[Repeater-Builder] Re: which kind of cable coax should I use?
Hello, Steve Thanks for the reply,, I will check into that I am in Palm Beach Gardens, Florida so I will checking US Andrew Heliax thanks for the information,, 73 Miguel, ai4em You can't minimize the SWR with coax--well, you could but only by having coax so lossy that the returned RF is dissipated by the loss coming back, which is definitely not good. ;-) You don't say where you are, but in the US Andrew Heliax is frequently available at really good prices, usually less than $1 per foot for the 1/4 ldf4-50. If you look on the net for surplus dealers on the net you can find buys like this fairly often. Connectors can be found at cheaper prices, too. There are other kinds of Heliax as well; ldf5-50 is 7/8 and even lower in loss. Thats harder to find but just today at a swap I got 65' of ldf5-50 with N connectors for $50. Great deals are out there when you get lucky! There was a lot of talk on this list about the reasons why LMR wasn't good for repeater use. See the archives for that. Given the cost of Heliax these days, I'd use that. --STeve Andre' wb8wsf Yahoo! Groups Links * To visit your group on the web, go to: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/Repeater-Builder/ * To unsubscribe from this group, send an email to: [EMAIL PROTECTED] * Your use of Yahoo! Groups is subject to: http://docs.yahoo.com/info/terms/
[Repeater-Builder] Re: which kind of cable coax should I use?
You didn't state how long your feedline must be, but I can make some suggestions. For a 70cm repeater, use 1/2 foam for a 50 foot Hello, Eric Yes, I am going to run approx 50 feet of cable,,, so I will get the above that you mention.. Thanks for the help Miguel, ai4em Yahoo! Groups Links * To visit your group on the web, go to: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/Repeater-Builder/ * To unsubscribe from this group, send an email to: [EMAIL PROTECTED] * Your use of Yahoo! Groups is subject to: http://docs.yahoo.com/info/terms/
[Repeater-Builder] Re: which kind of cable coax should I use?
Hello, Russ I will check the webpage everyone has siad that the 7/8 is the popular choice, so I will go with that and then I get some connectors going... thanks for the input Miguel, ai4em --- In Repeater-Builder@yahoogroups.com, russ [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote: I would use 7/8's hard line type coax. You can use 1/2 as well. I would not use Times microwave LMR-400 or Belden 9913 type of coax. You can find a list of suppliers on the Repeater-Builders web page to price or buy the above hard-line type of repeater feed line from. Good Luck and 73, Russ, W3CH - Original Message - From: Miguel [EMAIL PROTECTED] To: Repeater-Builder@yahoogroups.com Sent: Sunday, February 13, 2005 6:37 PM Subject: [Repeater-Builder] which kind of cable coax should I use? Hello everyone thanks for reading my post.. I have a uhf repeater in the ham band... I want to know which is a good cable coax to use to minimized the swr and good communications.. some people tell me the lmr-400 others the rg-213 but which one is better or is there something else... thanks 73 Miguel,Ai4em Yahoo! Groups Links Yahoo! Groups Links * To visit your group on the web, go to: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/Repeater-Builder/ * To unsubscribe from this group, send an email to: [EMAIL PROTECTED] * Your use of Yahoo! Groups is subject to: http://docs.yahoo.com/info/terms/
Re: [Repeater-Builder] Re: which kind of cable coax should I use?
I would not buy used Hard-Line type of coax. I know many do but I will not. If you have a TDR and can sweep it then you mite be OK and know that what you are buying is good. Used if they do not seal up the ends some times gets water in it and you just got took. But you can buy new Andrews, RFS or Comscope at a good price from most suppliers. At 50' 1/2 will work just fine. If the Hard Line was a take down there mite be a reason that it was removed from service. Yes you can get some deals on Hard Line some good and some bad. If you can't sweep it beware. Hard line is a funny Animal and can look brand new and be bad. I would still use 7/8's my self. The same place you buy your hard line will have the connectors and most of the time will install them for you. Good Luck, 73 Russ, W3CH - Original Message - From: Miguel [EMAIL PROTECTED] To: Repeater-Builder@yahoogroups.com Sent: Monday, February 14, 2005 8:22 AM Subject: [Repeater-Builder] Re: which kind of cable coax should I use? You didn't state how long your feedline must be, but I can make some suggestions. For a 70cm repeater, use 1/2 foam for a 50 foot Hello, Eric Yes, I am going to run approx 50 feet of cable,,, so I will get the above that you mention.. Thanks for the help Miguel, ai4em Yahoo! Groups Links Yahoo! Groups Links * To visit your group on the web, go to: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/Repeater-Builder/ * To unsubscribe from this group, send an email to: [EMAIL PROTECTED] * Your use of Yahoo! Groups is subject to: http://docs.yahoo.com/info/terms/
Re: [Repeater-Builder] which kind of cable coax should I use?
