Eastern Colorado Repeater Association’s Repeater Systems - and “Why?”

As of January 2025, the Eastern Colorado Repeater Association (ECRA) is proud to operate a VHF/UHF repeater system located in Eastern El Paso County, Colorado. This system is anticipated to be designated as "System 1" in the summer of 2025, marking the beginning of ECRA’s extensive plans for growth.

"System 1" will serve as the first of three planned UHF/VHF systems, featuring advanced capabilities such as Automatic Packet Reporting System (APRS), AllStar, Echolink, and Digital Mobile Radio (DMR). Alongside these developments, ECRA is preparing for future expansion, which includes the addition of a 10-meter repeater(s), 220 MHz repeater(s), and various innovative experimental repeater functions not currently available in Colorado, including those on the Front Range.

ECRA is committed to fostering collaboration with existing eastern Colorado repeater systems, both independent and those operated by clubs and organizations in the region. The goal is to create a cohesive network that enhances communication across eastern Colorado. See, ECRA's founders saw the potential for effective communication in a challenging landscape that many organizations overlooked. They proved that establishing a robust communications infrastructure is essential despite perceived difficulties. By utilizing expertise in radio frequency propagation and advanced modeling, ECRA plans to strategically place repeaters to enhance coverage and accessibility.

Additionally, ECRA aims to leverage its network to provide support for local communities and municipalities, offering a backup means of communication for their respective networks. ECRA is dedicated to engaging in initiatives that contribute to the well-being and growth of these communities.

Moreover, the association has garnered support from representatives of the National Weather Service, SKYWARN, and various Amateur Radio Emergency Service (ARES) and Emergency Management offices across Colorado. ECRA recognizes the need for representation and communication resources in the underserved region of eastern Colorado. The association is determined to ensure that this region benefits similarly to the well-funded clubs and repeater systems available along the Front Range of Colorado.

ECRA remains steadfast in its mission to enhance communication and community engagement throughout eastern Colorado.

ECRA’s current VHF/UHF system is in an ongoing, rigorous ‘testing’ phase in a low power state. We plan to have this system permanently installed at its location, on a 65-75’ tower in eastern El Paso County in the Summer of 2025 with a vast reach across Eastern Colorado!

The ‘testing system’ is currently open to the ECRA membership for use and will be “open” for general use after its final installation and testing, officially becoming “System 1”.

Through the current ‘testing system’, we do have our first Allstar Node online, Allstar Node #64160. Feel free to connect and say “Hi”! All of ECRAs future three systems, and those of collaborating existing systems, will be interconnected through Allstar hence, “You can talk from Eastern Colorado, all the way to the West!”

Plans for “System 2” and “System 3” will follow in addition to ongoing discussions with both existing repeater systems and eastern Colorado clubs, in advancing their own systems to integrate and link with ECRAs. This section will be updated as soon as we start system installation and upgrades

We will certainly be updating our social media, https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61571071976269 and our website here with more information, pictures and video once we are well underway. Stay tuned!