Eastern Colorado Repeater Association -ECRA

05/29/2025

@ 1 lightning strike update:

A third bench test of System 1's Amplifier was conducted this morning, followed by the VHF repeater, which had already been on the bench previously since the lightning strike:

We have concluded that the VHF amplifier is non repairable: The four MOSFETs, the output transistors, two ICU chips and the IF power circuits are damaged. We looked into the cost of replacement components and the cost of replacing the components is almost as much as the amplifiers' worth, used.

Now, for the System 1 VHF repeater: Upon taking it back to the bench and putting it on the service monitor, our SINAD and Receiver front end tests are showing disappointing results and the receivers front-end does appear to be affected to some extent, the tolerance specifications for the receiver are border line and we'll continue to troubleshoot the VHF repeater this evening.

If you would like to support ECRA in the purchase of a replacement VHF amplifier, please see our webpage at:
https://www.ecra-coloradohamradio.org/ecras-gofundme

Contributors are also eligible for the "ECRA Founding Members" initiative-> https://www.facebook.com/share/p/1A8uxPEkCn/

We sincerely appreciate everyone's support, we'll get past this. Nothing will get in the way of progress and forward momentum!

`73's

05/25/2025

📡 ECRA Meets with Yuma Stakeholders 📡

Hey there !

Just a quick update from the Eastern Colorado Repeater Association (ECRA) —

On Friday, Matt (KD0QLY) and Bryan (KB9UZO) had the privilege of meeting with representatives and stakeholders from the City of Yuma Colorado and County of Yuma to discuss ECRA’s mission, goals, and expansion into the region.

The meeting was a success, and ECRA is honored by the warm welcome and opportunity to work alongside the Yuma community.

We look forward to this collaboration as we continue our mission to bridge the communication gap across Eastern Colorado, supporting residents, travelers and communities!

🙏 Thank you again to the City of Yuma Colorado and county officials for hosting us!

Also remember:

June 1 @ 3 PM — ECRA's First In-Person Meet-N-Greet
Village Inn, Colorado Springs
RSVP or request directions — just reach out!

June 7 @ 7 PM — ECRA Business Meeting
Message us if you’d like to attend.

Have a safe and meaningful Memorial Day weekend!

73s from the ECRA!

05/19/2025

System 1 Tower Pedestal/Platform update!

Happy Monday everyone!
This past Saturday was another ECRA workday and we made some significant progress with System 1's tower pedestal and semi-permanent platform fabrication.

ECRAs Vice Chair, Matt KD0QLY, worked feverishly welding the remaining pedestal components along with the test-fit of the pedestal to the platform. We are about 80% complete, with the next step(s) being mounting the tilt over winch and then test-fitting the tower to the pedestal!

After the tower-to-pedestal test fitting is completed, we will begin the rest of the maintenance on the tower itself followed by the 'final move' to System 1's site.

After that, the real fun begins … We're getting close folks!
We're going to need additional help from our ECRA membership with the final assembly and installation on site, so please consider lending us a hand.

Thank you to all those supporting ECRA and its mission!

https://gofund.me/ec8637a0

~73's

05/14/2025

🚨 Big Thanks to Two Incredible Supporters of ECRA! 🚨

We’re thrilled to recognize and thank two individuals whose generosity has pushed System 1 significantly forward:

🔹 Mark, KF0BZM – A neighbor from Kansas and now an official 'ECRA Founding Member'! Mark’s recent donation is helping us complete the tower installation and assembly for System 1. His support proves that ECRA’s mission reaches beyond just Eastern Colorado — it benefits our neighboring states and all who travel through the region. Thank you, Mark!

🔹 Chris, N1FSX – We met with Chris the other weekend and Chris donated several key pieces of equipment, including something we’ve sorely needed: a VHF amplifier and matching power supply for System 1’s repeater. These now sit proudly installed in our repeater rack —ensuring System 1's coverage across the area. Thank you, Chris!

