Generated by All in One SEO v5.0.0.1, this is an llms.txt file, used by LLMs to index the site. # Milwaukee Area Amateur Radio Society 513 Repeater ## Sitemaps - [XML Sitemap](https://www.513repeater.org/sitemap.xml): Contains all public & indexable URLs for this website. ## Posts - [MAARS News](https://www.513repeater.org/maars-news-2/) - [Annual MAARS & MRAC Summer Picnic – Saturday, August 8th, 2026](https://www.513repeater.org/2026/07/27/annual-maars-mrac-summer-picnic-saturday-august-8th-2026/) - It’s time for our favorite summer tradition! The Milwaukee Area Amateur Radio Society (MAARS) and the Milwaukee Radio Amateurs' Club (MRAC) invite all members, family, friends, and local radio enthusiasts to our Annual Joint Summer Picnic on Saturday, August 8, 2026. Whether you want to get on the air with a portable station, test your - [Join Us for the 2026 ARRL Field Day (and Check Out Our Recent Press!)](https://www.513repeater.org/2026/06/25/join-us-for-the-2026-arrl-field-day-and-check-out-our-recent-press/) - ARRL Field Day 2026 We are excited to announce that we are teaming up with LEFROG (Local Emergency Field Radio Operations Group) for a Joint ARRL Field Day operation this weekend! Field Day is amateur radio’s open house. It is our chance to highlight the science, skill, and service we provide to our communities, while - [This Day in MAARS History](https://www.513repeater.org/2026/04/19/this-day-in-maars-history/) - Honoring Our History and Engineering Our Future: The 23rd Anniversary of the 2003 Repeater Rebuild Hello MAARS Members, Today marks a very special milestone for the Milwaukee Area Amateur Radio Society. Exactly 23 years ago, our dedicated technical team completed the massive 2003 rebuild of our repeater system. That project laid a foundation of reliability - [2026 MRAC Simplex Contest](https://www.513repeater.org/2026/02/14/2026-mrac-simplex-contest/) - Headline: 📻 Think you can out-simplex Mike AA9RK? Prove it on February 22nd! Whether you’re a seasoned contester or just want to see how far your home station can reach without a repeater, the 2026 MRAC FM Simplex Contest is for you! This is a fast-paced "Sprint" event. No complicated setups—just FM Simplex, your call - [ARRL Field Day 2026](https://www.513repeater.org/2025/06/25/arrl-field-day-2025/) - We encourage all amateurs to participate in the various Field Day setups happening across our area. If you're looking for a group to join, the following link may be helpful: [Field Day Locator](http://www.arrl.org/field-day-locator). If you don’t have a group and would like to explore a site without traveling far, please check out our organization below. This year, - [The Annual Summer Picnic and HT toss games!](https://www.513repeater.org/2025/07/28/the-annual-summer-picnic-and-ht-toss-games/) - Saturday, August 9, 2025 From 12:00 pm, until… Greenfield Park, picnic area #2 the club WILL provide hamburgers, brats, buns, and Water Grills and charcoal will be provided Please RSVP to picnic@513repeater.org - [13th Annual Santa Watch Net](https://www.513repeater.org/2023/12/09/13th-annual-santa-watch-net/) - This year MAARS is trying something new on Christmas Eve. We are going to participate in the Santa Watch Net from 5pm to 8pm. The Happy Hour net will move to 4pm to make room for this. Well BOYS and GIRLS of ALL ages, for the 13th year in a row, the DoDropIn Radio Network - [MAARS August 23 Update](https://www.513repeater.org/2023/08/09/maars-august-23-update/) - I hope everyone is having an enjoyable summer. I know this is turning out to be a busy summer for me. Most of it has to do with the our repeater system. On May 30th UWM notified us that they hired Higgins Tower Service to remove the Tower at Sandburg hall. We had to coordinate ## Pages - [Welcome](https://www.513repeater.org/) - The Milwaukee Area Amateur Radio Society (MAARS) operates the largest coverage 2-meter repeater in Southeastern Wisconsin. Our goal is to expand and maintain our repeater system to the highest level possible. While this isn't always easy, we have maintained a system that hasn't been duplicated in the area. MAARS has always tried to be the - [Field Day](https://www.513repeater.org/field-day/) - The ARRL Field Day is scheduled for June 28-29, 2025. Please join us at the LEFROG Radio Club Field Day site at the Ozaukee County Justice Center. It is at 1201 S Spring St, Port Washington, WI 53074. ARRL Field Day Rules We will monitor two frequencies for talk-in this year. LEFROG 442.775MHz +5MHz CTCSS - [MAARS Renewal PayPal](https://www.513repeater.org/about/membership-applications/maars-renewal-2/) - Use