Hello All, You will want to use a hard-line coax cable. I would say 1/2" will server you well at 50'. Yes 7/8" would be better but the price of the hard-line and the price of the connectors would be much higher. One thing you did not mention was jumpers. This is also very important on a repeater. You will want to run things like Andrews Supper flex between your transmitter and circulator or circulator and Amp if you use one and your amp and duplexer. On the receiver side between your receiver and pre-amp if used and your pre- amp and duplexer. If at all possible I would try to use type "N" connectors every where you can to keep the loss down as much as you can and every where you can. No one has said this yet. But try to use a good grade of commercial antenna. If room is a problem a DB-404 need more gain a DB-408 will work fine. If money is no abject the DB-420 is a fine antenna. All can be picked up from the same suppler you pick to buy your Hard-Line from. Remember that the repeater is the easy part of your system. Pay a lot of attention to your "LINES AND ANTENNAS" If your repeater cannot hear or be heard it is a very expensive and worthlesspace of equipment. You have found the correct group to help you on your project. There is a great wealth ofgood peoplehere who can help. Dean Westbrook, EE,PE. Yahoo! Groups Links To visit your group on the web, go to:http://groups.yahoo.com/group/Repeater-Builder/ To unsubscribe from this group, send an email to:[EMAIL PROTECTED] Your use of Yahoo! Groups is subject to the Yahoo! Terms of Service.
Re: [Repeater-Builder] Re: Can you hear 3db?
nj902 wrote: --- In Repeater-Builder@yahoogroups.com, Jim B. [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote: ... Another thing to think about-the 3 dB power change ISN'T what you're hearing. To really compare apples to apples, you have to measure the sound output (SPL) change that the 3 dB change creates Jim Barbour WD8CHL (yikes) ___ Huh You must be stuck thinking SSB / AM No, I'm talking about noise... -- Jim Barbour WD8CHL Yahoo! Groups Links * To visit your group on the web, go to: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/Repeater-Builder/ * To unsubscribe from this group, send an email to: [EMAIL PROTECTED] * Your use of Yahoo! Groups is subject to: http://docs.yahoo.com/info/terms/
Re: [Repeater-Builder] Re: Can you hear 3db?
Jim B. wrote: nj902 wrote: --- In Repeater-Builder@yahoogroups.com, Jim B. [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote: ... Another thing to think about-the 3 dB power change ISN'T what you're hearing. To really compare apples to apples, you have to measure the sound output (SPL) change that the 3 dB change creates Jim Barbour WD8CHL (yikes) ___ Huh You must be stuck thinking SSB / AM No, I'm talking about noise... btw-I was trying to be a bit tongue in cheek... -- Jim Barbour WD8CHL Yahoo! Groups Links * To visit your group on the web, go to: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/Repeater-Builder/ * To unsubscribe from this group, send an email to: [EMAIL PROTECTED] * Your use of Yahoo! Groups is subject to: http://docs.yahoo.com/info/terms/
Re: [Repeater-Builder] which kind of cable coax should I use?
