Portable micro-node?

Portable micro-node?
Ok, so I want to build a portable micro-node for allstar around an RTCM. I have the RTCM know how to configure it, etc… What I just can’t figure out is what radio to use…. I’d like this to be portable and low power - ala HT.

I’ve got any number of commercial motorola HT’s or a few dual band Ham HT’s (specifically thinking the TH-79A that I have laying around)…. So what are you all using and what’s easy to hook up? I really don’t want another mobile radio, that’s just too much overkill.

If you would, can you offer hookup directions (not to the RTCM, I know that part), but to whatever radio you are using?

Thanks in advance,

Alan

Portable micro-node?
Hi Alan,

For UHF I have used Motorola HT1000, MT/MTS2000, and Astro Sabers with the RTCM (and Beagle/Lox), both work well other than that you have to use the speaker’s bias for COS detect. You just need to destroy a speaker/mic cable for the cause.

Pete/wi6h

···

From: app_rpt-users-bounces@ohnosec.org [mailto:app_rpt-users-bounces@ohnosec.org] On Behalf Of Alan Adamson
Sent: Sunday, June 17, 2012 1:18 PM
To: app_rpt-users@ohnosec.org
Subject: [App_rpt-users] Portable micro-node?

Ok, so I want to build a portable micro-node for allstar around an RTCM. I have the RTCM know how to configure it, etc… What I just can’t figure out is what radio to use…. I’d like this to be portable and low power - ala HT.

I’ve got any number of commercial motorola HT’s or a few dual band Ham HT’s (specifically thinking the TH-79A that I have laying around)…. So what are you all using and what’s easy to hook up? I really don’t want another mobile radio, that’s just too much overkill.

If you would, can you offer hookup directions (not to the RTCM, I know that part), but to whatever radio you are using?

Thanks in advance,

Alan

Hi Alan,

For UHF I have used Motorola HT1000, MT/MTS2000, and Astro Sabers with the RTCM (and Beagle/Lox), both work well other than that you have to use the speaker’s
bias for COS detect. You just need to destroy a speaker/mic cable for the cause.

Pete/wi6h

···

From: app_rpt-users-bounces@ohnosec.org [mailto:app_rpt-users-bounces@ohnosec.org]
On Behalf Of Alan Adamson
Sent: Sunday, June 17, 2012 1:18 PM
To: app_rpt-users@ohnosec.org
Subject: [App_rpt-users] Portable micro-node?

Ok, so I want to build a portable micro-node for allstar around an RTCM. I have the RTCM know how to configure it, etc… What I just can’t figure out is what radio to use…. I’d like this to be portable and
low power - ala HT.

I’ve got any number of
commercial motorola HT’s or a few dual band Ham HT’s (specifically thinking the TH-79A that I have laying around)…. So what are you all using and what’s easy to hook up? I really don’t want another mobile
radio, that’s just too much overkill.

If you would, can you offer hookup directions (not to the RTCM, I know that part), but to whatever radio you are using?

Thanks in advance,

Alan

My problem with all of this is the issues with Motorola (and other commercial radios as well) hookup.

The speaker isn’t a speaker and ground it’s a floating set of two wires and they bias it with voltage, and the PTT and Mic interconnection aren’t that obvious either, as you may need to put resistors and caps in line to filter and cause the radio to see the correct voltage so that the PTT enables.

On the GP300’s, I don’t think you need that adapter as they have a 2 jack location already provided.

I think what I’m going to try, just because I have one and all the parts is my TH-F6A, you can put it in 9600 baud packet mode and get to the discriminator and mod input directly, and it has COR (but alas, it’s just connected to the meter, not really to a valid COR on CTCSS)… but I also have a TS-32 laying around so I may make something really small. The radio is way over kill, but hey I have it and it’s straight forward to connect up.

Alan

···

From: app_rpt-users-bounces@ohnosec.org [mailto:app_rpt-users-bounces@ohnosec.org] On Behalf Of Stephen - K1LNX
Sent: Monday, June 18, 2012 12:01 PM
To: app_rpt-users@ohnosec.org
Subject: Re: [App_rpt-users] Portable micro-node?

