Talking on the advanced 85 repeater is as easy as talking on any repeater. Simply push the talk button on your microphone and talk – it’s that easy! All complex switching between the repeater’s eight receivers is handled automatically.

The advanced 85 repeater is an open machine; you do not need a PL tone to access the repeater. However, to take full advantage of the repeater’s advanced coverage, you should set your radio to transmit a PL tone of 146.2 Hz. All modern two-meter radios have this feature, and transmitting this tone will allow you full access to all of the system’s remote receivers. Without this tone, your signal will be limited to the three receivers at the main repeater site. Note that during periods when the repeater’s "stray input eliminator" is active, you will need to transmit the PL tone to have access to the repeater.

It is recommended that you program your receiver’s CTCSS function to 146.2 Hz. This will eliminate many sources of local interference that enter your radio directly, i.e. signals not coming from the repeater. This is type of interference tends to open your receiver’s squelch with annoying noise bursts.

The NARC control operators can assist you if you have any questions.

The advanced 85 repeater consists of one central two-meter transmitter with eight separate two-meter receivers located at six independent receiver sites. These remote sites are linked back to the transmitter site via the 70 cm band. A receiver voting system selects the receiver with the best signal to noise ratio for rebroadcast by the repeater’s transmitter. Three of the eight receivers are located at the central transmitter site and operate in an open mode with dual squelch – no PL tone required for access. The remaining five receivers are located at remote locations; all five require PL tone for access. This greatly reduces stray pickup from other repeater regions.

ID #1 is the longer of two voice IDs and is used when the repeater has been at rest for a period in excess of ten minutes. When the repeater is keyed, the voice will send ID #1. This ID is longer than ID #2, and includes additional information about the repeater or other items of interest. This ID may change from time to time. Example: "THIS IS THE NARC W3YA REPEATER SYSTEM."

This is the shorter of the two voice IDs. If the repeater is in operation with a QSO in progress, and it is time to identify, the voice will send ID #2. This ID is short so as not to interfere with the QSO in progress. Example: "W3YA" This ID is also used as the final ID of the ten-minute ID period.

The CW ID is sent only if a repeater user transmits during voice ID. Example: The repeater sends, "W3YA/R" in international Morse code. The CW ID is also used during net operations.

The advanced 85 repeater supports multiple operational formats. This allows the repeater’s operating parameters to be tailored to specific communication applications. Each memory format can support independent IDs, messages, timer settings, and courtesy tones. Example: The voice ID may be suppressed during net operations. Each format has a unique courtesy tone, which is used to identify the repeater’s current format. Currently the advanced 85 repeater is programmed for the following operational formats:

Normal operation format

Net operation format

Stray-input noise reduction format

Severe weather alert format

Transmitter fault-alarm format

The advanced 85 repeater has the ability to generate unique courtesy tones depending on the repeater’s mode (format) of operation. The tones may consist of one to three tones played in sequence or may consist of spoken words. These tones change with the repeater’s usage and are currently set of as follows:

Normal Operation – 400 Hz short beep

Net Operation – 1000 Hz long beep

Stray-input reduction mode – 2 beeps of differing tones (800 Hz & 1000 Hz)

Severe Weather Alert format – 3 beeps (300, 600, 900 Hz)

Transmitter Fault Alarm – 1 short beep and 1 long beep (700 Hz) - like Morse code "A"

From time to time, stray inputs from other repeater regions will plague any repeater. This interference is characterized by a weak signal that continually brings up the repeater. Typically you can hear only one side of a conversation. This interference can go on for several hours. The advanced 85 repeater has two features to eliminate this type of interference. First, the three open receivers incorporate dual squelch. This is where weak signals of distant origination require PL to access the system, and strong, local signals do not require PL. Second, during periods of severe interference, any control operator can switch the three open receivers to PL access. This eliminates stray-input interference by insuring that the repeater accepts only signals intended for the State College repeater. The system automatically reverts back to open access after one hour, and a control operator can reset the system manually. This mode of repeater operation is indicated by a dual courtesy tone.

The advanced 85 repeater has a multi-function scheduler that fully automates repeater operation. The scheduler contains a twenty-four-hour clock and a yearly calendar that permit repeater events to be scheduled to the minute. An example is to automatically change the repeater’s format to net-operation format during scheduled nets such as the ARES/RACES Sunday night net. In addition, the clock and calendar are user available for querying the time and date.

The advanced 85 repeater has its own voice. Sounding somewhat mechanical, the repeater has a vocabulary of 475 words. The repeaters voice is used to announce repeater formats, IDs, alarms, autopatch calls, time/date information, and confirm commands.

NARC informational bulletins are user available on call. The advanced 85 repeater records bulletins in non-volatile digital memory. Three bulletins are normally active, but the number may vary from time to time. The scheduler can broadcast bulletin announcements on a programmed schedule.

The advanced 85 repeater has a full feature autopatch with 911 emergency call provisions. During normal use, the autopatch will announce the telephone number of the party being called, and then dial the number. In addition, there is a one hundred position speed dial feature, which can announce the call sign or the telephone number being called when accessed. Long distance call protection is built-in. The emergency autopatch has memory for five emergency numbers.