what you need to do is look at the Smith Chart that good quality coax has, If you think that saving your pennies to build your system which will turn into misery in the long run, buy quality coax, like Andrew, Belden, and a few others... Advoid Radio Shack or Tandy Wire and Cable. if there is no chart or specs. better keep your money cheap coax is for low power installs and golden screwdriver techs who are expert know it alls and have not yet ventured into ham radio or possess a Commercial license, and usually reside on 11 Meters freeband. M. H. - Original Message - From: Mark Wilson [EMAIL PROTECTED] To: Repeater-Builder@yahoogroups.com Sent: Sunday, February 13, 2005 10:34 PM Subject: Re: [Repeater-Builder] which kind of cable coax should I use? Dont use radio shack RG8/U. I had a 6 foot length in a repeater and spent a month trying to find my desense problem. Turned out the cable was breaking down . --- Miguel [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote: Hello everyone thanks for reading my post.. I have a uhf repeater in the ham band... I want to know which is a good cable coax to use to minimized the swr and good communications.. some people tell me the lmr-400 others the rg-213 but which one is better or is there something else... thanks 73 Miguel,Ai4em Yahoo! Groups Links [EMAIL PROTECTED] __ Do you Yahoo!? Read only the mail you want - Yahoo! Mail SpamGuard. http://promotions.yahoo.com/new_mail Yahoo! Groups Links Yahoo! Groups Links * To visit your group on the web, go to: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/Repeater-Builder/ * To unsubscribe from this group, send an email to: [EMAIL PROTECTED] * Your use of Yahoo! Groups is subject to: http://docs.yahoo.com/info/terms/
Re: [Repeater-Builder] which kind of cable coax should I use?
[EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote: You will want to run things like Andrews Supper flex Where can you buy this cable? I'm hungry... I'd bet you could "Cook" something up Dean, you know, great taste, less filling. Kevin Custer Yahoo! Groups Links To visit your group on the web, go to:http://groups.yahoo.com/group/Repeater-Builder/ To unsubscribe from this group, send an email to:[EMAIL PROTECTED] Your use of Yahoo! Groups is subject to the Yahoo! Terms of Service.
Re: [Repeater-Builder] which kind of cable coax should I use?
Sorry that is super flex. I did not have breakfastsmile Yahoo! Groups Links To visit your group on the web, go to:http://groups.yahoo.com/group/Repeater-Builder/ To unsubscribe from this group, send an email to:[EMAIL PROTECTED] Your use of Yahoo! Groups is subject to the Yahoo! Terms of Service.
[Repeater-Builder] re: repeater rx range
One of the most profound true statements RB Group Members will read from these postings. A good 80% or more of the repeaters in amateur operation are real alligators. Mostly mouth, almost no ears (ability to properly hear weak signals). skipp [paste] Eric Lemmon [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote: Keep in mind that a repeater's range is usually limited by its ability to hear the users, not by its power output. Yahoo! Groups Links * To visit your group on the web, go to: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/Repeater-Builder/ * To unsubscribe from this group, send an email to: [EMAIL PROTECTED] * Your use of Yahoo! Groups is subject to: http://docs.yahoo.com/info/terms/
[Repeater-Builder] Motorola Voting Controller???
Talking of voting receiver controller, is this what are you looking for??? http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItemrd=1item=5751679793ssPageName=STRK:MESE:IT Yahoo! Groups Links To visit your group on the web, go to:http://groups.yahoo.com/group/Repeater-Builder/ To unsubscribe from this group, send an email to:[EMAIL PROTECTED] Your use of Yahoo! Groups is subject to the Yahoo! Terms of Service.
