¿ªÔÆÌåÓý


Crescend Technologies P25-2AC1-C1-002 amplifier info?

 

Does anyone know anything about the Crescend Technologies P25-2AC1-C1-002 amplifier?

I found one that is for sale and its label says it operates 42 to 50Mhz and 2.5 watts input for 250 watts out.

But I'm trying to figure out if it will for sure work okay on 6 meters, or if it can easily be modified to work there. I need it to operate on 53.19Mhz.

Has anyone successfully used one of these amps on 6 meters?

I have looked on the internet and have found no information on this amp. Even contacted Crescend directly and they told me they no longer have any documentation on it.

Thanks,
Dan


TKR-850 not being used. F.S.

 

Hello to all. I have a real nice Kenwood TKR-850 repeater that I have no location for. It is currently on 444.700. I will program it for you and ship it for 575.00. I also have several zetron 38A cntrollers (all have new memory and battery backup) with access code if you need a nice controller. Email me at jrbluz2@... or call 813-473-0831. Visit wb9zpy.com and thank you.
Wayne


Re: CDM1250 rx audio from mic jack

 

? Yea I realize the jacks are different, they added a pin on each side of the regular 8.
?Everything is suppose to be the same as the maxtrax/radius series other then the extra
?pins for other use. As for getting the audio from the accessory connector, yes I can do
?that, but you can't set it for muted or PL in the RSS, only filtered or flat audio. That is fine
?for digital modes, but for echolink the software picks up the unsquelched?audio and
?passes it online so as people connected can't key up, plus no one wants to listen to
?static the whole time.?


Re: DMR & GMRS Repeater use of same antenna?

 

I've put ham and commercial repeaters on the same antenna before but it's not easy. It takes an extra 6 cavity duplexer that is notch only.. and very careful tuning. I once had two Motorola Quantars,? one on 444.5 and the other on 451.5 using one DB420. The extra duplexer inserted at the antenna feed and each side notched the opposite frequencies, both TX and RX. In fact I have a 2m repeater and a 150 MHz system sharing the same antenna right now using a DB4048 notch VHF duplexer to make them work without interference.

Having a UHF ham and a GMRS repeater sharing the same antenna should be easy because the frequency split is a lot greater.?
The frequencies involved need to be explored to make sure there's no inter mod mix when both transmitters are on the air and the transmitters need to be extremely clean on their output. Some people will say you need to have circulators in line but I've never had to do that and yes I've checked everything on a spectrum analyzer and everything was clean.

Chris WB5ITT?


On Fri, May 30, 2025, 6:25?AM Dr. Mikeal Hughes via <N9GI=[email protected]> wrote:
I had a question posed to me so thought I would pose it here. The local club has a 7cm DMR repeater antenna is at 500 ft.. They are interested in adding a GMRS repeater use cavities to combine the two to use the same antenna. Has anyone seen that style of arrangement? I know major radio markets you see FMs use combiners, but this arrangement ?is not involving only transmit. Any thoughts appreciated.
--
Mikeal R. Hughes, BA., MA., D.Min., Th.D.
Amateur Extra - N9GI
EchoLink - 810004, Allstar link node - 58465
GROL, MOS, CompTia A+, Network+, Security+, CEH


Re: CDM1250 rx audio from mic jack

 

https://ebay.us/m/16KnHO
--
N1LMA


DMR & GMRS Repeater use of same antenna?

 

I had a question posed to me so thought I would pose it here. The local club has a 7cm DMR repeater antenna is at 500 ft.. They are interested in adding a GMRS repeater use cavities to combine the two to use the same antenna. Has anyone seen that style of arrangement? I know major radio markets you see FMs use combiners, but this arrangement ?is not involving only transmit. Any thoughts appreciated.
--
Mikeal R. Hughes, BA., MA., D.Min., Th.D.
Amateur Extra - N9GI
EchoLink - 810004, Allstar link node - 58465
GROL, MOS, CompTia A+, Network+, Security+, CEH


Motorola GR1225 Hanging Open after random transmissions

 

An organization I work with has an old Motorola GR1225 (business freq) with an odd issue that we're trying to diagnose.? None of us are radio technicians...just audio/visual & IT guys (a couple of us with basic ham radio background).
?
After some transmissions (seemingly at random...maybe 2-3 times per hour), the repeater hangs open and transmits loud static for around 30-60 seconds.? In the last 10 (or so) seconds, the static begins getting quieter and cuts in and out until the repeater finally drops.
?
We were able to get our hands on the software and will be attempting to connect to the repeater for troubleshooting tomorrow.... in the meantime, does anyone recognize this behavior?? What should we be looking at to fix this?
?
Thank you!


