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Suggestions for service monitor
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With SDR being a thing these days, is there any software that could turn say a BladeRF into a capable service monitor for duplexer tuning and alignment? Or any off the shelf solutions which just connect to a computer with USB for operating the service monitor so you don't need the expense of a box with everything in it, similar to the USB oscilloscopes? If not, what is the best bang-for-your-buck ebay-able service monitor that is suitable for most basic service/alignment tasks on repeaters/mobiles/duplexers? Thanks, Mike
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Hi all, Re-posting this as for some reason our first post never made it through: We're running into a major issue with a recently assembled RC210 — it’s not responding to valid COS signals or PTT (besides manually triggering it) on any of the three ports, even though the connected repeaters are confirmed working. We're interfacing with both a Motorola XPR8300 and a Kenwood TKR-740 — and here’s what we’ve confirmed: Repeater Tests (XPR8300 & TKR-740) COS (Pin 21 / GPIO3 on XPR8300): Drops from ~4.66V to ~0.53V when receiving a signal (confirmed using XPR Pin 16 as GND). PTT (Pin 17 / GPIO1): Keys repeater successfully when pulled low. We repeated these tests using a Kenwood TKR-740 repeater with the same result — valid COS signals present and working as expected. All measurements taken directly at the repeater accessory connectors using a multimeter. RC210 was disconnected for isolation testing. RC210 Fails to Detect COS All jumpers set per manual (e.g., JP2 = 1–2 for Active Low input on Port 1). GND is confirmed clean and consistent across DB9 pins 6, 8, and 9. Simulating COS by shorting DB9 Pin 7 (COS IN) to Pin 6 (GND) results in: No COS LED No PTT trigger No voltage drop on PTT OUT (Pin 3) However, manually shorting DB9 Pin 3 to GND causes the PTT LED to light and voltage to drop to 0V — confirming the RC210's PTT output circuitry is working correctly. ** All three ports, no automatic PTT detection either ** Same behavior confirmed on Ports 1, 2, and 3 — no COS detection on any port. We had this unit assembled by Mr. Ken at Arcom, and he sent it back to us in a timely manner, we also emailed him our findings as well, hopefully he can help us with this. Additionally, during troubleshooting the board, we found several clipped component leads left between pads and vias. We removed these and looked over the board for any shorted traces etc. - the bigger concern remains the complete failure of COS input logic. Looking for any guidance from other users in the group in the meantime. Perhaps any other others of the XPR8300/8400 would also share their experiences and their pinning, we included a snapshot of our CPS Accy settings. Has anyone else seen this issue before? Could all three COS input stages actually be defective, or are we missing a board-level config step? … We did successfully connect it to the PC software but did not change any default settings, as it should have worked at least on the ‘basic default’ settings without changing anything correct? Thanks in advance, Bryan, KB9UZO Eastern Colorado Repeater Association-ECRA
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Just getting into DMR with some motorola XPR stuff, looking for suggestions as to if the stuff I bought is actually a good fit for my use case
Hi, I recently bought a UHF XPR 8300 repeater and a UHF XPR 5550 at a hamfest. I'm planning on using these on a commercial pair. I was hoping to use enhanced encryption for this, which I think licenses can be bought for around $50 based on a quick search. The person I bought it from didn't seem super familiar with encryption, but was saying that the repeater is not able to load an encryption key, only the mobiles/portables can. That seemed strange to me since there was also someone else there that seemed very familiar with this repeater, saying that yes you can use an analog tone remote through the back connector, but I was thinking how could the repeater encrypt the traffic which is originating directly from it if it can't load an encryption key? And now it seems like it can't do that at all. Maybe through a digital remote where you load the key into the remote itself? I also bought an XPR 5580 for 33cm ham use, analog to start with there but hoping some DMR 33cm repeaters come on the air near me at some point. I probably should not have impulse bought these, especially the repeater, since now that I'm looking into it more and I'm not sure if it fits my use case. I suppose as long as it works the price wasn't bad and I can sell it or possibly use it as a portable repeater for occasional temporary setups. First off, is it not possible to use analog 4 wire tone remotes into the rear connector of the XPR 8300? I was hoping to be able to have the repeater set up for DMR but still use analog tone remotes connected to it, but I don't think that is possible now. I was also hoping to use the ethernet