Repeater linking?

[Computrguy]

I’ve listened to amateur frequencies for years on scanners.
Recently I obtained my technician license.
I am retired and don’t have a home base where I stay for any length of time. So joining a club and trying to learn that was is not a good option. I travel around the country in motorhome. And why I am asking here.
When using a repeater is there a way to know if that repeater is linked to another to understand how far my broadcast is ultimately going?
TIA for any replies that help me understand this one.

 

[AI7PM]

The best source of info is local club websites. I use repeater book dot com, and cross reference repeater data ther with local club websites.

 

[mmckenna]

The ARRL repeater directory used to show an "l" if the repeater was linked. Haven't bought a new one of those in 15 years, so not sure if it's still there.
And the ARRL directory was only as accurate as what info was provided, so reliance on any info was hit or miss.

If you know the repeater, you can sometimes find info on line. Some clubs will have a web page dedicated to repeater info. They'll often show if they are linked or not.

But there's no standard indicator on the audio path that will tell you if the repeater is linked to another.

 

[nd5y]

When using a repeater is there a way to know if that repeater is linked to another to understand how far my broadcast is ultimately going?

No. Not unless the repeater makes announcements or something. Your best bet is to look it up on one of the online databases listed at Amateur Radio - The RadioReference Wiki. Even then there may be no way to tell by listening if the repeater is currently online at the time you are using it and who or what it is connected to.

Some of the various network websites can show the status of all online stations.

 

[sloop]

you need to look into DMR (digital mobile radio) if what you want is wide coverage and linking repeaters.

 

[Computrguy]

you need to look into DMR (digital mobile radio) if what you want is wide coverage and linking repeaters.

LOL, as a newbie to amatuer radio I am trying to stay away from wide coverage and linking repeaters.
Yes, once I get some sea legs I was planning on exploring DMR. Baby steps right now.

 

[Firekite]

When using a repeater is there a way to know if that repeater is linked to another to understand how far my broadcast is ultimately going?

Those are two separate questions.

First, any repeater can be RF linked to another repeater or in fact part of a larger repeater system. Some repeaters have multiple modes available, and with C4FM OR Dstar or Echolink there are all manner of internet-based potential for linkage. But there’s no consistent way to “tell” just by listening if it’s linked somehow to something else. I’d suggest simply asking people on that repeater. Locals are probably familiar. I wouldn’t worry about it either way, though. It linked or not it’s all part of the hobby.

Second, when you ask how far your broadcast is going, note that it’s not really a broadcast, but unless the repeater owner has done propagation studies and publishes them online, it’s unlikely you’ll truly “know” hat far out it can reach, and that’s without accounting for any particular receiving radio’s antenna system and receiver sensitivity—meaning there’s no one answer. I’d it’s linked through the internet, such as through Yaesu’s Wires-X, in theory anyone anywhere in the world with a capable radio and a connected repeater (or a connection themselves, depending) could have a conversation with you.

If you’re worried that you’d be embarrassed about making newbie mistakes, don’t be. You should be just fine. Most hams aren’t actively jerks, especially on VHF/UHF. If you’re worried that people outside your immediate area might not take kindly to political points you’re making, that’s probably a good sign those topics are best left off the air.

 

[TexTAC]

Some repeaters near me are linked some of the time and not linked at other times. Plus some of the Fusion repeaters can be linked by individual users at any given time to various WiresX nodes across the globe. It’s hard to tell which repeaters are linked to what sometimes.

I do enjoy the weekly NCTC net in Dallas/Fort Worth where amateur radio operators check into one net using about a dozen linked UHF/VHF repeaters from Abilene to Fort Worth to Dallas to Talco (maybe 300 miles) to stress and test the system in preparation for weather emergencies.

 

[Firekite]

I do enjoy the weekly NCTC net in Dallas/Fort Worth where amateur radio operators check into one net using about a dozen linked UHF/VHF repeaters from Abilene to Fort Worth to Dallas to Talco (maybe 300 miles) to stress and test the system in preparation for weather emergencies.