Re: whelen siren

 

Must be good drugs, John....Riley Hollingsworth pretty well settled it



On Fri, May 30, 2025, 12:27?AM John N. Hudson III via <jake=[email protected]> wrote:
Why was I hearing ¡°Ack Ack Ack Ack ACK!¡± In my head reading this string.. ?;-)


John



On May 29, 2025, at 9:37?PM, Chris Boone WB5ITT via <setxtelecom=[email protected]> wrote:

?
Let's get down to the nut cutting, shall we?

WHAT causes the message to be sent? If that message is NOT SPECIFICALLY ALLOWED in part 97 like NWS, it's ILLEGAL PERIOD?

Chris WB5ITT?

On Mon, May 26, 2025, 6:01?PM Kory Oldham W4RZ via <Kory=[email protected]> wrote:

He is not rebroadcasting the DTMF sequence, he is using the DTMF to trigger a macro to run a preprogrammed message stating that there is a severe weather alert. This is no different then me hearing my local siren going off and punching in DTMF 1234 on my repeater to send out a pre recorded alert to check your local weather status. He is not wanting to rebroadcast anything, there no 3rd party controller, he is using the same functions on his repeater that you can use manually on most repeaters. I understand what Chad is saying that using the DTMF to trigger it is a 3rd party, but in the end it is not a 3rd party controlling the repeater, it is the owner using programming to run a macro.?


Kory


On 2025-05-26 18:42, Chad Nelson wrote:

My argument here is that the DTMF sequence is being sent out by public safety or Dispatch or whoever sets off the siren, probably even EOC, would be activating a repeater, and in that case, the DTMF is not generated by an amateur radio operator. It's been generated by a third-party, which I think is illegal.
Chad Nelson WI9HF/WRPL979
Janesville Wisconsin
608-754-8671
Send from my spectrum iPhone 16.

On May 26, 2025, at 5:20?PM, Tom Cole <tomcole1@...> wrote:

Read the post. He doesn't want to rebroadcast anything, just send out a message that the sirens have been activated. But, even if he was , he can legally do it as long as it isn't something "regularly done", and it is permissible. It is no different that us sending out a message from our controller that the Skywarn net has been activated. I can send a DTMF sequence to the repeater and the controller keys the repeater stating that the Skywarn net is up. We also send out automatic messages about our weekly nets and special events. If it were illegal, it wouldn't be a feature of every repeater controller out there.?
?

On May 26, 2025, at 5:12?PM, Chad Nelson <chad.nelson71@...> wrote:

If I understand this, someone wants to use the alert tones from the frequency that the law-enforcement uses to activate the community sirens to announce over the ham repeater of a warning or siren activation? That to me sounds pretty illegal since at that point, the repeater would be operated by an unlicensed station in the ham band.
Chad Nelson WI9HF/WRPL979
Janesville Wisconsin
608-754-8671
Send from my spectrum iPhone 16.

On May 26, 2025, at 4:19?PM, Kory Oldham W4RZ <Kory@...> wrote:

Chris,

Wouldn't sending out a storm warning bulletin be legal and fall under the following? I say this with the thoughts of a simple message or even one with a little more detail, warning Hams of potential severe weather to warn them to protect their gear, would be direct interest to the amateur service.?

97.3 Definitions:
?
(26) Information bulletin. A message directed only to amateur operators consisting solely of subject matter of direct interest to the amateur service.
?
97.111 Authorized Transmissions:?
?
?
(6) Transmissions necessary to disseminate information bulletins.


