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Repeaters
Technical information about the NQ4Y repeaters including codes and coverage maps. |
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Pictures
View pictures taken high atop the 145.41 tower and of local hams at work constructing and maintaining the system. |
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Web Links
Other Internet web sites of interest to amateur radio operators in the south. |
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About NQ4Y
Read the amateur radio autobiography of Terry, NQ4Y. |
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My favorite ham radio activity is not talking, but is building and maintaining Amateur Radio repeater systems. I enjoy building electronics, but building repeaters is the most enjoyable.
I earned my ham ticket in 1977, upgraded to General in 1978 and then to Amateur Extra class in 1980. I work some HF CW and SSB, but most of my operations are on 2 meters (SSB and FM) and 440 MHz (FM).
I strive to help codeless technicians maximize their amateur radio experience. I strongly support bringing youth to ham radio. I enjoy helping codeless technicians successfully get on the air and advance the art of amateur radio. How will they learn about amateur radio without the help and those who have tried EME, satellite, DX, packet, RTTY and other modes. I remember when I first earned my license how helpful the local amateur operators were (W4IGW, WA4RWK, WA4VVX, WA4BJY, NO4Q and K4BEZ.)
I started experimenting with repeaters in 1982 while at Tennessee Technological University. At that time, TTU had a VHF Engineering "home brew" repeater, running split site, to a hustler G6 and a ringo. We upgraded to Hamtronics transmitter and receiver kits (I assembled the kits), a Wacom duplexer, and a 4 dipole array antenna. The Cookeville Repeater Association generously purchased a 100 watt amplifier for the machine. At the time we were using a home brew 6802 controller. During the summer months, I returned to my home in Humboldt, Tennessee where I established a repeater on 145.35 MHz. I used a GE Mastr Exec receiver and a GLB 4 watt transmitter. The controller was again homebrew. I also helped build the 145.31 repeater in Jackson, Tennessee (KF4SC).
When I started working as a DJ at WGSQ-FM, (Country Giant, 94.7) in Cookeville, I built another repeater, this time on 145.11 MHz, with emphasis on HT coverage. Thanks to the efforts of N4OZO and KK4TD, and many others, for keeping this machine on-the-air!
In 1991, I moved to Tullahoma, Tennessee. At this time, the vision was to install a 2 meter repeater that would link Nashville and Chattanooga, 2 cites mostly cut-off by Monteagle mountain. While we have several excellent repeaters that cover each side of the mountain, no one machine attempts to bridge across the mountain. I built 145.41 using a GE Mastr II and Wacom Duplexers. The machine is located on Monteagle Mountain, about 2300 feet HAMSL. This site is designed to fill the gap between Nashville and Chattanooga.
What is my favorite repeater antenna? After much debate, sweat and study, that the Decibel Products four bay dipole array is difficult to beat. I suggest at a minimum using 8 bays. The radiation pattern seems to favor the distant mobiles without leaving a large number of nulls in the "close in" areas.
What is the best RF equipment for a repeater?
For the price, you won't beat the GE Mastr II. I strongly suggest using a GE Mastr II PLL exciter, and a FET amplifier. If you are interested in turnkey configurations, there are lots of excellent options. Check into the repeater-builders.com website for more details.
All hams are encouraged to use and enjoy all of the repeaters! Have fun and be ready for emergency communication needs.
Copyright 1998-2003, NQ4Y. All rights reserved.