Virginia's Amateur DMR Linked Repeater Network
Virginia's Amateur DMR Linked Repeater Network
DMRVA is a Virginia-based, Commonwealth-focused digital mobile radio linked repeater system for amateur radio. For updates on the status of the system and repeaters, check the posts below often.
If you have questions please drop us a line.
73,
Jay – KD4BPZ
James – K4JK
A new talkgroup matrix has been published for all users. This covers small changes to the system including the addition of the Goochland repeater, the VHF repeater in Roanoke/Salem and other small tweaks. The Linden repeater has been off the air for a few months due to a lightning strike and we are working with the admin to see if we can assist with restoring that system. For the moment it has been removed from the matrix. We are always looking for new areas of the state to add coverage. Feel free to drop us a line if you have ideas.
We have learned about the recent passing of Sammy (Simmons) K4MJO. Sammy operated the South Hill site and played a prominent role in expanding DMR to this and other areas of Southside Virginia. Sammy was a friend to all on the air and was also involved with numerous other repeater projects for many years. We will certainly miss his involvement in the hobby. The South Hill repeater site will continue to operate without interruption.
The K2VIZ 443.4375 MHz (CC1) repeater located in the Gum Springs area of Goochland has joined the network. Testing with a mobile radio has demonstrated coverage from Ferncliff (Louisa County) to Rockville (Goochland) along I-64. This repeater will bring coverage to other areas in Goochland, including Shannon Hill, Gum Springs and Hadensville including routes 250 and 33.
The TG line up is the standard DMRVA talkgroup including Richmond Metro. This system enhances the coverage around metro Richmond, complementing the existing sites such as Beaverdam, Richmond, Petersburg, Powhatan and New Kent. Look for an updated talkgroup matrix to be published shortly.
8/13/2024 update: all links are restored and operating properly.
Previous post from late July: Most links between DMRVA and N4HRS sites are experiencing issues at the moment. This is impacting all N4HRS sites with the exception of NRV, South Boston and Rocky. Virginia Statewide works to all DMRVA repeaters and to external networks (like K4USD) but is not passing to N4HRS at this time. This includes TAC channels and others. We hope to have this resolved soon.
A second VHF repeater is now connected to the DMRVA network. The WB4EOT 147.165+ MHz system (CC1) is operating from Fort Lewis Mountain overlooking Salem. This system should provide superior coverage to the Roanoke valley and beyond. Pictured are WB8BON and W4KDN working on securing the DB-224 antenna at an elevation of approximately 3222 feet. It is attached to a Motorola SLR5700 repeater. The local talkgroup will be linked full time to Mountain Lake, Poor Mountain, Tinker Mountain (HEARS) and Long Ride (Brandmeister) sites to provide comprehensive connectivity in the region. Make sure to take a look at the coverage map to see what you can expect! Thanks to W4KZK, KD4EG, W4KDN, WB8BON, and N4MGQ for contributing to significant coverage in this part of Virginia.
July 2024: system network connection is restored and repeater is fully operational!
Spring has sprung across most of Virginia and just like you are at home, we are busy making spring improvements on the largest linked repeater network in Virginia. The South Boston area repeater is moving to a new repeater site that is significantly higher than the previous site (now at 300 ft level). This new site near the town of Halifax will offer significant coverage to most of Halifax county, south into area of North Carolina and also to areas along route 360 and 29 that previously had no coverage at all. Take a look at the proposed (mobile) coverage map and see what you can expect in this area. This move also includes a frequency change to 443.575 MHz and the color code will also be CC 9. A repeater is active from the site now and we request any coverage reports or observations. The old frequency of 443.1125 MHz will be retired soon so you have a little time to handle reprogramming of your gear for this change (and we can update all of the documents on the website as well). The talkgroup lineup will remain the same. Please join us in celebrating this improvement to the system!
The K4MJO repeater located in South Hill had been operating on a backup (and directional) antenna for an extended period of time due to damaged feedline that occurred during maintenance at the site. Over the weekend, a team was able to restore the repeater to normal operation on a Telewave ANT-450 antenna at the site. The antenna and repeater system were tested and noted to have improved performance. Thanks to WB4EOT and KO4YXG for supporting these repairs. This system operates on 444.7875 MHz on CC1 with the standard talkgroup line up. As always please reach out if you have coverage reports or other observations about repeaters on the network.
Note: issue resolved Monday around 10am.
All links between DMRVA and Brandmeister are currently down due to an outage at the provider that hosts their 3104 server. They have been down since about 3pm today and there is no ETA currently. Traffic between our repeater sites is not impacted, of course. This post will be updated when a resolution occurs.
The W4HFH/R Alexandria repeater on 442.4125 MHz has been connected to the DRMVA repeater network since 2017. The team recently made a switch from DSL to Firstnet cellular service for their system which should provide users significant network stability. Click here to see a (mobile) coverage map for this repeater.
2024 will mark the eighth year of the DMRVA system which has grown each year to provide coverage to users in Virginia. Our linked repeater system is 100% digital and is uniquely operated by a mix of individuals, clubs, staff from DMRVA and now with collaboration from N4HRS as we bring two networks closer together to create the best experience for DMR users.
So, it was time to publish a new talkgroup list and system info. The 2024 Virginia Talkgroup Matrix lists the combined 28 repeaters between DMRVA and N4HRS systems and all available talkgroups. On all repeaters you will find the local, echotest and VA Statewide talkgroups active at all times along with several PTT talkgroups. The list of available talkgroups has been revised to emphasize Virginia centric capabilities, including access to regional TG’s in various parts of the state. You’ll have access to several nets throughout the week including the new Virginia Statewide net, SWVA net and the Tidewater net.
Several legacy TG’s have been retired and removed from the system as they were no longer active or the feeds from outside networks had been deprecated. If they were previously programmed into your radios, you can remove them as they will no longer pass traffic. These TG’s are PRN, Tac 1, 310, 318, 319, DCI Bridge, MidAtlantic, and Southeast.
If you have questions, please click to contact us or join the Virginia Statewide Net each Sunday starting January 2024. Happy Holidays!