WA8FXQ/R IMT

The club maintains two repeaters, which are located on Pine Mountain (elevation 1,650 feet) in Iron Mountain, with tower and facilities provided by the Wisconsin Electric Power Co.

The range of the 2 meter repeater is about 40 miles under normal conditions, depending upon terrain. The 440 MHz repeater has a range of about 25 miles.

If you have a story regarding unusual communications (DX, emergency, etc.) with either of our repeaters, we would like to hear about it. Please include callsigns of the persons involved, date, location and equipment used. We will feature a few of the more unusual stories here.

Output
Offset PL Tone
Callsign
146.850 minus
100 Hz
WA8FXQ
444.850
plus
100 Hz
WA8FXQ

Repeater Specifications:

The 146.85 repeater is a Yaesu DR 1 digital and Analog repeater Frequency. 146.85 minus offset, 100 hz PL tone encode and decode Power 50 watts. The Controller is an Arcom RC 210 . It is also System Fusion capable.

. The 440 MHZ repeater is a GE Master II 444.85, plus offset, 100 hz pl tone. 35 watts output. The Controller is a Arcom 210.

The repeaters share a Diamond dual band antenna at a tower height of 125 feet.

To use the Auto Patch, key your mic and dial the Auto Patch ON code and let up on your mic. You will then hear a dial tone. Key your mic and dial your number. The phone should then ring. When you complete your call, key your mic and dial the Auto Patch OFF code and the phone call will terminate. Club members will be given Auto Patch codes on request.

Other Area Repeaters:

Output
Offset PL Tone
Callsign
Location
Coverage
147.150
plus
100
K8ZAS
Escanaba
Delta
444.300
plus
-
WD8RTH
Escanaba
Delta
146.670
minus
-
W8CDZ/RPT
Herman
Baraga, Houghton, Iron
145.170
minus
107.2
N8LVQ
Iron River
Iron
444.175
plus
-
N8LVQ
Iron River
Iron
146.880
minus
136.5
WA8WG
McAlister
Marinette, Menominee
146.790
minus
-
KD8DD
Manistique
Schoolcraft
146.700
minus
?
WA8WG
Manistique
Schoolcraft
147.270
plus
100
K8LOD
Marquette
Marquette
146.970
minus
100
KE8IL
Marquette
Marquette
444.800
plus
100
KE8IL
Marquette
Marquette
147.000
plus
107.2
W8PIF
Menominee
Menominee
444.075
plus
-
W8PIF
Menominee
Menominee
145.410
minus
-
K8KIT
Munising
Alger
147.090
plus
-
KG8ZL
Republic
Baraga, Iron, Marquette
146.820
minus
100.0
KB0P
Republic
Baraga, Iron, Marquette
444.200
plus
-
N8PUM
Republic
Marquette, Keweenaw
147.330
plus
-
K8NB
Stephenson
Menominee

If anyone can supply the missing callsigns or better describe the area of coverage of the above repeaters please send a e-mail to Tom, KC8TH

Rendering Assistance via the Repeater

The 146.850 MHz club repeater auto patch is available to all club members (and others with permission). EMERGENCIES, traffic accidents, etc., should be handled by calling 911, which will connect you to the Dickinson County dispatch center. If you are calling to report an emergency in Wisconsin, the Dickinson County dispatcher will take the information and relay it to the proper authorities in Wisconsin.

To access the auto patch, ensure that the repeater is not in use then key your transceiver and say, �(your callsign) conducting auto patch�. With your transceiver keyed, press the Auto Patch ON code and then release the PTT button. You should now hear a dial tone over the repeater. Press the PTT button again and dial 911 using the transceiver�s key pad. Release the PTT button and wait for the dispatcher to answer the phone. Tell the dispatcher, �This is (your name and callsign) calling via the amateur radio repeater�. Tell the dispatcher the location and nature of the emergency. The dispatcher may request that you maintain communications until help arrives at the scene. When your communication is complete, terminate the auto patch by keying your transceiver and pressing the Auto Patch OFF code. Then say, �auto patch is terminated, this is (your callsign)�.

You may have the need to request assistance from the dispatcher for a NON EMERGENCY condition, such as requesting a tow truck for a disabled motor vehicle which does not present a hazard to traffic. DO NOT use 911 for non emergencies. The following telephone numbers should be used instead:

Dickinson County - 774-6262

Florence County - 1-715-528-3346

Marinette County - 1-800-924-3228

Keep this information with you and you will be ready to provide assistance if the need arises.

Repeater Stories:

Accident Reported Via Club Repeater
On the morning of June 16, 2004 Mark, N8XZB, used the Mich-A-Con Amateur Radio Club�s 2-meter repeater to report an accident in Florence County Wisconsin. A vehicle traveling on County Road U failed to negotiate a curve, went off the road and came to rest in the front yard of a residence. The driver was not seriously injured.

Mark used the auto-patch to access the 911 operator and informed her of the accident and requested the assistance of the County Sheriff. Mark�s report was clear and concise and he used excellent radio procedure. Great job!

Area map courtesy of MapQuest.