[Yaesu] DR-1X, System Fusion repeater

[KB0NLY]

I have two Fusion repeaters here that I have firsthand knowledge on... One 
has been running since earlier this year, when was that first release I 
think it was June?  Its been running at 50w on UHF since then, no problems 
whatsoever.  After a long qso it gets warm, but I wouldn't say hot or 
anything that worries me.  There is quite sufficient airflow out the back 
which is pulled directly across the transmit radio.  I guess if one was 
really concerned they could beef up the cooling even further but I don't see 
any reason to.

The other one has only been on the air for less than a month, again UHF and 
50w, I see about 45w output on both of these repeaters on UHF with my Bird 
43, so its not quite 50w by the meter but its close enough.

Now as to the backscatter online about failures.... I have been in contact 
with a friend who had the transmit fail, however!!!  When he went out to 
check it they found that the SWR on the antenna system when measured at the 
TX cable was 2.1:1, so I feel as if that’s not really the repeaters fault 
having to transmit into a mismatch and folding back its output power for 
hours on end.  After they got it repaired and also repaired the antenna and 
had the duplexer gone over while waiting for its return it went back on the 
air no problem, and that’s been months now.

So my guess, if your antenna system isn't the best that could cause issue, 
its not like a Motorola continuous duty rated 100w PA, it can't handle high 
SWR and a lot of extra heat from abnormal operating conditions apparently, 
but if everything else is fine the repeater should be ok as well.

Now, if you want to put your mind at ease... Pick up a used PA to put on it 
for the transmit, you can turn down the transmit power on the repeater but 
it requires use of a FTM-400DR control head, I played around with it on 
mine, I could get it down to a pretty steady 1.5w, below that it would 
bounce around a little bit and wasn't quite solid so I think that’s about 
its limit of adjustment without having erratic output.  If you got a hold of 
a nice Motorola continuous duty rack mount amp and set it down to about 2w 
of output to drive that puppy your never gonna have issues.

73,

Scott KB0NLY


-----Original Message----- 
From: Carl Morgan
Sent: Friday, November 13, 2015 10:57 PM
To: yaesu at mailman.qth.net
Subject: [Yaesu] DR-1X, System Fusion repeater


Over the past few months I've come across chatter that the Yaesu
System Fusion repeater is rated at only 20W, continuous [read,
repeater] duty.  I've neither read nor heard this from Yaesu but only
from scattered voices on the Internet.

Is there anyone who has first hand knowledge of this repeater's
capability?  One anecdotical report has, on VHF, the repeater running
at 50W output successfully, but concurrently accompanied with a
caution that it should  not be done on UHF.  Reason being that the
switching circuit may overheat.  Others simply point to the "fact"
that it's continuous duty rating is 20W.

Again, anyone with first-hand knowledge?  I find nothing in the DR-1X
manual in the way of transmitter specifications or [Yaesu's] cautions
regarding operation.

BTW, I directed this question to Yaesu a few weeks ago - so far, no reply.

Thanks.  You counsel and guidance will be appreciated.

73  <>  Carl

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