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W4ATN

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W4ATN last won the day on October 7 2015

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About W4ATN

  • Birthday December 3

Profile Information

  • Name
    Paul Bowling
  • Unit Number
    113
  • Location
    Annapolis, MD

W4ATN's Achievements

  1. As most here, I'm not a fan of a huge national net tying up analog repeaters. If we could do digital (DMR or P-25) that would be different. I am good with local nets. I'd like to see more local nets where a repeater could be optional and not connected after the net. I'm trying to build a local net of 4 repeaters for healthcare emergency use connected when needed via IP and then only the repeaters really needed. Technology is there but will cost.
  2. Zap, If they did fire the US Sales reps GOOD FOR THEM!! I attempted to become a local dealer and because I didn't have an outside sales force they would not allow it. They had a distributor in New England somewhere but I don't remember the details. I sent them a "not so nice" email. I sell lots of used Motorola equipment and now have also sell the Connect Systems line. I use a Gator case (19" rack). The Motorola XPR-8300 and XPR-8400 are 3 rack units or 5 inches. Add another unit for a duplexer two more for connections (Anderson Powerpole power distribution (which you won't need if you're using only one repeater and no other electronic equipment). Both the 8300 and 8400 have DC an input for DC power (battery backup). I use a deep cycle battery and a "box" (can't remember who makes it but I'll look it up later today and post it) which has the connections to connect the DC Charger / Solar panel. I just built a unit that has a VHF and UHF XPR-8400 with two duplexers, fan, power strip and vents in a 12 unit Gator case. I recommend Sweetwater for the Gator cases. They are knowledgeable, friendly, good prices and ship very quickly. Although, eBay has several suppliers of Gator cases. I can get the specs for the trays I use as well. I'll see if I can get a pic of the latest unit I built (may take a few days as the unit has been delivered). It isn't inexpensive to build the way I build them but if you need to go to a mountain top, roof top or other remote area and set up a repeater with solar panels it works. Est cost: Repeater $1,200, Duplexer - $250, Cables (repeater to duplexer) $85.00 (don't skimp on these - good shield is necessary) Solar Panel $200 (all accessories included), Gator box with panels, trays, etc. $250 - 300, Battery and box with electronics- $350 - Coax (LMR-600) and Antenna about $400.00. Total cost will be around $2500 - $3000 depending. The 2 repeater unit that I just built cost me about $5,200 and sold for $7,200, tested and delivered. AGAIN, as PastorGary pointed out - THIS IS NOT GMRS! These repeaters are commercial equipment on itinerant frequencies (the only way you can get a portable repeater licensed). FCC license (do it yourself) is just over $200 for 5 years. If you go through a coordinator and licensing service expect $650 or more. BTW, when I get a license I get analog, DMR (voice and data) and P-25 (voice and data). Most of the repeaters can do Analog or DMR and now P-25 equipment is also becoming affordable for business (and private repeater) applications. It doesn't cost any additional so why not.
  3. PastorGary is correct and I had just assumed the digital thing was understood on GMRS and thanks for clarifying that point. Sorry if there was any confusion. Paul
  4. If you want something PRIVATE go with Digital Mobile Radio (DMR). You can pick up a repeater on eBay for around 1K +/- and the ability for someone to listen is almost zero unless they have a DMR radio and know your color code and talkgroups. There are inexpensive DMR portable radios for around $225 each an mobile radios that don't break the bank if you're only looking for simplex operation. Your will have to get a license (simple process) if you want to use a commercial frequency. You can make an entirely portable DMR repeater package that will operate off solar, battery, generator or electric. Since it is digital it is easy to use encryption and most radios are encryption ready. It isn't a high level of encryption but it will certainly keep all but the very determined from listening to you. Let me know if you want more information about DMR or pricing on radios. Paul WQMM-856 / W4ATN
  5. As PastorGray pointed out the proper way to read the pairs for a mobile or portable is the first set is your RECEIVE frequency and the second number is your TRANSMIT frequency sometimes indicated by a + or - The other thing that you will need to know is the tone coded squelch (CTCSS, PL, etc) or a digital squelch (DCS) which may or may not be used. If it isn't being used you will usually see CSQ or nothing at all. So 462.5500 + / 141.3 would indicate that you set your mobile / portable to a receive frequency of 462.5500, transmit to 467.5500 and tone squelch to 141.3. You can elect to use a transmit tone without a receive tone if you wish but in order to access the repeater you would be required to use the transmit squelch. If you do not put a receive squelch in you will receive ALL other repeaters and maybe even simplex (users talking on the output) of the repeaters in your area. I usually use both a transmit and receive tone on my mobile and portables. The scan question is going to be radio specific. I haven't seen a radio built in the past 10 - 15 years that doesn't have a scan feature and the ability to "lock-out" channels that you don't want to listen to. Many modern radios will have the ability to create one or more scan list and even automatically scan an the list when you select a specific channel. Some will also allow you to transmit on the channel that is active even if you're tuned to a different channel. EX: if you have built a scan list of the GMRS repeaters in your area and have elected to associate that with channel 1 in an auto scan configuration - When you tune to channel 1 your radio will automatically go into scan mode of the scan list. If someone is talking on channel 6 you MAY be able to talk to them on channel 6 without changing your channel selector if your "hang time" is long enough and YOUR RADIO ALLOWS this. If this is an important feature for you be sure you look at the radio specs. 73, Paul W4ATN / WQMM-856
  6. Not sure what price range you're looking. If your budget can handle $500.00 look at the Computer Automation Technologies, WX-250. http://www.catauto.com/index.php/products/weather-receivers-and-accessories/wx-250-weather-receiver. I've researched this topic for the past few months in anticipation of getting a repeater on the air and unless I find something better I plan on using this one. 73, Paul - W4ATN
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