Overview of Intertie, Incorporated
How does all this work?
Briefly, this is a system composed of chained radio links. Radio repeaters 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, Inc. Member is a trained control operator, and is thus privileged to control this repeater, as well as all others 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-sited transmitter-receiver combination, which operates on a different pair of channels. This link radio carries messages to the next site in the chain. The next site is operationally similar. If commanded to do so, the link signal is re-transmitted 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 at sixteen different locations across south Texas, with 3 additional sites in construction. Controlled access allows interface with the Armadillo Intertie, serving north, east and west Texas, as well as the Cactus Intertie System to the 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. All Members donate their time in construction and maintenance of the System.
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.
We have published the results of some of our research in national scientific media. In conducting ongoing research, we train amateurs in more advanced communications theory and operations. 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 of us, gray hairs included.
Members teach classes to fledgling radio operators, serve on regional and national committees dealing with radio frequency matters, serve as officers in the Texas VHF FM Society www.txvhffm.org.
Revised:
12/12/04 12:00 PM by N5VRP, Dennis Rogers, and KD5ZSY, Stanley Waghalter,
Webmasters
Copyright 2006 by Intertie, Inc. All Rights Reserved
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permission of Intertie, Inc.