Overview

I ended up purchasing two CDM 1250s. I have them configured but I am awaiting the IDOM4 controller board, should be here tomorrow. Once that arrives and is configured, I will conduct additional testing and update.

I tried again this morning and I'm only getting 6-8% on the RSSI meter on my 5W HT from ground level. Foliage and obstructions are the likely culprit. I did however get through to the repeater and was able to hear the rebroadcast. After looking at your map, I'm slightly E/SE of Post 290 on Ramoth. Was considering putting a magnetic antenna on the roof with a mobile as a base unit but I will likely be moving in the spring so the time, money, and effort could defeat the purpose.

Still having issues with the duplex build. Desense is a real issue with the BTech radios I am using. At this point I have decided to keep it in Simplex on 1 radio with the Surecom. I am looking at options but leaning towards a Vertex VXR 7000 or a Mobile repeater built with two M1225's. Depending on availability and pricing, my hopes are to order something that is built and tuned professionally and has a support option if there are future issues. Ideally a known build model so that if parts or service is needed, they are available as well. Will keep posting updates as progress is made. On another note, I did some surveying today as I drove to and from Manassas on 610. Heading out I was using a handset and 30W amp (probably 25 at the antenna). Also a 3dbi Tram 1174 tuned for GMRS. On the way back I was using my Midland MXTA26 6dbi antenna. I was able to make contact as far as the field on Cromwell road and Carver Cemetery. Things were loud and clear inside of Equestrian Drive. So It seems I can get 5-7 miles North and West. About 5-6 miles North and East and about the same South and East. But only 3-4 miles due South. I haven't gone far South and West but I have gone to Joshua Road and was loud and clear all along Joshua from Mt View to Garrisonville. I feel like getting a taller mast, the DXE 46 footer, will increase that range a good bit in any direction. I'll post a screen shot of my survey reports which I have been tracking in Google Earth. - Barry WSDH649

Good to hear someone is trying to use it. I think part of the problem with the system right now is that, especially south of my house, the trees are so dense and there are rolling hills. I can get good reports 5-6 miles north and east of the antenna but south and west it seems to only reach 3 miles or so before fading out. I may look at getting a taller mast in the new year if distance does not improve. DX engineering sells a 46ft telescoping mast that is affordable. But, I would have to build a solid anchor before I would order one. Probably that would require a permanent concrete base with a post that goes several feet into the ground. At least for me to feel safe raising it. Also, if I do that, I will have the 25 ft mast as backup or for a 2nd repeater or base station perhaps in UHF. I'm thinking about building a DMR repeater but it is more complex. Need to get this GMRS system working perfect first.

Looking forward to the upgrades and curious if I'll be able to reach out after you complete the new install! I've been trying for a few weeks to hit your repeater with a 5W HT from Ramoth/Stafford Airport...not much luck unless I hold the ht above my head and key up from various locations around my yard. Best regards. WSEM281

I've ordered an XLT Communications GMRS Mobile Duplexer from https://www.buytwowayradios.com/xlt-dp-gmrs-50.html It will probably take a week to get here. It will be replacing the cheap Chinese duplexer that failed out of the box. I do not have the tools to tune a duplexer yet. So it will be set aside until I can. They I may tune it as a backup or for a HAM repeater in UHF. But, I am able to test it by setting a radio to the frequency high and low were supposed to be set and then putting an swr meter past the antenna connection. It is not allowing signal through on any GMRS frequency I have tried thus far. I suspect it was never tuned and is sitting on some other UHF freq. But without an analyzer I have no simple way of knowing. For now, I have the repeater up on one radio, so really simplex, with a surecom sr-112 controller. So it works like a parrot repeater. Just give it time between your transmissions to replay what you have spoken and then time for the other side of the conversation to transmit and replay. It's a bit annoying, maybe even disorienting. But, it does work and is effective. It's just not as convenient as duplex. Thanks, Barry WSDH649

I will post updates about the Vista Woods repeater here. Maintenance, upgrades, plans, etc.