RE: [Repeater-Builder] Re: Diamond X-50 NA

[no6b]

At 8/29/2008 09:41, you wrote:
>A number of years ago, the packet operations here were able to get three
>systems placed on cell sites.  Each system consisted of a 440 MHz
>full-duplex bit-regenerative 9600 bps packet repeater, and a 146 MHz 1200
>baud simplex digipeater/gateway.  All three systems were using X50A
>antennas, professionally installed, on the cell towers.  We noticed that
>when the 146 MHz transmitter was active the 440 MHz repeater experienced
>desense that it didn't when the 146 MHz transmitter wasn't active.  When the
>same test was performed using a dummy load, we didn't have the problem.  I
>attributed this to IM generation in the antenna, although in further
>consideration, there are some other possibilities - IMG on the tower and/or
>in the lighting protector.  All three systems experienced this, although to
>varying degrees.  Not a scientific result, but might be a reason to not use
>a dual-band antenna on both bands.
>
>73
>
>Bob, KD7NM

Not too long ago I installed a TRAM 1480 with the following connected to it:

2M TX, 2M RX (repeater)
445 TX, 440 RX (repeater)
420 TX, 430 RX (duplex link)

All running at the same time.  No desense.

Bob NO6B




>PS: My first post to the group - joined yesterday
>
>-Original Message-
>From: Repeater-Builder@yahoogroups.com
>[mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] On Behalf Of John W. Springman III
>- KB3AWQ
>Sent: Friday, August 29, 2008 9:12 AM
>To: Repeater-Builder@yahoogroups.com
>Subject: [Repeater-Builder] Re: Diamond X-50 NA
>
>I use the X50A (same thing just N type connector) on the W3AHS-R repeater
>here in Williamsport, PA.  I have used it since 2001 with no problems, in
>fact I have 2 of them up there and the 440 Link radio also shares it and
>have not had any problems.  It is mounted on the roof of the high school
>which sit on top of a hill about 1000 ft.
>elev.  I know another guy who has used it for an APRS digi up on the 2,000
>ft Williamsport Bald Eagle mountain even before that and it is still
>holding. As far as the gain.  Yeah its a little low but for UHF its a little
>higher.  I have talked mobile to Laporte, base stations in Hazleton, mobile
>to Mill Hall and even on Route 80 at the Clinton/Centre County line and
>about 20 miles to the south (good ol 2000 ft mountain in the way).  I guess
>you can see what I think of it.
>
>73
>John KB3AWQ
> >
> > Anyone have any opinions on the Diamond X-50NA?  I have an application
> > to use it for a simple repeater on UHF.
> >
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>Yahoo! Groups Links
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>Yahoo! Groups Links
>
>
>

[Repeater-Builder] Re: CT Model 3000B Service Monitor

[n3gh_1]

--- In Repeater-Builder@yahoogroups.com, "n3gh_1" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> wrote:
>
> I have this service monitor that I no longer need.
> If anyone is interested please contact me off the list.
> Pictures are available.
> Thanks
> 
> N3GH
> George
>
DESCRIPTION
The 3000B Communications Service Monitor is a compact, lightweight
(25lbs) service monitor or testing FM and AM transceivers. Frequency
range is 400KHz to 1000MHz in 100Hz steps. Has an audio synthesizer
which permits generation of sub-audible tones and timed tone bursts.
In receive mode, an internal counter displays frequency error,
modulation frequency or received sub-audible tone frequency. RF
voltage level is continuously variable from 0.03 µV RMS to 316 mVRMS.
An internal CRT display shows modulation waveform and relative signal
strength. An analog meter reads modulation and SINAD. Has an internal
load to protect it from accidental keying.

Asking $800 or B/O,, last chance before ebay.

Thanks
N3GH
George

[Repeater-Builder] Anybody have any 146.01 RX / 146.61 TX elements available?