Kory


On 2025-05-26 16:56, Chris Boone WB5ITT via wrote:

Having any announcement, etc on the repeater output automatically from the Wheelan siren system is not allowed under Part 97.....You?COULD change CT or something similar but it cannot key the repeater xmtr when it decodes..that is improper control of an amateur station.
?
Chris
WB5ITT

On Mon, May 26, 2025 at 3:45?PM sflory via <sflory=[email protected]> wrote:
Thanks Mike i know the frequency they use i have not told any one i will not transmit the tones just operate a relay when the tones are decoded they will not go out over the air?
?




Re: CDM1250 rx audio from mic jack

 

¿ªÔÆÌåÓý

The mic jacks are different between the Maxtrac and the CDM.
Maxtrac is a standard 8 pin
CDM is a 10 pin?
Usually the 8 pin plug can work but not always.

Start here

Rear Accessory connector is configured with the programming software.
Read the radio
From the tree view select Radio Configuration
Select the Basic tab
Select the Accessory Configuration tab
Look for RX Audio Type
Choices are Filtered Audio and Flat Audio


Milt
N3LTQ

On May 29, 2025, at 19:04, SCOTT TURNER via groups.io <scott181@...> wrote:

?
? I'm trying to get rx audio from the mic jack on my CDM1250. The pinout says it is the same as the maxtrac and I should have rx audio on pin 8, however it isn't there. I'm using a signalink USB and trying to setup echolink on the CDM rather then the maxtrac. Everything works fine on the maxtrac, but if I plug it into the the CDM there is no audio. I was?
going to use the accessory connector (pin 11) but that is unsquelched. Not like on the maxtrac where you changed the jumper on the inside for PL to unmute the audio. Not
seeing anything in the RSS to set pin 11 for muted or PL audio. Thanks for any help.
?


Re: whelen siren

 

¿ªÔÆÌåÓý

Why was I hearing ¡°Ack Ack Ack Ack ACK!¡± In my head reading this string.. ?;-)


John



On May 29, 2025, at 9:37?PM, Chris Boone WB5ITT via groups.io <setxtelecom@...> wrote:

?
Let's get down to the nut cutting, shall we?

WHAT causes the message to be sent? If that message is NOT SPECIFICALLY ALLOWED in part 97 like NWS, it's ILLEGAL PERIOD?

Chris WB5ITT?

On Mon, May 26, 2025, 6:01?PM Kory Oldham W4RZ via <Kory=[email protected]> wrote:

He is not rebroadcasting the DTMF sequence, he is using the DTMF to trigger a macro to run a preprogrammed message stating that there is a severe weather alert. This is no different then me hearing my local siren going off and punching in DTMF 1234 on my repeater to send out a pre recorded alert to check your local weather status. He is not wanting to rebroadcast anything, there no 3rd party controller, he is using the same functions on his repeater that you can use manually on most repeaters. I understand what Chad is saying that using the DTMF to trigger it is a 3rd party, but in the end it is not a 3rd party controlling the repeater, it is the owner using programming to run a macro.?


Kory


On 2025-05-26 18:42, Chad Nelson wrote:

My argument here is that the DTMF sequence is being sent out by public safety or Dispatch or whoever sets off the siren, probably even EOC, would be activating a repeater, and in that case, the DTMF is not generated by an amateur radio operator. It's been generated by a third-party, which I think is illegal.
Chad Nelson WI9HF/WRPL979
Janesville Wisconsin
608-754-8671
Send from my spectrum iPhone 16.

On May 26, 2025, at 5:20?PM, Tom Cole <tomcole1@...> wrote:

Read the post. He doesn't want to rebroadcast anything, just send out a message that the sirens have been activated. But, even if he was , he can legally do it as long as it isn't something "regularly done", and it is permissible. It is no different that us sending out a message from our controller that the Skywarn net has been activated. I can send a DTMF sequence to the repeater and the controller keys the repeater stating that the Skywarn net is up. We also send out automatic messages about our weekly nets and special events. If it were illegal, it wouldn't be a feature of every repeater controller out there.?
?

