Green Mountain Repeater Association Roster
The Green Mountain Repeater Association
Serving Amateur Radio Since 1971
K3GMR 146.610 (-): Bladensburg
W3GMR 146.880 (-): Greenbelt



GMRA  News



Home
History
Repeaters
Events
Officials
Procedures
Articles
Photos
Links
GMRA News
Roster
Newsletters
Amateur Band Plan
Join Us!
Renew Membership
Contact Us
Guestbook




03/27/2024 - GMRA is now a 501(c)(3) Non-Profit, Tax Exempt Organization

The Green Mountain Repeater Association is proud to announce that as of 03/27/2024 it has become an official non-profit, tax exempt 501(c)(3) organization under IRS rules.
As such, membership fees and any donations to the club are now tax deductible!

----------------------------------

03/10/2024 - Both New GMRA Repeaters Now Operational


The second GMRA repeater site (146.610 Mhz), located in Bladensburg, Maryland, was upgraded on 03/10/2024 by Tom Provenza (N3LHD) and Rich Hartnett (WA3RTH).  This replaced the decades-old Motorola Micro 100-Watt repeater with a (more modern) Motorola Quantar 125-Watt model.  The Micor at this site had been out of service for many months due to a failed power amplifier, and was temporarily replaced by a Yaesu DR-1X running at reduced power.  With the installation of the Quantar, the DR-1X will be kept at the site as a "hot backup" should an issue arise with the Quantar.  As such, both sites are now running Quantars repeaters, and both machines now require an input PL of 77.0 Hz for access.

---------------------------------

10/08/2023 - New GMRA Repeaters!

The GMRA has started the process of upgrading the existing (and 35+ years old) Motorola Micor Repeaters to new(er) 125 watt Motorola Quantar models.  The Greenbelt site (148.880) was upgraded on 10/08/2023, and the Bladensburg site (146.610) will be upgraded soon.  An important change to note is that both repeaters now REQUIRE an input PL Tone of 77 Hz in order to access them. Previously both repeaters only used PL on the output side, but decision was made to require it on the input side to reduce the noise and other interference that would often open or "ker-chunk" the machines.  If your radios were not previously transmitting a PL Tone of 77 Hz, you will need to activate that in order to use the GMRA repeaters.

-------------------------------

08/21/2023 - GMRA Member Guy Thompson (KC3LVT) Becomes Silent Key

It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of GMRA member Guy Thompson.  Guy was retired U.S. Navy Communications Chief, with fascinating foreign assignments, mostly in Asia.  Serving as communications officer on USN ships in Asia; later Chief of Operations USN Communications Station in Subic Bay, Philippines (1968-1969); USN Subic Bay officer overseeing CRITICOM communications link with USS Pueblo when the ship was attacked by North Korea;  USN commissioning officer for the H. E. Holt Nuclear Submarine Communications Station, Australia (1960s); Officer in Charge at a small USN base on Antarctica; Assignments at the Pentagon, Arlington, VA; and more.  Later years as a civilian, Thompson was Assistant Secretary of State for Communications Administration, Washington (State.gov).  The obituary will have more on Mr. Thompson.

Guy’s published obituary will appear on the web site of the Donaldson Funeral Home, Laurel, Maryland, later this month.  Memorial Services to be held at 1-PM on Saturday, 16 September 2023 at the Donaldson chapel.  https://www.donaldsonfuneralhomes.com/

------------------------------------

05/02/2023 - GMRA's Articles of Incorporation Renewed

Thanks to the hard work of GMRA Treasurer Dave Williams (W3DKL) and with the assistance of the other board members, the Green Mountain Repeater Association's Articles of Incorporation with the State of Maryland have been
updated and renewed.  The current document can be viewed here.

------------------------------------
04/07/2023 - GMRA Member Clifford (Cliff) Thompson (KB3IJF) Becomes Silent Key

It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of long time GMRA member Cliff Thompson.  Cliff was a regular voice on the both the 146.880 and 146.610 repeaters, and acted as Net Control Operator for the Monday Night Echo Link Net until just recently.  Almost any time of the day or evening you could "Call CQ" on either repeater, and Cliff was sure to answer.  Cliff had many friends in the ham community, and his regular converstations of the "good old days" will be surely missed.
No details of arrangements are known at this time, but will be posted as soon as they are provided.

