Anyone on here running a mastr ii with usbradio? I’d like to talk to you directly to ask a few questions on your setup. I have a strange problem and would like to make sure I’m setup right.
N1XBM
Apparare Scientor
Paratus Communicare
Allstar Node # 27086, 41540, 41812, 42086
I use a MastrII for my TX side of things, but I used simpleusb.
On Sat, 19 Sep 2015 15:53:16 -0400 Robert Newberry <N1XBM@amsat.org> wrote:
Anyone on here running a mastr ii with usbradio? I'd like to talk to you
directly to ask a few questions on your setup. I have a strange problem and
would like to make sure I'm setup right.N1XBM
Apparare Scientor
Paratus Communicare
Allstar Node # 27086, 41540, 41812, 42086
--
w2ibc <w2ibc435@gmail.com>
I just spoke with the “Mastr II Guru”, and he said that if you take the discriminator audio
(off of volume/squelch high), it should work with chan_usbradio quite well.
Remember, for transmit, you need to feed it SEPARATE “program audio” and CTCSS
(you will need to use BOTH outputs of the USB device separately).
Jim, WB6NIL
Date: Sat, 19 Sep 2015 15:53:16 -0400
From: N1XBM@amsat.org
To: app_rpt-users@ohnosec.org
Subject: [App_rpt-users] Mastr II and usbradio
Anyone on here running a mastr ii with usbradio? I’d like to talk to you directly to ask a few questions on your setup. I have a strange problem and would like to make sure I’m setup right.
N1XBM
Apparare Scientor
Paratus Communicare
Allstar Node # 27086, 41540, 41812, 42086
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I dont have any GE equipment. I just asked the “Guru” on your behalf.
being phase modulated, has 2 inputs. One for “program audio” (amplified audio from
the MIC) and one from the CTCSS (“Channel Guard” as it’s known in the GE world, I believe)
encoder. This requires you a use, say, the ‘A’ output for program audio and the ‘B’ output for
CTCSS. In fact it was GE transmitting equipment that “inspired” us (me/Steve Henke) to
implement the 2 independent outputs the way in which we did. Of course, the ‘other’ output
(usually ‘B’) can also be used to drive a ‘local speaker’ or something of the sort, in a case where the ‘main’ (usually ‘A’) output is generating directly-modulate-able audio (pre-emphasized audio
along with CTCSS).
That’s about all I know. Sorry.
Jim
From my VERY limited experience with other people’s GE “stuff”, the transmitter,
Date: Sat, 19 Sep 2015 21:42:55 -0400
Subject: RE: [App_rpt-users] Mastr II and usbradio
From: N1XBM@amsat.org
To: telesistant@hotmail.com
When you say feeding “program audio” and PL seperate, do you mean on the A and B lines to the same input. Or A going to one input and B going to a different input.
How would you say your audio quality is. I get this strange intermittent. Clicking or popping sound. Almost like a heaphone or microphone being plugged into a board. It’s soft but noticeable. Usually at the beginning of keyup or at the end of transmission.
I noticed this one one repeater I setup. I then setup a second repeater also a mastr ii at a differnt location also using usbradio and I hear the exact same sound.
I was wondering if you would be willing to share how you interfaced your equipment and possibly a copy of your usbradio.conf file. I’d like to rule out what is going on.
Also maybe do you notice how clean your repeater audio is. Not many people compain about or even notice it but I do.
N1XBM
Apparare Scientor
Paratus Communicare
Allstar Node # 27086, 41540, 41812
On Sep 19, 2015 8:56 PM, “Jim Duuuude” telesistant@hotmail.com wrote:
I just spoke with the “Mastr II Guru”, and he said that if you take the discriminator audio
(off of volume/squelch high), it should work with chan_usbradio quite well.Remember, for transmit, you need to feed it SEPARATE “program audio” and CTCSS
(you will need to use BOTH outputs of the USB device separately).Jim, WB6NIL
Date: Sat, 19 Sep 2015 15:53:16 -0400
From: N1XBM@amsat.org
To: app_rpt-users@ohnosec.org
Subject: [App_rpt-users] Mastr II and usbradioAnyone on here running a mastr ii with usbradio? I’d like to talk to you directly to ask a few questions on your setup. I have a strange problem and would like to make sure I’m setup right.
