Really appreciate the videos bud. I am just getting into this sort of thing after wanting to for 20 plus years! This is great info and it's REALLY nice to see somone else motivated and not only research, build and test these setups, but to video and share! You're a huge help to others! Keep up the great work bud!
Thank You very much for the Simplex Repeater Update! You were right that you had a bunch of video to edit before you could post it! LOL Glad to see that the fail-safe for the battery worked as intended, and we all learned that critters like to chew though wiring! DOH! After seeing that, I plan on using some flexible stainless steel wire conduit (and paint it camo) to protect my external wires. Just like the ones you would see protecting a handset cord on a payphone! That should keep the critters from chewing through them! With the recent improvements and price reduction in flexible solar panels, I think that would be the ticket with a lightweight electrical grade PVC Pipe frame and stand. It would weigh much less than a glass panel, so it would be easy to haul to a remote location. Your camouflage paint job would also work excellent on it.
My wife isn't buying into SHTF stuff. I have been covertly getting electronics scanner, etc...I have been researching for about two years now on hams. I bought a Baofeng the latest tri power 1,4,8 watt. I don't have a tech license yet and I won't tx because I am not licensed I just want to be somewhat prepped in case of SHTF. I haven't watched any of your videos but I am glad I ran into this tonight very insightful and informative.
Thanks for sharing this GC. Would you please do a quick video on the test tools you brought up to the mountain with you? Looking forward to your next video! STN
Time for year 2 maintenance on your rig ! I have been learning from your channel for some time now. Are you going up to check it out soon ? Is it still working since the last check up ? Probably have some snow to deal with. I wonder how long that batt will last with snow on the solar panel if that is an issue. Looking into a similar set up in a location that does get a bit of weather that would hinder solar charging for upwards of a month or more. Hope to see an update on your set up after 2 years. Thank You
+EVILisEVILdoes Its in the works, actually its going to be a repair mission. It went off the air a couple of months ago. first my range went from 60 miles to about 6. then finally silence. Don't know what happen, but I'm planning on going up there next week to see what happened with camera in hand. I purposely half assed built it to show any problems while deployed quicker. Stay tuned, it will happen shortly. Thanks for watching.
I look forward to it, I am impressed with the performance and uptime on this build. The location I am scouting is a 3 hr hike from the road so I want to deploy after further testing this spring if my legs hold out. Basically the same configuration with a larger batt.
If i may suggest i would NOT paint the antenna coil,there are paint outhere that would "isolate' the coil and it wont radiate rf like it should.You could use "hockey tape' that would not interfere .Great kit you have there and you are gaving me ideas for an APRS digi in the forest here.Ground you amo-box and it will help you ground effect a lot, 73/s Gef ve2ckn
How about using some of the newer Lora / meshtastic low power data comm gear in conjunction with a VHF simple or UHF repeater? AES256 encryption and channel hopping or spread spectrum.. I’m not too up on the tech, but just saw a video on the system. Open source and under $50 for a transceiver. And I’m definitely a huge fan of LifePO4 batteries. Way better than flooded /AGM / SLA types. Priced higher, but has a much better lifespan.😊
Great video. I was wondering (and maybe you've already done this) if you could put together a general parts list of us newbs so that me might be able to make our own simplex repeater? Thanks for all your hard work.
4570levergun Here's a playlist of my setup. I'm sure I mention parts within the vids. Sorry to put you through my ramblings.... feel free to ask about any details not covered.
I would be worried about leaves or something falling on the solar panel if it stayed up there for years. Maybe you already considered that in choosing placement.
What about running the cable from the panel to the box through a flexible conduit, like you'd use on a hot water heater, to prevent an animal chewing through the line again?
+atrusco Definitely a good idea. I purposely built it really crappy to see what failures I would expect in the field. Then take the lessons and build it tougher next time. Its just a prototype. Thanks for watching.
Great videos, just thought that might be a good/cheap way to improve it. Tougher for critters to get through, plus I thought it might help shield it from interference as well.
I worked with that type of batteries for most of my life. That is the same type used in alarm systems, I worked with them for about 30 years. You are luck if you get 3 or 4 years out of them.
