NARS has three repeater sites, one in Klein, one Downtown, and one in the Galleria. While we have had some challenges brought about by recent weather events, our repeater team, led by Rich Jones, W5VEK, is working diligently to ensure that this system provides the reliable and convenient coverage in the Houston area that we have come to expect.
The current repeater system status is as follows:
- VHF 146.660 Galleria Area PL 141.3 on the air
- VHF 146.660 Downtown PL100 OFF THE AIR
- UHF 443.075 Galleria Area PL 103.5 on the air
- UHF 444.375 Klein Area PL 100 on the air and ALLSTAR
- UHF/DMR 440.300 Klein Area ,Talk Group 3146211, time slot 1, Active
- Allstar Node 59847
The repeater team has grouped their objectives as follows:
Short Term Objectives (15 to 40 days}:
- Monitor Galleria AllStar hub connection for a possible issue with the cellular internet disconnection
- Make an appointment to visit the site for additional modifications and adjust repeater audio output based on observations and to replace the cellular modem if dropouts continue to require frequent resets.
- Continue to monitor Galleria VHF Repeater for noise and collect information on coverage area.
- Determine coverage area with the new antenna installed at the downtown site.
- Continue efforts to connect the Klein DMR repeater to AllStar.
- Upgrade Klein controller and software to match the equipment installed at the Galleria location.
Long Term Objectives
Establish a VHF Repeater Usage Plan
General Comments:
The repeater team, with the assistance of a professional antenna installer, has replaced the antenna that was damaged by storms during 2024. This antenna has been somewhat disappointing because coverage was less than expected. The team is evaluating performance and looking for a workable solution that fits within our budget. The Galleria VHF repeater has been put in standby because of the interference to the downtown repeater that would occur.
When the team accomplishes its goals, NARS will have two analog UHF repeaters, separated by 20 miles, connected to the W5NC HUB, one DMR repeater in Klein on the W5NC HUB, and one VHF repeater, with RF access only, at 678 feet in the center of downtown. The separation of the two UHF RF capable repeaters with W5NC HUB links should allow members without HUB access to communicate by RF into Club nets.