N1XBM
Apparare Scientor
Paratus Communicare
Allstar Node # 27086, 41540, 41812, 42086
App_rpt-users mailing list
App_rpt-users@ohnosec.org
http://ohnosec.org/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/app_rpt-usersTo unsubscribe from this list please visit http://ohnosec.org/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/app_rpt-users and scroll down to the bottom of the page. Enter your email address and press the “Unsubscribe or edit options button”
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Hi,
Yes, this info is correct--I've got several Mastr II setups.
I haven't carefully followed this whole thread, but, as mentioned, for
many combinations the exciter is phase modulated. There are some direct-FM
versions, however. In particular, this is the case if you've got a PLL
exciter, which was found in many VHF Hi-band setups. For any combination,
if a PLL exciter is available, that is by far the preferred hardware
flavor since it has significantly lower spurious noise (more ideal for
repeater use). Note that the ICOMs for the PLL exciters were larger and
included the varactor diode (for direct FM) internally.
Another caveat I've found is that, depending on the exciter combination,
you will likely need a lot of audio drive to obtain the proper level of
deviation. So, be prepared to use the internal op-amp on the URI's to
obtain a higher output level. The Repeater Builder RIM adapter is likely
even a better alternative--it can provide gobs of drive, if needed. In
fact, the RIM is probably the preferred "plug and play" solution.
Also, I'll mention that you've got to be careful what audio source is used
for modulation. This is a case where a USB audio FOB, without a audio
low-pass filter, should -NOT- be used! Mastr II exciters will happily
generate a very wideband signal, if modulated by high-frequency audio,
such as is found directly at the output of a CM108/CM119 chip, etc.
Anyhow, have fun and good luck. I've found Mastr II's to be some of
the best radio hardware available, even though it's 30+ years old! On a
different side-note, if you've not already replaced the various tantalum
capacitors found in the exciter and/or receiver modules, go ahead and do
so before putting the system on-line. After letting a fair amount of
"smoke out" due to shorting tantalum caps, I go ahead and replace them all
and a standard maintenance item. After working on a lot of these rigs, I
-highly- recommend this!!! ...This will save many headaches down the road!
73, David KB4FXC
I dont have any GE equipment. I just asked the "Guru" on your behalf.
>From my VERY limited experience with other people's GE "stuff", the transmitter,
being phase modulated, has 2 inputs. One for "program audio" (amplified audio from
the MIC) and one from the CTCSS ("Channel Guard" as it's known in the GE world, I believe)
encoder. This requires you a use, say, the 'A' output for program audio and the 'B' output for
CTCSS. In fact it was GE transmitting equipment that "inspired" us (me/Steve Henke) to
implement the 2 independent outputs the way in which we did. Of course, the 'other' output
(usually 'B') can also be used to drive a 'local speaker' or something
of the sort, in a case where the 'main' (usually 'A') output is
generating directly-modulate-able audio (pre-emphasized audio
along with CTCSS).
That's about all I know. Sorry.
Jim
Date: Sat, 19 Sep 2015 21:42:55 -0400
Subject: RE: [App_rpt-users] Mastr II and usbradio
From: N1XBM@amsat.org
To: telesistant@hotmail.comWhen you say feeding "program audio" and PL seperate, do you mean on the A and B lines to the same input. Or A going to one input and B going to a different input.
How would you say your audio quality is. I get this strange intermittent. Clicking or popping sound. Almost like a heaphone or microphone being plugged into a board. It's soft but noticeable. Usually at the beginning of keyup or at the end of transmission.
I noticed this one one repeater I setup. I then setup a second repeater also a mastr ii at a differnt location also using usbradio and I hear the exact same sound.
I was wondering if you would be willing to share how you interfaced your equipment and possibly a copy of your usbradio.conf file. I'd like to rule out what is going on.
Also maybe do you notice how clean your repeater audio is. Not many people compain about or even notice it but I do.
N1XBM
Apparare Scientor
Paratus Communicare
Allstar Node # 27086, 41540, 41812
I just spoke with the "Mastr II Guru", and he said that if you take the discriminator audio
(off of volume/squelch high), it should work with chan_usbradio quite well.
Remember, for transmit, you need to feed it SEPARATE "program audio" and CTCSS
(you will need to use BOTH outputs of the USB device separately).Jim, WB6NIL
Date: Sat, 19 Sep 2015 15:53:16 -0400
From: N1XBM@amsat.org
To: app_rpt-users@ohnosec.org
Subject: [App_rpt-users] Mastr II and usbradioAnyone on here running a mastr ii with usbradio? I'd like to talk to you directly to ask a few questions on your setup. I have a strange problem and would like to make sure I'm setup right.
