[Repeater-Builder] Angle Linear Custom Preamp/Filter Unit

2009-08-16 Thread Tony L.
Has anyone used Angle Linear's custom preamp/filter repeater unit?

I'm interested in learning whether real world performance matches what is said 
on paper by the vendor.

Thanks.



[Repeater-Builder] Repeater Antenna Recommendations?

2009-07-15 Thread Tony L.
I'm giving serious consideration to replacing my 17-year old Radio Frequency 
Systems (Celwave) 1151, 8db Station Master type antenna with a brand new 
colinear or exposed dipole model.  The antenna is being used for a 70 cm 
repeater.

Any recommendations?  Should I just buy a new 1151, or are there 
manufacturers/models more suited to repeater use (e.g., low noise, more 
durable, etc.).

I chose an 1151 over a 455 (10db model) because I heard the the longer model 
flexes too much in the wind.  Comments?

Thanks.



Tony



[Repeater-Builder] Amateur Radio Repeater Usage

2008-12-16 Thread Tony L.
We're continuing to experience a significant drop off in usage of ham 
repeaters (all bands) in the Northern NJ area.

It is not uncommon to find a repeater that has been dormant for months.

What's it like in your part of the country?



[Repeater-Builder] Vocom UHF Repeater Amp - Need Service Manual/Schematic Diagram

2008-06-18 Thread Tony L.
Anyone have a service manual and/or schematic diagram for a Vocom UHF 
100 watt repeater amp (model # UVC100-XXRF) that they'd be willing to 
scan in and send via e-mail?

Fax also works for me; e-mail off list for my fax number.

Thanks.


Tony - N2FDU



[Repeater-Builder] Moto MTR2000 Controller Interface Problem

2008-06-12 Thread Tony L.
A repeater group in our area has a VHF MTR2000 interfaced to a Zetron 
panel.

For months now they've been experiencing audio level drops on weak 
signals into the repeater.  There is no level change if the signal is 
DFQ.

The local Moto authorized shop has thus far been unable to resolve the 
problem.

Any ideas as to what the cause could be?



[Repeater-Builder] WTB - UHF Repeater Amplifier

2008-06-06 Thread Tony L.
WANTED:  UHF repeater amplifier.  Rack mount, continuous duty, 10-25 
watts in 75-100 watts out, max current draw of 20 amps.

Crescend, Vocom, TPL, TE Systems brands all okay.

Please reply off forum or to n2fdu at arrl dot net

Paypal payment available, or USPS Money order if requested.

Thanks.




[Repeater-Builder] Trilectric A25100UR Repeater Amp

2008-06-01 Thread Tony L.
Anyone have a service manual or schematic for this unit that they 
wouldn't mind scanning in or faxing?

Or, does anyone know what company purchased their assets?

25 in, 100 out, UHF, no fan.

Thanks.



Tony



[Repeater-Builder] Sad News - topozone.com Converts to Paid Service

2008-04-21 Thread Tony L.
topozone.com, previously a free source for geographic coordinate and 
topographic information, has now converted to a pay for service 
provider.

Hopefully the same thing does not happen to google earth!





[Repeater-Builder] Vocom/Crescend Technologies UVC50-xxRF Power Amplifier

2008-04-13 Thread Tony L.
Anyone have a service manual for this unit?

I need to know what type of final transistors are used, and what the 
driver transistor is.  We want to buy some spares, just in case.

There is no manual posted on repater-builder.com.

Thanks.



[Repeater-Builder] Re: Service Manual Needed for TPL PA6-1BERX UHF Repeater Amp

2008-04-07 Thread Tony L.
Thanks.  Found it there.

--- In Repeater-Builder@yahoogroups.com, Mike Morris WA6ILQ 
[EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote:

 At 08:04 PM 04/06/08, you wrote:
 Anybody have a service manual for this item that they can scan in 
and e-
 mail?
 
 
 Have you looked on the repeater-builder.com web site (under Other 
 Manufacturers) ?





[Repeater-Builder] Service Manual Needed for TPL PA6-1BERX UHF Repeater Amp

2008-04-06 Thread Tony L.
Anybody have a service manual for this item that they can scan in and e-
mail?



[Repeater-Builder] False DTMF Muting On CAT-1000 Controller

2008-03-27 Thread Tony L.
The DTMF muting feature on one of our CAT-1000 controllers occasionally 
falses and sends cover tone over a user's voice.  This happens to one 
user more so than anyone else.

Is there an adjustment?  Why does this happen on only one of 3 idential 
controllers?

Thanks.



[Repeater-Builder] Re: Kenwood Repeater question

2008-03-22 Thread Tony L.
The best source for GM300s is ebay.  They pop up weekly there.  
Recent auction prices are in the $125 range.  Make sure you get the 
units with the 16 pin connector in the rear.  I have over one dozen 
in service, either as repeater receivers, repeater transmitters, or 
remote bases.  It's a great radio for those purposes; built like a 
tank.

--- In Repeater-Builder@yahoogroups.com, Peter Dakota Summerhawk 
[EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote:

 Ok the reason I asked is that we are thinking of putting up a 
repeater
 for special events. Would a couple of GM or GR300 work well for 
this? I
 know you cold not use them full duty 100% but they would work for 
temp
 special event repeaters? I have yet to find a couple of 2CH models 
that
 cover the ham bands. Anyone know of a source of the units?
  
 Thanks
 Peter Dakota Summerhawk
  
 -Original Message-
 From: Repeater-Builder@yahoogroups.com
 [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] On Behalf Of Mike 
Mullarkey
 Sent: Saturday, March 22, 2008 1:46 PM
 To: Repeater-Builder@yahoogroups.com
 Subject: RE: [Repeater-Builder] Kenwood Repeater question
  
 Hi Peter,
  
 The TK-760 radios are great radios; however, I would post them on 
EBay
 and get a few Motorola SM-50 radios. All the connections are on the 
back
 on the Motorola and on the Kenwood, you will need to modify the 
radios
 to get TOR (PL) out of it and know where exactly to pick it off. If 
you
 get the Motorola radios try to get the high power radios and they 
will
 play nice at 20wt. Not in Continuous duty mode. Now if you drill 
out the
 4 screw holes on the bottom and mill the bottom of the radio so 
then you
 can add a nice heat sink to it. Then they will operate in continuous
 mode but no more than 20wt.
  
