CAP Talk

Operations => Tools of the trade => Topic started by: rroberts on January 04, 2010, 03:51:18 AM

Title: Repeaters
Post by: rroberts on January 04, 2010, 03:51:18 AM
Is there a list of repeater locations?  I would like to mark the local repeaters on my maps to allow me to utilize a beam antenna on the car instead of just a standard whip.  If not, I'll ask our Comm Officer.

Thanks,
Bob
Title: Re: Repeaters
Post by: PHall on January 04, 2010, 04:40:31 AM
Yeah, ask your Comm Officer. Repeater locations and frequencies are classified as FOUO (For Official Use Only).
Title: Re: Repeaters
Post by: SarMaster on January 04, 2010, 01:43:39 PM
Beam on your car?
Title: Re: Repeaters
Post by: Gunner C on January 04, 2010, 04:39:47 PM
Quote from: PHall on January 04, 2010, 04:40:31 AM
Yeah, ask your Comm Officer. Repeater locations and frequencies are classified as FOUO (For Official Use Only).
Better way to put it:

"Repeater locations and frequencies are unclassified but marked FOUO (For Official Use Only)."

FOUO is not a classification.
Title: Re: Repeaters
Post by: rroberts on January 04, 2010, 05:52:19 PM
Quote from: SarMaster on January 04, 2010, 01:43:39 PM
Beam on your car?

It's an antenna that can be highly focused in a certain direction.  It would allow you to reach a repeater from a mobile or portable radio from areas that you would not be able to reach normaly.  A beam antenna is usually 10-100 times more sensitive in the area it is pointed but typically has very limited reception in other directions.  The antenna would be good for talking back to a repeater or base station but would be horrible for receiving general transmission from a CAP so it would not well as a general base antenna. 

Not sure if I made sense or not.  I have been thinking about making a mobile comm setup that had an omni antenna for all local handheld communications and a beam antenna so that the local command post could talk to a more distant headquarters.  It would initially be two seperate transcievers, but if needed I would link the antennas and shift the receive / transmit ferequiences to in essance create a local repeater, but with two different antennas specifically designed for communications that would suit each antennas strongpoint.
Title: Re: Repeaters
Post by: SarMaster on January 04, 2010, 07:28:54 PM
I know what a beam is...i have built many of them.  How do you plan to use the beam in motion?  To get  100 times the 'sensitivity' you would need a 16 - 30 element antenna... Unless you were driving a bus thats not practical.   To build a 'repeater' with your omni and your beam you would need a duplexer or approx 50 feet seperation or the transmittion will cancel out the receiver.   Why dont you just get a portable flagpole type mast and make your omni taller to get more LOS?   
Title: Re: Repeaters
Post by: Eclipse on January 04, 2010, 09:36:57 PM
Wait...this is a don't?

(http://www.hamsexy.com/cms/wp-content/uploads/2008/04/dsc01287.jpg)

(http://www.jtrg.org/Photoalbum/Members/AF4KK/AF4KK-Project%20Car/slides/P1030135.JPG)
Title: Re: Repeaters
Post by: SarDragon on January 04, 2010, 09:56:17 PM
He needs something to keep him busy during those frigid Wisconsin winters.
Title: Re: Repeaters
Post by: lordmonar on January 04, 2010, 11:14:38 PM
Are the locations of repeaters FOUO?
Title: Re: Repeaters
Post by: Eclipse on January 04, 2010, 11:30:15 PM
They are in my wing, and I believe the region.  It's somewhat understandable, since they are an important strategic asset to operations.

They are referred to only by their designators.
Title: Re: Repeaters
Post by: cap235629 on January 04, 2010, 11:55:40 PM
Quote from: Eclipse on January 04, 2010, 11:30:15 PM
They are in my wing, and I believe the region.  It's somewhat understandable, since they are an important strategic asset to operations.

They are referred to only by their designators.

The CAP member only Comm pages have a repeater directory. Doesn't give you lat/long but gives you the general location of the repeater and it's designator.
Title: Re: Repeaters
Post by: davidsinn on January 04, 2010, 11:58:28 PM
Quote from: Eclipse on January 04, 2010, 11:30:15 PM
They are in my wing, and I believe the region.  It's somewhat understandable, since they are an important strategic asset to operations.

They are referred to only by their designators.

Here in INWG they are called out by designator and by the closest town. As for the exact location...I could tell you but then bla bla... ;D
Title: Re: Repeaters
Post by: RedFox24 on January 04, 2010, 11:59:14 PM
Or this...... 27 antennas...........one was a wire loop. 


(http://www.krfarm.net/wp-content/uploads/2010/01/rf.jpg)



dont know what I am doing wrong but I cant get the picture to post............ ???


