WV7HS Repeater Information

Quick Look at Specific Configuration

Analog

• Output Frequency: 441.775 MHz

• Input Frequency: 446.775 MHz

• CTCSS Tone: 100.0 Hz (both Input and Output)

DMR (Brandmeister Network)

• Static Talk Groups: 3104 (AZ) & 314358 (WV7HS Local), both on Timeslot 1

• Color Code: 1

• Time Slot: 1 & 2 are both active

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Configuration Details

The Shack’s repeater is active, and recently we made a couple changes to its operation. Coverage still includes an area in the west valley. Power output is set to 50 watts, but we currently are seeing only about 25 watts measured. Hopefully, that issue will be rectified soon. Here is a more detailed summary of settings you can use to access the repeater and also engage in communications with other hams.

The repeater is capable of both analog and digital modes. The default mode is analog, but it will automatically switch to digital mode when it is keyed up by a digital signal. Switching is all handled by the repeater.

As an analog user you may hear the digital signal at times and that can be rather annoying. You can set the tone mode on your radio to tone squelch (CTCSS tone on both transmit and receive) and that should quiet the digital signal when you are operating in analog mode. Tones are not used in DMR mode, and by setting up Tone Squelch, your radio should not break squelch (activate) unless the tone is present, so you should not hear the digital signal when you are in analog mode.

On the DMR operation side of the house things get a little more complex, but not too bad. We have set up two static talk groups (TGs): 3104 and 314358. Both are set up for Time Slot 1 and Color Code 1. With this configuration these two groups should always be active when there are communications on the TG. You do not have to key up to activate these TGs. This means when either of these groups have active traffic, our repeater should automatically transmit that audio over the air, whether you initiated the call or not.

TG 3104 is the statewide amateur talk group for Arizona on the BrandMeister DMR network. You can use this TG to talk with other hams who are active on it.

TG 314358 is the talk group we have set up for mostly local hams who wish to talk to other local hams, but it can be used by anyone.

Operating tips:

1. Because static talk groups are constantly listening for network traffic, you must wait for a pause in the audio before you can transmit on your radio. When you are finished with your comms, you should still disconnect from the network as usual. You are disconnecting your radio from the network, not disconnecting the repeater from the network.

2. Most TGs are dynamic (on-demand), i.e., not connected by default. To use a dynamic talk group, you briefly key up your radio to temporarily link it. If the channel remains unused for a set timeframe (usually 10 to 15 minutes), it automatically disconnects.

Managing a repeater is a rather new situation for our group, and as a result we are learning as we go. It you have suggestions about how to better utilize our repeater, please let us know by sending us an email or using the contact us form on the website.