[App_rpt-users] Using an external Controller

[Kevin Custer]

Some repeaters like Tait, Vertex, and others have simple repeater 
controller functionality built-in.  In some cases, all it takes to 
enable/disable the internal controller is one logic line.  In cases 
where I cannot afford to have a repeater fail if the computer dies or 
the USB radio device stops responding, I have used a simple circuit that 
looks for the flashy - flashy on the FOB, and if it fails, reverts the 
internal controls.

Scott Zimmerman (and I) have developed a new USB radio interface device 
that has this functionality built-in.  The new device will be ready for 
full production in a few weeks.

Our interface is like most USB radio devices in that it converts the USB 
to audio and signaling, (it's CM119 based) but is also includes some 
other features not currently included on the interfaces available 
today.  One of those features is monitoring the health of the computer 
and interface.  If the LED stops flashing, a pin will go to the opposite 
logic state and allow control to revert to internal controls, or another 
device like a in-between repeater controller.  The source of the health 
circuit can be slaved from the LED or GPIO1, and is capacitor coupled so 
it doesn't matter if the input fails to ON or OFF - it still has failed, 
and will revert.

There are several other features that address a number of compatibility 
issues.  One of these features allow this interface to be connected to a 
radio, or invert the logic to allow easy connection to a controller.  
The logic is programmed by solder jumpers.   The audio filters have been 
pushed out some,  but more importantly have more poles to insure none of 
the clocking gets to the modulator in instances where the interface 
device connects directly to the modulator.  There is an on-board DC to 
DC converter so you can take advantage of higher audio output levels 
without needing to route a source of 12 Volts to the device. Several 
audio levels into and out of the device are possible without the need of 
additional attenuation or amplifiers.

Watch for the release of this new product soon - the Repeater Builder 
USB-RIM.


Kevin Custer - WJ8G



On 4/9/2013 12:54 AM, Jim Duuuude wrote:
> All opinions aside, YOU have to be comfortable with the operation of a 
> radio system that YOU have responsibility for.
> If it involves the use of an external controller, then that's exactly 
> what you should do. App_rpt/Allstar fully supports such use in
> several different ways, and we certainly encourage people to implement 
> their systems in this manner if they see fit to do so.
>
> Jim WB6NIL
>
>
> ------------------------------------------------------------------------
> Date: Mon, 8 Apr 2013 23:35:29 -0500
> From: bob at w5evh.org
> To: bob at af6d.com
> CC: app_rpt-users at ohnosec.org
> Subject: Re: [App_rpt-users] Using an external Controller
>
> Bob,
>
> I still use my RC210s at all my sites.  I have a lot of confidence in 
> AllStar running a repeater but the controller is one thing I have a 
> hard time letting go.  I deal a bunch with PCs and no matter what OS 
> you are using, they will lock up eventually because of hardware, heat, 
> etc.  I had a site that had a good PC, but every once and a while, the 
> machine would lock up or do something and allstar would halt.  
> Couldn't even remote in.  So, I had to go to the site and reboot just 
> to get the machine back on the air.  After the third time, I 
> reinstalled the controller.  Machine was still flaky but all I lost 
> was the link and the repeater was still on the air.
>
> boB
>
>
>
>
>
>
> On Mon, Apr 8, 2013 at 12:07 AM, Bob - AF6D <bob at af6d.com 
> <mailto:bob at af6d.com>> wrote:
>
>     I know that there are so many features that I have yet to learn
>     about. But there are many features available with my rc10. Is
>     there any way that they may co-exist, even if using a repeater in
>     between?
>

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