interface to link it to voip infrastructure, similar to allstarlink (but for my private use), mainly phone patch and any other reason I want a computer based interface to it where the computer can TX/RX audio to/from it, for instance custom command & control purposes, and potentially a bridge to allow me to use my existing analog tone remotes in the event the repeater can't handle that itself. I think this might be possible with something like MMDVM where hopefully the repeater can handle the encryption (if it even can)? Originally I was just assuming that it was possible to do analog voice into it and have a TX/RX/COR/PTT line to something like an RA-42, and then have that audio digitized in the repeater. I assume if that were possible then somewhere in the repeater configuration you would tie the analog 4-wire line into a specific DMR talkgroup, but it seems it was very dumb of me to make all these assumptions. If the repeater was able to handle analog voice into it, hopefully it would have multiple paths like the Quantar, one could be for the RA-42 and the other could go direct to the tone remotes, with the remote F keys able to select different talk groups. If this was a dumb purchase for this use case then, is there a repeater which could handle some or all of these use cases? Thanks for reading! Mike
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Mtr2000 wireline
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I'm trying to figure out why our mtr2000 isn't passing any audio. We're using an external repeater controller through the wireline connector. This is new to us, and we're trying to get things set up before we go to the site. Before I try too hard and break something... Is that 4 pin connector (J6) supposed to come off? How do I release the wires? I tried pushing into one of the small holes, figuring that would release a clamp. The wires aren't budging. Thanks. Don
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Kenwood NXR 810 repeater
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Hello everyone Question regarding a NXR810 repeater, What cables & software are needed to reprogram the repeater, also dose Kenwood use an interface box like the older Motorola rib box?. Thanks Bob KD6GNB
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Attempting to program a Maxon SM2150. Looking for proper prog cable. Have software.
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Attempting to program a Maxon SM2150. I have software but having a tough time locating a programming cable. The information I find tells me the SM 2000 series requires Maxon SMP 2000 programming cable. I'm prepared to purchase a cable (or borrow). It is my understanding that the prog. cable plugs into the mike socket (RJ). My SM 2150 has a 15 pin connector directly above the +12 VDC wires. Would this be a prog. connection? I have no info on this connector. Having the rear connector confuses things. I'm not certain whether the radio programs thru the mic. connector or the rear connector. If the rear connector is for programming, then the SMP2000 would be an incorrect cable. Hopefully someone will have an answer. Tim AE7TH Vashon Is. Wa.
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I have a few of these LMM 220 amplifiers. I drive it with .05w and it gives me 113W or so output. From the analyzer it looks very clean. Of course these amps were not made for FM. I have seen a few past posts where people would talk about these and several are in use, but there is only one post where someone said to bypass a capacitor to use on fm. No mention what cap he is referring to. For those who are familiar with this amp, enlighten me on your expirence or knowledge. It would be real nice to convert the exciter and receiver to fm! That’s fairyland thinking… 73 WZ5TX
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147.06
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Last night at the Orange Club meeting, I saw another testament to the dumbing down of America and ham radio..... The question was asked why the 147.06 rptr was down and the answer given was "It was down for maintenance"....I could not believe my ears....at the end of the meeting I walked to the new ham who made that statement and looked him in the eye and said "Nice LIE...its off because the license expired a month ago and it was still on the air illegally..." He replied yep.... WTH??? You have to LIE about something like that??? Hell, I forgot to file the renewal on my AM station in Lumberton and finally got it done the DAY before it expired....I got hit with a $1500 fine from the FCC....and that was it.....I didn't lie, I FORGOT......and paid the fine and moved on....didn't hurt anyone and didn't affect my standing with the FCC... SO WHY THE HELL did this lie about 147.06 come up?? Too arrogant to admit the trustee (who lives in Groves and the 06 rptr is NOT part of the Orange Club) forgot to file the renewal? They didn't want to look stupid??? They think they can pull the wool over people's eyes?? WTH??? TELL THE TRUTH..... But they won't I just did.......
