MCMC Communications Upgrade

Dr. Richard L. Klingler, MD, upgraded the hospital communications equipment in late 2023. The first communications with the new radio was on December 23, 2023. That contact was with a station in Olivia, MN. When the digital aspect of the radio – Wires X – is programmed into the new radio, communications can be global. This is not CB (Citizens Band). Operators need FCC licensure. 

Arl Weinrebe (KD0BKW) and Leroy Reese (KD0HAZ), together, implemented the hospital radio equipment in recent years. This allowed the hospital to have HF (High Frequency) and VHF (Very High Frequency) capabilities for emergency communications if telephone and internet services were down.

Dr. Klingler acquired and installed an additional radio transceiver in December 2023. This radio has analog and digital capabilities. When fully implemented, the Yeasu Fusion system will allow the hospital to communicate with other amateur radio stations, in other parts of Minnesota and Sioux Falls, SD. These networks are maintained for ARES (Amateur Radio Emergency Service) and EMCOMM (Emergency Communications) nets.

The hospital radios communicate with local repeaters that assist in the transmission of RF (Radio Frequency) signals.

Dr. Klingler initially obtained an FCC Amateur Radio license in 1962. Over the years, he has held amateur call signs in Hawaii, Oregon, Virginia, and the Panama Canal Zone. He currently has a General Class Amateur Radio License in Minnesota – KF0LKG. His home radio station allows him to communicate with other amateur radio operators throughout the world by Single Sideband voice or morse code. 

About MCMC. Murray County Medical Center is a 25-bed critical access hospital located in Slayton, Minnesota. MCMC provides a full range of diagnostic and therapeutic services for the community including family medicine, emergency services, surgical care, inpatient care, imaging and radiology, laboratory services, orthopedics and sports medicine, pharmacy services, respiratory care, rehab, skilled swing beds, and a wound care clinic, among others. MCMC has proudly served the community for over 60 years and is a major employer and committed community partner. Learn more at www.murraycountymed.org.