using boafeng uv-5r as a repeater

[VE3JSO]

hi I have 2 uv-5r radios and I want to use them as a portable cross band repeater and I have the cable for it and when I plug the cables in to the two radios the radios transmit when I don't want it to the cable is plugged in all the way is there any way I can fix that or am I doing things wrong tried finding you tube videos to help but no luck so I was wondering if anyone else have the same issue that can help me solve this issue
thanks and 73

 

[gewecke]

You're using the wrong radios for a crossband repeater system. You should use mobile radios for this, other wise you may cook the final transistors from the extreme duty cycle, unless you set them at the lowest power level. :roll: 73, n9zas

 

[KK4JUG]

You're using the wrong radios for a crossband repeater system. You should use mobile radios for this, other wise you may cook the final transistors from the extreme duty cycle, unless you set them at the lowest power level. :roll: 73, n9zas

He's right. They're not designed for crossband repeater use. Some brand name mobile radios use that feature as a selling point.

 

[NC1]

They can't be used for heavy (commercial) use, but it will work just fine.

You can get the cable on eBay, or make your own if the one you have is faulty.
Follow the setup process carefully and make sure the settings are correct, and you are good to go.

This is a trusted source, and for the most part is the authority on these radios. Have fun

Cross Band Mini-Repeater Project UV5R UV82

 

[gewecke]

They can't be used for heavy (commercial) use, but it will work just fine.

You can get the cable on eBay, or make your own.
Follow the setup process carefully and make sure the settings are correct, and you are good to go.

This is a trusted source, and for the most part is the authority on these radios. Have fun

Cross Band Mini-Repeater Project UV5R UV82

Well its the Ops choice in the end, but I've had people bring those toys to me for repair after they've been toasted from crossband use, so I do NOT advise it. But they're cheap so who cares if they don't last long I guess. Sure, you can do it but they are NOT designed for it. 73, n9zas

 

[NC1]

Well its the Ops choice in the end, but I've had people bring those toys to me for repair after they've been toasted from crossband use, so I do NOT advise it. But they're cheap so who cares if they don't last long I guess. Sure, you can do it but they are NOT designed for it. 73, n9zas

That is all outlined on the Miklor site, they covered the bases. You would have to be an idiot to toast the radio and should not have had them in the first place if you don't know that transmitting makes the radio get hot.

The site also states: "This is meant to be a fun table top and learning project with a practical use and a minimal cost investment."

I'm sure that's all this is. Experimentation is highly encouraged among Hams, and he should be given the proper instructions on how to do it, along with the appropriate cautions, which the Miklor site does very well and in detail.

Maybe it's just me, but when someone asks a question like that, I don't right away poo-poo the idea or assume it will be used for nefarious purposes.
I have asked many questions and modified equipment just to see how it works, there was no other intent than that.

It's a cheap way to learn and a great way to promote the hobby. Just my opinion anyway.

 

[KD8DVR]

hi I have 2 uv-5r radios and I want to use them as a portable cross band repeater and I have the cable for it and when I plug the cables in to the two radios the radios transmit when I don't want it to the cable is plugged in all the way is there any way I can fix that or am I doing things wrong tried finding you tube videos to help but no luck so I was wondering if anyone else have the same issue that can help me solve this issue
thanks and 73

Doable yes. But you have heat issues, as well as issues with identification. Each transmitter in the system must identify. It would be a fun project for "just because I want to purposes"; but might not be good for long term use.

Sent from my LG-D631 using Tapatalk

 

[NC1]

Doable yes. But you have heat issues, as well as issues with identification. Each transmitter in the system must identify. It would be a fun project for "just because I want to purposes"; but might not be good for long term use.
Sent from my LG-D631 using Tapatalk

The ID issue would only come up if they were going to be used as a fixed or mobile repeater, and even then they can just say the callsign over the air to be in compliance. If I have a callsign, and a repeater, then just simply giving my call should be sufficient - or at least that is my understanding.

There are no "repeater callsigns" as far as I know, it's the station call letters that fulfills the ID requirement. Even at that, it does not have to ID if it is not being used. If 12 hours goes by without use, no ID is needed during those 12 hours.

I have seen videos of people who build fans onto these things, but even with that mod you still need to watch the heat buildup and monitor it closely. They are not going to handle a 30 minute constant QSO for sure, lol

As an experiment, it's great!
I think it may lead to bigger and better (and legal) equipment once they get their feet wet a little. Maybe an Amateur or GMRS repeater is in their near future.

 

[Leelorr]

You have to give your call sign in BOTH directions

If you are only repeating in ONE direction then giving your call sign is sufficient. If you are repeating in both directions, then you have no way to give your call sign over the air when signals are repeated back to you unless you design a way to do so with an electronic device. You will also need to separate the radios by at least 30 feet or horizontally and the same vertically or they will interfere (desense) each other.
The above assumes that you are "cross band" repeating from UHF<-->VHF. It won't work if the radios are on the same band.

 

[NC1]

If you are only repeating in ONE direction then giving your call sign is sufficient. If you are repeating in both directions, then you have no way to give your call sign over the air when signals are repeated back to you unless you design a way to do so with an electronic device. You will also need to separate the radios by at least 30 feet or horizontally and the same vertically or they will interfere (desense) each other.
The above assumes that you are "cross band" repeating from UHF<-->VHF. It won't work if the radios are on the same band.

It would appear that the cable he will be using is capable of repeating in only one direction. There is no possibility of even accidentally doing it any other way.

 

[khaytsus]

The major issue you'll find here is desense.. If you get it to work when one radio transmits, it'll desense the other one. This becomes pretty obvious when the setup works close, but not far.

You'll certainly need to use two separate bands (2m and 70cm) and the antennas should be separated as much as possible. Two HTs sitting beside each other with audio cables between them is not going to cut it in real life.

Long term, you'll STILL need to cross-band, but get a mobile radio that does this better and has the duty cycle to handle it.