STARS
is An organization of ham radio operators dedicated to the
mission of advancing and furnishing radio communications in
the lower Rio Grande Valley. STARS members furnish their
time and the use of their sophisticated communications
equipment solely as a public service. They are available to
furnish communications during storms, hurricanes and other
natural disasters often when regular commercial
communications systems are not available. This sterling
record of public services has been recognized at the highest
levels of both national and international government.
As you read this page, We
invite you to acquaint yourself with the many resources that
STARS furnishes on a regular basis to South Texas and for
the welfare of the general public.
STARS EQUIPMENT
Currently STARS
communications system, STARLINK, covers Cameron,
Willacy and Hidalgo counties. The heart of our
communications system is located in Blue Town on tower
space provided by KVMV FM 96.9. This system is a VHF and UHF
repeater system with backup generator power in the
event of commercial power loss. We also Have repeaters in
Brownsville, South Padre Island and McAllen . these
repeaters are linked to the Blue Town repeater system which
give the Rio Grande Valley continuous coverage throughout
the Rio Grande Valley. Stars also has Digital communications
in the form of Packet communications With the main system
also located in Blue Town and also on Generator backup. All
STARS equipment is state of the art, owned and operated by
STARS and financially supported through dues, donations and
income generated by the organization.
STARS EMERGENCY
COMMUNICATIONS
STARS EMCOM is an auxiliary
of STARS that was founded to meet the need of closer
communications with local, state, federal governments and
other entities. In time of emergencies or other special
needs STARS EMCOM stands ready to serve the communications
needs of the Rio Grande Valley.
STARLINK:
STARLINK was
commissioned in response to a request from a federal agency
who would like to see an effective communications system in
place and operating along the entire American -Mexican
border. STARS is currently obtaining equipment and
installing it in a concerted effort to implement this state
of the art communications system. Eventually, this system
will stretch along the border from the Gulf of Mexico to
Laredo, Texas. It will have the potential to tie into
existing systems that ultimately could tie the Rio Grande
Valley into the West coast of California.
YOUTH DEVELOPMENT:
STARS is dedicated to the
task of educating and adding young people to its membership.
The future of amateur radio and its ability to service the
public sector in coming years is predicted on the infusion
of new people to our ranks. STARS works closely with the
American Radio Relay League and local educators to achieve
this goal. STARS welcomes new members to our ranks and
individuals in the organization are happy to work with new
members to train them so they can obtain their FCC license.
Growth for the future is our watchword.
STARS SPONSORED TRAFFIC NETS:
STARS sponsors a variety
daily traffic nets. Monday - Saturday is the rag chewers net
at 19:00 CDT, Thursday STARS EMCOM NET at 18:30CDT and
Sundays is News Line
at
19:00CDT. SKYWARN, Emergency traffic nets and special event
nets are held on a as needed basis. Special event nets will
be announced by the K5RAV announcement system on the
STARLINK system.
SUMMARY:
In short, the South Texas
Amateur Repeater Society has a long and distinguished record
of serving the public interest. STARS solicits your support,
cooperation and membership. STARS is writing a new and proud
chapter in the history of Amateur Radio. We invite any
questions you might have. We thank you for your time and
interest.
w5rgv@w5rgv.net
