In January 1991, a relay was purchased that has since reliably served from the summit of the Dobratsch at 2,166 metres above sea level, workable not only across most of OE8 but well beyond the borders. 35 years of OE8XFK – this is not just a technical success story, but above all a story of people who, with passion, dedication and camaraderie, created a piece of amateur radio infrastructure that has become indispensable in Carinthia.
This article is a thank you – to everyone who made the Dobratsch relay possible, who kept it alive over the decades, and who continues to look after it today.
How It All Began: January 1991
In early 1991, a YAESU VHF relay was purchased within the local chapter Villach (ADL 802). Around 30,000 Austrian Schillings were raised through donations from dedicated radio amateurs – among them OE8AAK, OE8YXK, OE8SUK and especially OE8PTK, Peter Trettenbrein (Source: ÖVSV, 25 Years ADL 802). Peter was not only one of the greatest supporters, but also the man who, together with OE8MNK, Norbert, brought the relay to the Dobratsch and installed it there.
At 2,166 metres above sea level, at the summit of the Villacher Alpe, OE8XFK found its home – and has since provided large parts of Carinthia, the Gail Valley and beyond with a reliable signal. From the very beginning it was clear: this relay was not just meant to be a technical project, but a meeting point for the amateur radio community. The relay was nicknamed “R0” because of its output frequency of 145.600 MHz.
OE8PTK – Peter Trettenbrein: The Man Behind the Relay
Peter Trettenbrein, born on 17 February 1954 in Wolfsberg, was the heart and driving force behind OE8XFK. Together with Norbert OE8MNK, he not only funded and built the relay but maintained it as sysop for many years – in all weather conditions, at 2,166 metres altitude. Anyone who has ever visited a mountain summit in winter knows what that means: freezing temperatures, metres of snow, and the technology must keep running regardless.
Peter was far more than a technician. In the Carinthian amateur radio community, he was known as VHF Coordinator of the OE8 regional association and as Chapter Leader of ADL 802 Villach – but above all as a person who lived for amateur radio and always had an open ear for others. Those who knew him describe him as “one of the best radio friends” anyone could wish for.
In Memoriam: OE8PTK – Silent Key
On 27 August 2013, Peter Trettenbrein was torn from our midst by a tragic workplace accident. He was only 59 years old. His death left a great void – not only in his family, but in the entire amateur radio community of Carinthia.
But Peter’s legacy lives on. The relay on the Dobratsch, which he built with such dedication, continues to transmit to this day – and serves as a daily reminder of a man who understood amateur radio not merely as a hobby, but as a passion and a service to the community.
Rest in peace, Peter. Your signal reaches further than you might ever have imagined. 73.
OE8URQ Takes Over: Father and Son
After Peter’s death, Paul OE8PKR stepped in until Peter’s son Uwe Rimmele OE8URQ took on the responsibility as sysop of OE8XFK. Uwe, who lives in Nötsch im Gailtal and runs the Rimmele nursery in its fourth generation, stepped into big shoes – and fills them admirably.
It is by no means a given that a son will carry on his father’s life’s work. Uwe has not only taken over the relay but has modernised and expanded it. Under his leadership, OE8XFK was brought into the digital age – with DMR via the BrandMeister network (ID 232895), combining analogue FM operation with digital voice transmission in mixmode.
In addition, Uwe serves as Leader of FIRAC ADL 852 Carinthia – the railway workers’ amateur radio association, which also celebrates an anniversary in 2026: 45 years since its founding in 1981 in Villach.
What’s Running on the Dobratsch Today
From the single VHF relay of 1991, an impressive infrastructure site has grown over the decades. Here is an overview of what is operating at 2,166 metres today:
OE8XFK – 70cm FM/DMR Mixmode Relay
- Output frequency: 438.900 MHz
- Input frequency: 431.300 MHz (shift −7.6 MHz)
- CTCSS: 88.5 Hz
- DMR: BrandMeister, ID 232895, Colour Code 1
- Hardware: Hytera RD985
- Static talkgroups: TG 2328, 232112, 23205, 2327, 232805, 23298
- Sysop: OE8URQ
OE8XFQ – 23cm Relay
- Output frequency: 1298.200 MHz
- Input frequency: 1270.200 MHz
- In operation since: Summer 2023
OE8XXQ – 10 GHz Beacon
- Frequency: 10 GHz (10.368–10.370 GHz)
- Power: 1 Watt
- Antenna: Horn antenna, direction 0°
- Operator: OE8PGQ
Additional Infrastructure
- HAMNET node OE8XDR – High-speed data network for amateur radio
- APRS digipeater – Position reports and weather data
- Photo webcam – Canon EOS1100D with a view into the Gail Valley, updated every 10 minutes (foto-webcam.eu)
The entire installation is solar-powered and operates completely self-sufficiently – at 2,166 metres, with temperatures dropping far below zero in winter. A technical masterpiece that requires quiet and continuous dedication.
The Dobratschrunde Is Back
Since January 2026, the Dobratschrunde has been meeting again every Thursday from 19:00 UTC on the OE8XFK relay. What was once a firm institution has been revived – as a weekly meeting point for everyone who is QRV via the Dobratsch relay. The round is open to all and is a living testament to the fact that amateur radio is above all one thing: community.
Double Anniversary 2026
The year 2026 is a special one for amateur radio on the Dobratsch:
- 35 years of OE8XFK – In January 1991, the relay was purchased and installed on the Dobratsch. For 35 years it has reliably served the region.
- 45 years of FIRAC ADL 852 Carinthia – Founded in 1981 in Villach, the railway workers’ amateur radio association celebrates its 45th anniversary. Under the leadership of OE8URQ, the chapter now has 36 members.
Two anniversaries that show: what is started with passion can endure for decades – as long as there are people who care.
Thank You
This article is more than a retrospective. It is a heartfelt thank you.
Thank you to OE8PTK, Peter – for your vision, your dedication and for bringing the Dobratsch relay to life. We miss you.
Thank you to OE8MNK, Norbert and OE8PKR, Paul – for the work on the mountain, for countless hours in snow and wind with snowshoes and shovels, keeping the technology running.
Thank you to OE8URQ, Uwe – for not only preserving your father’s legacy but developing it further. The relay is in the best of hands.
And thank you to everyone who uses OE8XFK, who brings the Dobratschrunde to life, and who helps ensure that amateur radio on the Dobratsch remains vibrant for the next 35 years.
Sources and Further Links
- 25 Years Local Chapter Villach ADL 802 – ÖVSV (Source: purchase 1991, 30,000 ATS)
- FIRAC ADL 852 Carinthia – ÖVSV
- OE8 Relay Stations – ÖVSV
- Memorial Page Peter Trettenbrein, OE8PTK
- OE8XFK on BrandMeister
- Photo Webcam Dobratsch
- The Dobratschrunde
- VHF Relay Stations in Austria – oeradio.at
- DMR for Beginners – oeradio.at
73 de Chris OE8CKK and Michael OE8YML for the amateur radio community