 The first version was to mount a small fan on the bottom but ended 
up
 using the heat sink method and found it much more reliable.
  
 I have had more than 30+ full duplex links made out of these radios 
and
 have never had a unit fail. Take your time and plan your project 
and it
 will pay off if you do it the right way.
  
 Mike Mullarkey (K7PFJ)
  
  
_  
 
 From: Repeater-Builder@yahoogroups.com
 [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] On Behalf Of Peter Dakota
 Summerhawk
 Sent: Saturday, March 22, 2008 12:43 PM
 To: Repeater-Builder@yahoogroups.com
 Subject: [Repeater-Builder] Kenwood Repeater question
  
 I have a few of the TK-760's that I have been playing with the idea 
of
 thinking of using as a repeater, can this be done? And if so what 
would
 it take?
  
 Thanks
  
 Peter Dakota Summerhawk
  
  
 No virus found in this outgoing message.
 Checked by AVG.
 Version: 7.5.519 / Virus Database: 269.21.8/1338 - Release Date:
 3/21/2008 5:52 PM
  
 
 No virus found in this incoming message.
 Checked by AVG.
 Version: 7.5.519 / Virus Database: 269.21.8/1339 - Release Date:
 3/22/2008 4:43 PM
 
 
 No virus found in this outgoing message.
 Checked by AVG. 
 Version: 7.5.519 / Virus Database: 269.21.8/1339 - Release Date:
 3/22/2008 4:43 PM





[Repeater-Builder] WTB - GE Mastr II Cabinets

2008-03-22 Thread Tony L.
Need used GE Mastr II cabinets with front  rear locking doors.

Contact off list, or at:  n2fdu at arrl dot net.

Thanks.



[Repeater-Builder] WTB - UHF GM300's, GR300's, GR500's

2008-02-16 Thread Tony L.
WTB - UHF Motorola GM300's. 16 channel only, 438-470 MHz, any power
level. 

Will also consider GR300 and/or GR500 UHF repeater.

Send e-mail off list, please. Thanks.




[Repeater-Builder] Motorola GR300 Housing - RF Cables used

2008-02-11 Thread Tony L.
Fellow Repeater Builders:

Does anyone know the length of the RF cables used in the GR300 repeater 
housing?  I'm expecting to take delivery of a used unit shortly, but 
want to order a new set of cables in advance of delivery.

I need the following cable lengths.  Thanks.

1) Tx radio to internal duplexer
2) Rx radio to internal duplexer

I believe the radio cable ends will need a mini UHF male, will the 
duplexer cable ends need a N-males, UHF males, or BNC males?  I also 
want to order a cable from duplexer to antenna bulkhead.

Thanks.



Tony




[Repeater-Builder] ICOM F221S Mobiles and Repeater

2008-01-26 Thread Tony L.
Seeking feedback on the ICOM F221S mobile or CY F221S repeater UHF 
versions as to suitability for use in the 70cm ham band.

Can the radios be programmed with Windows software, or are they like 
many Motorola products - i.e., you need a slow computer running DOS.

Thanks.



Tony



[Repeater-Builder] Re: Amateur repeater ID's

2008-01-19 Thread Tony L.
The most recent case posted on the FCC's Amateur Radio enforcement 
actions web site is this one:

http://www.fcc.gov/eb/AmateurActions/files/BEDNA07_05_25_1078.pdf

--- In Repeater-Builder@yahoogroups.com, George Henry [EMAIL PROTECTED] 
wrote:

 Can anyone point me to the specific enforcement case or warning 
letter where 
 the FCC first said that regular, periodic repeater ID's 
irrespective of 
 repeater usage were broadcasting and had to stop?  The FCC's online 
archives 
 don't seem to go back far enough (seems to me it was in the 80's), 
and all 
 the references that DID turn up dealt with specific interference 
cases, not 
 the broadcasting issue.
 
 A news item in a QST or CQ column would be sufficient...
 
 Thanks.
 
 George, KA3HSW / WQGJ413





[Repeater-Builder] 2000 foot tower falls in Little Rock - Any ham repeaters there?

2008-01-11 Thread Tony L.
http://www.arkansasbusiness.com/article.aspx?aID=102174.87444.114316



[Repeater-Builder] RF Radiation Hazard Warning Signs?

2008-01-03 Thread Tony L.
At what power output level would either a VHF or UHF amateur radio 
repeater need to be operating before its owner should consider mounting 
a RF Warning sign on the equipment room door (assuming there's no 
other tx equipment in the room)?

240 watts on the FM broadcast band got this licensee a Notice of 
Apparent Liability from the FCC.  What if my ham repeater is running 
1/4 KW?

http://www.fcc.gov/eb/FieldNotices/2003/DOC-279189A1.html



[Repeater-Builder] Re: Getting On A Commercial Tower Site

2007-12-21 Thread Tony L.
Your best bet would be a tower owned by a not-for-profit entity, such 
as an educational/religious broadcaster, or a governmental agency.  
Hospitals are also pretty open minded; most of their roofs already 
have 2-way radio equipment, so they know what to expect.

Unfortunately, the growing trend with respect to commercial multi-
user towers is that they're owned by large corporations with 
stockholders.  Translation: money talks, hams walk!

Having a large liability insurance policy in force will also help.  
And, if you're asked to pay for electricity, don't let that be a deal 
breaker.

I wholeheartedly agree with one of the previous replies; it's who you 
know, not how technically competent your group is.

Good luck!

--- In Repeater-Builder@yahoogroups.com, Alexander N Tubonjic 
[EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote:

A group of us local hams have just started an Amateur Radio
 Club and are looking to place a couple repeaters on the air. We
 already have one VHF and one UHF repeater sitting in a garage 
waiting
 to be put on the air. We've been looking at local commercial tower
 sites as possible locations for the machines but before we contact 
the
 owners of the towers I was wanting to get some feedback from those 
of
 you that currently have or have had equipment located on commercial
 towers. 
 
