The Eastern Colorado Repeater Association-ECRA is a newly formed organization whose mission is to close the repeater communication gap across eastern Colorado while uniting Amateurs, clubs, organizations, and the sparsely located communities alike! Much like the large Front Range clubs, systems and organizations but for the eastern regions of Colorado, who do not currently benefit the same as the larger organizations and systems do. We are a 501c SPONSORED entity and can provide proof of our sponsorship while we continue to pursue our individual 501c classification. Please contact us if there is any questions or concerns. Feel free to learn more about us at: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61571071976269 or join our FB group directly at: https://www.facebook.com/groups/easterncoloradorepeaterassociation - Our website is currently in the works and coming soon! Our GoFundMe information is: https://gofund.me/9e72ea02 and can be found on our FB pages. Every little bit helps as we are starting from scratch, on a mission! Please consider taking a look at our FB page, inquiring and sharing! We appreciate the support! ~73 Bryan, KB9UZO info@ecra-coloradohamradio.org
ECRA System 1 Update: Critical Testing and Revised Timeline Today we’ve been hard at work testing and tuning the duplexers for System 1, and while we’ve made significant progress, we’ve hit a critical roadblock that we want to share transparently with everyone. What We Found When we began testing and tuning the filters for the VHF repeater, we discovered that the duplexers we’re using have a minimum frequency separation requirement of 3 MHz. Unfortunately, with our repeater’s narrow 600 kHz split (147.030 MHz TX and 147.630 MHz RX), the filters simply cannot perform as needed to provide proper isolation between TX and RX paths. Why This Matters While we knew the general specifications of these filters initially, it wasn’t until we had everything on the bench for tuning and testing that the design limitation became apparent to us. We disassembled the duplexers and tried different cavity filter "loops" hoping to increase the separation between the notch and output frequency but were not successful. We also ensured the length of each jumper (which is critical) was correct but this too did not positively affect the outcome. This is a critical piece of the puzzle for System 1, and without the proper isolation, the system cannot function as intended without experiencing desense issues. Moving Forward We’re hopeful that with the right solution, we can still move forward with for System 1 being operational this next summer. One way you can help is share the ECRA GoFundMe at: https://gofund.me/9e72ea02 Your support and collaboration mean everything! 73, Bryan, KB9UZO
Are you building new repeaters sites or just linking some of the old repeaters that are in eastern Colorado?
HI there, Both: The current system, "System 1" is already coordinated and has been in the testing phase for about 6 months. We wanted to forge ahead and get all the needed equipment ready for next summer to permanently put the system online but with this snaffu (snafu?) we might be pushed back as we try to find another duplexer solution. Two more new ECRA systems are planned; 80 miles North of Ellicott, CO and approximately 75 miles South. Those are going to be the three NEW VHF/UHS, Allstar, APRS systems. We are also working with several eastern Colorado clubs and independent system owners to then link their systems to the ECRA systems, they will then "relay" traffic back to the Colorado Front Range systems. We've garnered great interest in our efforts to expand coverage and link/network and enhance existing systems. ECRA "System 1" is the first of implementing those goals. We have a long road ahead but its achievable ~73
80 miles North of Ellicott, CO and approximately 75 miles South. That'll put you north of I-70 and South of Highway 50 East of Walsenburg, these sites are all well within coverage of the mountain top Front Range repeaters. I've been driving or flying through Eastern Colorado for over 50 years, using VHF and UHF. Eastern Colorado from Lyman North to Nebraska have always had some well situated repeaters. The problem is many of the amateurs are dying off (adding to the lack of technical experience, and site availability). Many of those repeaters are have been, are already connected through OnStar, EchoLink, the Colorado Fun machine systems such as Lamar, Colorado Connection repeaters, and a few DMRs. Building a extended repeater network and finding sites, especially on the flat grounds of Eastern Colorado, where you have to use Towers instead of mountain tops, is becoming very difficult and expensive. As an example we lost five of our 300 to 500 foot tower sites last year because of a Nationwide Tower leasing company wanted $1,700 a month per Tower, after an ownership change. You have Lots of miles to drive and cover. Your big cost will be feedlines and antennas. No tower owner will let a climber on, unless they are a certified climbing crew, with at least 5 to 10 million of the insurance, nowadays. Even a real small cities/ towns won't allow you on their water towers. Best of Luck 73 from, The K0UO " Rhombic Antenna Farm" miles of wire in the Air & On the AIR daily