[Mike Morris WA6ILQ]

I'm helping a local finish a MSR conversion.
Before he drops $ on International he'd like to
put the $ into a hams hands instead.

If anybody has a good set of elements or two on
01-61 please let me know and I'll forward to him.
Yes, he's looking for a spare set for the bench
as well as a set for the mountaintop.

Mike WA6ILQ

[Repeater-Builder] (unknown)

[kk2ed]

I have the following repeaters for sale. 

Three (3) units - all identical and set up the same, as follows:

MSR2000 C73GSB VHF repeater. 100w int duty PA, in 29" compa-station 
cabinet. Professionally wired to a brand new never used Arcom RC-210 repeater 
controller in rack mount case with newer-style (greatly improved S/N ratio) 
Arcom audio delay board. The controller is properly wired to the MSR's 
backplane via an 8-conductor shieled 22ga cable, and the power connection is 
also properly made to the backplane.  Wire-tied to look factory-done, and 
enough slack left to remove/service the controller as needed.

All backplane jumpers and card jumpers set for proper operation with external 
controller. The audio and squelch card has been properly modified to allow the 
controller to fully select between COS, PL, COS&PL, or COS or PL, depending on 
how the controller is programmed by the user.  The card has been set so that 
the presence of PL detect will not affect the carrier squelch. Carrier squelch 
circuit works similar to the Micors - 20db quieting or better results in almost 
no tail. Noisy signals have a long tail. However, the Arcom audio delay board 
mutes the tails anyway, so they are never heard regardless. Great for vhf 
mobiles which usually flutter a lot.

The repeater has been fully aligned to factory specs for 0.25uv/12db sinad 
receive sensitivity and the PA makes full power in excess of 100w. However, for 
amateur use, especially during long nets or linked systems, these PAs should be 
derated to 60-80w or so and fans added, and they will last forever. 

Factory encode/decode PL board present and wired properly to the Arcom 
controller for both rx DECODE (as stated above), as well as tx ENCODE control 
via the controller programming (on, off, follow cos, etc..) 

The repeater is currently set on 146.880TX/146.280RX using my test bench 
channel elements. I will re-crystal the original elements and tune the repeater 
to your desired frequency on receipt of a deposit (basically to cover my 
exposure on the crystals should you cancel).

I had about 17 of these, and have sold a number of them turn-key to various 
radio clubs and repeater owners in the tri-state area, and am more than happy 
to provide references of owners and currently operating units/systems.

Price is $950 turn-key, crystalled and tuned to your frequency, including the 
Arcom controller. The controller package (RC210, AD, case) is worth approx. 
$500 alone. The crystals are $50 themselves, elements on frequency are worth 
$100 or so. So how can you beat a real repeater for $400 before the controller 
and crystals, tuned and ready to go?

I will also sell the repeaters turn-key less the Arcom controller package for 
$475 each, and wire the cables for the controller of your choice so it is plug 
and play upon receipt.

The repeaters will have a 30-day warranty to cover proper operation against 
failure. Free phone/email tech support afterwards. Shipping extra. Due to 
weight, local pickup preferred. I think Fedex Ground or DHL can ship the 
repeater cabinet for around $100 or so. Plus another $15 or so to protect and 
ship the controller separately.

Pictures also available to serious buyers.  Feel free to contact me with any 
questions.

Eric
KE2D
609-713-3742

RE: [Repeater-Builder] Re: Diamond X-50 NA

[Bob Donnell]

A number of years ago, the packet operations here were able to get three
systems placed on cell sites.  Each system consisted of a 440 MHz
full-duplex bit-regenerative 9600 bps packet repeater, and a 146 MHz 1200
baud simplex digipeater/gateway.  All three systems were using X50A
antennas, professionally installed, on the cell towers.  We noticed that
when the 146 MHz transmitter was active the 440 MHz repeater experienced
desense that it didn't when the 146 MHz transmitter wasn't active.  When the
same test was performed using a dummy load, we didn't have the problem.  I
attributed this to IM generation in the antenna, although in further
consideration, there are some other possibilities - IMG on the tower and/or
in the lighting protector.  All three systems experienced this, although to
varying degrees.  Not a scientific result, but might be a reason to not use
a dual-band antenna on both bands.