   We're looking at towers owned by power companies, county 
utilities,
 FM Broadcast stations, etc.  I was just wondering from everyone's
 experience what's the best way to approach the tower owner about
 putting gear on his or her tower? What kinds of obstacles have yall
 had to hop through to get your equipment up? Any dos and don'ts you
 could suggest? Any words of wisdom from anybody? Any guidance would 
be
 greatly appreciated! Thanks es 73.
 
 
 
   Alex





[Repeater-Builder] Re: antennas for gmrs repeater

2007-12-20 Thread Tony L.
My first recommendation would be a RF Systems PD1151, but since you 
don't want to spend the money for a Station Master, how about a 
Hustler Newtronics G6-450-3?

You should be able to pick one of these up for under $200.  
Reportedly, they stand up to the weather pretty well.  The first 
choice PD1151 would run you about $650.


 --- In Repeater-Builder@yahoogroups.com, Jed Barton [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote:

 Hey guys,
 Any opinions on an antenna for a gmrs repeater?  It won't be going 
on  
 a 300 foot tower, but it will be on the top of a hospital.
 I would rather not get a station master, but something that could  
 withstand a little weather.
 Any ideas on the biggest bang for the buck?
 
 Thanks,
 Jed





[Repeater-Builder] Re: MSF 5000 CLB

2007-12-08 Thread Tony L.
My understanding of the current rules is that would be classified 
as broadcasting also.  Announcements of any sort, including IDs, 
must be associated with repeater receiver activity.  If the receiver 
has been inactive, the transmitter should be as well.

   --- In Repeater-Builder@yahoogroups.com, Bob M. [EMAIL PROTECTED] 
wrote:

 If it IDs at the same time, is that OK?
 
 What about repeaters that send a beacon out every 30
 minutes?
 
 These are all being generated by the controller at the
 repeater site, and if these transmissions have been
 authorized by the trustee and/or control ops, it seems
 to be an allowed transmission, annoying (to some) as
 it may be.
 
 Bob M.
 ==
 --- Tony L. [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote:
 
  If you've programmed the repeater to make time
  announcements even 
  when there in no activity on the receiver, you are
  in violation of 
  FCC rules that prohibit broadcasting.
  
  --- In Repeater-Builder@yahoogroups.com, kd7ikz
  kd7ikz@ wrote:
  
   Hi All 
   I am runnig a MSF 5000 CLB with a Arcom controll.
  I am also runnig 
   echolink on the repeater. I have the repeater say
  the time every 
  hour 
   and half hour. I was going to work today and the
  repeater said to 
  time 
   ok. Then I was going to get on echolink and the
  repeater did not 
  key 
   up so I called home and the wife said that the TX
  light was on and 
  the 
   RX light was blinking on and off. She tryed to
  reset but the RX 
  light 
   would not come back on. So I just let it be for
  about two hours and 
   tryed it again and the RX light came up. can
  anyone gave me any 
  ides 
   on what it mite be? Also I have to keep a fan on
  the RF tray and 
   station control because it gets to hot and when it
  TX it sounds 
  like 
   it has a open squelch.I am new to the repeater
  world. The repeater 
  is 
   working fine other then that.
   Thanks
   Bob
   kd7ikz 
   echolink 216767
 
 
   
__
__
 Never miss a thing.  Make Yahoo your home page. 
 http://www.yahoo.com/r/hs





[Repeater-Builder] VHF Repeater Antenna Choice

2007-11-27 Thread Tony L.
Any comments on the difference between expected antenna patterns and 
coverage on a DB222 vs. Celwave/RFS PD220?

I'm using a PD220 and find the local coverage to be somewhat spotty, 
but coverage 20 miles away to be excellent.

Is this typical of the PD220?  Would a DB222 fill local areas any 
better?

--- In Repeater-Builder@yahoogroups.com, skipp025 [EMAIL PROTECTED] 
wrote:

 Dipole phasing is not easy even for the Decibel 420 type antennas. 
 It is common for very sharp nearfield nulls and cancel areas 
 expecially near and underneath a mountain top mounted antenna. 
 I label the effect something similar to what I call unwanted 
 nearfield/local re-entrant energy. 
 
 Less of a similar antenna in the case of the DB-408 would have 
 less gain but less close-in and below problematic areas. It 
 would also have a different vertical radiation angle.
 
 Using at least one of all the Decibel DB-408 and DB-420 type 
 antennas from a mountain top repeater site... I can tell you 
 first hand there is quite a bit of difference in portable and 
 distant in-building coverage using the higher gain Decibel DB-420 
 antenna. There is also something to be said for what I call the 
 antenna capture area, which is the shear amount of dipole surface 
 area (metal) spaced up and down many wave-lengths on the tower. 
 
 In most cases there should never be too much antenna but there  
 can be the wrong antenna for an application and location. 
 
 One sidebar I noticed in your post... you weren't using a Decibel 
 DB-420 Brand Antenna. The Signals Brand Antenna first used in your 
 system is a different animal indeed. 
 
 cheers, 
 s. 
 
 
 
  Chuck Kelsey kelsey@ wrote:
 
  We had a DB-420 style antenna (actually it was made by Signals, 
but
 it was folded-dipole design) on our UHF repeater at work. We were
 constantly having difficulty with portables being able to hit and 
hold
 the repeater and they were no more than 1/2 mile out. The local
 M/A-Com shop kept saying too much antenna. We changed it out to a
 DB-408 and the problem was corrected. We are in rolling hills and 
the
 antenna was about 70' above ground level at a water tank. I plotted
 the antenna pattern against topographic map data and discovered that
 the portables were in some deep nulls with the higher-gain antenna.
  
  In another instance, a UHF ham repeater on a pretty decent site 
was
 using a DB-420 style antenna (I believe it was actually an Antenna
 Specialists version). It worked great out at the horizon, but closer
 in mobiles would become noisy and portables were tough. It got 
changed
 to a Sinclair 4-element folded dipole, and the improvement was
 substantial. Slight loss out at the extremes of the coverage area.
  
  I'm convinced that bigger isn't always better. You need to use the
 right antenna for the intended coverage. If all of your users are 
out
 at the extremes of where your repeater is located, the highest gain
 antenna might make more sense. I'd dare say that this usually isn't
 the case.
  