Hi GC - Saw you're carrying a copy of www.safecomprogram.gov/nifog/nifog_1_4_j_rotated_for_viewing.pdf - I presume to ensure conformity/compatibility with pages 79/80? I really like the setup. *Great video* as usual! All the best, Rob
I am surprised that your TYT 8000 has survived even one year. I have one and as I understand it, when it's in cross band repeat mode it's constantly TXing and will get hot. So, do you have it on low power? If so, even then I'm surprised that it's still operational after one year.
I'm assuming the TYT radio has the crossband repeat feature? Also assuming it's a UHF->VHF or VHF->UHF. If so I'm assuming that's a dual band whip? I'm curious because I'd like to setup something similar but need a NGP antenna, in a dual band whip.
That makes sense now. Hence the issues he has when his kids use it. If he's running 5 watts and an ht why not use one of the new Chinese hts that do cross band? Maybe it's due to licensing.
Michael Meza Yes, its because of licensing. GMRS seems to be the only service out there that I could use legally with the whole family, no mater age or experience level to a certain extent. What looks like a dual band antenna is actually a 5/8 wavelength collinear antenna on UHF. Basically two UHF 5/8 length antenna stacked on top of each other separated by a coil in the middle to reverse the currents between the two. It flattens that radiation patter farther across the horizon. Thanks for watching.
watched lots of your videos what about vandals or theft on you mountain repeater I used to work for motorola service and had couple repeaters in country shot holes etc
***** This particular hill top is rugged terrain to get to, you would have to be really motivated to climb it for fun or whatever. its about a mile away on a 45 degree slope. Not much reason for someone to drive up there either, there is literally nothing but forest. You practically have to be a few feet away to see it and its low enough as to not skyline on the peak. I did build it as cheap as I can worrying that it might get stolen. You could practically pick it up and walk away. Thanks for enduring the lots of my vid, appreciate it.
Its been off the mountain since 2016. it had a hard failure and had to pull the radio down. Been wanting to deploy something but life got in the way and I'm in the process of moving locations. I'm already scoping out sites to deploy gear. 2.5 year update. ua-cam.com/video/Kvm2rMBSIBM/v-deo.html
If you were able to fly the radio(at 4 watt), repeater and antenna(in a horizontal configuration) from 3-5k ft, that would give you line of site comms out to how far?
j johns I know there is a formula out there, but I'm too lazy to find out. but its a physical formula that finds out how much of the horizon you could go depending of height of the your location. the higher you are the more distance past the horizon you can see. Based on my UHF repeater, I would conservatively say 40 miles of solid outside coverage, inside a structure, it might drop off. Thats UHF, if you used VHF, you could get another 35% of range with the same amount of power used on UHF. the lower the frequency used, the more hauling capabilities it has. you mentioned horizontal configuration, there is something called antenna polarization. in a nutshell both field units and repeater must be polarized the same. any mismatch and you will cut your performance by as much as 50%. if the antenna is vertical, it will perform much better than horizontal because the majority of users employ their antennas vertically. Thanks for watching.
Tram set the point to point record on 2m from a balloon, like 650 miles range. I don't know the specifics, but if you can get it up, it'll reach a LONG ways
Really appreciate the videos bud. I am just getting into this sort of thing after wanting to for 20 plus years! This is great info and it's REALLY nice to see somone else motivated and not only research, build and test these setups, but to video and share! You're a huge help to others! Keep up the great work bud!
Thank You very much for the Simplex Repeater Update! You were right that you had a bunch of video to edit before you could post it! LOL
Glad to see that the fail-safe for the battery worked as intended, and we all learned that critters like to chew though wiring! DOH! After seeing that, I plan on using some flexible stainless steel wire conduit (and paint it camo) to protect my external wires. Just like the ones you would see protecting a handset cord on a payphone! That should keep the critters from chewing through them!
With the recent improvements and price reduction in flexible solar panels, I think that would be the ticket with a lightweight electrical grade PVC Pipe frame and stand. It would weigh much less than a glass panel, so it would be easy to haul to a remote location. Your camouflage paint job would also work excellent on it.