this page to apply as a renewing member. Paypal is the method of payment - [Shop](https://www.513repeater.org/shop/) - MAARS MEMBERSHIP - [Allstar](https://www.513repeater.org/repeater-linking/allstar/) - MAARS is always looking to experiment with new technology. That is why we have joined the Allstar Link Network. Allstar is another Voice over IP technology that links radios and repeaters via the Internet. This system is based on the open-source Asterisk PBX software. Our main node number is 28450 Here are some links if you want - [Picnic](https://www.513repeater.org/events/picnic/) - The Annual Summer Picnic and HT toss games! Saturday, August 8, 2026 From 12:00 pm, until… Greenfield Park, picnic area #2 the club WILL provide hamburgers, brats, buns, and Water Grills and charcoal will be provided Please RSVP to picnic@513repeater.org - [MAARS History](https://www.513repeater.org/about/maars-history/) - MAARS was formed in May 1980 to support the migration from Chuck's local area repeater into the large regional system it is today. Today, we utilize several receive sites scattered in SE Wisconsin and Allstar to offer users a balanced repeater system. In 1976 Chuck N9EGR (then WB9ZCT) bought a brand new 100-watt Motorola repeater.The Chuck N9EGR # - [Swapnet Admin](https://www.513repeater.org/nets/swapnet-admin/) - This page is intended for our Net Control Stations (NCS) to have easy access to swapnet materials. We are automatically linked up to AllStar during the nets to connect with FM38 and other groups. Our Swapnet Script may be downloaded here. Our suggested net control log sheet may be downloaded here. The propagation reports featured - [Southeastern Wisconsin VHF/UHF Amateur Radio Net Directory](https://www.513repeater.org/nets/southeastern-wisconsin-nets/) - Southeastern Wisconsin VHF/UHF Amateur Radio Net Directory Revision: 2.1.0 Dated 07/02/24 Fred Schwierske, W9KEY Report Changes / Corrections to: w9key@arrl.net Download PDF Version [table id=1 /] - [Nets](https://www.513repeater.org/nets/) - When hams gather around the radio for an organized on-air meeting, we call it a "net." Our repeater participates in various nets weekly and as needed. LRA HAPPY HOUR “THE UN-NET” NET. This is a fun, largely unstructured, moderated “Un-Net” where the moderator writes the rules. Check-in with your call sign and share your happy - [APRS](https://www.513repeater.org/repeaters/aprs/) - MAARS operates an APRS digpeater from our main site. It is a wide area digi that covers much of Milwaukee and surrounding areas. The call sign is N9LKH-1 and is on the standard APRS frequency of 144.390 MHz. - [Midtown](https://www.513repeater.org/repeaters/midtown/) - Our Midtown site was built in 1998. It was converted to the new link system in 2003. The site is shared with two other radio groups. Antenna Hustler G6/270, 6dBd VHF, 8.3 dBd UHF Radio Hardware GE Delta VHF Link Transmitter GE Delta UHF Antenna Height from Ground 120 Feet - [Propagation Links](https://www.513repeater.org/propagation-links/) - Here are a number of propagation report websites and tools - courtesy of Steve N9FSE http://solarham.com/ Propagation, Space Weather, and Sunspot Cycle Resource Center http://www.dxinfocentre.com/tropo.html Hepburn’s tropo forecast, very interesting. http://www.arrl.org/w1aw-bulletins-archive-propagation Weekly propagation bulletin archive from the ARRL. http://aprs.mennolink.org VHF PropagationThe map shows activity that has happened in the past hour. Paths are combined to - [Repeaters](https://www.513repeater.org/repeaters/) - MAARS was formed in May 1980, to support the migration from Chuck's local-area repeater into the large regional system it is today. Today, we utilize several receive sites scattered in SE Wisconsin, along with IRLP, to offer our users a balanced repeater system.The MAARS repeater is a complex machine. It lives at the top of - [Northwest Site (Hubertus)](https://www.513repeater.org/repeaters/northwest-site-new/) - This new remote receive site is located near Holy Hill in Hubertus, Wisconsin. Antenna Andrew DB-224 4 Bay Dipole in an Omni configuration Radio Hardware GE Delta VHF with internal pre amp Link Transmitter GE Delta UHF Antenna Height from Ground 120 Feet AGL - [Control Operators](https://www.513repeater.org/about/control-operators/) - Control Operators are members of the club who represent the repeater trustee, Pat N9LKH. Their purpose is to monitor the repeater and make sure its operation is legal per FCC part 97. They also make sure users of the repeater operate within our club's repeater policy. PAT RIORDAN N9LKH