[arm-allstar] half duplex node linking to a repeater

[David McGough]

Hi Sione,

Yes, you can override and "key up" a half-duplex (HD) node. The method is
to connect to the HD node from a full-duplex (FD -- e.g.: duplex=2
repeater) node. When the FD node is receiving a signal (COS active), it'll
key the HD node, even if the HD node is receiving.

This method causes a side effect, which must be overcome, however. Since 
the HD node will almost always be hearing something (COS active), the 
app_rpt timeout timers will never reset and the FD repeater will 
eventually time-out. This limitation can be overcome by temporarily 
disabling the time-out timer (COP,8 command). Then, re-enable the timer 
(COP,7) once you're finished.

We use this method on various remote-base radios and repeaters daily and
it works well.  I've found that some FD repeater users must have a little
training to understand the non-standard repeater behavior when using this
method, but once they understand it, all is good.

Finally, there is one HUGE factor to think about when using this method:  
The FD repeater transmitter will likely be at 100% duty cycle--the FD
repeater almost never un-keys while working this way...So, make sure your
RF hardware is up to the challenge!


73, David KB4FXC


On Fri, 17 Jul 2015, Sione Ragle wrote:

> 
> Hi I have a node that is used for linking my local repeater to another 
> repeater using a half duplex node.
> 
> Some repeaters I link do have a long hang time and I find that I can't 
> keyup the link until the remote repeater is unkey. Is there a way to 
> make it so I can key up the half duplex node at any time I want and not 
> wait for the carrier to drop from the remote end?
> 
> Thanks,
> --Sione
> 
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