SIMPLEX CROSS-BAND REPEAT OPERATION
A dual-band mobile rig capable of being configured as a simplex cross-band repeater (CBR) can be a useful tool during RCA (Raleigh County ARES/SKYWARN) activation or public service events where net operations are being conducted on a 2 meter simplex frequency, like 146.550 (the nationally recognized frequency). The CBR effectively translates back and forth between a 2m simplex channel and a 70cm simplex channel. Thus, a low-power 70cm HT can work through a mobile CBR station to communicate with a 2m simplex net, taking full advantage of the mobile rig's hi-power capabilities. Any dual-band or dedicated 70cm HT can be used to operate through a CBR. Some situations where CBR operation may be useful:
Mobile Rig Configuration: There is no common setup for all manufacturers. Consult your owners manual for instructions for your specific radio. The following procedure is based on the Yaesu FT-8100r:
HT Configuration:
Caution: When more than one CBR is being used
within a net, interference may be encountered. Make
sure each CBR is configured to use a different 70cm
simplex frequency. Coordinate your choice of
frequencies with the Net Control Station to avoid
interference to the net.
RANGE EXTENDER OPERATIONOperational Scenario: Also known as One-Way Cross Band Repeat,
the range extender mode can be used when an HT has
insufficient transmit power to bring up the WV8BD
repeater during an activation or public service event.
In this mode, the mobile rig is configured as a
one-way simplex repeater, receiving a 70cm simplex
signal and retransmitting it out on the WV8BD 2-meter
repeater’s input frequency. The HT monitors the WV8BD
2-meter repeater output frequency directly. Thus, to
set up in this configuration, an HT capable of
operating on both 2-meters and 70cm simultaneously is
required. Mobile Rig Configuration: There is no common setup for all manufacturers. Consult your owner’s manual for instructions for your specific radio. The following procedure is based on the Yaesu FT-8100. The procedure is similar to that of the Simplex-to-Simplex CBR mode with the following modifications:
HT Configuration:
Caution: When more than one CBR is being used
within a net, interference may be encountered. Make
sure each CBR is configured to use a different 70cm
simplex frequency. Coordinate your choice of
frequencies with the Net Control Station to avoid
interference to the net. LEGAL CONSIDERATIONS
Station Control The FCC requires that a repeater be under the control of an operator who controls the repeater and can intervene in the event of a problem. Control can either be local (i.e., "the use of a control operator who directly manipulates the operating adjustments in the station to achieve compliance with the FCC rules") or remote ("the use of a control operator who indirectly manipulates the operating adjustments in the station through a control link to achieve compliance with the FCC Rules"). In the scenarios described above, the user is likely to be within fairly close proximity to the CBR and able to directly monitor and control it. In this case, the CBR could be considered locally-controlled, satisfying the station control requirements. Station Identification An unattended station needs to be identified on all frequencies on which it transmits. When the user identifies on the UHF uplink, the CBR is also identifying itself on the VHF side. However, many radios do not have the capability in CBR mode to identify on the UHF downlink (transmit) side (or the VHF side, for that matter). Additionally, when another operator transmits on the UHF uplink, the CBR won't be correctly identified on the VHF side, either. So, depending on your radio, some sort of add-on device for automatic identification may be required for full FCC compliance. |