Building and operating repeaters is a passion for me. It is something I truly love to do and it is one small way I can give something back to amateur radio - a hobby that has been a blessing for me in more ways than I can count. I hate asking for help of any kind, and strive to fund the repeater as much as possible out of my own pocket. In the first 10 years of the Stickney Hill repeater, there were many generous contributions by the Piscataquis Amateur Radio Club and numerous individuals. Without such fantastic support, the repeater would be a mere skeleton of what it is today. Even so, approximately 60% of construction and maintenance costs during the first decade came out of my own pocket, amounting to several thousand dollars. That does not include regular operating costs such as electricity (which has been paid by the PARC from the beginning).
Heading into my second decade of involvement with repeaters, I am working on extending the repeater system. I should soon be able to provide a portable remote receiver (more properly called a satellite receiver) which can extend and enhance the capability of the system to support public service and emergency communications. In addition I hope to place one or more permanent satellite receivers in strategic locations, greatly improving the repeater's ability to receive signals from handy talkies and other low power stations. I am very excited about the possibilities that lie ahead, but this is an expensive undertaking. I have spent more than $1000 out of pocket on these expansion projects in the first three quarters of 2008, and there are still many missing pieces of equipment which must be purchased or built. Unfortunately, in these challenging economic times I am not able to fund these projects entirely out of my own pocket. I am exploring other funding options.
This will always be a completely "open" system for use by all resident and visiting amateur radio operators. No dues are charged for its use, but financial contributions to help offset costs are appreciated. Below are several ways to help support the repeater system.
Click the button below to make a donation using PayPal. It's quick, easy and secure. You choose the amount of your donation. A PayPal account is not required.
Used ham gear and any related accessory items, even if non-working, can be donated to support the repeater. How does this help? Some donated items may be used for parts. Others may be sold to raise money for repeater projects. Subject to availability of items, I run a part time internet business selling ham gear, parts and related items for the purpose of supporting the repeater system.
Please check first before dropping off commercial radio items.
Items may be dropped off or arrangements made for items to be picked up. Click below to contact via email:
If you're not already a member, consider joining the Piscataquis Amateur Radio Club. The club has made numerous financial and labor contributions to the repeater system, and pays for the electricity it uses.