------------------------------------
12/26/2021 - GMRA Member Stan Marshall (W3GZV) Becomes Silent Key

Stan was a regular attendee during the time when the club held its monthly social meetings at TJs Restaurant in Calverton, Md., and at our in-person annual business meetings. While some may not always associate a call sign with an individual, you may remember that Stan was the double amputee who had such a positive outlook on life and interest in our hobby.

Stan and his wife Jacinta were residents of Riderwood Village continuing care community in Calverton.  A celebration of Stans life will be held on Monday, January 10th at 1:00pm in the Riderwood Chapel.  RIP Stan  W3GZV sk

Submitted by Pal Littleton, K3ZIB

------------------------------------
6/30/2021 - GMRA Member John Hite (K3SGB) Becomes Silent Key

On Wednesday, June 30, 2021, John D'Arcy Hite (Age 76) of Silver Spring, MD., beloved husband of Lois Snowden Hite; brother-in-law of Frederick C. Snowden (Barbara) and the late Clinton L. Snowden. Also survived by many nieces, nephews and friends. John and his wife Lois (K3SGA) are long time members of GMRA, and John will be dearly missed. Memorial contributions may be made to American Cancer Society, P.O. Box 22718, Oklahoma City, OK 73123 or ARRL (American Radio Relay League), 225 Main St., Newington, CT 06111-1400.
 
------------------------------------
2/4/2021 - GMRA Member Sue David (N3RWI), Wife of Late GMRA Board Member C.T. David (K3GXF) Becomes Silent Key

Sue J. David, 82, of Olathe, KS formerly of Seabrook, MD, born May 28, 1938 in Danville, VA was welcomed into heavens gates on Thursday, February 4, 2021 at home.  She and her husband Carey ("C.T.") David lived in their Seabrook, Md.
home for 56 years, before moving to Illinois in December of 2019 to live with C.T.'s daughter due to failing health.  Both were long time ham radio operators, and active members of the Green Mountain Repeater Association.  They will both be missed by all.

See C.T. David's Silent Key information below.

-------------------------------
5/22/2020 - GMRA Member & Past Board Member C.T. David (K3GXF) Becomes Silent Key

Carey T. (C.T.) David, Jr., 90, of Mascoutah, IL formerly of Seabrook, MD, born July 12, 1929 in Washington, D.C. died Friday, May 22, 2020 at Brightly Senior Living, Mascoutah, IL.

C.T. was a retired Electronics Repairman for Sears & Roebuck Company for over 40 years and a lifelong amateur radio operator (K3GXF). He was a member of Faith Baptist Church in Laurel, MD and the Green Mountain Repeater Association (GMRA).  For many years he served on the GMRA Board of Directors as the Club Secretary, and also served as the club's "unofficial" photographer for events such as the Annual Business Meeting and Luncheon.  C.T. was a "larger-than-life" member of the organization, and his presence will be greatly missed.

He is preceded in death by his parents, Carey T. and Margaret, nee Wheat, David, Sr., a daughter, Sue Ann in infancy, a brother, Richard David and two sisters, Barbara Gay and Margaret Jensen.  He is survived by his wife, Sue, who he married in Washington, D.C. on Aug. 13, 1955; his children, Carey David of Ocala, FL, Steven (Melody) David of Ashburn, VA, Jean (Scott) Grant of Scott AFB, IL; seven grandchildren, Collin (Sabrina) David, James (Jen) David, Maggie (Jacob) Passmore, Emily (Justin) Sizemore, Jenna David (Erik Guldbech), Jackson and Rebekah Grant; five great grandchildren, Arthur, Gregory, Cyrus, Emmett and Louisa May.

Memorials in memory of C.T. may be sent to The Navigators, P.O. Box 6079, Albert Lea, MN 56007 (navigators.org). Condolences may be sent to the family by visiting mollfuneralhome.com.

