Established 1971 · 501(c)(3) Non-Profit
Welcome to CII and the
Cactus Intertie System
A private UHF amateur radio network of remotely controlled base stations — “Remote Bases” — interconnected by full-duplex RF links across the West.
Established in 1971, the Cactus Intertie System is a private UHF Amateur Radio network consisting of a large number of remotely controlled base stations, or “Remote Bases” for short, which are primarily interconnected utilizing full duplex RF links.
The Cactus Intertie System was originally designed, constructed, and maintained by the Cactus Radio Club (aka — Cactus LA) which is now incorporated as Cactus Intertie, Inc. (CII), a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization.
A large number of similar groups have affiliated with CII (see Affiliate Clubs) to help expand the Cactus Intertie System and support its operation. These systems are accessed using locally coordinated frequencies and are often located on mountain peaks that provide wide area coverage. The early development of and adherence to high technical commercial standards in the RF equipment, audio tailoring and the system controller requirements, makes the Cactus Intertie System one of the most reliable and best sounding fully duplexed linked radio systems in the nation.
The remote bases and network operating centers owned, operated, and maintained by CII are funded by donations and membership. Mountain top radio site rent, as well as the radio equipment, doesn’t come without on-going costs. Therefore, it is important for us to maintain a healthy and supportive membership. Furthermore, it takes member involvement to achieve our mission to provide communications support for public events and emergency/disaster service organizations. We are proud of our ongoing support to the American Red Cross and the California Governor’s Office of Emergency Services.
If our organization appeals to your values and you have a desire to be more involved in both the Amateur Radio Service and public service, please visit our Membership page for more information. Or, if you simply wish to support CII and the Cactus Intertie System, please consider donating to our non-profit organization.
Thank you for your interest.
Coverage
The linked network covers large portions of the Southwest, and extends east and north through affiliate systems.
- California
- Arizona
- New Mexico
- Nevada
- Utah
- Colorado
- Texas
- Washington D.C.
- Maryland
- Virginia
- West Virginia
- Pennsylvania
- Delaware
- Georgia
- Montana
Want to know more about how YOU can get involved with Cactus?
Public service, emergency communications, and system support — there’s a place for every operator.
Donations
Support for CII can be a qualified 501(c)(3) donation. Cash donations may be made in one of four ways.
Preferred
Bank Check
Mail check for the donation amount to:
Cactus Intertie, Inc.1107 Fair Oaks Ave, #142
South Pasadena, CA 91030-3311
Online
PayPal
Make a donation to Cactus Intertie, Inc.
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Mobile
Venmo
Sign in to your Venmo app and scan the QR code. Tap the DONATE button and enter the donation amount plus callsign and “Donation”.
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Preferred
Zelle
Log on to your bank account having Zelle authority and send the donation amount to:
Donations are accepted as without restriction unless specific instructions are provided to the CFO/Treasurer. Bank Check and Zelle donations are preferred since they avoid payment processing fees. CII Members please use the Membership page for membership donations.