Batboard

We've had these for several yrs. and they are so ssslllooowwww to decode/encode, you have to retrain all the users to w-a-i-t first before transmit, or any short message ie. 10-4, and 1st word of call etc. will not repeat. Also the software is a pain in the @$# to load and run with many fast pc's. Any others experience this?

Yes, it is slow, very slow.
But I like it.
I always add MDC (PTT ID) to the portables so you get the time not loose any part of the TX.
I have 15 peaces of theese installed, and I can garantee you that is much more fast than the ZR310 (that one really sucks), specially 'cause RF makes the ZR works totally weard.

I like it OK, but I agree, I've run into the issue with loosing the first part of the message as well.

I've been trying to get remoute setup/knockdown working without any luck. I'm using a Maxtrac for tx and GM300 for rx. (You might see my other thread). I'd love to hear any suggestions, so far I've tried everything without results.

Jay

Anyone have any opinions on a RICK unit -vs_ the I20r unit>?

I am going to set a system up soon with one or the other and the only appealing thing as I know the i20 has that the rick does not is the CW_id feature.

Any comments?

The rick works rather well, You can always add a CWID and since the receiver is doing the decoding it is quicker than the i20r

Well, the CW ID feature is nice. You can even send different ID's on each side if you are using it in crossband. It also has a courtesy tone to let the station you are talking to know that you are done.
You can adjust the hang time as well.

On the I20R, you can run multiple PL tones. Say you want to allow several groups to access the repeater, but not have to hear each other. You can do that. You can do cross tone as well (different PLs/DPLs). The controller does all of this stuff, not the radios.

As you can see from above, I have yet to get the remote setup/knockdown to work.

I think it's OK....For what i paid for mine.

Jay

If you are desiring multi users and or different "PL" tones then the iR20 will work. Also there is some confusion on the settings for the radios used.
I belive there was a change in the PL decoding firmware in the ir20 to decode quicker. I know that Zetron up graded the firmware a couple of times, calling it "Tone Lock" which signiffically improved the response. Zetron 38 is about as fast as one wants to decode!
Another alternate is the Zetron Model 38, 38A or a CommSpec TP3200. The M38 (A) has CW ID built in. These can also be used on the R1225/GR1225 repeaters, M100 + M100 repeaters.
If you need, contact me for the interfacing of these pannels. They do NOT use or need the RICK.
If you only need one PL or DPL code, use my repeater module for faster response and more stable operation, and it cost a lot less!

Will, Send me a private message with your email address. I wwant one of the repeater cables you make.

Thanks

You bet the IR20 and the RICK suck big time.

Best advice from a tech who knows about RICK problems, get one of Will's repeater modules, they ARE plug and play. I had to change another bad RICK out last week.
If you are doing a multi user repeater then go for a Zetron or Comspec tone deck. Watch your settings in RSS on the radio(s).

Can anyone elaborate on the problems they have encountered with the RICK units.?

I have seen everyone with posts that they hate them for all the problems, but never a mention of what they are.

Thanks

Hey NAND, just curious how you set up the three wire basic controller... is that using the carrier detect on the prog. I/O to key the ptt? Actually that's pretty clever in it's simplicity. LOL. I think I'll try that tonight just for a joke! I do have a capable RX radio...

You have only touched on two RICK problems, and there is not enough room here to go into details on many others. There are easy fixes for these two.
The three wires works ok, but if the receiver radio fails or looses power, the transmitter radio stays keyed till the e-wife comes home.
And it is hard to get a true repeater drop-out delay.
Also there is a problem with computer noise from the radios going into the other radio thru the RICK. There has been receiver desense caused by this.
I am trying to make my repeater and extender/link modules afordable, and reliable for you guys, and gal. And still be plug and play, and work on various radios.

Nand, don't be too quick to jump to other conclusions on RICKs. Some problems are never discovered in some systems due to other factors masking them. There are some serious engineering problems there.

Most of us, you inluded, have had experiances in many areas, and may not have had any problems, that is not to say we (our shop)have not had any. This is why we are here sharing.

MR. Nand, just because you have never relized the problems are there, does not mean others have never had problems. I do repair many RICKs, and am aware of a better soulution.
I know very well the inner workings and design in the RICK.

I like the ComSpec TP3200. Far more functionality than a RICK for the money. The MSRP on an HLN3333 RICK is $329. My cost on a TP3200 is about $100 less.

-RFB


<font size=-1>[ This Message was edited by: R F Burns on 2002-03-15 08:39 ]</font>

The I20r is programmed with it's own RSS, not the RSS of the radios involved. Part# HVN-9085A. Not sure what the latest version is, I've got 1.00.09

Todd