I’ve thought about using the same radio, I have an MT2000 and an MTS2000 both VHF that would be perfect for a project like this… I also found these on ebay, might be easier for wiring:

http://www.ebay.com/itm/KAWAMALL-Audio-Adapter-Motorola-Radio-HT-1000-MTS-2000-XTS-2500-Headset-Port-/380445305999?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item58944eac8f#ht_3174wt_1139

I don’t have a RTCM yet, but plan to get one in the near future.

Stephen

K1LNX


From: app_rpt-users-bounces@ohnosec.org [app_rpt-users-bounces@ohnosec.org] on behalf of Peter Elke [pete.elke@esquared.com]
Sent: Monday, June 18, 2012 1:26 AM
To: Alan Adamson; app_rpt-users@ohnosec.org
Subject: Re: [App_rpt-users] Portable micro-node?

Hi Alan,

For UHF I have used Motorola HT1000, MT/MTS2000, and Astro Sabers with the RTCM (and Beagle/Lox), both work well other than that you have to use the speaker’s bias for COS detect. You just need to destroy a speaker/mic cable for the cause.

Pete/wi6h

From: app_rpt-users-bounces@ohnosec.org [mailto:app_rpt-users-bounces@ohnosec.org] On Behalf Of Alan Adamson
Sent: Sunday, June 17, 2012 1:18 PM
To: app_rpt-users@ohnosec.org
Subject: [App_rpt-users] Portable micro-node?

Ok, so I want to build a portable micro-node for allstar around an RTCM. I have the RTCM know how to configure it, etc… What I just can’t figure out is what radio to use…. I’d like this to be portable and low power - ala HT.

I’ve got any number of commercial motorola HT’s or a few dual band Ham HT’s (specifically thinking the TH-79A that I have laying around)…. So what are you all using and what’s easy to hook up? I really don’t want another mobile radio, that’s just too much overkill.

If you would, can you offer hookup directions (not to the RTCM, I know that part), but to whatever radio you are using?

Thanks in advance,

Alan

That indeed does sound like it could end up being a pain... another thought I've given is one of the cheap chinese radios like the Baofeng, Puxing, or Wouxun. They can be bought on Ebay for around $50 single band.

Would definitely like to get this done this summer....

Stephen
K1LNX

···

On 6/18/12 12:09 PM, Alan Adamson wrote:
My problem with all of this is the issues with Motorola (and other commercial radios as well) hookup.

The speaker isn't a speaker and ground it's a floating set of two wires and they bias it with voltage, and the PTT and Mic interconnection aren't that obvious either, as you may need to put resistors and caps in line to filter and cause the radio to see the correct voltage so that the PTT enables.

On the GP300's, I don't think you need that adapter as they have a 2 jack location already provided.

I think what I'm going to try, just because I have one and all the parts is my TH-F6A, you can put it in 9600 baud packet mode and get to the discriminator and mod input directly, and it has COR (but alas, it's just connected to the meter, not really to a valid COR on CTCSS)… but I also have a TS-32 laying around so I may make something really small. The radio is way over kill, but hey I have it and it's straight forward to connect up.

Alan

From: app_rpt-users-bounces@ohnosec.org<mailto:app_rpt-users-bounces@ohnosec.org> [mailto:app_rpt-users-bounces@ohnosec.org] On Behalf Of Stephen - K1LNX
Sent: Monday, June 18, 2012 12:01 PM
To: app_rpt-users@ohnosec.org<mailto:app_rpt-users@ohnosec.org>
Subject: Re: [App_rpt-users] Portable micro-node?

I've thought about using the same radio, I have an MT2000 and an MTS2000 both VHF that would be perfect for a project like this... I also found these on ebay, might be easier for wiring:

http://www.ebay.com/itm/KAWAMALL-Audio-Adapter-Motorola-Radio-HT-1000-MTS-2000-XTS-2500-Headset-Port-/380445305999?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item58944eac8f#ht_3174wt_1139

I don't have a RTCM yet, but plan to get one in the near future.