------------------------------
12/31/2018 - GMRA Treasurer Roy Ashlin (N3NGA) Becomes Silent Key

It is with the utmost sadness that we must announce the passing of GMRA Board of Directors Member Roy Ashlin, N3NGA, on 12/31/2018.  Roy had been an elected GMRA Board Member for at least 10 years, where he held the position of club Treasurer, Membership Chairman, and Technical Committee.  Roy's meticulous attention to the club's fiscal affairs made sure that every penny was accounted for, and his daily mailouts to newly licensed hams inviting them to become members of the GMRA meant a steady stream of new members and income for the organization.  Roy worked hard with other members of the Technical Committee to make sure our repeaters were always in tip top shape, and his tireless efforts in planning the Annual Business Meeting & Luncheon assured us that it was always an enjoyable event. His presence as a GMRA official, fellow ham, and friend, will be truly missed.

-------------------------------
09/11/2012 - Former GMRA President Phil Russo (W3ELS) Becomes Silent Key

The October 2012 issue of QST lists Phillip Russo, W3ELS, of Davidsonville, MD., as a Silent Key. If my memory serves me correctly, Phil was once President of GMRA. He was very personable and active on the repeaters and was a friend. He relocated from Maryland to Florida many years ago returning to Maryland in his later years. He will be missed.

-- Murray Green, K3BEQ

--------------------------------
03/02/2012 - Tim Allen stars in new TV sitcom as Ham Radio Operator KA0XTT

Yes the "Tool Man" is back, only this time he is Mike Baxter, the Advertising Director for a Sporting Goods store called "Outdoor Man."
The new show, which airs on Friday nights at 8pm, is somewhat similar his old show "Home Improvement," except that he now has three
girls instead of three boys, and this time there is a new addition to the family -- a ham radio license!

Click Here for the GMRA web page containing everything you wanted to know about the show, and maybe some things you didn't!

--------------------------------------
11/22/2011 - FCC Says Amateur Radio Licenses are at an All-Time High - Fox News.com

Fresno, Calif. –  iPhone, beware?

The newest trend in American communication isn't another smartphone from Apple or Google but one of the elder statesmen of communication: Ham radio licenses are at an all time high, with over 700,000 licenses in the United States, according to the Federal Communications Commission.

Ham radio first took the nation by storm nearly a hundred years ago. Last month the FCC logged 700,314 licenses, with nearly 40,000 new ones in the last five years. Compare that with 2005 when only 662,600 people hammed it up and you'll see why the American Radio Relay League -- the authority on all things ham -- is calling it a "golden age."

Click the link below to continue the story and view the Fox News video segment:

Radio_days_are_back_ham_radio_licenses_at_an_all_time_high_foxnews.com

-------------------------------------------
10/21/2011 - GMRA Turns 40! -- Message from one of GMRA's "Founding Fathers:"

This October marks the 40th anniversary of GMRA. Through it's membership, past and present, it has sustained it's reputation as one of the largest/friendliest repeater clubs in the State of Maryland and the largest and arguably the friendliest in Prince George's County. Shortly after activating the 146.610 repeater in October 1971 and the 146.880 repeater a year later, membership peaked at 300.

Forty years later, when many clubs have diminished membership or have closed their doors, GMRA can boast a membership of 249. It is also noteworthy to mention the support to ARES first responders, community events and repeater reliability that is virtually unfailing. No small feats.

Congratulations GMRA; straight ahead to the next 40 years.

73, Murray Green, K3BEQ

-------------------------------------------
09/14/2010 - Honorary ARRL Vice President and Longtime GMRA member Hugh Turnbull (W3ABC ) becomes silent key.

ARRL Honorary Vice President Hugh Turnbull, W3ABC, of Silver Spring, Maryland, died September 14 at age 93.

Turnbull served the ARRL as Atlantic Division Vice Director (1980-1982) and Director (1982-1996).
The ARRL Board named him Vice President in 1996 and Honorary Vice President in 2000.

Aside from his long and distinguished service to the ARRL, Hugh was actively involved in several DC-area Amateur Radio clubs and organizations, including the Foundation for Amateur Radio, a group of clubs from the Maryland, Washington, DC and Northern Virginia area that awards scholarships to deserving radio amateurs.

In 2005, the Quarter Century Wireless Association awarded Turnbull a special plaque recognizing his "exceptional contributions to Amateur Radio in general and for outstanding work in the selection of recipients for the QCWA scholarship awards."  He was also a charter member of the Goddard Amateur Radio Club.

A licensed and active radio amateur since 1932, Hugh's engineering career included employment with the FCC, the Voice of America and NASA.

