Ham Repeater Update

As most of you know, there is quite the repeater system along the Rubicon Trail. For years the repeater on the Rubicon was seasonal. Dennis Mayer, of the Rubicon Trail Foundation, headed the drive to make that repeater year-round.

The Rubicon repeater is privately owned, but the owner works very closely with RTF to upgrade and maintain the building and system. The RTF website has the best explanation of the systems now serving the Rubicon Trail.

www.RubiconTrailFoundation.com

In 2022, a GMRS repeater was added to the Rubicon repeater site.

Keeping this to the Tahoe side conversation, we have the 805 repeater, which I believe is above the Heavenly Valley ski area. That repeater is tied to the Eldorado 805 and if you’re using the ‘linked’ frequency and PL tone, you get the Rubicon repeater at Spider.

Please remember, this is not a dedicated Rubicon Trail only repeater. You’re hear people talking about everything. This particular repeater covers more than just the Lake Tahoe basin but can be used from the Nevada side of Heavenly as well. Think Minden and Gardnerville.

Three years ago, the equipment above Heavenly was rebuilt to Forest Service specifications. Unfortunately, not all of the upgrades were installed at that time. Life happens. Right now, those involved are headed up there to install a new receiver for the Tahoe 805 system.

I hear there had been a few dead spots where you could not consistently hit the Heavenly repeater.

Be assured that those involved are continuing to keep communications working for the Rubicon Trail.

Whether you prefer ham or GMRS, get out there and get a license, get a radio and stay in touch.

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Rubicon Ronin