Our Repeater

SBARC maintains and operates two open VHF repeaters under the club call sign KR5NM. Normally these repeaters are linked to provide a single unified area of coverage.

The Alto Crest repeater outputs on 146.92 MHz and receives on 146.32 MHz with a 100 Hz tone. The Camelot repeater outputs on 145.45 MHz and receives on 144.85 MHz with a 100 Hz tone. The two repeaters are linked together by a Remote Base radio and control system (input on 145.45 MHz and output on 144.85 MHz) located at the Alto Crest site.

The Camelot repeater uses a bi-directional antenna that provides solid coverage of Hwy 70 west to the reservation summit and east to the San Patricio area. The Alto Crest Repeater provides general coverage of the Alto/Ruidoso area. Its location overlooks most of the Village and can provide handheld radio coverage for most of the urban area.

The repeaters provide excellent mobile coverage in the Village of Ruidoso and neighboring communities Ruidoso Downs, Alto, Nogal, and Capitan. Given the region's varied terrain, coverage in outlying areas is location dependent.

The Alto Crest Repeater is powered by solar panels and a battery system. The Camelot Repeater is powered from the power grid but has a battery backup system that will support operation for one to two days.

Repeater Operation

Below is a guide to SBARC repeater operation for both Linked and Unlinked modes. Linked is the normal mode of operation.

As an additional feature, Camelot users wishing to not be heard on the Alto Crest repeater or EchoLink can use a 123 Hz tone, which causes the links to Alto Crest and EchoLink to not activate. This feature is only available from the Camelot repeater.

Linked Repeater Operation (PDF Format)

Repeater Coverage

The plots below illustrate the areas of coverage for each respective repeater. The first plot shows the coverage from the Alto Crest repeater in Ruidoso. The second plot shows the coverage from the Camelot repeater, also in Ruidoso.

Alto Crest Repeater

Camelot Repeater

All licensed amateurs are cordially invited to enjoy the club repeaters when in the area.

EchoLink Info

The club maintains an EchoLink interface on our local repeater. Inbound usage is limited to SBARC members. Outbound use is open for members and visitors. See the document link below for specific use instructions.

KR5NM EchoLink Node Info (PDF Format)

Repeater Survey Results

In September 2006 a survey was conducted to better gage member satisfaction with the club repeater. A summary of the results of that survey is available from the link below:

Survey Results (PDF format)