In Brief ...

IRLP Comes to the Sunday VHF Net - Beginning Sunday March 8, 2009, the Colorado Connection's 145.310 repeater will be connected via IRLP (Internet Radio Linking Project) to the Colorado Reflector Channel Ø. This enhancement will allow hams across the state and beyond that have access to an IRLP simplex node or repeater to be able to connect to the Sunday VHF net!  So, places like Springfield, Steamboat Springs or the Western slope now have an alternative way to join the Sunday VHF net.

Here's how it will work:

• At about 0820 local, the IRLP node will activate and connect the Colorado Connection to Reflector 9870.
• The connection will remain enabled until 10:30 a.m. At that time, the node will disconnect and disable. If there is another ARES net or emergency, the node will be disabled and not usable.
• Anyone wishing to connect via IRLP would dial 9870 from their local IRLP node. Once the net is completed, disconnect from node 9870. The Denver reflector has good bandwidth and can support many folks connecting to it.
• Because of the the linking already occurring on the Colorado Connection system and the additional linking to the internet, it is very important that you pause about 4 seconds after keying your mic.  Otherwise, you may find the beginning of your transmission "clipped" off.
• As the control operator for the IRLP link when the node is enabled, you will hear my call sign"W0CBI" as the CW ID on the Connection.
• In case of malfunction, contact either myself at my phone number below, email or call his phone 303-709-9388

I would like to thank our friends at Rocky Mountain Ham Radio for their help and support on this project!

Enjoy!

David Markham, WØCBI
Section Emergency Coordinator
ARRL Colorado Section
(720) 301 2490

Colorado Connection Special Announcement - A temporary auxiliary receiver had been added to help stations access the Mount Thorodin 145.310 MHz repeater which is suffering from reduced receiver performance due to antenna issues. With the winter weather the maintenance team will not likely be able to access Mount Thorodin to repair the antenna system until late Spring. The 145.310 MHz repeater on Mount Thorodin will continue receiving with a 123.0 Hz CTCSS tone. Performance will be "as-is" or degraded based upon noise levels at the site. For those able to hear the 145.310 MHz transmitter on Mount Thorodin, but unable to access the repeater, can try one of two additional auxiliary receivers. The Boulder/Broomfield auxiliary receiver remains in operation using a 100.0 Hz CTCSS tone. A temporary wide-area receiver has been installed on Squaw Mountain using a 91.5 Hz CTCSS tone. Squaw Mountain is located approximately 20 miles West of Denver at 11,400 feet above sea level. Thanks to the Colorado Repeater Association (CRA) for allowing the Colorado Connection to "tap" their 145.145 MHz receiver antenna for this temporary receiver. Regardless of the receiver site utilized (123.0, 100.0 or 91.5 Hz CTCSS), all signals will be re-transmitted from Mount Thorodin on 145.310 MHz with a 123.0 Hz CTCSS tone.

• Recent updates include ...
  • National Emergency Resp. Planning Committee Report PDF. 141K

     What is ARES?

• ARES is part of the American Radio Relay League (ARRL), the largest amateur radio advocacy and fraternal organization in the United States. Today, ARES provides the organization and guidance to help amateur radio operators to establish a local emergency communications group. Emergency Coordinators work with local government agencies such as police, fire, sheriff, search and rescue and offices of emergency management to determine what emergency communications needs may exist.

• Colorado ARES is divided into 29 districts. Not all are active. Each active district will have a local Emergency Coordinator who will work to understand the local community's needs, and organize resources to maintain a level of emergency preparedness.

• Although the primary purpose of ARES is to provide emergency communications, ARES members also routinely provide non-business communications support to other public events.

• For more information about ARES, read some of these articles:
  • ARRL Background Paper: Amateur Radio Emergency Communication
  • ARRL Background Paper: Using Amateur Radio in an Emergency

  Don't forget to visit our Links for some other interesting links, and to visit our Library to see what our people are doing in Colorado.

     Are You an OES Yet?

• An OES you ask? An Official Emergency Station is an amateur radio station that meets the criteria outlined by the ARRL and sets a high standard of emergency preparedness and operating. Basically, this is a person that has made a commitment to be the best he or she can be when it comes to being prepared for an emergency. An OES is appointed by the SEC or the Section Manager. For more details on the OES appointment, read the ARRL file on the subject, or contact your EC.

Questions About Amateur Radio in General?

• Perhaps you're still a little too new to amateur radio, or maybe you've only heard about amateur radio, and want to find out how you can get licensed. Unfortunately, there's too much to amateur radio for us to go too far in depth at this web site. However, there are many web sites which have some great information to help anyone, at any age, with any background, to help you learn more about this fantastic hobby. Visit some of these sites and see what you've been missing!

• Basics of Ham Radio
• American Radio Relay League