Interfacing IRLP to the CAT-1000 repeater controller

Interfacing IRLP to the CAT-1000 repeater controller
From Rod Hewitt, KG6TTD
Updated October 1, 2002

The CAT-1000 repeater controller from Computer Automation Technology has a secondary "transceiver" port that can be used to connect the repeater to an IRLP node. This document explains how to do this.

Wiring

Assumes an IRLP 3.0 board.

IRLP node's line-out connects to J4 on the CAT-1000 pin 12.
IRLP node's line-in connects to J4 pin 23 and also the IRLP DB-9 connector pin 8
IRLP node's PTT from pin 2 on the DB-9 to J4 pin 5. Since the IRLP node output is active low open collector you need a pull-up resistor connected to J4 pin 5 to J4 pin 16 (+12v supply). A 2K or greater resistor will work fine.
IRLP node's COS from pin 7 on the DB-9 to J4 pin 9. The IRLP node's COS polarity should be set to active low (the default).

CAT-1000 DIP switch settings

No need to power cycle the repeater after setting the switches, but obviously the cover needs to be removed.

Switch 2 needs to on - this sets the COR input for the secondary port to active low
Switch 3 off and switches 4 & 5 on - configures the repeater mode. This is documented as the "Doug Hall" mode in the CAT-1000 docs, but this was recommended by Computer Automation as the best setting for this mode.

Programming

Consult the CAT-1000 manual, Chapters 3 and 5 for information about programming.

Zone 6 should have channels 1 & 2 on and all others off.
Send 5001 to turn remote-base mode on. The repeater should then say "Remote-base on". If the repeater has pre-version 3 firmware, contact Computer Automation for updated firmware (it's only $5 for an update). Older versions had a bug where the remote-base mode would not stay enabled when the repeater went through a power-cycle.
DTMF muting should be disabled (zone 1 channel 7) or users will need to send # in front of all commands to be sent to the IRLP node.

Testing

Key up the repeater - provided there's a signal on the repeater input, the COS light on the IRLP interface should light up.
Log into the IRLP node as the repeater user and type "$SCRIPT/audiotest". The IRLP interface PTT light should illuminate and the repeater should key up. The audio test should be heard via the repeater. If the repeater keys up and no audio is heard, check J9 on the CAT-1000 to ensure there's a jumper on pins 1 & 2.

The IRLP installation documents can now be followed for setting the audio levels - the TX2 and RX2 pre-set variable resistors on the CAT-1000 board might need adjustment for correct audio levels in addition to aumix on the IRLP node.