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In the mid 1980's Clark Magness (NI1U) decided to build a repeater system that would serve both the amateur population as well as the civic and emergency needs of the local communities. His first repeater was located at his home, and was designed according to Clark’s philosophy of constant upgrading and improvement.
In 1992, the repeater was rebuilt as a 100w GE MASTR-II and located atop KM1R's 200ft commercial tower on the 675ft above sea level of Totoket Ridge in North Guilford, CT.
Unfortunately Clark became a silent key in 1996. With his XYL Kathy (N1KGO), plans were made to perpetuate Clark’s ideals as well as provide for the preservation and ongoing operation of the repeater system. In 1997 the Guilford Radio Society was formed, and Clarks call sign, NI1U, became the Club call.
Dave (N1OFJ) who worked on the system for years with Clark, took over the technical aspects of the system, while Mike (KM1R) became the trustee. Improvements such as a 250 watt power amplifier were installed as well as improvements in the receiver voting system.
In late 2003 the 449.475 repeater was converted over to Motorola equipment, utilizing the Henry 250 watt power amplifier, giving almost total statewide coverage.
In the spring of 2004, a comment was made that NI1U should "have a 900 machine". Taking that cue, Dave (N1OFJ) designed and built a 927 Mhz repeater within weeks, and the repeater was installed at the Totoket site using an abandoned 927 Mhz paging antenna. The system, similar to 449.475, is all Motorola, and utilized a MICOR power amplifier, at about 35 watts output. Coverage with the 927 machine is roughly equal to the 449 Mhz machine, as well as giving solid coverage on Long Island.
Both repeater systems are constantly being improved and upgraded as ideas are made reality and equipment becomes available. Check out the details of each repeater on their specific pages.
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