Ole Virginia Hams Repeaters

The club operates two VHF repeaters and a UHF repeater which provide communications coverage for Northern Virginia, including Prince William County and the neighboring areas of Loudoun, Fauquier, and Fairfax Counties. The 2-meter (146.970- MHz), 1.25-meter (224.66- MHz), and 70-cm (442.200+ MHz) repeaters are located at the Northern Virginia Electric Co-op (NOVEC) building.

See pictures and descriptions of the OVH Repeaters.


CallsignInputOutput
W4OVH146.370146.970
W4OVH223.060224.660
W4OVH447.200442.200

Note: A PL tone of 100 Hz has been added to the W4OVH 2-meter repeater due to interference we have been experiencing on the input frequency. Normally, the W4OVH 1.25-meter repeater is linked with the 2-meter repeater. When linked, a PL tone of 100 Hz is also required to operate the 1.25-meter repeater. With the upgrade to a new controller recently, all repeaters can now be linked/unlinked by control operators. Also, now the Autopatch is available on any of the repeaters (for club members only). And other features are available to club members, like time-of-day, repeater status (temperature inside/outside), and DTMF testing.

AUTOPATCH PROCEDURES

      Our repeater system is equipped with autopatch facilities which, when properly accessed, connect the repeater to the telephone system to provide a public service. The FCC forbids using an autopatch for anything that could be construed as business communications in which an amateur or his employer has financial interests. Nor should an autopatch be used to avoid a toll call. Do not use the autopatch where regular telephone services are available.

     To use the autopatch, first make sure the repeater is available, then identify yourself and your intent - "This is WX1XYZ, autopatch." Key in the autopatch access code (it's on the back of your membership card) and the TEN digit telephone number in one continuous transmission. The repeater will respond with a voiced "AP" followed by the telephone number. You MUST verify the number read back to you by "kerchunking" (momentarily key your transmitter).
NOTE: TEN digits must be dialed. You can verify the number any time from the announced "AP" until about 2 seconds after the number was read back. If the number read back is incorrect, DO NOTHING and the autopatch will abort. You can then redial the number.

     Transmit the pound sign (#) to hang up the autopatch. The timer is set for one minute during all autopatches; you must key your microphone at least once each minute or the autopatch will drop. The autopatch will normally be enabled during control operator monitoring period (6 AM to 11 PM). See the back of your current, paid-up OVH Membership card for the current Autopatch Access Code.

EMERGENCY AUTODIAL

     The autopatch has several Emergency Autodial numbers available to access Police and Fire. These numbers are available 24 hours a day; no access code is required and you terminate the call (hang up) by transmitting the pound sign (#). See the back of your current, paid-up OVH Membership card for these codes as well.