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Author Topic: 220 repeater power upgrade advice?  (Read 15816 times)

KE6JZ

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220 repeater power upgrade advice?
« on: May 14, 2011, 08:01:36 AM »

Hello,

I have a 224.700 repeater that outputs approx 12 watts to the duplexer. Coverage is not nearly as nice as the receive and we are considering upping the power. The exciter is a Micro Control Specialties transmitter. We are running it "barefoot" into the duplexer.

Does anyone have ideas on an external PA? What brand, etc. ? We dont need a lot of power but 30-50 watts would be a huge improvement into our coverage area.
Thanks & 73,
Shane KE6JZ
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AD4U

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RE: 220 repeater power upgrade advice?
« Reply #1 on: May 15, 2011, 06:40:26 AM »

As you have found out, 220 MHz is a waste land when it comes to equipment, unlike 146 and 445 MHz where there is lots of equipment (new and surplus).  About all I can recommend without heavily modifying something is Henry Radio in CA.  I THINK they will specially make a 220 MHz amp.  They "ain't" cheap.

There may be some info on the internet about modifying a GE mastr II amp for 220.  There is lots of info on modifying their VHF 66 series radios for 220.

Dick  AD4U
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K4FMH

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RE: 220 repeater power upgrade advice?
« Reply #2 on: May 17, 2011, 09:03:39 AM »

Although they do not list anything for the 220 mhz band in their official repeater amps, Mirage has some that do work in this region...especially if you have a reasonable drop period on transmissions, etc.: http://www.mirageamp.com/Catergories.php?sec=55

Frank
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K6LCS

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RE: 220 repeater power upgrade advice?
« Reply #3 on: May 24, 2011, 02:27:46 PM »

How about a little better antenna system?

Excellent coax and a commercial-grade base antenna can sure improve things for you. If folks aren't line of sight to you at 12W, an amplifier isn't going to be that good of an "improvement" for your system.

Of course, I don't know your geographic area's topography ... so no one can really intelligently respond to you - yet! (grin)

Clint Bradford, K6LCS
909-241-7666


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Clint Bradford, K6LCS
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WB2WIK

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RE: 220 repeater power upgrade advice?
« Reply #4 on: May 24, 2011, 03:12:18 PM »

Solution:

T.E. Systems model 2106RN.   This is a rack mount repeater amplifier for 222 MHz and is a current production model: 10W in, 60W out.

http://www.tesystems.com/

I've had nothing but excellent experience with their repeater amps.  They're manufactured right here in L.A.
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K6AER

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RE: 220 repeater power upgrade advice?
« Reply #5 on: June 01, 2011, 08:55:18 PM »

Call John at TPL Amplifiers in LA. They make a nice rack mount 220 amplifier. Ask about the RXR series.
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W8JX

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RE: 220 repeater power upgrade advice?
« Reply #6 on: June 02, 2011, 11:40:06 AM »

How about a little better antenna system?

Excellent coax and a commercial-grade base antenna can sure improve things for you. If folks aren't line of sight to you at 12W, an amplifier isn't going to be that good of an "improvement" for your system.


Poster already said that unit hears better than it is heard itself on fringes. Addition output power would help this and provide a more balanced repeater while a "better" antenna will not the "balance" problem. 
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K1CJS

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RE: 220 repeater power upgrade advice?
« Reply #7 on: July 01, 2011, 04:46:21 AM »

Henry also makes a 220 amplifier--although it may be a bit pricey.
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KM3W

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  • Posts: 10
RE: 220 repeater power upgrade advice?
« Reply #8 on: July 09, 2011, 06:52:24 PM »

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
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K6VHP

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RE: 220 repeater power upgrade advice?
« Reply #9 on: August 30, 2011, 11:03:46 PM »

You may have already resolved this, but a few years ago, I discovered that there is a "VHF band 3" in Europe (or was), and there was some old commercial gear floating around over there. I had spotted some of it on the European Ebay sites. This gear operates around 220. Might be worth scouring a bit.. Good luck.

df


Hello,

I have a 224.700 repeater that outputs approx 12 watts to the duplexer. Coverage is not nearly as nice as the receive and we are considering upping the power. The exciter is a Micro Control Specialties transmitter. We are running it "barefoot" into the duplexer.

Does anyone have ideas on an external PA? What brand, etc. ? We dont need a lot of power but 30-50 watts would be a huge improvement into our coverage area.
Thanks & 73,
Shane KE6JZ
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