Southwest Missouri Linked Repeater System On-Line

The year-long project to complete the Southwest Missouri Linked Repeater System (SMLRS) discussed a year ago last January was completed yesterday when the 145.390 repeater went live in Granby, just SE of Joplin.

All 3 of the repeaters on the system are linked together 100% of the time via RF, so when you key up to talk on one repeater, you are talking on all 3.  If you don't have the repeaters programmed yet, here are their frequencies if you want to try them out:

Springfield - 147.015+ PL 162.2 Hz

Granby      - 145.390- PL  91.5 Hz

Crane       - 442.150+ PL 162.2 Hz

The system has an IRLP node #7191, that links the system to the Central Region Intertie System (CRIS) for the net on Thursday nights from 7:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.  The IRLP node also has the capability to link directly to the 146.700 SkyWarn repeater in Lees Summit should the need ever arise.

If you would like to monitor the system from your PC, you can do so by going to RadioReference.com and search for "Southwest Missouri Linked Repeater System", or you can click this link:  http://www.radioreference.com/apps/audio/?action=wp&feedId=1366

System documentation for end users, net control operators and for training purposes will be forthcoming in the near future for those wanting to use the open system for public service events, such as the MS150, or any other weather or disaster related activities.

The system is a combined effort between the Southwest Amateur Radio Group in Neosho, the MSHP amateur radio club, and the Nixa ARC and partnerships with the City of Crane, and the Greene County EMA were formed in the process.  

Last night, we had a station in Nevada check into the system, and we talked to Ray, KB0STN, in Joplin.  He was at the Joplin ARC club meeting inside the EOC at the Red Cross building on his HT and was full quieting.  There have been several stations this morning roaming around Joplin checking coverage.  On my travels north, I was able to work the repeater on I-49 to about 8 miles south of Nevada, and then again in Nevada and for a ways north of town.

Thanks to everyone that helped with the system, whether you were on the ground doing the work, or one of those many local hams that donated cash to help complete the system, or one of those that obtained grants to purchase parts for the system.  It was a team effort and could not have been done in such a short time without everyone pitching in and helping.

73 & enjoy,

James Adkins, KB0NHX

President & Repeater Trustee -- Nixa Amateur Radio Club, Inc. (K0NXA)

Field Day Raffle - 2m/440 HT

The Club will be raffling off a Baofeng UV-5R at this year's Field Day. Dave Bowman, WB0QIR owns one and has gotten good reports back. He also made my his first satellite contact with it yesterday after owning it for 3 days. It's a 4w/1w dual band VHF/UHF transceiver. FM broadcast and led flashlight are built in. NOAA frequencies can be programmed into each of the 128 channels.

The tickets are $5.00 per ticket with a maximum of 30 tickets being sold. If we have a large enough response we will hold more than one raffle. The drawing will held after the 30 tickets are sold. Twelve tickets were bought at the club meeting on Saturday night. You don't need to be present to win, but the winner will need to pick up the prize from Field Day or at the July club meeting.

Field Day setup to begin at 900 N Cheyenne Rd @ High Pointe Elementary, Saturday at 7:00 a.m.

December Nixa ARC Club Meeting

The Nixa ARC will be having it's Christmas get-together meeting for fun & fellowship on Saturday, December 11, 2010 at 6:00 p.m. at the Bandana's BBQ located behind Taco Bell in Nixa, MO. We have reserved the banquet room for the event, and hope for a great turnout. We'll have the usual updates about club business, and spend the rest of the time talking and enjoying some wonderful BBQ.

As always, your spouse & kids are welcome at the event, so bring them along!

So, make plans now to come out to the club meeting on Saturday, December 11, 2010 at 6:00 p.m. For directions, click here.

2010 Tour de Bass Bike Ride - Assignment Complete

Saturday, October 23, 2010 was the 3rd annual Tour de Bass bike ride, and the second one we have worked. With 19 volunteers from our club, Southwest Missouri ARC, and Greene County ARES, we manned 8 rest stops, a net control station and 4 sag vehicles. The 3 rides we were concerned about were the 35, 70 and 100 mile loops. On those 3 races, we had 276 people riding, with the 35 being the largest at 155 riders. We escaped the day with only one injured bicycle rider, and several very happy people who completed the 100 mile ride for the first time.

Event coordinators were once again very pleased with our performance, and commented on our high level of professionalism and our ability to move traffic quickly. Great job everyone! We utilized the 145.270 repeater as our primary and the 442.275 as our talk around / tactical channel.

