rlccontrollers.com

RLC repeaters and linking controllers are the interface hardware that connects radio transceivers to a repeater system or a linked network of radios. A repeater controller takes audio, COR (carrier-operated relay), and PTT (push-to-talk) signals from one or more radios and manages how they are retransmitted or routed to other ports. A linking controller extends that function across multiple sites or bands, so a signal received on one radio can be passed to another. Audio Test Solutions, Inc. (rlccontrollers.com) builds and stocks these controllers for commercial and amateur radio systems, with American manufacturing and active inventory of parts and previously discontinued products.

Core Functions of a Repeater Controller

A repeater controller sits between the receiver and transmitter of a repeater and handles the logic that makes retransmission work:

• COR and PTT logic — detects when a receiver has a signal and keys the appropriate transmitter.
• Audio routing and level control — passes audio between radios while keeping levels consistent.
• ID and courtesy tones — generates station identification and user feedback tones.
• Timeout and hang timers — prevents stuck transmitters and controls how long the repeater stays keyed after a signal drops.
• DTMF and remote control — allows commands to be sent over the air to change settings or control linked ports.

Without a controller, a repeater is just two radios connected by cables; the controller provides the sequencing, timing, and audio management that make the system usable.

What Linking Controllers Add

A linking controller performs the same basic functions but adds the ability to connect multiple radios or sites into one network. Typical uses include:

• Multi-port repeaters — a single controller manages several radios, each on a different band or channel.
• Site linking — connects a local repeater to a remote repeater over a link radio, phone line, or network path.
• Cross-band operation — allows a user on one band to be heard on another.
• Hub-and-spoke or full-matrix routing — determines which ports hear which other ports, either permanently or on command.

The number of ports is the main practical difference between controller models. A 2-port controller handles one repeater plus one link or a simple two-radio system; a 4-port or 5-port controller supports larger linked networks.

How RLC Controllers Fit Into a Radio System

RLC controllers connect to radio equipment through standard interfaces:

1. Receive audio and COR come from the receiver to the controller.
2. Transmit audio and PTT go from the controller to the transmitter.
3. Link ports connect additional radios the same way, so each radio has its own receive and transmit path to the controller.
4. Accessory and I/O connections handle functions such as remote control, alarms, or auxiliary switching.

The controller does not replace the radios; it coordinates them. The radios still handle RF transmission and reception, while the controller decides when and where signals are passed.

Product Line Overview

Audio Test Solutions offers several controller families, and the model choice depends mainly on port count and feature level:

Radio cards, I/O cards, accessories, and replacement parts are also stocked, which matters for maintaining older systems where specific components may be discontinued elsewhere.

Why Commercial Quality and Domestic Manufacturing Matter

Repeater and link controllers often run continuously in unattended locations, so reliability and parts availability are practical concerns rather than marketing points. Audio Test Solutions states that controllers are actively stocked and that several previously discontinued products have been brought back into active stock. For an operator maintaining a repeater site, that means replacement boards and parts can be ordered without redesigning the system around an unavailable component.

Choosing Between a Repeater and a Linking Controller

The decision usually comes down to one question: does the system need to connect to anything beyond a single repeater?

• Single repeater, no links — a basic controller such as the RLC-1 is sufficient.
• Multiple radios on one site — a 4-port or 5-port controller handles the additional ports.
• Multiple sites or bands linked together — a linking-capable controller with enough ports for each radio path is required.
• Existing CLUB controller needing more capability — an upgrade board and package may be the lower-cost path instead of a full replacement.

Port count, feature level, and whether an upgrade path exists for current hardware are the factors that determine which RLC controller fits a given system.

Audio Test Solutions, Inc. lists accessories, parts, radio/IO cards, and upgrade boards and packages for its RLC controller line on rlccontrollers.com. The catalog groups these into four areas: RLC Controller Accessories, RLC-Controller Parts, RLC-3 Radio Cards/IO Cards, and two upgrade options — RLC-CLUB DELUXE 2 (a 5-port upgrade board and package) and RLC-CLUB DELUXE (a 1-port upgrade board and package). If you already own an RLC controller and want to expand ports, replace a card, or move up to a more advanced controller, these are the categories to check first.

Accessories and parts

The site separates two categories that are easy to confuse:

• RLC Controller Accessories — items that support or complete a controller installation.
• RLC-Controller Parts — components for building or maintaining controllers.

Both are listed as distinct product categories under PRODUCT OFFERINGS, so if you are searching for a specific item, check both before assuming it is unavailable.

Radio and IO cards

RLC-3 Radio Cards/IO Cards is its own category. These are the cards used with RLC-3 controllers for radio and input/output functions. Because they are listed separately from general parts, treat them as a distinct purchase path — useful when you need to add or replace radio/IO capability rather than a mechanical or accessory item.

Upgrade boards and packages

Two upgrade paths are listed:

These are described as upgrade boards and packages, meaning the upgrade is supplied as a board plus the associated package rather than as a standalone board. The naming also tells you the target: both are DELUXE-class upgrades, with the DELUXE 2 covering 5 ports and the DELUXE covering 1 port.

Stock availability

Audio Test Solutions states that RLC Repeaters and Linking Controllers are actively stocked, that controllers are commercial quality and American manufactured, and that it works to maintain a consistent supply of parts for building its radio controllers. The site also notes that several previously discontinued products have been brought back to active stock.

That last point matters when you are sourcing a part for an older controller: a component you assumed was discontinued may now be listed as active stock. Check the current listing rather than relying on older availability information.

