💻 Introducing RepeaterBook Plus!
RepeaterBook Plus is a premium web subscription service designed for users who want the best RepeaterBook.com experience—completely ad-free, faster, and packed with exclusive features. Subscribers gain early access to new tools, premium-only functionalities, and a smoother, distraction-free browsing experience. With features like My Favorite Repeaters, users can curate, manage, and export their own personalized repeater lists. Additionally, Route Searching with Google Maps is now available, allowing users to find repeaters along their travel routes, and Subscription Updates ensure users are notified when repeaters are updated. Upcoming enhancements include custom CSV exports and saved searches for even greater customization. RepeaterBook Plus isn't just about removing ads; it's about supporting the platform, ensuring its continued growth, and unlocking the most powerful tools for repeater enthusiasts. Upgrade today and enjoy the best RepeaterBook.com has to offer!
📲 Introducing RepeaterBook Connect - Instantly Program Your Radio
Say goodbye to the hassle of manually setting frequencies, offsets, and CTCSS tones. With RepeaterBook Connect, you can instantly configure your radio straight from the RepeaterBook app using your existing USB cable, built-in Bluetooth, or a Bluetooth interface. No extra hardware is needed! This powerful feature ensures you have the most up-to-date repeater information, making mobile and on-the-go operation easier and safer. Whether you're traveling or just exploring new repeaters, RepeaterBook Connect simplifies the process so you can focus on making contacts instead of programming your radio.
Now Available for Just $15.49/£12 Annually
RepeaterBook Connect currently supports a variety of Icom, Kenwood, and Yaesu radios, with more models planned in future updates. Simply select your radio and connection method in the app to start using this game-changing feature. As an in-app subscription, RepeaterBook Connect is an affordable way to enhance your amateur radio experience while supporting the continued development of RepeaterBook. Join today and help shape the future of repeater connectivity—because programming your radio should be as easy as tapping a button! Subscriptions directly support the continued development of the app.
Available for Android
RepeaterBook Connect is currently available for Android users, with an iOS version coming soon! Take advantage of our free trial subscription and explore its features risk-free. Stay tuned for the Apple release!
Supported Radios✈️🌴RepeaterBook Attends HamCation 2025
Exciting news from HamCation 2025! RepeaterBook’s Garrett Dow (KD6KPC) and Nicolas Pike (M1HOG) traveled to Orlando to connect with the ham radio community, showcase the latest RepeaterBook features, and announce a major development—the next ARRL Repeater Directory will be powered by RepeaterBook! This partnership brings real-time, crowd-sourced repeater data to one of amateur radio’s most trusted resources.
📦Win a Free Radio Anytone 878 Handheld Radio!
RepeaterBook has teamed up with BridgeCom Systems to give you a chance to win an Anytone 878—one of the most popular DMR radios on the market! Entering is easy, and one lucky winner will take home this powerful dual-band radio packed with features. Don’t miss your chance to upgrade your shack for free—Enter today!
📡Amateur Radio News Around the World
Spain's First Amateur Radio Satellite (HADES-R) is Active: Launched in January, HADES-R is now operational and designated Spain-OSCAR 124 (SO-124). It carries an FM repeater and is accessible to amateurs worldwide. This is a significant milestone for Spain's amateur radio community. (Source: AMSAT)
Lawmakers Reconsider Measure to Protect Antennas in HOAs:
- The Problem: Many homeowners' associations (HOAs) have restrictions that make it difficult or impossible for amateur radio operators to install antennas. This limits the ability of hams to participate in the hobby and provide emergency communication services.
- Legislative Action: Several states have introduced legislation to protect the rights of homeowners to install reasonable antennas for amateur radio and other wireless communication purposes. These bills aim to prevent HOAs from imposing unreasonable restrictions that hinder amateur radio operations.
- Recent Developments: Some of these bills have faced setbacks or delays, but efforts to protect antenna rights are ongoing. The ARRL and other amateur radio groups are actively lobbying for these measures and encouraging hams to contact their lawmakers to express their support.
Rapid Deployment Amateur Radio (RaDAR):
- The Concept: RaDAR is an initiative focused on developing and deploying rapidly deployable amateur radio communication systems for emergency and disaster relief situations. These systems can be quickly set up in areas where traditional communication infrastructure is damaged or unavailable.
- Key Technologies: RaDAR utilizes a variety of technologies, including portable repeaters, digital modes, and satellite communication, to provide reliable communication in challenging environments.
- Recent Progress: There has been growing interest and development in RaDAR systems, with amateur radio operators and organizations experimenting with new techniques and equipment. This includes the use of drones and other innovative approaches to deploy repeaters and antennas quickly and efficiently.
- Why it Matters for Repeater Users: RaDAR highlights the importance of repeaters in emergency communication. By supporting and participating in RaDAR initiatives, repeater operators can contribute to disaster preparedness and response efforts.
