Re: [Repeater-Builder] How about a Freq list for the new DTV channels

[JOHN MACKEY]

Same here in Portland, Oregon; the TV stations on hi VHF will stay there with
digital.  Yet some areas will have low VHF digital TV; central nebraska being
one of them.

-- Original Message --
Received: Sat, 07 Mar 2009 10:01:41 PM PST
From: Nate Duehr 
To: Repeater-Builder@yahoogroups.com
Subject: Re: [Repeater-Builder] How about a Freq list for the new DTV
channels

> 
> On Mar 7, 2009, at 5:39 PM, Hap Griffin wrote:
> 
> > Not quite right.  The majority of stations are staying on their  
> > assigned digital channels.  It is EXTREMELY expensive to change  
> > channels, so unless there is a compelling reason to move back to a  
> > station's analog channel, most are staying put.  Out of eleven  
> > stations in the network I'm CE for, we moved one back to its VHF  
> > analog channel on 2/17.
> 
> There's a mix here.  The channels that were Low VHF are abandoning  
> their original frequencies.  The high VHF channels are on low(er)  
> power UHF temporarily until their final "cut-over" dates, and have  
> some monster Harris transmitters just sitting idle, waiting to be  
> fired up on High VHF.  I got an opportunity to see our "big three"  
> network's shared site, and the place looks like you could almost eat  
> off the floor.  Gotta love a site rebuild and tower-sharing... the  
> guys up there are rightly proud of their work.
> 
> The only "fair" thing to say, is that there's NO rule of thumb in  
> this.  You MUST go look at the stations in your area that you're  
> interested in, if you want to know what's really happening and going  
> to happen...
> 
> Nate WY0X
> 

Re: [Repeater-Builder] How about a Freq list for the new DTV channels

[Nate Duehr]

On Mar 7, 2009, at 5:39 PM, Hap Griffin wrote:

> Not quite right.  The majority of stations are staying on their  
> assigned digital channels.  It is EXTREMELY expensive to change  
> channels, so unless there is a compelling reason to move back to a  
> station's analog channel, most are staying put.  Out of eleven  
> stations in the network I'm CE for, we moved one back to its VHF  
> analog channel on 2/17.

There's a mix here.  The channels that were Low VHF are abandoning  
their original frequencies.  The high VHF channels are on low(er)  
power UHF temporarily until their final "cut-over" dates, and have  
some monster Harris transmitters just sitting idle, waiting to be  
fired up on High VHF.  I got an opportunity to see our "big three"  
network's shared site, and the place looks like you could almost eat  
off the floor.  Gotta love a site rebuild and tower-sharing... the  
guys up there are rightly proud of their work.

The only "fair" thing to say, is that there's NO rule of thumb in  
this.  You MUST go look at the stations in your area that you're  
interested in, if you want to know what's really happening and going  
to happen...

Nate WY0X

Re: [Repeater-Builder] Understanding Intermod

[Nate Duehr]

On Mar 7, 2009, at 6:59 PM, Kevin King wrote:

> Bob Ok so much for the software.
>
> One other user today mentioned a possible issue with another repeater.
> 147.300. All I had been looking at with the software were the  
> transmitters
> at his site.
>
> Ok so I plug that into the mix of xmiters in the software and bingo.
>
> A+B-C 146.70 + 146.70 - 147.30 = 146.100.
>
> The repeater 146.70 does have a circulator.

Doesn't matter if it has a circulator or not.  That 146.70 signal  
doesn't have to mix in THEIR PA, or even in a PA at all, to be a mess.

All you need is something outside on the tower -- rusty bolts, bad guy  
wire connection, tin on the roof touching at seams, colinear antenna  
coming apart internally, cracks in aluminum dipole antennas, corrosion  
of just about anything -- to act as a diode at RF.

When you put more than one repeater at a site with the same OFFSET,  
you're set up for that kind of mixing.  Multiple Amateur machines at a  
site means, it's ready to go.

(Check the math sometime... three 600 KHz offset VHF machines, three 5  
MHz offset UHF machines... doesn't matter what frequency.  Once you  
have two on the same offset, you're set up for mixes external to both  
systems to hit whoever's input is unlucky enough to get hit.)

To find out which system is really mixing, you may have to either a)  
temporarily lower the power output of systems one at a time to see  
when the mix diminishes, or b) the more "active" way... be there when  
it happens and slap the power switch/TX disable switch and see if it  
instantly stops when you apply "the kill switch" to any particular  
transmitter.  (This of course, doesn't make whoever was talking on it  
real impressed with your "technical skill", since they have no idea  
why you just bounced their repeater.  And you need buy-in from the  
folks who own the things... to do stuff like that.)

Lowering power on systems involved in the mix can give great clues to  
where the mix is physically occuring.  For example, if you drop to  
exciter power and the mix is still happening... and you can reproduce  
it.  Either the antennas are high-gain and RIGHT on top of each other  
on the tower... or the mix is being amplified somewhere.  Start  
looking at PA's and receive pre-amps...

