Re: [Repeater-Builder] 633-6a-2n notch duplexer
The "10 dB" of pass loss is indicative of the RX and TX ports are "swapped". Depending on what the duplexer was intended to connect to, ignore the RX/TX labeling and think of the ports as HIGH and LOW. Look at the rx/tx frequencies on the main label to let you know which is high and low. Best of luck, Mike/W5JR ---[Original Message]--- From: [EMAIL PROTECTED] To: Repeater-Builder@yahoogroups.com Sent: Jun 19, 2008 2:04:15 PM Subject: Re: [Repeater-Builder] 633-6a-2n notch duplexer Dave, I've tuned a number of these 633s and had no problems. They are pretty much notch only with wide pass. Often get over 90 db notch with little, less than 1 db, insertion loss. I would think you have some internal problem, maybe from lightning. Wish I could help more. 73, ron, n9ee/r >From: catdoogan1969 <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> >Date: 2008/06/18 Wed AM 01:54:08 EDT >To: Repeater-Builder@yahoogroups.com >Subject: [Repeater-Builder] 633-6a-2n notch duplexer > >hey guys, > >I've got my hands on a GR1225 repeater with an RFE4000a (Celwave >633-2a-2n) notch duplexer and a phone patch. > >The repeater had some questionable solder problems on the output of >the final due very likely to the poorly tuned duplexer. The solder >was a quick fix and repeater has a healthy 30 watt output with clean >rx (opening about .25uV). > >My current problem is the tuning of this duplexer, I started out with >decent rx at the dx antenna input but no tx power was passing. >Checked with watt meter at the tx port and had full reflect. Tried >retuning tx side and lost rx sens. I can't seem to get either the rx >or tx lined up now. I can get the notches placed right but the pass >portion does not get much higher than -10dB (incoming set to 0dB) >usually lower. > >Is there a start from scratch tuning procedure on these? I contacted >celwave and they gave me a very simple tuning procedure. My problem >is that I do not know what the original frequencies were on this >duplexer. The documentation says that these units are good across >450-470MHz but could there be certain frequencies that they just don't >work well at. > >I am using an IFR 1900CSA Monitor with a tracking gen and a 50ohm load >on the opposite port being tuned. > >Any thoughts on what I am doing wrong would be great...I'm starting to >think I've over-promised on this unit. > >Thanks guys, > >Dave > > > Ron Wright, N9EE 727-376-6575 MICRO COMPUTER CONCEPTS Owner 146.64 repeater Tampa Bay, FL No tone, all are welcome.
Re: [Repeater-Builder] Re: Reasonably low wind load antenna
A Ringo (not the Ranger) is an end-fed half wave -- the same antenna as a Jpole. If you want a rugged inexpensive decent antenna, build a copper pipe Jpole. Many plans are on the net. I've built several from the Copper Cactus web site. Works great, lasts a long time. Mike/W5JR ---[Original Message]--- From: [EMAIL PROTECTED] To: Repeater-Builder@yahoogroups.com Sent: Jun 24, 2008 11:51:46 PM Subject: Re: [Repeater-Builder] Re: Reasonably low wind load antenna You know, a Ringo only has metal-to-metal joints so it can be fit in a small box for shipping. It's not a bad performing antenna for its size otherwise, and would be great where low wind load is required. I wonder if someone with the right materials and heliarc welding skills couldn't clone a joint-less, clamp-less version which would be suitable for full duplex? 73, Paul, AE4KR - Original Message - From: [EMAIL PROTECTED] To: Repeater-Builder@yahoogroups.com Sent: Tuesday, June 24, 2008 9:24 PM Subject: Re: [Repeater-Builder] Re: Reasonably low wind load antenna At 6/24/2008 09:57, you wrote: >No, I was referring to whoever suggested a Ringo Ranger for repeater use. >Ernie >W6KAP Ahh yes, I think we can all agree that a Ringo Ranger isn't a suitable repeater antenna. Unfortunately, it was all I had back in my early days for my 2 meter base station. The Comet, Diamond & less expensive knock-offs didn't exist back then. I tried building a StationMaster out of RG-8, but I could never get known-good plans for one (this was even before the days of dial-up BBSs). Bob NO6B
Re: [Repeater-Builder] RELM SMUxx Link Radio?
