Date: March 2025
Amount: $26,743

The Hazel Park Amateur Radio Club (HPARC), based in Hazel Park, Michigan, is seeking funding to rebuild and modernize its DART repeater system, which serves the metro Detroit amateur radio community and supports a variety of public service and emergency communications needs. The system, originally inherited from the Detroit Area Repeater Team in 1994, has been in continuous operation for decades and now faces performance issues due to aging components.

The proposed project will involve a full replacement of key system infrastructure at the VHF main site in Oak Park, including antennas, repeater hardware, filters, cabling, and a site voter. The club also plans to upgrade the antenna mounting hardware for improved durability, install microwave links to connect the VHF and UHF sites, and provide a new internet connection to the UHF site, which currently lacks one. Remote-controlled power outlets will be added at all sites to improve support and troubleshooting.

Additionally, the project will enable new features like Yaesu System Fusion, Allstar, and support for integration with 44Net, allowing greater connectivity and participation for local Technician-class operators. The upgrade will benefit multiple public service groups who rely on the system, including CERT teams, the Southeastern Michigan Traffic Net, and the Oakland County ARPSC. It will also support community outreach through demonstrations at events like Field Day and in collaboration with local schools.

Learn more at https://hparc.org/.