About

Repeater

The WR4AKX 146.67 repeater is an ARRL-affiliated general purpose repeater open to all amateur radio operators. Its high altitude, high gain antenna allows county-wide operation, with mobile operators able to reach the repeater from well beyond the county line. Because of its wide coverage and long history of reliable operation, it serves as one of Central Palm Beach County’s emergency service repeaters.

History

The repeater was originally assembled in 1972 by Henry Felton (then WA4HXZ), SK, and a dedicated group of ham friends. It was mounted on a tower at Henry’s home on 14th St. in West Palm Beach and was moved to several different locations over the years. It has been at its current location, on a tower owned by The City of West Palm Beach, since 1990. It was originally installed in a non-air-conditioned stand-alone traffic box at the base of the tower. When a new tower was built to replace the aging one, years of negotiations with the City and an agreement with The County of Palm Beach resulted in a move to an equipment shelter owned by the County in 2017.

From the very beginning the repeater was intended for public service and open amateur use. In 1974, with the growth of its activity, the group formalized its existence by forming the Amateur Radio Emergency Corp (AREC) Repeater Group, Inc

Today

The AREC Repeater Group meets as necessary throughout the year for purpose of conducting general business. Elections for officers and Board of Directors are held every other year. The BOD meets as necessary to address specific issues and maintenance of the repeater.

The Group exists solely for the purpose of maintaining the repeater system for public service and general amateur use. The 67 repeater has a commendable record of reliable service, and is used regularly by local ARES and SkyWarn members for public service activities.

The 67 is an open repeater. Although all amateurs may freely use the repeater without being a member, membership is encouraged and certainly appreciated. Voting rights, however, are only given to the members, who actually own the repeater system.