Virginia's Amateur DMR Linked Repeater Network
Virginia's Amateur DMR Linked Repeater Network
We recently learned of the loss of Mike, AE4ML. Mike led efforts to create both VHF and UHF DMR coverage in the Fredericksburg area and was a prolific repeater operator, tinkerer and ham with diverse interests in the hobby. This will be a big loss to the amateur community in his area. The two networked repeaters in the area will continue to operate without any changes.
The repeater located in the middle peninsula area (Topping in Middlesex County) is going off the air this weekend from its current location. This is related to the passing of Peter, K2VIZ who established and maintained this repeater. Our team is working on alternate locations for potential relocation. There is currently no ETA or location in the works, but will be an ongoing effort.
The New Kent repeater site had been off the network and the connection was restored this weekend. The repeater is located in the Talleysville area of the county on a water tank at approximately 220 feet. It provides coverage along route 60, interstate 64, Colonial Downs, Providence Forge, New Kent airport, Bottoms Bridge and other areas. The local TG is linked to Richmond Metro. Please let us know if you have any feedback on coverage of this site.
Two new repeaters are online in far southwest Virginia in neighboring counties using the N4HRS callsign. The first is located in Wise County, near the city of Norton on High Knob mountain. The 443.7375 MHz repeater (CC9) will provide coverage to a large portion of the county including Big Stone Gap, Coeburn, Wise and other areas. There will also be coverage in the majority of Scott County and eastern/central Lee County. It will likely reach some portions of Kentucky, Tennessee and North Carolina as it is located at 4300 feet.
The second is in neighboring Russell County, near Honaker on Big A mountain. The 444.8125 Mhz repeater (CC9) will provide coverage to the immediate area including Swords Creek, Raven, Richlands and towards Tazewell along routes 19 and 460. Lebanon and Buchanan County will also have coverage. Reports from these new systems are appreciated.
Peter Martin (K2VIZ) passed away recently. He was an avid enthusiast of DMR and the linked DMRVA repeater network and worked to expand coverage throughout central Virginia. Peter contributed to many repeater sites in the region by assisting with installation, custom metal fabrication, climbing towers and in other ways. The intent is for Peters repeater sites to continue to operate thanks to the cooperative efforts of other local hams.
Recently we’ve heard about some operators paying for codeplug development and radio programming. There are a multitude of free codeplugs available for download on the RATS codeplugs pages as well as extensive information about codeplug conversion and some of the other details. There is also some support available if you run into hiccups. Even though there are a large number of radios out there, we want to encourage as much collaboration and sharing of information about the system as possible.
Operators supporting the Special Olympics in the Richmond area will be using Timeslot 1 on the Richmond and Petersburg repeaters during the days of June 6 and 7, 2025. All traffic on Richmond Metro (TG 27500, TS1) will be managed by Special Olympics Net Control during this time.
Accordingly, all Talkgroups on Timeslot 1 will be unavailable for general amateur use during the duration of the Special Olympics nets. Thank you for your understanding during this important event.
The South Boston repeater is off the air until April 23, 2025 while some work is done at the site. The repeater is expected to return around this date and should provide the same coverage to the area.
DMRVA is pleased to support the Richmond Marathon on Saturday, April 12, 2025. Some testing/setup related traffic may also occur on Friday.
A directed net with race related traffic will be held on the Richmond Metro talkgroup (27500, TS1) on all Richmond area DMRVA sites (Richmond, Petersburg, Beaverdam, Powhatan, New Kent, Goochland and Middle Peninsula) from approximately 0600-1400 hours. This will be a primary channel for the event with the 442.550 MHz repeater also being used.
Stations not involved in the race are asked to yield use of TS1 for the period of this event, including the echotest feature. Feel free to monitor. Virginia Statewide (TS2) will be available for general use.
Effective this week the local talkgroups of DMRVA repeaters in South Hill, South Boston and Farmville (new) are tied together. Click on the map to enlarge.
This allows stations throughout southside Virginia to enjoy coverage through many areas including the counties of Halifax, Mecklenburg, Lunenburg, Prince Edward as well as portions of Charlotte, Nottoway, Cumberland and Amelia. This will be especially useful for travel along 360, 460, 15 and other roads. There will always be low spots in areas especially near rivers, etc. Of course you can use VA Statewide to make calls to all repeaters across the state as well.