PRS Repeaters
The PRS frequency allocation allows for the operation of repeaters using channels 31-38 as input and 1-8 as output. Repeaters need to be separately licenced, and must be 'open to all users'
You can use these repeaters if you're within range by picking the appropriate channel (1-8) and putting the radio into "Duplex" mode (the button marked "DUP" on most radios). If everything is working, you should hear a short burst of noise (tail) after you transmit.
Many licences have been issued, a significantly smaller number of repeaters are actually operating:
I am attempting to compile a list of the repeaters currently operating, but in the mean time you can get an up-to-date listing of the licences issued by Radio Spectrum Management. Go to the licence search page, enter "s1" for the licence type (s1 is a PRS repeater licence) and click 'submit'.
- Whangarei, Channel 6 - operating for about 5 years.
- Channel 1 Glenfield, Limited coverage, not high enough (90mtrs) to give decent range, area is already fully covered by channel 5 Waitakere.
- Channel 4 Awhitu, Range appears to be nearly as good as Klondyke
- Channel 5 Nihotupu Waitakere, good range and covers everything from the Bombay Hills to the Brynderwyns. Could be some issues with this one when the North Shore club get their Channel 5 up and running at Puriri on the Coromandel Peninsula as they are only 100km apart, Waitakere is 500 mtrs above sea level and Puriri is over 600 mtrs. The site at Puriri once operational has the potential of giving the greatest coverage area of any of the repeaters.
- Channel 6 Klondyke Port Waikato, Probably the best and certainly the most popular repeater in the Auckland area, coverage from Brynderwyns to Hamilton.
- Channel 7 Whitford Kimptons Rd, Does quite well for the lower height (approx 200mtrs) with good coverage out into the Hauraki Gulf and to the North.
- Channel 8 Medhurst Rd Bombay, For the height of this one (300mtrs) it is a little disappointing, hoping for improvements to the antenna system in the near future
- Tauranga, Channel 2 - operating for about 5 years, excellent coverage.
- Waitomo, Channel 7 - operating for more than a year, can be worked from most high spots in Hamilton.
- Tokoroa, Channel 5 - Operating, temporary location in Tokaroa township.
- Wanganui, Channel 3 - limited coverage
- Apiti, Channel 1 - Covers a great deal of Manawatu/Horowhenua/Eastern Wanganui
- Manawatu, Channel 8 - North Range Road, covers Palmerston North and some of Tararua
- Kaikoura, Channel 4
- Mt Grey (Christchurch), Channel 1
- Ranfurly, Channel 4 - Excellent coverage
- Eyrewell, Channel 3 - (30K west of Chch)
- Lincoln University, Channel 8
- Timaru, Channel 6 and 7 ?
Please let me know if you're aware of any working repeaters that aren't on this list! or any other changes, eg repeaters that have been improved, relocated, or shut down (Big thanks to Nathan Field for an update on the Manawatu region, Jan 15 2009)
