RMRA Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Where are the RMRA repeaters located?

A: Currently, all RMRA repeaters are on Rib Mountain. The electronics and duplexers are located in an access hallway in the new transmitter building at the base of the candelabra. The antennae are located on three brackets on the candelabra. The VHF and UHF antennas are bracketed at the 250 foot level on the east tower leg. A second VHF antenna which is currently not used, but is intended for split transmit and receive or as a second receive antenna, is at the 125 foot level on the northwest leg.

Q: What are the physical advantages to being located on Rib Mountain?

A: One of the most important aspects of VHF/UHF repeater location is height above average terrain (HAAT). The base of the candelabra is about 650 feet HAAT, putting the antennas at the 250 foot level at about 900 feet. However the big advantage of the Rib Mountain site over others is that the repeaters are located at the top of the mountain eliminating the need for the first 650 feet of feedline and the associated RF losses.

Q: Are there any other advantages to being located on Rib Mountain?

A: Yes.

· 24 hour per day 7 day a week emergency power availability

· Reasonable transmitter building access

· Proximity to other services interfaced to the repeaters, e.g.: NOAA Weather Radio, Wisconsin Emergency Alert System (EAS)

· Controlled environment (HVAC) and excellent grounding facility

Q: Are there disadvantages to being located on Rib Mountain?

A: Unfortunately, yes. .

· The high RF environment requires certain precautions to be taken with RF and control equipment.

· Antennas side mounted on a tower with a face of 12 feet and a curtain of vertically hung RF transmission lines suffer a minor degradation of antenna pattern symmetry.

Q: Who owns the candelabra and transmitter building?

A: The candelabra is owned by Rib Mountain Communications, Joint Venture. The RMCJV is composed of 4 member entities with disproportionate shares:

· The Wisconsin Educational Communications Board (WHRM TV/DT, WHRM (FM), and WLBL-FM)

· Quincy Newspapers, Inc. (WAOW-TV/DT)

· Gray Television, Inc. (WSAW-TV/DT)

· Midwest Communications, Inc. [WDEZ (FM), WIFC (FM)]

The transmitter building is owned by the Wisconsin Educational Communications Board. (ECB) , a State of Wisconsin agency.

Q: What is the arrangement between the RMRA and the RMCJV and ECB?

A: Currently, the RMRA is on the tower gratis of the RMCJV and in the building gratis of the ECB. A lease agreement with the RMJVC is pending. The RMRA does reimburse the ECB for electricity.

Q: Is it true that the RMCJV or ECB could demand the RMRA equipment be removed at any time?

A:Yes. This is the nature of a gratis arrangement with tower and/or building owners. However, this is essentially the same arrangement that has been in effect for 31 years, since .82 went on the air in 1973. The RMRA is confident the repeaters are secure provided that it and area Amateur Radio community in general remain good stewards of the privileges afforded them by the RMCJV and ECB.

Q: Is the RMRA looking at other sites?

A: Not at present for the main repeaters. However there are plans on the drawing board to expand the systems by using remote inputs in other communities. Sites for these satellite inputs are being studied.