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NARS UHF Allstar Repeaters
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Introduction
The preferred solution for putting a repeater on the AllStar system is to have an Allstar node connected directly to the repeater and connect that node directly to the internet. In some instances, this may not be possible. The next best solution is using an offsite radio to connect to the repeater.
NOTE: If you use Echolink to access the AllStar system, you may see <Callsign>-R. This indcates that the node is directly connected to the repeater. If you see <Callsign>-L, this means that the link is established via RF from a repeater via a simplex link.
The History
The 443.075 repeater was installed at the NARS Galleria repeater site in early 2024 with the intent to connect it to the NARS Allstar network via the internet. This would significantly expand the footprint of the NARS repeater system.
Despite several attempts throughout the preceding year (2024-2025) we tested several different cellular modems, but we were unable to establish a reliable internet connection from the Galleria repeater site. Very limited physical access to the Galleria repeater site adds to the difficulty in finding a viable alternate internet connection.
Believing that we would be able to find a viable internet solution for this site, we left the AllStar node connected to the Galleria repeater. Unfortunately, we have not.
Because the node in the Galleria does not have an internet connection, the node will not stay synchronized to an internet time server nor do we have remote access to make changes.
Options
One options is to connect the 443.075 repeater to the internet is via Starlink, a satellite internet connection. This option has a significant upfront cost as well as a monthly fee.
A second option is to use a reliable radio offsite to establish an RF link with the Galleria site, a reliable internet connection at the offsite location, and an Allstar node connected to the offsite radio and to the internet.
The club owns a Yaesu FT-8800R radio, and there is a reliable internet connection at the HCESD16 Administration building. This is the least costly solution, and is worth attempting before looking further at more costly solutions.
Current Status
A UHF yagi antenna was installed at the top of the tower at the HCESD16 Administration building and pointed toward the Galleria site. Since April 12th, the FT-8800R has been connected to the yagi antenna and to an AllStar node connected to the NARS Allstar network. This system has been tweaked to create the least disruption possible.
Since then, as expected, some are unhappy because they hear the couurtesy tone on 443.075, several squelch tails, and an incorrect time announcement. These broadcasts are propagated throughout the NARS Allstar network, Echolink, the 444.375 repeater, and K5MAP's DMR repeater.
There was discussion about turning off the link until we can eliminate the courtesy tones and squelch tails. Because we have no idea when we will be able to physically access the Galleria site, we have elected to leave the link up to enable us to evaluate "real world" use. This offers the opportunity to discover unforseen issues and plan corrective action before we are granted access to the Galleria site. We believe this is the best course of action for the present.
Future Plans
We are working to gain access to the Galleria site at the earliest date possible. Once we do, we will remove the Allstar node that is connected directly to the repeater. This will eliminate the time announcement, one courtesy tone, and one squelch tail.
Please be patient, we hear you.
Repeater Status Update
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NARS has three repeater sites, one in Klein, one Downtown, and one in the Galleria. While we have had some challenges brought about by recent weather events, our repeater team is working diligently to ensure that this system provides the reliable and convenient coverage in the Houston area that we have come to expect.
The current repeater system status is as follows:
- VHF 146.660 Galleria Area PL 141.3 on the air (experiences high QRN after sunset)
VHF 146.660 Downtown PL100 OFF AIR- UHF 443.075 Galleria Area PL 103.5 on the air and linked to ALLSTAR and the W5NC hub
- UHF 444.375 Klein Area PL 100 on the air linked to ALLSTAR
- UHF/DMR 440.300 Klein Area ,Talk Group 3146211, time slot 1, Active
- Allstar Node 59847
General Comments:
The repeater team has linked the Galleria UHF repeater on 443.075 to the Klein UHF repeater on 444.375. The link from the Klein site to the Galleria site is provided by the club's Yaesu FT8800, a Yagi on the Klein tower, and an Allstar node.
Klein Link Transceiver | Klein Link Antenna |
When the team accomplishes its goals, NARS will have two analog UHF repeaters, separated by 20 miles, connected to the W5NC HUB, one DMR repeater in Klein on the W5NC HUB, and one VHF repeater, with RF access only, in the center of downtown. The separation of the two UHF RF capable repeaters with W5NC HUB links should allow members without HUB access to communicate by RF into Club nets.
Meeting Location
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The NARS monthly meetings are held on the third Friday of each month at 7:30 P.M. at the Harris County Emergency Services Building located at HCESD 16 Admin Building, 18606 Stuebner Airline 77379.
Please park only in front of the building. Ample parking is available. Enter the building ONLY through the main front entrance. As always, please do not take reserved parking spaces or block driveways.
For members who wish to join us for dinner before the meeting, we meet at a local restaurant for dinner at 4:30, enjoy dinner and maybe a drink, then make the short 10 minute drive to the meeting on Stuebner Airline. The restaurant is usually Gringo's Mexican Kitchen, 6925 Cypresswood Dr Ste G, Spring, TX 77379, but check the W5NC groups.io messages for updates.