On May 26, 2025, at 5:12?PM, Chad Nelson <chad.nelson71@...> wrote:

If I understand this, someone wants to use the alert tones from the frequency that the law-enforcement uses to activate the community sirens to announce over the ham repeater of a warning or siren activation? That to me sounds pretty illegal since at that point, the repeater would be operated by an unlicensed station in the ham band.
Chad Nelson WI9HF/WRPL979
Janesville Wisconsin
608-754-8671
Send from my spectrum iPhone 16.

On May 26, 2025, at 4:19?PM, Kory Oldham W4RZ <Kory@...> wrote:

Chris,

Wouldn't sending out a storm warning bulletin be legal and fall under the following? I say this with the thoughts of a simple message or even one with a little more detail, warning Hams of potential severe weather to warn them to protect their gear, would be direct interest to the amateur service.?

97.3 Definitions:
?
(26) Information bulletin. A message directed only to amateur operators consisting solely of subject matter of direct interest to the amateur service.
?
97.111 Authorized Transmissions:?
?
?
(6) Transmissions necessary to disseminate information bulletins.


Kory


On 2025-05-26 16:56, Chris Boone WB5ITT via wrote:

Having any announcement, etc on the repeater output automatically from the Wheelan siren system is not allowed under Part 97.....You?COULD change CT or something similar but it cannot key the repeater xmtr when it decodes..that is improper control of an amateur station.
?
Chris
WB5ITT

On Mon, May 26, 2025 at 3:45?PM sflory via <sflory=[email protected]> wrote:
Thanks Mike i know the frequency they use i have not told any one i will not transmit the tones just operate a relay when the tones are decoded they will not go out over the air?
?




Re: whelen siren

 

¿ªÔÆÌåÓý

Oh I love it!! Thank you for your ¡°Levity¡± we need more of that. Having dealt with Alert and Warning in my Career I can only imagine someone will try this. Of course there are a few of us who¡¯d love to find an old Thunder Bolt Air Raid siren Speaker for the roof of their Black and White ?74 Dodge Monaco.. ;-)

John



On May 28, 2025, at 10:21?AM, Larry Macionski via groups.io <am_fm_radio@...> wrote:

?
Time for levity-
?
1. Place your baofeng on the? repeater frequency.
2. in set menu of the baofeng.. set VOX on. set TX delay if baofeng? so optioned.
3. in set menu of the baofeng.. set Talk out Timer to 5 seconds.
4. Set the Baofeng near a siren to where when the siren goes off:
?? a. the VOX activates.
?? b. the Baofeng transmits the siren for 5 seconds.
5. Use duct tape, as necessary
6. be sure to waterproof the charger and baofeng accordingly.
7. if the baofeng is some distance from the siren..?
??? a. roll some tin and make a megaphone to be duct taped over the microphone.
??? b. point it towards the siren.
?
Approved by Red Green VE3RED
?
?


Re: Looking for a connector

 

Let me dig thru my stash and I'll let you know?

Chris

On Wed, May 28, 2025, 10:10?AM Anthony/KC0AMP via <WRNW944=[email protected]> wrote:
Hey Chris, if you could check and let me know, I would be interested in them. I would like 4 but will take what I can get. Thank you


Re: whelen siren

 

Perfect answer?

On Wed, May 28, 2025, 3:27?PM Teton Amateur Radio Repeater Association (TARRA) via <tarra=[email protected]> wrote:

You have it wrong.

1. Drop your Baofeng in a septic tank.
2. Never look back.
3. Forget all the other things listed here.

Mick - W7CAT

----- Original Message -----
From: "Larry Macionski via "
To: [email protected]
Sent: Wednesday, May 28, 2025 11:21:25 AM
Subject: Re: [repeater-builder] whelen siren

?> Time for levity-
?>
?> 1. Place your baofeng on the? repeater frequency.
?> 2. in set menu of the baofeng.. set VOX on. set TX delay if baofeng?
so optioned.
?> 3. in set menu of the baofeng.. set Talk out Timer to 5 seconds.
?> 4. Set the Baofeng near a siren to where when the siren goes off:
?> a. the VOX activates.
?> b. the Baofeng transmits the siren for 5 seconds.
?> 5. Use duct tape, as necessary
?> 6. be sure to waterproof the charger and baofeng accordingly.
?> 7. if the baofeng is some distance from the siren..
?> a. roll some tin and make a megaphone to be duct taped over the
microphone.
?> b. point it towards the siren.
?>
?> Approved by Red Green VE3RED
?>
?>
?>
?>
?>
?>
--
Untitled Document







Re: whelen siren

 

Let's get down to the nut cutting, shall we?