Another place to look for rx audio is the top side of the volume pot. Some are squelch gated and some aren't, but it should be constant level and decent frequency response. Also, be aware that if you are using tone decode on the rx, the busy light may not follow the tone decode function. Some radios "flash" or "blink" the busy light when receiving a signal without the programmed ctcss/dtcss. Mike/W5JR ---[Original Message]--- From: [EMAIL PROTECTED] To: Repeater-Builder@yahoogroups.com Sent: Jul 3, 2008 1:49:32 PM Subject: Re: [Repeater-Builder] RELM SMUxx Link Radio? Thanks for the ideas... I'll have to check on the Relm I have and see if she has a 'busy' indicator, thinking it does, should have some 4N25's or similar laying on the bench somewhere from another project, fortunately the controllers aren't fussy and can use either + or - for COS. I was trying to avoid using the speaker audio but it looks like that might be the easiest choice right now unless I can find something better between now and next week. Thanks, Dave - N0TRQ -- Every electronic device is manufactured with smoke stored deep inside... only a true genius can find a way to set it free. On Thu, Jul 3, 2008 at 9:18 AM, Jim Brown <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> wrote: >I have had good success in obtaining a COS signal from an 'unknown > circuit' by opening the lead to the front panel LED that indicates receive > activity. Place the diode of an opto isolator in series with the LED and > then use the transistor section of the opto isolator in your circuit as the > COS signal. You can use the transistor to pull up a resistor to a positive > voltage if you need a positive going COS ( with the other end grounded) or > you can pull a resistor to ground for a negative going COS (with the other > end connected to a plus voltage ). > > I have no idea if your radios have this front panel activity LED, but most > do. The PTT and mic inputs are pretty straightforward, and the speaker > audio can be used in a pinch, if the knob is removed from the audio gain > control to discourage folks from 'tweaking'. > > 73 - Jim W5ZIT > > > --- On *Tue, 7/1/08, dakaratcaptivereefing <[EMAIL PROTECTED]>* wrote: > > From: dakaratcaptivereefing <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> > Subject: [Repeater-Builder] RELM SMUxx Link Radio? > To: Repeater-Builder@yahoogroups.com > Date: Tuesday, July 1, 2008, 12:42 PM > > I've recently been tasked to link a couple of VHF repeaters with a UHF > link.. not too difficult, however the link radio's provided are Relm > SMU's, they are all programmed and ready to go. > > I'm just having trouble finding any good docs on locations to tap for > Rcv/Tx audio and maybe COS in these radios. > > On the plus side, I've bought an extra controller for myself and have > an extra mobile rig of the same model to experiment with before > tackling the repeaters... might as well make a mobile remote base for > my RV to play with while out fishing etc... > > Can anyone recommend a good starting point or some docs? Even better I > like pics :) > > Thanks > Dave - N0TRQ > > > > --
Re: [Repeater-Builder] Re: MSR2000 narrow banding
Ron, I think you missed the humor of the response. Mike/W5JR ---[Original Message]--- From: [EMAIL PROTECTED] To: Repeater-Builder@yahoogroups.com Sent: Jul 16, 2008 1:25:57 PM Subject: Re: [Repeater-Builder] Re: MSR2000 narrow banding The MSR2000 does not have a syntheser...it is crystal controlled. Maybe you are thinking of the MSF5000, hi. 73, ron, n9ee/r >From: nj902 <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> >Date: 2008/07/16 Wed AM 11:07:26 EDT >To: Repeater-Builder@yahoogroups.com >Subject: [Repeater-Builder] Re: MSR2000 narrow banding > >There is a special RSS for the MSR2000 that will let you put it on any >frequency you want. > >You don't even need to sign a license agreement. Just call >International Crystal. They can 'reprogram' the >MSR2000 'synthesizers' for you. ;) > >-- > >--- In Repeater-Builder@yahoogroups.com, wd8chl <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> wrote: > >"One BIG glitch-depending on the band/frequency, it may not program to >the new frequency. On VHF especially, there are channels that cannot >be programmed in the synthesizer. ..." > > > Ron Wright, N9EE 727-376-6575 MICRO COMPUTER CONCEPTS Owner 146.64 repeater Tampa Bay, FL No tone, all are welcome.
