idea to give them an equalizing charge monthly. 
I have run battery backup here for 27 years! Fuse everything!  73,Lee,N3APP

Tony King, W4ZT wrote:

>One of the best ways to manage the charging of your batteries is to use 
>a multi-mode charger designed to properly charge and maintain them. 
>Ibex  carries two 3 mode chargers that are very 
>well suited for the job.  If you look at their web page under the 12 
>volt chargers, the last one listed also has load shedding capability. 
>That means that not only does it charge the batteries, but you can power 
>the receiver, controller and exciter (but not the PA) through the load 
>shedding switch and when the battery voltage drops, it will shut 
>everything down; saving your batteries from total depletion.
>
>Using a charger like this you will still need to isolate the output of 
>the AC power supply and the batteries.  I personally prefer to do this 
>with hard relay contacts so that you don't have voltage drop through a 
>diode to contend with. Which ever way you choose, spend a little extra 
>to charge the batteries correctly and they will last a very long time 
>and be there when you need them.
>
>73, Tony W4ZT
>
>
>w9mwq wrote:
>  
>
>>Last night my power supply took a dump!  Good thing for backups.  
>>Anyways, what I am wanting to do is put 3 marine batteries together 
>>to run the power for the repeater with a charger to charge the 
>>batteries.  If I use a 12 Volt Car charger, do I risk the chance of 
>>noise, or would the batteries filter that.  What would be a good 
>>source to charge these batteries?  The power supply that will be 
>>taking the place of the worthless Pyramid supply will be an Astron 
>>52 Amp Rack Mount Supply.  I have heard in the past that batteries 
>>have been charged with these power supplies, but not sure if this if 
>>true or not.  Any ideas?  Thanks.
>>
>>Mathew
>>
>>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>  
>





 
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Re: [Repeater-Builder] Cook Towers

[Doug Zastrow]

Thanks, John.  I did get in touch with them.
 
Doug

  - Original Message - 
  From: 
  John 
  Przychocki 
  To: Repeater-Builder@yahoogroups.com 
  
  Sent: Friday, January 21, 2005 5:58 
  PM
  Subject: Re: [Repeater-Builder] Cook 
  Towers
  hmmm, just got a letter from them, doesn't have a website 
  listed but here is the email that was in it.[EMAIL PROTECTED]Doug 
  Zastrow wrote: 
  



Hi All,
 
I'm looking for a Cook Towers web site but coming up 
blank.
 
Do I have the name right?  Do they have a site?  
Anyone have the URL?
 
Thanks...
 
Doug













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RE: [Repeater-Builder] Powering the Repeater With Marine Batteries

[Mathew Quaife]

Well call this luck of the draw.  I just had donated three 86 amp hour
batteries and the charger that came out of a telephone communications tower.
Probably will go pick them up next week.  So till then, guess I don't get to
use my amateur station as I robbed the power supply.

Thanks for the input from everyone who replied.

Mathew


-Original Message-
From: Neil McKie [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] 
Sent: Friday, January 21, 2005 5:23 PM
To: Repeater-Builder@yahoogroups.com
Subject: Re: [Repeater-Builder] Powering the Repeater With Marine Batteries



  I've seen people use the battery charger ... but I don't don't 
 have an opinion on using one. 