Outside of the one wreck, mother nature tried to throw us a curve ball right at the end of the race when the rain started, but we didn't end up having any severe weather as we originally thought we might. We began watching a very strong storm in Oklahoma city on our radar at Net Control at about 9:00 a.m. and watched it all day as it strengthened, then finally fell apart as it came into Missouri.

Thanks to everyone that got involved and volunteered, your work did not go un-noticed. We had a great time and did a great job in the process.

Remember - next bike ride is just 7 months away - the Nixa Bike Ride 2011, see you then!

The End of an Era: October 6, 2010

The Nixa Amateur Radio club is opening a new chapter in it’s history.

Chris Cochran has decided to step down as President of the club. Chris has faithfully served the club since it’s official inception in 2002. During that time he has given much time, effort, and personal funds toward club projects and has driven much of the effort for the raising of funds to support club projects. Back in 2001, Chris purchased the club’s first repeater, a Motorola Micor, that is still being used today for the 145.270 machine. Chris made it possible for the club to obtain the grants from McKesson Corporation, organized the club's golf tournament at Millwood in 2005, and was a key figure in getting the club's HF station on the air.

Chris’ dedication to the club and it’s success has been instrumental in the club’s growth over the past eight years. Chris’ affection for the continued success of the club has not changed. Chris is continuing to work with the club on current projects and will be helping us transition. According to the bylaws the current Vice President James Adkins has assumed the role of president. We are looking forward to starting this new chapter for the Nixa Amateur Radio Club and would like for everyone to be a part of it as we strive to continue excellence in amateur radio in Southwest Missouri.

Club Meeting - THIS Saturday @ 6:00 p.m.

You are invited to the October meeting of the Nixa Amateur Radio Club, coming up this Saturday, October 9th, at 6:00 p.m. at the Nixa Fire Department General HQ located at 301 S. Nicholas Rd in Nixa.

We have lots of stuff going on right now so there will be updates on several club projects. In addition, we are very fortunate to have one of our own members, Ron Blessin, AF7A, give a presentation about his "accidental DXpedition"! This sounds like it will be a really neat presentation. With his trips to 62 different countries, and 85 DX entities, he has quite a broad view of amateur radio.

So, come out and join us for this month's meeting & and be fascinated by amateur radio!

73 & see you all Saturday!

Field Day 2010 This Saturday & Sunday - Be there!

The Nixa ARC Field Day event is coming up this weekend at the Fountain Plaza shopping center parking lot in Nixa, MO. The spot is just north of the intersection of US 160 and Hwy 14 in Nixa on the East side of the roadway just north of Walgreens.

We are looking for volunteers to help set up, which begins at 7:00 a.m. Saturday morning, to operate, which is from 1:00 p.m. Saturday to 1:00 p.m. Sunday, and to tear down afterwards, which promptly starts at 1:00 p.m. Sunday.

This year, we will be utilizing one of the MSHP mobile command centers for our SSB station and the conference room in the back will be home to the 6m & 2m SSB / CW station. Using a PAR OA-50 and a KU4AB SQ-144 atop the 70' pneumatic mast, we hope to make quite a few contacts on 6m & 2m SSB/CW during field day like we did last year. We'll be using a 20' scissor lift to mount the A4S antenna on for the SSB station which will also have dipoles for 40m, 80m and 160m. In fact, as part of the "educational" project, we will be building the 160m in site Saturday AM!

The CW Station is going to be stationed in Gary Doucey (N0IRN's) 33' travel trailer with several antenna supports for their HF vertical and dipole antennas.

The Digital station, also capable of SSB, will be stationed in another of the MSHP's mobile command centers and will have another 20' scissor lift to support the A3S beam and 40m dipole.

We invite all amateurs out to this year's Field Day event. Last year we finished 25th in the nation for 3A stations and are looking to move up again this year. Each year our goal is to do better than the last. We plan on meeting our goal again this year, but we need you to come out and operate for this to be a success.

So, make plans now to come out and operate and / or log for an operator at Field Day this year. You'll get to see the club's Yaesu FT-950 and other club HF equipment in use for the digital station, too. This is one club event you don't want to miss!

If you need directions, talk in is on the 145.270 Nixa Repeater, PL 162.2 Hz.

Look forward to seeing everyone at Field Day 2010!!

