The Ham Radio in Hawaii Page

Polly, the Simplex Repeater

Note: the Radio Shack Simplex Repeater has been discontinued as of 2001. See comments below.

A non-technical, unscientific, biased new product report by Jim Yuen 2/15/1999.

Radio Shack recently introduced a Simplex Repeater (RS 190-0345) for approximately $110.00. About the size of a small HT with an included cable, it runs off 4 AAA cells. Current drain is approx. 40 ma. The AAA cells lasts about two months. Repeat time is 30 seconds (1/2 minute). It can also run off 12 VDC or a separate 120 VAC "wall wart" Shown on the left is an ICOM P2AT, the Simplex Repeater, adapter cable and box it came in.

What can it do:

• Plug Polly into a spare HT; one plug for mic and PTT, the other for earphone (wired for ICOM, YAESU, ALINCO - KENWOOD guys have to make an adapter cable).
• Set it on a simplex frequency.
• Talk on another HT for up to 30 seconds.
• Release the PTT and listen to it re-transmit your message.
• etc.

 

Scenario 1: [Emergency occurs. Repaters are down. Can't talk simplex directly; RF path obstruction.]

• Plug Polly into a spare HT. Set it on a simplex frequency.
• Find a high spot between the sites and leave it there.
• It will repeat all transmissions.

 

Scenario 2: [Hiking in a deep valley; can't get signal out.]

• Plug Polly into mobile rig in car at the trailhead.
• Set it on a simplex frequency.
• Use your HT to repeat through your car.

 

Scenario 3: {think up your own]

 

Q & A:

Q: Will it repeat a repeater? A: Yes, you to set it to the input freq and listen on the output freq.

Q: Can it cross-band? A: Yes, you simplex repeat to your mobile and crossband from there.

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Additional notes: (Oct, 1999)

• check out http://support.tandy.com/support_electronics/50490.htm for Radio Shack documentation including a "hints and tips" section.
• There are other similar products on the market. search the web for "simplex repeater".
  • The "Polly" does not have an automatic ID or other fancy options.
  • On the other hand Polly is much simpler to install and use.
• For long term use, use external power. Batteries may corrode in the case if left unattended for months at a time.

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Response to a letter:

I'm not familiar with the MFJ item. However there are about a half dozen simplex repeaters on the market ranging up to $300 each.

Many of them have additional options, but are more difficult to install.

The Radio Shack item has the advantage of extreme simplicity.

If you are installing a simplex trepeater to be used for long term, willing to spend $150-200, willing to interface the various lines (approx 10 power and signal lines) then there are better simnplex repeaters available.

If you want to put up a simplex repeater quickly, be willing to live with no automatic ID and accept a 30 second limit, then the Radio Shack is a reasonable choice.

Realize that simplex repeaters double the transmission time; once to record and once to repeat. If your area or town has heavy Ham use, extra time used might be resented. If there is no repeater around, then this is a great way to provide a service until such time as someone is willing to pay $1000-3000 to set up a duplex repeater.

Hope this helps.

Aloha and 73,

Jim WH6GS

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Comments:

May, 2001

1) The Radio Shack Simplex Repeater has been discontinued as of 2001. There are a few commercial simplex repeaters ont he market, but at a considerably higher price.

2) Check out the email-list at http://groups.yahoo.com/group/simplexrepeaters

or send an email to mailto:simplexrepeaters-subscribe@yahoogroups.com

This is a groups of simplex repeater users and enthusiasts across the US. A good place for info and advice.

3) A simplex repeater consists of nothing more than a voice recording chip (30-60 seconds) and a timing controller (such as a Basic Stamp or PIC microchip). I suspect that we will soon see an article in 73 or QST on how to build one for less than $100. Anyone want to write the article?

73 and aloha,

Jim WH6GS

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Jim, WH6GS

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