WHAT causes the message to be sent? If that message is NOT SPECIFICALLY ALLOWED in part 97 like NWS, it's ILLEGAL PERIOD?

Chris WB5ITT?

On Mon, May 26, 2025, 6:01?PM Kory Oldham W4RZ via <Kory=[email protected]> wrote:

He is not rebroadcasting the DTMF sequence, he is using the DTMF to trigger a macro to run a preprogrammed message stating that there is a severe weather alert. This is no different then me hearing my local siren going off and punching in DTMF 1234 on my repeater to send out a pre recorded alert to check your local weather status. He is not wanting to rebroadcast anything, there no 3rd party controller, he is using the same functions on his repeater that you can use manually on most repeaters. I understand what Chad is saying that using the DTMF to trigger it is a 3rd party, but in the end it is not a 3rd party controlling the repeater, it is the owner using programming to run a macro.?


Kory


On 2025-05-26 18:42, Chad Nelson wrote:

My argument here is that the DTMF sequence is being sent out by public safety or Dispatch or whoever sets off the siren, probably even EOC, would be activating a repeater, and in that case, the DTMF is not generated by an amateur radio operator. It's been generated by a third-party, which I think is illegal.
Chad Nelson WI9HF/WRPL979
Janesville Wisconsin
608-754-8671
Send from my spectrum iPhone 16.

On May 26, 2025, at 5:20?PM, Tom Cole <tomcole1@...> wrote:

Read the post. He doesn't want to rebroadcast anything, just send out a message that the sirens have been activated. But, even if he was , he can legally do it as long as it isn't something "regularly done", and it is permissible. It is no different that us sending out a message from our controller that the Skywarn net has been activated. I can send a DTMF sequence to the repeater and the controller keys the repeater stating that the Skywarn net is up. We also send out automatic messages about our weekly nets and special events. If it were illegal, it wouldn't be a feature of every repeater controller out there.?
?

On May 26, 2025, at 5:12?PM, Chad Nelson <chad.nelson71@...> wrote:

If I understand this, someone wants to use the alert tones from the frequency that the law-enforcement uses to activate the community sirens to announce over the ham repeater of a warning or siren activation? That to me sounds pretty illegal since at that point, the repeater would be operated by an unlicensed station in the ham band.
Chad Nelson WI9HF/WRPL979
Janesville Wisconsin
608-754-8671
Send from my spectrum iPhone 16.

On May 26, 2025, at 4:19?PM, Kory Oldham W4RZ <Kory@...> wrote:

Chris,

Wouldn't sending out a storm warning bulletin be legal and fall under the following? I say this with the thoughts of a simple message or even one with a little more detail, warning Hams of potential severe weather to warn them to protect their gear, would be direct interest to the amateur service.?

97.3 Definitions:
?
(26) Information bulletin. A message directed only to amateur operators consisting solely of subject matter of direct interest to the amateur service.
?
97.111 Authorized Transmissions:?
?
?
(6) Transmissions necessary to disseminate information bulletins.


Kory


On 2025-05-26 16:56, Chris Boone WB5ITT via wrote:

Having any announcement, etc on the repeater output automatically from the Wheelan siren system is not allowed under Part 97.....You?COULD change CT or something similar but it cannot key the repeater xmtr when it decodes..that is improper control of an amateur station.
?
Chris
WB5ITT

On Mon, May 26, 2025 at 3:45?PM sflory via <sflory=[email protected]> wrote:
Thanks Mike i know the frequency they use i have not told any one i will not transmit the tones just operate a relay when the tones are decoded they will not go out over the air?
?




