Batboard

I am looking at purchasing one of these "fine units" but I don't know much about them other than they are 100 watts and have a built in /\/\ duplexer in the cabinet. If anyone has any service manuals or expert experience that they would be willing to share either by .pdf or xerox or right here on the board I would really appreciate it.

Here are some specific areas of concern:

- X tals (availability, rough price, where do I get them)
- Local mic/speaker option (what is needed, does ANYONE here have it?)
- Pinouts etc. to connect a controller or phone interconnect (goes back to needing the service manual)
- Any other misc. info that might help!!
- Control Cards (PL, DPL, Squelch Gate, Etc - Does anyone have, are they compatible with other repeater models?)

Generally just looking for the basics to get me up and running

Thanks

The manuals show up on ebay fairly often.

International will re-crystal your channel elements for about $50 each.

Further info here: http://www.repeater-builder.com/rbtip/mitrek-index.html

Interfacing info here: http://www.radiowrench.com/sonic/so02004.html

Not all MSR-2000's are 100 watts. Some of the eBay units are only 40 watt models, for examples. Some will have an internal duplexer, some do not. Do not expect it - confirm it. Most that I've run across in commercial and amateur service do NOT have them.

The manuals are around, a tune-up meter ($15-$25) on eBay makes the job easier but is not required. Alignment is a snap, but, follow the procedure, which involves presetting the coils before you start to obtain optimum performance. I've had a few of the UHF models be a little finicky about going to the low end (442) of the ham band on receive.

If you are going to use an external controller, only the "f1" and station control cards are needed. Yes, you can get around those, too, but it makes it easier. I use the method to inteface to them pushed by Zetron - if you want a copy of their app note just send me your email address.

The cards are not interchangeable with other repeaters (unless you want to change the edge connector - some will work).

I get my MSR crystals from West Crystal,and, as xmo points out ICM will do them as well.

You can get full deviation if you interface to the DPL audio input, and it is very flat from low frequency to 3.5 Khz.

Overall, I like them. They can be a pain in the butt to work on the Tx and Rx because of the mechanical packaging. I've only once had to rip one out to get at them, though.

Rob

What frequency band are you looking for?

Tron

Thanks guys, this unit IS a 100 watt setup with the internal duplexer included! It is in the 150 Mhz VHF band, and I do not plan to use it in amateur service..in fact it is going to be our F2 for the fire department as it is now just a simplex frequency. I was just trying to research them before I sold the idea and jumped in head first!! Sounds like they are a pretty decent setup then. Keep the info comming!!

just an off topic question; reading your post you say you want to use this msr as an F2 repeater for your department. Do you folks use this F2 as a fire-ground channel? If so I would strongly reccomend using some kind of simplex channel for on scene command and control especially if you folks are going into a fire building. Extra range is nice but i am not a fan of repeaterized fireground channels, to do it right is extremely costly depending on the kind oof buildings in your area and the type of area you are trying to cover.


take care