Re: [BVARC] Why We’re Using the 146.88 Repeater (Frequencies & PL Tone)

[s.c.flowers via BVARC]

The IT guru has spoken.  Well said Chris! 73, Stephen (OA4/W2WF) On Jan 23, 2026, at 12:33, Chris Medlin via BVARC <bvarc@bvarc.org> wrote:  And if all else fails, every bvarc email has [BVARC] in the subject line to allow you to build your own filter that looks for [BVARC] in the subject line to manipulate in whatever way you wish. Problem solved.   73/Chris/AC5CM   From: BVARC <bvarc-boun...@bvarc.org> On Behalf Of Jimmy Vance via BVARC Sent: Thursday, January 22, 2026 8:59 AM To: bvarc@bvarc.org Cc: Jimmy Vance <jimmy.va...@gmail.com> Subject: Re: [BVARC] Why We’re Using the 146.88 Repeater (Frequencies & PL Tone)   You can also ask Eddie to set your subscription to digest mode so you only get a few emails a day  (usually just one) On 1/22/2026 8:47 AM, N6RAM--- via BVARC wrote: How do I get off this email train?  I  wake up to 40+ emails every morning.   From: BVARC <bvarc-boun...@bvarc.org> On Behalf Of Dwayne Jones via BVARC Sent: Thursday, January 22, 2026 8:09 AM To: BRAZOS VALLEY AMATEUR RADIO CLUB <bvarc@bvarc.org> Cc: Dwayne Jones <dwayneredho...@gmail.com> Subject: Re: [BVARC] Why We’re Using the 146.88 Repeater (Frequencies & PL Tone)   I have talked on the 146.88 from all over Galveston island on 10 watts with a normal gain mobile antenna. Was in Navasota once with same radio and antenna set up but had to go to 50 watts to key up the repeater.   Maybe Bill Cordell will have another tour again this year of the location where the 146.880 is. ( Hint... Hint. Please Bill. )   Dwayne  KB5YTA   On Thu, Jan 22, 2026 at 8:03 AM Dwayne Jones <dwayneredho...@gmail.com> wrote: The 146.880 is on a commercial tower. There are two generators in the building. I believe one generator can support the building and tower power requirements by itself.  Both ( I am told ) are run weekly. I do not remember what the fuel source is.    Dwayne  KB5YTA   On Wed, Jan 21, 2026 at 9:53 PM Jay Davidson via BVARC <bvarc@bvarc.org> wrote: Can’t fault HAMS for being curious—it's in our nature! 😄   Gotta say, from where I’m sitting, the Field Day call was a good one. Safety first, always the right move. Looking forward to the fun and shenanigans when we reschedule.   Side note: I’m all set here with backup power and whatever else the weather throws at us. Looking forward to hearing how the bands are treating y’all—hopefully from the cozy comfort of your shacks, HF/VHF reports in one hand, warm coffee (or hot cocoa?) in the other ☕📡   Stay safe and have fun out there!   73, KJ5HMX   From: BVARC <bvarc-boun...@bvarc.org> On Behalf Of Richard Bonica via BVARC Sent: Wednesday, January 21, 2026 9:38 PM To: lloy...@sbcglobal.net Cc: Richard Bonica <kg5...@gmail.com>; BRAZOS VALLEY AMATEUR RADIO CLUB <bvarc@bvarc.org>; Glenn <wb5...@comcast.net> Subject: Re: [BVARC] Why We’re Using the 146.88 Repeater (Frequencies & PL Tone)   Dont worry about it. There are contracts and agreements set for that.    And there is no issue asking. We are here for info and prepping for an incident. Let's stay focused and keep clear heads .        Richard Bonica C: 281.935.7222 Email: kg5...@gmail.com Freq: 147.000 - DMR - Digital Mobile  Territory: NE Fort Bend  CERT, CST, EST, WEB EOC, HSEEP, FEMA PD, Wilderness First Aid, CPR, Extra Ameture Radio   On Wed, Jan 21, 2026, 9:31 PM Lloyd Coker <lloy...@sbcglobal.net> wrote: Why… is there a problem with asking?   So, lets say we have a major outage and we need to help fill or provide more fuel… Then knowing what kind of generator it has is nice to know.   Hmmm… not sure why it was an issue asking.   Lloyd F. Coker Email: lloy...@sbcglobal.net Email2: ki5...@gmail.com Cypress, Texas 77429 KI5OYC   From: BVARC <bvarc-boun...@bvarc.org> On Behalf Of Glenn via BVARC Sent: Wednesday, January 21, 2026 21:21 To: BRAZOS VALLEY AMATEUR RADIO CLUB <bvarc@bvarc.org>; lloy...@sbcglobal.net Cc: Glenn <wb5...@comcast.net>; Richard Bonica <kg5...@gmail.com> Subject: Re: [BVARC] Why We’re Using the 146.88 Repeater (Frequencies & PL Tone)   Lloyd,    Why do you need all of this information?   Glenn wb5tuf    -------- Original message -------- From: Richard Bonica via BVARC <bvarc@bvarc.org> Date: 1/21/26 21:18 (GMT-06:00) To: lloy...@sbcglobal.net Cc: Richard Bonica <kg5...@gmail.com>, BRAZOS VALLEY AMATEUR RADIO CLUB <bvarc@bvarc.org> Subject: Re: [BVARC] Why We’re Using the 146.88 Repeater (Frequencies & PL Tone)   Ok - it is a natural gas from what I remember and should run until the dinosaurs stop producing.    Other than that, does anyone else have feed back on  this.   