[HCARC] Boerne Repeater

[SARA SANDSTROM]

Eddie, 

I can hear the Boerne repeater, KB5TX , 145.19, in Harper.  Since I don't have a 2 m rig with a tone generator, I can't access it. 

I' m sure you've noticed that the N5HR repeater has a noise problem besides the occassional problem with internet con nections.  

Repeaters have a couple problems during em ergencies:  Repeaters are often in isolated locations and are difficult to get to in bad weather.  That goes double for repeaters on tall towers.  Repeaters also depend on the existing civ il infrastructure such as AC power, phone line, and internet access.  Unless a repeater has been really set up to operate through an emegency, I don't think you can count on it.  I know an UPS was discussed for backup power, do we know how long an UPS can keep the repeater operating? 

In an emergency situation, I think you are going to have to rely on individual hams with 100 W mobile rigs and simple antennas.  high power, large antennas and remote locations are probably going to be unreliable. 

Kerry, K5KS