  Chuck
  WB2EDV
  
  
  
- Original Message - 
From: Keith, KB7M 
To: Repeater-Builder@yahoogroups.com 
Sent: Monday, November 26, 2007 11:31 AM
Subject: Re: [Repeater-Builder] Re: Repeater Antenna Choice
  
  
The area served by many of our radio sites (we are in Central
 Utah), sit at approximately a 12 degree downtilt from the sites.  
Most
 of these sites are at 3000-4000' AGL.  In some cases, we have opted
 for lower gain antennas to cover close in areas better.  We 
designate
 repeaters as local or wide area coverage to account for this.  Wide
 area repeaters get high gain antennas to aim for the horizon (about
 50-100 miles out), and local area repeaters get lower gain antennas
 for about 5-20 miles out.  In some cases we opt for directional
 antennas such as corner reflectors or dipole arrays with all 
elements
 on one side of the mast when we want to cover the populated areas
 better at the expense of the back country. 
 
-- 
Keith McQueen
kb7m@
801-224-9460
 





[Repeater-Builder] Re: Ailing Wacom 220Mhz Duplexer

2007-11-17 Thread Tony L.
Wacom products are being supported by Telewave of California.

www.telewave.com


--- In Repeater-Builder@yahoogroups.com, Keith, KB7M [EMAIL PROTECTED] 
wrote:

 I have a Wacom model WP-652 duplexer with what I hope is a minor 
easy to fix
 problem.  Three out of the four cavities are operating correctly 
with a
 classic BpBr curve on the tracking generator.  The fourth (it is 
the high
 frequency input cavity normally connected to the transmitter on 
this band),
 exhibits a curve that as near as I can describe it is missing the 
notch.  If
 I loosen the connectors and wiggle them, I can sometimes get the 
correct
 curve to show.  I have loosened and inspected the tuning stub on 
the side
 and see no visible damage.  After reassembly, no change was noted.  
The
 overall performace of the duplexer is not bad, and would probably 
work with
 reduced isolation.
 
 I'm not sure where to go from here.  I don't know how to inspect the
 internal matching loops for damage.  I also don't know how to 
disassemble
 the cavity for possible repair.
 
 Has anyone repaired a Wacom duplexer?  Is there anyone supporting 
them?
 Any ideas?
 
 -- 
 Keith McQueen
 [EMAIL PROTECTED]
 801-224-9460





[Repeater-Builder] GR300 Repeater Housing - Fan Replacement

2007-11-13 Thread Tony L.
Has anyone here ever replaced a fan in a GR300 repeater housing?  If 
so, how tough of a job is it, and is the fan stock?

Thanks.



[Repeater-Builder] WTB: GM300 Mobile Mounting Brackets

2007-11-12 Thread Tony L.
GM300 mobile mounting brackets needed.

Reply off-forum, please.

Thanks.



[Repeater-Builder] 2 Meter Duplexer Recommendations?

2007-11-07 Thread Tony L.
My Celwave PD 497-1-1 VHF duplexer just can't seem to provide adequate 
tx/rx isolation (Micor 100 watt repeater with 0.6 MHz tx/rx 
separation).  Everything else seems to check out okay; jumper cables, 
connectors, receiver, and hard line.

I've heard the PD 497-1-1 isn't the latest in duplexer design and was 
wondering what other VHF repeater owners might recommend with regard to 
high performing, closed spaced duplexers for moderate power 
applications.

Thanks.





[Repeater-Builder] Doubling Power Output On UHF Repeater

2007-11-02 Thread Tony L.
I've asked this question before, but will ask it again just to see if 
there are any new twists that I'm unaware of:

Our UHF repeater is currently equipped with a 50 watt PA.  We have an 
opportunity to install a 100 watt PA at moderate cost.  Our site is 
excellent and we are already using good radios, quality hardline, 
excellent filtering, and a commercial grade antenna.

Will the difference between 50  100 watts be worth a moderate 
expenditure?

What would you do?



[Repeater-Builder] New FCC Ruling May Benefit Many Ham Repeaters Located At Cell Sites

2007-10-16 Thread Tony L.
If your repeater is located at a cell site, check this out:

October 16, 2007 - A Federal Communications Commission representative 
said today that to meet national concerns for adequate public safety 
communications, it had adopted an order reinforcing and clarifying a 
prior order requiring cell phone and landline carriers within one 
year to install power backup supplies at all of their sites and to 
have portable power supplies available for sites that are incapable 
of having power backup.

The ruling will clearly benefit the economic growth of generator, 
battery and fuel cell suppliers as well as installation contractors 
throughout the country. Public safety will be the prime beneficiary, 
but carriers and other telecom companies will be burdened with 
considerable expenses that will be incurred in order to meet the 
FCC's deadline -- impacting Adelstein's wished for success.

The Commission's safety edict will result in increased administrative 
costs to tower owners to manage the new power supply installations 
that will ensure eight hours of power backup, but they will benefit 
from increased lease rates as their tenants expand their compound 
footprint.





[Repeater-Builder] Wanted to Buy - UHF Moto GM300's

2007-09-28 Thread Tony L.
438-470 MHz/16 channel only.

Any power level.

Working condition only.

Accessories not needed.

Send replies off list only, please.  Include exact model # and asking 
price.

Thanks.



[Repeater-Builder] Re: Quantar and PL

2007-09-26 Thread Tony L.
I own a VX6 and regularly use a local Quantar repeater without any 
problems.  To the best of my knowledge, the Quantar is stock.

--- In Repeater-Builder@yahoogroups.com, Al Wolfe [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote:

 We recently replaced an aging UHF machine with a Quantar for a 
local ham 
 repeater. Now it seems that some users are not able to key up the 
system. 
 Turns out their radios (all VX6's) have fairly low tone deviation. 
Tests on 
 the Quantar show that it needs at least 300 htz to key it. This seems 
 reasonable to me but the users all say Well, my radio used to work 
with the 
 old repeater. So fix the new one.
 
 Is there a way to increase the sensitivity to PL tones in a UHF 
Quantar? 
 Is this desirable?
 
 Al, K9SI





[Repeater-Builder] Re: UHF band opening

2007-09-19 Thread Tony L.
Another reason NYC repeater owners moved to the odd/even flipped 
plan was to allow for use of existing tx combiners at premium 
commercial sites.  If the ham repeater's tx frequency was in the 447-
450 range, an owner could use a site owner's combiner tuned for the 
450-455 commercial band, thus assuring an excellent tx location on a 
tall tower.  This was most evident on Long Island.