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MTR2000 channel steering
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I'm trying to figure this out. The Moto lit says up to 32 channels and the Wildcard tables show the 96-pin connector GPIOs, but... I don't understand the programming UI. First, is binary channel steering possible without optional cards? Second, does anyone have any explanation of how to do this, perhaps with screenshots? Yes, I can jig up a radio and play, but I'd prefer not to reinvent fire. 73 -de "Curly" John NI0K QRZ.com Hamshack Hotline call me: 6100271
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My source & stock have run out so I'm looking for a source for now and future. My usual Tessco tech site did not come up with them. I’ll try Tally as well. I use them for isolating a rack off the floor so it does not become a "lighting rod". In the past I’ve just used a plywood plate however, when wet it conducts, of course. I would imagine there's a grounding kit, but all I need are the washers as I have concrete anchors and bolts, etc. An insulating(rubber?) pad would be another item I'd like to locate. -- - Regards, Karl Shoemaker To contact me, please visit SRG's web site at http://www.srgclub.org for the current email address.
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F/S TPL PA6-1AE UHF amp
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> Hi all, I'm going to go in a different route with my amplifier so I have this one for sale for 550 shipped.
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Where did db Products go?
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In my research I found conflicting information this past year or more. Did db Products get bought by db spectra or Comscope? -- - Regards, Karl Shoemaker To contact me, please visit SRG's web site at http://www.srgclub.org for the current email address.
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Hello, Attempting to program a Maxon SM2150. I have software but having a tough time locating a programming cable. The information I find tells me the SM 2000 series requires Maxon SMP 2000 programming cable. I'm prepared to purchase a cable (or borrow). It is my understanding that the prog. cable plugs into the mike socket (RJ). My SM 2150 has a 15 pin connector directly above the +12 VDC wires. Would this be a prog. connection? I have no info on this connector. Having the rear connector confuses things. I'm not certain whether the radio programs thru the mic. connector or the rear connector. If the rear connector is for programming, then the SMP2000 would be an incorrect cable. Hopefully someone will have an answer. Tim AE7TH Vashon Is. Wa.
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I am trying to determine the values of variable capacitors in DB Products Low Pass Filters to see if I can convert an 800 Mhz LPF that I bought in a flea market to a 450 Mhz LPF by just changing the inductors between the capacitors. Here is the setup. I bought two DB4333B type low pass filters for 850 Mhz for a very reasonable price. The actual model number listed on the cases is 020252-004. The frequency range is 851-869 Mhz. There are N females on both input and output. Coincidentally, there is not a model number in the Spectra catalog that shows N(F) to N(F). The specific frequency range is also not listed in the catalog, but are wider. I assume this is some kind of OEM model number. It is labeled Decibel. The inductors in the 800 Mhz LPF between the four capacitors are bare, straight, and no turns. I would like to move the cutoff frequency to convert these to the same as a UHF DB4332B to use on an isolator for my amateur UHF repeater. I already have a couple of DB 4332B LPF's for UHF (450 -512 Mhz). The inductors look like 2 1/2 turns on the input and output and 3 1/2 turns between the two inner capacitors. I tried to measure the capacitors in both of these LPF's, but considering the capacitors are in the pf range, it was not that easy to deal with stray capacitances. Does anybody know the capacitor values in the the DB4333-2450 and DB 800 Mhz LPF's? If the capacitors between eh 450 and 800 Mhz are the same value or even close, I should be able to lower the LPF cut-off by increasing the number of turns in the filter to the same number as the DB4332-A. If the capacitors between 450 and 800 Mhz are different, I will just have to cut and try and see what shows up on the spectrum analyzer. I did not want to solder and unsolder inductors to the expensive piston type trimmers and damage them with heat. The wire looks like #12 to me and is covered with shellac in the UHF and plain old copper wire for the 800 Mhz device? I have measured the diameter of the coils in the 450 Mhz LPF and have it written down, someplace? I am just trying to avoid buying additional DB4332B LPF's or equivalent replacement capacitors. That would turn my "reasonable price" into a "not so reasonable price." Thanks. Micheal Salem N5MS