If the mix disappears from the receiver being hit, with a very slight  
reduction in power of one of the mixing partners, the problem is not  
likely happening in an "active" component.

But those are just hints, there's too many variables to know 100% at  
that point.  It's just some of the "homework" you have to do.

The fact that it seems to happen only in cold weather would tend to  
indicate to me, that it's a metal to metal joint that pulls apart when  
the metal gets cold and shrinks.

Fixing that type of problem can rapidly turn into a hunt for a needle  
in a haystack.  Been there done that.  It sucks.

Looking at all the transmitters for noise with a spectrum analyzer is  
also a key homework component.  Make sure something simple just isn't  
"broken"... if a dirty TX is at the site, all bets are off until it's  
fixed.

And of course, always think about "what changed right when this  
started"?  Did someone up their power?  Put up a new antenna?  New  
feedline?  Is there a new tenant on the site?  Did anything about the  
tower or antenna structure get changed?  These and similar questions  
can all be clues to the ever-important question -- "When did this  
start?"

The software will spit out so many possibilities it'll make your head  
spin -- you have to add those to the other things you know about the  
site, and it's just tough... no matter how you slice it.

Nate WY0X

Re: [Repeater-Builder] Today's funny two-way radio story (March 09). The Siren - PA Speaker War

[Nate Duehr]

On Mar 7, 2009, at 12:23 PM, Daniel Fargo wrote:

> Yes that is a good one I liked it also. You just never know what  
> neighbors will do.
You mean that idiot that used to test his siren next door, every  
morning?  :-)

Just kidding...

Nate WY0X

RE: [Repeater-Builder] Re: How about a Freq list for the new DTV channels

[ka9qjg]

 
It was ask what the DTV Freqs are 
 
Here is a Site that explains it And Freqs we might get Interference from
in our Communications Hobby 
 
http://tinyurl.com/5lbnso
 
 
And for Your Area info go herehttp://tinyurl.com/6zsr5
 
Where it shows select Antenna Click on that you don't have to put in
Your address Just put in Your ZIP And it will show what's in your area.
 
Hope this Info Helps Someone
 
Good Luck 
 
Don KA9QJG 
 
PS Match the Ch numbers with the Freqs 

[Repeater-Builder] Setting HT600/P200/MT1000

[W. H. Phinizy]

..does anyone have any experience in setting the deviation of the 
HT600/P200/MT1000 radios to 2.5 KHz?

Can it be done using the reference settings alone? That is, halving the current 
values might get the dev into the ballpark without using a monitor or other 
test equipment. 

And, on the subject, anyone know of a "cheap and dirty" methd of measuring 
deviation?

Thanks in advance.

Bill, k6whp 

[Repeater-Builder] Re: How about a Freq list for the new DTV channels

[Laryn Lohman]

--- In Repeater-Builder@yahoogroups.com, John Gleichweit  wrote:
> Generally, the announced channel number is for the analog signal, >with the 
> digital signal in another channel slot, until the official >changeover in 
> June. After that, stations will be moving their >digital signals over to 
> their announced channel. 

Not necessarily true at all.  Many are staying where they are now with their 
digital signals-pre analog shut-off, which is often not where they are branded. 
 

> 
> If you have a UHF antenna, you're all set, as most of the DTV stations are, 
> or will be, in the UHF band.

Maybe, maybe not.  In this market, (Grand Rapids, Kalamazoo, Battle Creek) we 
will have/do have digital stations on channels 5, 7, 8, 11, 13, 19, 20, 24, 44, 
and 45. 

For what it's worth, all of these stations are between 25 and 45 miles from me 
(except channel 44 which is about 55 miles away).  I receive all of them 
perfectly on an FM broadcast turnstile (crossed dipoles) at 20 feet (except 44 
which sometimes iffy on this pathetic antenna).  

Laryn K8TVZ

RE: [Repeater-Builder] VXR-5000 Spur

[Eric Lemmon]

Brian,

How did you detect the carrier?  If you used a handheld radio in the
vicinity of the repeater, then yes, the exciter's oscillator is running all
the time.  Most likely, your VXR-5000 is an earlier model that has
single-shield coax jumpers inside the cabinet.  I have a VXR-5000 repeater
on GMRS, and I eliminated that leakage by replacing all three jumpers with
RG-400/U double-shielded cable.

Check to ensure that ALL of the module shield covers are in place, with ALL
cover screws installed and tight.

73, Eric Lemmon WB6FLY
  

-Original Message-
From: Repeater-Builder@yahoogroups.com
[mailto:repeater-buil...@yahoogroups.com] On Behalf Of Brian R. Chapman
Sent: Saturday, March 07, 2009 3:43 PM
To: Repeater-Builder@yahoogroups.com
Subject: [Repeater-Builder] VXR-5000 Spur

I recently acquired a VXR-5000 UHF repeater on 442.650 PL 100.0, it seems to
be generating an on freq carrier even when not keyed!!! Almost like the
exciter is staying on although the service monitor shows no power being
transmitted Anybody else ever have this problem and what is the fix? Brian
nb9e

RE: [Repeater-Builder] Understanding Intermod

[Kevin King]

Bob Ok so much for the software.  

