PL dropping out on a Desktrac "repeater"

[nycapt7112]

Hi all,

I recently bought a Desktrac UHF repeater for use on GMRS. Programmed it up with a GMRS frequency pair that was not too busy in the area and my own PL. The machine worked great while I was testing it but after about 1-2 weeks whenever I try to key the repeater, the PL will be present for about 1 second then drop out until I de-key my portable at which time the PL will come back on for the 1 second hang time.
The machine is working because when I monitor the system in CSQ mode I hear it fine and when testing with a PL/DPL capable scanner I see the exact results above confirmed. The scanner will show that the PL will be present then drop out and then come back up after I de-key.

I used the Maxtrac RSS to program both sides and have tried to re-program the system thinking maybe something may have been corrupted and that would fix it but no such luck.

Just wondering if I am missing anything that could cause this.

[N4RPD]

The DeskTrac's have some extra circuitry in the control boards that REQUIRE you to use the DeskTrac RSS after programming the RX/TX with MaxTrac RSS. I have had other "strange" things happen when making changes to either radio with MaxTrac RSS and then not going back and re-reading and writing the codeplug with DeskTrac RSS using the number selection pot on the front panel. I bet that the PL selection is not in the EEPROM for the controller and thus not getting passed.

[nycapt7112]

Okay makes sense. There's no permanent damage done by me not using the Desktrac RSS, right? So if I have my local shop re-program the machine using the Desktrac RSS all should be well?

Thanks for your help!

[N4RPD]

Okay makes sense. There's no permanent damage done by me not using the Desktrac RSS, right? So if I have my local shop re-program the machine using the Desktrac RSS all should be well?

Thanks for your help!

I think all should be okay by just reading and re-writing the codeplug with DeskTrac RSS. It will prompt you to set the pot to "3" then "2" then "1", then back to "3" all the while reading and writing to the radio.

Good luck and let us know if that does it?