WRAK968
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Posts posted by WRAK968
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There are plenty of posts discussing this topic if you use the search feature.
What exactly are you looking to connect with, Radio into the net, Repeater into the net, Zello into the net, each has a different requirement to get in. -
I'm guessing this is an unauthorized re-transmission of the sheriffs radio comms. I see they use 155mHz by you.
I would contact the sheriffs dept and just give them the heads up. Their radio unit will likely foxhunt the signal and begin the process of charging the individual. Notifying them ASAP also allows them to prevent transmitting personal info which may be heard via the unauthorized repeater.
- H8SPVMT and SkylinesSuck
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Normally a repeater has a small squelch or beep on the end. Like WRAK968 said, you might be out of range for the repeater.
I don't believe Tims is out of range, rather another operator who is trying to talk is. Likewise, there could also be an issue with the receiver where it constantly keys after tx, there's a lot that could be going on really. I don't believe Tims is the source cause though.
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Some repeaters have a "roger beep" or a tone to tell you that your traffic was transmitted and tell others it is clear to talk.
What is likely happening here is a weak signal is triggering the repeater, however the RF signal is so weak that the transmitter is overpowering the signal, causing the receiver to drop out thinking there is no longer a signal. This drops the transmitter, which sends the roger beep. When the transmitter shuts off, the weak signal gets to the receiver again and the whole thing repeats. I wouldn't really call this desense as the signal itself is very week, though it is a similar situation where the transmitter is deafening the receiver.Another cause could be the transmitting radio the other operator is using may have some problem, there could (though not likely) be an issue with the duplexer or antenna, or there some be some RF interference near the repeater site that is causing the repeater to trip.
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This statement is based on what exactly? I run two systems that are on DB420's for TX and RX. One has an 8 port combiner and the other has a 6 port combiner. Cable for TX and RX is 7/8. Cable length is 400 on one and over 500 on the other. Combiner loss is 4-6 db depending on the port and the base stations are set for 20 watts. The system consistently out talks it receive but has a 50 mile radius of operational use. Height is of WAY more importance than power out. If you sit down and run the numbers, 20 watts out of the repeater into a 6 db loss is 5 watts up the cable. 500 feet of 7/8 cable is .787 per 100 foot. That is an additional 4 db of loss and two connectors are an additional .5 each.... total cable loss is 5db. So 5 watts into 5 db of loss gives you 1.58 watts at the antenna connector. Antenna gain is 11.3 db. That makes the ERP 20 watts. And it talks over 50 miles in all directions. Of course the reason it don't hear as well is there is no tower top amplifier driving the receive cable and the loss ends up being too great for TX/RX equalization. The Tram antenna is 5 dbi gain. Not the best thing on the planet but it's better than a coat hanger. The tower is 50 feet so the cable run is under 100 foot. Yes, his duplexer is showing an issue, but the cables being backwards aint it depending on where he checked the Power out. If backwards, the output would have been no where close to 50 watts same as if it were mistuned on the TX side. RX tuning may be an issue, as well as a bad RX cable.
Point is that the loss of 3 or even 6 db of power level has only a small effect on the overall range of a repeater, depending on the circumstance of the installation.
Here's a better question... Where did he check the SWR and what meter did he use? Reason for this question is simple. Go back to my install. Take a Bird meter and check the forward and reflect at the combiner output.
You use a 25 watt slug, forward is 5 watts, reflect is .5 watts... why is even doing this wrong, and what is the actual reflected power at the antenna?
Personal experience. Using a celwave flat pack that was tuned by a professional shop (ARCOMMS) gave me a range of about 3 miles. (This was on an antenna that was only 20' up with a large hill in the way) Dropping the TX power increased range by a mile or two, however the same setup with a BPBR duplexer gave me 6 miles on the other side of the hill to the north, and to the south I've had people use the repeater 10-12 miles out. When the celwave was being used they couldn't even reach the repeater.
As for the TX power thing, yeah, some duplexers have something called specifications which name the limits of the duplexer, and I've come across a couple that had power limits as low as 25W. I doubt the manufacture would call for a 25W limit if the duplexer could take more. Typically most duplexers are at least 200+W capable however doesn't change the fact that some aren't.
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Also, most flat packs, while rated at 50W output, are typically meant to be operated at about 25W. Reduce power and test your range.
Personally I prefer BPBR duplexers. if you research enough you can get one for about $300. You may still be limited to low-mid power depending on the specifications, however you will see your range drastically increased. -
If you are using this in repeater mode you need a tuned duplexer for the repeater pair you are using. DO NOT TRUST CHINA'S DUPLEXERS as they seem to fail time and time again, not to mention they are never tuned properly from the factory. I would say this is likely where your issue lies.
- CogentRadios and JohnE
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My KG-1000's mention stun and kill functions but I never knew what they did. Now I know.