Nixa ARC HF Station on the air

This week, members of the Nixa ARC installed the club's new HF radio station. The radio station, consisting of a Yaesu FT-950 for HF-6m SSB activity, and a Yaesu FT-8900 for 6m, 2m and 70cm FM, is housed at the Nixa Fire Department General HQ inside their concrete walled backup 911 center, which is also the backup EOC for Christian County. The Iota DLS-55 12 vdc power supply was also installed and the Tigertronics SignaLink USB was also unpacked and set at the station awaiting the PC for logging and digital operation.

A 24' Penninger mast was installed on a 30' telephone pole on the Northwest corner of the Fire Department placing the tip at 50' AGL. Atop the mast is the Comet GP-15 for 6m, 2m and 70cm FM. Initial tests allowed us to key every 2m repeater in Southwest Missouri including the 146.955 in Laurie. We also talked to a station on the Mansfield machine while he was en route to work in Lebanon. While testing 6-meters, we were able to work the Louisburg, KS 6m machine. Just below the Comet GP-15 is the HF wire antenna, an Alpha Delta DX-LB+ for 10m through 160m HF. One end is tied off to the Fire Department's Rohn HDBX-48 tower at the 34' mark and the other end to another telephone pole at 34'. And, below the HF antenna on the center support is a pair of KU4AB SQ-50 Squalo antennas for 6m SSB. Each of the antennas has 200' of Andrew FSJ4-50B 1/2" superflex and 40' of Belden 9913 low-loss, more flexible cable at each end to connect to the radios and antennas. All tolled, we used a total of 600' of 1/2" superflex and 240' of Belden 9913 coax. The feedlines have Polyphasers installed and grounding kits, all attached to the fire department's Harger ground bar installed for their tower. Wiremold was also installed along the walls to hide the coax cable. The Wiremold installed is large enough to support about 6 more runs of coax for any future expansion.

We would like to thank the following people who took time off work and out of their day to help with the install, which took 3 days to complete. Chris Cochran, KB0WZC; Jeremy Tannehill, KC0UJZ; Jeff Kerr, Kc0VGC; James Adkins, KB0NHX; Jim Adkins, KC0IYI; Richard Doucey, KD0HGY; Kent Doucey, N0IRM, and Gary Doucey, N0IRN.

We received several positive comments from the firemen and the Fire Chief commenting on how professional our install looks. The station should be something for all the members to not only enjoy using and but also be proud of for years to come. Once the station PC for logging and digital operations is installed and the Internet obtained for the PC, we will even be able to operate the station remotely! Future upgrades planned are installation of Heil microphone equipment for SSB operations and a Begali CW keyer for the club's CW enthusiasts.

We would like to thank the following businesses and organizations for supporting the project both financially and by supplying equipment for the station:

Nixa Community Foundation
Nixa Fire Department
ARRL Foundation
Handyman Rentals
Comet / NCG
WB0W
Begali
Heil Sound
Iota
Tigertronics
Belden
Yaesu

A full update on the HF station will be given, along with a tour of the station, at the July 2009 Nixa ARC club meeting.

Nixa Sucker Days Special Event Station Success!

On Saturday, May 16th, members of the Nixa ARC set up and operated the 2009 version of the Sucker Days Special Event station, using callsign KC0LUN.

16 of the club's members greeted the public, answered questions about amateur radio, and operated the special event station. The station was set up and operational by 9:30 a.m. and was shut down at 6:00 p.m. Throughout the day, we took 38 check in's on the 53.270, 145.270 and 442.275 repeaters. We also had check in's on 50.125 USB, EchoLink and IRLP. We utilized the club's new Comet GP-15 for 2m / 6m and UHF operations, and also tried out the new SQ-50 Squalo for 6-meter SSB. These antennas will be installed at the Fire Department after field day for use with the club's new HF Station. We used a Yaesu FT-920 for 6m FM and SSB, and used the Yaesu FT-8900 for 6m, 2m and UHF FM.

Though the morning was wet, windy and cold, the weather cleared up and we had a great time! Special thanks to Dean Gaines, KC0SQD; Jeff Kerr, KC0VGC; Al Gallo, W0ERE; Chris Raymond, KC0TLE; John Copelin, KC0QNM; Randy Jordan, KC0UKB; Kim Adkins, KC0GKP; Richard Doucey, KD0HGY; Kent Doucey, N0IRM; Gary Doucey, N0IRN; Jeff Morrissey, KB0WVT; Jim Adkins, KC0IYI; Brian Umbenhower, K0OLD; John Perkins, W6OQS; James Adkins, KB0NHX and Brooke Morrissey, KC0YVF for coming out and setting up, operating and helping tear down the booth. We'd also like to thank James French, KC0TQD, for the bottled water!

