Re: Antenna Thoughts and Suggestions
If you need more?info or help, email me at my call at att dot net?
Chris WB5ITT?
On Mon, Mar 31, 2025, 9:00 AM Chris Boone WB5ITT via <setxtelecom= [email protected]> wrote: Get a duplexer and go with the DB408 at the top...don't use LMR cable...get 1/2 in or bigger HELIAX...
Later you could install a remote HF radio to the UHF rptr since you are in a HOA ...would require an external controller like a RLC which can handle many serial controlled radios...I use Kenwood's myself..
Chris WB5ITT
Former BoD and Frequency Coordinator
TXVHFFM Society
By removing the tip on the DB-408, and putting the Ringo on, you are decreasing the lightning protection.?? Also, by putting the ringo on, you are also inviting lightning.?? I would instead, just install the 408 and be done with it.?? If you want to see the coverage, you can set up an account at and model there for free.
Andy Zorca WJ9J
Yes, 440 will be our first choice on frequency allocation.
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bd
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Re: Antenna Thoughts and Suggestions
For temporary, I would just install a Comet GP3? dual band antenna.? We had one at about 250 ft for 30 yrs with no problems in operation.? When our DB224 antenna failed we moved the repeater over to the comet GP3 diplexed with a UHF link and it played just fine for 10 years until we could fund a climb. The replacement for the db224 was a Telewave with both VHF and UHF loops on the same mast. ????? ? John Lock KF0M Kf0m@... ?
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From: [email protected] <[email protected]> On Behalf Of Bill Davis AE via groups.io
Sent: Monday, March 31, 2025 7:51 AM
To: [email protected]
Subject: [repeater-builder] Antenna Thoughts and Suggestions? We are a new ham radio club (RRARC) in TX with currently 60 members living in a 55 and over retirement community.? As you can imagine, we are tightly governed by HOA rules.?? We are about to install our repeater on the roof of the community clubhouse.? The clubhouse is on a hill with line of sight to the north and east approximately 8 miles.? To the west and south approximately 25 miles. Being new, we do not have a repeater pair allocation yet.? Currently we are operating crossband, receiving on 144.650 and transmitting on 441.350.? These are test frequencies until we can get a permanent installation site and do some ERP mappings in order to request a frequency allocation.? Currently we are operating on a dual band antenna using a diplexer and a Yaesu DR-2x repeater. Here is the question and our plan.? Since we will get one shot at antenna installation, we plan to install a Kenwood DB-408-B (450) antenna.? It is 8' 5" tall.? We plan to remove the top plug and install an ARX-2b Ringo on top.? It is 12' 5" tall.? We plan to receive on the Ringo and transmit on the DB-408.? This will be a temporary solution until we and do site surveys on both 440 and 2mtr in order to request our allocation. Looking for opinions on how well this temporary crossband setup is going to work, using the top antenna for receive and the bottom for transmit with no diplexer since we'll have dual feed lines, and using the vertical stack to negate some desense.? We will be likely using 20 watts.
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Re: Antenna Thoughts and Suggestions
Get a duplexer and go with the DB408 at the top...don't use LMR cable...get 1/2 in or bigger HELIAX...
Later you could install a remote HF radio to the UHF rptr since you are in a HOA ...would require an external controller like a RLC which can handle many serial controlled radios...I use Kenwood's myself..
Chris WB5ITT
Former BoD and Frequency Coordinator
TXVHFFM Society
By removing the tip on the DB-408, and putting the Ringo on, you are decreasing the lightning protection.?? Also, by putting the ringo on, you are also inviting lightning.?? I would instead, just install the 408 and be done with it.?? If you want to see the coverage, you can set up an account at and model there for free.
Andy Zorca WJ9J
Yes, 440 will be our first choice on frequency allocation.
?
bd
|
Re: Antenna Thoughts and Suggestions
By removing the tip on the DB-408, and putting the Ringo on, you are decreasing the lightning protection.?? Also, by putting the ringo on, you are also inviting lightning.?? I would instead, just install the 408 and be done with it.?? If you want to see the coverage, you can set up an account at and model there for free.
