gortex2

What is the leangth of the LMR400 you used ? Shorter the cable the better it will work. If you copuld mount the repeater just inside the shop 10' below the antenna I would think you would have much better results. Remember its still 3db of loss per 100' so even 50' of cable you will loose some power to the antenna. At 50' of cable you only getting about 4 watts to the antenna.

In my 40 years in the commercial LMR world I've never installed an antenna with a loop below it. Not really sure why folks think its needed. None of mine at home or at any of my tower sites have a loop. Most have a drip loop near the bulding enterence but many have proper antenna line feedthrus to eliminate water ingress at the location.

You will will not gain anything by trying to cophase the antenna. In all reality the correct way is to use a power divder which just cuts your power in half to each antenna. I tried to use the Larsen on my JK but its a bit too tight for the hard top. Fine on the soft toft. I run a 1/4 wave on the front fender and it works just fine. Many use the cowl and on the JK its a good spot as well.

If the ham group has one there maybe talk to them first ? They would know what hurdles they need to go thru.

No coordination.

As was asked whats the site like. If your going on a public safety or commerical site that may change what you need to use. Also you may need downtilt on the antenna to be more effective. I run the DB404 and DB408 on all my repeaters. They are a good commercial antenna and used for public safety as well.

Personally I buy the manufactueres accessories as they are made for the product I'm using. All of my stuff lasts for years. Definately worth the money for quality equipment.

If there are multiple repeaters in your area what is then eed to add another ? It seems most think they need a repeater but if there are useable ones in the area ues them.

While I prefer Motorola repeaters the Kenwood TKR850 is a solid 2RU repeater. It can run of a 12V battery if needed as the main source is 12V. If I was lookiing I'd go for a MTR 2000/3000 myself. They are a solid 100% continuous duty repeaters but folks complain becasue of software.

Or if your really bored or really want a proper ground system read this... https://www.blm.gov/sites/blm.gov/files/Lands_ROW_Motorola_R56_2005_manual.pdf

TX needs to be 476.550. You will also need to get the input tones from the repeater owner by requesting access.

I agree there should be a little more organization and breaking up mobiles, portables and repeaters is a good idea, but lets face it this forum is a free for all anyway. Most threads start on one topic and quickly vear off topic or get reopened years down the road. So just enjoy whats here or go to another forum thats more technical.

https://www.bleepingcomputer.com/news/security/arrl-cyberattack-takes-logbook-of-the-world-offline/

Then you need to wait for Rich.

As you were told in other posts the only person who can help you is @rdunajewski. If you have not sent him a request you need to. You can either send him a PM here or go to the mani page and use the contact button to contact him. This is also a hobby and not his paying job so it may take a bit to get a reply.

The radio now ships with both enabled if ordered properly. If not it takes all of 15 seconds to get into radio central change the mode and push the job. In reality many folks that have the NEXT use it for SC and LTE with RC is just fine for what it is. If your not using the LTE function for mapping, tracking or SC then there really isn't a need to order a NEXT. The 8000 does everything and then some. There are many customers who prefer the Radio Central cloud version as it gives you the ability to change the radio on the fly from anywhere in LTE coverage. Even if an agency has RM to build a network to cover a state or country in wifi is not economical. LTE makes that function pretty simple. I can sit in any state in the US as long as I have LTE and push a file to my radio. If not I'll hook up the cable. Im not saying joe volunteer firefighter with 26 calls a year needs that function but can definately see where large agencies can benefit.

I have used alot of those antennas for control stations on towers. They work well for that use. I'm runnign the VHF version for my APRS Digi at home also with great results. All of my repeaters run folded dipoles of some brand. They also hold up very well in harsh conditions of the NE.

Ive been programming my NEXT via my PC and even my own RM server for quite some time.......Have alot of folks that use them that do the same....Not sure why your saying it can't be done and has to be done via cloud but thats 100% inaccurate. Some folks choose to use the cloud version and there is nothign wrong with that. Its the end users choise.

Have you reached out to Rich ?

Node come from Rich not the website.

Id rather use a Part 90 certified radio on GMRS vs a CCR or other ham radio with no certifications. But as @OffRoaderX said the FCC doesn't care and most on this forum use ham radios on GMRS already.

Mine are similar but various models. All pulled from service due to contract requirements but still all perform perfect. Maintaining a DC plant can be time consuming sometimes but the benefit is huge. I couldn't afford the batteries I have on top of equipment. I think thats why not many sites have backup power. Even at home with my standby generator neither repeater is on generator. They both have batteries for almost an hour of standby and limited use. After that I'll figure out other means. Normally over an hour other needs are more important than talking on the radio.

I know this slightly went off topic but I'm in the same boat. I have never really listed my stuff and never really had issues. I spend alot of money on electric maintenance and repairs and that was my decision. We listed our old SAR repeater for a while and took it off in part due to folks expectations. Not all over the US do you get 150 mile coverage but some on this site think thats a must on a CCR. As said the use case has changed as well and some folks "expect" repeaters and use where ever they want. I'm not sure where that thought process began other than the ham world. Not really sure.

For those looking for a good place we did Trailfest at Coalmont TN last month. Great off road park in a nice small town. It run by the town and doing a great job of building it.

Id suggest a DVM to start following the power runs on the RICK. I am guessing the RICK from the old radios gets power from another pin. You should be able to measure the pins on the old cables and see which one has 12V