[GCARC] Two Meter Repeater Maintenance & Upgrade

[Burning Image]

The GCARC 2M repeater on 147.78/147/18 MHz is currently
scheduled to be upgraded, on Saturday, April 12th.  The new repeater, a Yaesu DR-1,
supports legacy analog FM (just like the current one) and supports the System
Fusion digital mode – a specific implementation of C4FM FDMA.
 
The common term for this configuration is “mixed-mode”.  Essentially, it means “analog in =
analog out -- digital in = digital out”.  Digital signals sound something like the tones from dial-up modems that we used to access the Internet, back in the day.  
 
As many of us may not want to hear this from our
transceivers as we monitor the repeater, you can eliminate this sound by
enabling Tone Squelch (aka CTCSS Tone Decode) your radio(s).  That way, you will see that the
repeater is in use, but your radio should remain silent, except when the FM
mode is in use.
 
As we want both modes to coexist, one other step is
necessary to avoid interference and good operating procedures.  Looking at your activity indicator to
ensure that the repeater is not in use, becomes just as important as listening
before transmitting.
 
Since this repeater upgrade is part of a unique opportunity
to be a part of the field trials of an emerging technology, we encourage as much
repeater use as possible – both analog and digital.  Your feedback is important - as functions, improvements and
possible needs for improvements should be communicated directly as detailed on
the soon-to-appear web site page.
 
Returning to the upgrade schedule, during the time this is
happening, the repeater will, of course, be unavailable for use.  This downtime should be limited to 90
minutes.  You do not need to continue
to “test” the repeater status by periodically transmitting on the input
frequency.  An announcement will be
made when it is taken off the air and when it is brought back up.
 
Additional details and updates (when applicable) will be
available on the Club web site – www.w2mmd.org.  

TNX & 73,
Cory Sickles - WA3UVV