Batboard

ok, so i'm trying to set up my RICK with a Radius mobile as the TX and an M120 as the RX radio. Everything is working kinda ok, it's repeating as it should, but for some reason the first and second words usually don't get through. The rick won't trigger the TX radio unless audio is passed through it. I can key up a radio and not say anything into it, and the repeater will not go on the air. Is there anything that I can do to try to get the repeater controller to immediately key up as soon as a signal is received, or is this just something I have to live with? I don't have access to an instruction manual, only what is posted on the RICK page at batlabs.com. I'm new to building these, i'm trying to learn as much as possible and how to do it properly.

Okay, It is a little complicated. You should really get the rick manual. There are step by step instructions on how to set each component up.

What is sound like is it might have something to do with the PL/DPL and CSQ detect connection.

Here is what the manual says.

Unidirectional:
Will the "PL/DPL and CSQ" (COR) function be programmed on pin 8 or pin 14 of the accessory connector, J3, of the reciever radio (Use the pin that is used by any accessory connected to J4-ACC or use pin

Pin 8 S2-1 Off, S2-2 Off, S2-3 On
or
Pin 14 S2-1 Off, S2-2 On, S2-3 Off


Bi- Directional:
S2-1 On
S2-2 On
S2-3 Off
S2-10 Off
S2-11 On

Note: J3 pin 14 of the "RX" radio and J3 Pin 8 of the TX radio mustbe programmed for PL/DPL and CSQ Detect. (output direction, active Low)
__________________________________________________________

The dip switches are located on the board, so take the rick apart. Check the programming of the pins on the radios. I think that the M120 has no provision for this within the software, so check to make sure the cables are correctly set up to allow for the proper signal, as listed above.

I would personally switch radios and have the radius mobile as the RX radio and the M120 as the TX radio. If I remember the Radius has MDC options, and will allow for set-up and knock down via MDC1200 commands, which will allow you to turn the repeater on/off.

Once you find the problem the rick works very well. We use them all the time to temporary repeater applications and for district maintenance channels or to blindly repeat fire ground transmissions. Remeber that it will not be a continouos duty repeater. The longer you keep that mobile keep, the power will drop off. It will not per say harm the radio, but if you have on of those 3+ minute gas bags on the channel go get yourself and MSF5000 repeater. Also, set the time out timers "TOT" for about 1 minute to avoid stuck mic problems.

Make sure that your duplexer (if you have one) is tuned properly.
Use interconnect cables made of the "Military Spec" golden double shield cable with good, solid connections. This will cut down or eliminate wacky RF issues and will keep the repeater from spasing out due to leaky RF cables.

Make sure that your power supply is ample to supply the current demand. A good, clean 10++ Amp power supply is good to use

Good Luck,. Rob

Well, I did a little experimenting, and kinda got it to do what I need. I programmed the TX radio to receive CSQ, TX pl, and that seemed to alleviate the problem of the first words cutting out.

I think i'll be looking for a copy of a manual soon so i can see everything the unit is capable of and how to do it.

Thanks for the pointers Rob, greatly appreciated!