Re: whelen siren

 

Get this thru your head Tom...Any message transmitted by an amateur station, NOT SPECIFICALLY ALLOWED in Part 97 , is third party traffic and must be under a control operators control.

Sorry but it doesn't wash...you disagree? Go talk with Riley instead of ranting here because you are wasting time. The RULES are the rules..don't like them? Petition for a change but in the meantime FOLLOW THEM



On Mon, May 26, 2025, 5:41?PM Tom Cole via <tomcole1=[email protected]> wrote:


Hence my question of the OP - If this is the local volunteer fire department siren alerting its members to respond to a fire, the answer is a hard no as this is anther radio service.


No, it is not. It is a message from the repeater that the siren has been activated. The message transmitted could be anything. It is no different than an operator keying his microphone and making the announcement. It is emergency traffic.

If this siren is activated via an NWS SAME alert to warn the population at large, IMO would make more sense to feed the alert into the repeater audio chain, with the ability to silence it with DTMF or even a triple-click of the microphone.

There are those here who, wrongfully, say that isn¡¯t legal. It is 100% legal.?
97:115 does not apply since it is not third party communications. Emergency communications from any source can be retransmitted.?


Re: whelen siren

 

That is improper control of an amateur transmitter..it can only be keyed by certain. equipment as allowed per Part 97. The control function activating the sirens is NOT permitted. I consulted Riley on this..

His answer:(and this is a direct quite)

"There's no use to argue with hypotheticals. Just let me know if he does it"

You disagree ?? Fine...face a NOV OR NAL..
I'm sleeping soundly knowing my repeaters are legal

Chris WB5ITT?

On Mon, May 26, 2025, 5:28?PM Byron Cress via <byron0990=[email protected]> wrote:
would it be possible to have a club radio located at the activation site for the tied to the siren controller, that would send the alert message to the repeater?
then? only be activated?if the?control location activated the sirens.

Byron KD7TLH

On Mon, May 26, 2025 at 5:20?PM Tom Cole via <tomcole1=[email protected]> wrote:
Read the post. He doesn¡¯t want to rebroadcast anything, just send out a message that the sirens have been activated. But, even if he was , he can legally do it as long as it isn¡¯t something ¡°regularly done¡±, and it is permissible. It is no different that us sending out a message from our controller that the Skywarn net has been activated. I can send a DTMF sequence to the repeater and the controller keys the repeater stating that the Skywarn net is up. We also send out automatic messages about our weekly nets and special events. If it were illegal, it wouldn¡¯t be a feature of every repeater controller out there.?

On May 26, 2025, at 5:12?PM, Chad Nelson <chad.nelson71@...> wrote:

?If I understand this, someone wants to use the alert tones from the frequency that the law-enforcement uses to activate the community sirens to announce over the ham repeater of a warning or siren activation? That to me sounds pretty illegal since at that point, the repeater would be operated by an unlicensed station in the ham band.
Chad Nelson WI9HF/WRPL979
Janesville Wisconsin
608-754-8671
Send from my spectrum iPhone 16.

On May 26, 2025, at 4:19?PM, Kory Oldham W4RZ <Kory@...> wrote:

?

Chris,

Wouldn't sending out a storm warning bulletin be legal and fall under the following? I say this with the thoughts of a simple message or even one with a little more detail, warning Hams of potential severe weather to warn them to protect their gear, would be direct interest to the amateur service.?

97.3 Definitions:
?
(26) Information bulletin. A message directed only to amateur operators consisting solely of subject matter of direct interest to the amateur service.
?
97.111 Authorized Transmissions:?
?
?
(6) Transmissions necessary to disseminate information bulletins.


Kory


On 2025-05-26 16:56, Chris Boone WB5ITT via wrote:

Having any announcement, etc on the repeater output automatically from the Wheelan siren system is not allowed under Part 97.....You?COULD change CT or something similar but it cannot key the repeater xmtr when it decodes..that is improper control of an amateur station.
?
Chris
WB5ITT

On Mon, May 26, 2025 at 3:45?PM sflory via <sflory=[email protected]> wrote:
Thanks Mike i know the frequency they use i have not told any one i will not transmit the tones just operate a relay when the tones are decoded they will not go out over the air?
?




