Motorola GR1225 Programming & AdvantagePort Expandability

[KG5HHS]

Hello Everyone,
I just purchased a Motorola GR1225 UHF 40watt repeater (model number M44GRC90C2AA) with internal duplexer. This is the first repeater I have ever purchased and will ever have any experience with. My goal is to put this up at my residence for my family as I have a GMRS license. I am in no hurry to get this up and running, I'd like to get the knowledge of setting this up before I do so.
I was able to get free programming with the order. However, I would like to find the software/cable needed to reprogram this incase I need to in the future. I know this repeater is pretty old, I don't know if Motorola supports this or not, so if anyone knows how I can get this please let me know. I am not asking for this illegally, I'm just wanting to know how to go about reprogramming this repeater in the future.
There is a mention of "AdvantagePort Expandability" in the description of the repeater. it says it "Allows an authorized dealer to add an Advantage Board to upgrade the repeater functionality". Can anyone expand on this or explain what exactly this does or if it is worth me trying to do or if it is even possible.
Lastly, As stated above, This is my first repeater. I have only dealt with mostly mobile radios and a few base radio/scanners. My question is about the antenna set up. My plan, is to put this repeater in our newly constructed 8X12 Tuff Shed. I am in an HOA so I will not be able to mount an antenna on a tower, unfortunately, I will be mounting this antenna on the shed (most likely with a TV antenna mount or something of the sort). I have seen many base antenna's like the Browning BR-6140 that I think would be fairly easy to put up but I don't know how to ground an antenna like that. I have also seen the Laird Technologies MBCN mobile to base antenna mounts. Any antenna advice would be great.
I honestly don't think this repeater will get much use. This is a new learning project and any information would be greatly appreciated.

 

[RFI-EMI-GUY]

Be sure your duplexer is properly tuned before firing it up. You don't want any TX RF into the RX. You also need to use good quality transmission line with copper braid, no aluminum foil.

I have only heard about the "Advantage Port". It probably includes a community repeater option, or phone patch, and might even be an LTR trunking interface.

Height is everything. Getting the antenna above your house and the ones around it is paramount. If you could install even a low gain antenna on your roof and disguise it you would be far ahead. Do you have a chimney? Does your HOA permit TV antennas?

You should operate your GMRS repeater, portables and mobiles with wide band +/- 5.0 KHz deviation, 16K0F3E or 20K0F3E modulation. This will afford you much better range.

 

[KG5HHS]

Be sure your duplexer is properly tuned before firing it up.

You should operate your GMRS repeater, portables and mobiles with wide band +/- 5.0 KHz deviation, 16K0F3E or 20K0F3E modulation. This will afford you much better range.

I'm purchasing the repeater from Sunny Communications. I have dealt with them in the past for work stuff and they are pretty good. Free programming and Tuning comes with the purchase. I've requested the repeater be programmed for wide band and the duplexer be tuned.

You also need to use good quality transmission line with copper braid, no aluminum foil.

I'll have to do some more research. I Typically use theantennafarm to order coax, I'm not finding a whole lot of copper braided coax on that site. What kind of cable would you recommend? As stated before I really only deal with mobile (mobile to base) installs, so all my equipment is based for such. All my crimpers/strippers are for RG8X, RG58, LMR195, LMR200, & LMR240 so I may need to order new equipment as well.

Height is everything. Getting the antenna above your house and the ones around it is paramount. If you could install even a low gain antenna on your roof and disguise it you would be far ahead. Do you have a chimney? Does your HOA permit TV antennas?

Unfortunately, height is going to a very slim to zero chance option. I do have a chimney, however, that space will be occupied with antenna's for home radios/scanners, ADSB receiver, and internet. Also, this repeater is going to be in a shed about 150 feet away from the house. The HOA restrictions state "No radio towers, wind turbines etc. shall be constructed without written permission". I asked to put up a 20 foot tower just after moving in and was denied. It doesn't specifically say no TV Antenna's. At best I think I will only be able to get the antenna at the base about 8 1/2 feet of the ground if mounted to the shed. I know that is not any where near preferred but I think that is the best I can do.

 

[mmckenna]

I'm purchasing the repeater from Sunny Communications. I have dealt with them in the past for work stuff and they are pretty good. Free programming and Tuning comes with the purchase. I've requested the repeater be programmed for wide band and the duplexer be tuned.

Duplexers can get knocked around in shipping, and that can take them off frequency. Might work just fine to have them do it, but if it gives you trouble, get someone local to do the tuning.

All my crimpers/strippers are for RG8X, RG58, LMR195, LMR200, & LMR240 so I may need to order new equipment as well.

The "LMR" cables use a copper braid over a aluminum foil shield. This dissimilar metal can create some interactions that will cause issues with the repeater. Perfectly dry and clean, it's not usually an issue, but if there's any moisture at all, you'll be pulling your hair out (if you have any after dealing with a duplexer that's been kicked around by FedEx…).

The RG series cables can work if they are the right kind, but they are usually poor performers.

You'd really probably want to look at something like Heliax. For a short run, you can use something like the 1/4 or 3/8 superflex Heliax. It's small and easy to run. Will be fine for a <20 foot run. I've used them at repeater sites where the antenna was about 10 feet above the repeater.
For anything longer, you'll probably want to use 1/2" Heliax. It has less loss, know good performer in repeater use, and still more or less manageable.

Unfortunately, height is going to a very slim to zero chance option. I do have a chimney, however, that space will be occupied with antenna's for home radios/scanners, ADSB receiver, and internet. Also, this repeater is going to be in a shed about 150 feet away from the house. The HOA restrictions state "No radio towers, wind turbines etc. shall be constructed without written permission". I asked to put up a 20 foot tower just after moving in and was denied. It doesn't specifically say no TV Antenna's. At best I think I will only be able to get the antenna at the base about 8 1/2 feet of the ground if mounted to the shed. I know that is not any where near preferred but I think that is the best I can do.

Coverage from a repeater at 8.5' above ground is going to suck. Like suck to the point of being not much better than just using simplex. It'll have an edge if the users are in opposite directions, but don't expect much.

Will be a good learning experience, though. Eventually you'll probably want to move it to a better location.