Mototrbo XPR8400 antenna relays

[QDS_n2xyy]

I'm installing two XPR8400 Mototrbo repeater/base stations. These will be configured in base station mode which means just like the MTR series, they require an antenna relay due to the separate receive and transmit ports. In speaking with Motorola service and support, they advised the software allows configuration of the accessory port to provide an output for an antenna relay though Motorola doesn't provide the physical antenna relay. In asking Motorola if the antenna relay from an MTR2000 could be used, they advised the MTR2000 relay draws to much current for the accessory port to handle. The relay draws 5 mA where the accessory port only handles 1 mA. Has anyone else had this type of problem and discovered a solution?

Thanks for everyone's help!!

Eric

[RFguy]

I'm surprissed that the MSR antenna relay is really that low of current. I would have thought 100 to 200 ma.

One method of low-current control would be to add a FET or trasistor to switch the relay.

DowKey has coaxial relays with TTL (0 to 5 VDC control). TTL would be low current (<1ma) control.

[com501]

Look at the Kenwood relay panel for the TKR750/850 series repeaters to make them base stations. Same relay, but mounted on a 1u panel with a transistor switching unit. I suspect KW had the same problem with current....