F221s...suitable for MMDVM use?

[tunnelmot]

Since I have a surplus of these, will they make good MMDVM (either simplex or duplex) candidates? I'm thinking of pairing a couple with an STM-32 DVM Pi hat.

The accessory cables market for around $50, so before I invest...

1?-I assume radio is capable of 96K data
2?-I cant seem to find tx power levels in the CS-F100S software, just Low1,2 and High.

I'm familiar with Motos and Kenwoods, just new to the Icom commercial side, but these seem to be serious units judging by chassis design, heatsinks, etc. I have an Icom 5021 vhf for local 2 meter and it appears to be an excellent performer.
I already have many of the aforementioned units in ham, GMRS use amongst family but got to thinking these might make great P25, DMR, NXDN MMDVM units.

 

[mmckenna]

1?-I assume radio is capable of 96K data

Pretty sure it is if you are running in wide band mode.

2?-I cant seem to find tx power levels in the CS-F100S software, just Low1,2 and High.

If I recall correctly, it was 5, 10 and 40 (or 45). Probably adjustable in the service section.

I haven't had my hands on one of those in probably 15 years, so my memory may be a bit off.

 

[K5MPH]

High power is 45 watts for the uhf and 50 for the vhf model,but think the power setting for the uhf was 5/10/45 watts........

 

[12dbsinad]

You can adjust power with the service software. Make sure you PM the radio before doing anything. The receivers have a tendency to drift as they age and will probably need to be realigned. First tell tale sign is problems with CTCSS decode. Check it out..

 

[tunnelmot]

Thank you all!

Make sure you PM the radio before doing anything. The receivers have a tendency to drift as they age and will probably need to be realigned. First tell tale sign is problems with CTCSS decode. Check it out..

I don't have (easy) access to a service monitor/signal generator, but I will keep an eye on them.

My ham, GMRS, and scanning fleet is basically all commercial gear these days and I'm surprised at the total difference between Icom ham and commercial gear. You can see the commercial/public safety DNA in Kenwoods' V/UHF lineup over the years (which are no slouches). But the stark difference in Icom's gear is impressive. Figured I'd put the hardware to good use.

 

[MTS2000des]

I'd still put a fan on it. The Icom gear I used for Echolink nodes (F5021s and 221s) got pretty hot when keyed (even on L1) for 5 minutes the way typical gas bag hams talk. Remember they are mobile rigs intended for 5-5-90 or similar duty cycle, not the 90-10 duty cycle they'll see as an MMDVM host connected to a busy reflector.

 

[K5MPH]

What board are you going to use to make your MMDVM repeater,I put one together using Mark Zimmerman stm32 Blue board and two CDM-1550 Moto radios and a Pi3 using Pi-Star,Mark makes a duplex cable for the repeater not sure if he makes one for the Icom F221 or you can make your own.........

 

[tunnelmot]

What board are you going to use to make your MMDVM repeater,I put one together using Mark Zimmerman stm32 Blue board and two CDM-1550 Moto radios and a Pi3 using Pi-Star,Mark makes a duplex cable for the repeater not sure if he makes one for the Icom F221 or you can make your own.........

Pretty much planning along the same route. I will dig more into what you're using.

 

[tunnelmot]

Remember they are mobile rigs intended for 5-5-90 or similar duty cycle, not the 90-10 duty cycle they'll see as an MMDVM host connected to a busy reflector.

Agreed. Running Allstar through a Yaesu 2600 and depending on what hub I connect to that rig can get HOT.