Andy Zorca WJ9J
Yes, 440 will be our first choice on frequency allocation.
?
bd
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Re: Antenna Thoughts and Suggestions
Yes, 440 will be our first choice on frequency allocation.
?
bd
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Re: Antenna Thoughts and Suggestions
No, since that requires a permanent site and a site survey.
?
bd
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Re: Antenna Thoughts and Suggestions
In my opinion, the DB408 is a good choice, and the ringo, a bad choice.? What is your plan for permanent frequency?? 440?
Andy Zorca WJ9J
We are a new ham radio club (RRARC) in TX with currently 60 members living in a 55 and over retirement community.? As you can imagine, we are tightly governed by HOA rules.??
?
We are about to install our repeater on the roof of the community clubhouse.? The clubhouse is on a hill with line of sight to the north and east approximately 8 miles.? To the west and south approximately 25 miles.
?
Being new, we do not have a repeater pair allocation yet.? Currently we are operating crossband, receiving on 144.650 and transmitting on 441.350.? These are test frequencies until we can get a permanent installation site and do some ERP mappings in order to request a frequency allocation.? Currently we are operating on a dual band antenna using a diplexer and a Yaesu DR-2x repeater.
?
Here is the question and our plan.? Since we will get one shot at antenna installation, we plan to install a Kenwood DB-408-B (450) antenna.? It is 8' 5" tall.? We plan to remove the top plug and install an ARX-2b Ringo on top.? It is 12' 5" tall.? We plan to receive on the Ringo and transmit on the DB-408.? This will be a temporary solution until we and do site surveys on both 440 and 2mtr in order to request our allocation.
?
Looking for opinions on how well this temporary crossband setup is going to work, using the top antenna for receive and the bottom for transmit with no diplexer since we'll have dual feed lines, and using the vertical stack to negate some desense.? We will be likely using 20 watts.
?
?
TIA
?
Bill?
kg5ie
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Re: Antenna Thoughts and Suggestions
Bill, 2 meter frequency’s are hard to come by in Texas. You are better off going with UHF. With the height you are stating it will work well.? Have you made the application for a frequency from the txvhf fm society website yet??
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On Mar 31, 2025, at 7:50?AM, Bill Davis AE via groups.io <kg5ie@...> wrote:
? We are a new ham radio club (RRARC) in TX with currently 60 members living in a 55 and over retirement community.? As you can imagine, we are tightly governed by HOA rules.??
?
We are about to install our repeater on the roof of the community clubhouse.? The clubhouse is on a hill with line of sight to the north and east approximately 8 miles.? To the west and south approximately 25 miles.
?
Being new, we do not have a repeater pair allocation yet.? Currently we are operating crossband, receiving on 144.650 and transmitting on 441.350.? These are test frequencies until we can get a permanent installation site and do some ERP mappings in order to request a frequency allocation.? Currently we are operating on a dual band antenna using a diplexer and a Yaesu DR-2x repeater.
?
Here is the question and our plan.? Since we will get one shot at antenna installation, we plan to install a Kenwood DB-408-B (450) antenna.? It is 8' 5" tall.? We plan to remove the top plug and install an ARX-2b Ringo on top.? It is 12' 5" tall.? We plan to receive on the Ringo and transmit on the DB-408.? This will be a temporary solution until we and do site surveys on both 440 and 2mtr in order to request our allocation.
?
Looking for opinions on how well this temporary crossband setup is going to work, using the top antenna for receive and the bottom for transmit with no diplexer since we'll have dual feed lines, and using the vertical stack to negate some desense.? We will be likely using 20 watts.
?
?
TIA
?
Bill?
kg5ie
?
?
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Antenna Thoughts and Suggestions
We are a new ham radio club (RRARC) in TX with currently 60 members living in a 55 and over retirement community.? As you can imagine, we are tightly governed by HOA rules.??
