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Reviews For: Icom FR5000 FR6000 NXDN

Category: Ham Repeaters

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Review Summary For : Icom FR5000 FR6000 NXDN
Reviews: 2MSRP: 2,165.00
Description:
Icom's FR5000 (VHF 136-174) and FR6000 (UHF 400-470 or 350-
512) series repeaters feature 50W output (25W continuous),
Analog-Digital automatic mode switching, full NXDN 6.25KHZ
compatbility, built-in basic controller, and a 25 pin
accessory connector for adding your favorite repeater
controller.
Product is in production
More Info: http://www.icomamerica.com/en/products/systems/digital/fr5000_fr6000/default.aspx
# last 180 days Avg. Rating last 180 days Total reviews Avg. overall rating
0025
W2GLD Rating: 2013-10-31
Best Repeater for Ham Radio Use Time Owned: more than 12 months.
These repeaters are awesome! I own a VHF (IC-FR5000) and a UHF (IC-FR6000); both mounted inside a single 2U rackmount shelf assembly, a great space saver. These repeaters are "full duty cycle" at 25-watts output and have very sensitive receivers that are fairly selective too. The best part about these repeaters is that they provide a solid future-proof migration path. What I mean by this is that they support analog WFM (25.0 kHz.) and NFM (12.5 kHz.) modes AND also support and include out of box the NXDN Digital (6.25 kHz.) format. These repeaters also support "dynamic mixed-mode" operation, while still retaining their IP network connectivity to the Worldwide NXDN Network (more on this below). Both our our repeaters are directly linked together via an SCOM 7330 controller, which easily interfaces to from radio port 1 (VHF) and radio 2 (UHF) on the SCOM controller to the DB-25 connector on the back of each repeater. In addition, several logic options are also output by these repeaters into the SCOM controllers, such as temperature, RSSI, fan state, and PA power fold back state; which allow for alarms to be triggered and turn on or off things such as PL RX, TX, etc. This configuration allows us to retain our existing analog setup, which also offering the digital experience on a rock solid platform with excellent audio; NXDN audio blows away D-Star and supports forward error correction, data functions, etc.; several things that D-Star lacks; plus, I'll say again, you can be both, analog and digital in one repeater!

Now, onto the NXDN Worldwide Network. This network in the brain child of Alan, W7QO from Atlanta. He's designed a platform that runs on a inexpensive Raspberry Pi device from each repeater site, and which uses very limited bandwidth, basically follows what IRLP has done, except this interface allows users of ANY NXDN platform, currently only ICOM and Kenwood to interconnect around the world. This means that you're users can purchase either an ICOM or Kenwood radio and gain access to the digital worldwide system. Throughout this network, we've got a host of ICOM and Kenwood repeaters interconnected and all working in mixed-mode operation.

The requirements for the ICOM repeaters is the addition of the UC-FR5000 IP networking interface for each repeater module and a CF-5000-02 compact flash card which contains the basic conventional software needed for IP connectivity. Then, a simple Raspberry Pi device with a 4gig SD-Card and you too can connect to the Worldwide NXDN Network and experience the magic and benefits of having the most robust system! Additional information about the network can be found at: http://www.nxdninfo.com

As for these ICOM repeaters, I couldn't think of a better replacement for old out-dated equipment at an amateur repeater site!

Also, you do not need to buy the entire IC-FR5000 / IC-FR6000; these model numbers include the entire 2U rackmount chassis; if you just want to order the repeater module itself and make your own mount, then choose the UR-FR5000 (VHF) and UR-FR6000 (UHF). If you're going to go dual band, I recommend ordering one complete rack unit and then add a second module; the UR-FR5000 IP interface cards then link together with a CAT-5 cable for see less integration...

If anyone has any questions regarding these setups, please feel free to drop me a line at: W2GLD@arrl.net and I'd be happy to assist.
KD8BIW Rating: 2012-12-22
Reliable, Easy, and Solid Time Owned: more than 12 months.
I have several of these repeaters deployed in both amateur and commercial service. These repeaters are TRUE 6.25KHz compliant for FCC use, cover the full 2M and 70cm bands without modifications, and interface easily to external controllers. Our local radio club (www.n8ihi.com) has a FR5000 backed by a TPL 100W amplifier serving as their primary 2M repeater on 147.105. It is interfaced to a CAT1000 controller through the 25 pin accessory connector, and is running in analog-digital mixed mode. I have a FR6000 soon to be deployed as a 70cm repeater on 444.325 in mixed mode connected to the World Wide NXDN Network (WWNXDN) and allstar.
These repeaters are bullet proof and easy to program. All connections for external controllers are available on the accessory connector, so interfacing is quick and simple.
Our commercial repeaters run 24/7 and have worked flawlessly for several years now. The best part of these is you don't need to buy extra modules to play digital, it is all included!