Edit:  Got it now!  Had to use Google Chrome.........
Title: Re: Repeaters
Post by: Eclipse on January 05, 2010, 12:04:43 AM
^ that looks like a reference to a local machine.
Title: Re: Repeaters
Post by: NCRblues on January 05, 2010, 12:17:49 AM
Oh, it's good to see my state representing on the tricked out rides pictures. Way to go Missouri!!
Title: Re: Repeaters
Post by: rroberts on January 05, 2010, 02:04:19 AM
Quote from: SarMaster on January 04, 2010, 07:28:54 PM
I know what a beam is...i have built many of them.  How do you plan to use the beam in motion?  To get  100 times the 'sensitivity' you would need a 16 - 30 element antenna... Unless you were driving a bus thats not practical.   To build a 'repeater' with your omni and your beam you would need a duplexer or approx 50 feet seperation or the transmittion will cancel out the receiver.   Why dont you just get a portable flagpole type mast and make your omni taller to get more LOS?
What I was thinking of would only be deployed when stationary once we have a location setup. 
I am new to Amateur Radio and will be taking my Technician test in the middle of the month.  I passed a practice test on eHam's website with a ~97%.  There is MUCH MUCH MUCH I do not know, but I am starting to learn.
The reason for the questions is I have been on two SAREX's in the last few months where I was part of a ground team that had issues reaching the HQ and a different SAREX where I was training for the MRO and we had trouble getting a hold of a team in the field.  We ended up using  cell phones but in a true emergency we may be out of cell coverage or the cell service may be jammed up by too much user traffic.
I would like to see if there would be a way to improve the chances for remote stations to reach a CAP usable repeater.
Thoughts?
Title: Re: Repeaters
Post by: PHall on January 05, 2010, 04:28:42 AM
Quote from: Gunner C on January 04, 2010, 04:39:47 PM
Quote from: PHall on January 04, 2010, 04:40:31 AM
Yeah, ask your Comm Officer. Repeater locations and frequencies are classified as FOUO (For Official Use Only).
Better way to put it:

"Repeater locations and frequencies are unclassified but marked FOUO (For Official Use Only)."

FOUO is not a classification.

Read it again hotshot. "are classified as", does not say it's classified. "are classified" would be saying that it classified.
Title: Re: Repeaters
Post by: Nick on January 05, 2010, 05:13:54 AM
Quote from: Eclipse on January 04, 2010, 09:36:57 PM
(http://www.jtrg.org/Photoalbum/Members/AF4KK/AF4KK-Project%20Car/slides/P1030135.JPG)
Man a smokey would have a field day with that.  I can't even find the gearshift. :)  Oh wait, I see it now buried under the wires in the center console.
Title: Re: Repeaters
Post by: Eclipse on January 05, 2010, 05:30:50 AM
Heh - a rollover becomes an on-site HAM Fest.

I have yet to figure out where the guy sits.
Title: Re: Repeaters
Post by: PHall on January 05, 2010, 05:32:59 AM
Quote from: Eclipse on January 04, 2010, 09:36:57 PM

(http://www.jtrg.org/Photoalbum/Members/AF4KK/AF4KK-Project%20Car/slides/P1030135.JPG)

So, would this need a 250 amp or a 500 amp alternator? ::)
Title: Re: Repeaters
Post by: Eclipse on January 05, 2010, 05:37:17 AM
More like an APU!

A few more pics of this masterpiece...

(http://www.jtrg.org/Photoalbum/Members/AF4KK/AF4KK-Project%20Car/slides/P1030117.JPG)

(http://www.jtrg.org/Photoalbum/Members/AF4KK/AF4KK-Project%20Car/slides/P1030119.JPG)

(http://www.jtrg.org/Photoalbum/Members/AF4KK/slides/DSC_0177.jpg)

http://www.jtrg.org/Photoalbum/Members/AF4KK/AF4KK-Project%20Car/
Title: Re: Repeaters
Post by: rroberts on January 05, 2010, 06:39:48 AM
That vehicle is just wrong on so many level's.  I wonder if you would get RF burn?
Title: Re: Repeaters
Post by: Nick on January 05, 2010, 02:32:34 PM
That guy just has way too much money dumped into that stuff.  I mean seriously, there's like 3 iterations of each kind of radio/scanner in that car ... way more than you could possibly even focus on at one time.  And I thought my PD car was bad with 1 VHF, 1 UHF and 1 800 MHz mobile and a portable for each in it.
Title: Re: Repeaters
Post by: Al Sayre on January 05, 2010, 02:56:39 PM
I highly suspect that the owner is going to find that he is a living nominee for a Darwin Award.
Title: Re: Repeaters
Post by: SarMaster on January 06, 2010, 02:26:45 AM
Its all for show...I actually got the chanve to meet the owner....99% of the gear dosent even work...I think he only has 3 radios really hooked up.

It is pretty cool to see though
Title: Re: Repeaters
Post by: Eclipse on January 06, 2010, 03:06:42 AM
Quote from: SarMaster on January 06, 2010, 02:26:45 AM
It is pretty cool to see though

Seriously?  Its not, even a little.

