New repeater set up

[wrmd741]

I'm trying to build a repeater with 2 Motorola GM300 radios, duplexer, Repeater Builder Maxtrac RM cable, and a Pi 3 B+.  I have it all put together, but not sure what settings need to be made in the rpt.conf and simpleusb files to get it to work.  As of right now, there's some kind of communication issue between the Pi and the RM, as there is no "heartbeat".  Before anyone asks, the radios are programmed in repeater mode, 1 receive and 1 transmit, rechecked about 5 times to make sure.  Pretty sure it's receiving as I get activity of flashing light on the radio, but it's not transmitting, even switched the radios (RX radio to TX radio, and visa versa), just in case the transmitter was bad.  I've been researching, reading, and changing settings so much over the last 2 weeks, my head is sore from banging it on the wall.  Basically, looking for someone that has the same set up that works, and what did you do to get there?  

Any help is much appreciated. 

Matt

WRMD741

[BoxCar]

Not knowing about the Pi setup, are you certain you are receiving the high frequency and transmitting on the low frequency. These can be tested inidividually.

[gortex2]

I never heard of the repeater cable you are using but in addition to the frequency did you setup the accessory pins for the proper signals. Normally pin 8 or 14. 12 can also be used. Normally this is setup for COR/PL Decode and will go low on the proper signal. Before you even worry about the pie you need to verify you get a decode signal from the radio. Additionally if your trying to use a portable over the top of all of this that can cause issues. Have a friend or someone stand outside and try a HT or use a service monitor. Make sure you have a dummy load on the TX radio to start and a small antenna on receive. The GM300/M120/MAXTRAC radio is very simple to make a repeater from. Its can be done with literally  3 wires from one radio to another. Adding in the pie adds a few but its the same pins. PTT, COR, Discrimator Audio and Mic High, Ground

[wrmd741]

10 hours ago, gortex2 said:

I never heard of the repeater cable you are using but in addition to the frequency did you setup the accessory pins for the proper signals. Normally pin 8 or 14. 12 can also be used. Normally this is setup for COR/PL Decode and will go low on the proper signal. Before you even worry about the pie you need to verify you get a decode signal from the radio. Additionally if your trying to use a portable over the top of all of this that can cause issues. Have a friend or someone stand outside and try a HT or use a service monitor. Make sure you have a dummy load on the TX radio to start and a small antenna on receive. The GM300/M120/MAXTRAC radio is very simple to make a repeater from. Its can be done with literally  3 wires from one radio to another. Adding in the pie adds a few but its the same pins. PTT, COR, Discrimator Audio and Mic High, Ground

 

The repeater cable I'm referring to is the Repeater Builder RIM Maxtrac RM.  It plugs into the 16 pin connector on the back of both radios, so no way to run wires from one radio to the other, and I have no way to program the pins within RSS.    

[gortex2]

Pins are programmable in the RSS. Until they are programmed your repeater wont work. Are you using the GM300 software for programming ? 

[WRAM370]

1 hour ago, gortex2 said:

Pins are programmable in the RSS. Until they are programmed your repeater wont work. Are you using the GM300 software for programming ? 

While generally true, I do believe the 16 pin accessory port is only programmable on the expanded logic 16 channel models. These radios have a letter C in the model number. If the OP is saying that option is not present within the RSS, it may be due to having masked logic board radios (letter D in the model number). I am not sure what else needs to be configured for the Repeater Builder Maxtrac RM board that is being used, but perhaps this may be part of what is happening.

[gortex2]

He didn't post a model number. If its the early version then Pin 8 would be COR. Depending on how the "repeater board" requires I assume it needs to be programmed in that box. If the OP would include links of what he purchased it would be easier to help. I think it may be this - http://www.repeater-builder.com/products/RIM_pdfs/RB_RIM_Max.pdf

[wrmd741]

WRAM370 is correct in that there is a "D" in the model number.  They are 8 channel radios.  I have the Motorola Radio Service Software to program, specifically the GM300.  There is no option to program the pins within the software.  I now do have the "heartbeat" on the RIM board, had to go into the modules.conf file and make some changes.  Per Steve Zimmerman, at Repeater Builder, the RIM is plug and play, and I've been working with him on some of the issues I've been having.  The RIM is working as it should.  The issue is within the settings of the myGMRS image.  What files do we need to go into to make adjustments besides: simpleusb.conf, rpt.conf, and simpleusb-tune-menu?  These are the only 3 I've been working in so far to make adjustments.  That's why I originally asked that if someone else was running this kind of set up that works, how did they get there.  

[gortex2]

K. so the RIM is a repeater controller. You said its not working and now you say its working but its something else. Not really sure what your doing but you are the first I have seen using this configuration. Maybe ping rich if thats where you got the image for the linking portion. 

[wrmd741]

From what I understand from Scott, is the RM takes care of what one would do with programming the pins, or using jumper wires.  It has a USB to go to the Pi, which is the controller to trigger the transmit/receive, and the link to myGMRS.  This has been a very slow learning process, as it's all new to me.  But I'm determined to find a way to get it to work.  

[wrmd741]

So after about a month, I found a complete repeater set up, it's the Motorola GR500.  Basically a power supply, (2) Motorola GM300 radios, a R.I.C.K., all encased in a nice sturdy metal box.  Took out the RICK, an put in the duplexer, and the Pi, and the repeater works.  Will mention the radios were the expanded logic boards, so I could program the pins on the rear for the high and low.  

So now I have a couple new questions......

The repeater works, the audio seems to be fine, but the CW ID and unkey sounds are barely noticeable.  I have to have my HT turned all the way up and next to my ear just to hear them, this is also confirmed with the mobile that is in my truck.  What config files and settings do I need to go into to turn the volume up on those?

Also, the DTMF function doesn't seem to be working, can't even get a system status, or time.  What needs to be uncommented in the rpt.conf file, or any other file to get those to work?