Does anyone know of a good source for information on the basics of radio alignment theory, procedures, value ranges, etc.?
I've been dealing with basic programming and maintenance issues for years, but have never gotten into the alignment side of things (which I know should be a part of a proper programming).
Thanks!
Intro to RF Alignment?
Moderator: Queue Moderator
Hi:
As you have discovered, there really is more
to " Just Programming " a Motorola to make
them sound good. ( or any radio for that matter )
I have restored many a radio that persons
" Just Programmed " and were not happy with
how the radio performed after the changes.
Many times, if the radio is factory stock, programming is OK, however, many persons here
love to Modify there radio, and sometimes are
surprised that the Mod made there radio sound
poor...As in Restoring Maxtracs / Radius Mobiles.
As far as proper maintenance is concerned, a good basic Through-Line Wattmeter and Dummy
Load is a good start in the right direction.
A Good Bird Model 43 is a good starter.
That takes care of the " Power level " adjustments.
A good set of properly made Cables with a
assortment of connectors on the end is not
a bad idea either.
I use BNC, and then use adaptors when needed.
Some Special Cables with Mini_Pl cables are
desirable as well...
A good Analog meter such as a Simpson 260 is
good along with a ( DVM )Digital Fluke is pretty helpful
Next comes a pretty expensive item...A good
service Monitor is needed for making detailed
Dev adjustments, and a Motorola R2200B or R2400 Series is ideal for that...
There are several Motorola " Technical " manuals available for the beginner if you
can find them...A wealth of information is
included, and can make anyone a pretty fair
tech is you have some good skills.
Get this far, next big step is a good Spectrum Analyzer ( I use a Tek 492 ) and
some SMC Soldering Platforms are good if
you can afford them
Hope the info helps.
MS
As you have discovered, there really is more
to " Just Programming " a Motorola to make
them sound good. ( or any radio for that matter )
I have restored many a radio that persons
" Just Programmed " and were not happy with
how the radio performed after the changes.
Many times, if the radio is factory stock, programming is OK, however, many persons here
love to Modify there radio, and sometimes are
surprised that the Mod made there radio sound
poor...As in Restoring Maxtracs / Radius Mobiles.
As far as proper maintenance is concerned, a good basic Through-Line Wattmeter and Dummy
Load is a good start in the right direction.
A Good Bird Model 43 is a good starter.
That takes care of the " Power level " adjustments.
A good set of properly made Cables with a
assortment of connectors on the end is not
a bad idea either.
I use BNC, and then use adaptors when needed.
Some Special Cables with Mini_Pl cables are
desirable as well...
A good Analog meter such as a Simpson 260 is
good along with a ( DVM )Digital Fluke is pretty helpful
Next comes a pretty expensive item...A good
service Monitor is needed for making detailed
Dev adjustments, and a Motorola R2200B or R2400 Series is ideal for that...
There are several Motorola " Technical " manuals available for the beginner if you
can find them...A wealth of information is
included, and can make anyone a pretty fair
tech is you have some good skills.
Get this far, next big step is a good Spectrum Analyzer ( I use a Tek 492 ) and
some SMC Soldering Platforms are good if
you can afford them
Hope the info helps.
MS
Last edited by Nand on Sun Jan 18, 2004 9:44 am, edited 1 time in total.
Thanks.
I already have the watt meter, Fluke DVM, o'scope and even a frequency counter covered.
I spend most of my time working in the 20-20K band
, and my abilities as a technician there are already quite solid.
Specifically, I'm looking for information on audio vs. PL vs. secure deviation, etc., as well as receiver alignment.
My interest is as much about making sure that my radios are running legally as it is about how they sound.
The radios that I have to oversee at work are all Waris series, and seem to be pretty much "program and go", however, I always like to come home to play with the Sabers and MT1000s.
I'm always looking to learn more, and to do things right.
Hmmmm... Astro Saber or service monitor.....
Thanks!
<font size=-1>[ This Message was edited by: HumHead on 2002-01-27 02:03 ]</font>
I already have the watt meter, Fluke DVM, o'scope and even a frequency counter covered.
I spend most of my time working in the 20-20K band
, and my abilities as a technician there are already quite solid.Specifically, I'm looking for information on audio vs. PL vs. secure deviation, etc., as well as receiver alignment.
My interest is as much about making sure that my radios are running legally as it is about how they sound.
The radios that I have to oversee at work are all Waris series, and seem to be pretty much "program and go", however, I always like to come home to play with the Sabers and MT1000s.
I'm always looking to learn more, and to do things right.
Hmmmm... Astro Saber or service monitor.....
Thanks!
<font size=-1>[ This Message was edited by: HumHead on 2002-01-27 02:03 ]</font>
3 suggestions:
1. Subscribe to Mobile Radio Technology magazine - in particular read the 'Technically Speaking' column by Harold Kinley.
2. Kinley has written a book "Standard Radio Communications Manual, with Instrumentation and Testing Techniques" contact him at [email protected]
3. Get the book "Practical Radio Frequency Test & Measurement, A Technician's Handbook" by Joseph J. Carr (SK) ISBN 0-7506-7161-0
1. Subscribe to Mobile Radio Technology magazine - in particular read the 'Technically Speaking' column by Harold Kinley.
2. Kinley has written a book "Standard Radio Communications Manual, with Instrumentation and Testing Techniques" contact him at [email protected]
3. Get the book "Practical Radio Frequency Test & Measurement, A Technician's Handbook" by Joseph J. Carr (SK) ISBN 0-7506-7161-0
XMO could not have said it better and Nand's ARRL reference is at the top of the list too.
I have a copy of Harold Kinley's "Standard Radio Communications Manual:With Instrumentation and Testing Techniques" beside my computer here and find it to have very practical information in it. He is skilled at imparting the material without loading you down with excessive formulas and information.
I found his book at a Hamfest (by chance) but had been following his Column in MRT for years until my subscription expired. I never did get a chance to renew. Used to be free but now I see it is on the internet.
Harold Kinley can be found at:
http://www.mrtmag.com/
and I was just reading his recommended Technical information and training material.
http://industryclick.com/magazinearticl ... gazineid=3
Guess I now have a few more books to find!
Eddie
N4UMJ
I have a copy of Harold Kinley's "Standard Radio Communications Manual:With Instrumentation and Testing Techniques" beside my computer here and find it to have very practical information in it. He is skilled at imparting the material without loading you down with excessive formulas and information.
I found his book at a Hamfest (by chance) but had been following his Column in MRT for years until my subscription expired. I never did get a chance to renew. Used to be free but now I see it is on the internet.
Harold Kinley can be found at:
http://www.mrtmag.com/
and I was just reading his recommended Technical information and training material.
http://industryclick.com/magazinearticl ... gazineid=3
Guess I now have a few more books to find!
Eddie
N4UMJ