His car might be a joke, but there are plenty out there that aren't, and they make those of us with a legit need for a couple radios
look like goobers - thank the Lord I could hide mine in the glove box.
Title: Re: Repeaters
Post by: RedFox24 on January 06, 2010, 03:37:41 PM
Quote from: Eclipse on January 06, 2010, 03:06:42 AM
Quote from: SarMaster on January 06, 2010, 02:26:45 AM
It is pretty cool to see though

Seriously?  Its not, even a little.

His car might be a joke, but there are plenty out there that aren't, and they make those of us with a legit need for a couple radios
look like goobers - thank the Lord I could hide mine in the glove box.

Yes, this car and many others that are "not as bad but close" have "steal from me" written all over them.  And the drivers of them are often "the unbathed and unshaved rescue rickey want-to-be".

A clean installation has so many benefits, safety being the most important. 
Title: Re: Repeaters
Post by: Major Lord on January 06, 2010, 04:35:26 PM
If you don't understand the reason the car is funny, its probably because you are not a real Ham Radio Operator ( Or a tech licensee at best) Its a rolling parody of hams and Radio Shack employees everywhere. The  funny thing is, you can find "real" units that are much like this in the ham radio world.....Bringing a SAR mindset to this will only make your brain hurt!

Major Lord
AF60F (Extra Class)
Title: Re: Repeaters
Post by: rroberts on January 06, 2010, 08:53:21 PM
Quote from: Major Lord on January 06, 2010, 04:35:26 PM
If you don't understand the reason the car is funny, its probably because you are not a real Ham Radio Operator ( Or a tech licensee at best)

Tech Licensee's aren't real HAM operators?  :)
How about Generals?

Just kidding with you, I know you didn't mean it that way.  I'm taking my tech on the 16th.
Title: Re: Repeaters
Post by: RRLE on January 07, 2010, 02:22:55 AM
I met the owner of the car tonight. He is a member of my local amateur radio club. I told him about the thread and he thought it was funny. And no the car is not for sale - he has had offers to buy it.
Title: Re: Repeaters
Post by: RedFox24 on January 07, 2010, 03:04:01 AM
Quote from: Major Lord on January 06, 2010, 04:35:26 PM
If you don't understand the reason the car is funny, its probably because you are not a real Ham Radio Operator ( Or a tech licensee at best) Its a rolling parody of hams and Radio Shack employees everywhere. The  funny thing is, you can find "real" units that are much like this in the ham radio world.....Bringing a SAR mindset to this will only make your brain hurt!

Major Lord
AF60F (Extra Class)

KC9FVK, (Extra Class) While they might be funny to look at, I still dont get it...........am I still a real ham? ;D :D
Title: Re: Repeaters
Post by: Major Lord on January 08, 2010, 05:45:31 PM


KC9FVK, (Extra Class) While they might be funny to look at, I still dont get it...........am I still a real ham? ;D :D
[/quote]


Well, lets explore that a little:

Award yourself 10 points for each question answered in the affirmative:

1)   I can send Morse Code at greater than 20 WPM
2)   I am, or have in the past, been an employee of Radio Shack
3)   I can build a transmitter with a vacuum tube.
4)   I can build a receiver with a razor blade and a safety pin
5)   I have drilled a hole in my families car with a ¾ inch hole saw while said car was still under the manufacturers  warranty.
6)   I own one or more products manufactured by Heathkit
7)   I know what "Heathkit" means
8)   I use the term "signal to noise" in everyday conversation
9)   I have strong moral convictions concerning rechargeable batteries
10)   I don't even know how many radios I own or if any of them actually currently work.

100 Points   Real Ham
80-100      Elmer
50-80      Power Ham
50-below   Not a real ham

CAP members can be presumed to have drilled a hole in their vehicles, so getting a high score should not be too hard!

Major Lord
Title: Re: Repeaters
Post by: desertengineer1 on January 17, 2010, 05:04:55 AM
Award yourself 10 points for each question answered in the affirmative:

1)   I can send Morse Code at greater than 20 WPM

Extra Class awarded 1986 (10)

2)   I am, or have in the past, been an employee of Radio Shack  (0)

3)   I can build a transmitter with a vacuum tube.  (10)

4)   I can build a receiver with a razor blade and a safety pin

Bought the kit as a kid.  (10)

5)   I have drilled a hole in my families car with a ¾ inch hole saw while said car was still under the manufacturers  warranty.

Define "warranty"?  (10)

6)   I own one or more products manufactured by Heathkit. 

First radio was a Heathkit HW-16.  (10)

7)   I know what "Heathkit" means (10)

8)   I use the term "signal to noise" in every day conversation

I'm a radar engineer.  (10)

9)   I have strong moral convictions concerning rechargeable batteries (10)

10)   I don't even know how many radios I own or if any of them actually currently work.

Define "radios".  Some are spare parts radios.  Some are "restoration projects"  :)  (10)

Hmm..  I only scored 90.
Title: Re: Repeaters
Post by: rroberts on January 17, 2010, 03:17:55 PM
The economy is tight, but, Radio Shack may be hiring in some locations  :-X