[Repeater-Builder] Spectra TAC question
Has anyone had much luck with a specra tac voter? I found one at a good price, but I was wanting to know if it would be worth messing with for my amateur repeater. I was told that they require a 100% transmit on the links, but someone else also told me that they could be used normally as well. (when a remote receives a signal, the link keys up) Any info at all would be appreciated. Thanks, Jordan
RE: [Repeater-Builder] Spectra TAC question
Jordan, You are correct when you say that, in *standard* configuration, they do require a 100% status tone on the line. HOWEVER, there was a discussion a while back about using the SpectraTAC system and modifying it so you didn't need the status tone to vote... but I can't find where that was right now. If my memory serves me (and at times, it doesn't grin) the mod wasn't all that involved. I use a SpectraTAC system on my 444.550 machine, but I also have a definite advantage in that the county where the repeater is located is allowing me to use up to three voice channels on their microwave backbone (MUX?) to bring remote RX audio back to the comparator at main repeater. So I'm using the status tone. ;-) I only experienced two issues with my system - power supply failures in the receivers (I've had to rebuild two of them so far), and SQM cards. This is probably due to the fact that this came out of an old VHF Low band system that was in use since the early 70's. (And yes, I did convert the receivers over to UHF with different RX boards. Plug and play for the most part...) The replacement electrolytic caps (23D83093G13) I received from Motorola were substantially larger (physically) than the ones that came out of the old power supply, so I had to modify the receiver cabinet (cut a notch) so the supply would go back into the cabinet after the repair. But there isn't even a HINT of AC in with the DC voltage now. (Saw 0.9VAC on the 13.8VDC before the repair... caused the status tone to vary all over the place.) hehehehe I've also rebuilt five of my SQMs - I had a total of six altogether - so I now have what I hope will be good spares... Had to replace the 3 electrolytic caps on the boards - the electrolyte was actually coming out of the ends of the caps. Check them - the aging effects will be visible. (Or at least they were to me...) One caution - I was told by a Motorola tech NOT to mess around with (i.e., replace) the one 2% tolerance cap the board. Apparently changing it can wreak havoc in trying to get the card working properly again if you don't get the exact same value. Interfacing it to my Kenwood TKR-820 repeater was a bit of a challenge, but has been successfully done - thanks to the assistance of those here on the list. Good luck - and I'm sure someone here will be able to remember the discussion about the modification better than I. Sorry... 73 de Mark - N9WYS -Original Message- From: Repeater-Builder@yahoogroups.com On Behalf Of twoway_tech Has anyone had much luck with a specra tac voter? I found one at a good price, but I was wanting to know if it would be worth messing with for my amateur repeater. I was told that they require a 100% transmit on the links, but someone else also told me that they could be used normally as well. (when a remote receives a signal, the link keys up) Any info at all would be appreciated. Thanks, Jordan
Re: [Repeater-Builder] Spectra TAC question
Jordan, Mark, et al, I have a some of information on the subject of using the Motorola Spectra-TAC voter in a non-Motorola environment. Unfortunately, this information exists in many emails and is not a complete representation of all of the concepts that were discussed in a past thread. That being said, I will offer to either forward the emails I have or make a web page (as hap-hazard as it may be) to convey the information I gathered on the subject. Since I never completed the voter project I set out to do, it is only information and guidelines and won't be the detailed conversion article I would rather it be. Let me know and I'll put something together... Kevin Custer N9WYS wrote: Jordan, You are correct when you say that, in *standard* configuration, they do require a 100% status tone on the line. HOWEVER, there was a discussion a while back about using the SpectraTAC system and modifying it so you didn't need the status tone to vote... but I can't find where that was right now. If my memory serves me (and at times, it doesn't grin) the mod wasn't all that involved. I use a SpectraTAC system on my 444.550 machine, but I also have a definite advantage in that the county where the repeater is located is allowing me to use up to three voice channels on their microwave backbone (MUX?) to bring remote RX audio back to the comparator at main repeater. So I'm using the status tone. ;-) I only experienced two issues with my system - power supply failures in the receivers (I've had to rebuild two of them so far), and SQM cards. This is probably due to the fact that this came out of an old VHF Low band system that was in use since the early 70's. (And yes, I did convert the receivers over to UHF with different RX boards. Plug and play for the most part...) The replacement electrolytic caps (23D83093G13) I