 --- In Repeater-Builder@yahoogroups.com, Jeff DePolo [EMAIL PROTECTED] 
wrote:

 
 From what I've been told, when 70cm first started to take off for 
FM
 repeaters, repeater owners in the New York City metro found  that 
they had
 fewer issues with desense and overload if they flipped to a 
negative offset
 (i.e. get the ham repeater Rx further away from the 450-455 
commercial
 repeater Tx's).  By the time the coordination councils got on the 
ball,
 there was a mish-mash of repeaters operating with either positive or
 negative shift.  As a fix (using that term loosely), they decided 
that all
 of the odd pairs (44x.x25 and 44x.x75) would be negative shift 
and all of
 the even (44x.x00 and 44x.x50) pairs would be positive shift.  
This became
 the policy for the adjacent coordinators, and, like a bad cold, it 
spread up
 and down the Atlantic coast from New England to Virginia as more 440
 repeaters came online.  It's an ugly mess, and one that Ive made 
noise
 about fixing by having everyone go to positive offset to align with 
our
 respective neighbors to the west and south.  Most of the 
coordination
 councils have been in agreement, but others remain opposed, so 
nothing has
 changed yet...
 
   --- Jeff
 
 
  -Original Message-
  From: Repeater-Builder@yahoogroups.com 
  [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] On Behalf Of Bob Dengler
  Sent: Wednesday, September 19, 2007 1:19 PM
  To: Repeater-Builder@yahoogroups.com
  Subject: Re: [Repeater-Builder] UHF band opening
  
  Does anyone know why the New England bandplan has inverted 70 
  cm pairs 
  every 25 kHz (unlike the rest of the country, which is either 
  all + or all 
  - 5 MHz)?  25 kHz isn't close enough for any adjacent channel 
  issues to be 
  a concern.
  
  Bob NO6B





[Repeater-Builder] Null Fill UHF Base Station Antenna - Bogner Penetrator?

2007-09-06 Thread Tony L.
Bogner used to manufacture a null fill UHF base station antenna; I 
think it was called the Penetrator.  If I remember correctly, Celwave 
manufactured a similar product.  Anyone out there ever use one of 
these?  If so, were they worth the money?

I recall they were very heavy and very expensive; I always wondered if 
they really did improve repeater coverage.  I see a few 800  900 MHz 
models in service; most likely being used by paging companies.  But I 
don't think that I've seen a UHF one in service lately.  In fact, the 
only ones I ever saw were in service at sites using transmitter  
receiver combiners.  I think that they were very broadbanded.

I'd be interested in hearing from anyone who ever used one for a ham or 
GMRS repeater.  Are they still manufactured?

Thanks.



Tony  



[Repeater-Builder] Re: Lon and Lat Locator

2007-07-28 Thread Tony L.
Mapquest has such a feature.

--- In Repeater-Builder@yahoogroups.com, Don KA9QJG [EMAIL PROTECTED] 
wrote:

 Hello Hope Everyone is doing well,. Can anyone tell Me if thee is a 
Program
 on the WWW Like Goggle Earth that will let you just put in a Known 
Lat and
 Lon and display the Location, Goggle and others I have found will 
show You
 that info on the Pointer Location but You already know the area You 
are
 looking in. The reason is I have a Ham Friend in Rural Arkansas who 
has a
 PO Box for a Address , He used a Program to sent Me a Sat photo of 
His
 QTH , But I know for a fact I have seen better on Goggle Earth .
 
 Thanks
 
 Don KA9QJG





[Repeater-Builder] WTB - UHF Motorola GM300s

2007-07-28 Thread Tony L.
438-470 MHz only.

16 channel with expanded logic board only.

Any power output level.

Reply off post, please, with exact model# and condition of radio(s).



[Repeater-Builder] Mastr III - Anybody using one?

2007-07-24 Thread Tony L.
Does anyone out there have a VHF Mastr III in service as a ham repeater?

Feedback - good or bad?  Sources for purchase of used/reconditioned?



[Repeater-Builder] Re: Cleaning House ... Micor and MSY ............ Complete or Parts

2007-05-30 Thread Tony L.
I just heard back from him via private e-mail.  He's located just 
outside of Chicago.


--- In Repeater-Builder@yahoogroups.com, Scott Zimmerman 
[EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote:

 Where are you located??
 
 Scott
 
 Scott Zimmerman
 Amateur Radio Call N3XCC
 612 Barnett Rd
 Boswell, PA 15531
 
 - Original Message - 
 From: bbfmrf [EMAIL PROTECTED]
 To: Repeater-Builder@yahoogroups.com
 Sent: Wednesday, May 30, 2007 1:06 PM
 Subject: [Repeater-Builder] Cleaning House ... Micor and 
MSY  
 Complete or Parts
 
 
  I'm cleaning house and I have a number of both Micor and MSY 
repeaters
  and parts available.
 
  Most repeaters were either 460 or 470 MHz and were working when 
taken
  out of service.
 
  I have many repeaters that are complete, but I'm also not against
  parting out a few if necessary.
 
  I also have a number of cards, power supplies and PA's
 
  Buyer will pay actual shipping charges
 
  Questions will be answered as efficiently as possible, but as most
  items are stored off site, answers may be delayed a day or two.
 
  Please send your questions to [EMAIL PROTECTED]
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  Yahoo! Groups Links
 
 
 
 
 
  -- 
  No virus found in this incoming message.
  Checked by AVG Free Edition.
  Version: 7.5.472 / Virus Database: 269.8.3/824 - Release Date: 
5/29/2007 
  1:01 PM
 
 





[Repeater-Builder] Re: Linking 2 repeaters

2007-05-29 Thread Tony L.
How about a VHF receiver at each site that listens to the other 
repeater?  Obvioulsy, you'll need excellent antenna separation to do 
this, plus the ability to eliminate CTCSS from being transmitted on 
hang time and during ID's.  Otherwise, you'll wind up getting caught in 
a loop.  Also, the two sites must be able to hear each other.


