Field Deployable Crossband Repeater

[VA3KOT John]

I have resurrected and tested an old crossband repeater that could be deployed in support of GBARC/ACS events. It comprises an Icom dual band radio mounted in a rugged metal box and a Diamond X50A dual band vertical antenna mounted on a pole supported by a tripod.

The antenna has a manufacturer claimed gain of 4.5dB on VHF and the radio has a maximum power output of 50W. Together, the effective radiated power is therefore about 140W.

USE CASES:
1. Unattended crossband repeater for extending the support range during an Auxiliary Communications Service event.
2. Attended range booster for a repeater from a weak signal location
3. Allows repeater operation from inside a vehicle with a low-power handheld device during a field event