Blog · Preparedness · April 18, 2026

Spring Repeater Check — Five Minutes Before Storm Season

Before spring storms, spend five minutes on one repeater you actually rely on — not every machine in the county.

Five-minute check

Pick your primary 2m repeater from East TN frequencies or the repeater tool.
Confirm offset and PL/CTCSS on-air — listen first, then a short test with your callsign.
Note battery date on your HT and log the check in kit maintenance.
Update your PACE plan if the repeater you tested differs from Primary.

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Antenna upgrade and programming cable for spring maintenance visits.

Nagoya NA-771 antenna Dual-band 2m/70cm whip upgrade for any SMA HT. ~$10 · Amazon → CHIRP programming cable USB cable for Baofeng/BTECH — verify FTDI chip. ~$12 · Amazon → RG-58 coax 50 ft Feedline for portable and base — check loss budget. ~$25 · Amazon →