Batboard

Anyone have a hook-up sheet and RSS settings for making a MTR station a repeater using a CAT controler.

Thanks,

Jim, K8COP

the best way to do this is with the Zetron interface cable that they sell for around $200 or so - it has several level converters and such integrated into the cable.


also see this thread

http://batboard.batlabs.com/viewtopic.p ... erface+mtr

I just interfaced an early 1996 MTR2000 to SCOM 7K using the 96 pin systems connector.

Ran into some snags. The article on repeater-builder is a damned fine article, except the gentleman was running a newer MTR.

Mine is one of the first versions out, and I didnt have the capability of the 25 pin connector (MRTI not supported in my firmware)

I found using the 96 pin systems connectors for COR, RX audio, PL detect, ground and power for the controller worked well.

For transmit, I used a CAT 5 data patch cord, and hacked the end off to about a 2 foot length, and plugged the RJ into the MIC connector in the front of the MTR. If you remove the top plate, there is a notch in the back where you can route the CAT 5 through and make it look clean. The MIC pinout is similar toa standard Maxtrac mobile style mic (they work on it) . Using the mobile mic pin out, I got PTT and TX audio going into the front panel mic plug.

The reason for doing this, the PTT on the systems connector on mine WILL NOT enocde PL. If you use the front panel mic plg, it will encode PL normally. So to keep my sanity, I just used it. It has been working very well now for about 2 months.

The Radius mobile is used for a link to another UHF repeater for the local tornado spotter group. I took the mobile, and removed the factory heatsink and installed a heatsink from a GR1225 repeater on it. It bolts right on, and does a much better job at cooling. Also have a fan attached to it as well. The link runs 8 watts into a corner reflector.

Heres pic's.....

http://webpages.charter.net/n3ivk/images/375front.jpg

http://webpages.charter.net/n3ivk/images/MTRfront2.jpg

http://webpages.charter.net/n3ivk/images/mtrfront.jpg

I did have a discussion with Bob KA9FLX (author of the http://www.repeater-builder.com article) and his firmware was much newer then mine. He was able to do the audio mapping for his system connector for tx audio. The MTR RSS help screens do give you a firmware history, and tells you what the different version do and so forth. The RS I have (I work for a MSS) is ver 3. I think my firmware was like version 1.1 or something ptiful like that.

The 96 pin connector from what I understand is hard to get ahold of. Luckily for me, we had one spare systems cable kit laying around. So the supply for your 96 might be a challenge. Bob - KA9FLX mentioned that digikey I think offered it. Mine was a Motorola part, and came with all the ugly green wires and pins. I think I still have the bag for it, if it has a part number on it, I'll let ya know.

The MTR makes a fine ham repeater. Dont forget to setup your RSS so it's a full duplex base and not a repeater....the internal controller of the MTR doesnt like to play nice with a external controller at the same time

I bought one of those "system connector" cable kits for a friend sometime in the last 6 months. The info I got from him was:

"Part number for cable kit TKN9205A is 30-83908X02. Price is around $57.00"

As I recall, that was the correct price when I bought it. I do recall LOTS of stripped and crimped green wires. If you only need a handful of wires, buy the connector elsewhere and save some money !

Bob M.