--- In Repeater-Builder@yahoogroups.com, prostockcocker 
[EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote:

 I have two locations that have Moto - Micor 2meter repeaters, am using
 a FF-800 for a controller at both sites.  I have explored the idea of
 using a UHF repeater and link radio to hotlink the two sites, but at
 the time funding is a bit low.  
 What other alternatives do I have to link the two repeaters?
 
 Thanks for the input.





[Repeater-Builder] Motorola GM300 Problem

2007-05-29 Thread Tony L.
After reprogramming a GM300, the unit doesn't receive.  The new receive 
frequency is NOT out of band.  Transmit works just fine.

Suggestions for possible quick fixes? 



[Repeater-Builder] WTB- Repeater Controller

2007-05-09 Thread Tony L.
WTB; repeater controller.  Autopatch not needed.

Contact me off list with details.

Regular e-mail is: railtrailbiker at yahoo dot com.

Thanks.



[Repeater-Builder] MSR2000 PL Reeds

2007-05-07 Thread Tony L.
I need a set of 151.4 (5Z) PL reeds for a MSR2000 VHF repeater station.

Please contact me off list if you have a set, or know a good source.

Thanks.



[Repeater-Builder] For Sale - 175' of 7/8 Andrew LDF-50A (used)

2007-05-05 Thread Tony L.
Contact me off-line if interested.

$250 firm. Cash only.

Pick up only in Northern, NJ.




[Repeater-Builder] CAT-1000 Controller - Audio Response Change

2007-04-22 Thread Tony L.
Does anyone know how would I go about changing the audio response on a 
CAT-1000 controller?  I'm seeking to make the audio flat.

Thanks. 



[Repeater-Builder] Re: Linking question

2007-04-20 Thread Tony L.
If you are able to install a UHF moble radio at your VHF site, why 
not link the other way?  You might be able to get away with a small 
yagi at the base of your tower, or on the equipment shelter itself.

--- In Repeater-Builder@yahoogroups.com, William Delbert Ellis 
[EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote:

 Howdy, New to this group today.
 I am the control operator for two of our ham club repeaters.
 A 2m Motorola and 70cm Motorola.
 We had them next to each other hard wired linked with antennas on a 
 very tall commercial
 tower in Austin. The UHF antenna was turned to dust by a
 lightning strike. The machine survived however the cost of a
 tower climb exceeds our cub funds so I have moved and
 coordinated the UHF machine 20 miles west to my home QTH
 tower. This works out nice as I am on a big hill and cover
 the local state park very well. I would like to link the two
 together by installing a 2m mobile rig on the UHF controller
 linking radio I/O and link it to the VHF machine.
 This would take the audio out of the UHF machine and
 transmit it on the mobile rig to the input of the VHF
 machine 20 miles east via a small 2m yagi. The RX audio on
 the 2m mobile rig would then be transmitted out on the UHF
 machine. This is all easy to do with the controller I have.
 The question is this legal now on the ham bands? I think up
 until early this year you could only link with UHF until the
 FCC changed the law enabling the Kenwood sky command to be
 legal on 2m thus allowing what I am planning. What are the
 group members thoughts on this? 
 Thanks,
 Bill N5ZTW Central Texas.





[Repeater-Builder] Re: Price On A Station Master VHF Repeater Antenna

2007-04-19 Thread Tony L.
List price is $968.

Tessco is discounting them for as low as $687.28 

 --- In Repeater-Builder@yahoogroups.com, Richard A. Blank 
[EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote:

 Does anyone know the price new for a Station Master
 VHF repeater antenna?  Or, does anyone know where I
 can get the price for a new Station Master VHF repeater
 antenna?
 
 Thanks,
 Rick, WB3BSA
 http://www.xmirep.com/wb3bsa





[Repeater-Builder] Re: Price On A Station Master VHF Repeater Antenna

2007-04-19 Thread Tony L.
The equivalant Telewave lists for the same price, $968.  I can't recall 
what the Telewave ham club discount is though.  Anything greater than 
30% will bring you in lower than the Stationmaster.

FYI though, there have been many posts here over the years suggesting 
that fiberglass coated antennas aren't as suited for repeater operation 
as are exposed dipole arrays.  You might want to read some of those 
comments before locking yourself in.


--- In Repeater-Builder@yahoogroups.com, Steve Kometz [EMAIL PROTECTED] 
wrote:

 You might check with Telewave. 
   They still discount for Ham clubs if that applies.





[Repeater-Builder] DCI Filters - Do they work?

2007-04-05 Thread Tony L.
How many of you are using a DCI filter of some sort in front of your 
repeater receiver or duplexer and what are your before/after 
observations?



[Repeater-Builder] WTB - Andrew/Decibel Products DB224 Antenna

2007-03-27 Thread Tony L.
WTB - New DB224 antenna.  138-150 MHz split.

If you've got one in a box that you're never going to use, turn it into 
cash now.

Contact me off list, please.

Thanks.



[Repeater-Builder] Moto GM300's Used With External Controller - COR Problem

2007-03-20 Thread Tony L.
We're attempting to set up a repeater using 16 channel GM300's and an 
external controller (a CAT 1000).

We've done this before twice, but seem to be stumped this time because 
we can't get either the receiver radio or link radio to produce the 
right voltage swing the controller is looking for in connection with 
COR.  We've tried 3 radios but none will produce the necessary voltage 
swing.

What have we missed?  Programming or wiring issue?




[Repeater-Builder] Re: Diversity Antenna System ?

2007-03-02 Thread Tony L.
One of our repeaters is at a water tank.  Our antenna is mounted at 
the top, but on the tank's northern side.  There's an opportunity to 
mount another antenna at the oppostite side of the 50' wide tank 
(same height).  I was wondering if we might improve omni coverage by 
having radiators operating from both sides.  

--- In Repeater-Builder@yahoogroups.com, Milt [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote:

 Tony,
 
 Not sure where you are going with this.  I have seen and heard of 
antenna 
 systems that used power dividers to connect two antennas to a 
single point 
 with equal or unequal power division.  Usually used in buildings 
where the 
 RF resource is on the top of the building and coverage is needed in 
 basements and sub-basements.  Often one of the legs is radiating 
coax 
 terminated in a unity gain antenna.  This could be connected to a 
duplexer 
 output.  This has been done for quite a while and I'm sure that 
there are 
 many on the list who have dealt with similar systems.
 