One other user today mentioned a possible issue with another repeater.
147.300. All I had been looking at with the software were the transmitters
at his site.

Ok so I plug that into the mix of xmiters in the software and bingo.

A+B-C 146.70 + 146.70 - 147.30 = 146.100.

The repeater 146.70 does have a circulator.  

Again this intermod is not my best area. I had the repeater owner keep the
146.700 xmitter up them had him hit the 147.30 with an HT and yep we got a
burp of noise. But he heard at least 3 repeaters come up.

So if this mix is the one that is causing all the issues, now we just need
to find where the mix is occurring. Any ideas on where to look?

 As you can see in the full printout from the intermod tool. There are more
that one set of possible offenders.

-Original Message-
From: Repeater-Builder@yahoogroups.com
[mailto:repeater-buil...@yahoogroups.com] On Behalf Of n...@no6b.com
Sent: Saturday, March 07, 2009 3:47 PM
To: Repeater-Builder@yahoogroups.com
Subject: Re: [Repeater-Builder] Understanding Intermod

At 3/7/2009 08:59, you wrote:

>I did a analysis on a transmitter site using the TCS intermod tool to see 
>what mixes could be causing some issues at this site. I ran the 1-3 order 
>and 1 to 5 order.
>
>
>
>So I do not use these tools much and was wondering if any of my fellow 
>engineers on here have used this tool and have comments on the output. For 
>example this line from the output confuses me:
>
>A+B+C-D-E: 146.7 + 145.77000 + 145.09000 - 145.73000 - 145.73000 =
146.10
>
>It is a hit right on the input but how do you minus 145.73 twice? Is this 
>just an issue with the program I am using?

I should say 146.700 + 145.770 + 145.090 - 2 * 145.730 = 146.100

It's actually an A+B+C-2D mix.

Bob NO6B







Yahoo! Groups Links

RE: [Repeater-Builder] WANTED: mastr II mobile coax assemblies

[Chris Curtis]

Thanks!

Sounds like what I'm looking for.

I'm doing exec II stations.

Building my own "jumper" will be the best route.

Chris
Kb0wlf

-Original Message-
From: Repeater-Builder@yahoogroups.com
[mailto:repeater-buil...@yahoogroups.com] On Behalf Of Chuck Kelsey
Sent: Saturday, March 07, 2009 6:47 PM
To: Repeater-Builder@yahoogroups.com
Subject: Re: [Repeater-Builder] WANTED: mastr II mobile coax assemblies

I do not believe that any of these cable assemblies utilize double shielded 
coax. If someone knows differently, please let the group know.

Personally, I'd use some RG-400 silver Teflon coax. You can get crimp 
chassis jacks for it, or use a hood. Short center pin Teflon phono plugs are

available from The RF Connection.

Chuck
WB2EDV



- Original Message - 
From: "Chris Curtis" 
To: 
Sent: Saturday, March 07, 2009 7:34 PM
Subject: [Repeater-Builder] WANTED: mastr II mobile coax assemblies


> So, does anyone have a handful of coax assemblies they took out of mastr 
> II
> mobiles?
>
> You know, the phono to so-239 bits?
>
> OR, what's the consensus on adding the rx "port" in a conversion?
>
> Thanks for your time.
>
> Chris
> Kb0wlf
>







Yahoo! Groups Links



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Checked by AVG - www.avg.com 
Version: 8.0.237 / Virus Database: 270.11.9/1988 - Release Date: 03/07/09
18:43:00

Re: [Repeater-Builder] How about a Freq list for the new DTV channels

[JOHN MACKEY]

Try this link
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Television_channel_frequencies

-- Original Message --
Received: Sat, 07 Mar 2009 07:42:29 AM PST
From: "Jeff" 
To: Repeater-Builder@yahoogroups.com
Subject: [Repeater-Builder] How about a Freq list for the new DTV channels

> It would be nice to  have an updated TV chan freq list so I could see what
kind of antenna would actually work best for this
> 
> 

Re: [Repeater-Builder] WANTED: mastr II mobile coax assemblies

[no6b]

At 3/7/2009 16:34, you wrote:
>So, does anyone have a handful of coax assemblies they took out of mastr II
>mobiles?
>
>You know, the phono to so-239 bits?
>
>OR, what's the consensus on adding the rx "port" in a conversion?

The Mastr II mobile has never been my favorite for repeater conversions, as 
I always get exciter to LO coupling resulting in TX spurs & RX 
desense.  But for the ones I've done I use the existing SO239 for the RX 
connection & pop a hole in the side of the chassis right next to the 
antenna relay & mount a coax-fed BNC bulkhead there.  The coax run from the 
TX RCA connector to that connector is very short.  I think I used RG-223 
for that run but since it's so short I doubt the shielding matters.

