Ham Radio linked repeaters.

[Reecek]

Is there anyone that can explain how to use the C.A.R.L.A linked repeater system? From what I understand, you can use a single repeater or all of them at once. I'm not sure how to differentiate between the two or how to program my radio Kenwood TH-D74 to switch from linked to single.

I would also like to know how I would program my radio or which repeaters to use so I could reach my friends in Danville, Ca from the Berkeley area. My friends and I are new to Ham Radio and we all have our Tech license but zero skills actually using them. Help!



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[GlockN'Roll]

http://www.carlaradio.net/thesystem/

http://www.carlaradio.net/thesystem/guidelines.php

[Reecek]

^^^ Thanks for this. I'm familiar with this site but fail to understand how to program my radio or if it has to be programmed differently to use linked vs not. I'm very ignorant on ham operations at this point and need some lessons!!

[Jongage]

The repeaters are linked either by internet or by another frequency. It all happens behind the scenes. You just need to program your radio for one of the repeaters and it will be broadcast from "all" the linked sites.

NICE radio. That will serve you for a while.

The carla system is very big, no need for that if you just want to talk locally. Just find a repeater on mt diablo and that will work fine.

If you need software, purchase it from RTsystems. Otherwise read you manual.

[Reecek]

I live too far away to hit Mount Diablo and my friends say they can't hit grizzly peak.

I have the RT system and cable and everything is programmed. Of course the TH-D74 is way more radio than I need but I like gadgets!

[ekimmike]

Would an antenna upgrade to either/both of you extend your reach enough to reach a common repeater?
Carla would work but you will have a large audience.

[secretasianman]

Is there anyone that can explain how to use the C.A.R.L.A linked repeater system?

Each CARLA repeater uses two PL Tones (CTCSS):
The "Linked" tone will transmit your message to all linked repeaters.
The "Local" tone will disconnect the link and only transmit locally.

Kerchunk the local tone to reconnect the link.

When programming your radio, use two memory slots: One for linked communication and one for local communication. Program in your frequencies and TX PL tones accordingly. Do not program a RX PL tone.

Some CARLA repeaters only have a linked PL tone or a local PL tone depending on any technical issues. Check their website for repeater status.

In general linked repeaters shouldn't be used for extended conversations because some repeaters may be on battery during inclement weather or local disaster (wild fire). Switch to the local link if the person or people in the conversation are on the same repeater for ragchewing.

[Reecek]

Each CARLA repeater uses two PL Tones (CTCSS):
The "Linked" tone will transmit your message to all linked repeaters.
The "Local" tone will disconnect the link and only transmit locally.

Kerchunk the local tone to reconnect the link.

When programming your radio, use two memory slots: One for linked communication and one for local communication. Program in your frequencies and TX PL tones accordingly. Do not program a RX PL tone.

Some CARLA repeaters only have a linked PL tone or a local PL tone depending on any technical issues. Check their website for repeater status.

In general linked repeaters shouldn't be used for extended conversations because some repeaters may be on battery during inclement weather or local disaster (wild fire). Switch to the local link if the person or people in the conversation are on the same repeater for ragchewing.

This is the info I was looking for! I will look at what is programmed and add or adjust as needed. Thank You!!

[Reecek]

Would an antenna upgrade to either/both of you extend your reach enough to reach a common repeater?
Carla would work but you will have a large audience.

Antenna upgrade on the way! Bought a J-Pole from https://www.jpole-antenna.com/shop/2...-pole-antenna/

Has really good reviews and a nice guy to deal with. Should get me an extra 10 mile range compared to my whip.

[ekimmike]

You will love a better antenna.
Be warned you just fell down the hardware upgrade rabbit hole.
$$$

[GlockN'Roll]

You will love a better antenna.

Be warned you just fell down the hardware upgrade rabbit hole.
$$$

This


OP:

The RT systems software will make it easier to input the information needed to access repeaters.

You also can, if you haven't already done so, use it to quickly populate and configure your radio's memories with local repeaters.

73...

[Reecek]

You will love a better antenna.
Be warned you just fell down the hardware upgrade rabbit hole.
$$$

Yeah the Coax cost more than the antenna.

[secretasianman]

https://www.timesmicrowave.com/calculator/?productId=121#form

[Reecek]

https://www.timesmicrowave.com/calcu...uctId=121#form

I bought 50Ft of RG-8U With PL-259 connectors. $70.00 delivered from HRO