If you're interested in becoming an, "ECRA Founding Member", please reach out. You can also contribute directly to our GoFundMe at: https://gofund.me/3a2bc70a

🔧 As a side note: System 1’s tower base/platform fabrication is still in progress, and we expect to be working on it again this coming weekend. If you're nearby and want to lend a hand, let us know — your help makes a difference!

To everyone supporting us-> Thank you for standing with ECRA as we bridge the communications gap across Eastern Colorado and beyond.

We’re getting close!

~73

05/08/2025

It’s Official — ECRA’s First In-Person Meet ’n’ Greet is Happening!

After much anticipation, our first-ever ECRA In-Person Meet ’n’ Greet has been rescheduled and locked in!

🗓 Date: Sunday, June 1st, 2025
🕒 Time: 3:00 PM
📍 Location: Village Inn – Colorado Springs, CO

If you wish to join us, please reach out and let us know, we'll get you the directions ASAP

Come say hi, grab a bite, and help us kick off the summer with community and camaraderie.

Looking forward to seeing and meeting everyone!

Send a message to learn more

05/06/2025

Today System 2, Yuma’s VHF repeater arrived! Will be putting it on the bench for a service check soon. We’re well on our way towards great things for Eastern Colorado!

05/06/2025

📣 ECRA SUMMER BUSINESS MEETING – JUNE 7th at 7PM MST

Hey everyone!

We’re skipping our regular May membership meeting because it’s time for one of ECRA’s two annual Business Meetings — and you're invited!

Please reach out to us if you would like the link to attend ECRAs summer 2025 business meeting.

While we’ll touch on some items from past membership meetings, along with some current topics, this Business Meeting is focused on operational topics, funding, and the organizational direction of ECRA.

— 73 from all of us at ECRA

05/03/2025

🎉 New ECRA Supporters – Thank You!

The Eastern Colorado Repeater Association (ECRA) would like to extend a heartfelt thank you to two recent supporters whose generosity and collaboration help advance our mission:

🔹 Breck Cunningham (KE0ORF)
Breck is ECRA’s most recent ECRA Founding Member. His generous donation supports the continued build-out of System 1, targeted for Summer 2025 completion. We welcome Breck to the ECRA family and deeply appreciate his contribution to helping expand critical amateur radio infrastructure in Eastern Colorado.

🔹 Sean McClory – OceanlinkComms, https://www.ebay.com/usr/oceanlinkcomms
Sean has been incredibly helpful in working with ECRA to acquire key equipment for our Eastern Colorado repeater network expansion. His support and flexibility demonstrate a genuine commitment to the ham community and to grassroots efforts like ours. We’re honored to have him as part of our support circle.

We thank everyone who supports ECRA’s mission to bridge the communication gap in Eastern Colorado. Your donations, collaboration, and comradery ensure we keep growing stronger as a community-driven organization.

👉 Want to support ECRA?
Find out how to become an ECRA Founding Member or contribute toward our repeater installations:
🔗 https://gofund.me/64b1e7ca

~73

05/02/2025

Hey everyone!

Progress continues on System 1, it’s coming along. We also appreciate everyone who showed up to last week’s ECRA membership meeting, hope to meet everyone real soon!

We’ll continue on the remainder of the towers pedestal/base/platform fabrication and keep you folks up to date 👍

04/26/2025

🚨 Reminder! 🚨
The Eastern Colorado Repeater Association (ECRA) Membership Meeting is TONIGHT!

If you're interested in joining our virtual meeting tonight, please send us a message or email :)

We’ll be discussing:

- Important updates
- Exciting expansion plans
- 'ECRA Founding Members' initiative details
- System 1 updates and progress
- Membership growth
- Progress on tower pedestal/base fabrication
- Answering your questions,
- And ways for YOU to get involved as we continue our mission in bridging the communication gaps and fostering community across Eastern Colorado!

Hope to see you there! 73

Send a message to learn more