[Repeater-Builder] WTD - 222 bandpass filter
Local club is in need of a 222 bandpass filter or cavity suitable for use between the duplexer and the pre-amp. Please email direct if you have one avaulable. Thanks Mike/W5JR
[Repeater-Builder] WTD - VHF RX antenna splitter
Greetings. I'm looking for preferrably a 2 port VHF (for 144.8x) antenna splitter (aka multicoupler). A 4 port would work if that is all we can find. Please email direct if you have such an item. Thanks Mike/W5JR
[Repeater-Builder] WTD - 220 bandpass cavity
Hello RBites I think I posted this previously, but still lloking for a 222 MHz bandpass cavity/filter. It is going in front of a pre-amp, so it does not have to handle any TX power. Direct replies appreciated. Thanks Mike / W5JR / Milton, GA [EMAIL PROTECTED]
RE: [Repeater-Builder] Re: Feedback Problem
Another way to validate the 1600 KHz theory is to tune the RX/TX split off of 1.6 MHz. You should easily be able to warp the RX at least +/- 10 KHz and the TX an opposite 10 KHz for a 1.58 or 1.62 MHz spacing. If the feedback goes away, 1600 KHz transmitters are the likely culprit. Best of luck solving that. Years ago at a broadcast tower site, 2 FM stations were 5 MHz apart. All of the UHF commercial guys left the tower (and other sites for about a mile radius) and we were fortunate enough to be allowed a non 5 MHz split for our ham repeater - problem solved for us! We later changed sites and moved to a 5 MHz split. And I think others have mentioned that 1.6 MHz is a very common spacing for FM stations in a given market. Mike/W5JR ---[Original Message]--- From: [EMAIL PROTECTED] To: Repeater-Builder@yahoogroups.com Sent: Aug 27, 2008 4:58:11 PM Subject: [Repeater-Builder] Re: Feedback Problem Just an update on my issues with my 224.060 repeater feeding back into itself, and it possibly being related to a 1600 kHz AM station. I was up at the repeater site today and noticed another signal besides WUNR (20 miles away) on 1600 that gradually became very strong as I approached the site. With a portable radio, I found the signal to be coming from another piece of equipment in the same building that my repeater is located in. I'm going to ask the person that maintains that equipment if he can power it down for a minute sometime to see if my feedback goes away. Hopefully I'm onto something here... 73 Jeff Lehmann - N1ZZN Hanson, MA
Re: [Repeater-Builder] Re: 6 meter repeater
Some areas have AM stations on 1000 KHz making the 1 MHz split a non-starter. The 0.5 MHz split solves that and was popular when mobile transmitters had a tough time with repeat/direct (remember those radios?). The 1.7 MHz split also solves this and usually is not a problem for newer radios (but may be for the antenna!). I've seen listings where the single site is on 1.7 MHz split with an offsite receiver on the 1 MHz split. Mike/W5JR ---[Original Message]--- From: [EMAIL PROTECTED] To: Repeater-Builder@yahoogroups.com Sent: Sep 3, 2008 7:07:30 PM Subject: Re: [Repeater-Builder] Re: 6 meter repeater Where did you hear that? It's certainly not true. 1.7 MHz is the split in some areas, but others use 0.5, 1.0, or 1.6 MHz. Joe M. > The 1.7 mhz is the new aloted band > plan split for 6 meter band in the US.
