Today we are learning about Vertex Standard EVX-R70 repeater!

[JeremiahBarlow]

Ok I have this Vertex Standard EVX-R70 repeater.   The ebay seller tuned the duplexer perfect for me for an extra fee.   It took me a minute to find the correct software for programming it with wideband. (I attached that software for the next fellow that needs it)  You will need a programming cable also.  I purchased mine off ebay, and it works fine.

First Question: I need to know next is what is the setting called .... that keeps the repeater transmitting a few seconds after the HTs have stopped transmitting?   What is this setting called?  Is it called "Group Call Hang Time", or "Private Call Hang Time" ?

Next Question:  Do these repeaters have the ability to automatically repeat on any or all of the GMRS channels if all are in the Zone1 list?

Last Question: (for today at least):  How does this Ethernet port work on these Vertex Standard EVX-R70 repeaters?   I understand networking computers, but this doesn't make sense to me.

1629921591_vertex_build_34_emeaintlwidebandversionforR70.zip

[JohnE]

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First Question: I need to know next is what is the setting called .... that keeps the repeater transmitting a few seconds after the HTs have stopped transmitting?   What is this setting called?  Is it called "Group Call Hang Time", or "Private Call Hang Time" ?

Its none of those.
in General settings call hang time , the last one on the bottom. default is 3 seconds

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Next Question:  Do these repeaters have the ability to automatically repeat on any or all of the GMRS channels if all are in the Zone1 list?

yes and no
yes it can repeat on any channel it is programed for but it will only do so if it is in the number 1 slot meaning it can only be on 1 channel at a time. In order to change it it must be reprogrammed.

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Last Question: (for today at least):  How does this Ethernet port work on these Vertex Standard EVX-R70 repeaters?   I understand networking computers, but this doesn't make sense to me.

this will not work in analog mode. it is built off the M trbo software and was designed to link DMR machines as a network.

JE

[JeremiahBarlow]

@JohnE Thank you for the reply.  At first I was frustrated with the Hang Time, until I learned what it is and why.   Hang Time helps not wear out the repeater from ON/OFF cycles.   I am thinking about bumping that 3 seconds up to 7 seconds.   What is your experience with longer or shorter Hang Times on repeaters?

[JohnE]

my professional and personal machines are mostly set to 2 seconds in real time depending on brand and if there is an "over" beep. I never saw a reason for a 6 or 7 second hang time. Most leave it at the default setting.

You may also want to look at the time out timer. Default is 60 second IIRC. Again most of mine are set to 3 minutes.

[a1dover]

Jeremiah, Thanks for asking these questions as I found this thread while searching for info on the EVX-R70. Thanks JohnE for your supportive answers.  I just purchased a brand new(old stock) unit. My current repeater is a Desktop VXR-7000 that I also purchased last year as brand new(old stock)and I wanted to have a back up ready to go if needed. I wonder if the EVX-R70 is actually a "better" repeater as purpose built....? I have found the VCE 5.5 Wideband software to download. I assume I can just start out by reading the factory codeplug data and then changing to my freqs, PL tone, hang time etc like I did on my VXR-7000?

[Radioguy7268]

The EVX-R70 has better specs for the receiver, it has a bigger (better) cooling fan than the 7000, and it also has an added heat sink on the transmitter. It will also do DMR Digital or work as conventional analog. As JohnE alluded to, it's really just a re-badged Motorola XPR8400 machine - but uses different CPS software. (make sure to toggle the software setting to 'expert' mode if you want to see all the parameters available.)

That said, for all it's good qualities, it's still really just 2 XPR mobile radios inside a box. I've been happy with the EVX-R70's I've set up. It's also nice that you can buy the EVX-R70 used for 10 to 25% less than the same thing with a Motorola label. The EVX-R70 is good and reliable for "regular" service - but they're really not 100% duty cycle 24/7 machines. I would never run one over 25 watts if I wanted it to live for years.

 

[a1dover]

Thanks Radioguy7268! On the software to be in expert mode is it one where you have to toggle during install with a "/factory" etc or how?

[Radioguy7268]

It's even simpler. Just start up the software - and in the top level menu items - select "view"  choices should be something like basic / expert.  Select expert.  Now you see all the options for rear accessory connector & CWID.

The built in Help files in the CPS are worthwhile - even if they are somewhat cryptic.

[a1dover]

Oh wow! I never thought it would be that easy to get to expert. I'll have to look tonight. Thanks again Radioguy!!!