N9LKH@513REPEATER.ORG JIM GOELDENKA9ZYW KA9ZYW STEVE SUNDQUIST - [Elmering](https://www.513repeater.org/elmering/) - The term "Elmer" means someone who provides personal guidance and assistance to would-be hams. For generations, hams have mentored each other to help further the hobby. Below are some helpful links. Crossband Repeating Build a jpole antenna Antenna tuners How to Measure SWR Homemade Balun High performance common-mode chokes. Fan Dipole - [IRLP](https://www.513repeater.org/repeater-linking/about-irlp/) - We have decided to no longer offer an IRLP node. The repeater does have Allstar Link Network. Do I have to be a Member to use IRLP? The MAARS Board made a policy in 2002 to require membership status to initiate IRLP calls to other connections. Non-members may participate in IRLP-based QSOs, but may not - [MAARS Board Members](https://www.513repeater.org/about/board-memembers/) - 2023-2024 - [Membership](https://www.513repeater.org/about/membership-applications/) - MAARS membership year is July 1st until June 30. New members can join at a prorated dues based on month. If you join in January you will pay a prorate dues plus the next years dues. We accept PayPal and membership by USPS mail. Please follow the link below to choose your option. Pay online - [Membership Confirmation](https://www.513repeater.org/membership-account/membership-confirmation/) - [pmpro_confirmation] - [Membership Checkout](https://www.513repeater.org/membership-account/membership-checkout/) - [pmpro_checkout] - [Membership Invoice](https://www.513repeater.org/membership-account/membership-invoice/) - [pmpro_invoice] - [Membership Levels](https://www.513repeater.org/membership-account/membership-levels/) - [pmpro_levels] - [Log In](https://www.513repeater.org/login/) - [pmpro_login] - [Membership Cancel](https://www.513repeater.org/membership-account/membership-cancel/) - [pmpro_cancel] - [Membership Billing](https://www.513repeater.org/membership-account/membership-billing/) - [pmpro_billing] - [Membership Account](https://www.513repeater.org/membership-account/) - [pmpro_account] - [Your Profile](https://www.513repeater.org/membership-account/your-profile/) - [pmpro_member_profile_edit] - [Swapnet](https://www.513repeater.org/nets/swapnet/) - Wednesday evenings, beginning at 9 pm Central Time. We had been linked up with FM-38 (another popular large-area machine/system in the SE and SC Wisconsin. Our AllStar node number is 28450. We have had check-ins from all over the United States, including Florida and Nevada. Our net is more than just a swapnet... people exchange - [Newsletters](https://www.513repeater.org/newsletters/) - MAARS is currently emailing out quarterly newsletters to help keep communications with our members. Past issues are listed below. MAARS Newsletter March 2021 MAARS Newsletter December 2020 MAARS Newsletter October 2020 MAARS Newsletter July 2020 MAARS Newsletter April 2020 - [Northwest Site (Germantown) Old](https://www.513repeater.org/repeaters/northwest-site-new/northwest-site-germantown/) - Antenna Andrew 2 Bay Dipole in an omni configuration Radio Hardware GE Delta VHF Link Transmitter GE Delta UHF Antenna Height from Ground 120 Feet AGL Site is currently OFFLINE - [Southwest SK](https://www.513repeater.org/repeaters/southwest/) - We are sad to report that the MAARS southwest remote receiver is offline permanently. On Tuesday, June 9, 2020 around 3pm, the winds from Tropical Storm Cristobal stressed the east guy anchor of the southwest receive site tower to fail. This caused the 120-foot tall tower to fall over. Luckily no one was hurt, and - [MAARS Repeater Policy](https://www.513repeater.org/about/maars-repeater-policy/) - MAARS maintains one of the largest coverage repeater system in SE Wisconsin. Our members are proud of the system that they built and support, and agreed to enact some common-sense rules of conduct while using the repeater. We love amateur radio, and have set up a few policies to protect against hardship and/or bad feelings. - [Events](https://www.513repeater.org/events/) - Our organization participates in many events during the year. Please view the calendar below of local ham radio events. - [New Member PayPal](https://www.513repeater.org/about/membership-applications/new-member/) - Use this page to apply as a new member. PayPal is the method of payment. - [About](https://www.513repeater.org/about/) - MAARS was formed in May, 1980 to support the migration from Chuck's local-area repeater into the large regional system it is today. Today, we utilize several receive sites scattered in SE Wisconsin, along with IRLP, to offer