We were surprised at the number of amateur operators that had recently moved into the Springfield / Nixa / Ozark area that stopped by wanting to know more about the club and our activities. We also had several kids that were interested that pulled their parents over to the table and wanted to know about amateur radio. It's amazing how interested the kids are when they hear the radio traffic and see the radios.

If you couldn't make it out this year, plan to come out next year. The event was great fun and a huge success!

Nixa ARC IRLP Node #3995 Moved to the Repeater Site

The Nixa ARC IRLP Node, which was hosted at the residence of Jeff Kerr, KC0VGC, has been moved to the repeater site at Cox Hospital. Thanks to the hard work of Jeff, we were able to obtain Internet service at the Cox Hospital repeater site, which is the home for the 224.280 and 442.275 repeaters.

With the move, we gain a more robust node. The Hospital provides us with generator power for the site during power outages, so moving the equipment will ensure that the IRLP node remains active during severe weather and power outages due to ice storms, etc. An APC Back-UPS Pro 1000 was installed at the site to bridge the gap from the time we lose power to the time the generator kicks on.

The IRLP node, #3995, is permanently connected to the 224.280 repeater. If you have not yet gotten onto 220 MHz, this is a good reason to try it! The IRLP node is an open node, and anyone is allowed to make a connection to other nodes.

We'd like to thank club member Randy Jordan, KC0UKB, for donating the Dell desktop PC for the IRLP computer and for also donating the APC Back-UPS Pro 1000 UPS to help keep the computer and related equipment stable. We'd also like to thank club member Jeff Kerr, KC0VGC, for installing the Linux system and doing the work to get the IRLP card installed in the computer and for registering the IRLP node with the network. Jeff was also instrumental in getting Internet at the repeater site to make this move possible. Lastly, we'd like to thank the Nixa ARC Technical Committee, which consists of John Copelin, KC0QNM, Jeremy Tannehill, KC0UJZ, and James Adkins, KB0NHX, for their work at the repeater site installing the Motorola Canopy wireless Internet radio, the required router, computer and UPS. It was a team effort to get all the equipment installed and the audio levels adjusted properly.

For more information on how the IRLP node operates, and other IRLP information, click on the IRLP link on this website's menu.

Nixa ARC 444.275 Repeater Changes Frequencies

This past week has seen a number of upgrades to the Nixa ARC UHF repeater. Since its installation, we have fought an interference source near our input frequency. Bandpass filters helped, but did not alleviate the problem.

This week, we changed the repeater to 442.275 MHz, with an input of 447.275 MHz. The PL of 162.2 Hz remains the same. During the process, we were forced to change hardware as well. The Motorola Radius R1225 repeater was changed out for two Motorola CDM radios, similar to the radios used on the 53.270 and 224.280 repeaters because the GR1225 is not made to operate below 444.000 MHz. These radios have a much better front end than the Radius line of radios which should also help the repeater hear better. Programming on the Arcom controller was updated as well and the newly acquired TX RX duplexers were installed. These duplexers offer much greater isolation between the TX and RX frequencies and will allow us to add an external amplifier in the future

Initial testing has shown a drastic improvement in repeater sensitivity. It is a much more HT friendly machine than it was before.

Please spread the word to all your friends about the frequency change and we look forward to hearing you on the air!

2008 Greater Ozarks Ham Picnic

Come out for an evening with fellow area radio amateurs as we have folks, food, and fun at the 2nd annual Greater Ozarks Ham Picnic. This event is open to all area radio amateurs, clubs, organizations, and their friends and families. Bring your portable gear and setup in the outdoors, or just bring yourself and chat with folks, but come out and join us for good food and a fun-filled evening with family, friends, and fellow hams. There is playground equipment at the park for kids as well, so make this a family outing and bring everyone!

Date: Saturday October 18, 2008
Time: 4:00pm - 8:00pm

Place: Living Memorial Park North Pavilion, 4405 S. Glenstone, 10.0 acres, restrooms, pavilion, amphitheater, picnic tables, park benches, grills, and walk/run trail.

Directions: South on Glenstone just past James River Freeway. Turn left (east) continuing on Glenstone toward the Nature Center. Park is on the right about 1/2 mile down the road. The North Pavilion will be used for food and refreshments. The South Pavilion will be used for for portable radio setup and operation.

