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RP-176 Repeater Tone Panel

Technical Synopsis of the RP-176

The RP-176 Brings 64 CTCSS and 112 DCS codes, 176 codes in all.  More than any other controller on the planet!  (See list of codes at right).  Included are 14 CTCSS tones below 67.0 Hz   Use of these tones on some systems (e.g. law enforcement) could seriously reduce the threat of malicious activity. A 38 EIA Tone CTCSS Mode (plus 112 DCS codes of course) is also selectable. This mode restores proper operating width to some tones that are "squeezed" in 64 tone mode.

No longer will you be annoyed wondering what your controller is doing or who is using it when you are at site.  The RP-176 constantly displays current status (e.g.  RX and TX codes) and comes with more than 31,500 preprogrammed status displays.  (see examples below).  

During setup, CTCSS and DCS codes are entered directly.  For example, to enable 196.6 input CTCSS and cross to 315 DCS output, simply enter *19660315  — it couldn't be easier to remember!  None of that low tech 'nnn' substitution nonsense in an Idylltek Controller!!

The RP-176 brings many additional programming features not available in competing controllers. The following programming commands are built-in:

1. Turn all tones on (with output code same as input code)
2. Turn all tones off
3. User input code and output code are set with a single comand.  e.g. enter *11481995  to enable 114.8 as an input code and 199.5 as a crossed output code. Every input code  can be set to disabled, reserve tone or crossed to any output code.
4. List (sequentially) all currently enabled tones
5. Reset programming to factory defaults
6. Initiate a test CWID so that CWID deviation level can be set
7. Any parameter can be interrogated for current setting without changing the setting
8. Change Setup Mode access code

While inputting programming commands, the LCD provides an immediate error message if there is something wrong with the input data (e.g. data out of range). If the input command is accepted the new data is written to the EEProm and then actually read back from the EEProm (to confirm write validity) and the read data is then displayed on the LCD.  In other words, if you see it on the LCD, there is no doubt that it actually happened!

When programming remotely beeps keep you informed. A short beep sounds every 12 seconds to let you know you are still in SetUp Mode. A string of five short beeps lets you know that an input command was not accepted. A single long beep lets you know that an input command was accepted. These beeps are delayed three seconds giving you time to get your finger off the transmit button and back into receive.

Easiest Access Ever!

We have ended those pain in the ass trips to the back of the rack to adjust levels!  All setup adjustments (pots,  DIP switch, test points and Rx LED subtone level indicators) are conveniently located behind an easily removeable front panel access plate.  We have even included a convenient quick disconnect connector for the connections.  The RP-176 is designed with your convenience as a goal!

The RP-176 beats competitors' tone decode processing in two important ways:

1. The RP-176 uses two 8 pole digital low pass filters to separate the voiceband and subcarrier bands.  This gives the RP-176 a huge tone decoding performance edge over competing panels which use old fashioned 4-6 pole analog filters!
   
   Remember, their panels were designed in the 1990-1999 timeframe, technically "horse and buggy" by today's standards.
   
   
2. To complement the digital filters, the RP-176 brings breakthrough  DCS and CTCSS decode software algorthhms that are positive, sensitive and fast!  Digital filters and advanced software techniques are key to solid repeater performance.  We guarantee that no competing multi-user controller can match our decode performance. 
   
   Our Chief Engineer has designed more Repeater Panels than anyone in the business!

LCD Display
The huge front panel LCD display and Idylltek software that run it is one of many factors that make the RP-176 the "World's Most Friendly Repeater Panel." There are over 31,500 pre-programmed status displays!

Typical RP-176 displays:

If the signal contains any CTCSS or DCS code, the display will indicate one of the typical displays below: (tones shown were randomly selected)

	Indicates that 171.3 CTCSS is being received. However, this tone has been set into 'reserve mode.'  Reserve mode means that the repeater responds to this tone as it would any enabled tone, except that no repeat audio is passed.
This mode is used to encourage a customer to pay their bill and keeps this tone reserved (active) on the channel, preventing a neighboring co-channel repeater manager from grabbng this tone for use on his system.

No cross. 131.8 CTCSS is being received and the repeater is regenerating 131.8 CTCSS going out.

No cross. 315 DCS is being received and the repeater is regenerating 315 DCS going out.

CTCSS crossed to DCS. 97.4 CTCSS is being received and the repeater is regenerating 612 DCS going out.

DCS crossed to CTCSS. 114 DCS is being received and the repeater is regenerating 33.0 CTCSS going out.

The following Features are User-programmable and Selectable:

• Barge-in timer
• Repeater Hangtimer
• COS Hangtimer
• CTCSS Decode Sensitivity
• Courtesy Tone
• Stuck Mic Timer
• Programming Mode Access Code
• CWID up to 30 characters, including all punctuation and CW characters such as AR, SK etc.
• Selectable DCS Decode Polarity
• Selectable DCS Encode Polarity
• Selectable COS Polarity

Plus...

• User programming stored in non-volatile EEProm memory
• Local & Over-the-air Programmable
• Go/No-Go LED's indicate when correct Rx subtone level is set
• Reset to Factory Defaults with dip switch or programming command
• Built in EEProm memory test prior to resetting to Factory Defaults
• AND MORE

The RP-176 is programmed with DTMF either from a phone plugged into the front panel (used as a keypad) or over the air from a radio or service monitor.  When programming locally, the LCD keeps you fully informed. When programming remotely, status beeps keep you informed.