The RC210 Advanced Repeater Controller - More Controller For Less Dollars Than The Competition
(links to Manuals and Updates may be found at the bottom of this page)
The RC210 utilizes the latest, state-of-the-art components for reduced parts count, which means lower cost and higher reliability.
The RC210 uses FLASH EEPROM technology for fast and easy field upgrades, requiring nothing more than a computer with a serial port.
With hundreds of RC210s in daily use around the world, don't you think it's time you put the RC210 to work for your repeater system too?
Now you can control up to 3 separate repeaters with only one controller. The RC210 provides 3 independently operating radio ports, each with its own timeout and hang timers, courtesy tone, ID's and dedicated DTMF decoder. With simple DTMF commands, you can intertie any port to any other port for links or other purposes, giving you unparalleled flexibility. Each port may also be defined as a half or full duplex link port.
You have a choice between DB9 or RJ45 connectors on each radio port.
Blazingly Fast
While most other controllers run at a clock speed of under 10 Mhz, the RC210 breaks the speed barrier by running at 16 Mhz! And since it uses a RISC CPU, speeds approaching 16 million instructions per second are achieved. What this all means is that the RC210 is hundreds of times faster than some of those older designs.
Each port has its own, individual Voice and CW ID's. Voice ID's may consist of words and phrases using the built-in vocabulary, DVR tracks or any combination.
You can disable Voice ID's on a per port basis, for CW only IDs
Half-duplex programmed ports may be programmed to ID - very useful for properly identifying links
Generate dual-tone CW IDs!
Each Port has its own unique set of 10 Courtesy Tones, which consist of 4 segments each and can have 2 tones each. These are true sine wave tones too (none of that cheap square wave stuff here!).
Or maybe you prefer to have Courtesy Tones with something other than tones? No problem, as you can also use DVR Tracks or even the built-in Vocabulary as your Courtesy Tone if you wish!
With an extremely useful, repeater oriented vocabulary and real human speech - not some 80's sounding synthesized voice - the RC210 not only works great, but it sounds great!
The built-in (not an option like the other guys!) DVR allows you to record own custom voice ID's and other messages, right over the air and then use them in any programmable message of your choice! Or use our RCP Programming Software and upload wav files directly into your RC210 for the highest quality!
You may define any port to be a full or half-duplex remote base. Support is included for Icom, Kenwood and Yaesu HF/VHF/UHF radios equipped with a computer port, for a fully frequency agile remote base!
Direct serial port support for the Kenwood TM-V7A / TM-G707/TM-271A/TM-471A mobile series of radio. No modifications of these radios are necessary, as all connections are made via the front panel packet jack (TM-G707/TM-V7A requires optional interface) ! (please refer to the Operations and Programming Manual for a complete list of supported radios).
The Doug Hall RBI-1 Remote Base Interface is also fully supported.
Full control of frequency, transmit offset, CTCSS Encode/Decode and CTCSS tone frequency is provided. Remote Base Memories allow for easy and fast changes.
Each and every command is 100% programmable.
You can assign only those functions to your general usership that you want, reserving the rest for your control operators or yourself. Multi-tiered command code structure is a snap to program with the RC210. And if you're replacing an existing controller with the RC210, you don't have to relearn your command codes - simply program your new RC210 with your existing codes.
The RC210 provides fully programmable Command Macros. This makes it a snap to control many functions with one, simple command. You can even store other macros in a macro!
Each Command Macro has programmable priority, which allows you to specify which commands should have higher (or lower) priority in execution. This makes for extremely flexible operation.
Command Macros may also be restricted to
only work from any one, or combination of ports. This is very handy when
using the RC210 to control more than one repeater.
You can even program a subset of Command Macros and select them as a group. This allows for complete control over users who have access to which functions in your RC210.
If needed, you can program a Pre Access Code (most often used as a "site prefix" in multi-controller systems).
True Zero Hangtime
Any port may be programmed for true zero hangtime. This is a necessity when using the RC210 for a hub controller.
Real Time Clock and Calendar
The built-in clock and calendar, in addition to being used for the Scheduler, may be used in ID's and other custom messages. Messages such as "Good Morning" Good Afternoon" or "Good Evening" may be automatically added to any message, including IDs and Tail Messages.
Automatic correction may be applied to the clock's time. This ensures great accuracy over time.
And lastly, the clock may be selected to readback the time in either 12 or 24 hour format
Scheduler
The built-in scheduler allows you to completely automate the operation of your RC210. The day of week, weekdays, weekends and day of month may be programmed for an event.
Message Macros
Each is capable of storing any combination of vocabulary words or DVR tracks. Use them for any purpose you desire, be that in addition to IDs, informational messages, custom voice responses to commands or Tail Messages.
Tail Messages
Each port has its own 3 unique Tail Messages. They may be used with a "tail" counter or by Timer, or may be turned off completely.
DTMF Memories And Regeneration
The RC210 is capable of storing DTMF sequences in memory. Use them in macros to send DTMF down a link to control a remote repeater or for easy control of your IRLP or EchoLink node!
With 8 analog inputs, the RC210 gives you remote readback of everything from voltage to (with the proper sensors) SWR!
Each meter channel has fully programmable high and low Alarms. Imagine being able to automatically protect against such things as PA overheating, high SWR and more!
7 outputs (expandable to 64) for controlling remote devices
Logic Inputs may be used for Alarm functions, to remotely monitor things such as doors being opened or a Weather Receiver with S.A.M.E. alerts
At only $249 for the kit version or $349 assembled and tested, the RC210 gives you so much for so little.