Bob NO6B

Re: [Repeater-Builder] WANTED: mastr II mobile coax assemblies

[Chuck Kelsey]

I do not believe that any of these cable assemblies utilize double shielded 
coax. If someone knows differently, please let the group know.

Personally, I'd use some RG-400 silver Teflon coax. You can get crimp 
chassis jacks for it, or use a hood. Short center pin Teflon phono plugs are 
available from The RF Connection.

Chuck
WB2EDV



- Original Message - 
From: "Chris Curtis" 
To: 
Sent: Saturday, March 07, 2009 7:34 PM
Subject: [Repeater-Builder] WANTED: mastr II mobile coax assemblies


> So, does anyone have a handful of coax assemblies they took out of mastr 
> II
> mobiles?
>
> You know, the phono to so-239 bits?
>
> OR, what's the consensus on adding the rx "port" in a conversion?
>
> Thanks for your time.
>
> Chris
> Kb0wlf
>

Re: [Repeater-Builder] How about a Freq list for the new DTV channels

[Hap Griffin]

Not quite right.  The majority of stations are staying on their assigned 
digital channels.  It is EXTREMELY expensive to change channels, so unless 
there is a compelling reason to move back to a station's analog channel, most 
are staying put.  Out of eleven stations in the network I'm CE for, we moved 
one back to its VHF analog channel on 2/17.

Hap Griffin

  - Original Message - 
  From: John Gleichweit 
  To: Repeater-Builder@yahoogroups.com 
  Sent: Saturday, March 07, 2009 11:11 AM
  Subject: Re: [Repeater-Builder] How about a Freq list for the new DTV channels



  There's no change in how the channels are divided up. The frequencies are all 
remaining the same, just where the digital vs. analog signal has changed. 
Generally, the announced channel number is for the analog signal, with the 
digital signal in another channel slot, until the official changeover in June. 
After that, stations will be moving their digital signals over to their 
announced channel. 

  If you have a UHF antenna, you're all set, as most of the DTV stations are, 
or will be, in the UHF band. A few stations will still be in the high end of 
the VHF band, and even fewer in the low end of the VHF band. None of the 
stations will be above Channel 53. 

  -- 
  John "Smokey Behr" Gleichweit FF1/EMT, CCNA, MCSE
  IPN-CAL023 N6FOG UP Fresno Sub MP183.5 ECV1852
  List Owner x10, Moderator x9 CA-OES 51-507
  http://smokeybehr.blogspot.com
  http://www.myspace.com/smokeybehr

  - Original Message 
  > From: Jeff 
  > To: Repeater-Builder@yahoogroups.com
  > Sent: Saturday, March 7, 2009 7:42:07 AM
  > Subject: [Repeater-Builder] How about a Freq list for the new DTV channels
  > 
  > It would be nice to have an updated TV chan freq list so I could see what 
kind 
  > of antenna would actually work best for this

  

[Repeater-Builder] WANTED: mastr II mobile coax assemblies

[Chris Curtis]

So, does anyone have a handful of coax assemblies they took out of mastr II
mobiles?

You know, the phono to so-239 bits?

OR, what's the consensus on adding the rx "port" in a conversion?

Thanks for your time.

Chris
Kb0wlf

[Repeater-Builder] VXR-5000 Spur

[Brian R. Chapman]

   I recently acquired a VXR-5000 UHF repeater on 442.650 PL 100.0, it 
seems to be generating an on freq carrier even when not keyed!!! Almost like 
the exciter is staying on although the service monitor shows no power being 
transmitted Anybody else ever have this problem and what is the fix?  Brian 
nb9e  

Re: [Repeater-Builder] Re:Today's two-way radio story v 2.0: mechanic vs Quik-Call

[MCH]

You would think he would have been smart enough to shut the radio off 
first...

Joe M.

