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.
TeamWave will be taking part in the WFD using the call sign GB0WFD.
Below is a message from our Mattermost system.
Thankyou to all of you for your support as at the beginning of the journey with The TeamWave collective. We are happy to announce our first meet up for this year on Sunday the 29th of January. We will be taking part in winter field day as GB0WFD at the NZ and VW site in Wymondham. It is at Standley steel stockholders NR189JD all are welcome but we will be working out of a little shed so please let us know if your interested in coming along.
Within the TeamWave ethos you are encouraged to come along and work the station. Get hands on with us and play some radio. We will be messing around with antennas in the field and there will be tea and coffee provided. If you would like food please bring it along with you. If you would like to come along please let us know in the DXpeditions feed.
If you’d like more information please contact us on our chat system.