Stephen
K1LNX

________________________________
From: app_rpt-users-bounces@ohnosec.org<mailto:app_rpt-users-bounces@ohnosec.org> [app_rpt-users-bounces@ohnosec.org<mailto:app_rpt-users-bounces@ohnosec.org>] on behalf of Peter Elke [pete.elke@esquared.com<mailto:pete.elke@esquared.com>]
Sent: Monday, June 18, 2012 1:26 AM
To: Alan Adamson; app_rpt-users@ohnosec.org<mailto:app_rpt-users@ohnosec.org>
Subject: Re: [App_rpt-users] Portable micro-node?
Hi Alan,

For UHF I have used Motorola HT1000, MT/MTS2000, and Astro Sabers with the RTCM (and Beagle/Lox), both work well other than that you have to use the speaker’s bias for COS detect. You just need to destroy a speaker/mic cable for the cause.

Pete/wi6h

From: app_rpt-users-bounces@ohnosec.org<mailto:app_rpt-users-bounces@ohnosec.org> [mailto:app_rpt-users-bounces@ohnosec.org]<mailto:[mailto:app_rpt-users-bounces@ohnosec.org]> On Behalf Of Alan Adamson
Sent: Sunday, June 17, 2012 1:18 PM
To: app_rpt-users@ohnosec.org<mailto:app_rpt-users@ohnosec.org>
Subject: [App_rpt-users] Portable micro-node?

Ok, so I want to build a portable micro-node for allstar around an RTCM. I have the RTCM know how to configure it, etc… What I just can't figure out is *what radio* to use…. I'd like this to be portable and low power - ala HT.

I've got any number of commercial motorola HT's or a few dual band Ham HT's (specifically thinking the TH-79A that I have laying around)…. So what are you all using and what's easy to hook up? I really don't want another *mobile* radio, that's just too much overkill.

If you would, can you offer hookup directions (not to the RTCM, I know that part), but to whatever radio you are using?

Thanks in advance,

Alan

My problem with all of this is the issues with Motorola (and other
commercial radios as well) hookup.

Depends on the radio. Maxtracs (16 pin), GTXs, Spectras are so simple to interface that it's almost a non-issue. All the signals are on the back...discriminator audio out, audio in, ptt, and ground. And, unlike most if not all ham-grade equipment, are can handle the rigors of constant duty cycle rather than the ICAS rated ham equipment.

The speaker isn't a speaker and ground it's a floating set of two wires and
they bias it with voltage, and the PTT and Mic interconnection aren't that
obvious either, as you may need to put resistors and caps in line to filter
and cause the radio to see the correct voltage so that the PTT enables.

Audio floats above ground in a balanced system so as to minimize common mode interference. On the radios I've worked on, especially Batwings, I've noticed no bias voltages on speaker leads. Besides, you really should not be using speaker audio to drive a URI anyway. Find the discriminator output, and use that. Friends don't let friends use VOX on asterisk; it makes it simple to interface, because, in the end, you only need 3 leads plus a ground to get the thing to work if you use the DSP processing to derive your COS and PL decode.

You may, and I say may, depending on how you send audio back in (flat vs mic), have to use a 47 puff in the mic line IF there is bias voltage on it for a condensor mic. Otherwise, put a pull up on to the PTT pin, and ground it for PTT. The URI can handle push to 5v or pull to ground as the signal for PTT; it's looking for the voltage transition to determine (as best I can tell) whether or not it's a valid state change and act accordingly. Heck, I even have some dry contacts on a broadcast studio audio console muting relay that can properly signal a URI to turn on the cluster transmitters.

It's not hard, nor complicated, if you're using the right equipment.

On the GP300's, I don't think you need that adapter as they have a 2 jack
location already provided.

I think what I'm going to try, just because I have one and all the parts is
my TH-F6A, you can put it in 9600 baud packet mode and get to the
discriminator and mod input directly, and it has COR (but alas, it's just
connected to the meter, not really to a valid COR on CTCSS). but I also have
a TS-32 laying around so I may make something really small. The radio is
way over kill, but hey I have it and it's straight forward to connect up.

