Hi James,
Are you trying to do just straight analog CSQ audio, or are you trying to deal with PL too?
I have two SLR’s sitting here on the bench, getting ready to go out in to the field later this year (when I can get to the top of the mountain). They are connected to a VOTER, which is the through-hole version of the RTCM.
I haven’t seen any issues yet with squelch issues like you describe, but this is just bench testing.
Interesting to hear your response from Motorola, that confirms what I found on my own. If you listen to the “discriminator” audio out of the SLR, it doesn’t doesn’t sound like “normal” audio. Indeed it sounds like “digital audio”, and looks like the same on a scope (it is clipped/limited).
I have the procedure I used to align my radios with the VOTER’s, but you’ll need to let me know a little more about your setup.
I will tell you that the SLR is VERY sensitive to audio levels.
You need to have a service monitor, and the Motorola CPS and Tuner software to make this go.
Specifically for aligning the receiver, you will need to do it in the Tuner software, and you have to align it as a 12.5kHz radio.
I am using the VOTER/RTCM firmware version 1.5 with “Chuck Squelch” and “BEW”. I am not using the BEW option, at this point, that may change when I get it up on the mountain. Your mileage may vary, and you may want to try other firmware versions (the details for recompiling firmware is on the Wiki).
I’ll post my notes, when you let me know what you are working with.
Cheers!
Lee