- Source: Get Ready for Rapid Deployment Amateur Radio - Amateur Radio Newsline
🤘Featured Amateur Repeaters
South Coast Reflector
The South Coast Reflector (SCR) is an interconnected system of repeaters and AllStar nodes, primarily built and maintained by WA5AIR with the support of other dedicated hams and donors. It operates as part of the Texas Link System, connecting repeaters via both internet and RF links to create a broad and reliable communication network. Unlike many linked systems, SCR has no membership requirements, making it accessible to all amateur radio operators. The system welcomes additional AllStar nodes and repeaters, fostering a collaborative space for enhanced connectivity. Whether you're a local operator or connecting remotely, SCR provides a seamless way to link multiple amateur radio repeaters and simplex nodes using Voice-Over-IP technology. To learn more, visit TexasLinkSystem.com.
📰 GMRS News
1. Baofeng Tech Releases Big Updates for their GMRS Repeater:
- The Repeater: Baofeng Tech's GMRS-RPT50 is a 50-watt GMRS repeater that has gained popularity for its ease of use and affordability.
- The Updates: The latest firmware update brings significant improvements, including:
- Functional microphone: The repeater's microphone can now be used for voice operation, not just menu navigation.
- Simpler menu system: Makes it easier to program and configure the repeater.
- Adjustable squelch: Allows users to filter out weak signals and noise.
- No-tone option: Enables the repeater to be activated by any transmission on the correct channel, regardless of CTCSS/DCS tones.
- CWID flexibility: Provides options for transmitting the CW ID with or without tones, or disabling it entirely.
- Why it Matters: These updates enhance the functionality and user-friendliness of the GMRS-RPT50, making it an even more attractive option for GMRS repeater users.
- Source: Baofeng Tech Releases Big Updates For Their GMRS Repeater - YouTube
- https://baofengtech.com/product/gmrs-rpt50/?gad_source=1&gcl...
2. GMRS Live Shutting Down:
- The Service: GMRS Live was a popular network that allowed GMRS users to connect their radios to the internet, enabling wider communication range and features like room monitoring.
- The Shutdown: GMRS Live announced it would halt all GMRS activity due to concerns about FCC regulations regarding the linking of GMRS repeaters over the internet. While the legality of linking GMRS repeaters via the internet has been debated, GMRS Live decided to cease operations to avoid potential fines and legal challenges.
- Source: GMRSLive SHUTTING DOWN??? - YouTube
- The Issue: The FCC has clarified its stance on linking GMRS repeaters, stating that it is against the rules. This has caused confusion and concern among GMRS repeater owners who were operating under the assumption that linking was permitted.
- The Rules: The FCC's Part 95 rules, which govern GMRS, have been unclear on the matter of repeater linking. However, a recent clarification from the FCC indicates that they consider linking to be prohibited.
- The Impact: This clarification has led to the shutdown of several GMRS repeater networks, including GMRS Live and myGMRS Network.
- What's Next: It remains to be seen whether the FCC will formally update the Part 95 rules to explicitly prohibit linking. In the meantime, GMRS repeater owners are advised to operate under the assumption that linking is not allowed.
- Source: FCC
4. FCC Shuts Down GMRS Repeater Network:
- The Incident: A GMRS repeater network in New York was reportedly shut down by the FCC for violating rules regarding interconnection with the telephone network.
- The Details: The FCC allegedly issued a verbal warning to the repeater owners, stating that their use of a voting comparator and simulcast controller was considered a violation of the rules.
- The Implications: This incident highlights the importance of understanding and complying with FCC regulations for GMRS repeater operation.
- Source: FCC Shuts Down GMRS Repeater Network - Did The FCC Violate The 4th Amendment Of The Constitution? - YouTube
🧑HAM Admins Needed
We need help in the following areas:
- Hawaii
Contact us to learn more.
📆Event Calendar
Here is a calendar of upcoming amateur radio conventions happening from now until the end of December 2024:
March 2025
Midwinter Madness Hamvention
Date: March 22, 2025
Location: Buffalo, MN
This event features a large swap meet with vendors selling new and used amateur radio gear, exciting door prizes, and ARRL-sanctioned license exams for those looking to upgrade or obtain their amateur radio license. With a venue that’s typically an ice skating rink, attendees are encouraged to dress warmly. Talk-in is available on the K0LTC Repeater (147.000 +600, CTCSS 114.8). Whether you're a seasoned operator or just getting started in amateur radio, Midwinter Madness is a must-attend event for radio enthusiasts in the Midwest!
April 2025
Southeastern VHF Conference
Dates: April 4-5, 2025
Location: Clarksville, TN
Focused on VHF enthusiasts, this conference includes technical presentations and networking opportunities.
May 2025
Dayton Hamvention
Dates: May 16-18, 2025
Location: Xenia, OH
The world's largest amateur radio gathering, offering forums, exhibits, and a massive flea market.
SEA-PAC
Dates: May 30 - June 1, 2025
Location: Seaside, OR
ARRL Northwestern Division Convention, Seaside, Oregon
June 2025
HAM RADIO Friedrichshafen
Dates: June 27-29, 2025
Location: Friedrichshafen, Germany
An international exhibition attracting amateur radio enthusiasts from around the globe. For further details, check out ARRL's Hamfest and Convention Calendar(ARRL).