our users a balanced repeater system. MAARS holds its meetings at the HRO Milwaukee store. Meetings begin at - [2015 Picnic](https://www.513repeater.org/events/picnic/2015-picnic/) - [East (Community Site)](https://www.513repeater.org/repeaters/east-community-site/) - Antenna Andrew DB-224E Radio Hardware GE Delta VHF Link Transmitter GE Delta UHF Antenna Height from Ground 750 Feet - [Main site](https://www.513repeater.org/repeaters/mainsite/) - Antenna Hustler G6-270R, 6dBd Radio Hardware GE Delta VHF Link Transmitter None required; at main site Antenna Height from Ground 300 Feet The Sandburg receive site is the first receive site to have been installed at the repeater's location. At first, the repeater used the 500 foot TX antenna, but the duplexor insertion loss encouraged - [South](https://www.513repeater.org/repeaters/south/) - Antenna Telewave ANT-150-D3 Radio Hardware GE Delta VHF Link Transmitter GE Delta UHF Antenna Height from Ground 400 Feet AGL - [Repeater Linking](https://www.513repeater.org/repeater-linking/) - Since the early 1980s, the MAARS technical team has always experimented with linking the repeater to other locations. They first experimented with using the telephone to call into telephone conference bridges with other repeaters. In 1990 MAARS installed a frequency agile VHF and UHF remote base. This was used to connect to the Baraboo swapnet - [Picnic 2005](https://www.513repeater.org/events/picnic/picnic-2005/) - [Crossband Repeating](https://www.513repeater.org/elmering/crossband-repeating/) - Crossband Repeating is a process where a Ham transmits one signal on one band (typically UHF), and it is received by another radio with a better antenna/power installation and re-transmitted (typically on VHF) to another radio system, or a repeater. Everyday examples of cross-band repeaters are repeater receive sites that hear the input signals on - [Antenna tuners](https://www.513repeater.org/elmering/antenna-tuners/) - An antenna tuner is used to "fool" a radio that it is working with an antenna cut for a particular frequency. Antenna tuners allow your radio system to work with one antenna across multiple bands. As a side effect of tuning the antenna, some of the RF energy is lost in the conversion. This is - [Build a jpole antenna](https://www.513repeater.org/elmering/build-a-jpole-antenna/) - Copper Cactus Dual-Band Super J-Pole Antenna Project Building Suggestions 1. You may use a Fiberglas rod (arrow shaft) as an insulator, but you will have to be very careful with the torch or you may weaken or burn the rod, or make it brittle. 2. When cutting the 1/2" copper tubing, cut the 57-1/2" piece - [How to Measure SWR](https://www.513repeater.org/elmering/how-to-measure-swr/) - SWR is the Standing Wave Ratio measurement of your radio's antenna system. Radio systems with too high of an SWR will not function properly, perhaps even ruining some of the components if the condition is not corrected. SWR may be expressed in two ways: in terms of power ("I have a reflected power of 5 - [Homemade Balun](https://www.513repeater.org/elmering/homemade-balun/) - A Balun is used to connect a balanced antenna (such as a dipole antenna) with unbalanced feedline, such as coax cable. This is an offsite link. The Balun Link. - [Fan Dipole](https://www.513repeater.org/elmering/fan-dipole/) - A Fan Dipole is an HF antenna designed to tune properly across the HF spectrum with just one common feedline. 10m through 80m available. Little tuning required! This is an offsite link. Fan Dipole Link - [IRLP Policy](https://www.513repeater.org/repeater-linking/about-irlp/irlp-policy/) - As of August 4th, 2002, IRLP is fully functional on the repeater. The MAARS Board made policy in 2002 for MAARS members who are trained to have access to the IRLP subsystem on our repeater. The policy further allows for traveling out of town guests to use IRLP if they email us ahead of time ## Categories - [Uncategorized](https://www.513repeater.org/category/uncategorized/) - [Newsletter](https://www.513repeater.org/category/newsletter/) - [Repeater Activity](https://www.513repeater.org/category/repeater-activity/) - [Repeater Operation](https://www.513repeater.org/category/repeater-operation/) - [News](https://www.513repeater.org/category/news/) ## Tags - [ARRL](https://www.513repeater.org/tag/arrl/) - [LEFROG](https://www.513repeater.org/tag/lefrog/) - [W9FRG](https://www.513repeater.org/tag/w9frg/) - [Field Day](https://www.513repeater.org/tag/field-day/) - [Amateur Radio](https://www.513repeater.org/tag/amateur-radio/) - [Ham Radio](https://www.513repeater.org/tag/ham-radio/)