Micro Computer Concepts

RC-100

The RC-100 is a complete repeater controller with CW ID, timeout timer, COR, tail timer, remote base interface, 15 DTMF-controlled auxiliary outputs, and a complete audio interface with DTMF muting - all programmable with DTMF. No other repeater controller offers so many features at such a low price.

Features

Complete repeater interface for direct connect to receiver and transmitter.
Four pots provide for level adjustment of the repeater audio.
CW ID with timer, tone and speed adjust. Storage for up to 31 characters and DTMF programmable.
Timeout timer programmable from 20 seconds to 40 minutes reset on tail beep.
Tail timer programmable from 0. 2 to 25 seconds.
Courtesy beep programmable with DTMF. Also time after input drops programmable. Also programmable CW courtesy tone such as W for weather alert or N for net.
Microprocessor based for ease of feature upgrades. CPU is Intel CMOS 87C52.
DTMF pad tester with CW readback. Decodes DTMF digit and reads back.
Remote base interface allowing connect of transceiver for linking to other repeaters.
Fifteen auxiliary latched TTL (0 to 5V) outputs each with its own on & off code. These outputs can be used separately or 13 can be use to control frequency of BCD programmable remote base. This allows for linking to more than one repeater. Just enter frequency entry code and enter freq. & offset.
Complete set of DTMF programmable control codes determined by the repeater owner.
Crossband mode (setup with DTMF control code). Uses 2 transceivers repeating between them.
Anti-kerchunker filter to keep weak signals from chattering repeater.
The programed CW ID, repeater parameters , timeouts and DTMF codes are stored in EEPROM not requiring battery backup. Repeater status (repeater disable, etc) is also stored in EEPROM.
All CMOS design requires low power of 10 to 15 VDC at 100 mA.

The RC-100 is contained on a single PC board of 4. 2" x 3. 8" with mounting standoffs.
On board interface complete for repeater and remote base without need of additional boards. Unlike other controllers the RC-100 has buffered COSs, PTTs, and audio ready to directly connect to your repeater.
Four pots provide for adjusting audio levels of CW ID/tones, RX to TX level, RX to DTMF decoder level and remote base receiver.
Sub-audable tone (PL) access mode (requires external tone decoder).
Sub-audable tone encoder control with programmable timer (requires external tone encoder).

Repeater Operation

Repeater operation is the access of receiving a COS logic input and keying of the repeater transmitter. However, the control can be put into CTCSS (PL) mode requiring an external tone decoder. Also a DTMF access mode can be enabled requiring the user to enter a DTMF access code to bring up the repeater. Once up the controller will operated in the carrier or CTCSS mode until no activity for 20 seconds at which time the DTMF access code must be re-entered.

A programmable timeout timer (20 sec to 40 min) is provided for limiting a users transmission. The timeout timer is reset on the user dropping the input and at the tail beep time. The timer can be reset with DTMF digit 1 if the user timing out the repeater can be overridden. The timeout can also be disabled.

To help with burst of noises on the repeater input an anti-kerchunker can be turned on. When on the repeater must get a solid receiver input for a programmed time to bring up the repeater.

After the user drops the input the controller will have a programmable tail keeping the repeater keyed for a programmable (0. 2 to 25 seconds) time. There is a special "no tail" mode where the input drops when the repeater input drops.

During the tail a tail beep indicating to other users the dropping the input. This tail beep can be a programmable up to four tone segments or a CW character such as W for weather, N for net or whatever one desires. The time the tail beep occurs is programmable. Also the tail beep can be disabled or programmed out.

CTCSS Control

CTCSS or PL mode requires an external decoder to drive one a logic input on the RC-100. When the RC-100 is placed in CTCSS using DTMF control codes the logic input must be driven high to access the repeater.

The RC-100 is designed to work with the Communications Specialist, Inc. TS-32 or TS-64 encoder/decoder tone boards, but other decoders may be used. Detailed install and debugging instructions are provide in the RC-100 manual for the TS-32 and TS-64.

Another mode is CTCSS encode. Often it is desirable to encode CTCSS on the repeater output to allow users to use their rig's built in CTCSS receive mode to keep unwanted noise from distrubing them when the repeater is not up.