Burgers, hot dogs, drinks will be provided. All we ask is for those attending to please RSVP so we can plan the food accordingly, and if possible, bring a convenient side-dish or dessert of your choice. For any additional information or to RSVP for the event please contact one of the following persons:

Jeff Kerr, KCØVGC
E-Mail: kc0vgc@o3c.net

David Williams, KE7ABH
E-Mail: ke7abh@gmail.com

James French, KCØTQD
E-Mail: kc0tqd@gmail.com

Looking forward to seeing you there!

2008 JARC Hamfest Joplin, MO Aug 22, 23

Coming up in the month of August is the JARC Hamfest August 22nd and 23rd at the John Q. Hammons Convention Center in Joplin, MO. The hamfest takes place Friday 4pm to 9pm, and Saturday from 8am to 2pm. Ticket price includes both days - Tickets are $5 in advance and $6 at the door.

For more information visit the JARC website at http://www.joplin-arc.org.

Field Day 2008 Video

Field Day 2007 Video

N.A.R.C. Monthly Meeting

The Nixa Amateur Radio Club will be holding the monthly meeting on Saturday, June 21st at 6:00 p.m. The meeting will be held at the Nixa Fire Department District Headquarters, 301 S. Nicholas Rd., Nixa, Missouri.

Directions:
From US 160 and MO 14 in Nixa, go west to RT M (also called Nicholas Rd--this will be the second stop light west of US 160 on MO 14). Turn south and go about 1/2 mile and the fire department is on the west (right) side of the roadway. There are only about 10-12 parking spots at the fire department, but we are welcome to use the parking lot at the strip mall right south of the fire department for parking as well.

Everyone is welcome to attend.

N.A.R.C. Testing Session

The Nixa Amateur Radio Club will be holding a testing session on Saturday, June 21st at 4:30 p.m. Testing will be held at the Nixa Fire Department District Headquarters, 301 S. Nicholas Rd., Nixa, Missouri.

To test, please pre-register by contacting Chris Cochran by June 20th by one of the following means: e-mail testing@nixahams.net or over the air on 145.270 MHz repeater, PL 162.2 Hz.

You DO NOT have to pre-pay, just let Chris know you're coming so we can have enough materials for the session. Please remember to bring one valid picture ID or two non-picture ID's and pencils for taking the exam.

Following the test session will be our monthly meeting at 6:00 p.m. in the Nixa Fire Department District Headquarters. Everyone is welcome to attend.

N.A.R.C. Monthly Meeting

The Nixa Amateur Radio Club will be holding the monthly meeting on Saturday, May 31st at 6:00 p.m. The meeting will be held at the Nixa Fire Department District Headquarters, 301 S. Nicholas Rd., Nixa, Missouri.

Directions:
From US 160 and MO 14 in Nixa, go west to RT M (also called Nicholas Rd--this will be the second stop light west of US 160 on MO 14). Turn south and go about 1/2 mile and the fire department is on the west (right) side of the roadway. There are only about 10-12 parking spots at the fire department, but we are welcome to use the parking lot at the strip mall right south of the fire department for parking as well.

Everyone is welcome to attend.

N.A.R.C. Testing Session

The Nixa Amateur Radio Club will be holding a testing session on Saturday, May 31st at 4:30 p.m. Testing will be held at the Nixa Fire Department District Headquarters, 301 S. Nicholas Rd., Nixa, Missouri.

To test, please pre-register by contacting Chris Cochran by May 30th by one of the following means: e-mail testing@nixahams.net or over the air on 145.270 MHz repeater, PL 162.2 Hz.

You DO NOT have to pre-pay, just let Chris know you're coming so we can have enough materials for the session. Please remember to bring one valid picture ID or two non-picture ID's and pencils for taking the exam.

Following the test session will be our monthly meeting at 6:00 p.m. in the Nixa Fire Department District Headquarters. Everyone is welcome to attend.

N.A.R.C. Monthly Meeting

The Nixa Amateur Radio Club will be holding the monthly meeting on Saturday, April 26th at 6:00 p.m. The meeting will be held at the Nixa Fire Department District Headquarters, 301 S. Nicholas Rd., Nixa, Missouri.

Directions:
From US 160 and MO 14 in Nixa, go west to RT M (also called Nicholas Rd--this will be the second stop light west of US 160 on MO 14). Turn south and go about 1/2 mile and the fire department is on the west (right) side of the roadway. There are only about 10-12 parking spots at the fire department, but we are welcome to use the parking lot at the strip mall right south of the fire department for parking as well.

Everyone is welcome to attend.