Our RCP Programming Software allows you to to program your RC210's commands, timers and other operating parameters using any Windows© computer. You can even program your RC210 remotely over the air! It also supports multiple databases for storing multiple RC210 configurations. Click here for details
The Arcom RAD (Repeater Audio Delay) board simply plugs into the RC210 and gives you an adjustable audio delay to eliminate DTMF "blips" and squelch crashes. Click here for details
Our AP1 Autopatch Board provides 200 autodial memories, very flexible toll restrictions, reverse patch and more! Click here for information about the AP1
Our RC210R rack mount is only 1U high, saving valuable rack space. Click here for details
As firmware updates become available, you simply download them from the Web and install them into your RC210 using your computer. In only minutes you're ready to go! No waiting for new EPROMS, no having to spend extra money. This service is available free of charge for all RC210 owners.
The RC210 comes with a 2 year parts and 1 year labor warranty (assembled and tested version). If you purchase the kit version, you receive one year protection on all parts.
The kit includes all parts including custom programmed microcontroller, high-quality silkscreened and soldermasked PC board, assembly, operations and programming manuals.
The fully assembled and tested version includes completed and tested PC board, operations and programming manual.
The RC210 is fully compatable with our RAD Repeater Audio Delay Board. Click here for more info on the RAD
You can also join the RC210 Mail list if you have questions or want to keep up on firmware updates and other information. Click here to subscribe
Operational Features (Firmware Version 4.68)
Ports
· Three total - each port may be operated
as an independent repeater port or as half/full-duplex link port
· Gated audio on all ports with selectable de-emphasis - you may
tap directly off discriminator without regard for squelch action or de-emphasis
· Selectable polarity of COS and CTCSS signals on each port
· Each port has its own unique, programmable hang, timeout, activity,
DTMF mute and kerchunk timers
· Selectable CTCSS/Carrier squelch modes (true "AND" operation)
on each port
· Selectable CTCSS encode control output with programmable delay
dropout for controlling external CTCSS encoder on each port
· Each port has its own dedicated DTMF decoder
· Selectable Enable/Disable of DTMF on each port and selectable
mute on 1st or 2nd digit
· Each port may be defined to require CTCSS or not require CTCSS
for DTMF operation
· Each port has its own unique 10 courtesy tones with up to 4 segments
each (dual tone per segment). Or use a DVR Track or Vocabulary word as a Courtesy Tone
· Any port may be used for a Control Receiver
IDs
· Each port has 3 unique Voice and 2 unique
CW ID's.
· Automatic rotation with Initial and Pending ID algorythm
· Programmable Initial and Pending ID timers
· Voice ID's may be disabled on a per port basis for CW only identification
· CW IDs may be programmed with dual or single tones, as well as
speed
Linking
· Any port may be linked to any other port
on command
· Selectable Monitor Mute/Monitor Mix audio for each port when linked
· Inactivity timer automatically unlinks ports after a programmable
amount of time (may be disabled)
Remote Bases
· Frequency agile HF/VHF/UHF remote base
with support for Kenwood, Icom, Yaesu and Doug Hall RBI-1
· Any port may be used
Speech Messages
· Repeater operation oriented vocabulary
in real human speech (not synthesized). May be used in programmable ID's
or other messages
· 40 Message Macros for easy use of custom programmed phrases
· Any combination of Vocabulary or DVR tracks may be used in any
message
· Programmable Tail Messages
Digital Voice Recorder
· On-board DVR for recording your own custom
messages (DVR tracks may be used in any programmable message)
Command Macros
· 90 Command Macros for easy one command
functions. May also call other Command Macros for unlimited functionality
· Programmable Pre Access Codes (may be used as Site Prefix Codes). May be disabled completely
· Programmable Macro Subset allows for restricting access to Command Macros. May be disabled completely
Scheduler
· Fully automated operations based on time
of day and day of week or day of month
Serial Port
· RS-232 port for use with remote base
radios, controller programming and firmware updates
Analog Meters
· 8 analog to digital channels. Each channel
is fully scaleable with 6 different meter faces
· Each channel has programmable high and low alarms
· Inputs protected against over or negative voltages
Logic Outputs and Inputs
· 5 digital Alarm inputs which are edge-triggered
· 7 digital outputs may be commanded high/low/pulse. May be expanded
Hardware
· True sine wave microprocessor generated
tones
· Use of low-noise, high-impedance JFET op amps for exceptional
audio quality
· LED displays of controller status
· Automatic battery backup switchover
· Hardware watchdog timer
· Fan control with programmable shut off timer
Optional Accessories
· Rack Mount Enclosure
· Audio delay module
· Intelligent Autopatch module
· Windows© programming software
Electrical Specifications
Microprocessor Atmel ATMega128 RISC microcomputer running at 16 Mhz
Program Memory 128K Bytes - Flash EEPROM
Running Memory 4K Bytes
Non-Volatile Memory 4K Bytes
Speech Method ISD 4003 series VoiceCorder© IC
Logic Inputs: Low < .8 volts
High: 5 to 15 volts
Logic Outputs: 100v @ 500 ma open collector
Audio Inputs: High impedance >10K
Audio Outputs: up to 6 volts p-p
Power Requirement: 11.5 to 15V dc @ 60 ma (LEDs off).
Operating Temp.: -15 to +55 degrees C (5 to 150 degrees F)
Size: 9.3 x 5.2 inches including connectors
Connectors: DB-25 analog and digital I/0
Phoenix 4 pin power connector (mating plug included)
Choice of DB-9 female or RJ45 for radio ports
The RC210 Hardware Manual for board revision 3.0a may be found here (in pdf format)
The RC210 Assembly Manual for board revision 3.0a may be found here (in pdf format)
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