The AI6BX Repeater System
The Arcom RC-210 controller is at the heart of the AI6BX repeater system. I have found this controller to to be highly scaleable, easy to program, and the customer support from the company is absolutely phenomenal. The RC-210 is a three port controller providing easy linking or monitoring of any ports, exceptional voice identification messaging, and capabilities for more macro controls than one could ever need making automation and scheduling of tasks a snap! The RC-210 provides control and integration of the VHF, UHF, and EchoIRLP systems.
The two meter repeater is a Bridgecom Systems BCR 50V. This machine comprised the first part of the repeater system and was initially selected for its price point, company reputation, and self contained controller. The primary purpose of this machine is still for emergency communications and community support though use would gladly be granted for nets and emergency preparedness exercises. While the onboard controller is functional and complies with all FCC regulations, its services have been replaced by the RC-210 due to the expanded features provided making a friendlier and more recognizable presence on the VHF frequencies.
The AI6BX VHF repeater is coordinated at:
Currently this repeater covers the Inland Empire with its eastern reach in Banning a western reach at Pomona, northern reach of Crestline, and southern reach into Moreno Valley.
The 70cm repeater is a custom build made from Motorola Mitrek radios. The current set up replaces the Yaesu Fusion repeater that was in place.
The AI6BX UHF repeater is coordinated at:
Current mapping of coverage for this repeater has been similar to its two meter counterpart excepting some signal weakness to the northern mountain regions.
IRLP and Echolink access to the system is handled by the third port of the Arcom RC-210 via the Micro-node International EchoIRLP Nano-node and a rack-mount IRLP/Echolink for the 70cm repeater. The nodes of this device can be linked to either the VHF or UHF repeater and is most commonly linked to the UHF machine at this time. Mark Guibord has done a fantastic job in his engineering of the Nano-node integrating touch screen control, self contained UHF radio, 802.11b/g link as well as direct radio and hardwire network connections. Like the folks at Arcom, Mark's customer support is outstanding!
The two meter repeater is a Bridgecom Systems BCR 50V. This machine comprised the first part of the repeater system and was initially selected for its price point, company reputation, and self contained controller. The primary purpose of this machine is still for emergency communications and community support though use would gladly be granted for nets and emergency preparedness exercises. While the onboard controller is functional and complies with all FCC regulations, its services have been replaced by the RC-210 due to the expanded features provided making a friendlier and more recognizable presence on the VHF frequencies.
The AI6BX VHF repeater is coordinated at:
- Output: 145.26 (-)
- Input: 144.66
- PL 123.0
Currently this repeater covers the Inland Empire with its eastern reach in Banning a western reach at Pomona, northern reach of Crestline, and southern reach into Moreno Valley.
The 70cm repeater is a custom build made from Motorola Mitrek radios. The current set up replaces the Yaesu Fusion repeater that was in place.
The AI6BX UHF repeater is coordinated at:
- Output: 447.00 (-)
- Input 442.00
- PL 123.0
- IRLP 7490
- Echolink AI6BX-R
Current mapping of coverage for this repeater has been similar to its two meter counterpart excepting some signal weakness to the northern mountain regions.
IRLP and Echolink access to the system is handled by the third port of the Arcom RC-210 via the Micro-node International EchoIRLP Nano-node and a rack-mount IRLP/Echolink for the 70cm repeater. The nodes of this device can be linked to either the VHF or UHF repeater and is most commonly linked to the UHF machine at this time. Mark Guibord has done a fantastic job in his engineering of the Nano-node integrating touch screen control, self contained UHF radio, 802.11b/g link as well as direct radio and hardwire network connections. Like the folks at Arcom, Mark's customer support is outstanding!
- The IRLP node for the AI6BX VHF repeater is 7482. Often times the node is attached to the 9661 reflector.
- The Echolink node for the AI6BX VHF repeater is 275520