One of the AUX outputs can be used to control the on/off of the encoder. When this is done the RC-100 has built in a programmable timer for timing the on period of the encoder during the tail. Thus one could have say a 3 second tail, but force turning off the encoder 1 second before the repeater drops. This can aid in reducing the squelch burst when a users receiver drops. This feature can also aid in linking from other repeater listening to the repeater output.

Repeater Identification

The RC-100 has a built in CW ID for identifing the repeater. The ID is remotly progammable with speed and tone control. The ID interval can be set between 20 seconds to 40 minutes.

The ID is the polite type waiting for the user to drop the repeater input before sending the ID trying to keep the ID from interrupting the users QSO.

An external or voice ID using 2 of the AUX outputs to control the playback and remote recording can be added to the control. If the external/voice ID is wired for remote recording their are control codes for controlling the recording procedure. The MCC VID-1 voice module can be used for a voice ID.

Either or both the CW and external/voice ID can be turned on and off.

Remote Base Operation

A seperate interface is provided for the connection of a transceiver for linking the repeater to another repeater or frequency. The interface includes receiver audio input, transmitter audio output, receiver COS (active high) and PTT (low to key).

Thirteen of the AUX outputs can be used to control the frequency of the remote base if the rig used is BCD programmable. This frequency programming allows for receive frequency, programmable offset and offset direction.

The remote base receiver can have access to the DTMF decoder if this mode is enabled. This allows the remote base to be turned on and off via the remote base allowing for the linked to system to turn on the remote base.

The remote base transmit can be turned on and off allowing for a receive monitor mode.

A timeout timer for the remote base will turn off either the remote base or just the remote base xmt when their has been no activity. The timeout is not one that limits the remote base transmitting. This timeout can be disabled.

Crossband Mode

Normally the RC-100 functions as a repeater controller. However, the controller can be put into a crossband mode which allows connection of two transceivers. Then when one rig gets a receiver input on one transceiver the other transceiver is keyed and vis versa. Systems as a 440 to 6 meter system can be built.

Controller Programming

The RC-100 is remotly programmable with DTMF. The control codes, user codes, repeater parameters such as timeout timer, etc and CW ID can be remotly set using DTMF. Special user changable control codes are used to open programming.

Auxiliary Output

Thirteen auxiliary TTL (0 to 5 V) outputs are provided for controlling external devices. Each of the 13 outputs has its own on/off DTMF code and some of the outputs can be gained together if desired.

AUX outputs 1 thru 8 can be ganged together for one-of-eight control. In this mode a DTMF code is entered followed by 1 to 8. The entered following digit will force that AUX high and the remaining 7 low. This can be used to control the frequency of a remote base with crystals.

AUXs 9 thru 12 can be gained for binary control where a DTMF code is entered followed by a digit. AUXs 9-12 will then put out the following digit entered. If the following digit were 4 then the output would be 0100.

Any or all of AUXs 12-15 can be put into momentary mode. When an AUX is in momentary mode then the entering of a DTMF digit associated with the AUX will go high when the digit is being entered and low when not.

DTMF Control

(the following are code normally for control operator functions)

Repeater on/off
Master on/off
Repeater timout (20 sec to 40 minutes)

DTMF access on/off
Sub-audable tone access

Remote Base on/off
Remote Base timeout
Remote Base DTMF access

CW ID program on
External ID on/off
ID time interval (20 sec to 40 minutes)

DTMF mute on/off

CW ID on/off
Control code on/off
DTMF pad test on/off
Anti-kerchunker on/off
Auxiliary outputs ON/OFF
Programming on/off

User Codes

(these codes are normally given to users)

Remote base on/off
Remote base xmt on/off
DTMF Access code
Anti-kerchunker on/off
Force CW ID

Connectors P1 (repeater port) and P2 remote base/link port. 

 

 

 

PRICING

RC-100 with manual..... $129.95

 

 The ENC-1B enclosure has 19" rack mount panel, DB25 25 pin connector on rear for controller interface, removable top cover.  The enclosure is 7w x 6d x 1.25h.

 

ENC-1B enclosure...........$59.95