News & Updates

November 2023 Luncheon

November 2022 IRS Luncheon

2022 Updates and changes

  • The 220MHz Repeater is now on the air. The antenna is only at 50 feet currently so coverage is only the local Derry area. There is no PL currently.
  • Echolink interface has been improved. This is available to all amateurs. There are PC and mobile apps. For instructions on installing the PC app, click here.

2021 Upgrades to Derry IRS Repeater System

Improvements to 2M Repeater

  • Installation of a battery backup system. This allows operation of the 2M repeater during power outages.
  • Added Echolink interface on 6/13/2021.
  • Installed new antenna for 2M repeater on 7/4/2021 and cleaned up tower.
  • Tuned repeater and duplexer to specs to improve range.

Improvements to Shack

  • Installed new rack wiring and junction boxes to improve reliability.
  • Installed new LED interior lighting.
  • Installed new side ventilation panel and security bar to improve reliability and security.
  • Installed new front door and steps.
  • Cleaned up shack and removed contaminated insulation.
  • Removed old phone and ethernet cabling.
  • Installed new outdoor rated cabling for the access point on the tower.

Improvements to Website

  • Added Swap and Shop Page.
  • Added News and Updates Page.

Future projects

  • Re-commissioning of the 220 MHz repeater.

Thank you to the following people for their help over the past year

  • Loren W1UV for his tireless hard work
    • Repairing the 2M amplifier and getting back online in 2 days.
    • Installing/configuring Echolink interface
    • Work on battery backup project.
  • Dave AA1W for maintenance and improvements to the shack and associated systems.
  • Warren N1DUN for cleanup, and shack upgrades including a new door, steps and venting.
  • Dan AK1X for design and assembly of battery backup system.
  • Bob KB1QV and Bob N1EUN for tuning 2M duplexer and repeater.
  • Dave N1FCC for the loan of a duplexer during service.
  • Doug N1LHP for repair of 220 repeater and tuning the 220 duplexer.
  • Joe N1FCJ for updates and maintenance of the website.
  • Wayne N1WLD for creating and administering the Swap and Shop page.
  • Gianni N1GD for coordinating all the projects and getting everyone paid.
  • All those who helped with the new antenna installation.
  • Larry K1CA for use of the land, Internet and site access, as well as his constant help and availability when things need to get done.

We installed a new antenna at the repeater site on Sunday, July 4, 2021 to solve the reception problems we’ve experienced over the last year.

See photos below and you can view the spec sheet on the new antenna here. Special thanks to the following hams for their help on this project:

Larry K1CA
Dave AA1W
Mark K1RX
Tim W1FOY
Bob K1HRD
Max. K1TIG
Chuck K1MIZ
Bill KB1SGK
Merrill KC1HXR