73

Bob, KD7NM

PS: My first post to the group - joined yesterday

-Original Message-
From: Repeater-Builder@yahoogroups.com
[mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] On Behalf Of John W. Springman III
- KB3AWQ
Sent: Friday, August 29, 2008 9:12 AM
To: Repeater-Builder@yahoogroups.com
Subject: [Repeater-Builder] Re: Diamond X-50 NA

I use the X50A (same thing just N type connector) on the W3AHS-R repeater
here in Williamsport, PA.  I have used it since 2001 with no problems, in
fact I have 2 of them up there and the 440 Link radio also shares it and
have not had any problems.  It is mounted on the roof of the high school
which sit on top of a hill about 1000 ft.
elev.  I know another guy who has used it for an APRS digi up on the 2,000
ft Williamsport Bald Eagle mountain even before that and it is still
holding. As far as the gain.  Yeah its a little low but for UHF its a little
higher.  I have talked mobile to Laporte, base stations in Hazleton, mobile
to Mill Hall and even on Route 80 at the Clinton/Centre County line and
about 20 miles to the south (good ol 2000 ft mountain in the way).  I guess
you can see what I think of it.  

73
John KB3AWQ
>
> Anyone have any opinions on the Diamond X-50NA?  I have an application 
> to use it for a simple repeater on UHF.
>







Yahoo! Groups Links

Re: [Repeater-Builder] Re: Diamond X-50 NA

[JOHN MACKEY]

Thanks for the input, Joe!

-- Original Message --
Received: Thu, 28 Aug 2008 08:56:46 PM PDT
From: "Joe Burkleo" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]>
To: Repeater-Builder@yahoogroups.com
Subject: [Repeater-Builder] Re: Diamond X-50 NA

> John,
> I have several of these up for repeaters here on the Oregon Coast.
> They hold up pretty well. I would recommend a top brace if they are in
> a harsh environment. I like their performance on UHF, they work very
> well for their size and price.
> 
> On VHF they of course are a little lacking, and I have found they
> compare to the performance of one of the single Telewave broadband loops.
> 
> We have one on a 4000' mountaintop that sees a fair amount of snow and
> ice and it has survived 2 winters up there so far.
> 
> Hope this helps,
> Joe - WA7JAW  
> 
> --- In Repeater-Builder@yahoogroups.com, "John Mackey"
> <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> wrote:
> >
> > Anyone have any opinions on the Diamond X-50NA?  I have an application 
> > to use it for a simple repeater on UHF.
> >
> 
> 
> 

[Repeater-Builder] RLC-ICM on a RLC-DSP404?

[John Mackey]

Anyone done a RLC-ICM on a RLC-DSP404 yet?

[Repeater-Builder] Re: Diamond X-50 NA

[John W. Springman III - KB3AWQ]

I use the X50A (same thing just N type connector) on the W3AHS-R
repeater here in Williamsport, PA.  I have used it since 2001 with no
problems, in fact I have 2 of them up there and the 440 Link radio
also shares it and have not had any problems.  It is mounted on the
roof of the high school which sit on top of a hill about 1000 ft.
elev.  I know another guy who has used it for an APRS digi up on the
2,000 ft Williamsport Bald Eagle mountain even before that and it is
still holding. As far as the gain.  Yeah its a little low but for UHF
its a little higher.  I have talked mobile to Laporte, base stations
in Hazleton, mobile to Mill Hall and even on Route 80 at the
Clinton/Centre County line and about 20 miles to the south (good ol
2000 ft mountain in the way).  I guess you can see what I think of it.  