Gary Glaenzer wrote:
> true story circa 1981
>  
> Illinois Power Company vehicle
>  
> these had the Motorola's with 'Quik-Call' hooked to horn and lights
>  
> 'won't blow the horn' was the complaint
>  
> it did, but very weak horn sound
>  
> find horn stuffed with oil-soaked shop towels
>  
> investigation revelaed 'the guys' thought it was great fun to set it off 
> when the mechanic had his head under the hood
>  
> so he took 'corrective action'
>  
> Gary
>  
>  
> 
> - Original Message -
> *From:* skipp025 
> *To:* Repeater-Builder@yahoogroups.com
> 
> *Sent:* Saturday, March 07, 2009 10:39 AM
> *Subject:* [Repeater-Builder] Today's funny two-way radio story
> (March 09). The Siren - PA Speaker War
> 
> Re: Today's funny two-way radio story (March 09).
> 
> The Siren - PA Speaker War
> 
> Today's very funny story was told to me by a friend after my
> seeing the evidence in a shop.
> 
> A service call to fix the Siren on a Public Safety Vehicle
> with reported problematic volume level. Most radio type service
> people have a test method or routine to find the failed speaker,
> pa amplifier, broken wire or blown fuse.
> 
> Lots of output voltage to the vehicle front mounted speaker,
> the type of which are sometimes problematic from weather/water
> damage. Off to the front bumper...
> 
> Can't seem to get the speaker cone off... normally a tight but
> not a frozen screw-on fit. Out come the serious tools to break
> the speaker cone free.
> 
> So... after a lot of work the cone comes off and there's a
> permanent thread locking glue on the cone threads. Hummm...?
> 
> Wait! there's foam and a rubber plug inside the cone..? Someone
> wanted to reduce the speaker output level and lock it in place?
> 
> Care to guess what's going on..?
> 
> Well Sailors...
> 
> A bit of detective work to figure out the owner of the vehicle
> has/had a habit of testing his full volume PA & Siren functions
> very early every morning, while pulling out of his house/drive way.
> 
> One of his nearby neighbors didn't appreciate the everyday wake
> up call and finally did the foam/rubber plug muffle trick and
> mounting thread lock to the bumper mounted siren speaker cone.
> 
> Life goes on...
> 
> Epilog:
> 
> I/we do use the rubber plug and foam trick to reduce PA - Siren
> Volume levels while testing equipment. Helps on hearing and
> annoyance levels.
> 
> Your results will probably vary...
> 
> cheers,
> s.
> 
> 
> 
> 
> 
> Checked by AVG - www.avg.com
> Version: 8.0.237 / Virus Database: 270.11.8/1987 - Release Date:
> 03/06/09 07:20:00
> 
> 
> 
> 
> 
> 
> 
> 
> No virus found in this incoming message.
> Checked by AVG. 
> Version: 7.5.557 / Virus Database: 270.11.8/1987 - Release Date: 3/6/2009 
> 7:20 AM

Re: [Repeater-Builder] Understanding Intermod

[no6b]

At 3/7/2009 08:59, you wrote:

>I did a analysis on a transmitter site using the TCS intermod tool to see 
>what mixes could be causing some issues at this site. I ran the 1-3 order 
>and 1 to 5 order.
>
>
>
>So I do not use these tools much and was wondering if any of my fellow 
>engineers on here have used this tool and have comments on the output. For 
>example this line from the output confuses me:
>
>A+B+C-D-E: 146.7 + 145.77000 + 145.09000 - 145.73000 - 145.73000 = 146.10
>
>It is a hit right on the input but how do you minus 145.73 twice? Is this 
>just an issue with the program I am using?

I should say 146.700 + 145.770 + 145.090 - 2 * 145.730 = 146.100

It's actually an A+B+C-2D mix.

Bob NO6B

RE: [Repeater-Builder] Today's funny two-way radio story (March 09).The Siren - PA Speaker War

[David Murman]

Interesting story. I work as a patrol deputy for the local sheriff's office
and we normally test the lights and siren before going on patrol (won't give
us take home vehicles). Our parking area is below the building and a few
months ago we got word from the Sheriff that the testing of the sirens must
be done away from the office. Seems the sound was getting to the
administration area of the building and we were disturbing their afternoon
nap LOL.

 

 

 

David

 

-Original Message-
From: Repeater-Builder@yahoogroups.com
[mailto:repeater-buil...@yahoogroups.com] On Behalf Of Rick Szajkowski
Sent: Saturday, March 07, 2009 12:51 PM
To: Repeater-Builder@yahoogroups.com
Subject: Re: [Repeater-Builder] Today's funny two-way radio story (March
09).The Siren - PA Speaker War

 

Thanks Skipp needed a chuckle !

On Sat, Mar 7, 2009 at 11:39 AM, skipp025 mailto:skipp...@yahoo.com> com> wrote:

Re: Today's funny two-way radio story (March 09). 

The Siren - PA Speaker War 

Today's very funny story was told to me by a friend after my 
seeing the evidence in a shop. 

A service call to fix the Siren on a Public Safety Vehicle 
with reported problematic volume level. Most radio type service 
people have a test method or routine to find the failed speaker, 
pa amplifier, broken wire or blown fuse. 

Lots of output voltage to the vehicle front mounted speaker, 
the type of which are sometimes problematic from weather/water
damage. Off to the front bumper... 

Can't seem to get the speaker cone off... normally a tight but 
not a frozen screw-on fit. Out come the serious tools to break 
the speaker cone free. 

So... after a lot of work the cone comes off and there's a 
permanent thread locking glue on the cone threads. Hummm...? 

Wait! there's foam and a rubber plug inside the cone..? Someone 
wanted to reduce the speaker output level and lock it in place? 

Care to guess what's going on..? 

Well Sailors... 

