As many of you know, ALWGW [3] BBS links with the rest of the inland pacific northwest region via the ALW node stack near Tollgate, Oregon, atop the Blue Mountains.  This crucial site overlooks a huge chunk of territory, and provides reliable communications over much of northeast Oregon, southeast Washington, and across Hell's Canyon into Idaho.

The ALW stack enjoys its vantage point thanks to the Spout Springs Repeater Association's willingness to share their facility and promote other aspects of amateur radio besides just 2M voice operations.  The 146.800- repeater has fantastic coverage, with some mobile "hot spots" even reaching into locations across the Cascade Range over 200 miles away.  It is routinely used by passing motorists because of its large footprint, and many of the region's residents use it to talk to their neighbors in adjoining valleys or across the mountains.

Now the SSRA needs our help.  While the ALW node stack that I maintain does not incur any significant costs unless I am replacing or upgrading equipment, the repeater association DOES have recurring costs.  These include electricity, a lease fee to the US Forest Service, liability insurance, and a corporate fee.  There also needs to be sufficient funds to handle repairs to the building, tower, antenna, backup batteries, and other equipment.  The severe weather (particularly wind and ice) takes its toll on outdoor items so that they need periodic replacement.

Despite the bargain of SSRA dues, membership is at record lows.  There are not enough paid-up members to even cover recurring costs, let alone handle unforeseen failures.  I'd encourage users of this system to join the SSRA to help keep the system afloat.  It would be a tragedy if the repeater site were no longer available to local radio amateurs.

For more information on the Spout Springs Repeater Association, visit their web site at http://www.ssra.net/ [4].  To join, click on the "Contact Us" link, which is located here [5].

Please do what you can.  If not membership, perhaps you'll consider making a small donation to help them out.

73 es tnx,

de WA7V