RATS Updates: DMR System Changes, New DMR Net, Winter Field Day

[RATS General Mailbox]

Richmond Amateur Telecommunications Society

General Announcement

Attention DMR Users:  New DMRVA/N4HRS Talkgroup Lineup, new Weekly DMR Net

DMRVA now has a formal partnership with the HEARS/N4HRS system, creating a network of 28 linked repeaters with more planned in 2024.  This has resulted in numerous changes to the talkgroup lineup on DMRVA and N4HRS repeaters.  DMRVA has published a new talk group list at https://www.dmrva.org/talkgroups/

The new lineup eliminates a bunch of older talkgroups that are no longer in use and refocuses on Virginia regional communications.

The RATS DMR Codeplug project is back in operation.  Go to rats.net/codeplugs to download the latest updates.  All official RATS codeplugs have been refreshed with the new talkgroup configuration and expanded network coverage.  You can continue to use your existing codeplugs, but several talkgroups are no longer in service.  For more information, see this announcement from DMRVA.

A new weekly net will be held on Virginia Statewide (3151) Sunday nights at 9 PM, starting January 7.  The first net will be called by Darrell KI4LLA from Roanoke.  This net can be heard on all 28 DMRVA + N4HRS repeaters, including our W4RAT 443.5875 MHz repeater.

For additional information, visit:

https://www.dmrva.org/
http://www.n4hrs.org/

https://www.rats.net/dmr

or contact your Technical Committee at tech...@rats.net.

Combined DMRVA + HEARS linked system map as of December 23, 2023.  Locations guesstimated.  RVA Metro sites in orange.

Winter Field Day 2024 - January 27 & 28 at Pocahontas State Park

RATS will be returning to Pocahontas State Park for Winter Field Day and we need your help to make this event a success.  Volunteers are needed to assist with the setup and tear-down of radios, antennas, and other equipment, and the transport of club equipment to and from our storage unit near Chesterfield Town Center.  Club member input is needed at the upcoming Board and Membership meetings - January 3 and 19 - so please mark your calendar and try to attend.

If you can volunteer your time to assist with the operation of this event please contact Jeff Walton KN4SYE at pres...@rats.net.

Learn more about Winter Field Day at https://winterfieldday.org/

Next Meetings

Board Meeting - Wednesday, January 3 at 6:30 PM
Membership Meeting - Friday, January 19 at 7:30 PM

Weekly Club Net - Every Wednesday evening at 7 PM on the W4RAT 146.88 MHz repeater

Meetings are held via Zoom.  See rats.net/meetings for current details.

You can find video and minutes from recent meetings at rats.net/minutes.