A bit of detective work to figure out the owner of the vehicle 
has/had a habit of testing his full volume PA & Siren functions 
very early every morning, while pulling out of his house/drive way. 

One of his nearby neighbors didn't appreciate the everyday wake 
up call and finally did the foam/rubber plug muffle trick and 
mounting thread lock to the bumper mounted siren speaker cone. 

Life goes on... 

Epilog: 

I/we do use the rubber plug and foam trick to reduce PA - Siren 
Volume levels while testing equipment. Helps on hearing and 
annoyance levels. 

Your results will probably vary... 

cheers, 
s. 

 

Re: [Repeater-Builder] Today's funny two-way radio story (March 09). The Siren - PA Speaker War

[Daniel Fargo]

Yes that is a good one I liked it also. You just never know what 
neighbors will do.


Dan KB3EMH




Rick Szajkowski wrote:


Thanks Skipp needed a chuckle !

On Sat, Mar 7, 2009 at 11:39 AM, skipp025 > wrote:


Re: Today's funny two-way radio story (March 09).

The Siren - PA Speaker War

Today's very funny story was told to me by a friend after my
seeing the evidence in a shop.

A service call to fix the Siren on a Public Safety Vehicle
with reported problematic volume level. Most radio type service
people have a test method or routine to find the failed speaker,
pa amplifier, broken wire or blown fuse.

Lots of output voltage to the vehicle front mounted speaker,
the type of which are sometimes problematic from weather/water
damage. Off to the front bumper...

Can't seem to get the speaker cone off... normally a tight but
not a frozen screw-on fit. Out come the serious tools to break
the speaker cone free.

So... after a lot of work the cone comes off and there's a
permanent thread locking glue on the cone threads. Hummm...?

Wait! there's foam and a rubber plug inside the cone..? Someone
wanted to reduce the speaker output level and lock it in place?

Care to guess what's going on..?

Well Sailors...

A bit of detective work to figure out the owner of the vehicle
has/had a habit of testing his full volume PA & Siren functions
very early every morning, while pulling out of his house/drive way.

One of his nearby neighbors didn't appreciate the everyday wake
up call and finally did the foam/rubber plug muffle trick and
mounting thread lock to the bumper mounted siren speaker cone.

Life goes on...

Epilog:

I/we do use the rubber plug and foam trick to reduce PA - Siren
Volume levels while testing equipment. Helps on hearing and
annoyance levels.

Your results will probably vary...

cheers,
s.

Re: [Repeater-Builder] Today's funny two-way radio story (March 09). The Siren - PA Speaker War

[Rick Szajkowski]

Thanks Skipp needed a chuckle !

On Sat, Mar 7, 2009 at 11:39 AM, skipp025  wrote:

>   Re: Today's funny two-way radio story (March 09).
>
> The Siren - PA Speaker War
>
> Today's very funny story was told to me by a friend after my
> seeing the evidence in a shop.
>
> A service call to fix the Siren on a Public Safety Vehicle
> with reported problematic volume level. Most radio type service
> people have a test method or routine to find the failed speaker,
> pa amplifier, broken wire or blown fuse.
>
> Lots of output voltage to the vehicle front mounted speaker,
> the type of which are sometimes problematic from weather/water
> damage. Off to the front bumper...
>
> Can't seem to get the speaker cone off... normally a tight but
> not a frozen screw-on fit. Out come the serious tools to break
> the speaker cone free.
>
> So... after a lot of work the cone comes off and there's a
> permanent thread locking glue on the cone threads. Hummm...?
>
> Wait! there's foam and a rubber plug inside the cone..? Someone
> wanted to reduce the speaker output level and lock it in place?
>
> Care to guess what's going on..?
>
> Well Sailors...
>
> A bit of detective work to figure out the owner of the vehicle
> has/had a habit of testing his full volume PA & Siren functions
> very early every morning, while pulling out of his house/drive way.
>
> One of his nearby neighbors didn't appreciate the everyday wake
> up call and finally did the foam/rubber plug muffle trick and
> mounting thread lock to the bumper mounted siren speaker cone.
>
> Life goes on...
>
> Epilog:
>
> I/we do use the rubber plug and foam trick to reduce PA - Siren
> Volume levels while testing equipment. Helps on hearing and
> annoyance levels.
>
> Your results will probably vary...
>
> cheers,
> s.
>
>  
>

[Repeater-Builder] A fortune given away to scrap metal dealers (Motrac control head parts)

[skipp025]

Re: A fortune given away to scrap metal dealers 
(Motrac control head parts) 

AAAhhh.!

Can you believe it? 

Motorola Motrac Mocom Repeater Control Head Vintage 
Ebay Item number: 320345999464  

The item for auction is actually an accessory to the control 
head but still..?  

Does everything on Ebay with word repeater written on it start 
the sharks circling?  wow... 

cheers,
s. 

