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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.