As an update to the thoughtful questions regarding ECRA's planned repeater systems and their strategic goals for expanding coverage in Eastern Colorado, we'd like to provide some clarifications and address key points: Planned Locations and Coverage Limitations: ECRA's planned system 80 miles north of Ellicott is positioned along the Weld, Adams, and Morgan County lines, southwest of Fort Morgan. This region has limited reliable coverage from existing Front Range systems, where received signal levels average approximately -97 to -128 dBm. For VHF/UHF communication, this is typically below the noise floor, rendering it generally unsuitable for dependable communication—What we're NOT SAYING, is that it's impossible, it certainly is, but from a reliability standpoint... it could be better. Additionally, "mountain-top" systems along the Front Range average 42% effective coverage eastward, primarily due to the flat terrain and signal loss over distance. ECRA’s mission is not to compete with these systems but to complement them by addressing critical coverage gaps in the eastern plains. And if we focus on JUST those systems alone, we typically state, that a line N and S of Simla, CO is the rough "point" of far diminished coverage from the "mountain-top systems." To clarify, this is not intended as a critique of existing systems, nor is it meant to diminish their value or functionality. It's simply a matter of science—wide-coverage systems, by their nature, cannot fully cover the entirety of Eastern Colorado. This is also not to imply that the region lacks quality systems; there are indeed solid, existing repeater systems in place. One of ECRA's goals is to work collaboratively with these systems, fostering cooperation to enhance their capabilities. By linking or networking these systems with ECRA's three planned systems, we aim to create a broader and more reliable coverage network for the region. Additionally, cell phone coverage gaps in Eastern Colorado further highlight the need for improved communication infrastructure. For example, AT&T provides the most extensive coverage in Colorado, yet leaves approximately 17.4% of the state without service, which includes significant portions of Eastern Colorado. Similarly, Verizon covers 58.1% and T-Mobile 45.1%, with both providers showing notable gaps in this region. These gaps reinforce the need for ECRA's initiatives to create a more reliable communication network, not just for amateur radio but also to support emergency services and public safety efforts. Collaboration with Communities and Municipalities: ECRA is actively working with local communities and municipalities to explore the use of their elevated structures, such as water towers, in key strategic locations. These collaborations not only help reduce costs but also strengthen community relationships by providing mutual benefits, particularly in emergency situations. A core aspect of ECRA’s future vision includes supporting smaller communities and municipalities by offering a reliable backup communication system when needed. Additionally, ECRA aims to assist regional ARES groups, emergency management agencies (EMAs), and other emergency service organizations by leveraging its systems and networks to enhance emergency preparedness and support comprehensive communication plans. Expertise and Resources: ECRA’s propagation committee includes two certified climbers with current credentials and experience, as well as broadcast engineers with technical expertise. This ensures installations are safe, compliant with regulations. I.E. "We have climbers who are trained and equipped to climb." IF insurance is an issue, we work within those confines to enact a solution; if not, we move on. It's that easy. Emergency Communication and Severe Weather: ECRA’s initiatives are closely supported by the National Weather Service, SKYWARN, ARES, and emergency management offices, with whom we've been in touch. Eastern Colorado can certainly, and does, face severe weather, including tornadoes, hailstorms, and high winds, to name a few. A reliable linked repeater network enhances weather reporting, SKYWARN coordination, and public safety efforts, making it a critical infrastructure addition. The entities we've been in touch with certainly support this endeavor and would like to utilize some of their technology with ECRA. Terrain Challenges in Eastern Colorado: While Eastern Colorado is flatter than the western region, the rolling hills and elevation changes significantly impact VHF/UHF propagation. These factors necessitate careful site selection and strategic placement of repeater systems. ECRA has conducted detailed propagation studies and received promising proposals for affordable tower rentals if needed, ensuring feasibility and optimal coverage in the event we choose to go down, "the tower route". ECRA remains committed to building a robust communication network that complements existing systems, addresses underserved areas, and fosters collaboration with local communities and organizations. Thank you for your interest and support! ~73!
