Spectra Repeater

The General forum is where users can discuss any topic regarding Motorola communications equipment - hardware, software, etc. There are also several focused forums on this board, so please take the time to ensure that your questions doesn't fall into one of those categories before posting here!

Moderator: Queue Moderator

Post Reply
User avatar
tuckerm
Posts: 561
Joined: Thu Jun 10, 2010 12:21 pm

Spectra Repeater

Post by tuckerm »

Is it possible to build a repeater out of two mid power Spectras?
Schrodinger's Radio: It is simultaneously too loud and too quiet, but you will never know which until someone transmits.
Will
Posts: 6823
Joined: Tue Sep 04, 2001 4:00 pm

Re: Spectra Repeater

Post by Will »

Yes, and with a simple interface to sense COR.

Or the ID-O-Matic project. This works well on Spectras, just change the wiring a bit.

http://www.repeater-builder.com/maxtrac ... k-rev2.pdf

I have the details.
User avatar
icom98
Posts: 216
Joined: Tue Nov 01, 2005 3:09 pm
What radios do you own?: Just About Everything

Re: Spectra Repeater

Post by icom98 »

The difficult part of using Spectras is the COS requirement from the receive radio. The link below is a modification that uses the turn on voltage for the audio module to be used as COS. With this mod you can use any type of controller that goes "Hi" when a signal is detected.

http://www.repeater-builder.com/motorol ... a-cor.html

Regards,
Larry
Someday We'll Look Back On This And It Will All Seem Funny.
From Rosilitia, Sung By Bruce Springsteen, CIRCA 1973
wa6jbd
Posts: 63
Joined: Sun Jul 15, 2007 6:46 am

Re: Spectra Repeater

Post by wa6jbd »

Another problem to deal with is going to be heat. Spectras don't have enough heat sink for continuous duty transmit.
CircleBat
Posts: 171
Joined: Mon Oct 08, 2007 3:11 pm

Re: Spectra Repeater

Post by CircleBat »

like what wa6jbd said.. these radios ae really bad for continuos duty on transmit... the P.A's get blown or the caps overheat on power exceeding 25 watts.. bad heat sinks.. my advice is to not run the TX power on more than 25 watts ... The market is flooded with these radios...

circlebat
User avatar
tuckerm
Posts: 561
Joined: Thu Jun 10, 2010 12:21 pm

Re: Spectra Repeater

Post by tuckerm »

Anyone got a wiring schematic to do this then? Just something simple using the DB-15 connectors.

Also, heat shouldn't be an issue. I have a case I'm building with several fans to bring in cool air and pull out the hot air.
Schrodinger's Radio: It is simultaneously too loud and too quiet, but you will never know which until someone transmits.
Will
Posts: 6823
Joined: Tue Sep 04, 2001 4:00 pm

Re: Spectra Repeater

Post by Will »

tuckerm,

I will be glad to send a schematic and wiring notes to do that. Please PM me your email address.
You do not have to do any mods or wiring inside the Spectras.

I am sending the drawing to you by email.
Last edited by Will on Tue Feb 21, 2012 12:25 pm, edited 1 time in total.
User avatar
tuckerm
Posts: 561
Joined: Thu Jun 10, 2010 12:21 pm

Re: Spectra Repeater

Post by tuckerm »

PM Sent.

I misunderstood your post above.
Schrodinger's Radio: It is simultaneously too loud and too quiet, but you will never know which until someone transmits.
User avatar
Josh
Posts: 1931
Joined: Mon Sep 03, 2001 4:00 pm
What radios do you own?: APX4K, XTL5K, NX5200, NX700HK

Re: Spectra Repeater

Post by Josh »

Will
Posts: 6823
Joined: Tue Sep 04, 2001 4:00 pm

Re: Spectra Repeater

Post by Will »

Josh,

That old way is so obsolete now.
Jonathan KC8RYW
Posts: 1747
Joined: Fri Dec 28, 2001 4:00 pm

Re: Spectra Repeater

Post by Jonathan KC8RYW »

Will wrote:Josh,

That old way is so obsolete now.
What's the new way?
73 DE KC8RYW
Random Motorola Part Number:
SYN1894B - V3m Sprint-branded Battery Cover
User avatar
NSPD
Posts: 1626
Joined: Sun Aug 04, 2002 4:52 pm
What radios do you own?: Motorola FR50!

Re: Spectra Repeater

Post by NSPD »

Jonathan KC8RYW wrote:
Will wrote:Josh,

That old way is so obsolete now.
What's the new way?
I'm interested as well, a low power Spectra repeater to pass secure comms has been on the back burner for a long time now....
Jake
User avatar
Josh
Posts: 1931
Joined: Mon Sep 03, 2001 4:00 pm
What radios do you own?: APX4K, XTL5K, NX5200, NX700HK

Re: Spectra Repeater

Post by Josh »

NSPD wrote:
Jonathan KC8RYW wrote:
Will wrote:Josh,

That old way is so obsolete now.
What's the new way?
I'm interested as well, a low power Spectra repeater to pass secure comms has been on the back burner for a long time now....

The Spectra is obsolete now, but the method works and parts are readily available. I built two, one crossband and they work great. I've modified astro spectra radios so the controller works with them and I've modified connectors to work with the XTL series, same basic design. Doesn't do CW-ID, that's fine, doesn't check the frequency before transmitting either, but for repeater duty that shouldn't be necessary.
vk4fq
New User
Posts: 3
Joined: Sat Oct 01, 2011 1:59 pm

Re: Spectra Repeater

Post by vk4fq »

NSPD wrote:
Jonathan KC8RYW wrote:
Will wrote:Josh,

That old way is so obsolete now.
What's the new way?
I'm interested as well, a low power Spectra repeater to pass secure comms has been on the back burner for a long time now....
I am interested as well. I am currently building a repeater for our radio club

Samantha
VK4FQ
Cairns
User avatar
Josh
Posts: 1931
Joined: Mon Sep 03, 2001 4:00 pm
What radios do you own?: APX4K, XTL5K, NX5200, NX700HK

Re: Spectra Repeater

Post by Josh »

The method in the other thread using the reed relays I showed will pass securenet. I haven't tested it myself, but the original author, Rescue161 maybe?, has.
Post Reply

Return to “General Motorola Solutions & Legacy Radio Discussion”