AB8JD wrote:I'm new to the motorola brand of radio's and I'm looking into a flexar repeater.
You will probably learn a lot about repeaters just by setting it up. Keep in mind, it will need a re-alignment, and a quick service check when you change the frequency crystals. If you have lots of RF test gear, you could do it yourself. Best bet is to find a more experienced ham (aka: Elmer) in your area that has an entire workbench full of RF testing gear and expierence.
AB8JD wrote:I just want to stay cheap, Because if things don't work out I don't want to have a lot invested.
Repeaters will cost money no matter how you look at it. You'll need at the least an antenna with some gain, some good quality feedline (RG-58 need not apply) and a duplexer. I don't think a Flexar should cost very much, compared to other options. The two Maxar radio's that make it up can be had for about $10 - $20 each at a swap. The controller that comes with it isn't much, but it does the job. These come with an /\/\ base power supply. I'd put a guess down at around $125 for cost just for the Flexar with the original power supply. But, that's just my opinion of value for it.
AB8JD wrote:
Is the Flexar capable of haveing ID voice or CW? I read that you can use a phone patch with it... Thanks...AB8JD
You may come across a model with an after-market CW-ID board. However, for the most part, I believe the Flexar didn't come with an auto-IDer. Don't hold me to this, though, as I could be wrong.
Voice IDing usually means buying a repeater controller board, which can be quite costly. You could make a voice ID'er using a timer circuit, and one of those digital recorder chips at Radio Shack. I'm sure there must be a circuit out there to do this.
Just to be honest, l have never used a Flexar repeater, nor have I ever read the manual for it. I do, however, have a little expierence with the Maxar/Moxy line of radios that the Flexar is made out of.