ECRA’s Repeater Systems - and “Why?”

In January 2025, the Eastern Colorado Repeater Association (ECRA) announced its first Amateur Radio VHF/UHF repeater system in Peyton, Colorado, located in eastern El Paso County — designated as “System 1.” System 1 is the initial deployment of three ECRA-planned VHF/UHF systems and will include a range of capabilities such as Automatic Packet Reporting System (APRS), AllStar and EchoLink. Additional features such as, 10-meter and 220 MHz repeaters are being planned along with some novel technologies not currently found elsewhere in Colorado — including along the Front Range.

In parallel, development of System 2 is underway with deployment planned for approximately Summer 2026 (TBA) in Yuma, Colorado, and System 3 will follow in the southeastern corner of the state. Together these three sites will form the backbone of the “ECRA Network,” a unified triad of primary systems designed to expand and improve radio communications throughout eastern Colorado, increase redundancy, and enable more seamless linking between regions.

Our mission extends beyond simple signal coverage — we aim to contribute to the long-term resilience, operational readiness, and growth of the communities we serve by providing interoperable, scalable communications resources and fostering collaboration among amateur operators and public-safety partners.

ECRA’s first VHF/UHF system, “System 1,” became operational and open for use as of September 1, 2025. Located in the Town of Falcon, Eastern El Paso County, Colorado. All ECRA repeaters are ‘WIDE’-banded.

System 1, E. El Paso County VHF repeater frequency:

Output frequency of 147.0300 MHz, with an input frequency of 147.6300 MHz

*Note: PL tone of 250.3 Hz is active on the input only.
No tone is required to receive repeater audio.

System 1, E. El Paso County UHF repeater frequency:

Output frequency of 447.8750 MHz and an input frequency of 442.8750 MHz

* Note: PL tone of 250.3 Hz is active on the input only.
No tone is required to receive repeater audio.

Real-world testing of System 1 is underway and planned for completion by late Winter 2026, ensuring robust performance and reliability for all users. Users are encouraged to provide feedback on system operation and usage. Along with System 1 becoming fully operational, we will begin planning the installation of ECRAs first remote receiver site for System 1 (Summer 2027).

“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 east corner of the state. We are also working with existing repeater systems and Eastern Colorado clubs, in advancing their own systems to integrate and link with ECRAs.

Stay tuned to the “repeater” page here, at the bottom of the page for repeater system(s) status.

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 videos. Stay tuned!