444.450

444.450 Repeater - Branson, MO

On-Air Date:                     May 22, 2018

Repeater Transmit:         444.450

Repeater Receive:           449.450               (+ 5.0 MHz)

Modes:                               DMR

Color Code:                       5

Color Code Direction:      Encode & Decode

Transmit Power:               55-Watts

Antenna System:              Comprod 772-70TMHD - 190' AGL

Link antennas:                   None

Coax Cable:                        Commscope  LDF5-50 & LDF4-50

Controller:                         None

Repeater                            Motorola SLR-5700

Duplexer:                            TX RX 28-66-02A

Link Radios:                       N/A

Backup power:                  Site Generator

Router:                               Ubiquiti Edgerouter X

Internet:                             Yes - Vanderlink

Nets:                                   Mondays @ 7:30 p.m. - Branson area DMR Net - TG31293

                                             Wednesdays @ 7:00 p.m. - Ozarks All Digital Net - TG31291

                                             Wednesday @ 7:30 p.m. - Missouri Statewide DMR Net - TG3129

In the fall of 2017, Larry Burchett, KC0M, President of the Tri-Lakes ARC, approached the Nixa ARC about a joint venture to bring DMR to the Branson area.  We received permission to co-locate the repeater in Branson with the 146.655 repeater and utilize an existing DB-420 antenna mounted atop the water tower that had no coax run to it.  A 1/2" heliax jumper was installed from a run of 1-5/8" coax already in place and the antenna was tested.  Though it was not great, it was within tolerance and work moved forward to raise funds between the two clubs.  When funds were raised, a new Motorola SLR-5700 was purchased from Midwest Mobile in St. Joseph.  Problems with Internet at the site persisted and eventually a new provider was sought.  In September 2020, Vanderlink stepped up and installed reliable internet service at the site for the 444.450 repeater. 

In January 2024, the club received verbal permission to install the repeater and link antennas atop the Shepherd of the Hills Inspiration tower, improving height above sea level almost 400’.  After spending time meeting with a tower climber and a crane company, we were confident we could install the antennas on site.  Work began to work with the owner’s legal to draft up documentation to formally allow us to complete the installation.  In April 2025, the club was able to install the antennas on the structure and move the repeater to the new location.