Welcome from the W8JKC and WQKU709 Repeater Systems!
There are currently 2 repeaters planned to go on the air, which include a 2m VHF, and GMRS UHF.
The W8JKC/R has many features, including Echolink Access, Autopatch, and much more.
Myself and other control operators are currently working to finish the coordination, install, setup, programming, and on air testing of this system.
The repeaters are located just south of Canton, OH about 1/2 mile from Canton South High School. The elevation of the site is 1075 feet above sea level, and both the 2m and 70cm antennas are about 100 feet up on the highest point of the tower. The actual height of the antennae is 1,175 ft above sea level with a height above average terrain (HAAT) of 105 feet.
The controller on this repeater system is an Advanced Computer Controls RC-850 controller, and includes the DVR option. This was, and is still one of the most advanced controllers available for Amateur Radio Repeater use. A detailed guide to all the “public” accessible features which are currently programmed and available for use is coming soon.
The 2m repeater is currently on 145.410 Mhz with a minus offset, however we are still awaiting coordination on this frequency and it may change if needed. It is a Motorola Micor commercial band repeater which has been converted for ham use. It puts about 90 watts into the duplexer with about 2.1db insertion loss. Effective Radiated Power from the antenna is about 148 watts.
The repeater is linked to Echolink through the RC-850 controller. This link is normally active 24/7. However, we do have the option to turn off the link as needed.
The Echolink interface was built using plans from VA3TO (www.ilinkca.com). Currently, only control operators can activate the EchoLink node, However plans are to make this “publically” available.
On the GMRS side of things we have a G.E. Master II converted for GMRS use. It is controlled by an SCOM 7000 repeater controller, and does not have any features activated at this time.
The GMRS will be on 462.700 depending on coordination with other nearby GMRS repeaters in Barberton and Medina. It is currently set at about 49 watts into a Decibel Products duplexer. The GMRS antenna is about 80 feet up the tower with the height above sea level being 1155 feet The Effective Radiated Power from the antenna is about 50.2 watts.
The GMRS repeater system is a closed access repeater, with the PL and access information given only to authorized users. Plans are to dedicate this system for a particular use in the near future.
All repeater systems are owned by Justin Corner, W8JKC / WQKU709. The amateur repeater were purchased in February 2010 from the McHenry County Wireless Association and KB9I in Northern Illinois. The GMRS repeater was purchased from a friend in Cleveland in early 2011.
Current Control Operators are:
Justin Corner W8JKC / WQKU709
Jake Corner KD8GPM
David Selby KC8WVH
Steve Gabber KC8RSR
More information is coming soon.