About KrakenRelay

KrakenRelay is a software-driven repeater controller that started as a personal project — just a way to learn Python and build something useful for the shack. It quickly spiraled into what it is now: a full-featured, modern repeater controller suitable for just about any use case.

The mission is simple: modernize amateur radio and provide a user-friendly, open platform for people who want to experiment with RF. Whether you're running a homebrew node or a club-linked system, KrakenRelay makes it easier to get on the air, try new ideas, and build better infrastructure.

Built with Python, a Flask-based web UI, and native DSP via CFFI and C, KrakenRelay is lightweight, modular, and designed to run cleanly on Raspberry Pi or any Linux-based system.

Repeaters

🔧 Amateur UHF Repeater – 442.900+ (PL 162.2)

This amateur repeater on 442.900 MHz (+ offset) with a PL tone of 162.2 Hz is currently on-air in Southwest Baltimore City. It's operating at low power (~5 watts) from a Comet GP-3 antenna mounted at 20 feet. This system serves as the primary development and testbed for the KrakenRelay repeater controller.

Accessible via:

  • AllStar Node 67690
  • Echolink Node K3AYV-R (448626)
  • Typically linked to the East Coast Reflector

📡 BRATS VHF/UHF Repeater System – 147.030+ / 448.325– (PL 156.7)

KrakenRelay is also deployed on the B.R.A.T.S. (Baltimore Radio Amateur Television Society) split-site repeater system. This pair operates on 147.030 MHz (+ offset) and 448.325 MHz (– offset), both using a PL tone of 156.7 Hz. The system provides wide-area coverage across the Baltimore region, with additional receive sites in development to further improve coverage and reliability.

The transmit and receive sites are linked via a dedicated 5GHz data link, with Mumble used to transport high-quality audio between locations. This IP-based linking solution enables flexible, low-latency digital connectivity without the need for expensive traditional linking equipment.

Accessible via:

  • AllStar Node Coming Soon!
  • Echolink Node K3AYV-L (243152)
  • Live Web Stream:
    The web stream includes a short delay due to encoding and buffering. This is expected behavior.

I'm deeply grateful to the BRATS team for the opportunity to work with them on this project. They've generously opened their repeater system to experimentation and development, and it's been an honor to help revive and modernize their infrastructure with KrakenRelay.

More updates coming soon as development continues.