received from Motorola were substantially larger (physically) than the ones that came out of the old power supply, so I had to modify the receiver cabinet (cut a notch) so the supply would go back into the cabinet after the repair. But there isn't even a HINT of AC in with the DC voltage now. (Saw 0.9VAC on the 13.8VDC before the repair... caused the status tone to vary all over the place.) hehehehe I've also rebuilt five of my SQMs - I had a total of six altogether - so I now have what I hope will be good spares... Had to replace the 3 electrolytic caps on the boards - the electrolyte was actually coming out of the ends of the caps. Check them - the aging effects will be visible. (Or at least they were to me...) One caution - I was told by a Motorola tech NOT to mess around with (i.e., replace) the one 2% tolerance cap the board. Apparently changing it can wreak havoc in trying to get the card working properly again if you don't get the exact same value. Interfacing it to my Kenwood TKR-820 repeater was a bit of a challenge, but has been successfully done - thanks to the assistance of those here on the list. Good luck - and I'm sure someone here will be able to remember the discussion about the modification better than I. Sorry... 73 de Mark - N9WYS -Original Message- From: Repeater-Builder@yahoogroups.com On Behalf Of twoway_tech Has anyone had much luck with a specra tac voter? I found one at a good price, but I was wanting to know if it would be worth messing with for my amateur repeater. I was told that they require a 100% transmit on the links, but someone else also told me that they could be used normally as well. (when a remote receives a signal, the link keys up) Any info at all would be appreciated. Thanks, Jordan
RE: [Repeater-Builder] Spectra TAC question
Hi, Kevin I'm pretty sure that's how I followed the conversation, too. However, Jordan was the one who was actually looking for the information on how to do it. My system is up and running happily with the status tone - and since the county radio system is allowing me to piggyback my audio on their microwave backbone, there was no need for me to convert. But it looks like Jordan might be investigating the use of remote radio links and may need that info for his project. Mark - N9WYS -Original Message- From: Repeater-Builder@yahoogroups.com On Behalf Of Kevin Custer Jordan, Mark, et al, I have a some of information on the subject of using the Motorola Spectra-TAC voter in a non-Motorola environment. Unfortunately, this information exists in many emails and is not a complete representation of all of the concepts that were discussed in a past thread. That being said, I will offer to either forward the emails I have or make a web page (as hap-hazard as it may be) to convey the information I gathered on the subject. Since I never completed the voter project I set out to do, it is only information and guidelines and won't be the detailed conversion article I would rather it be. Let me know and I'll put something together... Kevin Custer
Re: [Repeater-Builder] Spectra TAC question
Hi Guys, We run Motorola SpectraTac on all of our systems. I also use some with normal staus tone operation and some set up for fixed gain with cor from the link receivers. These run fine mixed mode in the same comparator. I have the details on the mods that I came up with for the SQM's if it would help anyone. Glenn W8AK
Re: [Repeater-Builder] Spectra TAC question
[EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote: Hi Guys, We run Motorola SpectraTac on all of our systems. I also use some with normal staus tone operation and some set up for fixed gain with cor from the link receivers. These run fine mixed mode in the same comparator. I have the details on the mods that I came up with for the SQM's if it would help anyone. Glenn W8AK Yes please... I'll assemble the whole thing into a web article giving credit to those who help contribute. Send to [EMAIL PROTECTED] orw3kkc at repeater (dash) builder dot khom Pictures, Text, PDF's, First Born Kevin
Re: [Repeater-Builder] Spectra TAC question
Yes please assemble the Spectra Tac info. I actually have a comparator and receiver shelf on my bench working on a way to use the two (and more recievers) without the status tone. I have heard of people inserting the status tone at the link receiver end, and several other ideas. So, I would like to hear some other ideas.
Re: [Repeater-Builder] Spectra TAC question
Steve Kometz wrote: Yes please assemble the Spectra Tac info. I actually have a comparator and receiver shelf on my bench working on a way to use the two (and more recievers) without the status tone. I have heard of people inserting the status tone at the link receiver end, and several other ideas. So, I would like to hear some other ideas. I'm working on it Watch here for the announcement of the URL... Kevin As promised http://www.repeater-builder.com/motorola/spectra-tac/spectra-tac-notes-w3kkc.html Thanks to those who have provided so far... Kevin
Re: [Repeater-Builder] Spectra TAC question
Hi Kevin, I found my prints. I have modified schematics and board layouts of the SQM. I will scan them in the morning at work and try to send them to you. Glenn W8AK