73
John KB3AWQ
>
> Anyone have any opinions on the Diamond X-50NA?  I have an application 
> to use it for a simple repeater on UHF.
>

RE: [Repeater-Builder] Tram antenna

[w7hsg]

Eric and all
448.975T 443.975 Rx,  Tram 1481  Supposed to be a 11.7 db 8 x5/8 wave on 
430-450.  feed line 50 ft of LDF 4-50 with a short jumper of 1/4 superflex.  
Dummy on feed line about a 32 db rl.  Desense is seen both on the Micor limiter 
and observed by use of a iso "T" test.  Rx is about .3 for 20db Q .  Limiter 
reading with no signal is about 25 ua.  When transmitter is keyed from computer 
link or remote tx sw, Limiter goes to 35-40 ua.  Soldered all the butt joints 
inside of antenna except for the set screw connectors. Checked all connectors 
carefully.
Antenna is tunable by moving the radial ring.  Antenna does tune but never 
better than 12-14 db return loss.
Ralph  
 -- Original message --
From: "Eric Lemmon" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]>
> Ralph,
> 
> Not much information to go on...  What frequency?  What model antenna?  What
> make and model duplexer?  What type and length of feedline?  What was the
> return loss with the dummy load in place?  How did you measure the desense?
> Between what extremes did it vary?  What troubleshooting steps have you
> performed so far?
> 
> 73, Eric Lemmon WB6FLY
>  
> 
> -Original Message-
> From: Repeater-Builder@yahoogroups.com
> [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] On Behalf Of [EMAIL PROTECTED]
> Sent: Thursday, August 28, 2008 6:26 PM
> To: repeater-builder@yahoogroups.com
> Subject: [Repeater-Builder] Tram antenna
> 
> I am currently in Montana and working on a ham repeater using a Tram
> antenna.
> I seem to have a lot of desense. Have checked with a dummy load at the end
> of the feed line
> and every thing is fine. The desense seems to vary. I have soldered all the
> crimp joints.
> 
> Using an Anritsu shows the best match as 11.63 db or a 1.7vswr.
> 
> Any ideas.
> 
> Thanks in advance
> Ralph, W7HSG
> 


--- Begin Message ---













Ralph,

Not much information to go on...  What frequency?  What model antenna?  What
make and model duplexer?  What type and length of feedline?  What was the
return loss with the dummy load in place?  How did you measure the desense?
Between what extremes did it vary?  What troubleshooting steps have you
performed so far?

73, Eric Lemmon WB6FLY
 

-Original Message-
From: Repeater-Builder@yahoogroups.com
[mailto:Repeater-Builder@yahoogroups.com] On Behalf Of [EMAIL PROTECTED]net
Sent: Thursday, August 28, 2008 6:26 PM
To: repeater-builder@yahoogroups.com
Subject: [Repeater-Builder] Tram antenna

I am currently in Montana and working on a ham repeater using a Tram
antenna.
I seem to have a lot of desense. Have checked with a dummy load at the end
of the feed line
and every thing is fine. The desense seems to vary. I have soldered all the
crimp joints.

Using an Anritsu shows the best match as 11.63 db or a 1.7vswr.

Any ideas.

Thanks in advance
Ralph, W7HSG


  


	
	
	

--- End Message ---

Re: [Repeater-Builder] For Sale or Trade: NEW FF Systems FF-800 Repeater Controller w/options

[DOUG]

Mike, 
Thanks for the reply!
No, not yet. I still have it available.