?
We are about to install our repeater on the roof of the community clubhouse.? The clubhouse is on a hill with line of sight to the north and east approximately 8 miles.? To the west and south approximately 25 miles.
?
Being new, we do not have a repeater pair allocation yet.? Currently we are operating crossband, receiving on 144.650 and transmitting on 441.350.? These are test frequencies until we can get a permanent installation site and do some ERP mappings in order to request a frequency allocation.? Currently we are operating on a dual band antenna using a diplexer and a Yaesu DR-2x repeater.
?
Here is the question and our plan.? Since we will get one shot at antenna installation, we plan to install a Kenwood DB-408-B (450) antenna.? It is 8' 5" tall.? We plan to remove the top plug and install an ARX-2b Ringo on top.? It is 12' 5" tall.? We plan to receive on the Ringo and transmit on the DB-408.? This will be a temporary solution until we and do site surveys on both 440 and 2mtr in order to request our allocation.
?
Looking for opinions on how well this temporary crossband setup is going to work, using the top antenna for receive and the bottom for transmit with no diplexer since we'll have dual feed lines, and using the vertical stack to negate some desense.? We will be likely using 20 watts.
?
?
TIA
?
Bill?
kg5ie
?
?
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The trick is to start with where you go far enough from the exposed end where you find the braid that is still shiny, just solder through goop and use silver plated? not nickel? plated? connectors, and a real iron of at least 100W (no solder gun)
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John
On 03/30/2025 2:23 PM EDT Brandon DX via groups.io <rfburnz@...> wrote:
?
?
I found a ferrule that came off another DB dipole (can't remember which one)
I measured some flooded coax and managed to solder to it.
this before any weatherproofing applied
Its a nasty job!? I'd much rather use something like you fabbed there
Reid? W6MTF
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Yes indeed, so do I after the length is determined with a hose clamp. Easier to waterproof the connection and less ice accumulation.?
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John
On 03/30/2025 1:42 PM EDT Chuck Kelsey via groups.io <wb2edv@...> wrote:
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?
I've always used unslotted tubing. Get the length set, drill hole all the way through, tap all the way, use stainless steel machine screw. Never gave me any trouble. Have a few in the air for 10-plus years (probably 20 years).
Chuck
On 3/30/2025 1:14 PM, John via groups.io wrote:
Hi Reid,
?
Yes, neat idea extending the mid band loops. Can't you just use those shredded stainless steel scouring pads? (not steel wool) to remove the outside anodizing? I find they work great on aluminum and leave a smooth surface.
?
The tubing from DX Engineering is the weaker 6063-T5, instead of the stronger 6061-T6 probably on the Scala. I get my 6061-T6 aluminum from Online Metals. Just mark the cut end with black magic marker -4 lines at 90 degrees, place? the tubing in a vise, and cut the 4 slots in about 1 inch with a hacksaw. I like 4 slots rather than 2 slot lines so the slots are thinner for the same amount of ID reduction and the slots do not have to be as long as with 2. I did get the vinyl cap with the hole drilled for the wire from DX Engineering. Permaseal Ultra Blue was used for waterproofing.(no acetic acid and really adheres to aluminum and a good dielectric).
?
The extended N was from Dave's Hobby Shop (used) Be sure to use stranded wire. We used silver plated Teflon.?
?
John
?
?
On 03/30/2025 12:05 PM EDT Brandon DX via groups.io <rfburnz@...> wrote:
?
?
John,
That is an interesting termination you made, definitely waterproof!
I have enough DB212's. see pic, already de-dimpled and set to the proper lengths for 52megs
I need to cross cut the ends of the extension pieces.
I found DX Engineering has the exact dia tube w/ ends already cross cut for hose clamps.
I have to replace the gold colored pieces that came off a Scala yagi because they are anodized (!)?
If I had access to a water tower I'd place them around the diameter like they did in Nixa MO.
I just looked at their website but don't see 6M any longer. Maybe they have them on 10M, since they have two 10M repeaters (!)
