Anyone else used a BridgeCom repeater connected to an SCom controller? I am having trouble getting the PL encode to come through tot the tx output. Is there a filter in the line somewhere thats stopping it?

KM3W

True,

Both of my repeaters (440 and 220) generate tone on the output, set to follow the receiver COR...this is done so that remote base users can set decode on their receivers, and link in without having to wait for the repeater to drop before transmitting. This allows for a much smoother conversation.

KM3W

I have been a ham since 1982, 29 years. I am now 59. About a year ago, I became a life member. Why? Well, number one, because I believe in Amateur Radio. Two, I have always wanted to do it...even when I first started out. I have been fairly active since I got my license, owning and building several repeaters over the years. My wife also is a ham, as is my oldest son. The two younger kids have even expressed interest when they saw my plaque. while I don't agree with the league, on everything, I DO believe they have our best interests at heart, and lets face it, we are sitting on very valuable frequency space. Space I'm sure the powers that be would love to sell off to the highest bidder, ala UPS and 220. Without the league, we would be in much worse trouble. To me, it wasn't an issue of economics...it was pride in our public service, and the organization that enables us to do it.


Paul Dallard, jr
KM3W

Yep ..Henry doe indeed make an amp...it's 100 watts and about $800.00! But then again, who ever said repeaters are cheap.!! BTW, i have a 220 machine of 224.700 as well.....it cover fairly well...Actually, I love 220!!

de KM3W

I have a 440 repeater that had 5  IC-900 bases (10, 6, 2, 220, 440) attached to an ACC RC-85. The 10 meter remote had coverage not to be believed!! Puerto Rico...VI...not a problem.... Europe...Africa...I loved it...unfortunately, I lost the site it was at. Have it at the house now....have to put a 10 meter antenna up.....

de KM3W

Ah...speaking of good run...I had a 220 and a 440 machine on a tower that covered parts of 3 states fairly well.....from 1983 to 1998. It was very sad when hey notified me that they had sold access to the roof for $440,000!!! This was a cell phone company....so I understood...I would kicked myself off my own roof for that kind of money! I miss being able to talk to Atlantic City from 15 miles west of Philly though!!

De KM3W

I feel we do, but it's not necessarily the "Classes" of license....its the guys who do this for a living vs the hobbyists. You would think they would be willing to teach the hobbyists little tricks and such..but i have not found that to be the case.

DE KM3W

Greetings all...

I have to admit that I am a product of Dr Smith (N3DR) of Ridley Twp PA, who used the Dick Bash Material, when myself and over 3000 other folks studied for the various licenses over a few years in the early 80's at Ridley Middle School. I passed all of the tests without too much of a problem. Now that being said, there are those who feel that since I was a product of Dick Bashes materials, I should NOT have my Extra Class License. Let me tell you all something. I studied for over 8 months straight. Nothing but the material...not music on the radio, nothing but code....My wife and kids hated it...but i wanted to pass the exam the first time. I got pretty good at code...over 30 WPM....Solid Copy. I also studied the various license classes stuff. I had studied the Novice and Technician material at Amateur and Advanced in Delaware. They used the ARRL books, NOT Dick Bashes. When it came to the General, Advanced, and Extra....we did use Bashes Stuff. But you know what? The same formulas that were in the ARRL books were there too. I studied both....and I defy anyone to prove I don't deserve my license. Why do I say this...? I had some guy just the other day make a Bash comment....I'm sick of it. For almost 30 years I've heard it...Bull!

I am not a professional Motorola engineer,  I drive a truck, but I have built 4 repeaters over the years...and they are still on the air....all of them. I admit I don't know as much as some "Professionals" who make their liking doing this stuff, but to me, this is just a hobby. It's almost as if they don't what us regular folks on the air...Just the "professionals". I say there is a place for everyone....

But what really urks me is the "educated" folks who look down on the rest of us regular mortals...because we don't have degrees....They somehow feel they are better than us because they were lucky enough to go to college. Luck doesn't make you better....If I had had the opportunity to go, I would have...I do however have an IQ of 134...so apparently I'm not dumb. Also, I'm sure all or most of you had "elmers" that offered help to you over the years. I never had any "Elmers"...but I managed to learn what I know by myself, having gotten NO help from any other Ham. So that being said....I think Bash helped the hobby....all of the guys I know who went to those classes..have at least Generals, and many have Advanced or Extra Licenses...and are very active in ham radio....

De KM3W

It would depend.....on whether you are starting out or an old head at it. Just starting out...I'd say yes, build it yourself. There is nothing like the first time you do a smoke test, and it fires right up!! But make sure you have manuals, and hopefully can find an Elmer. Unless you are a radio tech, it can be difficult work.

Frankly, after almost 30 years....I just want to plug and play. I own a Maggiore Hi-Pro UHF machine...and it had been on the air since the mid 80's. But it only puts out 12 watts....the 100 watts amp in only putting out 60 watts or so.

Recently, I bought a Bridgecom for GMRS, and I like it, as it as both more powerful and has a hotter receiver that the Maggiore. Plus, it's commercial grade. So...I think I will buy another one, It has the capability to allow another controller to be installed without taking it apart. Great idea!! Thinking of an Arcom or FF systems (because of the my IC-900 remote bases. 

de KM3W

Hi all,
I also own and maintain 5 repeaters. A converted Mastr II on 220, a backup maggiore on 444, a Bridgecom commercial repeater on 444. a GE Mastr Pro on 448, and a Bridgecom on GMRS (462). As for service monitors....I have 2. Both Motorolas....one is a 2001D/HS, and a R2200B. Of the two, the 2001D is my favorite because of its large screen and more features. With all of this discussion ..I was wondering...who does your calibration? I have Tessco about 100 miles from here....and Cardinal in Chicago....2 questions.....what SHOULD be the average cost to do the job? I was given a price of $700 a piece from Tessco..... Cardinal is half that, but I have to ship it. Any Ideas or suggestions? Anyone had dealing with either?

de KM3W

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