  Neil 

Mathew Quaife wrote:
> 
> Got one to spare...Hi HiI don't have a problem running the batteries,
> it's keeping them charged at a rate that they can handle.  We don't often
> loose power here, but there are those times.  I plan to buy a generator,
but
> still like the idea of the batteries.  I've had other's say they have just
> used a regular car battery charger with no problems.  I'm just thinking
> there is no regulation or isolation at all on them.  What is the thought
on
> just using a battery charger.
> 
> Mathew
> 
> -Original Message-
> From: Neil McKie [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED]
> Sent: Friday, January 21, 2005 1:32 PM
> To: Repeater-Builder@yahoogroups.com
> Subject: Re: [Repeater-Builder] Powering the Repeater With Marine
Batteries
> 
>   The method I have prefered over the years is the Motorola Micor
>  repeater TPN1105A/TPN1106A Power Supples that also charge the
>  battery.
> 
>   The radio site near here uses that power supply to run both
>  repeaters and charge the battery as well.
> 
>   Just my opinion.  I have the one power supply that is in service
>  and three more for spare parts.
> 
>   A number of years ago, had one site with three 100 watt Micor
>  repeaters ... each repeater had one of the power supplies.  The
>  output of the three power supplies were paralleled and charged two
>  Size 8D 'cat batteries.'
> 
>   One day I went to the site on a maintenance schedule and found one
>  side of the radio systems primary power circuit breaker had failed.
>  That caused one of the above power supplies to power all three 100
>  watt repeaters - for how long?  I didn't know.  Seems two of the
>  repeaters were plugged into the failed side of the power line / the
>  remaining repeater was on the other side of the power line.
> 
>   BTW, two of the repeaters were public safety / the power supply
>  that was supplying all the power was on the amateur radio repeater.
> 
>   Neil - WA6KLA
> 
> "Tony King, W4ZT" wrote:
> >
> > One of the best ways to manage the charging of your batteries is
> > to use a multi-mode charger designed to properly charge and
> > maintain them. Ibex  carries two 3 mode
> > chargers that are very well suited for the job.  If you look at
> > their web page under the 12 volt chargers, the last one listed
> > also has load shedding capability. That means that not only does
> > it charge the batteries, but you can power the receiver, controller
> > and exciter (but not the PA) through the load shedding switch and
> > when the battery voltage drops, it will shut everything down;
> > saving your batteries from total depletion.
> >
> > Using a charger like this you will still need to isolate the output
> > of the AC power supply and the batteries.  I personally prefer to
> > do this with hard relay contacts so that you don't have voltage
> > drop through a diode to contend with. Which ever way you choose,
> > spend a little extra to charge the batteries correctly and they will
> > last a very long time and be there when you need them.
> >
> > 73, Tony W4ZT
> >
> > w9mwq wrote:
> > >
> > > Last night my power supply took a dump!  Good thing for backups.
> > > Anyways, what I am wanting to do is put 3 marine batteries together
> > > to run the power for the repeater with a charger to charge the
> > > batteries.  If I use a 12 Volt Car charger, do I risk the chance of
> > > noise, or would the batteries filter that.  What would be a good
> > > source to charge these batteries?  The power supply that will be
> > > taking the place of the worthless Pyramid supply will be an Astron
> > > 52 Amp Rack Mount Supply.  I have heard in the past that batteries
> > > have been charged with these power supplies, but not sure if this
> > > if true or not.  Any ideas?  Thanks.
> > >
> > > Mathew
> >
>





 
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Re: [Repeater-Builder] Powering the Repeater With Marine Batteries

[Neil McKie]

  I've seen people use the battery charger ... but I don't don't 
 have an opinion on using one. 

