Looking for info on a new LPER

Started by jdh, January 13, 2016, 08:03:36 AM

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jdh

Our squadrons L-Lper has become non-serviceable and we can not get it repaired since the manufacturer is no long making this device or parts for it. We are now looking into getting a new system and I am wonder what others are using and what the recommendations are out there.

SarDragon

Have you, in fact, contacted the manufacturer? The last I heard, they were still doing repairs, as capable, on the older units.
Dave Bowles
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jdh

Quote from: SarDragon on January 13, 2016, 08:15:41 AM
Have you, in fact, contacted the manufacturer? The last I heard, they were still doing repairs, as capable, on the older units.

I have but they dont have replacements for the damaged parts. There is an issue with receiving while attached to external antennas which we have to do (using the antennas on the van with external power) since the battery power components were destroyed by an exploding battery. They no longer repair the transceivers which would need to be repaired or replaced. 

arajca

This is larger issue now that L'Per has discontinued manufacturing. NHQ/Communications is working on the issue, but hasn't found a satisfactory replacement at this time. The issue isn't the equipment, it's the support available behind it and established companies vs mom&pop shops.

Holding Pattern

Perhaps it is time to start a DIY LPER initiative...

ALORD

Quote from: jdh on January 13, 2016, 08:38:24 AM
Quote from: SarDragon on January 13, 2016, 08:15:41 AM
Have you, in fact, contacted the manufacturer? The last I heard, they were still doing repairs, as capable, on the older units.

I have but they dont have replacements for the damaged parts. There is an issue with receiving while attached to external antennas which we have to do (using the antennas on the van with external power) since the battery power components were destroyed by an exploding battery. They no longer repair the transceivers which would need to be repaired or replaced.

JDH, if the unit's only problem is a blown-out power supply front end, it is probably repairable, although the Mfg does not have all the obsolete parts, the power supply is the easiest thing on the L-per to fix, besides replacing the PIN diodes.

PHall

Quote from: ALORD on January 13, 2016, 10:20:42 PM
Quote from: jdh on January 13, 2016, 08:38:24 AM
Quote from: SarDragon on January 13, 2016, 08:15:41 AM
Have you, in fact, contacted the manufacturer? The last I heard, they were still doing repairs, as capable, on the older units.

I have but they dont have replacements for the damaged parts. There is an issue with receiving while attached to external antennas which we have to do (using the antennas on the van with external power) since the battery power components were destroyed by an exploding battery. They no longer repair the transceivers which would need to be repaired or replaced.

JDH, if the unit's only problem is a blown-out power supply front end, it is probably repairable, although the Mfg does not have all the obsolete parts, the power supply is the easiest thing on the L-per to fix, besides replacing the PIN diodes.

Nothing exotic about that power supply. They used readily available parts.

jdh

Quote from: ALORD on January 13, 2016, 10:20:42 PM
Quote from: jdh on January 13, 2016, 08:38:24 AM
Quote from: SarDragon on January 13, 2016, 08:15:41 AM
Have you, in fact, contacted the manufacturer? The last I heard, they were still doing repairs, as capable, on the older units.

I have but they dont have replacements for the damaged parts. There is an issue with receiving while attached to external antennas which we have to do (using the antennas on the van with external power) since the battery power components were destroyed by an exploding battery. They no longer repair the transceivers which would need to be repaired or replaced.

JDH, if the unit's only problem is a blown-out power supply front end, it is probably repairable, although the Mfg does not have all the obsolete parts, the power supply is the easiest thing on the L-per to fix, besides replacing the PIN diodes.

I think there may also be a transceiver issue since it wont pick up the trainer at less than 50 meters when hooked up to our van. Before the battery explosion we didnt have any problems with that. My comm officer and I do plan to take it apart and see if we can use it to make another one but we are also looking into our options to replace it.

PHall

Quote from: jdh on January 14, 2016, 02:20:31 PM
Quote from: ALORD on January 13, 2016, 10:20:42 PM
Quote from: jdh on January 13, 2016, 08:38:24 AM
Quote from: SarDragon on January 13, 2016, 08:15:41 AM
Have you, in fact, contacted the manufacturer? The last I heard, they were still doing repairs, as capable, on the older units.

I have but they dont have replacements for the damaged parts. There is an issue with receiving while attached to external antennas which we have to do (using the antennas on the van with external power) since the battery power components were destroyed by an exploding battery. They no longer repair the transceivers which would need to be repaired or replaced.


JDH, if the unit's only problem is a blown-out power supply front end, it is probably repairable, although the Mfg does not have all the obsolete parts, the power supply is the easiest thing on the L-per to fix, besides replacing the PIN diodes.

I think there may also be a transceiver issue since it wont pick up the trainer at less than 50 meters when hooked up to our van. Before the battery explosion we didnt have any problems with that. My comm officer and I do plan to take it apart and see if we can use it to make another one but we are also looking into our options to replace it.

Check the antenna connector connections. Sounds like a broken solder joint.

♠SARKID♠

Quote from: Starfleet Auxiliary on January 13, 2016, 06:53:07 PM
Perhaps it is time to start a DIY LPER initiative...

Ooh...I bet there's a super cheap arduino solution for that.

c172drv

A little outside the box thinking, but try to find a local HAM radio club.  Many of them are proficient at repairs, especially of the older style stuff and the technical manuals were on the internet the last time I looked.  They might really like the idea of helping out if you cover the parts cost.
John Jester
VAWG