Just curious WRAK968, how did you find the offender and did you knock on their door? I used to DF ELTs with Civil Air Patrol when I was younger, but I've never seen what equipment LMR guys would use for that.
Being a ham, I had limited experience with fox hunting. Fox hunting is the hobby's name of locating a transmitter. I took the information I had and moved forward. I could hear the signal in my house with an antenna on a portable in one direction so that burned off about 85% of the area needing checking. I removed the antenna and began driving around until a signal returned on the radio. This further reduces the area as a portable without an antenna will only pick up stronger signals. Holding the radio to my body blocks signals from one direction, and I turn until the signal sounds strongest. Doing that a few times and I ended up driving past the guys house while he was outside. Seeing a vehicle with warning lights and 3 antennas freaked him out cause he and his buddys ran inside and the transmission stopped soon after. I also noticed a few minutes later when I drove past again that the antenna on his car was gone.
I did not confront the person, that is not what self policing (which is what HAM and GMRS is) is about. You do the leg work, gather enough evidence, and forward it to the FCC who may do something if the interference can/has caused property damage, or if the incident presents a public safety hazard. Confronting someone this day in age is a good way to get your head blown off, or be posted on the news as racist, or some other crazy negative like that.
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What are the advantages of having different squelch codes on the TX and RX side of a GMRS repeater? Is it more common than using the same code on each?
I owner two mixed code repeaters. There were two reasons for doing this. A ) Security. For a bit I had an unknown user keying the repeater for minutes at a time. After asking the user not to do this they chose to key the repeater for nearly 30 minutes. Of course the repeaters TOT tripped after 2 minutes, however the user continued to key either until they were bored, or until their radio finally killed itself, nearly 30 minutes and long enough for me to figure out where they were. So I changed only the input tone so the user couldn't trip the repeater (or its twin) again. B ) We kept the original output tone to make it seem like we never changed tones at all. Trying to "scan" the repeaters output would only give the 223 code for output. I figured this would frustrate anyone who is trying to get access without checking with me first.
- WRMH343, SkylinesSuck, WQBI410 and 1 other
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I've heard a lot of new people are having issues when it comes to saving frequency's, especially through chirp (not sure why they chose to use chirp when the 82C, the radio the v1 was based off of, had its own standalone software)
My understanding of the manual is that you can only save certain frequencies in the 31-128 channel bank, that said frequencies will be receive only.
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To better help you we would need to know the make and model of radio you are using. To me it sounds like you are using a split network/conventional radio, which I am not sure there are any that are part 90 accepted (required for commercial radios)
Depending on how its transmitting, either via VHF/UHF signal, or through the cell network, will dictate any delays. It is common for cell network connections to take a little time to connect to the base radio and be transmitted, poor signals and poor internet connections to the base radio will further extend said delay.
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You may be better off getting a 400-470 split. Most of my portables are this split just so I can use them in the ham bands.
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Good morning everyone.
Those who attempted to attend the net last night may have noticed the bit of chaos that broke out. Due to internet connection issues, net control was unable to access the net at 7PM for nodes 172 and 174. I made a rather botched attempt (Wasn't expecting to run the net DOH >.<) and also got in touch with WQEJ577 for advice.
If you were in attendance of the net at 7, it is requested that you register using the national net sign in page under the "Nets" tab on MyGMRS.com. This will allow you to get credit for attending and refresh your name on the list for next week.
Rich and I also went over how to access the roll call and I believe some plans may be in the works for back-up plans should there be a similar problem affecting the net in the future.
I do want to thank everyone who was in attendance last night for your patients. -
I added the ORI tone (141.3) Then added tones supported by local repeaters, then a couple random ones so we had a few tones to chose from on the simplex channels.
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Ok, bit of info to go over here.
I believe the Midwest GMRS system is a private linked network, and while it is accessible via the network, I would ask the owner of the group for permission before setting up a permanent link to that, or any other per-existing system you do not currently manage.
The Asterisk program always gives you the option of changing what is or is not connected via radio. (Check with Rich just in case I am wrong however I do not believe that can be disabled.) It uses DTMF codes to control the system. I believe the codes can be changed to a custom set-up, however dont hold me on that either. The codes allow the following; (This is a list, the actual codes are different)
1: Disconnect ~ Allows disconnect of normal connected or monitored node
2: Monitor ~ Allows monitoring of a node, will not transmit to said node.
3: Connect ~ Connects to node, allows cross RX/TX4: Permanent Disconnect ~ Disconnects Permanent connected or monitored nodes
5: Permanent Monitor ~ Permanently monitors selected node6: Permanent Connect ~ Permanently connects nodes
7: Status ~ Announces connection status
I cannot give any input about how a VM may affect the network. If you know how to properly set it up I would presume that it could work, however I have no idea how to do it so take that as it is.
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Ok, So I believe your questions are "Will the pi act as a repeater controller?" and "Do I have to remain connected to any net/repeater/hub or can I run as a local repeater and only connect when the nets are going?"