Reid? W6MTF
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Re: Quantar Extender Cables
Also, soap the rails w/dry Ivory bar soap to lubricate.
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Re: Quantar Extender Cables
Actually, that's pretty f@#$ing clever. What I would REALLY like to find, is the heavy nylon pry-tool that M made to pull the modules out of the chassis.
What I currently use is a square wooden dowel and tap w/a hammer from the rear.
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Re: THREAT TO 222-225MHz Spectrum
I’m sure the ARRL is sitting there, wringing their hands and planning the next batch of mailings to go out and pander for additional funds. ? Mike WM4B ?
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From: [email protected] <[email protected]> On Behalf Of Dave Jordan via groups.io
Sent: Sunday, March 30, 2025 9:10 AM
To: [email protected]
Subject: Re: [repeater-builder] THREAT TO 222-225MHz Spectrum? Hi John, I'm sorry to hear this news. Where is the ARRL in all of this?? The?ARRL often claims how much they do for ham radio and how they are the sole representative of amateur radio with the FCC!? Where is their ARRL WDC council? ? On Sun, Mar 30, 2025 at 8:09?AM John N. Hudson III via <jake=[email protected]> wrote: I know you're not in Southern California however, we've recently had the FCC issue Experimental Licenses to a company that is testing a Radar System with 10KW ERP causing interference to several Amateur Repeaters in the Los Angeles basin. The FCC Enforcement Bureau from the Cerritos Office was successful to get them off the air as we are Primary on the band. But, now the same company has received a Experimental License to conduct the same testing at the Yuma, Arizona proving grounds with an ERP of 7KW which will cause interference to 220 repeaters from Arizona to southern mountains bordering Imperial, San Diego, Riverside and even San Bernardino County. This is a serious threat to our spectrum and we need to protect it. If you were around during the UPS spectrum grab of 220-222MHz you'll know what I mean. I am the President of the 220 Spectrum Management Association which is the Radio Amateur organization who coordinates repeater channels in Southern California (). Please check this out, if this can happen in LA, it can and left uncheck will anywhere else. John N. Hudson III, WA6HYQ
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I found a ferrule that came off another DB dipole (can't remember which one)
I measured some flooded coax and managed to solder to it.
this before any weatherproofing applied
Its a nasty job!? I'd much rather use something like you fabbed there
Reid? W6MTF
|
Re: Quantar Extender Cables
This is what I came up with, needs a little bit of refinement though on the width of the board to be supported in the chassis correctly.
I can't find any information on the socket the power supply and power amp use.
If anyone has a picture of the official Motorola set that would help a lot.
On Sat, Mar 29, 2025, 13:08 Jeff Acree via <locustpointlight= [email protected]> wrote: Are there extender cards or cables to aid in Quantar module troubleshooting and tuning?? Other than some content on the W9CR website, which was very useful, I have not been able to find a thing.? ?It seems like I may end up having to use a stripped down Quantar Chassis for this purpose.
?
Thanks!
Jeff? KC8VFN
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I've always used unslotted tubing. Get
the length set, drill hole all the way through, tap all the way,
use stainless steel machine screw. Never gave me any trouble. Have
a few in the air for 10-plus years (probably 20 years).
Chuck
On 3/30/2025 1:14 PM, John via
groups.io wrote:
toggle quoted message
Show quoted text
Hi Reid,
?
Yes, neat
idea extending the mid band loops. Can't you just use those
shredded stainless steel scouring pads? (not steel wool) to
remove the outside anodizing? I find they work great on
aluminum and leave a smooth surface.
?
The
tubing from DX Engineering is the weaker 6063-T5, instead of
the stronger 6061-T6 probably on the Scala. I get my 6061-T6
aluminum from Online Metals. Just mark the cut end with black
magic marker -4 lines at 90 degrees, place? the tubing in a
vise, and cut the 4 slots in about 1 inch with a hacksaw. I
like 4 slots rather than 2 slot lines so the slots are thinner
for the same amount of ID reduction and the slots do not have
to be as long as with 2. I did get the vinyl cap with the hole
drilled for the wire from DX Engineering. Permaseal Ultra Blue
was used for waterproofing.(no acetic acid and really adheres
to aluminum and a good dielectric).