Re: [Repeater-Builder] re: repeater rx range
Very true, Skipp. In a similar vein, I've had a few folks contact me via email on topics that could loosely fit into the repeater system engineering category, and one of the web sites I send them to is http://www.anglelinear.com/repeaters/repeaters.html. Chip makes the same point there, and repeatedly. Mike WA6ILQ At 10:39 AM 2/14/05, you wrote: One of the most profound true statements RB Group Members will read from these postings. A good 80% or more of the repeaters in amateur operation are real alligators. Mostly mouth, almost no ears (ability to properly hear weak signals). skipp [paste] Eric Lemmon [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote: Keep in mind that a repeater's range is usually limited by its ability to hear the users, not by its power output. Yahoo! Groups Links * To visit your group on the web, go to: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/Repeater-Builder/ * To unsubscribe from this group, send an email to: [EMAIL PROTECTED] * Your use of Yahoo! Groups is subject to: http://docs.yahoo.com/info/terms/
[Repeater-Builder] Re: repeater rx range
Hi Mike, I sent you those antenna pdf's the other day, you should have them now Anyway, not everything you hear and read is golden from everyone. I really think a lot of and own some of Chip's UHF Preamps, but I don't agree with some of his statements regarding VHF-band preamp systems, so I simply do my own thing. He stands on VHF bipolar preamps, I use and enjoy GasFets and Phempt devices. cheers, skipp Mike Morris WA6ILQ [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote: Very true, Skipp. In a similar vein, I've had a few folks contact me via email on topics that could loosely fit into the repeater system engineering category, and one of the web sites I send them to is http://www.anglelinear.com/repeaters/repeaters.html. Chip makes the same point there, and repeatedly. Mike WA6ILQ At 10:39 AM 2/14/05, you wrote: One of the most profound true statements RB Group Members will read from these postings. A good 80% or more of the repeaters in amateur operation are real alligators. Mostly mouth, almost no ears (ability to properly hear weak signals). skipp [paste] Eric Lemmon [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote: Keep in mind that a repeater's range is usually limited by its ability to hear the users, not by its power output. Yahoo! Groups Links * To visit your group on the web, go to: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/Repeater-Builder/ * To unsubscribe from this group, send an email to: [EMAIL PROTECTED] * Your use of Yahoo! Groups is subject to: http://docs.yahoo.com/info/terms/
[Repeater-Builder] Re: Vertex VX-4100 as a repeater
--- In Repeater-Builder@yahoogroups.com, Robbie [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote: I am in the process of learning how to build a VHF repeater from two stacked Vertex VX-4100 VHF Mobiles. I have never done this before, and am a little frightened. I recieved an email from vertex on how to hook up the cabe between the two radios D-Sub connectors on the back. It seems pretty much plug and play except for having to place a 300k resistor in line( I think that is what frightens me ). I chose Vertex because I distibute for them, so therefore, I have the programming software and the cables. I know I need a duplex, which I am still looking for( The object is to build a cheap repeater :) I have the antenna already, it is a Decibel Products VHF Dipole antenna with 4 bays. I got it free, and I think those things go for big $$$. Has anyone ever built one of these before, or a similar setup ? If so, what are some of the +'s and -'s of building this vs. buying a conventional VHF reapeater ? Thanks in advance Well, I will take a stab at this, because no one else has yet. That is probably because this subject gets covered here quite often. I cannot speak for the Vertex, because I've never used any of their equipment. I have built a few repeaters with Motorola mobiles using a RICK. (GM300's - MaxTrac's) I suppose an advantage would be slightly less cost than a conventional repeater, but that is relative. You might be able to pick up an old Micor repeater for less money, but if you are not a seasoned repeater builder, setup could be a nightmare for you. The big disadvantage to repeaters built with mobiles is duty cycle. This is where a lot of first timers get the wrong idea. If you are building this for the amateur service - forget it! I'm sure a few will jump in here and disagree like heck. It can be done, but it is not plug and play. Those that have built amateur repeaters this way have done mods on them to make them able to survive. If it is used for emergency or short term backup, you are probably OK. If it is being used for commercial or GMRS (if the radios are type accepted for it), you will probably be OK. Duty cycle (with the power turned down and fans used)will be 25% at best. Transmit 25% of the time, receive 75% of the time. Even with the power turned down they still will get very hot under heavy use and will eventually die an ugly death. I know! I've done it! Good luck! Gary KB7TRP Yahoo! Groups Links * To visit your group on the web, go to: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/Repeater-Builder/ * To unsubscribe from this group, send an email to: [EMAIL PROTECTED] * Your use of Yahoo! Groups is subject to: http://docs.yahoo.com/info/terms/
