REPEATERS
The Northern Alberta Radio Club aims to host repeaters for all modes and bands our members want to use. We have a variety of analog and digital modes available, as well as our main RF-linked VE6HM repeater system. Below is some information on our repeaters. A table with frequencies, status, and other information is at the bottom of the page.
The VE6HM Linked Analog Repeater System
VE6HM
Named after C. Harris (4HM, VE4HM, VE6HM) and located at the club site (often referred to as HM or VE6HM after this set of repeaters). The 70cm VE6HM repeater is the backbone of our linked repeater system, used for all of our RF links. It is also available on 1.25m, 2m, and 6m, typically linked, but can be unlinked on-demand from the rest of the system. The 1.25m repeater is also used for some status messages from the controller.
The VE6HM 6m repeater is currently down due to a hardware failure. If there is interest in renewing 6m capability, please let us know!
VE6JN
VE6JN is currently located at the River Cree Casino and Resort to provide extended coverage to West Edmonton and fill in the gaps between VE6HM and VE6LRN. It is connected directly to the VE6HM repeater system on 70cm and is usually linked but can be unlinked on-demand.
VE6UV
Previously located on the University of Alberta campus, it provided extended coverage in Central Edmonton. We hope to return it to the University campus to help encourage involvement in Amateur Radio.
VE6LRN
The VE6LRN repeater is located in Highvale, South of Lake Wabamun. It is located at a site previously owned by Environment and Climate Change Canada, now owned by NARC, and it is still used today to broadcast the Weather Radio service. The 2m repeater at this site provides coverage West of Edmonton. It is connected directly to the VE6HM repeater system on 70cm and is usually linked but can be unlinked on-demand
VE6PLP
Just east of Pigeon Lake, the VE6PLP repeater covers the south of Edmonton into the Wetaskiwin area. The callsign stands for Pigeon Lake Packet and comes from one of its original functions as a packet node. It is connected directly to the VE6HM repeater system on 70cm and is usually linked but can be unlinked on-demand.
VE6TNC
This repeater, once located near Elk Island National Park, where it provided excellent coverage, is no longer in service. We no longer have access to its previous site, so it will remain off-air until a new location is found.
Digital Repeaters
VE6VPR
VE6VPR is a DMR repeater linked to the DMR-MARC repeater network. It was the first DMR repeater in Alberta and still runs strong today. DMR offers many benefits over traditional FM, such as time slots, allowing two concurrent conversations on a single repeater. For more information, check our DMR page or the CANTRBO website.
VE6EMS
VE6EMS is also a DMR repeater, however, it is instead linked to the BrandMeister network, which has over 6000 repeaters in various countries. BrandMeister also supports APRS or GPS over DMR with GPS-enabled and supported radios. For more information, check our DMR page and our BrandMeister DMR page.
VE6KM
Operating on 2m, 70cm, and 23cm, the VE6KM D-STAR repeater allows users of D-STAR compatible radios to talk worldwide, send files and messages, and even access the internet via the 23cm data repeater. This system is being upgraded to the latest D-STAR gateway server to resolve some long-standing issues, so please bear with us as some disruptions to normal use are expected.
VE6MC - NEW!
Our newest addition, VE6MC is a Project 25 digital repeater. Project 25, also known as P25 or APCO-25, is a mode developed for public safety in North America, although it is also used in commercial applications. P25 is used in the AFRRCS communication system, which supports first responders across Alberta. Most P25 radios are commercial-grade and commonly single-band, so make sure your radio can operate in the Amateur 70cm band.
VE6WXX
Located at the main club site, this Yaesu System Fusion C4FM system has recently been brought back into full WIRES-X service. It provides access to worldwide communication via various talk rooms and data transfer for photos and messages. VE6WXX can be used from any Yaesu System Fusion-capable radio, with no registration required.
Other Repeaters
VE6NC
The VE6NC repeater is located in our emergency communications trailer, NARCPAC III. It houses a portable VHF repeater and a 15-meter-high deployable tower with an HF beam, HF dipoles, VHF, and UHF antennas. It may be operated from a portable generator or internal batteries. While not generally linked to the VE6HM repeater system, it hosts a link radio, which can be used if needed.
VE6VPR Autopatch
The VE6VPR 2m repeater used to provide autopatch service at the main NARC site, allowing users to make local phone calls via radio. However, due to declining interest in this service and a hardware failure rendering the repeater inoperable, it was taken off the air in 2022.
Repeater Information and Frequencies
If you've noticed any issues not listed above, please contact us. We really appreciate it!