Behind the repeaters

Technical Committee

The volunteers responsible for the ongoing operation, maintenance, and technical stewardship of AARC's repeater systems and infrastructure.

The AARC repeater systems are a critical asset to the club and the wider amateur radio community — supporting daily communications, public service events, and emergency operations. The Technical Committee makes sure they stay on the air.

Mission

Ensure that AARC repeater systems are:

✓Reliable and available to the amateur radio community
✓Technically sound and well-maintained
✓Secure and resilient against failures and environmental conditions
✓Prepared to support emergency and public service communications

Responsibilities

•Routine maintenance and monitoring of repeater systems
•Troubleshooting and repair of hardware, software, and networking
•Site infrastructure: power, antennas, feedlines, grounding
•Planning and executing upgrades
•Frequency coordination and FCC compliance
•Technical documentation and configuration records
•Interoperability with ARES®, served agencies, and neighboring systems

Emergency Communications Support

In coordination with AARC leadership and local ARES® groups, the Technical Committee ensures repeater systems can support emergency communications when normal infrastructure is degraded or unavailable — with attention to backup power, redundancy, and operational readiness.

Committee Members

Experienced amateur radio operators who volunteer their time and expertise in RF systems, electronics, networking, tower and site maintenance, and emergency communications.

Chair

Roy Walker

WA5YZD

Roy serves as Chair of the Technical Committee.

Jeff Schmidt

N5MNW

Jeff is our resident Elmer, and runs the Swapnet Newsletter.

Chris Kacerguis

KJ5DJC

Resident AUXCOM, Maintains the website, the club IT infrastructure, several repeaters, and is the W5KA trustee

Rex Schuler

K8REX

Resident COM/L, Maintains radio room equipment, the South Austin repeater, and is the W5OEM trustee

Rolf Lagerquist

AA5RL

Maintains the BSW Lakeway Repeater

Working Approach

•Safety-first practices at all sites
•Thoughtful engineering and long-term sustainability
•Clear communication with the Board and membership
•Responsible stewardship of club equipment and resources

Get Involved

Interested in supporting the Technical Committee — through hands-on technical work, documentation, logistics, or learning opportunities? Reach out to the committee chair or club leadership.