[Repeater-Builder] Re:Today's two-way radio story v 2.0: mechanic vs Quik-Call

[Gary Glaenzer]

true story circa 1981

Illinois Power Company vehicle

these had the Motorola's with 'Quik-Call' hooked to horn and lights

'won't blow the horn' was the complaint

it did, but very weak horn sound

find horn stuffed with oil-soaked shop towels

investigation revelaed 'the guys' thought it was great fun to set it off when 
the mechanic had his head under the hood

so he took 'corrective action'

Gary


  - Original Message - 
  From: skipp025 
  To: Repeater-Builder@yahoogroups.com 
  Sent: Saturday, March 07, 2009 10:39 AM
  Subject: [Repeater-Builder] Today's funny two-way radio story (March 09). The 
Siren - PA Speaker War


  Re: Today's funny two-way radio story (March 09). 

  The Siren - PA Speaker War 

  Today's very funny story was told to me by a friend after my 
  seeing the evidence in a shop. 

  A service call to fix the Siren on a Public Safety Vehicle 
  with reported problematic volume level. Most radio type service 
  people have a test method or routine to find the failed speaker, 
  pa amplifier, broken wire or blown fuse. 

  Lots of output voltage to the vehicle front mounted speaker, 
  the type of which are sometimes problematic from weather/water
  damage. Off to the front bumper... 

  Can't seem to get the speaker cone off... normally a tight but 
  not a frozen screw-on fit. Out come the serious tools to break 
  the speaker cone free. 

  So... after a lot of work the cone comes off and there's a 
  permanent thread locking glue on the cone threads. Hummm...? 

  Wait! there's foam and a rubber plug inside the cone..? Someone 
  wanted to reduce the speaker output level and lock it in place? 

  Care to guess what's going on..? 

  Well Sailors... 

  A bit of detective work to figure out the owner of the vehicle 
  has/had a habit of testing his full volume PA & Siren functions 
  very early every morning, while pulling out of his house/drive way. 

  One of his nearby neighbors didn't appreciate the everyday wake 
  up call and finally did the foam/rubber plug muffle trick and 
  mounting thread lock to the bumper mounted siren speaker cone. 

  Life goes on... 

  Epilog: 

  I/we do use the rubber plug and foam trick to reduce PA - Siren 
  Volume levels while testing equipment. Helps on hearing and 
  annoyance levels. 

  Your results will probably vary... 

  cheers, 
  s. 



  


--




  Checked by AVG - www.avg.com 
  Version: 8.0.237 / Virus Database: 270.11.8/1987 - Release Date: 03/06/09 
07:20:00

[Repeater-Builder] Today's funny two-way radio story (March 09). The Siren - PA Speaker War

[skipp025]

Re: Today's funny two-way radio story (March 09). 

The Siren - PA Speaker War 

Today's very funny story was told to me by a friend after my 
seeing the evidence in a shop. 

A service call to fix the Siren on a Public Safety Vehicle 
with reported problematic volume level. Most radio type service 
people have a test method or routine to find the failed speaker, 
pa amplifier, broken wire or blown fuse. 

Lots of output voltage to the vehicle front mounted speaker, 
the type of which are sometimes problematic from weather/water
damage. Off to the front bumper... 

Can't seem to get the speaker cone off... normally a tight but 
not a frozen screw-on fit. Out come the serious tools to break 
the speaker cone free. 

So... after a lot of work the cone comes off and there's a 
permanent thread locking glue on the cone threads.  Hummm...? 

Wait! there's foam and a rubber plug inside the cone..?  Someone 
wanted to reduce the speaker output level and lock it in place? 

Care to guess what's going on..? 

Well Sailors... 

A bit of detective work to figure out the owner of the vehicle 
has/had a habit of testing his full volume PA & Siren functions 
very early every morning, while pulling out of his house/drive way. 

One of his nearby neighbors didn't appreciate the everyday wake 
up call and finally did the foam/rubber plug muffle trick and 
mounting thread lock to the bumper mounted siren speaker cone. 

Life goes on... 

Epilog: 

I/we do use the rubber plug and foam trick to reduce PA - Siren 
Volume levels while testing equipment. Helps on hearing and 
annoyance levels. 

Your results will probably vary... 

cheers, 
s. 

Re: [Repeater-Builder] How about a Freq list for the new DTV channels

[Chuck Kelsey]

Sorry, this was the other site I intended:

http://www.fcc.gov/mb/engineering/maps/



- Original Message - 
From: "Chuck Kelsey" 
To: 
Sent: Saturday, March 07, 2009 11:04 AM
Subject: Re: [Repeater-Builder] How about a Freq list for the new DTV 
channels


> Go here:
>
> http://www.tvfool.com/
>
> or
>
> http://www.tvfool.com/
>
>
> Chuck
>
>
>
> - Original Message - 
> From: "Jeff" 
> To: 
> Sent: Saturday, March 07, 2009 10:42 AM
> Subject: [Repeater-Builder] How about a Freq list for the new DTV channels
>
>
>> It would be nice to  have an updated TV chan freq list so I could see 
>> what
>> kind of antenna would actually work best for this
>>
>>
>
>
> 
>
>
>
> Yahoo! Groups Links
>
>
>

Re: [Repeater-Builder] How about a Freq list for the new DTV channels

[John Gleichweit]

There's no change in how the channels are divided up. The frequencies are all 
remaining the same, just where the digital vs. analog signal has changed. 
Generally, the announced channel number is for the analog signal, with the 
digital signal in another channel slot, until the official changeover in June. 
After that, stations will be moving their digital signals over to their 
announced channel. 

