Reminder: URFMSI repeater linking and autopatch DTMF codes are confidential and for Full/Family members only.

URFMSI Capilla Peak repeater site destroyed in Trigo forest fire; temporary replacement immediately installed
The Upper Rio FM Society's Capilla Peak repeater site was destroyed, a victim of the Trigo forest fire in the Manzano mountains. The site housed the popular 146.96 repeater, along with the 444.525 repeater and a regular packet digipeater. The site was deemed a total loss (see picture below).

A temporary replacement for the 146.96 repeater has already been installed atop Capilla Peak and is operational, with most (if not all) linking and autopatch functionality available for use. Efforts are now underway to rebuild the permanent site.

We wish to thank Paul Choc WA5IHL, Chuck Raskob KC5AYV and many other members who have helped restore coverage so quickly.

Winter ice damages 146.94 Mount Taylor repeater tower
The 146.94 repeater located atop Mt. Taylor has limited functionality due to a partial tower collapse caused by ice loading and high winds last winter. The repeater functions, however linking and autopatch capabilities do not. Differences in repeater coverage may be noticed. Repairs will commence once insurance claims have been filed and access to the repeater site due to snow becomes available.

Lease signed for URFMSI Hub relocation
January 2007 brougth news that Building 509, located on Kirtland AFB was ordered to vacate as part of a Department of Defense Enhanced Use Leasing (EUL) program which is intended to develop vacant land at our military installations to -- among other things -- create revenue to fund certain programs. The URFMSI's central linking facility (Hub) has resided in this building for over 20 years.

Despite engaging New Mexico's congressional delegation, KAFB officials, city officials and members of private industry, we were unable to retain our residency within Building 509.

At its April 2008 meeting, the URFMSI board of directors authorized the relocation to another building on Kirtland AFB. The least has been signed and while no hard eviction date has been given to the URFMSI to vacate Building 509, efforts to relocate to the new facility will commence in the near future.

The Board wishes to thank all of its members, the surrounding ham community, and all those who've contributed their time, effort, money, and patience during this ordeal.

New URFMSI Officers and Directors elected
The URFMSI welcomes Tom Ellis K5TEE, Mike Eaton K5MJE, and Don Wood W5FHA to the board of directors. They were elected to replace Bob Rieden WD5IDL, Fred Lete KC5IPK, and Don Grab K5BIS who reached their term limits. Their three year terms will commence January 1, 2008.

The Board also voted Mike Pendley K5ATM, Brian Mileshosky N5ZGT, and Bill Weatherford KM5FT to serve as president, vice-president and secretary, respectively. Their terms will commence January 1, 2008. Chuck Raskob KC5AYV will continue to serve as treasurer.

Time to pay your dues?
The last column of the latest membership roster indicates when your dues will expire. The date also appears on all mailing labels of club mailings, as well as your membership card. We thank you for your continued support of the Upper Rio FM Society and its repeater/linking system.

Hosting of URFMSI's website is made possible through the generosity of Southwest Cyberport located in Albuquerque, NM