73.
Doug



  - Original Message - 
  From: Michael Ryan 
  To: Repeater-Builder@yahoogroups.com 
  Sent: Thursday, August 28, 2008 10:27 PM
  Subject: RE: [Repeater-Builder] For Sale or Trade: NEW FF Systems FF-800 
Repeater Controller w/options



  Doug, Did you move this controller?  - Mike



  From: Repeater-Builder@yahoogroups.com [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] On Behalf Of 
souryatlexcomincdotnet
  Sent: Tuesday, August 26, 2008 11:55 PM
  To: Repeater-Builder@yahoogroups.com
  Subject: [Repeater-Builder] For Sale or Trade: NEW FF Systems FF-800 Repeater 
Controller w/options



  Hello to the group,
  I have for sale a NEW, never used FF Systems FF-800 4-port controller 
  w/autopatch
  (PCB Rev.E). The autopatch and IC-901 option are independent and 
  DO NOT use one of the ports to function like similar controllers, so 
  you still have all 4 ports available.
  Would prefer to trade for a NEW (or possibly used) Kenwood TKR-850 
  repeater.

  It has the following options:
  FF-CAD Audio Delay Board
  FF-8090 IC-901 Interface Board
  FF-8010 LED Display
  FF-180 Rackmount Chassis

  Also included is the Installation and Operation manual along with the 
  various factory pre-made cables, connectors, etc. to connect to the 
  Icom IC-901 radio for remote base linking.

  This controller costs over $1300.00 with these options, will sell for 
  $1000.00 OBO, and will include shipping with delivery confirmation to 
  lower 48 states.

  Again, would prefer to trade but am open to offers.
  Pictures available upon request.
  Please e-mail direct.

  73 and thanks,
  Doug
  N4TZD



  __ NOD32 3390 (20080826) Information __

  This message was checked by NOD32 antivirus system.
  http://www.eset.com


   

RE: [Repeater-Builder] Antenna Choice Made

[Mike Mullarkey]

Cort,

 

Why not look at the Sinclair open loop dipole antenna. I've seen them new on
EBay for $599 + shipping. You cant get a better antenna  than that. You are
only talking a few db and bet you would not even notice that. Just a
suggestion.

 

 

Mike

 

  _  

From: Repeater-Builder@yahoogroups.com
[mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] On Behalf Of Cort Buffington
Sent: Thursday, August 28, 2008 9:30 PM
To: Repeater-Builder@yahoogroups.com
Subject: [Repeater-Builder] Antenna Choice Made

 

Folks,

Thanks for the antenna input. I think there are probably a few more 
anti-fiberglass folks out there than anti-folded-dipole folks. My main 
problem has been lack of an affordable folded dipole array with more 
than 4 elements that covers the amateur 70cm band -- I like the 
dipoles myself. My DB-420 just wouldn't tune. I drilled holes in all 
16 elements and followed the put-a-screw-though-them extension 
recommendations. I think with all of those dipoles, perhaps the 
harness is factoring in a bit more. I made the bandwidth more narrow, 
but didn't really move the frequency range much.

To this end, I'm settled on either an RFS 1151 or a Telewave 
ANT450F10. Both are fiberglass, but both are also cut to cover at 
least the top 10MHz of the amateur 70cm band. The purchase is going to 
hurt, but I'm hoping to put the antenna up and forget about it for 20 
years.

Thanks again for all of the antenna input -- from modification 
instructions to additional insights on certain designs, every last 
response helped!

73 DE N0MJS

--
Cort Buffington
H: +1-785-838-3034
M: +1-785-865-7206

 

Re: [Spam] Re: [Repeater-Builder] UHF Repeater Antennas (combining threads)

[NORM KNAPP]

Very interesting
I have one db-224 installed on the catwalk of a water tank. All the dipoles are 
on the same side of the mast facing away from the tank. It works super that way 
as intended. The surprising thing to me is how far on the other side of the 
water tank it will actually talk. The antenna is completely eclipsed by the 
water tank to the west, yet it talks very well up to about 7 or 8 miles, then 
drops completely out. I wouldn't think it would go 2 miles, much less 7.
My reasoning in moving the dipoles away from the mast was soley to affect the 
match at lower frequencies. Mine is acceptable down to about 147.2 and then it 
gets ugly. At 147.225 it has a 1.8-1 match and certainly I can live with that. 
I tried adding length to the dipoles by cutting them and sliding in the next 
smaller sized tubing sacrificed from a db-420. Surprisingly, it hurt the match, 
not helped. I concluded that the harness must have as much to do with the match 
as dipole lenghts. I then decided to inquire about moving the dipoles away from 
the mast an inch or two to affect the match, not considering how it might 
affect the radiation pattern.
I have enought db-224 parts to make a db-228 or create a vhf version of the 
db-408 (would that be a db-208?). Would the pattern be bad if I created the 
db-208 with incresed spacing for the match?
What do you say? Anyone?

