[VHFcontesting] 900mhz Commercial Conversions

[Eric Watkins]

I went the GTX route before switching to a DEMI xverter.

One other thing to watch out for on 900mhz are any local "blackout" 
restrictions. In the Denver area we are restricted from TX many of 
the FM simplex frequencies that the GTX can be modded to run 
on.  This appears to apply to the Colorado and Wyoming areas.

Here is the order:
http://hraunfoss.fcc.gov/edocs_public/attachmatch/FCC-06-149A1.pdf

Anyone want to buy a pre-modified ham band programmed GTX?  This 
radio worked fine for me, but I can't use it anymore in Denver. I 
also have the programming unit needed to modify the "channels." You 
can also find these units on ebay.  Finding the RSS programming 
software to go with the programmers is pita and even then you pretty 
much MUST have an old as hell laptop with an older serial chipset to 
use the RSS software. Newer clocked PCs run too fast for the old RSS 
software to run well in my experience. The yahoo 900mhz email 
reflector is a great resource, dig thru the older email history on 
yahoo for some good GTX nuggets.

Good luck getting on 900mhz. It sure does get out.

Thanks,

Eric kr0ver

At 05:57 PM 7/31/2008, James French wrote:
>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
> > 205.253.4867 cell
> > _______________________________________________
> > VHFcontesting mailing list
> > VHFcontesting at contesting.com
> > http://lists.contesting.com/mailman/listinfo/vhfcontesting
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