  Neil 

Mathew Quaife wrote:
> 
> Got one to spare...Hi HiI don't have a problem running the batteries,
> it's keeping them charged at a rate that they can handle.  We don't often
> loose power here, but there are those times.  I plan to buy a generator, but
> still like the idea of the batteries.  I've had other's say they have just
> used a regular car battery charger with no problems.  I'm just thinking
> there is no regulation or isolation at all on them.  What is the thought on
> just using a battery charger.
> 
> Mathew
> 
> -Original Message-
> From: Neil McKie [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED]
> Sent: Friday, January 21, 2005 1:32 PM
> To: Repeater-Builder@yahoogroups.com
> Subject: Re: [Repeater-Builder] Powering the Repeater With Marine Batteries
> 
>   The method I have prefered over the years is the Motorola Micor
>  repeater TPN1105A/TPN1106A Power Supples that also charge the
>  battery.
> 
>   The radio site near here uses that power supply to run both
>  repeaters and charge the battery as well.
> 
>   Just my opinion.  I have the one power supply that is in service
>  and three more for spare parts.
> 
>   A number of years ago, had one site with three 100 watt Micor
>  repeaters ... each repeater had one of the power supplies.  The
>  output of the three power supplies were paralleled and charged two
>  Size 8D 'cat batteries.'
> 
>   One day I went to the site on a maintenance schedule and found one
>  side of the radio systems primary power circuit breaker had failed.
>  That caused one of the above power supplies to power all three 100
>  watt repeaters - for how long?  I didn't know.  Seems two of the
>  repeaters were plugged into the failed side of the power line / the
>  remaining repeater was on the other side of the power line.
> 
>   BTW, two of the repeaters were public safety / the power supply
>  that was supplying all the power was on the amateur radio repeater.
> 
>   Neil - WA6KLA
> 
> "Tony King, W4ZT" wrote:
> >
> > One of the best ways to manage the charging of your batteries is
> > to use a multi-mode charger designed to properly charge and
> > maintain them. Ibex  carries two 3 mode
> > chargers that are very well suited for the job.  If you look at
> > their web page under the 12 volt chargers, the last one listed
> > also has load shedding capability. That means that not only does
> > it charge the batteries, but you can power the receiver, controller
> > and exciter (but not the PA) through the load shedding switch and
> > when the battery voltage drops, it will shut everything down;
> > saving your batteries from total depletion.
> >
> > Using a charger like this you will still need to isolate the output
> > of the AC power supply and the batteries.  I personally prefer to
> > do this with hard relay contacts so that you don't have voltage
> > drop through a diode to contend with. Which ever way you choose,
> > spend a little extra to charge the batteries correctly and they will
> > last a very long time and be there when you need them.
> >
> > 73, Tony W4ZT
> >
> > w9mwq wrote:
> > >
> > > Last night my power supply took a dump!  Good thing for backups.
> > > Anyways, what I am wanting to do is put 3 marine batteries together
> > > to run the power for the repeater with a charger to charge the
> > > batteries.  If I use a 12 Volt Car charger, do I risk the chance of
> > > noise, or would the batteries filter that.  What would be a good
> > > source to charge these batteries?  The power supply that will be
> > > taking the place of the worthless Pyramid supply will be an Astron
> > > 52 Amp Rack Mount Supply.  I have heard in the past that batteries
> > > have been charged with these power supplies, but not sure if this
> > > if true or not.  Any ideas?  Thanks.
> > >
> > > Mathew
> >
>





 
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[Repeater-Builder] Re: Circulator vs. Isolator

[skipp025]

Wouldn't the second harmonic of a 1/4 cavity 
contain minimal F2 rf energy?  

(The 3rd harmonic is another issue)

cheers,
skipp 

> "Jim B." <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> wrote:
> ... because cavities can frequently 
> be resonant on the second harmonic (or higher), 
> which is what you're trying to filter out. 
> -- 
> Jim Barbour
> WD8CHL







 
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[Repeater-Builder] MSR 2000 Squelch Gate Module text - Update and error correction

[skipp025]

Motorola MSR 2000 (and Micor) Repeater Conversion 
Text update and (opps) error correction.


Hello there, 

Much to my surprise, I've discovered the MSR 2000 (and Micor) 
Repeater to External Controller conversion package (downloadable
sqlgate.zip file) on the www.radiowrench.com/sonic page was 
replaced with a much earlier 1998 first version copy when the 
sonic web pages were moved over to the radiowrench web domain. 

The first 1998 revision of the Squelch Gate Module modification 
is/was a pretty rough draft. 

The article text was much updated in July of 2003 at the prompting 
of the group associated with the WD7F Repeater and has again gone
through another complete revision this January 2005. I hope this
latest current package addresses most of the common questions I 
field via Email and telephone calls. I've much expanded the 
concepts of interfacing and audio level adjustments.  The beastly 
text is now 6 plus pages long. 

Please feel free to download the latest Squelch Gate Module to
External Repeater Controller text and let me know if you find 
any errors. I always enjoy reading your feedback and comments. 

Cheers
Skipp 

www.radiowrench.com/sonic  


Ps: I've added a few new circuits/projects to the sonic page







 
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