Eastern Colorado Repeater Association’s Repeater Systems - and “Why?”

As of January 2025, the Eastern Colorado Repeater Association (ECRA) proudly operates a Amateur Radio, VHF/UHF repeater system in Peyton, Colorado, in Eastern El Paso County. Designated as “System 1,” the sites’ VHF repeater became fully operational September 1, 2025, being followed by the UHF repeater coming online early Fall of 2005, marking a key milestone in ECRA’s regional expansion. System 1 is the first of three planned VHF/UHF systems, featuring capabilities such as Automatic Packet Reporting System (APRS), AllStar, EchoLink, and more. ECRA is also preparing to add 10-meter and 220 MHz repeaters, along with some experimental technologies not currently found anywhere in Colorado—including along the Front Range.

In parallel, development of System 2 is underway and planned for deployment (approx. Fall 2026) in Yuma, Colorado. System 3 will follow in the Southeastern corner of Colorado. These three sites will form the backbone of the “ECRA Network”—a unified triad of primary systems designed to integrate with existing independent repeaters and club-operated infrastructure throughout eastern Colorado.

ECRA’s growing repeater network is also built to support local communities and municipalities by offering a backup communication layer for public service and emergency operations. Our mission extends beyond just radio coverage—we aim to contribute to the long-term resilience and growth of the communities we serve.

The goal of the ECRA Network is to establish a scalable, interoperable communication backbone that expands Amateur Radio coverage, enhances emergency response, and fosters collaboration across the region.

ECRA remains committed to building inclusive, innovative, and community-driven Amateur Radio systems throughout Eastern Colorado.

ECRA’s first VHF/UHF system, “System 1,” became operational and open for use as of September 1, 2025. Located in the Town of Peyton, Eastern El Paso County, Colorado.

The VHF repeater is currently open & active on an output frequency of 147.0300 MHz, with an input frequency of 147.6300 MHz and a PL tone of 250.3 Hz. The UHF repeater is scheduled to come online in early Fall 2025, operating on an output frequency of 447.8750 MHz and an input frequency of 442.8750 MHz, also with a PL tone of 250.3 Hz.

Final integration and comprehensive real-world testing of System 1 are planned for completion by late Fall 2025, ensuring robust performance and reliability for all users.

“System 2” is already in the planning stages, to be located near Yuma, Colorado (Approx. Summer of 2026) and “System 3” will follow, in the South Eastern corner of the state. We are also in talks with both existing repeater systems and eastern Colorado clubs, in advancing their own systems to integrate and link with ECRAs.

Additionally, we will certainly be updating our social media, https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61571071976269 and our website here with more information, pictures and video once we are well underway. Stay tuned!

:Current Repeater Status:

System 1: Online _ Peyton, CO

System 2-Yuma,CO: summer 2026 TBD

System 3: In the works