N1XBM
Apparare Scientor
Paratus Communicare
Allstar Node # 27086, 41540, 41812, 42086
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On Sat, 19 Sep 2015, Jim Duuuude wrote:
On Sep 19, 2015 8:56 PM, "Jim Duuuude" <telesistant@hotmail.com> wrote:
Depending on the type of FOB, yes, there should be no problem. The
URI and RIM work fine with the (large) amount of audio from the
VOL/SQ HI. If using a modified or converted USB audio adapter, just
make sure the audio is sufficiently reduced so the MIC input isn’t
over-driven.
Not to argue with the MASTR II Guru, whom ever that may be, but
composite works fine on MASTR II’s that have the FM ICOM - - feeding
the modulation pin directly. Yes, this requires pre-emphasis and
limiting turned on in the software. If the M2 is a phase modulated type, then yes, use separate audio
and CTCSS outputs from the radio interface thingy. Feed the MIC HI
with the voice audio and the Channel Guard input with the CTCSS
audio.
Kevin Custer
On 9/19/2015 8:56 PM, Jim Duuuude
wrote:
I just spoke with the "Mastr II Guru", and he saidthat if you take the discriminator audio
(off of volume/squelch high), it should work with chan_usbradioquite well.
Remember, for transmit, you need to feed it SEPARATE "programaudio" and CTCSS
(you will need to use BOTH outputs of the USB deviceseparately).
I’ve gotten a lot of good info. I’ve got some work to do to figure this strange noise out.
I do have one question.
Ctcssfrom=dsp is what I use. I currently use a DMKURI. I’ve noticed the USB and USBinvert mention using a USB fob. Can anyone elaborate on the differences of these two?
N1XBM
Apparare Scientor
Paratus Communicare
Allstar Node # 27086, 41540, 41812, 42086
USB and USBinvert are used only when you are using hardware signals
from the radio to provide cor and CTCSS decode.
If you are using DSP for Carrierfrom and CTCSSFROM in your
usbradio.conf file then the usb and usbinvert are not used.
If you were to use the hardware signals from the radio then you
would select either usb or usbinvert depending the logic signal the
radio provides.
For example: If you are using carrierfrom=usb then the cor line on
the URI would need to be connected to the cor (or CAS). If the
signal goes to ground with no signal (Squelched) and goes hi
(unsquelched), the URI will see the logic signal and treat it as the
squelch is open.
If the radio signal goes low WITH a signal (unsquelched) and goes hi
(squelched) then set the carrierfrom to usbinvert.
So the usb setting is for signals that go hi (Active hi) and
USBinvert is for signals that go low (Active low).
the same perameters also apply for the CTCSSfrom seting. for this
the CTCSs decode line must also be connected in the URI.
One other note:
When using these hardware signals, it is important to know that the
URI hardware detection depends on the transition going to ground and
not providing a voltage. It is possible some radios will provide a
voltage swing with a squelch or tone decode, but not go to ground
when there is no voltage.
In the Master II, if I remember, the CTCSS decode does go to ground
with the correct tone but does not provide a voltage. For this
connection the usbinvert would work for ctcssfrom.
But, the CAS is the opposite and provides a voltage when unsquelched
but doesn go to ground when squelched.
For this reason I alsways installed a NPN transistor to invert the
signal in the radio to provide me with a Active low signal for CAS.
Since you are using DSP for Carrierfrom and ctcssfrom, then you can
ignore the hardware signals.
Hope this helps,
Jon VA3RQ
One is positive voltage and the other is negative during an active signal. With dsp you are just listening to the discriminator audio for the change.
Sent from my iPhone
On Sep 20, 2015, at 11:16 AM, Robert Newberry N1XBM@amsat.org wrote:
I’ve gotten a lot of good info. I’ve got some work to do to figure this strange noise out.
I do have one question.
Ctcssfrom=dsp is what I use. I currently use a DMKURI. I’ve noticed the USB and USBinvert mention using a USB fob. Can anyone elaborate on the differences of these two?
N1XBM
Apparare Scientor
Paratus Communicare
Allstar Node # 27086, 41540, 41812, 42086
App_rpt-users mailing list
App_rpt-users@ohnosec.org
http://ohnosec.org/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/app_rpt-usersTo unsubscribe from this list please visit http://ohnosec.org/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/app_rpt-users and scroll down to the bottom of the page. Enter your email address and press the “Unsubscribe or edit options button”
You do not need a password to unsubscribe, you can do it via email confirmation. If you have trouble unsubscribing, please send a message to the list detailing the problem.