CDM1250 rx audio from mic jack

 

? I'm trying to get rx audio from the mic jack on my CDM1250. The pinout says it is the same as the maxtrac and I should have rx audio on pin 8, however it isn't there. I'm using a signalink USB and trying to setup echolink on the CDM rather then the maxtrac. Everything works fine on the maxtrac, but if I plug it into the the CDM there is no audio. I was?
going to use the accessory connector (pin 11) but that is unsquelched. Not like on the maxtrac where you changed the jumper on the inside for PL to unmute the audio. Not
seeing anything in the RSS to set pin 11 for muted or PL audio. Thanks for any help.
?


F/S Kenwood TKR 850 repeater

 

I have a good condition works fine Kenwood TKR 850 Peter with about 30 W output and the receive sensitivity is about .25 mill volts. It will come with a power cord with Anderson power poles on one end. This Peter was just tested by a local radio shop and was determined to be working with good performance. $600 plusshipping.
Chad Nelson WI9HF/WRPL979
Janesville Wisconsin
608-754-8671
Send from my spectrum iPhone 16.


Re: Getting tower sites for amateur repeaters.

 

"If you have a relationship with your local EMA" It never hurts to also have support letters - emergency manager, sheriff, fire chief. One time when I was trying to get a site I had a meeting with the fire chief (I don't think the meeting was even related). I mentioned what I was trying to do. While I was sitting there he picked up the phone and called the site manager and told him what I wanted to do. I heard the chief say that it would be a really good thing. The phone call wasn't more than about 2 minutes. When he got off the phone he told me the site manager also thought it would be a good thing.

Mick - W7CAT

----- Original Message -----
From: "Kevin Berlen via groups.io"
To: [email protected]
Sent: Thursday, May 29, 2025 01:55:52 PM
Subject: Re: [repeater-builder] Getting tower sites for amateur repeaters.

There are so many variables in this situation. I would immediately write
off trying to work with any commercial tower firms (Crown, American,
Vertical Bridge, etc.) ONLY approved contractors and installation
methods,
and almost a 100% chance you will need a structural analysis run.

You might have better luck with a local radio station with a FM
tower. Talk
to some of the other hams in the area, and see if there is a broadcast
engineer, or possibly a 2-way tech, that are also hams. They may be
able to
help open some doors. If you have a relationship with your local EMA,
they
may be able to arrange access to a county owned tower site.

In terms of access, again, I have seen everything from having a set
of keys
issued, to having to coordinate site visits more or less on the owner's
schedule.

Some may require a liability policy, and some sort of payment to
offset the
utilities.

Good luck! It is a worthy goal!

73,

Kevin,K9HX


On Thu, May 29, 2025 at 3:35?PM KB9LFZ via groups.io >
[email protected]> wrote:

People skills really help.

Sometimes the city will allow the install if a approved contractor
does it.


On Thu, May 29, 2025, 13:10 N4FOX via groups.io > >
[email protected]> wrote:

I've been debating on trying to aquire a site to put a repeater vs
here
on my vertically challenged tower.

In the past I've found contact information & asked tower owners for
space. But this was probably 18yrs or more ago. One spot almost
worked out,
but in the end engineers said the tower was already too loaded. So
that was
a no go. Then at one other site I was actually offered space, but
I decided
not too. Just because of location wasn't desirable to me.

Then I've also heard horror stories of tower owners changing hands
& Hams
getting locked out & stuff turned off. ?

Now here recently I decided to kick the idea around about acquiring a
site again. In particular one of the sites I was almost in the
door on
years back but engineers said it was too loaded. I've noticed the
tower has
had most everything removed now. So I wonder if that might be a
possibility.

What I am curious about is what all is to be expected. So I
figured I'd
ask here..since there might be a high probability of Hams with
repeaters on
towers owned by others or government organizations.

Do you have to carry insurance with having space on them? Was is
difficult to get the equipment on the tower with red tape? Do you
have free
access to go there whenever needed with keys? Do you pay anything
for the
space? Do you pay anything for electricity? What do you feel
helped you
aquire the space?

