coryb27

Check your SWR between the transmitter and the duplexer, then check it again between the duplexer and antenna, something is definitely wrong! If the duplexer and antenna check out swap the radios and test again. Corey

I can only imagine how bad it is in NYC, I read on boards all over that its a circus on GMRS....

The ones that get me are the guys that run complex repeater controllers, several different access tones, voice recorders and require permission. Then they wonder why nobody uses the repeater! I for one would not use a system that I know is recording my conversations, whats the point. It's a well known fact that you can cry to the FCC about GMRS violations till you turn blue without a response, why record people? I am a firm believer in matching DPL in and out, no big brother and open access to all licensed GMRS users.

I had posted this as a response in another forum topic and wanted to see what others thought. How do you run your system and have you had any issues running it the way you do? I decided long ago to list my repeaters as open with no CW ID running and stating "It is your responsibility to ID as required by FCC rules and regulations". I figure what good is a repeater if it sits idle most of the time, I built my last machine to cover a huge recreational area and I want people to use it. Unless I get complaints I wont change a thing. I have listened to people tell me about repeaters that sat Idle 95% of the time until they failed, what a waste of money. I rather see it burn up knowing it served people well then die a slow painful death idle in a shack.

I decided long ago to list the repeater as open, its the users responsibility to ID and I turned off my auto ID. I figure what good is a repeater if it sits idle all the time, I built it to cover a huge recreational area and I want people to use it. Unless I get complaints I wont change a thing. I have listened to people tell me about repeaters that sat Idle 95% of the time until they failed, what a waste of money. Between the Helix, Antenna, Climber and repeater gear i have $4500 bucks into it, I rather see it burn up knowing it served people well then die idle in the shack.

Oh and a noise toy!

I use the last 3 numbers of my call sign. Yes MDC is popular and I hear most Kenwoods will also do MDC.

I know all to well about HOA restrictions, we cant even put a dish up. I own a condo and bought on the second floor just to have access to the attic. I have My DB404-B UHF, TRAM 1487 VHF and a wide band scanner antenna feeding 4 scanners all tucked in the attic. I got a little crazy and ran 1/2 had line to them to reduce any interference. I am super happy with the performance of all 3, UHF i can work repeaters 50 miles away, VHF covers the entire city on MURS and my scanner covers 2 states. Don't let the HOA stop you i didn't!!

Antenna is a DB420 with 7/8 helix at 150' The ground elevation at the site is 250' above average terrain so it talks nice.

Its up and running, tested range and found it to be way better then expected. Portable's worked 15+ miles and mobiles 30+ with full quieting. If your in the area use and enjoy! Corey

Well its programmed, tested and ready for service, maybe I can get it installed this week. Together the unit preforms better then expected, it should have some good ears!

I agree, I have been trying to add my projects and insight in an effort to get people talking again.

That would have been fun, and it would have a lot less loss at the tower top. (485') I am lucky to have shared use of a receive antenna at the top but only licensed for 150' on my transmit.

I love the Motorola handheld controls, I did the same thing with my XPR5550. I was impressed with the audio from the built in speaker so I did not install an external one.

Blast from the past, I used to own a set of them things....... Thanks for making me feel old!

Used to be a 10KW TV transmitter at the site, its no longer operational.

I used some 1/2 on the amplifier output on my commercial Mototrbo system but mostly 1/4 for jumpers etc... Pic's included. Second rack to the left of mine is the National Weather Service radio for our area. Everybody loves an equipment shelter pic!

Well thanks William, I think it turned out OK. I try do build all my gear as good as I can using the best parts I have on hand of can afford. I am sure the 1/4 helix jumpers are overkill but way better then 90% shielded coax... I know its made a difference on my commercial repeaters so it can hurt the GMRS ones.

Those are right angle cable ends for 1/2 helix, vary high quality; not like the adapters that feel cheap and tend to add loss.

I installed a DB404-B in my attic due to living in a condo. The cable run was about 40' I used 1/2 helix run in the wall to a custom wall plate terminated with N connectors. I did the same with my VHF and scanner. In the beginning I was worried about performance but it proved to be an awesome decision. I can work repeaters 50 plus miles away without issue.

I wonder if that old beast still works, museum worthy!

Well its done, now to get it tuned, tested and installed.

Really Gary.........

I finished installing the on board Bird 43 inline SWR / Power meter, getting closer! http://cor3com.com/mygmrs/side.jpg

I have 7/8 on the tower, the run is 160' total, I had a 30W R100 at this site for about 5 months and it was usable 45 miles away.