WRPH745 Posted January 7, 2023 Report Share Posted January 7, 2023 The next project I plan on doing is a dual radio Allstar/Echolink node. http://allscan.info/docs/diy-node.php I am planning on using two RT85 or TH-UV88. I realize they are clones. The plus to the TH-UV88 is that there is a battery eliminator for it.(Using the same battery eliminator on the RT85 is hit and miss) The plus to the RT-85 is that it is cheaper when you buy a pair. My question, for those who have used both, which is a better quality radio? The reviews for the RT85 are better but is that true? Thanks Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MichaelLAX Posted January 7, 2023 Report Share Posted January 7, 2023 I have no experience with the RT85, but I did buy my TYT TH-UV88 plus the high capacity battery from LetsGetReadyInc for a good price and no extra shipping fee. Just looking at your link; won't the two HTs desense each other, being so close? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
WRPH745 Posted January 7, 2023 Author Report Share Posted January 7, 2023 You setup the radios on different bands. One radio on 70 cm and one on 2 meter and the transmitting radio on low. Specs say one watt but most likely less so there shouldn't be an issue. MichaelLAX 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MichaelLAX Posted January 7, 2023 Report Share Posted January 7, 2023 Thank you for that information. And the purpose of one of these nodes? To be able to use your HT to communicate through repeaters that have an AllStar node? Or for Repeater owners to allow AllStar users to be able to access their repeater? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
WRPH745 Posted January 8, 2023 Author Report Share Posted January 8, 2023 Allstar and Echolink are both ways that analog repeaters can connect to each other through the internet. The node I am building will just a very low power in house repeater connected to Echolink and Allstar. Echolink also has a computer app and a smart phone app that allows you to connect to repeater without having a node. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
wrci350 Posted January 8, 2023 Report Share Posted January 8, 2023 Never mind. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MichaelLAX Posted January 8, 2023 Report Share Posted January 8, 2023 How much do you think that setup will cost; compared to the price of nodes selling online. You peaked my interest... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
WRPH745 Posted January 8, 2023 Author Report Share Posted January 8, 2023 Here is what I came up with: $16.88 2 K-connectors $79.98 2 Radios https://www.buytwowayradios.com/tyt-th-uv88.html $29.98 2 battery eliminator https://www.buytwowayradios.com/tyt-tyt-elm-uv88.html $80.00 1 Interface box https://www.masterscommunications.com/products/radio-adapter/dra/dra30.html So a bit over $200 MichaelLAX 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
wrci350 Posted January 8, 2023 Report Share Posted January 8, 2023 But that doesn't include the actual node hardware, correct? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
WRPH745 Posted January 8, 2023 Author Report Share Posted January 8, 2023 It it is everything but a computer. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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