[K3CAL] Abrupt End to CARA Net 9-12-2022

[KB3WFV]

Part of the way through the list of CARA Net check-ins tonight, the 146.985 repeater went off the air. The cause is unknown at this time. There was a heavy thunderstorm in the area of the repeater during the net. We will hope for the best. The repeater should reset itself overnight tonight.

For future reference:

When operating on a repeater that suddenly fails. It is standard practice to switch to simplex mode and transmit on the output frequency. In the case of the K3CAL in Sunderland that would be 1456.985. Obviously simplex on 146.985 wil not have the same coverage as the repeater output. But stations can relay to each other.

It is important to note: PL Tones (transmit tone) and CTCSS Tones (receive tone) will impact who you hear when operating on simplex 146.985. You may have to program your radio to Transmit a PL Tone of 156.7 while in the simplex mode. This tone will open the Receiver of a person who may have CTCSS receive tone turned on. You will want to turn off CTCSS on your own radio while operating on 146.985 in simplex to ensure that you can hear anyone who is transmitting.

In summary:

When a repeater fails
Switch to Simplex Mode on the Repeater Output Frequency .
Be sure to Transmit the PlL Tone.
Be sure to Turn Off your radio's CTCSS Receive Tone.
Place the radio in High Power.

It might not be a bad idea to program a memory channel into your radio as 146.985 Simplex with a transmit PL Tone of 156.7 and NO CTCSS Receive Tone. Just in case it is needed on the fly in the future.

Brian
KB3WFV