If you have a UHF antenna, you're all set, as most of the DTV stations are, or 
will be, in the UHF band. A few stations will still be in the high end of the 
VHF band, and even fewer in the low end of the VHF band. None of the stations 
will be above Channel 53. 

 -- 
John "Smokey Behr" Gleichweit FF1/EMT, CCNA, MCSE
IPN-CAL023 N6FOG UP Fresno Sub MP183.5 ECV1852
List Owner x10, Moderator x9 CA-OES 51-507
http://smokeybehr.blogspot.com
http://www.myspace.com/smokeybehr



- Original Message 
> From: Jeff 
> To: Repeater-Builder@yahoogroups.com
> Sent: Saturday, March 7, 2009 7:42:07 AM
> Subject: [Repeater-Builder] How about a Freq list for the new DTV channels
> 
> It would be nice to  have an updated TV chan freq list so I could see what 
> kind 
> of antenna would actually work best for this

Re: [Repeater-Builder] How about a Freq list for the new DTV channels

[Chuck Kelsey]

Go here:

http://www.tvfool.com/

or

http://www.tvfool.com/


Chuck



- Original Message - 
From: "Jeff" 
To: 
Sent: Saturday, March 07, 2009 10:42 AM
Subject: [Repeater-Builder] How about a Freq list for the new DTV channels


> It would be nice to  have an updated TV chan freq list so I could see what 
> kind of antenna would actually work best for this
>
> 

RE: [Repeater-Builder] How about a Freq list for the new DTV channels

[Mark]

The RF channel frequency allocations themselves are not changing - just
which channels/frequencies the stations are utilizing for their DTV
broadcast.  MOST stations are moving to UHF channels, but some will remain
in the VHF band.  You need to check the market area where you are receiving
your signals from to determine whether you'll need a UHF-only antenna, or if
you'll need a VHF/UHF antenna.  

I'll need both VHF and UHF.  (I'm in the Chicago market.)

Mark - N9WYS

-Original Message-
From: Repeater-Builder@yahoogroups.com  On Behalf Of Jeff

It would be nice to have an updated TV chan freq list so I could see what
kind of antenna would actually work best for this

[Repeater-Builder] How about a Freq list for the new DTV channels

[Jeff]

It would be nice to  have an updated TV chan freq list so I could see what kind 
of antenna would actually work best for this

[Repeater-Builder] MASTR II UHS board in VHF range

[Dan]

Anyone have a couple of good VHF UHS boards for the MASTR II? I am completeing 
a couple of VHF 2 meter repeaters and would like a bit more gain. I know they 
are few and far between but I hope someone has some that they would like to 
turn into cash. Dont want to pay an arm and a leg, maybe just a few fingers.
Thanks for the time.

Dan/N0FPE

Re: [Repeater-Builder] Somewhat OT - How to make HDTV *really* work

[Chuck Kelsey]

In my opinion, a large part of the "DTV problem" is the fact that so many TV 
stations are changing the RF channel for their broadcast. Many are changing 
tower locations and antenna elevations as well. These stations decided to 
keep this information essentially to themselves. Their feeling was that the 
new tuners will find them - after all it's all automatic. And the coverage 
prediction maps made them "feel good" because most of the time the contours 
were very similar. Big mistake on their part.

However, we hams all know that different bands (VHF vs. UHF) propigate 
differently, especially when there are hills. Today's general public doesn't 
typically understand much of this, nor do many of them care - until their 
favorite channel goes away.

Then there's the problem of digital's "all or nothing" reception. As we all 
know, with analog, the picture can get fairly bad, but the viewer can still 
watch it. With digital, a little bit of noise (maybe a snowmobile going by) 
and the signal just goes away. And it doesn't take a whole lot to experience 
drop outs. My wife sees every one of those pixilations, freezes and audio 
drops outs and proclaims "I hate this new TV." Give her an analog picture 
and she'd be happy watching snow. Go figure.

>From what I've read, much of Europe utilizes a different DTV format than 
North America, and it sounds like it works better. That figures, doesn't it?

Those are my observations anyway. When it works, it's great. When it 
doesn't, you're probably going to pay for a dish or cable. I've been 
watching DVT for almost two years now. I'm disappointed to see all the 
problems and confusion, but I'm not at all surprised.

Chuck