Hey everyone,
As we look back over the last year or so, we just wanted to take a second to say a massive thank you to everyone who has pitched in to support the system. The Southwest Community Radio System (SWCRS) really is a team effort. We provide the hardware, but you all are the ones who keep it alive, welcoming, and active.
Every single donation goes directly into the boring-but-important stuff: site fees, replacing worn-out gear, and keeping the repeaters up and running across Arizona and New Mexico. Whether you’re an old-pro radio head or a total newbie just listening in, we are incredibly grateful you’re here.
We were looking through some of the feedback and donation notes that came in recently, and we wanted to share a few of them (with names and call signs blacked out to keep things private).
What You All Are Saying:
“Appreciate the system. Pretty cool resource. Thanks.”
“Thanks for the repeaters!
— █████ (████████)”
“You guys are doing a fantastic job. Thank you. Thanks for providing such valuable communications systems.”
“Thank you for providing infrastructure to the radio community. Thank you guys for all you do!! — ████████”
“I listen all the time but I have never been able to get out once. Is there anyone in the ABQ or Santa Fe area who can help a rookie get started? Much appreciated.”
“Thank all of you that spend time, money and effort to keep the repeaters active.
— ███████████████ ████████”
“Great newsletter today. Nice op ed piece by ████████. I’ll have to get on the airwaves as soon as I unpack my radio. Had a flood in the apt and had to pack everything up. Keep up the good work.
— ████”
“Just got the tax refund! I appreciate what all you guys do.”
“I fell out of gmrs last year. Would like to get back in. Forgot my call sign last numbers. Got your newsletter and remember years ago you guys were professional and helpful getting me on the airwaves. When I plug my unit back in I’ll look you up!”
“Thank you to the worker bees that make this a stellar system. You guys are priceless.”
“Just checked in on the net. Thank you so much for allowing me to participate in this process and use the GMRS system. It is GREAT.
— ██████████”
“I live in NM but appreciate the ability to reach AZ.”
“Thank you for all the hard work and dedication to both GMRS & Amateur radio services!”
“I appreciate my membership to SWCRS. Thank you for allowing myself and family members to be a member.
— ████████”
“Thanks for maintaining repeaters — looks like great coverage. I will be spending 5 nights around Reserve, NM area.”
“I know it is not much but everything helps I am sure. Thanks for providing this service.”
(Note from the team: Seriously, every little bit keeps the lights on. We appreciate it more than you know!)
“SWCRS is awesome – you guys do great work keeping it going – much appreciated! Best Regards, ████████, ‘████ in Santa Fe'”
“Finally figured out how to find the right frequency lol for my repeater and made a contact right away all the way in Deming NM from Albuquerque way cool that is for the opportunity to use the repeater.”
“Keep up the GREAT work. Thanks for allowing me to listen in and use the repeaters.
— █████”
“I live in Elephant Butte. Thanks for the repeater on Caballo. I am out in the back country fairly often and don’t always have cell service. I am pretty much an amateur, hoping to get plugged in a bit more often, meet some new contacts. I am open to learn how to check on or repair the repeater if you need it. Thanks
— ████”
“For repair of Hobbs GMRS repeater. Thanks!”
“Ignorance of your GMRS repeater provider is not considered cool. ████████”
“My wife and I have been ham radio operators for over 20 years lately I’ve wanted to set something up for my wife and I so I turned to GMRS… I found your awesome network last Sunday during the net so we listened in and became very interested… My wife and I are professional operators and operate with strict values of respect for each other and everyone involved in the radio world. I listen almost 24-7 and am willing to help anyone in need, emergency traffic is top priority…
Sincerely, ████████████ and wife ████████████”
“I wish I could do more, but I’ll be able to set up reoccurring donations in the near future. 73,
███████ / ████████”
Help Us Keep It Going
Keeping a linked radio network running across our deserts, mountains, and remote backcountry spots takes a good bit of time and occasional upkeep.
If you use the system—whether it’s for your daily drive, a weekend camping trip where cell coverage disappears, checking into our nets, or just scanning the bands on a quiet evening—please consider throwing a few bucks our way if you’re able. Your contributions keep sites like Hobbs and Caballo healthy and ensure we can keep the network running for everyone.
There’s a Donate button right on our homepage if you want to leave a one-time tip or set up a small recurring monthly donation. No pressure at all, but it truly helps.
Thanks again for being a great community. See you on the air!
73,
WRCU527 & The SWCRS Team
Go NADS!