[PARC] UHF repeater proposal

Fri Mar 13 09:21:54 EDT 2015

I approve of this motion.

Len  VE3LRM

On 2015-03-12 10:12 PM, David Moes wrote:
> Hello PARC members
>
> This is an urgentemail to all PARC membersPlease read onits important 
> and requires your response.
>
> I am proposing the purchase of another repeater from Yaesu under the 
> system Fusion repeater upgrade program. This repeater will replace the 
> 70 cm repeater that suffered damage from a lightning strike some yearsago
>
> We need to make a descision before the end of this month because of 
> the Yeasu deadline of March 31^st which is before the next meeting so 
> we need to make this vote using emailThose that are members that are 
> not on this list will receive a phone call from one of the members of 
> the executive to provide them with this information and to get their 
> vote on the topic.For the rest of us there will a second email to make 
> your vote with instructions on where to send your response.All 
> responses will be open to all members maintain transparency.
>
> The good news is that we have been approved for the purchase of one 
> repeater under the Yaesu DR1-X system fusion repeater upgrade program 
> to replace VE3TJR and has been ordered
>
> The Peterborough Radio Club has an opportunity to acquire another 
> DR1-X system fusion repeater from Yaesu using the same Upgrade program 
> with the same discount of one third of the regular price of $1,499 
> MSRP for $500.00 USD.This means we can purchase a complete repeater 
> with a simple controller to replace our UHF repeater VA3PBO which was 
> damage beyond repair due to a lightning strike some time ago.When this 
> repeater was on the air it had limited use because it was just another 
> repeater with similar function of other repeaters.My hope is that this 
> new repeater would offer some additional features not available on the 
> other local repeater.It will function like any other repeater using 
> conventional analogue FM but will also work as digital repeater using 
> several types of C4FM digital modulation.This adds several 
> capabilities on top of being a legacy FM repeater that include the 
> ability to send text messages and pictures using capable radios. Other 
> value added features that can be implemented is repeater networks such 
> as IRLP, Echo link and Wires –Xthe last is a network popular in Japan 
> but is new to North America and is growing rapidly with the 
> introduction of the DR1X repeaters across the continent. Most analog 
> FM Yaesu handhelds and mobile radios purchased In the last 10 years or 
> so support Wires networks.
>
> I am in support of this and have discussed it with many other members 
> who mostly agree.However vote from your heart and avoid voting based 
> on what you think others want.I encourage all to vote but If you do 
> not feel you are qualified or are indifferent you may abstain by not 
> voting.  Take a little time to think about this but not too much 
> time.  as it will take a few weeks to process the forms and get them 
> off to Yeasu should the club agree to make the purchase. The voting 
> deadline will be Sunday March 15th  23:50 (11:59pm)
>
> Ballot email to follow shortly.
>
> The proposal
>
> I propose that a repeater be purchased under the Yaesu System Fusion 
> repeater upgrade ProgramThis repeater is to replace the existing 70cm 
> repeater owned by the Peterborough Amateur Radio Club
> The repeater will be purchased at a cost of $500 USDplus taxes, 
> shipping and exchange to a total not to exceed $1,000 CAD
>
> See Q&A below.If you have any further question please select reply or 
> send me an emailand I will do my best to answer as soon as possible.
> dmoes at nexicom.net <mailto:dmoes at nexicom.net>
>
> A few Q&A points that hopefully will answer some questions.
>
> Why is this being handled through email rather than at a meeting?
> Due to weather conditions the March meeting did not have enough 
> members to vote on this purchase and the deadline for submission to 
> Yeasu for this discount programis March 31before the next meeting
>
> What are its frequencies and location?
> The repeater will be installed at the same location as the current 
> VE3PBO repeater with antenna on the Sherbrook street water tower. 
> which is the same location as before. It will be on the same 
> frequencies as before that are still allocated.  444.575 and PL 
> 162.2tonesInput tone will only be used if necessary to reject 
> interference.
>
> Will the repeater be a backup for the current VHF repeater?
> Yes this is a dual band repeater.Should the VHF repeater VE3PBO suffer 
> a failurethe DR1-X can be easily be reprogrammed to the VHF 
> frequencies and change antenna system within  minutes of technicians 
> arrival onsite to  fill in as an analog VHF repeater until repairs are 
> made.
>
> What installation costs will there be.
> The purchase price of the repeater is $500 plus taxes and shipping.
> The antenna, coax,racks, and duplexer are already in place and this 
> unit has a built in power supply with the ability to charge and 
> automatically switch over to backup batters  in the event of a power 
> failure. This will keep installation costs to a bare minimum
>
> Will I need a digital radio to use it?
> No.Your existing FM UHF or dual band radio will be compatible 
> including those  inexpensive Beofeng and WuxonHTs. It will be set up 
> so that it will transmit the same signal type that it receives.Most of 
> the time users will use analog FM so it will work like a conventional 
> FM repeaterAnalog in analog out.It will also be set up for those that 
> have digital C4FM radios that it will receive digital then transmit 
> digital enabling the full set of C4FM features for those with System 
> fusion radiosAnalog voice will be encouraged except for text and 
> pictures or for experimental use.There seems to be some interest among 
> members I have spoken to in the digital modes and we already have 
> several members with radios compatible with this digital system fusion 
> operation.
>
> What if the repeater is a complete flop and nobody uses it.
> Yes this is a possible gamble.Keep in mind that in the program we will 
> purchase it for $500 USDand after a year we will be permitted to sell 
> the repeater which can be sold for at least what we paid since by that 
> time the purchase new DR1-X system fusion repeaters will be retailing 
> for three times the price we paid.
>