Need help with GE Ericsson DRC-200 Repeater

[wqve699]

I have a used repeater on it's way to my place. DRC-200 GE Ericsson. I am looking for a programming cable. Have software on the way. Was going to order from RFguys.com but another GMRS operator recently had issues with them. Just need to change frequency and callsign, PL, etc. Any advice appreciated. Bill.

[PastorGary]

Hello, Bill and welcome to MyGMRS Forums. 

 

The complete owner's manual can be located here:

 

http://www.repeater-builder.com/ge/lbi-library/t1899r1c.pdf

 

.... Which includes info on programming...

 

KRD 103 121/11 PC Programming Kit (consists of the following) -

KRD 103 121/12 Programming Software

KRD 103 121/13 Instruction Sheet

KRD 103 121/14 Interface Adapter

KRD 103 121/15 Programming Cable

 

Unfortunately I was unable to locate a source of software or cables.  Perhaps others may be able to assist...

[wqve699]

Thank you Pator Gary. I have software on it's way to me that I bought off Ebay. It's actually for Relm DRU2501 but will work for the DRC-200 because Relm built the DRC-200 for GE. It is the same exact unit. Problem, is that I can only find the programming cable from RFguys.com and have not heard good things about there reliability. Thank you for your help. Hopefully some other members can shed some light. Bill.

[PastorGary]

Bill - There may be some useful info here as well. There is a mailing address on the "Programming Services" tab...

 

http://neirg.org/staticfiles/geprogramming/interfaces.html

 

...And Contact Information located here with email address:

 

http://neirg.org/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=93&Itemid=80

 

 

 

http://neirg.org/staticfiles/ge/images/tq/krd10312111.gif

 

 

That's all I could find regarding this cable issue.   Perhaps JohnE in NY might have some additional info... good luck in your search.

[wqve699]

Than you Pastor Gary. Here is an update on the project. The repeater, software, and cable (from RF Guys.com) are all in house now. Current challenge I'm facing is obtaining a copy od DOS to run the software. I tried Free DOS, but it will not read or write to unit. Although it prg software does seem to detect that the unit is connected. I was told to get a true DOS loaded and to use a CPU slow down program to slow the clock speed down to around 120Mhz. So the fun continues. I'll keep you posted. Thank you for all your help. Bill.

[mainehazmt]

Find a old 486 machine laptop with serial port running win 98 and you should be good to go

[zap]

I've always had good luck programming older radios with a P3 Toughbook using FreeDOS or a P3 Dell using 98SE. Never have tried older software on the Dell but I've gotten some of the older Motorola stuff to run by disabling the cache using the cacheoff.com program that can be downloaded from Repeater Builder. It's the generic equivalent to MoSlo.

[wqve699]

Thanks for the reply Zap. My problem now is not the PC. The software I bought was misrepresented as being able to program a GE DRC-200 repeater. It is Relm software. Relm made the DRC-200 for GE. However, GE has code in the controller that will only talk to GE Ericsson RSS made for the DRC-200. I can't find that software anywhere. So I am stuck until I can.

[PastorGary]

Does the URL supplied in Post # 4 above help at all?

[wqve699]

Yes Pastor Gary. That is indeed the correct software I am looking for. I contacted those guys and they said that RF Guys have good cables. So I bought one. I have that now. But for the love of God I can find no one that has the correct software. So now I have a fully assembled repeater with antenna in the air but can't use it because the previous owners call sign is in the IDer and it's not on my pair and tone. Very frustrated. Best I can is use it in base station mode as simplex radio on 462.650.

[wqve699]

I guess that's what I get for buying a 12 year old machine.

[wqve699]

UPDATE!!

 

As of 4/15/2015, I have the repeater on the air in Greenacers, FL. I was right about the RSS software needing to be Ericsson version. So we are not booming yet. Only 17 watts out of duplexer into 20 foot ground plane for now.

 

So, how did I finally find the code? I was searching Ebay for my model number regularly in an effort to find someone who might have the same one. Thinking maybe they have the right RSS. And Bang!

 

Found a guy who is also a fellow Ham and GMRS lic holder who was parting out his blown DRC-200 for parts. I told him my story and he setup an FTP download just for me on his website. Used it with my cable I had purchased from RFguys.com and was on the air that night.

 

Thank God for a good fellow member of 2 hobbies willing to help out a guy with a 12+ year old machine. Now, on to the upgrades!

 

Thank you Pastor Gary and everyone on here. If you ever come across another person needing RSS for a GE DRC-200, just let me know. I'll be happy to pay it forward.

 

Bill

[PastorGary]

Thanks, Bill - glad things finally worked out.

[dualrated2]

UPDATE!!

 

As of 4/15/2015, I have the repeater on the air in Greenacers, FL. I was right about the RSS software needing to be Ericsson version. So we are not booming yet. Only 17 watts out of duplexer into 20 foot ground plane for now.

 

So, how did I finally find the code? I was searching Ebay for my model number regularly in an effort to find someone who might have the same one. Thinking maybe they have the right RSS. And Bang!

 

Found a guy who is also a fellow Ham and GMRS lic holder who was parting out his blown DRC-200 for parts. I told him my story and he setup an FTP download just for me on his website. Used it with my cable I had purchased from RFguys.com and was on the air that night.

 

Thank God for a good fellow member of 2 hobbies willing to help out a guy with a 12+ year old machine. Now, on to the upgrades!

 

Thank you Pastor Gary and everyone on here. If you ever come across another person needing RSS for a GE DRC-200, just let me know. I'll be happy to pay it forward.

 

Bill

Bill,

 

I sent you a PM. I just snagged a DRC-200 and could use some help.

 

Thanks

 

Bill

[batt63]

If anyone has the programming software for the DRC 200 please contact me, i need it to move forward......

[dualrated2]

Sent you a PM.

[batt63]

howdy people, here is one for you, searching for either an active high or active low COR signal on this repeater. the one on the DB15 accessory connection at pin 15 is an active low, but when you connect to it it kills the audio passing thriought the repeater. any thoughts ? i have located several spots inside on the tx / rx and main board but they all do the same thing, when you connect to them they stop the audio from passing out of the xmitter.

[SurplusComms]

Does anyone know if this software is still floating around here?   I have the relm version, but both of my repeaters are the GE/Ericsson version DRC-200's and I have the OEM cable, but I cant find the Ericsson/GE software to save my life.

 

Any help would be appreciated ...

 

Thank you in advance.

[ynos]

Did anyone find a source for the GE/Ericsson version?

[ynos]

For anyone looking in the future, I found this.