BRATS

The BRATS operates several repeater stations which automatically re-transmit amateur radio and amateur television signals. These repeaters, which form the foundation of the society's activities, include VHF and UHF voice repeaters which make communciation possible over distances of many miles using mobile or hand held-radios. The society also maintains an amateur television (ATV) repeater which relays pictures sent by radio amateurs throughout the city, using standards similar to those of commercial broadcast TV. This system was the second of its kind in the country when it was placed in service in 1976. Amateur television has been used as an aid to public safety during local Walk-a-Thons and the Towson July 4th Parade. In California, ATV has been used to transmit high resolution color pictures back to law enforcement agencies during a hostage situation, and to provide periodic National Weather Service briefings during severe weather and floods. It has also been used during the Rose Bowl Parades for several years. Some of the BRATS repeater equipment was designed and built by club members, several of whom are talented electrical engineers. These repeaters may have several receivers strategically located throughout the area, linked back to one central transmitter. For many years one link used BRATS-designed microwave equipment believed to have been the first of its kind on an amateur repeater. One of the more specialized features of the BRATS repeater system is a high-speed data network operating on the 5 GHz amateur band, providing nearly 100 Mbps across Baltimore. The primary use for this is the backbone for our linked voice repeater network, but future uses include digital ATV, access to software defined radios, and more. In addition to the primary repeater system on 147 MHz, BRATS repeaters are in operation on the 220 and 440 MHz amateur FM bands. Without these repeaters, much of the BRATS' public service activity would not be possible. The BRATS is grateful for the generous cooperation of the establishments which have provided antenna sites for these repeaters.