Batboard

after 2km of snowmobile to get to my site, i found that the final PA of my r1225 is flat dead. It was working only within 10-15ft near the repeater with a ht. I put a spare repeater online but now i' considering replace/repair the PA. I know these repeater have issues with the PA so my next step is to put a TPL amplifier instead the r1225 blows the full 40w. Should i send the PA to a local shop and get it repair or simply find a new/used one and don't waste any money on repair ?

It may be better if you purchase a replacement rfpa, and then rework the failed one to have as a spare for the next time. We've had limited success turning them down to extend their service life. They last longer than a Maxtrac rfpa, but are still not rated for continuous duty. Not the hardiest product ever made.

yeah i know they're not that tough, but for my little radio rental company for now it's the only thing i can buy. I just called my MSS dealer and here's the deal : Complete rf PA assembly : 250$CAN, the final transistor is 132.75$CAN and the final driver 61.75$CAN.... without labor to do the job... i think my solution is to buy a new one.. and fix the other one for later spare...

That's what we discovered too. The economics aren't there to repair a final, but most times they can be reworked and salvaged. A cap burns up and they quit working, or solder crystallizes and they quit working. The xters seem to be okay. But, YMMV.

We have had fairly good results repairing them here. If you want to, I would be glad to look at it and give an estimate for repairs.

Most are repaired for less than what it costs for a new one.

Just got done repairing one. (I fix one or two every week, and the ones I fix don't come back for years! ) I suck all of the solder off the driver and the final, and reflow. I also replace the chip caps on the final, making sure they are as close to the transistor as possible. I don't mess with the underwoods as they are pretty hardy, just don't soak them in alcohol or flux remover. I usually reflow the driver too if I have time. I have never, ever needed to replace a transistor.

I can usually completely disassemble a GR1225 with a dead PA and have it up and running in about half an hour, and charge our shop's minimum rate.

Of course, if it is being used continuously, an investment in a MTR might be worth it in the long run.

As stated above, a simple fix, replacing the caps on the final input PA. Always turn the power down to 25-30 Watts or less and you have the option to use it as a driver for a TPL-type PA replacement if you need the extra Watts.

I have one thats been on the air for 14 years which blew the PA last year. I sent it to Motorola for flat rate, and they refurbished the whole thing. It wasnt too bad $$ either... Working great now!

NEVER let it put out more than 25watts and make that fan run all the time.