Batboard

I hope this isn't a question too far off base with the intent of base infrastructure. . . .

I am starting on a project where I may be looking at other vendors equipment besides /\/\otorola. . . .

Looking at replacing existing UHF repeaters (currently GE Mastr II's) operating as convetional single channel repeaters with something much newer supporting narrowband and APCO25 digital voice. . . Sales rep is recommending Quantars if our order hits before end of year otherwise will go to the Quantars replacement.

Repeaters are currently hooked to the console via 4 wire interface accross microwave for console control. . . .
Switching to the Quantar format I understand that a DIU and modems are added and that the DIU connects to my Motorola Gold Elite Console (with appropriate interface card in the CEB. . . )

If another vendors APCO25 dual mode equipment is used, how do they interface back to the console? ie. . . Kenwood, Harris/GE/whatever the name is this week, Daniels Electronics, etc. . . . .

Advantages? Disadvantages of how they hookup?

Any insight would be useful . . .
Either respond here, PM, or email works for me. . .

Thanks
Tony

Using an IP interface is pretty much the way the newer stuff is going... The Quantar doesn't support this by itself, but there are numerous equipment options that can convert analog and synchronous V.24 data to IP.

The Quantar's replacment, the GTR8000, does have an IP interface, but the protocol is all proprietary--at least for now. So you'll only be able to directly connect a Motorola console or other Motorola equipment to it.

The Tait and Daniels repeaters can have IP interfaces that conform to the P25 stadard digital fixed station interface, which means numerous different manufacturer's consoles could connect to them. If you go this route, make sure to carefully verify that all of the features that you intend to use are supported by the station and console. These P25 standard IP interfaces are currently in their infancy, but they'll probably improve with time.

I guess a lot of this decision may depend on what your console situation is. Are you going to be buying a new one, or hoping to keep the existing one a while longer? Also, the difficulty and cost in getting a reliable IP connection to the repeater sites is something else to consider, especially if you're not already using microwave links.

515-
without going into massive details. . . cross section is we are replacing 10 repeaters at 10 different counties. . . . Console cross section is Motorola Gold Elite and Orbacom (unknown model). Consoles aren't part of this project and may require us to mix/match the repeaters to keep everyone happy. . . . .

I'll PM more details. . . . .