Sorry I don't have more info, I trust the geniuses that run it know more. I just beat it with Radio waves and it yells back. But I am sure others have better info on that than I do.   Richard Bonica C: 281.935.7222 Email: kg5...@gmail.com Freq: 147.000 - DMR - Digital Mobile  Territory: NE Fort Bend  CERT, CST, EST, WEB EOC, HSEEP, FEMA PD, Wilderness First Aid, CPR, Extra Ameture Radio   On Wed, Jan 21, 2026, 8:05 PM Lloyd Coker <lloy...@sbcglobal.net> wrote: Is it generator backed up? If so, diesel, gasoline, or natural gas (or propane tank)? What is the estimated run time while experiencing a full/continuous power outage?   Just curious. 😎   Thanks, LFC   Lloyd F. Coker Email: lloy...@sbcglobal.net Email2: ki5...@gmail.com Cypress, Texas 77429 KI5OYC   From: BVARC <bvarc-boun...@bvarc.org> On Behalf Of Richard Bonica via BVARC Sent: Wednesday, January 21, 2026 19:55 To: BRAZOS VALLEY AMATEUR RADIO CLUB <bvarc@bvarc.org> Cc: Richard Bonica <kg5...@gmail.com> Subject: [BVARC] Why We’re Using the 146.88 Repeater (Frequencies & PL Tone)   Hello everyone, I’ve received a few questions asking what the 146.88 repeater is and why I’ve been asking members to use it. Since good questions deserve good answers (and bad rumors deserve none), here’s the scoop — plus the technical details so nobody has to guess or squint at a repeater directory. What is the 146.88 Repeater? The 146.88 repeater is a high-level, wide-area coverage repeater that reaches a large portion of the Houston–Galveston area. Because of its height and location, it performs exceptionally well during poor weather and other situations where lower-level or simplex communications may struggle. In plain language: it hears really well, it talks really far, and it does not need to be yelled at. Repeater Technical Details (a.k.a. “How to Make Your Radio Happy”) Receive (Downlink): 146.880 MHz Transmit (Uplink): 146.280 MHz Offset: –0.600 MHz PL / CTCSS Tone: 167.9 Hz (uplink and downlink) Power / Height: 75 watts at ~1400 ft   (If your radio still won’t key it up after this… we may need to talk. Kindly. 😄) Coverage Area This repeater provides wide-area coverage, including: North to Wallis South to Dickinson West to Sealy East to Daisetta In other words, if you’re in the Houston metro area and your antenna isn’t zip-tied to the fridge, there’s a good chance you can hit it. Why We Are Using 146.88 I use and recommend 146.88 because it allows members across a wide geographic area to communicate clearly and reliably. It’s well suited for general coordination, information sharing, and keeping everyone connected when conditions aren’t ideal. You may notice that we are not using 146.94, and that is intentional. That repeater is actively used by other agencies and groups, and I prefer not to be that guy who accidentally interrupts someone else’s operations. Sharing spectrum politely is part of being good amateur radio operators — and good neighbors on the air. Important Notes (Read This Before Getting Any Big Ideas) Members may use the repeater normally in accordance with amateur radio rules and good operating practices. Other agencies will be using this repeater and if an emergency net starts, please give them way. Please do not self-deploy or take independent action unless specifically directed This is about communication and coordination, not spontaneous hero missions As amateur radio operators, we all know the phrase: when all else fails, radio works. Choosing the right repeater just increases the odds that it works the first time — without drama. Thank you for the questions, the curiosity, and for keeping things professional (and occasionally entertaining) on the air. 73, Richard Bonica KG5YCU BVARC President ________________________________________________ Brazos Valley Amateur Radio Club BVARC mailing list BVARC@bvarc.org http://mail.bvarc.org/mailman/listinfo/bvarc_bvarc.org Publicly available archives are available here: https://www.mail-archive.com/bvarc@bvarc.org/ ________________________________________________ Brazos Valley Amateur Radio Club   BVARC mailing list BVARC@bvarc.org http://mail.bvarc.org/mailman/listinfo/bvarc_bvarc.org Publicly available archives are available here: https://www.mail-archive.com/bvarc@bvarc.org/   ________________________________________________ Brazos Valley Amateur Radio Club BVARC mailing list BVARC@bvarc.org http://mail.bvarc.org/mailman/listinfo/bvarc_bvarc.org Publicly available archives are available here: https://www.mail-archive.com/bvarc@bvarc.org/

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