[VHFcontesting] 900mhz Commercial Conversions

[James French]

There are Three Motorolas that can be used for 900 Amatuer:
1) Spectras
2) Maxtracs
3) Gtxs

The easiest one is the GTXs as all you have to do is do a little bit
banging to the RSS software to program them. There are Hts and mobile
versions of the GTX. Beware that one of the GTX mobiles can do 30 watts
output if you get the right version.

The next easiest is the Spectras. Have to do a little internal resisiter
mod to them, otherwise they work.

The Maxtracs are the hardest ones to mod as I see it. Have to change the
Toko filters for the correct ones.

One other thing is do you have a programmer interface board and the
proper RSS software for these radios? one thing to take into
consideration.

There are two Yahoo 900 groups that would help you out if you ask. They
are named AR902 and 900mhz respectivley.

James W8ISS

PS- I might be willing to part with one of my Motorolas as I have so
many just sitting here for the past few years. Give me a PRIVATE email
and we'll discuss it.
=====
On Thu, 2008-07-31 at 15:30 -0500, Les Rayburn wrote:
> I'm interested in handing out some 900mhz FM contacts to other weak signal operators during the upcoming contests. My eventual hope is to add a 900mhz transverter to my operation, but in the meantime, I have installed a 25 element 900mhz loop yagi and 1/2" hardline to the shack. 
> 
> My thought was perhaps it would be possible to obtain a converted commercial radio, such as a Motorola or GTX radio, and use them on simplex for this purpose. That turned out to be in error. I quickly discovered that most of the weak signal operators had transverters that would not operate in the high end of the amateur band (around 927mhz) but instead needed to be closer to the calling frequency at 902.1mhz. 
> 
> Is anyone aware of a unit that can be programmed to operate in FM simplex near the bottom of the band? 
> 
> Failing that, perhaps someone has a transverter for this band that they aren't using and might need a new home. Any help appreciated. Trying to avoid dropping a lot of money into a band that will get little use for me, but would like to give out some contacts for the locals. FM seemed like a good stop gap measure. It worked for me during the June contest while my 222 rig was in the shop. 
> 
> 73,
> 
> Les Rayburn, N1LF
> EM63nf
> 
> 
> Les Rayburn, director
> High Noon Film
> 100 Centerview Drive Suite 111
> Birmingham, AL 35216-3748 
> 205.824.8930
> 205.824.8960 fax
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