Location & Background
The Pune Hams UHF Repeater (VU2DYQ‑R) is located in the natural surroundings of ARAI Hill, Paud Road, Pune, near Vetal Baba Temple. At an elevation of approximately 2600 feet, this is the highest point in Pune, offering excellent coverage across the city.
The repeater became operational in 2019 and is housed in the Pune Fire Brigade’s repeater room. Its installation was made possible through generous donations from club members and supporters, including VU2RPV OM Rajesh, VU2MSB Milind, Rahul, Pranit SWL Deshmukh, and others.
Equipment & Specifications
- Motorola heavy‑duty UHF repeater
- Diamond X50 antenna
- 25‑watt output power
- RX frequency (user listens): 434.100 MHz
- TX frequency (user transmits): 435.700 MHz
- Location: Vetal Tekdi, near ARAI Hill, Paud Road, Pune
The repeater operates with a +1.6 MHz shift and carries the club call sign VU2DYQ‑R. Plans are underway to run the system on solar energy with dual‑source UPS, thanks to contributions from OM Atul VU2OPY and SWL Deshmukh.
Coverage
The repeater provides strong coverage across major parts of Pune city, including:
- Kothrud, Shivajinagar, FC Road, Aundh, Baner
- Parts of Hinjawadi, Wagholi, Shikrapur, Hadapsar
- Extending up to Katraj tunnels and Wakad
This wide coverage ensures reliable communication for hams across Pune and surrounding areas.
Community & Activities
The UHF repeater has become a hub for daily nets and club activities. The UHF Net at 9:15 PM every evening connects hams locally and globally via Echolink, allowing QSOs even through mobile phones.
The repeater also plays a key role in emergency communication preparedness, technical experimentation, and student outreach programs conducted by Pune Hams.
Legacy & Future
The Pune Hams UHF repeater stands as a testament to the club’s commitment to innovation and community service. From its humble beginnings with member donations to its current robust setup, it continues to support amateur radio operators in Pune.
With ongoing upgrades and solar integration, the repeater is set to remain a vital communication resource for years to come.
📡 For more details, visit: www.vu2rcp.in
73’s,
Vilas Rabde VU2VPR
Pune Hams VU2RCP
9822502078