XBand Repeater?

JoeS31 · Post by **JoeS31** » Mon Feb 04, 2002 6:44 am

My agency has a Radius M216 Low Band and a Maratrac VHF. Is there anyway to tie these radios together to make a xband repeater? We want to be able to able to turn this function on and off. What would be the best way to do this? Thanks for any help!

Joe

Glen W Christen · Post by **Glen W Christen** » Fri Feb 22, 2002 2:51 pm

Motorola's RICK would do the job easily. If it is local, put a DPDT switch in line with the RX sense or PTT lines from both radios.

metro121 · Post by **metro121** » Fri Feb 22, 2002 4:25 pm

I have done this exact mod using a loband Maratrac and a conventional 800 Maxtrac. We use them for extenders in the patrol vehicles.
The problem with most Maratracs that I have seen usually have the 5 pin accessory connector so the RICK probly will not work. I am not sure because I have not tried it.
Instead, i have used the method shown in MRT which is also mentioned on the Batlabs model section for Maxtracs.
I had to modify the mod when it came to the Maratrac because I could not bet the audio to pass through the mic/programming port. This was just a matter of macking my connections directly to the pins at J8 on the Maratrac. I setup the Maxtrac with a relay through the Maratrac power allowing the officer to turn the Maxtrac on as an xtender when he leaves the vehicle if he should need to have access to the loband. He would then have to put his HT on the xtender frequency. This will work as a repeater also. you would just need a big enough power supply to handle the high power.
I am also working on a Dual Maratrac with one A7 control head. I have worked some of it out on paper and in theory it should work. "KNOCK ON WOOD"
I am looking for a Maratrac Service Manual right now so I can finish up this project ASAP.

Will · Post by **Will** » Fri Feb 22, 2002 5:24 pm

My extender module does this and can be switched off so each radio can be used independently just as if the module was not plugged in.
My modules are designed for either a five pin or a sixteen pin logic board on either or both radios.

April · Post by **April** » Fri Feb 22, 2002 6:47 pm

Guys,
The Motorola RICK will not work on a MAratrac radi without a lot of problems. I have seen various problems with the RICK on GM300's and Maxtrac/Radius radios. I could go on about ALL the problems with these RICKs but you don't need to have me take up several pages here.
From what I know, Will's Extender Modules are made to work with the radios and I have seen good reports on the repeater modules and also on the new extender module.

RFdude · Post by **RFdude** » Fri Feb 22, 2002 7:07 pm

Maybe it's the radar detector enthusiast in me, but I still think of 10 GHz when I see X Band mentioned! I was pretty excited when I saw the X Band repeater title to this thread. Hi

April · Post by **April** » Fri Feb 22, 2002 7:16 pm

XBand in two-way radio jargen means cross- band like UHF to VHF or Low Band to low power VHF so the user has the range of his car radio from his portable radio.
Some are just one way and others are bidirectional.

RFdude · Post by **RFdude** » Fri Feb 22, 2002 7:28 pm

Yah, yah, yah... I've been in RF professionally (DC to Daylight) for over 15 years... I have to keep reminding myself.... Xmas, Xfmr, L-band, C-band, X-band, Ku-band, etc. I thought you would get a laugh.

April · Post by **April** » Fri Feb 22, 2002 7:31 pm

LOL!

I did get a good laugh.

R F Burns · Post by **R F Burns** » Sat Feb 23, 2002 12:36 pm

I was kinda hopin' to see something involving Gunnplexers and Sno-Sleds... LOL

metro121 · Post by **metro121** » Sat Feb 23, 2002 2:45 pm

You think that is funny?
Everytime I see Motorola RICK, I think they are talking about someone on the bat board.

Will · Post by **Will** » Sun Feb 24, 2002 11:54 am

That is why I call the repeater interface communications kit (RICK) units I build a Repeater Module or Extender Module.
And by the way I know Motorola Rick well!!!!!

bls106 · Post by **bls106** » Sun Feb 24, 2002 8:45 pm

Silly question...

... when all else fails... why not cheat?

it takes four wires to go between the two radios and you're in business using the options plugs. The 16 pins on the back of the maxtracs, and the VIP connector on the head of the maratrac. You should also be able to do this with the 5 pin maxtracs.

good luck.

metro121 · Post by **metro121** » Mon Feb 25, 2002 2:35 am

Tell Motorola RICK to send me an email. I want to know if he knows GE JOE.

Will · Post by **Will** » Mon Feb 25, 2002 6:25 pm

You can "cheat" if you like. But to make it work realy well you need some circuits in there. My modules are designed to eliminate ALL the problems and potential problems that arise using the "simple wires", Motorola RICKs and other "cheat" schems.

Many fire and construction companys depend upon reliable communications and they are using my modules with great success.