In addition to the normal transmitter and power amplifier, the advanced 85 repeater incorporates a back-up transmitter that automatically switches on-line if a fault is detected in the primary transmitter. Fault criteria are determined by forward and reflected power as well as power supply conditions. The repeater’s voice will periodically announce an alarm condition.

The advanced 85 repeater has an interface to the NOAA weather broadcast system. When a severe weather alert is broadcast by the NOAA weather service, the repeater will re-broadcast the warning. The repeater will periodically announce the nature of the warning during the alert period determined by NOAA. The alert can be cancelled by a control operator, which may be done to eliminate interference to Skywarn nets.

The advanced 85 repeater is operated for the Nittany Amateur Radio Club of State College, Pa. System control is provided via 70 cm radio link, telephone, and two-meter backup. A control team monitors repeater operation, maintains equipment, and offers assistance to repeater users. Repeater use, policies, and rules are determined by the Nittany Amateur Radio Club.

The advanced 85 repeater has many user features designed to enhance your communications experience. The following is a list of these features and how to use them.

Key-up, and enter the time of day access code ( 8 * ). Un-key, and the voice synthesizer will announce the time. Example: The voice will say: "THE TIME IS 2:30 PM - GOOD AFTERNOON."

Key-up, and enter the DTMF keypad testing code ( 5 * ) followed by the keypad numbers and letters to be tested. The entries can be in any order. Un-key, and the voice will read-back all numbers and letters that were decoded including the "STAR" and "POUND". Note: The "D" key cannot be tested because it is reserved for control operations.

Key-up and enter the Signal Report code ( 7 * ). Un-key, and the voice will say:

"START TEST NOW". Key-up again and speak for up to seven seconds. Un-key and the repeater will play back your transmission exactly as it is heard on the repeater. You instantly know how your signal sounds through the repeater.

Key-up, and enter the autopatch access code ( 2 * ) followed by the telephone number. Do not un-key between the 2 * access code and the telephone number. Un-key, and the voice will read back the phone number. The dial tone will be confirmed and then the phone number will be dialed. A series of beeps will be generated to indicate dialing-in-progress. If the number read-back is incorrect, enter the autopatch disconnect code right after the read-back or after the beeps. This will terminate the autopatch and prevent a wrong number.

Autopatch Phone Number Read Back Suppression: To suppress the phone number read back, key-click your microphone when you hear the voice say: "AUTOPATCH". The repeater will skip the read-back and will immediately start to dial the number.

To terminate (end) the autopatch, key-up, enter the autopatch termination code ( 2 * ), and announce "autopatch clear." Un-key, and the autopatch will terminate with a voice announcement. Example: "AUTOPATCH COMPLETED."

Key-up, and enter the emergency number ( 911 ). Un-key, and the voice will read back "Centre County Emergency 911 access" after which the repeater will dial the number. You may also dial ( 2 * 911 ).

The advanced 85 repeater can dial the following emergency services by entering the 900 series codes as listed. Simply key in the three-digit number to access these services.

910 – Huntingdon County Emergency Dispatch Center

911 – Centre County 911 Emergency Dispatch Center

912 – Pennsylvania State Police, Rockview Division

913 - Centre County Non-Emergency police assistance

914 – Penn State Campus Police

Key-up, and enter the speed dial access code ( * ) followed by the two-digit speed dial number. Un-key, and the voice will read back the personalized call letters assigned to that speed dial location, and then dial the telephone number. The speed dial number consists of the speed dial code, and a two digit number 01 through 99. Speed dial numbers are assigned by the autopatch control operator. Contact a member of the control operator team for assignment of a speed dial number and personalized call sign identifier.

Each autopatch call is limited to three minutes, after which the timer will expire and the autopatch will terminate. Warning beeps indicate the timer is about to expire. In addition, the autopatch has a 30 second activity timer in which the autopatch user must key their microphone every 30 seconds, or the autopatch will terminate. This protects against the autopatch user driving out of range. During special operations the autopatch timer will be extended as needed.

If during an autopatch, additional time is needed, key-up and send the timer extend code ( * 1 ). This will reset the autopatch timer, and the voice will say: "AUTOPATCH TIMER RESET"

The reverse autopatch is used only during a declared emergency. At that time, the Office of Emergency Management may use the reverse autopatch to coordinate emergency operations.

NARC items of interest, such as meeting notices, testing sessions, social functions, or emergency information, can be accessed via the advanced 85 repeater’s bulletin announcement service. Three bulletins are normally active. Bulletin #1 pertains to regularly scheduled NARC events, i.e. membership and board meeting notices. Bulletin #2 pertains to items of special interest, such as testing sessions, special meetings, field day, etc. Bulletin #3 pertains to the "Coffee Call" ham radio breakfast. Bulletins are user accessed and on call 24 hours a day. To access bulletin #1, key up and press ( BB1 ). Un-key and the repeater will play the bulletin. Bulletin #2 is accessed by keying ( BB2 ), and Bulletin #3 is accessed by keying ( BB3 ). All bulletins automatically reset when finished. In addition to on-call access, all three bulletins are broadcast Monday through Saturday at 7:15 PM. Bulletin announcements are updated frequently.