Repeater Question

[randomwire]

I'm studying for my Tech license and I'm interested in the 2 meter band. I live in central NY., on top of one of the higher hills in the area. From what I've read here, (thank you) I should be able to get pretty good simplex range from a mobile radio, power supply and base antenna 25' high. I'm currently drooling over the Yaesu FT2900R, but haven't decided on an antenna yet. There are several repeaters within15-20 miles of my location that I shouldn't have any problems reaching. My question is, can these repeaters be used by everyone, or are they specifically for the use of the person/club that owns them. Is there a fee for using them?

 

[W2NJS]

In theory all amateur repeaters are "open," but in fact you may encounter some that the owner(s) consider to be "closed" to all except their group which pays for the system. The best way to find out what's going on is to join a local radio club. There is so little activity on many repeaters these days that you'll probably be welcomed on most of them in your area.

 

[K9WG]

With a 25' antenna you should get some pretty good range depending on the antenna, coax, line of sight, etc. Repeaters can be open (anyone can use) or closed (for members only). While a repeater operator can not directly charge for the use, many clubs will have membership dues that include access to the repeater. (Closed repeaters may require tones or DCS to access). Also some if not most repeaters have subaudio (PL) tones to keep interference from bringing them up, So you may have to set your radio to the proper tone to access them.
Hope this helps.

BTW I had a 5/8 wave at 20' and was able to do base to base simplex over 20 miles.

 

[randomwire]

Thank you, I appreciate it. I didn't think there was a fee for using them, but I wasn't sure how it worked. I'm really looking forward to getting my license and getting on the air and I'm trying to avoid as many surprises as possible. Thanks again.

 

[ranger821]

Check out the diamond base antennas. The F22A is a nice starter 2 meter only antenna. If you are getting a dual bander radio, I suggest the X200A from diamond. I have had one in the air for about 6 month and I love it.

 

[randomwire]

Thanks for the tip ranger. I like the look and price of the F22A. I see that It's rated for 112 mph wind too, That's something I didn't think of and we do get some wind up here on the hill. Much appreciated.

 

[K9WG]

I don't know about your area but many are going to 440MHz. It is that way around central Indiana. Most of the 2-meter repeaters around Indianapols are pretty quiet these days. You might think about getting a dual band.

 

[W2NJS]

Diamond antennas...

Check out the diamond base antennas. The F22A is a nice starter 2 meter only antenna. If you are getting a dual bander radio, I suggest the X200A from diamond. I have had one in the air for about 6 month and I love it.

The X200A is also available in shorter versions (the X200A is pretty long) such as the X100A and the X50A, both of which have less respective gains on VHF and UHF but are still great performers, and of course the shorter antennas cost somewhat less.

 

[zz0468]

In theory all amateur repeaters are "open," but in fact you may encounter some that the owner(s) consider to be "closed" to all except their group which pays for the system.

Your point of view on this is not quite correct. There is no "theory" that states that they are all open, and the concept that "owners consider" it to be closed appears to ignore that Part 97 specifically allows a repeater owner to limit who can use the repeater.

A repeater is open if the owner specifically states that it's open, and it's closed when a repeater owner specifically states that it's closed. It's entirely up the the individual or group that owns it, and no one else.

 

[zz0468]

Thank you, I appreciate it. I didn't think there was a fee for using them, but I wasn't sure how it worked. I'm really looking forward to getting my license and getting on the air and I'm trying to avoid as many surprises as possible. Thanks again.

Get a repeater directory that shows your local repeaters. It'll show what's open and what's not. The cost of open repeaters is generally carried by the owners, and casual users are not expected to help out. But many systems REQUIRE membership in order to use the system. If you happen upon one of these, most likely you'd be politely told that the system is membership only.

 

[randomwire]

Sorry about bumping this thread back to the top. I haven't had time to get on the pc for the past few days, but wanted to thank everybody for all the help. I really appreciate it.