If you have a discriminator output, you don't need to have a hardware COS. That's what the DSP is for, as well as CTCSS decoding. A lot easier to interface.

···

On 6/18/12 12:09 PM, Alan Adamson wrote:

--
Bryan
In this world, you must be oh so smart or oh so pleasant.
Well, for years I was smart. I recommend pleasant.
You may quote me.

Sent from my MacBook Pro.

Not that tough, three or four resisters and a speaker-mic cable for COS and rx audio. PTT is a ground to TX.

···

From: app_rpt-users-bounces@ohnosec.org [mailto:app_rpt-users-bounces@ohnosec.org] On Behalf Of Alan Adamson
Sent: Monday, June 18, 2012 12:09 PM
To: ‘Stephen - K1LNX’; app_rpt-users@ohnosec.org
Subject: Re: [App_rpt-users] Portable micro-node?

My problem with all of this is the issues with Motorola (and other commercial radios as well) hookup.

The speaker isn’t a speaker and ground it’s a floating set of two wires and they bias it with voltage, and the PTT and Mic interconnection aren’t that obvious either, as you may need to put resistors and caps in line to filter and cause the radio to see the correct voltage so that the PTT enables.

On the GP300’s, I don’t think you need that adapter as they have a 2 jack location already provided.

I think what I’m going to try, just because I have one and all the parts is my TH-F6A, you can put it in 9600 baud packet mode and get to the discriminator and mod input directly, and it has COR (but alas, it’s just connected to the meter, not really to a valid COR on CTCSS)… but I also have a TS-32 laying around so I may make something really small. The radio is way over kill, but hey I have it and it’s straight forward to connect up.

Alan

From: app_rpt-users-bounces@ohnosec.org [mailto:app_rpt-users-bounces@ohnosec.org] On Behalf Of Stephen - K1LNX
Sent: Monday, June 18, 2012 12:01 PM
To: app_rpt-users@ohnosec.org
Subject: Re: [App_rpt-users] Portable micro-node?

I’ve thought about using the same radio, I have an MT2000 and an MTS2000 both VHF that would be perfect for a project like this… I also found these on ebay, might be easier for wiring:

http://www.ebay.com/itm/KAWAMALL-Audio-Adapter-Motorola-Radio-HT-1000-MTS-2000-XTS-2500-Headset-Port-/380445305999?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item58944eac8f#ht_3174wt_1139

I don’t have a RTCM yet, but plan to get one in the near future.

Stephen

K1LNX


From: app_rpt-users-bounces@ohnosec.org [app_rpt-users-bounces@ohnosec.org] on behalf of Peter Elke [pete.elke@esquared.com]
Sent: Monday, June 18, 2012 1:26 AM
To: Alan Adamson; app_rpt-users@ohnosec.org
Subject: Re: [App_rpt-users] Portable micro-node?

Hi Alan,

For UHF I have used Motorola HT1000, MT/MTS2000, and Astro Sabers with the RTCM (and Beagle/Lox), both work well other than that you have to use the speaker’s bias for COS detect. You just need to destroy a speaker/mic cable for the cause.

Pete/wi6h

From: app_rpt-users-bounces@ohnosec.org [mailto:app_rpt-users-bounces@ohnosec.org] On Behalf Of Alan Adamson
Sent: Sunday, June 17, 2012 1:18 PM
To: app_rpt-users@ohnosec.org
Subject: [App_rpt-users] Portable micro-node?

Ok, so I want to build a portable micro-node for allstar around an RTCM. I have the RTCM know how to configure it, etc… What I just can’t figure out is what radio to use…. I’d like this to be portable and low power - ala HT.

I’ve got any number of commercial motorola HT’s or a few dual band Ham HT’s (specifically thinking the TH-79A that I have laying around)…. So what are you all using and what’s easy to hook up? I really don’t want another mobile radio, that’s just too much overkill.

If you would, can you offer hookup directions (not to the RTCM, I know that part), but to whatever radio you are using?

Thanks in advance,

Alan