The system consists of a Kenwood TKR-820, a CAT-250 controller and Motorola duplexers as the base hardware. After the initial install I added a preamp from Angle Linear. It's one of the best if not the best you can get. I also installed a couple of bandpass filters by DB Products before the preamp. Adding these to the setup has greatly improved the receive of the system. I would suggest putting bandpass filtering if you're considering the use of a preamp. Otherwise the preamp may just increase your noise floor. An amp fromTPL has the system putting out about 35 watts. It's adequate for what it's intended for. Another important and sometimes an overlooked component of a repeater system is the transmission line. I use 7/8" Heliax and 1/2" for jumpers.
Coverage is the Sacramento Valley. It also covers parts of the San Francisco Bay Area. It works great by the Fisherman's Wharf even with an HT. It's an open repeater and everyone is welcome to use it. The frequency is 442.850 + with a PL of 146.2 hz. It is also networked via Echolink to other repeaters in Southern and Central California. The network also covers Las Vegas, New York City and other countries.
For questions about the system please contact me or John, KG6POM the control op.
