Southern California is ideally suited for radio repeater operation. Since it is surrounded by tall mountain tops, dozens of repeaters on 2 meters, 440 MHZ and 1.2 GHz have popped up all over the area. One of special note is known modestly as the WA6TWF Super System. It is owned and operated by David Corsiglia, WA6TWF. This system is feature-rich in that it provides the users many state-of-the-art capabilities developed over the years. Not only are there ten independent repeaters operating in the 440 MHZ band with full autopatch capability, but some of these repeaters also have features which allow users to converse with hams all over the world. Just think about walking around your neighborhood with a hand-held radio hardly larger than a pack of cigarettes and conversing with perfect clarity with someone in London or Stockholm!

     Corsiglia started this system many years ago and was instrumental in setting up the first 2 meter system on Catalina Island (WR6AAA). Since that time, the system has grown to a vast coverage system that has more than two hundred and fifty members working as a team to keep the system up and running. Since there is such a variety of talent on the system, Corsiglia has been able to utilize these resources to create a very high tech system that as far as we know is unmatched by any other system in the country.

     Not only are the members interested in communicating locally on UHF frequencies, many are also avid low-banders as are many other hams in Southern California. However, like many areas of the country, it is sometimes difficult (or impossible) for a ham to erect large efficient antennas to allow low frequency work due to apartment restrictions, CC&R’s, and city zoning laws. However, in most cases, it is not a problem to construct such an antenna system at a remote mountaintop repeater site. Necessity being the mother of invention, it occurred to Corsiglia (as well as many others at the same time) that these problems could be eliminated if somehow it was possible to remotely control the low frequency station through the repeater. With the help of many systems members and many hours of work, the system now has two very efficient remote base low frequency remote base systems operating on the system.

     Recently another facet was added known as an IRLP (Internet Radio Linking Project). Rather than using radio waves to link between distant hams, the Internet is used as a linking medium between amateur repeaters. Some industrious individuals in Canada have set up an Internet gateway that allows subscribing repeaters to link into the system thus allowing ham repeaters to talk to each other all over the world. The system uses voice over IP that allows these addressed voice packets to be directed to any of the subscribing repeaters through an organized addressing scheme. By just hitting a few DTMF commands one can be connected instantly to any of the 700 plus (and growing fast) nodes located around the world.

     The Super System is a team project. Although there are dues that members must pay, the money collected is hardly enough to keep the system going. Many of the members donate their time and expertise to keep this system operating at peak efficiency as well as to keep up with the latest technical innovations. The system boasts many qualified technicians, engineers and computer experts. The members come from all walks of life and anyone with an amateur license is encouraged to join the system. There are many husband and wife hams on the system and sometimes members know what Bill is fixing Jane for dinner or how much John loves Linda. It’s not all technical; it’s just a big family enjoying the wonderful hobby of ham radio.

      Whenever one of the repeaters needs maintenance, many members enthusiastically show up to donate their time and transportation to make the trek (up the hill) to fix the repeater. There are also classes held to keep the new members informed on the use of the system. Most of the new radios are so complicated for the novice user that the Super System conducts radio classes on the operation of the radio as well as the proper protocol for operating the system. All members try to act as Elmers to give advice on radios, how to solder, etc. During regular meetings and luncheons services are offered for users to check out the performance of their radios and to be sure they operate within factory specifications and FCC guidelines.

      As one can see, the WA6TWF Super System is indeed SUPER because of the support of its members, both with their time and technical expertise. So, members have a system available for the inevitable Southern California emergencies, a medium where they can immerse themselves in the technical aspects of the system and also simply rag chew with friends The Super System has something for everyone.                                                                                  By JIM GILLIAM, K6QE

The "A Team"
N7JL John,  WB6NOA Gordon,  N6OT Tom,  KF6YFV John
    
The "A Team" is a hearty group of Amateur volunteers who go up to the top 
of the mountain and make everything work.

Contact David Corsiglia: 714/680-4499