MX0WVV
This morning, I ordered a new crystal for the receiver. The specification is per the Tait T11, and with a frequency of 31.265 MHz, this should provide a clean receiver frequency of 51.830 MHz.
The crystal (including one spare) and postage came to €100, which I thought was a very reasonable price.
This brings us another step closer to the end product. Our next step is to source a new antenna for the repeater, something like a Diamond CP-62.
It’s been a long time coming, but the 6M repeater to be sited at Wymondham is another step closer to becoming a reality. This week, I was finally able to order the filters needed to allow for single antenna working. These filters are not only expensive but also large. Standing at a towering 1.9 metres high, they will require careful placement within the repeater cabin.
A portion of the cost was covered by the generous donations of our associates. I received a total of £350 in cash donations, and I extend my thanks to everyone who contributed. The filters cost approximately £1,450 shipped, and I personally donated the remaining amount.
While the filters are an important part of the system, they’re only one piece of the puzzle. We also have a converted low-band Tait T300 base station, expertly modified by Jake G1YFF. It’s a highly sought-after, crystal-controlled unit that was previously in use as GB3JX and then GB3EC, both running on 50.830/51.330.
Since then, we’ve been allowed to use a 1 MHz split, which means we now need to ‘re-programme’ the receiver. My next task is to find a custom crystal supplier who can cut one to a specific frequency. There’s a chance I may look into using a programmable DDS to replace the crystal, but I’d much rather use a crystal for its superior stability and high Q factor.
The frequency for the new system will be 50.830TX / 51.830RX with a CTCSS of 94.8Hz. The system will be linked using Allstarlink to provide remote linking capabilities. Echolink might also be enabled, but that’s a decision for a later date.
I plan to write a series of articles as the repeater takes shape, so stick around and keep an eye on the projects/repeater category for more updates.
P.S. GB3EF, the six-metre repeater in Suffolk, has been repaired and, while still on low power, has much-improved coverage. If you can, please give it a try—the keeper, Iain G0OZS, would appreciate signal reports. GB3EF 50.720TX / 51.220RX with a CTCSS of 110.9Hz.
Earlier this month the faulty part of the feeder on GB3EF was replaced. This is exciting news, the repeaters coverage has vastly improved.
Andy 2E0DIQ has posted the following:
I shall be starting a net on the repeater on Monday 1st September at 8pm. All are welcome, the idea initially is to range test, and put her under load for an hour or so, this repeater has had an extensive and expensive refurb and the repeater team deserve a lot of credit for the hard work it’s taken to get it sorted out.
Stay tuned as we have exciting news in regards to our TeamWave 6M repeater project.
Today, Tim and removed the repeater hardware and installed a temporary repeater on UHF. This means at this time GB3TX UHF is on the air (430.8125) CTCSS 94.8Hz. This repeater supports NFM, D-Star and Fusion (local only). Hopefully we can get the network working and use the digital modes over the internet.
The other equipment is now home on the bench. I’m integrating a new controller and will perform extensive bench tests before returning to site.
Signal reports for the UHF repeater welcome. It’s running the same power as the original hardware so the signal should be around the same.
Repeater details:
TOT: 4m
HOG: 20m (Please let the repeater transmitter drop at least once every 20 minutes).
Keychunk: 3 seconds
Pip keychunk: 2 seconds
CW: DE GB3TX is sent on first key up.
The future is fun! As part of our linking project at Wymondham, we plan to grow into the Norwich too. These repeaters will be linked to GB3TX and consist of UHF base stations. See further down for locations and planned frequencies.
Why?
You will often hear the “we have enough repeaters” comment. While that is true, we plan on providing linking on top of the traditional repeater network. Our aim is to cover as much of Norfolk as possible, creating a local linked network. This brings local users together preventing silofication.
External linking
As always, we allow external linking. However the predominant use is for local repeaters in Norfolk. Repeaters will disconnect idle links and return to their ‘home’ connection.
Donations
We don’t often ask for money, most of our projects have been self funded. However in this case, things are starting to get expensive. Any donations are gratefully received. Please contact Jim M0ZAH via email (qrz.com).
Location, Callsign, O/P Frequency, I/P Frequency, Tone
Thorpe St Andrew MX0WVV 430.900 438.500 94.8
Horsham St Faith MX0WVV 430.925 438.525 94.8
After a lot of work, GB3VW and GB3NZ have been merged into a new multi-port repeater: GB3TX.
New cavity filters have been constructed (from old beer barrels):
10m and 6m ports will be coming online soon. All the details are on the GB3TX page.