Overview
(or what we do, how and why)
This is a system composed of
chained radio links. Radio repeaters, (Remote Base), receive inputs
from users, usually operating mobile. When the repeater picks up a
properly encoded radio signal, it turns on its associated
transmitter and repeats what it hears on a nearby frequency. A
controller supervises this activity. Each Intertie, Incorporated
member is a trained control operator, and is thus privileged to
control all 23 Remote Base locations in the system. The controller
hardware and software is programmed to accept a large array of
operational and configuration commands. Some of these allow the
repeater to be connected ("interfaced") to a co-located
transmitter/receiver combination, which operates on a different
channel pair. This radio linking configuration transmits messages
to the next site in the chain. The next site is operationally
similar. If commanded to do so, the link signal is retransmitted by
the distant repeater transmitter. An operator at the distant site
can pick up his talkie, send the necessary interface command(s) and
visit the other repeater via the link. The Intertie system can do
this through 23 different locations across south and west Texas.
Controlled access allows interface with the Armadillo Intertie,
serving north, east and west Texas, as well as the Cactus Intertie
System even further west.
Boy,
that's a big operation - Who pays for it?
In
a word, we pay our own way. As a (501)(c)(3) “not for profit”
educational, scientific charitable organization, we are exempt from
federal and state taxes. We do accept donations of radio
transmitting and receiving equipment or cash. But we operate on a
relatively meager budget supported by member dues and pledges. We
build a majority of our operating equipment through members who
donate their time for construction and System
maintenance.
What
do you give back to the community?
We
stand ready to provide emergency communications wherever needed
within our operating area (which is pretty huge). We are regular
participants in local and regional disaster planning, drills and
operations. Most of our sites have backup emergency power to
facilitate communications on demand regardless of outside
support.
We have published the results of our research in national
scientific media. While conducting ongoing research we also train
amateurs in more advanced communications theory and operation. This
has proved to be quite entertaining (visits to some awesome scenery
on private and public real estate), as well as a learning
experience for all, gray hairs included. Members include fledgling
radio operators in our ongoing research and development effort by
teaching more basic classes.
Members also serve on regional and national committees dealing with
radio frequency matters, hold offices in various emergency
organizations such as ARES and RACES and serve as officers in the
Texas VHF FM Society, (http://www.txvhffm.org).
No use of these symbols or phrases is allowed without the express
written permission of Intertie, Inc.