[PPRAANet] Portable Repeater

[Jim Harris]

Phil,

Looks like the auction has already ended with no buyers so discussing this particular item might be a mute point.  Plus, others may have already answered.  So I will just add a few general comments to consider.  When buying from Ebay, especially, be careful as to whether the offset is plus or minus.  Some parts of the country is opposite from this area.  Along that line some areas have 15 Khz between channels and some have 20 Khz.  If these are easily adjustable within the repeater that is fine but read on.  In all probability with this type repeater a duplexer will be needed to separate transmit and receive.  If it isn't built in then an external one is needed ($$$).  If you change any frequency they (duplexer) will need to be adjusted to the new frequency.  That takes serious investment in equipment not to mention the needed skills.  Might find a qualified volunteer who could help with that.

If you are going to use the repeater on any kind of permanent basis you need to get it's frequency pairs coordinated with Colorado Council of Amateur Radio Clubs.  Otherwise, in CB language, you will stand a good chance of stepping on another repeater's frequency pairs.  Last I knew there were no available 2 meters pairs in Colorado.  

There are lots of other things involved in repeaters such as power and antennas.  There are folks on this reflector that have more knowledge than me about the subject that can help steer you if you seriously want to get into repeaters.  I've mentioned a couple of gotchas that catch a lot of people that are starting into repeaters.  Just trying to keep you from spending dollars and then having to back track.  You will find very few "turn key" repeaters that don't need some sort of adjustment prior to proper operation.  Best of luck with getting a repeater going.

CU in the Colorado QSO Party Sept 4th, 2010.

73,  Jim, W0EM


Date: Mon, 22 Feb 2010 00:48:57 -0700
From: "Phillip H. Blanton" <phillip at n0tan.com>
Subject: [PPRAANet] Portable Repeater
To: PPRAA Reflector <ppraanet at mailman.qth.net>
Message-ID: <4B8236E9.6060304 at n0tan.com>
Content-Type: text/plain; charset=ISO-8859-1; format=flowed
 
I have been thinking I'd like a portable repeater for my Go-Bag (and 
fun). I am looking at this one, a Motorola P1821AX "Suitcase Repeater", 
but have no idea if it would be a good buy for a ham.
 
http://cgi.ebay.com/?ViewItem&item=220559444783
 
I can't find any good information on it online. Please review this item 
and let me know if you think this would be useful for emergency 
communications.
 
If it turns out to be a good deal, please don't compete with me for this 
item. If you want it so bad that you would be willing to bid against me, 
just let me know and I will back off. There is no sense in us running up 
the price on an item like this.
 
I was thinking of bidding a max of $310 and will unless anyone here 
thinks it not a good use of my limited equipment funds.
 
Thanks in advance.
 
--
Phillip H. Blanton (N?TAN)