Introductory Information about the
California Microwave Relay Association
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The California Microwave Relay Association (CMRA) is a group of Amateur Radio enthusiasts who combined their electronic expertise and personal radio equipment to set up an unmatched Amateur Radio communication system. This system is dedicated to providing a reliable means of talking over a broad geographic area.

The CMRA is a public service-oriented organization and consists of over 300 associates, over 40 of whom are in law enforcement. This organization also includes individuals from Fire, CalTrans, and other public service and professional, technical fields.

Although the primary, day-to-day use is for the personal pleasure of the Amateur community, CMRA requires every associate to join the Amateur Radio Emergency Services (ARES). The American Radio Relay League (ARRL) set up ARES to provide a universal method of handling emergency communication. CMRA has a Mobile Response Team equipped with off-road vehicles for emergency communication. The Team activates a quarterly drill, going out to a remote area, creating a Command Post for four days, and staging mobile off-road communications.

One major benefit of the CMRA system is the ability to provide reliable, wide coverage communication during times of public need. CMRA defines public need as emergencies such as earthquakes, forest fires, storms, or other public services; marathons, etc. We also assist in the communications at the Special Olympics at UCLA and the Baker-Vegas Marathon every year.

The system operates in the 1200 megahertz (1.2 gigahertz) region of the radio spectrum, using mountaintop repeaters linked together by associated transmitters and receivers to provide long-range ground communications. We also have several 220 repeaters, that we can link if needed, for cross-band traffic along with a complex remote base system.

CMRA associates who donate equipment, towers, antennas, site rentals, etc. to CMRA can use these items as a tax deduction. This deduction is according to the value of the asset or service provided. There are several public service-oriented site owners that have generously allowed CMRA to put repeaters on their sites without charge.

CMRA is an incorporated nonprofit association with the appropriate officers and Board of Directors. Board of Directors elect officers to serve terms as stipulated in the CMRA Bylaws. Directors consist of repeater owners, site owners, and other individuals considered by the association to have a necessary voice in the management of the system. CMRA has Bylaws, Director's Rules, and Associate Rules that define the parameters of the system usage.

CMRA operates on donations and a monthly Hamfest at Cal Poly University at Pomona. Hamfest proceeds go toward the operation of the radio system. Other sponsors are ABC Battery, C&L Electronics, Certex Electronics, Delco, Glaser Electronics, Gordon West Radio School, GTE, H&L Electronics, NCG Inc., Orion Telecom, Raycom Communications, United Way, and Southern California Edison.

The present system of linked repeaters provides excellent coverage of Southwestern Arizona, southwestern Nevada, and the Southern California area, from the Mexican border north to the mountain ranges, dividing Northern and Central California from the southern counties.

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