What is JPARA?

Jacks Peak Amateur Radio Association (JPARA) is an amateur "ham" radio organization. We are an affiliate of the Cactus Intertie System. The club owns and operates an extensive network of linked radios and remote base stations, most of which are located high on mountain tops. Traditional UHF full duplex, Microwave and ROIP (Radio Over Internet Protocol) links are used throughout the system.

Our Backbone sites are more than just repeaters, they are actually "REMOTE BASE" stations. These sites use very complex controllers, usually either a Palomar or Sierra Control Systems device and unlike some of the other systems where the links are hard connected, our links are totally controllable. By FCC rule, the Remote base designation requires that every operator has to be a control operator of the system. This takes a fair amount of training and with that our system is considered a "MEMBERS ONLY" system

The club is comprised of members from throughout the state of New Mexico and far West Texas. Members come from a variety of backgrounds, some directly related to the radio field, and some not. There is a wealth of technical information available for the asking, or just a "good afternoon".

The Club callsign - N5IA

This club was originally issued the FCC callsign of WB5QHS and through some "creative licensing", Milt and the club also had several other vanity calls, such as K5SAN for Sandia Crest, K5BEN for Benson Ridge, and K5CAB for Caballo Peak. FCC Part97 changed with time and clubs were no longer allowed to do this. Existing licenses were grandfatherd in but with Milt's passing, this was no longer the case and we were forced to comply with the modern standards.

After a series of email discussions, the board agreed to pursue a single call concept and Milt's family gave the club permission to obtain his callsign, N5IA to honor his memory. All of the existing vanity calls were cancelled except for the QHS call and working through both the FCC and the ARRL CLUB branch, all of the necessary re-licensing was completed. The FCC issued N5IA back to the club that Milt loved so dearly. Now, when you hear the ID on the system, you will be forever reminded of Milt's presence.

Contact the Club Officers:

Sean KD6CUB - President - kd6cub@arrl.net
Martin WB5LJO - Vice-president - wb5ljo@k5wph.org
Pete - KA7VYH - Treasurer - mhamilton1961@gmail.com
Larry - N5BG- Secretary - lgriggs@aznex.net