Watt's New
The Watt's New articles serve to keep you abreast of what has been going on around the C.A.R.L.A. Network. Feel free to browse our archive of past Watt's New articles as well.
On this page:
C.A.R.L.A. links with the Oregon Connection
Last updated on March 12, 2009 by The C.A.R.L.A. Team | This article is Archived | Permalink
Posted to the C.A.R.L.A. Yahoo Group on 3/12/2009:
We are pleased to announce that C.A.R.L.A. is in preliminary testing stages for a reciprocal linking project between our network and the Oregon Connection system based in the state of Oregon.
We are currently performing some trial runs via IRLP to "test the waters" and make sure the two systems are compatible with each other and see how the two work together.
Based on that, we will be working towards a more permanent RF link solution between C.A.R.L.A. & the Oregon Connection that can be brought on or off line by command.
They also have a reciprocal link agreement with the Evergreen Intertie system in the state of Washington which is also commanded on line when needed.
The IRLP connection is only a temporary solution until the RF paths are established.
We are bringing two completely different yet very complementary systems together so things may sound a little different at first and there may be un-familiar call signs but we think the two will dovetail very well once any bugs are worked out. The Oregon Connection is very similar to how C.A.R.L.A. operates and they have a great bunch of people involved with their system. We are very excited to see all the possibilities and opportunities this venture can bring to both of our systems and our users.
Now more than ever, there is a need to be conscientious of leaving pauses after first keying up before speaking and gaps between courtesy tones so every word gets through and everyone gets a chance to talk. Occasionally, during conversations try and let everything drop for a bit in order to allow any timers to reset.
If there are any problems or questions, a control operator from one system or the other will be glad to help out or answer questions.
Please be sure to give our neighbors from the north a warm welcome if you hear them on the air.
About the Oregon Connection:
The Oregon Connection consists of 47 linked repeaters in the UHF (440Mhz) and VHF (144Mhz) bands. The system started in Medford, Oregon in 1999 as the Rogue Valley Linking Association working together with the Oregon Repeater Linking Group in the Northern portion of the state. In 2006, they joined forces dissolving the two separate group names and formed the "Oregon Connection". Their system is made up of 12 owners. Most are silent partners or branch off to cover a specific area off of the main North/South links that run along the Interstate-5 Freeway. Some of their coverage extends into the northern part of California and picks up coverage where we leave off.
They have always been an OPEN system available for any licensed user. They work with the American Red Cross Disaster Communications & Oregon Emergency Management. You can learn more about their system at: www.oregonconnection.org