Good continuation to part 1, looks like the perfect place for a repeater
Once again you have shown us how to improve our communications. Thank you.
My wife isn't buying into SHTF stuff. I have been covertly getting electronics scanner, etc...I have been researching for about two years now on hams. I bought a Baofeng the latest tri power 1,4,8 watt. I don't have a tech license yet and I won't tx because I am not licensed I just want to be somewhat prepped in case of SHTF. I haven't watched any of your videos but I am glad I ran into this tonight very insightful and informative.
Thanks for sharing and educating!
Thanks for sharing this GC.
Would you please do a quick video on the test tools you brought up to the mountain with you? Looking forward to your next video!
STN
SurvivalTech Nord You got it. will take a little bit but it will be done.
Would it be possible to list the components and perhaps a detailed video of how to put one of these together?
Time for year 2 maintenance on your rig ! I have been learning from your channel for some time now. Are you going up to check it out soon ? Is it still working since the last check up ? Probably have some snow to deal with. I wonder how long that batt will last with snow on the solar panel if that is an issue. Looking into a similar set up in a location that does get a bit of weather that would hinder solar charging for upwards of a month or more. Hope to see an update on your set up after 2 years. Thank You
+EVILisEVILdoes Its in the works, actually its going to be a repair mission. It went off the air a couple of months ago. first my range went from 60 miles to about 6. then finally silence. Don't know what happen, but I'm planning on going up there next week to see what happened with camera in hand. I purposely half assed built it to show any problems while deployed quicker. Stay tuned, it will happen shortly. Thanks for watching.
I look forward to it, I am impressed with the performance and uptime on this build. The location I am scouting is a 3 hr hike from the road so I want to deploy after further testing this spring if my legs hold out. Basically the same configuration with a larger batt.
If i may suggest i would NOT paint the antenna coil,there are paint outhere that would "isolate' the coil and it wont radiate rf like it should.You could use "hockey tape' that would not interfere .Great kit you have there and you are gaving me ideas for an APRS digi in the forest here.Ground you amo-box and it will help you ground effect a lot,
73/s
Gef ve2ckn
How about using some of the newer Lora / meshtastic low power data comm gear in conjunction with a VHF simple or UHF repeater?
AES256 encryption and channel hopping or spread spectrum..
I’m not too up on the tech, but just saw a video on the system.
Open source and under $50 for a transceiver.
And I’m definitely a huge fan of LifePO4 batteries.
Way better than flooded /AGM / SLA types. Priced higher, but has a much better lifespan.😊
Good Video.
You could put another Ammo box in parallel for a longer cycle.
Hi. Can you show us your repeater diagram and equipment?
Great video. I was wondering (and maybe you've already done this) if you could put together a general parts list of us newbs so that me might be able to make our own simplex repeater? Thanks for all your hard work.
4570levergun Here's a playlist of my setup. I'm sure I mention parts within the vids. Sorry to put you through my ramblings.... feel free to ask about any details not covered.
I would be worried about leaves or something falling on the solar panel if it stayed up there for years. Maybe you already considered that in choosing placement.
Tracy Reed Yes I did, I actually lopped off some branches that might be a problem. Thanks for watching.
Thanks for the tip re the tape mate!
What about running the cable from the panel to the box through a flexible conduit, like you'd use on a hot water heater, to prevent an animal chewing through the line again?
+atrusco Definitely a good idea. I purposely built it really crappy to see what failures I would expect in the field. Then take the lessons and build it tougher next time. Its just a prototype. Thanks for watching.
Great videos, just thought that might be a good/cheap way to improve it. Tougher for critters to get through, plus I thought it might help shield it from interference as well.
I worked with that type of batteries for most of my life. That is the same type used in alarm systems, I worked with them for about 30 years. You are luck if you get 3 or 4 years out of them.
So with the aluminum foil and reflective tape, is that a form a faraday box?
What kinda Antenna are using out there & what is your favorite brand of antenna you like? great video great channel.
This is a great series of vids, too bad I do not live around mts, I would try this.
