 UNITED WE STAND |
FAIRFIELD AMATEUR RADIO ASSOCIATION |
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Special info regarding code changeFor 2004 - we are sending the new code to those having joined or continued
their membership in 2004. Reminders may only be sent to those having
contributed since the last code change.
Groups 2 or 3 have been grandfathered for this change only and asked to bring current. Come 2004, the qualifier will be contributors of $30+, after 5/15/03. Wide Area 145.19 repeater FAQ
Why is the system not always available ?We only take parts of the system off-line when required for maintenance. It IS a 'code-accessed' system, not a closed system. Once the system is 'open' we make no attempt to restrict who may use it, in fact at certain times, we totally open the system for the benefit of all amateurs during special events. When the system enters 'SLEEP MODE' following 10 seconds of inactivity, it will not respond to a standard transmission... it may hear you, but will only react to the current code. (See What can I do to help ?) Back to TopHow do I access the '19' repeater system ?If the repeater is 'open' and/or in-use, use your call suffix letters only to make your presence known. DO NOT USE 'BREAK' as to do so is the same as declaring an emergency. Remember, that this system has a large number of links, receivers and transmitters, which do not react well to quick keying. If the repeater is closed, key your transmitter for a second and enter your code, this should open the system. In the Knoxville area, a # is required before entering your code. Back to TopWhat are the CW codes after each transmission ?Each receive site is identified by a CW location code. Back to TopWhy doesn't my code open the system ?There are some occasions where the sites don't decode properly. Back to TopWhere will the system expand to next ?Currently, there are no plans to extend the system by FARA itself. Back to TopWho maintains the Wide Area System ?A 6 (six) member board of trustees oversee the total operation of the Wide Area System. Bill, W8PRH volunteers many hours physically maintaining and repairing the various sites, with the much needed assistance of many, many people. Each site has a primary contact technician, and hopefully one or more back-up contacts. Back to TopMy area has been off for awhile ... Why ?Any wide area system is a complex collection of transmitters, receivers, links, voters, etc. Sometimes finding the 'cause' of a system failure is time consuming and complicated. The system is maintained SOLELY by volunteers and dependant upon donations to finance new/replacement equipment. NO AREA is EVER cut-off intentionally for ANY reason other than maintenance, however the old rule of supply and demand is constantly present, so we can't purchase that which we don't have funds for. Back to TopWhat can I do to help ?Any financial support you can offer would be great and encouraging other operators in your area to donate would be fantastic ! Many of our sites require periodic visits, tune-ups, parts, antennae, transmission line, and OH YEAH.. we can use all the GE Mastr II parts we can scrounge. Drop us an email, let us know what you can do. Back to TopIs there a way I can email or electronically make a donation ?FARA now has an account with Paypal (see the link above left). If you use this method, please include your name, address, call, class of license, and email address in the comments section or snail mail to: Fairfield Amateur Radio Association We'll send you a packet of information and the current access code by email address or by snail mail. Again, please keep in mind that all of this is handled by volunteers, so give us a little time to process your donation. Back to TopAre there any Internet links to the system, like ILink or EchoLink ?2/22/2004 We are currently testing an EchoLink set-up, but not yet in operational mode. Stay tuned for further developments and information. Back to TopAnother local repeater is blocking my access to a site. We are very cautious in the use of CTCSS on our sites,
although used on a few of them. We use it in special cases where two of our own
receivers are close enough to require selection of the appropriate receiver
site. It's of little help when another Non-FARA station on the
same frequency is close enough to you to over-power our transmitter. The
frequency coordinators work very hard to prevent co-location of repeaters,
but band conditions and the characteristics of your particular location may
still let this occur. CTCSS would not be a solution in this case.
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