In a message dated 99-04-18 18:57:58 EDT, you write:
<< > I just acquired a Motorola MSR2000 VHF 100w 4 ch base station, originally
> set up for remote (two wire DC/tone) operation.
>
> I want to convert this radio to a 2 meter repeater, and I understand that
a
> "squelch gate" module (TRN5324A), with some modifications is the "main
> thing" needed to make the conversion from base to repeater operations.
>
> My questions are:
>
> 1. The instruction manual says that a "time out timer" module (TRN5295A)
> is standard with the factory repeater configuration. Is this module
> absolutely necessary for repeater operation (circuit wise)? Are there FCC
> regs requiring or "good practice" conventions, so that installing a time
> out timer is a must or highly recommended? (the PA/PS is 100% duty cycle)
>
No, your controller should now be the one to handle the TOT, ID, etc.
functions.
> 2. What is the best, easily programmable, Morse CWID board available,
> that requires minimum modification to the MSR2000 circuitry? (I want to
do
> a "clean" installation.)
Look at Richard Reese WA8DBW's page about adding and external controller to a
Micor (and presumabley MSR2000 - same basic control functions and pins on the
cards. Look at : <>. This
shoud give you a really CLEAN connection to the squelch gate. Plug and
UnPlug.
>
> 3. What other control modules should be left installed for repeater
> operation? Presently the installed modules are: line driver, station
> control module, guard tone decoder, squelch gate, four frequency control,
> and R1 Audio.
>
> 4. Are there any RX-TX tune up issues (anything quirky)? >>
Check the RX and TX cards in the cage - see whether they have the full-duplex
filtering coils and caps on them or not. If they don't, you may be in for
some internal desense, unless you get the manual and add in correct filtering
per schematics.
Also, be very wary of the PA - At least the UHF PAs for MSR2000's tend to not
really like continuous duty operation - there's a large current-sense
resistor in the PA which if the PA runs too hot for too long, its solder
moorings let loose and you've got flaky PA. Had this told to me by an
old-time Motorola bench tech, went looking for it and sure enuff that's what
I found and had to fix.
Good Luck!
Chuk Gleason
kb4mdz