 Voting systems on the other hand are systems where multiple 
receivers are 
 connected to a voting selector which determines which of the 
multiple 
 receivers has the best signal to noise ratio and selects that 
receiver.  The 
 output of the selector then connects to whatever the user wishes.  
Examples 
 could be many receivers connected to a console with a single or 
multiple 
 location talk back transmitter(s) under the control of a dispatcher 
on a 
 simplex frequency; or feeding the output and corresponding COR to a 
 transmitter on a second frequency in a repeater configuration.  
Again this 
 has been done for many years.
 
 For more information check out some of the standard texts that are 
oriented 
 to land mobile radio.
 
 Milt
 N3LTQ
 
 
 - Original Message - 
 From: Tony L. [EMAIL PROTECTED]
 To: Repeater-Builder@yahoogroups.com
 Sent: Thursday, March 01, 2007 8:56 PM
 Subject: [Repeater-Builder] Diversity Antenna System ?
 
 
  Has anyone ever experimented with a diversity antenna 
configuration on
  a repeater?  That is, using 2 antennas, mounted at different
  building/tower locations, but connected to a single duplexer?
 
  I suppose a controller/router/voter of some sort would be 
necessary to
  insure that the antenna receiving the strongest signal would also 
be
  chosen for tx purposes?
 
  Thoughts?
 
 
 
 
 
 
  Yahoo! Groups Links
 
 
 





[Repeater-Builder] Diversity Antenna System ?

2007-03-01 Thread Tony L.
Has anyone ever experimented with a diversity antenna configuration on 
a repeater?  That is, using 2 antennas, mounted at different 
building/tower locations, but connected to a single duplexer?

I suppose a controller/router/voter of some sort would be necessary to 
insure that the antenna receiving the strongest signal would also be 
chosen for tx purposes?

Thoughts?



[Repeater-Builder] WTB - VHF Repeater Duplexer

2007-02-25 Thread Tony L.
Wanted: VHF repeater capable of operation near 146 MHz. Duplexer needed 
also, but willing to purchase from alternate source.

Prefer MSF5000 or other non-crystal repeater. Must be set for plug  
play, including power supply  cabinet.

Send full details, photos, and asking price.

Located near NYC. Can pick up anywhere from D.C. to Maine.




[Repeater-Builder] Affordable P25 Repeaters?

2007-02-23 Thread Tony L.
What manufacturers currently have P25 capable repeaters on the market?



[Repeater-Builder] OT- Activity Level On Ham Repeaters Way Down In My Area

2007-02-22 Thread Tony L.
The number of active ham repeaters in my area is way, way down in 
comparison to levels of 10 years ago.  It isn't uncommon to monitor a 
repeater frequency and hear no traffic for weeks.  Some clubs  
individuals have just walked away from coordinated pairs.

However, there are a few repeaters that have remained active, although 
certainly not to the extent they were in the past.  Interestingly, even 
though traffic is way down, there's still a waiting list in my area for 
coordinated pairs on all bands.

Questions:

1) Has there been a decline in traffic and the number of active 
repeaters in your area?

2) If so, what do you feel the primary cause is?

3) What can be done to generate renewed interest? 





[Repeater-Builder] Problems With Diamond NR73BNMO

2007-02-19 Thread Tony L.
My Diamond NR73BNMO stopped working on 70cm.  Tx  rx are both fine on 
2 meters, but the antenna will not tx or rx on 70 cm.

I swapped the antenna with a spare, and everything works fine with the 
replacement antenna.

Any ideas?



[Repeater-Builder] Re: 2M Power Amp

2007-02-14 Thread Tony L.
Check out Crescend Technologies Vocom product line.  They're reasonably 
priced and seem to be built pretty well.

Our club installed a 50 watt UHF Vocom repeater amp several months 
ago.  Thus far, we're pleased.

Primus Distribution in Illinois offers a 30-40% discount off Vocom's 
list price.

http://www.crescendtech.com/

--- In Repeater-Builder@yahoogroups.com, Scott [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote:

 What do the folks on the group recommend for a 2M power amp for a
 repeater with an exciter capable of 10-25W output? New, used, modded,
 otherwise. I am probably going to be replacing an older Henry that was
 modded and did not have a tuned input...(spur city).
 
 Scott NA4IT





[Repeater-Builder] Re: 2M Power Amp

2007-02-14 Thread Tony L.
Vocom used to be independently owned, but their assets were purchased 
at some point by Crescend Technologies (with all manufacturing being 
incorporated into Crescend's plant).  I guess this afforded Crescend 
the ability to market a high end product (the Crescent brand name) 
and a lower end product (Vocom).  For ham use I think the Vocoms are 
just fine.

We had a TE Systems previously.  Worked well for the first 3-5 years, 
died, was fixed by the factory, then worked for 10 years before 
crapping out again.  TE Systems estimated $250 worth of repairs would 
be necessary.  Rather than spend $250 on old technology, we decided 
to spend our money on a newer design, and a brand new item.

Loads of horror stories can be found on-line about product sent back 
to TE Systems for repair, never to be seen again.  Another reason 
that we decided to go with something new.

--- In Repeater-Builder@yahoogroups.com, Maire-Radios maire-
[EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote:

 Well I think there are 8 or 9 Vocom/Cresend amps I have in service 
all UHF.  1 Henry UHF,  1 TE systems UHF,  6 or so TPL  5 UHF and one 
VHF 2 meter  high end grade amp.
 
 I have had one Vocom go back for repair and testing  but no trouble 
found  so no cost.  had 2 or so TPL go in for repair  and cost about 
$250 each time. That is the best I can come up with   very little 
service on them.
 
 Thanks  John
 
 
   - Original Message - 
   From: Nate Duehr 
   To: Repeater-Builder@yahoogroups.com 
   Sent: Wednesday, February 14, 2007 1:46 PM
   Subject: Re: [Repeater-Builder] Re: 2M Power Amp
 
 
 
 
 
 
   On 2/14/07, Maire-Radios [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote:
 Well I have been using them since about 1989 or so.  They were 
call Vocom at that time and the amps still work.
 John
 
 
   How many have you had die?
 