Upon hearing of his death, ARRL President Kay Craigie, N3KN, who served as Atlantic Division Vice Director during Hugh's tenure as Director, said: "Hugh's life was devoted to serving his country and Amateur Radio. Many times I heard him say that each of us should give something back to ham radio. He was my first mentor in ARRL leadership, and it was my good fortune to have his example to learn from."

ARRL Chief Executive Officer David Sumner, K1ZZ, added: "Hugh was an exemplary member of 'The Greatest Generation' who unselfishly took on whatever needed to be done for the common good."  According to his daughter, Karen Shangraw, Turnbull will be buried with full military honors at Arlington National Cemetery

------------------------------------------
06/03/2010 - GMRA Thursday Night Net debuts!

Although the association has had many nets on different nights of the week over the past 39 years, a regular directed net seemed to have disappeared with the passing of several long time senior club members.  (Not counting the still active ARES/RACES organizational nets on the 146.610 repeater.)

In an effort to revive the weekly net format, the GMRA Board of Directors decided at the May 2010 board meeting, to start a weekly net on Thursday nights at 1930 hours.  Everett Bollin (WA3DVO) volunteered to act as the Net Control Operator when available, and has been doing an excellent job.  The net starts off with some quick ARRL and other ham-related news and information, then moves into the check-in phase.  One interesting feature of the "current" net is the addition of "trivia" questions.  Anyone checking into the net is given the opportunity to ask a trivia question on any given subject, and the remaining check-ins test their knowledge by attempting to answer the question.  There is no limit as to how many stations can ask a trivia question, and the correct answers are usually given out toward the end of the net.  (No fair looking up answers on the internet!!)

The purpose of the GMRA Thursday Night Net is to share social and technical information among the participating stations, and is open to all licensed ham radio operators.  (Membership in GMRA is not required to participate in the weekly net.)

So come join us on Thursday nights at 1930 hours.  Even if you are a mobile station or do not have any traffic for the net, please check in, test your knowledge of trivia, and be recognized!

--------------------------------------
12/28/2009 - Former club member George J. Fritsch, Jr (WA3TOX) becomes silent key.

George J. Fritsch, Jr. was called home by his Lord on December 28, 2009 after a year of battling cancer.  George was born on September 6, 1929 in his parents' home in Baltimore, Maryland.  He was a 1948 graduate of Baltimore Polytechnic Institute where he enjoyed annual class reunions through this past October, leading the group in their fight song.  George was a long-time employee of the Maryland State Highway Administration and served in various capacities from Junior Draftsman to Bureau Chief of Materials Control.  He was a project engineer on parts of US 301 and US 50.  George proudly served his country during the Korean War. 

George was previously active as an Amateur Radio Operator (Ham Radio) and his call sign was WA3TOX.  In addition, he was a Boy Scout leader and Little League coach in the Glen Burnie, Maryland area for years.  He was an active member over the years at Arbutus United Methodist Church in Baltimore, Maryland, Emmanuel United Methodist Church in Bradenton, Florida and currently at Hillside United Methodist Church in Woodstock, Georgia.  George was a devoted choir member at all three churches.  He was also an active member of AARP Chapter in Woodstock, Georgia.  Over the years, George was an avid bowler and enjoyed bowling in Senior bowling leagues in both Bradenton, Florida and Woodstock, Georgia and had received several bowling awards.  

George was preceded in death by his wife of almost 55 years, Jeanne (Berrett) Fritsch.  He is survived by his current wife, Barbara (Westhoff) Fritsch, children Kurt Fritsch (WA3TOY) of Pasadena, Maryland and Linda Walsh of Roswell, Georgia.  He was blessed with three grandchildren who called him "Pop", Andrew Walsh, Sarah Walsh, and Jessica Fritsch. 

George's ashes will be interred at the Georgia National Cemetery in Canton, Georgia on December 31, 2009 with military decorum.  A memorial service will take place at Hillside United Methodist Church in Woodstock, Georgia at 2:00 p.m. on January 2, 2010.  Additional memorial services will take place at later dates in Baltimore, Maryland and Bradenton, Florida. 

George was loved by all he met and will be greatly missed.  

* Submitted by Kurt Fritsch (WA3TOY).  Kurt and George were GMRA members in the 70's and 80's.