[W8MWA] New VHF Digital Repeater in Fayette County, PA

[Cory Sickles]

Hi, Kenny:

Perhaps I can clarify a few things about the new repeater and digital voice
(DV) operation - specifically System Fusion.

The analog side of the 147.255MHz repeater in Uniontown does use a CTCSS
(in & out) of 131.8Hz, as is the standard in WPA.  I see that the
Parkersburg repeater on the same pair is also using 131.8Hz, although I
understand the norm in WV is 103.5Hz.  If you are hearing analog FM users
in the Uniontown area on the Parkersburg machine, that would most likely
account for it.  As many transceivers are now capable of 50, 65 or even 85
watts out - perhaps the limits of some of the older coordinations (back
when rigs had ratings of 10 and 15W) are being tested.

With DV however, there is no CTCSS tone in use.  The audio tones used by
System Fusion are within the normal hearing range and there are four of
them - sort of like RTTY/APRS x2.  A transceiver or repeater using tone
squelch should not be able to hear the digital signals, which you described
as "noise".  Many have likened these tones to the sounds of dial-up modems
- popular in years past.

Thus, the Parkersburg repeater should not be keying up from DV signals.  If
it is, then either there is something wrong with the tone squelch section
of the repeater's receiver circuitry - or - it is actually operating with
carrier squelch.  If you are only hearing DV signals on your transceiver,
then simply enabling tone squelch will mute the audio.

I think there are several reasons you are suddenly hearing hams working
through the Uniontown repeater.  In particular, the old repeater  had been
underperforming for some time.  Thus, the footprint was less and users were
discouraged, leading to inactivity.  Second, the new DV capabilities are
exciting and encourage activity - both analog and digital - on the
machine.  This trend will continue, as more area hams are upgrading to
System Fusion radios.

On the W8MWA web site, there is a FAQ on System Fusion and some best
practices on implementing it.  Taking a look at this should answer some
questions and perhaps encourage you to explore this exciting facet of
amateur radio.  In addition, I understand than the W8MWA will have put
their two System Fusion repeaters on the air, for both VHF and UHF coverage
in Monongalia and surrounding counties.

If you have any further questions, please let me know.  If you are going to
Dayton, I suggest you stop by Yaesu's booth and talk with the good folks
there.  As I expect to see more System Fusion (and other DV methodology)
activity increasing in WV, There may also be some opportunities to bring DV
to Wood County and its neighbors in the near future.

TNX & 73,
Cory - WA3UVV
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