- Original Message -
From: Repeater-Builder@yahoogroups.com 
To: Repeater-Builder@yahoogroups.com 
Sent: Mon Aug 25 22:34:13 2008
Subject: Re: [Spam]  Re: [Repeater-Builder] UHF Repeater Antennas (combining 
threads)

If you extend the dipoles further from the mast, you will loose the capability 
to stagger the dipoles around the mast to obtain omni coverage.  Even with the 
close spaced dipoles there is a slight scaloping of the vertical angle as you 
go around 360 degrees.  The further out the dipoles are placed, the more 
variation in the vertical angle you will see.

Back when the FCC required an antenna pattern for licensing a repeater, I put a 
DB-224 on a mast and ran it through an antenna range, and observed the 
scaloping.  From that time on I have always prefered to put all the dipoles on 
the same side of the mast and accept the 3 dB offset in antenna gain.  The plot 
is perfectly circular, but the center is offset with the aligned dipoles.  Gain 
is only 3 dB off the back of the mast but is 9 dB in the direction the dipoles 
are pointing.  And there is no scaloping in the vertical angle at all - 

73 - Jim  W5ZIT

--- On Mon, 8/25/08, NORM KNAPP <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> wrote:


From: NORM KNAPP <[EMAIL PROTECTED]>
Subject: Re: [Spam] Re: [Repeater-Builder] UHF Repeater Antennas 
(combining threads)
To: Repeater-Builder@yahoogroups.com
Date: Monday, August 25, 2008, 4:05 PM



What if I added something between the mast and the dipole assembly to 
increase the distance between the dipole and the mast on the VHF antenna? I 
have a Cushcraft antenna that looks like a VHF version of a DB-404. The dipoles 
are a little shoter tip to tip than the ones on a DB-224a but the SWR is good 
all the way down to 146mhz. The major difference I see is how far from the mast 
the dipoles are. 

- Original Message -
From: Repeater-Builder@ yahoogroups. com 
  mailto:Repeater-Builder%40yahoogroups.com> >
To: Repeater-Builder@ yahoogroups. com 
  mailto:Repeater-Builder%40yahoogroups.com> >
Sent: Mon Aug 25 13:21:44 2008
Subject: [Spam] Re: [Repeater-Builder] UHF Repeater Antennas (combining 
threads)

Thanks Jim -- I have been considering lengthening in such a similar 
fashion. Did you have any noticeable pattern distortion problems or any other 
side-effects?

On Aug 25, 2008, at 10:36 AM, Jim Brown wrote:



I have had good luck modifying VHF antennas cut for the 155 mHz band 
down into the ham band by adding a short stub to each end of each dipole. I 
flatten a piece of an old TV antenna that has a round element that is rolled 
into a tube and put a screw through the flattened end wrapped around the end of 
each element. After the extension is installed I cut the extension to 2 inches.

I don't see why the same idea can't be carried over to the UHF 
antennas. I would suggest a simple way of adding some length to a 440 element 
would be to drill a hole through the element on each end and put a brass screw 
through the hole. You can adjust the length of the extension to center the 
antenna down in the ham band. I did not modify the harness on my 2 meter 
antenna conversions, and I doubt you would have to on the 440 antenna.

When I modified the VHF dipoles, I removed one dipole and connected my 
SWR meter to the dipole terminals and found the center frequency. It turned