I got to talk a little on that system when I was up near Stephenville for LJT a month ago. It definitely had a couple successive squelch tails that I thought should be cleaned up

 

[AK9R]

you need to look into DMR (digital mobile radio) if what you want is wide coverage and linking repeaters.

DMR is most certainly not the only means of linking repeaters in order to extend their coverage.

First, any repeater can be RF linked to another repeater or in fact part of a larger repeater system. Some repeaters have multiple modes available, and with C4FM OR Dstar or Echolink there are all manner of internet-based potential for linkage.

Hams have been linking repeaters for decades. In the beginning, it was point-to-point RF links and some of those still exist. As microwave equipment became more accessible, some hams moved those point-to-point RF links to the shorter wavelengths. Then came Echolink and IRLP which happened long before digital voice using D-STAR, WIRES-X, or DMR.

If you confine yourself to DMR, you will only see part of the picture.

 

[K5MPH]

There are many linked repeater systems around the USA and each state has pretty much its own system I live in Texas and there is the Salt grass system and the NCTC system and also the west texas connection maybe the best way is to do your self a Google search for repeater linked system in the USA are do a search by state,good luck..........

 

[hill]

I don't know were you live, but linked systems mostly have a listing on repeaterbook.com under the name of the linked system.

These are listed near the top of page for each state. If you click on the link you will see all repeaters on the system.

Here in Maryland we at least two great linked systems. One the Central Repeater Group has five repeaters that cover much of Maryland and into the surrounding states. Also have a system under N3KZ that has repeaters in Maryland, New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania and Delaware.

 

[hill]

Forgot to comment in my other post, but it is always good when talking with another ham to use that has only the coverage you need.

If you are both in the same town and can use the same repeater you really don't need to be on linked system bringing up repeaters in wide area.

In closing linked systems are great at talking hams and friends out of the local area.

 

[E5911]

If you know where you are going you can look a number of places online for information. First thing is whether you are listening to analog or digital, there are a few flavors of digital depending on what radio you are using. But depending on the mode, (DMR, System Fusion, Dstar, or analog-Allstar or Echolink) , there are some other modes but if you are a new ham, and you listened to linked systems on a scanner, it was likely analog , so allstar or echolink. Repeaterbook, or Alstar link node list here https://allstarlink.org/nodelist/ can tell you whets connected to what.
IF you want you can PM me for more info, and a few more suggestions. Google is your friend

 

[n5ims]

I totally agree with checking Repeater book's online listings or simply doing a web search for the area of interest. Start off searching for ham clubs in that area and their web page will probably list area repeaters or at least ones that they're associated with. Next, search for something like "ham repeaters in southwest Wyoming" (presuming that's where you want to be) and the search engine will probably give you a list of ones to start with.

One good option is Echolink (Introducing EchoLink) which is a way to link into a repeater via the internet. Some repeater operators also allow folks to link out of their repeater to other echolink nodes but this will require getting permission and knowing the codes to activate that mode. You'll need to download the software (nearly all common platforms are supported but through the main site only Windows has a download listed. For other platforms check your app store and you should find one searching for "echolink") and once you have it ready go through the usual setup and you should be ready to go (info on setup is on the link above). It's a good way to locate hams and repeaters across the country (well, across the world actually) and make friends or get information on what repeaters they have in their area that should work well where you're going to be staying or traveling through.

Another option is to get one of those "hotspots" that allow you to talk through to hams. Zumspot is one that many like Now they generally require you to use your cell phone to make the internet connection (make sure your plan has enough data for this link). Often they link through gateways that allow folks to communicate over very long distances. I often hear several long-haul truckers using them to talk to eachother. A local repeater is linked to their gateway so I hear them just like a typical over the air repeater but they connect through the cell network to that gateway. Please note that a hotspot isn't typically "plug and play" and may require several tinkering to get them working correctly or continue to work correctly (especially when software upgrades are released).

You might be able to use DMR, Yaesu Fusion, or DSTAR to link into various repeaters, but you'll need to have a local repeater available to do that linking for you. Many of those hotspots I mentioned above can take the place of that repeater if you have it properly configured.