On May 11th, 2025, the Iola Amateur Radio Club lost access to its repeater site as the tower the equipment was located on would no longer be available for use to the club, and the equipment was subsequently removed. Shortly after, club member and treasurer Gale Jeffers, KD0GHA (SK), assembled the equipment at his home location. While this was sufficient to get the repeater back on the air, coverage was sparse and limited. Discussions for a new location with improved coverage were opened, including the possibility of space on the county radio tower. After many deliberations and conversations between necessary parties, it was decided that direction would not be financially available. Chase Riebel, KF0GFE, club member and secretary, put forth the option of installing the tower, equipment, and shack (already being stored at his home) on land at his property. Members agreed that this was the best option, and plans began moving forward for the installation.
Then tragedy struck.
On January 27, 2025, an early morning fire at Gale’s house destroyed the home including all the equipment used for the repeater. Sadly, Gale also lost his life in the fire.
Subsequent club meetings discussed the equipment needs, including “new” radios, a duplexer for the FM repeater as well as new hardline cable and the need for concrete for the tower base. Also discussed has been the equipment needed for backup solar/battery power in the event of a loss of power at Chase’s residence. Since then, Steve has acquired a new radio for the FM repeater, as well as locating what is believed to be the original radios used for the FM repeater.
At the May monthly meeting, members met at Chase’s home for a cookout/meeting to discuss and decide on the possible location for the new tower donated by member and club president Steve Green, KD0JLE. A spot on the property was decided upon.
Below is an estimated coverage map generated by Radio Mobile Online. This map is merely an estimate of the potential coverage area. Actual coverage area will depend on the exact antenna and its gain, surrounding terrain, height above ground and other factors. Known values were entered where possible, and default or commonly known values used for those that weren’t.
Where we are currently as of this post:
- The support cage for the concrete base for the tower has been constructed and delivered to Chase’s house.
- The hole for the tower base still needs to be dug out and concrete poured for the base and possible slab for the shack. Cost and a vendor for the concrete is still being looked into.
- A duplexer for the FM radio still needs to be purchased/acquired and tuned to our FM frequency pair.
- The shack building needs to be moved to the new spot on the property and electric connected
- Solar/battery backup equipment is currently being researched.
- Jeremy Utley, NQ0M, has brought up the option of using his current UHF repeater equipment once the tower is in place. It will need to be sent back to the factory to be setup for the club UHF repeater frequency pair but says it’s not a difficult or long process.
Hopefully it won’t be too much longer before the repeater is back up and running.