Little background about myself. I started off rock climbing in my
youth.
I was already into radio. Later that led to working for a tower
company
doing installation & tear downs of towers/equipment. This also helped
fellow Hams around me. I'd donate used long runs of heliax to
local clubs.
Plus help put up repeaters & equipment on commercial towers for other
repeater owners. Im older now & I don't do tower stuff for others
anymore.
Having kids & wanting to be around for them changed a few things
for me. Im
still willing to do tower stuff for my own projects though, just
because of
necessity.

I have land here. I've always wanted to just put up 120ft or more of
tower of my own. Life always seems to say nope. You can't afford
that now.
Its a shame though. I actually live on a good size hill with nice
HAAT.
Radio communications do really well here. Its just having a
repeater with
antenna at tree levels still produces shadow areas plus foliage
antennuations when leaves & greenery come back in season. Ideally
having
one here would be less worry I feel.

If you don't want to reply publicly here you're welcome to email me.
N4fox.r@...




--
Untitled Document


Re: Getting tower sites for amateur repeaters.

 

There are so many variables in this situation. I would immediately write off trying to work with any commercial?tower firms (Crown, American, Vertical Bridge, etc.) ONLY approved contractors and installation?methods, and almost a 100% chance you will need a structural analysis run.

You might have better luck with a?local radio station with a FM tower. Talk to some of the other?hams in the area, and see if there is a broadcast engineer, or possibly a 2-way tech, that are also hams. They may be able to help open some doors. If you have a relationship?with your?local EMA, they may be able?to arrange access to a county owned tower site.

In terms of access, again, I have seen everything from having a set of keys issued, to having to coordinate site visits more or less on the owner's schedule.

Some may require a liability?policy, and some sort of payment to offset the utilities.

Good luck! It is a worthy goal!

73,

Kevin,K9HX


On Thu, May 29, 2025 at 3:35?PM KB9LFZ via <silver=[email protected]> wrote:
People skills really help.

Sometimes the city will allow the install if a approved contractor does it.


On Thu, May 29, 2025, 13:10 N4FOX via <N4fox.r=[email protected]> wrote:
I've been debating on trying to aquire a site to put a repeater vs here on my vertically challenged tower.?
?
In the past I've found contact information & asked tower owners for space. But this was probably 18yrs or more ago. One spot almost worked out, but in the end engineers said the tower was already too loaded. So that was a no go. Then at one other site I was actually offered space, but I decided not too. Just because of location wasn't desirable to me.?
?
Then I've also heard horror stories of tower owners changing hands & Hams getting locked out & stuff turned off. ?
?
?Now here recently I decided to kick the idea around about acquiring a site again. In particular one of the sites I was almost in the door on years back but engineers said it was too loaded. I've noticed the tower has had most everything removed now. So I wonder if that might be a possibility.?
?
?What I am curious about is what all is to be expected. So I figured I'd ask here..since there might be a high probability of Hams with repeaters on towers owned by others or government organizations.?
?
?Do you have to carry insurance with having space on them? Was is difficult to get the equipment on the tower with red tape? Do you have free access to go there whenever needed with keys? Do you pay anything for the space? Do you pay anything for electricity? What do you feel helped you aquire the space?
?
?Little background about myself. I started off rock climbing in my youth. I was already into radio. Later that led to working for a tower company doing installation & tear downs of towers/equipment. This also helped fellow Hams around me. I'd donate used long runs of heliax to local clubs. Plus help put up repeaters & equipment on commercial towers for other repeater owners. Im older now & I don't do tower stuff for others anymore. Having kids & wanting to be around for them changed a few things for me. Im still willing to do tower stuff for my own projects though, just because of necessity.?
?
?I have land here. I've always wanted to just put up 120ft or more of tower of my own. Life always seems to say nope. You can't afford that now. Its a shame though. I actually live on a good size hill with nice HAAT. Radio communications do really well here. Its just having a repeater with antenna at tree levels still produces shadow areas plus foliage antennuations when leaves & greenery come back in season. Ideally having one here would be less worry I feel.?
?
?If you don't want to reply publicly here you're welcome to email me. N4fox.r@...?