Batboard

Is it possible to build a repeater out of two mid power Spectras?

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.

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

Another problem to deal with is going to be heat. Spectras don't have enough heat sink for continuous duty transmit.

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

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.

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.

PM Sent.

I misunderstood your post above.

Josh,

That old way is so obsolete now.

Will wrote:Josh,

That old way is so obsolete now.

What's the new way?

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....

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The Spectra is obsolete now, but the method works and parts are readily available.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.

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

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.