   That was the question.  Using them since 1989 and replacing one a 
year, wouldn't be worth it.  :-) 
 
   Now that I think about it, I think the PS group had Vocom, and 
replaced the dead one with Cresend -- so it was probably not 
a switch of vendor... just a factory replacement, since they're the 
same company -- going by the other postings on the thread. 
 
   Nate WY0X





[Repeater-Builder] Re: Controllers

2007-02-06 Thread Tony L.
Doesn't Pacific Research market a line of controllers with built in 
CTCSS?

--- In Repeater-Builder@yahoogroups.com, George Poteat [EMAIL PROTECTED] 
wrote:

 Is there a reccomendation for GOOD controller out there that has all 
 the bells and whistles INCLUDING BUILT IN sub-audible (ctcss) 
decoder. 
 We are thinking of moving an old RC-96 to a secondary repeater and 
 replacing it with a gud new 'un.   $1000 +/- range? Club money, not 
 mine   ';o)
 
 CAT 1000 need external decoder, if so, what is good?
 
 George - K4GLP





[Repeater-Builder] FS- UHF Repeater Amp - Needs Work.

2007-02-01 Thread Tony L.
FS – TE Systems Model 4412R 100w continuous duty repeater amp.  420-450 
MHz.  19 rack mount.  15-30 watts in = 100 watts out.  Draws 19 amps.  
12' H, 19 W, 4' D.  No fan; convection cooled with large heat sink.  
Not in working condition.  Make offer via private e-mail.  Located near 
NYC.



[Repeater-Builder] Propagation Software

2007-01-18 Thread Tony L.
Is there someone with a good VHF/UHF propagation software progam on 
their computer who wouldn't mind running a plot for me?  I can't seem 
to get Radio Mobile Deluxe to run properly on my PC.

I have coordinates and all other particulars for a proposed repeater 
site; just need someone to run a plot and send me a JPEG file back.

Please send private e-mail if you could help.

Location is northern NJ.

Thanks.



[Repeater-Builder] WTB - Moto GM300's

2007-01-15 Thread Tony L.
Wanted - VHF  UHF GM300's

VHF- any split.

UHF- 438-470 split.

Any power level, any condition (working preferred).

16 pin connector mandatory.

Mics not needed, but mounting brackets  power cords would be nice.

Send private e-mail; include full model#, condition/accesories
available, and asking price.

Thanks.



Tony




[Repeater-Builder] Re: Switching Power Supply vs. Astron Etc.

2007-01-13 Thread Tony L.
We replaced our troublesome Astron 50 amp, linear, rack mounted supply 
with a Duracomm switched mode model about a year ago.  No problems 
whatsoever thus far.  No noise at all on 70cm.  Much lighter too; I 
didn't hurt my back lifting into the cabinet as I have with the Astron.


--- In Repeater-Builder@yahoogroups.com, n9lv [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote:

 With all the talk about switching power supplies, I asked a question 
 but did not really see my answer.  Currently I have an Astron 70 Amp 
 power supply on the repeater system.  I have access to a 100 Amp 
 Audiopipe DSPS10012 switching power supply available for the 
 repeater.  What would be the (dis)advantage of using this power 
supply 
 and release the 70 Amp Astron that is in line currently?
 
 Mathew





[Repeater-Builder] Re: Mastr II PA's

2006-12-28 Thread Tony L.
Not sure about pricing, but this firm should have what you need:

https://newlondontechnology.com/ss/index.php

--- In Repeater-Builder@yahoogroups.com, Jim Cicirello [EMAIL PROTECTED] 
wrote:

 Happy Holidays to the group! Is there anyone out there that is
 stocking Mastr II parts, like the Mobile PA's for a reasonable price?
 I used my last one yesterday and Dayton is still down the road.
 Thanks JIM  KA2AJH





[Repeater-Builder] Re: repeater antenna suggestions

2006-11-28 Thread Tony L.
Our club's 1151-2 Station Master was installed professionally in 1990 
and is still going strong.  No SWR problems at all and excellent wind 
rating.  I'd highly recommend you spend the extra $150 for a top 
notch antenna.


--- In Repeater-Builder@yahoogroups.com, Sean Fitzharris [EMAIL PROTECTED] 
wrote:

 
 Here here!!
 
 The 1151-2 Station Master sells for around $650 and from what I can 
find
 on the net the HS9-43050 Hustler antenna sells for $500.
 
 Steve, I think your closer to affording it than you think.
 
 Do it right once and worry about it again in 20 years.
 
 -Sean
 
  If you're up on a rough site, where winds and ice/snow
  will break cheap antennas, take a look to see what
  else is on the tower. I bet you'll see Stationmaster
  antennas, maybe with anti-sway bars.
 
  As much as you can't afford it, how many antennas will
  you end up putting on the tower - and watching them
  come crumbling down - until you CAN afford it?
 
  Bite the bullet. Raise money somehow. Raffle off some
  used equipment. Get donations. Find a rich ham who can
  order/donate one. If you already have an investment in
  a good public-service repeater, do your community the
  justice they deserve and go with something rated for
  the environment you have.
 
  Bob M.
  ==
  --- Steve Hutzley [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote:
 
 
  Hello all,
 
  I know I'm asking a loaded question.
 
  Our club just lost our UHF antenna. The last straw
  was a wind storm. The make of the antenna that was
  up there is unknown.
 
  A stationmaster would be nice, but we cant afford
  it.
  A Decibel Products  DB series - I hear are
  maintenance nightmares.
 
  We are looking at A hustler HS9-43050 -
 
  Any comments on the hustler antennas. Or other
  suggestions?
 
  73
  Steve
  N1TEC
 
 
 
  
__
__
  Cheap talk?
  Check out Yahoo! Messenger's low PC-to-Phone call rates.
  http://voice.yahoo.com
 





[Repeater-Builder] Access To National Tower Sites?

2006-11-17 Thread Tony L.
Has anyone had success in getting one or more of the national tower 
companies, such as American Tower, Crown Castle International, Global 
Signal, or SBA Communications, to provide gratis tower space for their 
club's ham repeater?  If so, how did you do it?

If not comfortable posting a reply in the forum, please a private e-
mail.

Thanks.