I agree, repeater us is down.
Maybe features such as Echolink, IRLP or DStar/AMBE digitial voice will
generate interest? For instance, with Echolink you can enter in another user's
callsign and have your repeater "remotely connect" to the other user's one
(providing your friend has identified with their local repeater). I.e
establishing a connection between two repeaters via callsign lookup service.
While this feature only works using IP address now, it could be applied to work
with frequency and direction. I.e. a second digitally controlled frequency
agile radio connected to the repeater and digitally controlled rotator. This
is also an interesting concept.
Nick
----- Original Message ----
From: Jack Taylor <[EMAIL PROTECTED]>
To: Repeater-Builder@yahoogroups.com
Sent: Thursday, February 22, 2007 3:46:48 PM
Subject: Re: [Repeater-Builder] OT- Activity Level On Ham Repeaters Way Down In
My Area
1) The number of repeaters in our area has
increased slightly but the activity on any of them
is way-way down, One local put a recorder on
the output of one popular repeater channel
and found over a 24 hour period, it was in use less
than 1% of the time. Even the newer
IRLP and EchoLink repeaters attract very little
interest.
2) Suspect the primary cause of the decline is due
to alternative means of communication
being available. Without a doubt, cell phones
provide private communications world-wide
just about everywhere and whenever and, at
relatively inexpensive prices. Multi-channels
of TV with multi-content delivered via cable and
satellite attract attention during the evening hours.
Ditto with satellite delivered multi-content radio
channels available when mobile. Then too of course,
are the ham forums on the internet such as this
one, that competes for our time on the radio.
3) IMO this trend will not reverse but gradually
continue. A possible parallel would be packet radio.
In the beginning just as it was with repeaters,
there was a rush to install packet network nodes
over most of the US. Clubs and individuals
were proud to be involved with the 'digital revolution.
User interest waned and as time passed the network
deteriated. Today there are very few
"live" users.
73 de Jack - N7OO
----- Original Message -----
From:
Tony
L.
To: Repeater-Builder@ yahoogroups. com
Sent: Thursday, February 22, 2007 12:36
PM
Subject: [Repeater-Builder] OT- Activity
Level On Ham Repeaters Way Down In My Area
The number of active ham repeaters in my area is way, way down in
comparison to levels of 10 years ago. It isn't uncommon to monitor a
repeater frequency and hear no traffic for weeks. Some clubs &
individuals have just walked away from coordinated pairs.
However,
there are a few repeaters that have remained active, although
certainly
not to the extent they were in the past. Interestingly, even
though
traffic is way down, there's still a waiting list in my area for
coordinated pairs on all bands.
Questions:
1) Has there been
a decline in traffic and the number of active
repeaters in your
area?
2) If so, what do you feel the primary cause is?
3) What
can be done to generate renewed interest?
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