How to choose

• Adding ports to an existing controller: compare the 5-port RLC-CLUB DELUXE 2 against the 1-port RLC-CLUB DELUXE and pick based on how many ports you actually need.
• Replacing radio or IO functionality: go to RLC-3 Radio Cards/IO Cards.
• General repair or build: check RLC-Controller Parts, and check RLC Controller Accessories for supporting items.
• Buying a controller rather than upgrading one: the main product line is RLC-1 (2-port basic), RLC-4 (4-port basic), and RLC-CLUB (1-port advanced).

For current pricing, exact package contents, and compatibility between a specific upgrade and your existing controller, confirm with Audio Test Solutions directly — the site's product listings do not state prices or per-item compatibility details.

The main difference between the three controllers is port count and feature tier: the RLC-1 is a 2-port basic controller, the RLC-4 is a 4-port basic controller, and the RLC-CLUB is a 1-port advanced controller. Choose based on how many radio ports you need to link and whether you need basic or advanced control features. All three are listed as actively stocked by Audio Test Solutions, Inc., which manufactures them in the United States.

Quick Comparison

Port Count: The First Decision

Port count determines how many radios or links a single controller can manage.

• RLC-1 (2-port): Handles two ports. A reasonable fit when you only need to bridge a pair of radios or links.
• RLC-4 (4-port): Handles four ports. Choose this when your system needs to tie together more than two radios at one site.
• RLC-CLUB (1-port): Handles one port. Despite the lower port count, it sits in the advanced tier, so the trade-off is capability per port rather than quantity.

If your requirement is purely "how many things do I need to connect," match the port count first, then decide on tier.

Basic vs Advanced: What the Tier Means

The site separates its offerings into "basic" and "advanced" controllers:

• Basic (RLC-1, RLC-4): Positioned as straightforward controllers. The naming and product structure suggest these are the entry-level choices for standard linking tasks.
• Advanced (RLC-CLUB): Positioned above the basic models in capability. If your single-port application needs more than a basic controller provides, the RLC-CLUB is the intended step up.

The source material does not enumerate specific advanced features, so confirm exact capabilities with the vendor before committing if a particular function is essential to your setup.

Upgrade Paths

Audio Test Solutions lists upgrade options alongside the base controllers:

• RLC-CLUB DELUXE 2 | 5-Port Upgrade Board & Package
• RLC-CLUB DELUXE | 1-Port Upgrade Board & Package

These matter if you expect your needs to grow. A single-port RLC-CLUB can be extended through the Deluxe packages rather than replaced, and the 5-port Deluxe 2 package points to a path from 1 port up to 5. If you are unsure between the RLC-CLUB and a higher-port basic model, factor in whether an upgrade package gets you where you need to go.

Accessories and Parts

The same product line includes RLC-3 radio cards/IO cards, controller accessories, and controller parts. If you are building or maintaining a system rather than buying a single unit, check these categories so you can source cards and spares from the same supplier. The vendor states that previously discontinued products are being brought back to active stock, which is relevant if you are maintaining older RLC equipment.

How to Choose

• Two links, simple job: RLC-1.
• Four links, simple job: RLC-4.
• One link, need more capability: RLC-CLUB.
• Expecting to grow from one port: RLC-CLUB plus a Deluxe upgrade package.
• Maintaining or expanding existing RLC gear: Check the RLC-3 cards, accessories, and parts listings.

Because the available page evidence lists model names, port counts, and tier labels but not detailed specifications, verify the specific features you depend on directly with Audio Test Solutions before ordering.

Audio Test Solutions, Inc. is the company behind rlccontrollers.com, a supplier of RLC Repeaters and Linking Controllers marketed as commercial quality and American manufactured. The site's main draw is availability: controllers are actively stocked, and the company says several previously discontinued products have been brought back to active stock. It is aimed at people building or maintaining radio controllers who need a consistent supply of parts rather than one-off purchases.

What the company says about itself

The site's own description positions Audio Test Solutions, Inc. around three claims:

• Actively stocked inventory — controllers are kept in stock rather than made to order.
• Commercial quality — products are presented for commercial rather than hobby-grade use.
• American manufactured — manufacturing is stated to be in the United States.

The stated reason for the stocking policy is to keep a consistent supply of parts available for building radio controllers. That matters if you are maintaining existing equipment over years, since discontinued parts are a common failure point in radio systems.

Product offerings on rlccontrollers.com

The site lists its offerings under a single "PRODUCT OFFERINGS" heading. Based on the published headings, the catalog breaks down as follows:

The naming convention is worth noting if you are comparing options: the number in RLC-1 and RLC-4 refers to port count, while "CLUB" denotes the advanced line, and "DELUXE" entries are upgrade boards and packages rather than standalone base units.

Who this is for

The catalog points to two main audiences:

• Builders assembling controllers from boards, cards, and parts — served by the RLC-3 radio cards/IO cards and the parts and accessories listings.
• Operators or maintainers of repeater and linking systems who need a working controller or an upgrade path — served by the RLC-1, RLC-4, and RLC-CLUB units and the DELUXE upgrade packages.

If your priority is long-term parts availability for an existing RLC-based system, the active-stock and discontinued-product-return claims are the most relevant part of the site. If you are specifying a new build, the port counts and the basic-versus-advanced split are the first things to match against your requirements.

What the site does not state

The available page information does not include prices, payment methods, shipping terms, warranty details, or technical specifications for any individual product. Those details would need to come from the individual product pages or from contacting the company directly.