Following several weeks of work and testing, we’re excited to announce that the Buffalo, Missouri repeater at 147.180 MHz. is now permanently linked into the Southwest Missouri Regional Skywarn linked repeater system. It took quite a bit of time to gather the resources to get this repeater to where it can be regularly linked. System trustee Mike, N0NQW, says the Buffalo Repeater has been outfitted with a brand new Yaesu Fusion DR-1X Repeater, a brand new commercial Vertex VX 2200 link radio, and a new CAT repeater controller. Unfortunately a preexisting issue with the antenna and feed line atop the tower continues to produce occasional bursts of static over weaker signals transmitting into this repeater. These static bursts sound a lot like the noise that nearby lightning makes on a radio receiver. At this time it seems unlikely that we will have the financial resources available to try to correct this problem prior to the scheduled razing of the water tower upon which the repeater’s antenna is mounted. So, in the meantime, you may have to use high power to reliably access this repeater. Once we are able to raise the funding needed to move the Buffalo Repeater to its new location following the water tower’s demolition, this problem will be resolved.
Southwest Missouri Regional Skywarn would like to thank Joye McElwee, N0OCP, for his very generous donation which has allowed the Buffalo Repeater to become a full time part of our linked repeater system. This repeater will provide much-needed coverage into northern portions of the Springfield, Missouri County Warning Area. Now we are relying on your financial support to guarantee that this repeater will be able to stay on the air after the water tower is taken down. Please make your pledge of support today.
