Uniden ARU 251

[benalamon]

Want to know if someone out there knows where I can have this repeater re-tuned for GMRS use? I was thinking of opening a free GMRS repeater here in Virginia Beach VA. I have tested my location and with 50 watts of output (max for GMRS use) I can be heard until Norfolk VA by the Waterside Park or a good 25 miles radius. Thank you....

[Guest spd641]

I used one for a small time when I first got into GMRS many moons ago.This repeater requires crystals and IMO it wasn't worth the hassle that I went through getting it on the air.The drift from being crystal controlled wouldn't let it remain on frequency well nor would it tune well.The guy I carried it to got it close but that is not what you need.

 

They served their purpose when they were new but it seems they do not handle age too well.I would suggest you find another repeater and use it.I believe by the time you put all the effort into getting this one ready you will have spent enough to by a good compatible repeater and I think you will be much happier.I would like to welcome you to the group and hope you enjoy...William

[benalamon]

Thank you for the information. I will surely look for another project repeater. Now I guess I need to get this UNIDEN Repeater sold or just let it sit on my display case as a memorabilia.

 

benalamon

[zap]

ICM is the only company in the US who is still making radio crystals. They are about $25 a piece. Depending on the radio you'll either need one or two crystals. They charge $50 to re-crystal a channel element (which includes temperature compensation so the radio doesn't drift). 

 

Repeater Builder has some heater circuits that can be built for stabilizing the crystals.

 

Crystal controlled radios are good radios and often make better repeaters than compared to just sticking two mobile radios together but as of recently, they have begun to get expensive to deal with. I've got several repeaters and repeater conversions that are rock bound…most of them are 40 or 50 years old.

[Logan5]

I also have a Uniden unit similar to this and I can confirm it requires crystals for frequency reprogramming. I have upgraded to a BridgeCom so I keep this one stored in a metal box for a rainy day.