Club VHF Repeater Returns to Air

After several months off the air, EGARA's main VHF repeater is back in service on 147.270 with a PL tone of 94.8. Elevation at the site is 1,560 feet, providing extensive coverage to the region.

The repeater is located atop the Helderberg Mountains at the old analog transmitter site of WTEN-TV. The club was able to sign a use agreement with Nexstar Communications last fall, but because of winter weather and the need to prepare the site, it took several months to complete the repeater installation.

The club was able to acquire a Motorola repeater and 4-Bay antenna, thanks to Bob Isby, K2RHI, who owns Algonquin Communications. He also assisted the club with the installation of the Rohn tower that is used for the system.

Several EGARA members assisted with preparation of the site and installation, which included clearing ground cover and brush, installation of the tower base, and set up of Internet service and security monitoring of the site.

The club also acquired a dual band Yaesu repeater and plans to add a UHF repeater system in the near future to supplement the system.

In addition to club communications, the Helderberg repeater system is available to other Amateur Radio operators, support for community events and is designed to be available for emergency backup communications for public safety organizations.