"Michael Coslo" wrote in message
...


If we want to generate traffic on the repeaters, the simplest way is to
generate some traffic on them. Get a friend and talk on the thing. Next thing
you know, others will join you. If enough places do that, there will be plenty
of traffic.


I didn't make my point very well. We don't need to "generate traffic", we
simply need to clean out the dead "legacy" assignments and free up room for
things like DStar and other emerging technologies.

I just had a look at our local (Minneapolis/St Paul) pair assignments. In the
2M and 75CM bands there are 108 repeater pairs assigned. You read right --- ONE
HUNDRED AND EIGHT! Yet I can scan both bands for hours on end and hear nothing.

Since this thread is about the "5th Pillar" of ARRL emphasis, "technology",
perhaps ARRK and NFCC could jointly sponsor a Skimmer-like technology initiative
which would put up a broadband receiver on a local highrise (we're in flatland
country out here) and count squelch-tails per QRG for three months. Then
approach the low 10% and suggest they might reconsider their needs. Especially
those clubs who sponsor multiple quiet repeaters all covering an identical
footprint.

73, de Hans, K0HB