WB8E Walter W. 'Walt' Gracey Sterling Heights, MI QCWA # 36128 Chapter 215

Home Equipment:
Rig: Kenwood TS-570D
Power: 100 Watts or QRP
Antenna: G5RV at 35 feet
Key: Schurr

QRP Gear:
Rig: Icom IC-703 Plus
Filter: 400Hz inrad CW
Key: Palm Paddle
Antennas: Various antennas, many are experimental.

Club:
Utica Shelby Emergency Communications Association (USECA)

One of USECA's main claims to fame is our repeater system. Our repeater is known as the "friendliest repeater in town", and can be found on a frequency of 147.180 MHz. The input offset is positive, and a 100 Hz CTCSS tone is required for access. The repeater also emits a 100 Hz tone when it is keyed up, so you can squelch out repeater IDs and announcements. The main repeater site is in downtown Utica, near the intersection of Van Dyke and Hall Road (M-59). The antenna is up about 180 feet, and the system has just undergone a complete upgrade. The repeater system has three remote receiver sites (capable of three more) and a backup repeater on a generator in case the primary fails or loses power.

Several USECA nets are run on the K8UO repeater. Also, be sure to listen for our weekly Lark in da Park, where we all meet at local parks, setup stations and work the world. All are welcome. It's a great place to learn about antennas and rigs, and it's free.

October 11, 2015