Best base stn config for multiple in-building control points

[htroberts]

I'd like to be able to control a base radio from four points, all within a single building. All the control points are within 100-150 cable-feet of the radio location.

This is not a public safety application, and I'd like to do it with hardware that's old enough to be (relatively) inexpensive. My initial inclination is that a Spectra consolette might be the way to go, but I'm not clear on the remote options, or differences between the RCH-3000 and DGT-9000, and wonder if anyone could provide some insight as to which might be better, and what radio model (for 438-470 MHz conventional) and extra 'bits' (options, interface boxes, etc) I might need.

I'll throw one more wrench into the works:
Is it possible to do the same as above, but with multiple radios (different bands)? Or would that mean getting into something like the command console line (and much more expensive radios)?

Thanks,
Heath

[Jim202]

The simple way would be to connect all your control points to the common radio with copper telco cable. Being
that your in the same building, it should be simple. The big question is who owns the telephone cable inside the
building? This is called house cable, but it may still be the property of the local telephone company. Need to do
some homework. Last resort is to run your own cable to connect up everybody.

With the cabling out of the way, next issue is how to control the radio. I would look at locating some older tone
remote control units. There should be a pile of the older telephone style remotes laying around. You again need
to ask questions and even look on Ebay.

Last issue is does the base radio already have a tone remote adapter built in or do you need to add one. They are
not that hard to install into a radio. Some +12 volts DC, connection to the receiver audio line and connection to the
transmitter mic circuit along with PTT and ground. Pay close attention on the receiver connections. Many of the
radios out there do not like to have either side of the speaker audio grounded. It tends to let the smoke beast
out of the radio.

Short and simple, that what needs to be done. How do you get it done is up to you. Hire the local radio shop
if you can find one that has any talent left working for them.

Jim

I'd like to be able to control a base radio from four points, all within a single building. All the control points are within 100-150 cable-feet of the radio location.

This is not a public safety application, and I'd like to do it with hardware that's old enough to be (relatively) inexpensive. My initial inclination is that a Spectra consolette might be the way to go, but I'm not clear on the remote options, or differences between the RCH-3000 and DGT-9000, and wonder if anyone could provide some insight as to which might be better, and what radio model (for 438-470 MHz conventional) and extra 'bits' (options, interface boxes, etc) I might need.

I'll throw one more wrench into the works:
Is it possible to do the same as above, but with multiple radios (different bands)? Or would that mean getting into something like the command console line (and much more expensive radios)?

Thanks,
Heath

[chartofmaryland]

Heath,

Jim's got the right Idea, Tone remote control is sounding to be your best option. There is more expense in tone but long term reliability and performance is quite high.

The price is the only draw back with tone products for both a radio ($330.00) and desksets ($300.00) or so, and this is for a single frequency setup. Look to spend upwards of 700.00 for a 16 channel radio termination panel and even 800.00 on each deskset with multi channel options.

You can get some of this on the cheap with fleebay and other sources, and still get the same end product. If you need the multiple channel options on the cheap, look at situating a radio next to a person who you can call over the intercom feature with most high end single channel remotes whereafter when you key tone for transmit the channel of interest is already selected.

To do it right, this can cost some money, but hopefully not alot.

CoM