Club Amateur Radio Repeaters: The club operates two Amateur Radio repeaters located on Sandia Crest, New Mexico (N35º 13’ 02” W106º 27’ 06” ARRL grid DM65) The two meter repeater operates on 147.380 MHz output / 147.980 MHz input with a PL tone of 162.2 Hz, call sign KB5GAS. The 70 cm repeater operates on 442.100 MHz output / 447.100 MHz input with a PL tone of 162.2 Hz, call sign KB5GAS. Coverage for the repeaters is excellent since they are on Sandia Crest. coverage from chase vehicles should be in the 80 to 100 mile range depending on the terrain it will be poor in Tijeras Canyon. Coverage from a balloon is 100+ miles, depending on altitude. The repeaters are for the use and training of club members with a valid Amateur Radio operators license. Proper use of call signs by users is required when using club repeaters and priority of use is: flight/chase operations, training and general welfare. Transmissions should be short and to the point so that others may use the system. Absolute priority is given to ARES/RACES Emergency and SAR activity. The repeater also supports operations and training of New Mexico Task Force 1 (NM-TF1) as required to supplement normal team communications operations.
To use these repeaters you must have a valid Amateur Radio Operators License with privileges including the 70 cm and 2 meter Amateur radio bands. You must use your own call sign when using this system and follow FCC operating rules. These are "open" repeaters. Priority of use is for club members and other gas balloonists during flight/chase operations, Training and general welfare. Transmissions should be short and to the point so that others may use the system. Absolute priority is given to Emergency and SAR activity.
Also, for all the new "Hams". Please remember that Amateur Radio means just that. Commercial use of Amateur Radio is specifically prohibited under FCC rules. That means you cannot use Amateur Radio to conduct any commerce, for profit operations or any commercial ventures. If you want to sell rides or otherwise conduct business, please use your cell phone, business radio or 800 MHz trunk system.
If you need further information about repeater operations contact the webmaster.
Other club call signs: The club has three other FCC Issued Amateur Radio Club call signs. K5GAS and N5GAS are used to support the APRS tracker program. Call sign WB5GAS is used to support training programs and for future growth.
The Albuquerque Gas Ballooning Club has an FCC Commercial Radio license WPXC747 Industrial/Business Pool, Conventional, for use by members on the commercial Itinerant radio frequencies of 151.700 MHz and 469.500 MHz.
The Albuquerque Aerostat Ascension Association (AAAA) also has a Industrial/Business Pool radio license WPYJ574 for use by members of AAAA in good standing. Check the AAAA web site for information involving the use of their license.