REPEATER UPDATE
With a little of help from our friend's, non-Amatuer staff at Yaesu UK, in the form of Microwave linking equipment, the test to establish if we can directly link from the PO site in Portsmouth to the MT site in Hightown, Southampton. We are pleased to say the test over also 13 miles was very successful, and as a result we will be investing in the equipment with a view to directly linking out two repeaters as soon as possible. Some work needs to be done at the MT end in the form of installing the cable to the dish and the dish its self, fittingly the dish will be on MT's Mast, just as like PO's dish.
This link will enable those working MT to connect into PO, and users of PO to link to MT, the actual linking is down to how the user sets up his / her "GM" function. We will give you further details when we know the project is ready to go!
The install will be next week if all goes well, this includes supply and fitting which is down to the weather, the forecast for next week is generally " partly cloudy", with the temperatures in the mid 70s ideal for sunbathing on a tower block roof while dishes are fitted.
Todays work, included
removing the badly behaving Tait radios which were GB3SU, and refitting
the FTR 5410B repeater, which had been
mothballed or the last 10 years,
It has been given a though test over the last few days, and has had some
components replaced over the weekend in the logic.
* There is no need to wait for the pip or the callsign,
* it IDs just over every 15 minutes without CTCSS if its idle.
* It runs about 1 watt less power.
* Is 71.9Hz access only, it radiates CTCSS during overs.
* It may be a 30 year old design but it works well!
* Logic is much- modified G3RKL mk 1 repeater logic, see Rad com of Jan
1979 for details.
GB3SH will be removed from storage and put on test awaiting fitting after the Link to Portsmouth is established.
GB7IV is still in service at SMC, it will have to go off air to give back the duplexers to GB3SH, while cables are being sought for its own duplexer.
Flight Refueling
Rally
We will be at the Flight refueling rally at Wimbourne, doors open 0900,
and close 1500 on Sunday 11th August .
We will be there with the sole purpose of promoting the SHRG and its repeaters,
and generating funds. Talk in should be on S22 , the event has Free car
parking.
This is one of the biggest and most popular ham radio rallies in Southern
England, Admission is £4:00 which includes car parking.
Its at the: Cobhams sports and social club ground, Merley, near WIMBOURNE,
Dorset BH21 3DA. No Dogs BTW unless they are Guide dogs!
Funding The linking
equipment goes well into a three figure sum for each end, if your wanting
to help support the funding of our repeaters your generosity will be gratefully
received by the PO group as well as the SHRG ( MT ) see the PO group web
site and our page on "Donations" for info on Bank transfers,
or Paypal giving. Funding The linking equipment goes well into a three
figure sum, if your wanting to help support the funding of our repeaters
your generosity will be gratefully received by the PO group as well as
the SHRG ( MT ) see the PO group webb site and our page on Donations for
info on Bank transfers, or Paypal giving.
The Suck Out Filter
Band Reject Filter) has been ordered from Amphenol-Procom. This filter
will prevent the GB3SU transmitter from "blocking", / causing
desence to MTs receiver. The problem is caused by having two repeaters,
which are close in frequency, 433.2Tx & 430.6625Rx and close in aerial
height to close together, ( around 5 M) while the problem only really
effect's weaker stations on MT.
As we do want our repeaters to work as excellently as possible, and not
being unable to obtain the bottle filters, and having been unsuccessful
in getting one side of a UHF duplexer to do the job, one of our members
has kindly purchased the Procom BRF 70 for us.
We are waiting for an N socket version to be shipped to us, it should
arrive in early September.
In the mean time
we will have another go at getting in incumbent GB3SU out on Monday, and
fitting one of the old FTR5410B UHF repeaters with its 1979 designed G3RKL
logic mark 1 logic with CTCSS mod, which will have a different sound to
it, and a much shorter CWID, and better behavioral characteristics. The
current model can then have its logic re-examined, and improved. We are
looking into using an Arduino to make the CWID, as that will be a simple
and cheaper way of dealing with the Ident generation.
Quickly showed a faulty repeater's receiver to Duplexer RX port cable had gone intermittent, It was an RG214 cable we had used for this purpose before, made commercially in Germany with hex compression fitted N plugs, this shows even commercially built cables which appear to be in good order can give grief! So with the cable replaced with a new RG214 cable, MT is in good order except the blocking caused by GB3SU.