The asterisk software and pi will act as a repeater controller, allowing auto ID after first TX and every 10 minutes after during conversations. Once you are done talking, the repeater ID's one final time, then will wait for the next convo before ID'ing again. This reduces the amount of radio clutter on a frequency when the repeater is not in use. Likewise, there are ways to control the PL/DPL codes, TOT, & Timer warning, though I prefer to use the repeater itself to control those.
As for local/network operations, you do not need to remain connected to any other system for your repeater to work. You can choose to connect to your local hub for the weekly nets, or choose to remain permanently connected to another repeater (for instance, if you have a second repeater, you may permanently link them for use) or you can operate in local mode which means only your repeater will work. At any time, another repeater can connect to your repeater, and vice-versa. Connections are controlled by DTMF codes sent by radio. *1##### is disconnect, *3##### is connect, *70 is status. (##### is replaced with the node number, which is typically 5 digits for repeaters and 3 digits for hubs)
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Thanks for the info, I use the North Carolina Stone Mountain repeater.
If you have access to a linked repeater through stone mountain, wait for open check-ins near the end of the net. New users are given a chance to check in after roll call for active users. When you check in, give net control the following information:
Call sign, slowly and clearly so net control can write it down. For me, it would be "Whiskey Roger Alpha Kilo 9 6 8"
First name,
Where you are, (City/state or just state, up to you)
and whether or not you have traffic for the national net.
You must check into the regional net at 7PM, or check in through MyGMRS under Nets. Net Control does request that if you say you'll participate in the national round table that you be there. Lotta people say they have traffic then dont show up.
After all that, your call will be put on the roll call, adding the state of VA to be called out. Your call will remain on the list as long as you are active. If you miss 5 meetings in a row (Correct me if I have that number wrong) your call will be removed.
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Usually there is no way to know if there will be noise until you set everything up the first time. Likewise, noise can be caused by several sources both within your set-up, or from outside sources like transformers, capacitors, or high voltage power lines, and they don't even need to be connected to your set-up to cause those noises.
Best bet before spending money to chase a hidden phantom you don't yet know you have is to try the set-up. If you have noise, try moving the set-up to another location (including the antenna) If you have the same noise in both locations, it'll likely be within your unit. There are filters for the power going to the radio, those would be a good start to see if that resolves your issue, (usually it will at least when operating off vehicle power.) -
The Bronx Zoo repeater has a Zello node that connects to the net (if you wish to go that route)
Otherwise, as KB2ZTX said, you would need to use a repeater that has access to the internet and the MyGMRS server. Also note, Node 169 is not a real repeater. It is a hub that is used for the regional nets, then is connected to the national hub later. There are 6 of these hubs, 169 Midwest, 172 Northeast, 174 Southeast, 175 Southern Plains, 176 Southwest, and 177 Mountain. Then there is the national hub (100) and AZ has their own network, 20400.
Repeaters can also connect to one another as well, normally I run 23407 (my house) and 23409 (dads house)as a perm link. The system allows you to do that with ease. -
I was just about to post about a similar problem and found your topic. Not trying to hijack the post by any mean, the problem I have seems similar but only it's only in one channel.
I 'm using a new Midland MXT275, which if I'm not talking I run on scan. It's weird but there is never anyone on channel 21 (462.700), with one glaring exception. It started as best as I can describe it, a loud machine gun like tone lasting about 3-seconds. At first I thought OK, a repeater tone and left it at that. Now it has become really annoying. I can hear it everywhere in two counties, distances up to 40 miles. And now it's very frequent, sometimes two or three bursts in a row spanning a couple three minutes. It is very loud!
Then I thought well I never hear anyone on that channel so it might be the radio, or some other inside the vehicle interference (that could still be the case). I tested the radio on that channel talking to my wife on her HT and it all works perfect both ways.
I'm at a loss and would appreciate suggestions.
Best,
JAS
Doing a run on your license I see your in Pinellas County. Seems their FD and EMS pagers are telemetry based and are licensed between 460 and 463. Neighboring Hillsborough has several telemetry systems in 460's as well, including DMR repeaters in the 462/467 range very close to GMRS. That doesn't include all of the DMR repeaters in BOTH county's which could also be UHF band. Any of these could be the cause of your interference.
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The easiest way for us to come up with a rough idea of what is happening is for someone to post a recording of the audio in question. This will allow us to hear the signal in question and we may be better able to pinpoint what the signal is.
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I have experience with these radios so I can take a look and see if I can find something.
What do you need to link to Network
in General Discussion
Posted
The easiest way is to find a linked repeater with a Zello connection like the Bronx Zoo or Keasbey700 repeaters (Finding a repeater in your local area would likely help you more though) You'll need to have a Zello account and contact the repeater owner with your username. They may ask for more information however they will give you the information you will need to connect via Zello.
There are a very limited number of repeaters with this feature.