[Repeater-Builder] MSF-5000
I have an MSF-5000 that will not ID. I have programmed the info into the correct location and it ID'ed the first time I programmed it. I had to change the hang timer and now the repeater will not ID. I am using the internal Motorola controller and it is a CXB Digital model UHF repeater. We have several of these and the others are working fine. I have tried reloading the software into the machine several times with no luck. Anyone know if I am missing something here? Steve Helton [EMAIL PROTECTED] Yahoo! Groups Links To visit your group on the web, go to:http://groups.yahoo.com/group/Repeater-Builder/ To unsubscribe from this group, send an email to:[EMAIL PROTECTED] Your use of Yahoo! Groups is subject to the Yahoo! Terms of Service. Notebook.jpg
[Repeater-Builder] Re: which kind of cable coax should I use?/De-sense RS RG8/U
--- In Repeater-Builder@yahoogroups.com, Mark Wilson [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote: Ok Changed out the jumper to 9913F7 and all the noise went away. Comments Welcome. Mark Wilson KB1IOZ That's great Mark. 9913 seems to work for some people just fine. I've never used much of it, and when I did, I had problems. And from the many comments made on this list regarding different types of coax to use for duplex systems, the chances of having a problem-free repeater are better when using quality coax that has been shown to give good service in duplex systems. Having said that, poor quality doesn't mean you'll have problems, and good quality doesn't mean you won't... Guess that's a part of the challenge and fun of operating a repeater system. For me, it's hard to beat 1/4in Superflex for things that don't move around much. Or for more flexibility I use RG400 or RG223. Have fun! Laryn K8TVZ Yahoo! Groups Links * To visit your group on the web, go to: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/Repeater-Builder/ * To unsubscribe from this group, send an email to: [EMAIL PROTECTED] * Your use of Yahoo! Groups is subject to: http://docs.yahoo.com/info/terms/
RE: [Repeater-Builder] which kind of cable coax should I use?
Hey, I have to tell you, I used RG-58 on a commercial repeater the other day. Before the flames read on. I was installing a DB-228 on a 180 foot Rohn SSV tower for a customer as well as replacing their broken TPL 25 in 150 watt output PA. The old repeater was a Kenwood putting out 25 watts, just right for the input but the new Icom was putting out 40 watts, to much! I had taken the computer to program the lower power but left the cable in the other computer bag! The drive to get the cable would have been 120 miles, not an option. Got on the internet and looked up the specs on RG-58, it was 6. something dB for 100 feet. I called the local Radar Trash store to see if they had a fifty foot roll of RG-58, they said no but went and looked for two 25 foot rolls. He came back and said, guess we got some in because they now had several boxes of the coax. I went to the store, bought the coax, $19 dollars plus but that was cheaper than the trip for the cable. I installed the coax, sure enough it dropped it right at 3 dB to 20 watts! I hooked the amp up and it was putting out 115 watts, seems low for that much input but hey, it worked and what do you expect from TPL! What lets this work is the 6 MHz of transmit/receive isolation in the system, doubt if you could do this in Ham service at 600 KHz. Heck it worked, next time I go I will make sure I have the cable and computer! Paul WB5IDM -Original Message-From: [EMAIL PROTECTED] [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED]Sent: Monday, February 14, 2005 12:27 PMTo: Repeater-Builder@yahoogroups.comSubject: Re: [Repeater-Builder] which kind of cable coax should I use? Sorry that is super flex. I did not have breakfastsmile Yahoo! Groups Links To visit your group on the web, go to:http://groups.yahoo.com/group/Repeater-Builder/ To unsubscribe from this group, send an email to:[EMAIL PROTECTED] Your use of Yahoo! Groups is subject to the Yahoo! Terms of Service.
[Repeater-Builder] Re: which kind of cable coax should I use?
--- In Repeater-Builder@yahoogroups.com, Paul Finch [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote: Hey, I have to tell you, I used RG-58 on a commercial repeater the other day. Sorry that is super flex. I did not have breakfastsmile Now, Paul that is definitely using your brain not your stomach.! Laryn K8TVZ Yahoo! Groups Links * To visit your group on the web, go to: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/Repeater-Builder/ * To unsubscribe from this group, send an email to: [EMAIL PROTECTED] * Your use of Yahoo! Groups is subject to: http://docs.yahoo.com/info/terms/