Michigan flatlander
Hi GC - Saw you're carrying a copy of www.safecomprogram.gov/nifog/nifog_1_4_j_rotated_for_viewing.pdf - I presume to ensure conformity/compatibility with pages 79/80?
I really like the setup. *Great video* as usual! All the best, Rob
Another good video GC thanks Bro.
Have you seen the Wouxun KG-UV8D Cross-Band Repeater?
InTheNameOfJustice Not in person, but did look at the specs. If it works ok, this could simplify a portable repeater setup considerably.
GUERRILLACOMM I was thinking the same thing. I found a couple of good reviews on YT that hold promise for the unit.
I am surprised that your TYT 8000 has survived even one year. I have one and as I understand it, when it's in cross band repeat mode it's constantly TXing and will get hot. So, do you have it on low power? If so, even then I'm surprised that it's still operational after one year.
I'm assuming the TYT radio has the crossband repeat feature? Also assuming it's a UHF->VHF or VHF->UHF. If so I'm assuming that's a dual band whip? I'm curious because I'd like to setup something similar but need a NGP antenna, in a dual band whip.
His setup is a simplex repeater using a single VHF frequency. There is a small recorder that records the transmission and then re-transmits it.
That makes sense now. Hence the issues he has when his kids use it. If he's running 5 watts and an ht why not use one of the new Chinese hts that do cross band? Maybe it's due to licensing.
Michael Meza Yes, its because of licensing. GMRS seems to be the only service out there that I could use legally with the whole family, no mater age or experience level to a certain extent. What looks like a dual band antenna is actually a 5/8 wavelength collinear antenna on UHF. Basically two UHF 5/8 length antenna stacked on top of each other separated by a coil in the middle to reverse the currents between the two. It flattens that radiation patter farther across the horizon. Thanks for watching.
watched lots of your videos
what about vandals or theft on you mountain repeater
I used to work for motorola service and had couple repeaters in country shot holes etc
***** This particular hill top is rugged terrain to get to, you would have to be really motivated to climb it for fun or whatever. its about a mile away on a 45 degree slope. Not much reason for someone to drive up there either, there is literally nothing but forest. You practically have to be a few feet away to see it and its low enough as to not skyline on the peak. I did build it as cheap as I can worrying that it might get stolen. You could practically pick it up and walk away. Thanks for enduring the lots of my vid, appreciate it.
Would it be possible to set up a small duplex repeater with two HT's ?
It's been over 3 years now, how has the system been working for you during this time?
Its been off the mountain since 2016. it had a hard failure and had to pull the radio down. Been wanting to deploy something but life got in the way and I'm in the process of moving locations. I'm already scoping out sites to deploy gear.
2.5 year update.
ua-cam.com/video/Kvm2rMBSIBM/v-deo.html
What is the model on your battery analyzer?
buzzsah I believe its an obsolete model. the website is Midronics dott comm, the similar models is the MDX series.
Does your simplex repeater overheat when weather is warm?
If you were able to fly the radio(at 4 watt), repeater and antenna(in a horizontal configuration) from 3-5k ft, that would give you line of site comms out to how far?
j johns I know there is a formula out there, but I'm too lazy to find out. but its a physical formula that finds out how much of the horizon you could go depending of height of the your location. the higher you are the more distance past the horizon you can see. Based on my UHF repeater, I would conservatively say 40 miles of solid outside coverage, inside a structure, it might drop off. Thats UHF, if you used VHF, you could get another 35% of range with the same amount of power used on UHF. the lower the frequency used, the more hauling capabilities it has. you mentioned horizontal configuration, there is something called antenna polarization. in a nutshell both field units and repeater must be polarized the same. any mismatch and you will cut your performance by as much as 50%. if the antenna is vertical, it will perform much better than horizontal because the majority of users employ their antennas vertically. Thanks for watching.
Tram set the point to point record on 2m from a balloon, like 650 miles range. I don't know the specifics, but if you can get it up, it'll reach a LONG ways
What kind of revolver is that in your belt?
Its a SW 642.
you should mount it on a tree, maybe swap to li-po cells