Ham Repeater Update

Posted: June 20, 2026 | Author: | Filed under: Uncategorized | Tags: , | Leave a comment

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

Get your ham license

Posted: April 5, 2019 | Author: | Filed under: Travel | Tags: , | Leave a comment

Ham radio use has come a long way on the Rubicon over the last decade.

The Rubicon Trail Foundation, driven by Dennis Mayer, has made sure there is a year-round repeater system in the Rubicon valley. This allows any Rubicon Trail user to use a ham radio to reach out to Sacramento and the Tahoe area with a handheld radio.

This system has literally saved lives since it’s installation.

Do you have your ham license? Do you want to get it?

July 19-21, at the Boomtown Casino in Nevada, the Nevada State Amateur Radio Convention will be held. Website: NVCON.org

On Saturday, July 20th, you can do a one day ham cram. The class is from 8am-3:30pm with the test immediately following. This is the quickest way to get your license.

Also at the convention are vendors, forums and a ham swap meet.

If you have the time, check it out.