[Repeater-Builder] RC-85 CW/tones
Greetings. While working on an RC-85, the cw (and courtesy tones) suddenly quit. Repeat audio and speech still work. Input lines to the DAC chip appear to wiggle in a fashion that suggests they are working - the correct cw is recognizable on the O'scope but nothing appears at the DAC output. Anyone been here and fixed it? New DAC? Thanks for the bandwidth. Mike/W5JR
RE: [Repeater-Builder] Re: Portable Temporary Repeater
For what it's worth, the FCC authorized repeater sub-bands for 2m are 144.5-145.5 and 146.0-148.0, so putting a "repeater" input (or output) square on 145.5 will likely have part of the "repeater" operating outside the sub-band if that matters to you. Mike/W5JR ---[Original Message]--- From: [EMAIL PROTECTED] To: Repeater-Builder@yahoogroups.com Sent: Oct 3, 2008 3:07:08 AM Subject: [Repeater-Builder] Re: Portable Temporary Repeater <<"Observations, suggestions, and your crazy are appreciated!">> Unfortunately I have to add myself to the list of naysayers but to answer as you requested: "Basically the question is: at a 2 mhz seperation (odd split) on VHF can one get away without using duplexers (cans), utilizing separate rx/tx antenna's, spaced about 20 ft apart! Without desense or other issues" NO. Inadequate physical separation, inadequate frequency separation, especially using the equipment described. "Being such a remote area, and the nearest 2 meter repeater is well over 50 miles away, and nowhere near these frequencies - 145.500 rx/147.500 out using a tone of 179.9, I do not see any interference issues there!" As you suggest, the likelihood of interference is small but NOT nonexistent. If it were me, I think I'd have a receiver (on carrier squelch) monitoring your repeater output just for the purpose of CYA. Overkill? Maybe, but as the movie actor asked, "Do you feel lucky today?" At least you could answer truthfully that the frequency was monitored. --- In Repeater-Builder@yahoogroups.com, "Louis" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> wrote: > > I apologize if this has been addressed previously, or even close! Do > not have a substantial amount of time to complete this research! > > Situation: An event in a remote area, one hill top is well enough > that coverage at around 10 watts VHF for the repeater could cover most > of our Aid Stations, 2 with HT's, the other 3 with Portables at 25 > watts or so, could get into the repeater! > > In the past, we have used crossband UHF in, VHF out, and it worked ok! > Except for issues with a couple of HT's not being able to cut the > input out during transmit! My goal, is to design a lite weight, low > power consumption (i.e. fewest batteries possible, as the hill top is > only assessable by hiking or horseback! > > What I have on hand: > > Single band 2m HT for receive > Single band Yaesu 2M FT2800R for transmit @ 12.5 watts! > Pair of homebrewed 2 m aluminum j-poles > > Need to acquire: > > simple controller - NHRC-2 looks workable! > batteries - based on estimated power consumption of final configuration! > > > Basically the question is: at a 2 mhz seperation (odd split) on VHF > can one get away without using duplexers (cans), utilizing separate > rx/tx antenna's, spaced about 20 ft apart! Without desense or other > issues! > > Being such a remote area, and the nearest 2 meter repeater is well > over 50 miles away, and nowhere near these frequencies - 145.500 > rx/147.500 out using a tone of 179.9, I do not see any interference > issues there! > > Observations, suggestions, and your crazy are appreciated! > > Thank You, > > K1STX >
[Repeater-Builder] Celwave CD220-B Isolator
I've searched high and low but not found my Celwave catalogs. The RFS site was no help. Can someone confirm that the CD220-B is for 220 MHz? Their naming conventions appear straight forward. And if indeed for 220, has anyone used one in the ham band on a repeater? Thanks Mike/W5JR
