Tuning HT1250 UHF and VHF for extra watt

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BlackJack09
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Tuning HT1250 UHF and VHF for extra watt

Post by BlackJack09 »

I am trying to figure out how far to push the PA just for an extra watt of power on my VHF HT1250, and UHF1 403-470 HT1250. There used to be a couple videos on youtube on how to do it, but they are been removed or buried.

Thanks
BlackJack
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Jim202
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Re: Tuning HT1250 UHF and VHF for extra watt

Post by Jim202 »

BlackJack09 wrote:I am trying to figure out how far to push the PA just for an extra watt of power on my VHF HT1250, and UHF1 403-470 HT1250. There used to be a couple videos on youtube on how to do it, but they are been removed or buried.

Thanks
BlackJack



Trying to peak the output on the portable will not get you much more than a blown PA. You would have to double the power output to really see a difference on being heard. By that time your PA will long be history. It just isn't worth trying to get an extra watt output.

Jim
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BlackJack09
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Re: Tuning HT1250 UHF and VHF for extra watt

Post by BlackJack09 »

well on a side note anyone have a text copy of a HT1250 Full Keypad UHF1 (403-470) Tuning. I only paid 30 bucks for it in non working condition and finally got it working but I know the tuning is off to begin with.

BlackJack
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Bill_G
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Re: Tuning HT1250 UHF and VHF for extra watt

Post by Bill_G »

I agree with Jim. Tuning for max power will just let the smoke out, and eat up your batteries too. In the olden days when HT220's were current, I was the portable bench tech. Tuning the final was a big deal to balance battery use with power out, and in low band with antenna matching. There was a whole circus act you went through to get the most power for the least current with the best match for the most erps. It was pretty amazing how well a portable worked when it was done right, and how badly it worked when it was done wrong.

I haven't touched portables since HT90's were new, and I've never been in a HT1250. So, I can't tell you what is or is not tunable. But, what I can tell you is that one more whole watt ain't gonna help. UHF portables generally push 4W out, and VHF generally 5W out. Getting one more watt out of either does nothing as far as increasing your field strength. It doesn't get you the extra mile, and it doesn't magically burn it's way into the second basement like never before. It's like going from 36mph to 37mph. Whoa! Look out Nellie - I'm coming through. Did you see that?

Get the manual. Follow the procedure. Tune for the most efficient, and hope for the best.
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BlackJack09
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Re: Tuning HT1250 UHF and VHF for extra watt

Post by BlackJack09 »

Bill_G wrote:I agree with Jim. Tuning for max power will just let the smoke out, and eat up your batteries too. In the olden days when HT220's were current, I was the portable bench tech. Tuning the final was a big deal to balance battery use with power out, and in low band with antenna matching. There was a whole circus act you went through to get the most power for the least current with the best match for the most erps. It was pretty amazing how well a portable worked when it was done right, and how badly it worked when it was done wrong.

I haven't touched portables since HT90's were new, and I've never been in a HT1250. So, I can't tell you what is or is not tunable. But, what I can tell you is that one more whole watt ain't gonna help. UHF portables generally push 4W out, and VHF generally 5W out. Getting one more watt out of either does nothing as far as increasing your field strength. It doesn't get you the extra mile, and it doesn't magically burn it's way into the second basement like never before. It's like going from 36mph to 37mph. Whoa! Look out Nellie - I'm coming through. Did you see that?

Get the manual. Follow the procedure. Tune for the most efficient, and hope for the best.
Unfortunately when you are unemployed you can not afford a lot of things which is why I asked if anyone had a copy of their Tuning for their UHF1 HT1250 they would allow me to use.
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SteveC0625
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Re: Tuning HT1250 UHF and VHF for extra watt

Post by SteveC0625 »

BlackJack09 wrote:Unfortunately when you are unemployed you can not afford a lot of things which is why I asked if anyone had a copy of their Tuning for their UHF1 HT1250 they would allow me to use.
The detailed service manual is readily available on the net in PDF format at no charge. I know there's one over on P25.ca. There are others, all free for the looking.
KG4INW
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Re: Tuning HT1250 UHF and VHF for extra watt

Post by KG4INW »

You can't tune using someone else's tuning values as each radio is unique. It'll have to be tuned using a calibrated service monitor and Global Tuner.
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BlackJack09
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Re: Tuning HT1250 UHF and VHF for extra watt

Post by BlackJack09 »

SteveC0625 wrote:
BlackJack09 wrote:Unfortunately when you are unemployed you can not afford a lot of things which is why I asked if anyone had a copy of their Tuning for their UHF1 HT1250 they would allow me to use.
The detailed service manual is readily available on the net in PDF format at no charge. I know there's one over on P25.ca. There are others, all free for the looking.
I have the manual I am referring with that comment to what KG4INW mentioned. Calibrated Service Monitors run a nice chunk of change.
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BlackJack09
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Re: Tuning HT1250 UHF and VHF for extra watt

Post by BlackJack09 »

SteveC0625 wrote:
BlackJack09 wrote:Unfortunately when you are unemployed you can not afford a lot of things which is why I asked if anyone had a copy of their Tuning for their UHF1 HT1250 they would allow me to use.
The detailed service manual is readily available on the net in PDF format at no charge. I know there's one over on P25.ca. There are others, all free for the looking.
I already got the online service manual. I am mainly meaning what KG4INW brought up. The calibrated service monitor. I don't know anyone around with one and from what I have seen those run for a pretty penny.
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KG4INW
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Re: Tuning HT1250 UHF and VHF for extra watt

Post by KG4INW »

Yes, they're quite expensive even used but they're really the right tool for the job. Are you a ham? Even if you're not, try to find a local club and see through them if there's someone who happens to have one as well as Global Tuner. Hopefully there will be someone near you who'd be willing to help out for a nominal fee (or even less).
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BlackJack09
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Re: Tuning HT1250 UHF and VHF for extra watt

Post by BlackJack09 »

KG4INW wrote:Yes, they're quite expensive even used but they're really the right tool for the job. Are you a ham? Even if you're not, try to find a local club and see through them if there's someone who happens to have one as well as Global Tuner. Hopefully there will be someone near you who'd be willing to help out for a nominal fee (or even less).
I am a ham, and I do know several groups in the area. I had put a listing out on larry's List but to no luck other than a HAM letting me borrow his RIB box, which is how I fixed the UHF to stop making the white noise after finding the right codeplug.
These opinions/posts are my own, not anyone else's or any city/county/state/federal departments. The opinions/posts I make are mine ALL MINE!!!
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