?
The
extended N was from Dave's Hobby Shop (used) Be sure to use
stranded wire. We used silver plated Teflon.?
?
John
?
?
On 03/30/2025 12:05 PM EDT Brandon DX via groups.io
<rfburnz@...> wrote: ?
?
John,
That is an interesting termination you made, definitely
waterproof!
I have enough DB212's. see pic, already de-dimpled and set
to the proper lengths for 52megs
I need to cross cut the ends of the extension pieces.
I found DX Engineering has the exact dia tube w/ ends
already cross cut for hose clamps.
I have to replace the gold colored pieces that came off a
Scala yagi because they are anodized (!)?
If I had access to a water tower I'd place them around the
diameter like they did in Nixa MO.
I just looked at their website but don't see 6M any
longer. Maybe they have them on 10M, since they have two 10M
repeaters (!)
Reid? W6MTF
|
Hi Reid,
?
Yes, neat idea extending the mid band loops. Can't you just use those shredded stainless steel scouring pads? (not steel wool) to remove the outside anodizing? I find they work great on aluminum and leave a smooth surface.
?
The tubing from DX Engineering is the weaker 6063-T5, instead of the stronger 6061-T6 probably on the Scala. I get my 6061-T6 aluminum from Online Metals. Just mark the cut end with black magic marker -4 lines at 90 degrees, place? the tubing in a vise, and cut the 4 slots in about 1 inch with a hacksaw. I like 4 slots rather than 2 slot lines so the slots are thinner for the same amount of ID reduction and the slots do not have to be as long as with 2. I did get the vinyl cap with the hole drilled for the wire from DX Engineering. Permaseal Ultra Blue was used for waterproofing.(no acetic acid and really adheres to aluminum and a good dielectric).
?
The extended N was from Dave's Hobby Shop (used) Be sure to use stranded wire. We used silver plated Teflon.?
?
John
?
?
On 03/30/2025 12:05 PM EDT Brandon DX via groups.io <rfburnz@...> wrote:
?
?
John,
That is an interesting termination you made, definitely waterproof!
I have enough DB212's. see pic, already de-dimpled and set to the proper lengths for 52megs
I need to cross cut the ends of the extension pieces.
I found DX Engineering has the exact dia tube w/ ends already cross cut for hose clamps.
I have to replace the gold colored pieces that came off a Scala yagi because they are anodized (!)?
If I had access to a water tower I'd place them around the diameter like they did in Nixa MO.
I just looked at their website but don't see 6M any longer. Maybe they have them on 10M, since they have two 10M repeaters (!)
Reid? W6MTF
|
John,
That is an interesting termination you made, definitely waterproof!
I have enough DB212's. see pic, already de-dimpled and set to the proper lengths for 52megs
I need to cross cut the ends of the extension pieces.
I found DX Engineering has the exact dia tube w/ ends already cross cut for hose clamps.
I have to replace the gold colored pieces that came off a Scala yagi because they are anodized (!)?
If I had access to a water tower I'd place them around the diameter like they did in Nixa MO.
I just looked at their website but don't see 6M any longer. Maybe they have them on 10M, since they have two 10M repeaters (!)
Reid? W6MTF
|
Re: THREAT TO 222-225MHz Spectrum
Bryan pointed out the STA info was included in the first post, thanks. I'm listening to the 220 band in SSB mode from So Cal right now and see what looks like radar from roughly 217 to 222MHz. When listening in the 222.000 to 222.050 range reserved for EME I am getting a little interference from the radar using an Icom R-8600 receiver and discone antenna.?
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Chris Boone WB5ITT
Bill Davis AE
Mike Besemer - WM4B
Brandon DX
