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Cheapest console option

Posted: Sat Nov 21, 2009 10:05 pm
by redbeard
Not having worked in the radio or dispatching business, I am a dunce when it comes to the dispatch side of the radio system and it's computer control/audio switching functions. At best, I have only a fundamental knowledge of how tone control systems work over the leased phone lines. User side of the system, even tower end of the setup is fully understood. I'd like to fix this situation.

What I am looking for, is the cheapest way to set up a 'dispatch' system. This is for my learning and hobby interest only. I saw a screenshot of a Centracom Elite system and it is very much like what I would want to see. I would also like to experiment with tone control of a local radio, to do an attic-installed but bedroom or living-room controlled radio. If it was one Spectra and two remotes that would be optimal. I am open to any brand hardware, but obviously /\/\ is preferred.

As I said this is just for my enjoyment of the hobby and is no way going to actually support any public safety initiative. Ideally, I would have a 'console' that I could monitor a number of channels but probably only transmitting on a few. Perhaps scanners on some channels as an audio source and a ham rig or Spectra/Maxtrac for the TX channels.

Re: Cheapest console option

Posted: Sun Nov 22, 2009 6:26 am
by Bill_G
Mornin' redbeard. Great concept, not too tough to accomplish, and good fun while you're doing it. My suggestion is to break your self teaching project into two phases: basic & advanced. Yes, a Gold Elite is a nice system, and if you have the time, money, physical space at home, and experience to set it up, by all means go for it. But, you've already said you do not know how a basic tone control system works. The Gold Elite is not the machine to start with. A simple C200 deskset is. Marry up a tone remote adaptor with a Maxtrac, run your phone line to your remote control, and you're on your way. Watch the for sale ads here, and elsewhere, for suitable equipment. The e place has a few tone remotes and adapters available right now.

Re: Cheapest console option

Posted: Wed Nov 25, 2009 1:31 pm
by engineer
Hi Shawn
take a look at www.awcsl.com
buy the building blocks which expand from simple to complecated without loss of investment.
cheers
Joe G4PMY