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Hello from Michigan! I'm wondering if some folks have an idea of what might be going on here. Equipment: Yaesu DR-2X Glenayre 97 series 250W UHF amp Glenayre 2728 PSU Sinclair preamp with a PA8075 chip. Output split to 8 ports. ASSY 363750, Board 261022 4 can UHF duplexer. Unclear make/model. 1/2" Heliax, N Connectors Polyphaser Diamond 11dBi fiberglass vert I have an amateur band UHF repeater I've been working with exhibiting the following symptoms: Input desense when output amp is turned on, set to 100W. It's being driven at 100W due to power supply current limitations of a single Glenayre 2728. We've turned this off for now and are running the repeater barefoot at medium power (~20W). This resolved this issue. We'd obviously like our 100W back. Now what we have, again with the amp off and disconnected from RF, is that the input is nearly completely gone after significant rain or snow. After the roof of the building dries up from evaporation, the input comes back. There is no water in the antenna, feedline, or connectors after double checking all of this with 24 hours of rainfall. SWR seems to be the same whether the input is functioning or not. I'll attach photos of a NanoVNA sweep taken while the input was not working yesterday. I have someone running down to the site today to attach a regular HT to the antenna directly, bypassing the repeater, duplexer, and preamp. With the input currently down, we'll see whether the HT fares better. Any suggestions would be appreciated. Pic 1: Base of tower, connection to polyphaser. Pic 2: After duplexer Pic 3: After Polyphaser, 60ft of Heliax, but before preamp and duplexer. Input frequency is 442.900.
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TPL PA6-1AE UHF amp
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Hi all, I have the TPL PA6-1AE UHF repeater amp in stock here. Curious if anyone knows if the imput drive can be adjusted to support 10W drive instead of 5W? A radio tech looked at it and said that Kenwood TKR 850 repeaters don’t drive that amp well at 5 watts because the output at the low power setting bounces around and it can vary above 5W and fry the amp. If I can’t find any documentation on how to increase the drive input I will be looking for an amp that will accept 10W input, and have my current one up for sale. Thanks, Chad
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THREAT TO 222-225MHz Spectrum
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Hey Guys, 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 (www.220sma.org). Please check this out, if this can happen in LA, it can and left uncheck will anywhere else. John N. Hudson III, WA6HYQ e-mail: sdjakeblues@... iPhone: 6192648934
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DR-2X Failure to Switch to DC
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Our DR-2X repeater failed to switch to DC today when we had a power failure. Red “DC” light is on but repeater is dead. It is connected to a 12v 390 ah automotive battery. Any ideas?
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Tektronix Y400 vs Anritsu Cell Master
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Does anyone have experience with both the Tektronix Y400 with YBA250 and YBT250 modules and the Anritsu Cell Master? I’m trying to decide on one for an entry level SA and VNA to use for radios, antenna systems and tuning duplexers. It’s not clear whether the Tektronix has a TG like the Anritsu and whether it would be suitable for tuning duplexers. I’m trying to determine whether I should lean towards one over the other. Any feedback would be greatly appreciated!
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Quantar running on batter
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I have been trying to get my repeater to work on DC power but I think I'm doing something wrong, or have a wrong setting. The repeater works fine on AC. 900mhz with a tln3259A power supply, with the cables on it to connect to the DC system. When I apply 24+ volts to it, I can not get it to power on. Am I missing a setting in the CPS software or is there something else I need to do? The repeater powers fine from AC. Thank you
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Sat 8:39am
Sat 8:39am