We tried the loan GB3SU which performed it party trick as if it had been practicing it! It work's no problem when stood on the landing on a box, but put it in a rack, or even " the" rack and it howls like a spoilt brat, put it on a dummy load and its howls.. the problem is RF feedback one way or another, but it can't be used due to its missbehaviour, so the Tait mobiles have been put back on air with full licenced power... on the basis that the blocking only affects weak stations, and hopefully its better to have it on with licenced power until we can resolve the blocking problem.
The SU QSB phenomenon
Several stations have reported a steady full scale signal from MT, but
also Deep fading from SU, which is felt to be odd as basically both repeaters
run the same sort of power, the aerials are at a similar height, MT being
about 2 feet higher and at 320ft ASL that should not make any difference.
However one aerial MT, is on the east side of the block and SU, is on
the west side of the block about 5M apart ( thus the blocking )
However each off the three those tower blocks is graced by a guyed much higher aerial mast, these guys are in the way as such in certain directions, so is the mast, and the other aerial support poles and their aerials.
We specifically watched for movement on the guy wires, and they do move , so does the MT aerial, so with with no further data Gents Im assuming these guys or MT aerial is the source of the QSB
Photo 429 is taken touching the pole of GB3SU, in the distance can be seen the tower blocks of Portsmouth... to the right of this is where the stations note the QSB, The tall mast is on the right, and it guys that quiver can be clearly seen... on the left near the top is one of the ground planes for the MT aerial.
432 Southampton
General hospital in on a shimmering hot day the hills behind is Pepperbox
433 Southampton university at Highfield shimmer on the same day
432
433
439
GB3 SU It is also
hoped next week to get GB3SU on air again, it is possible that a misunderstanding
on how the repeater needs to correctly set up is the cause of the problem
that resulted in us switching it off until next week. It is likely that
its a case of "Read The Flaming Manual".
Just to make it interesting we are likely to have a third operational
GB 3SU up there for comparison just in case, however were not keen on
putting on air a moth balled unit, even after replacing dodgy pots in
the CWID. Hopefully we can use the brand new loan unit from "a local
supplier" while the Tait unit's logic is sorted out properly.
GB3 SH
We have built most of its new rack, we need to disassemble SH from its
rack which is in safe stowage, before it can be fitted....
GB7IV its rack is
built and disassembly of parts from the" on air" IV rack has
started so they can be refitted ready for IV to go over to Thornhill.
.
GB7MT GB3SU SERVICE UPDATE
GB7MT is back on air
after its change of frequency to 439.6625MHz. This frequency should be
clear across the whole of Southern England, the next nearest repeater
on our channel is on the Cotswold airport site near Cirencester. We have
also started to construct the rack for MT & SH.
After testing for interference to MT from SU, which was all clear, SU
started to play up, in a way we have not heard before, and as we were
running out of time, SU has been switched off for the time being, we will
return to site next week to address SU, with the intent to get it on air
with full power, ..behaving itself.
So with apologies, time was not on our side, we did not have time to experiment
any further, and had no choice other then to turn off GB3SU
Due to the interference that's been reported by our users in the catchment area of GB7MT from the Brighton Repeater in Southampton & Waterside
Its time to retune your radios to 439.6625MHz Output 430.6625Mhz Input
We should have MT back on 9th July if all goes well in the afternoon. It is hoped that with the new filters we can continue to run GB3SU also on high power.
Sorry for any inconvenience
The move is because of The Brighton Downs Repeater who's presence was unknown to us when we applied for the frequency, which can be heard in the Waterside area, and on the Island, and is causing listeners annoyance.
While MT is off air,
we will take the opportunity of letting GB3SU lose with full power, on
the colinear.
We have noted some idiosyncrasy's with both GB7MT & GB3SU and both
need addressing.
Be aware that GB3SU
will wait to send its callsign to the end of an "over", It was
designed so it would not transmit the callsign during an over, .. This
means that the logic waits, and unfortunately if you are too quick off
the mark in transmitting, the CWID will double with you, the problem being
that your audio is not retransmitted during the duration of the CWID!
A short term work around is not to be so quick off the mark with your
PTT when operating through GB3SU! .
We hope this is just a teething problem with GB3SU new logic.
In order to do sort out the problem, We are testing the old GB3SU, ready
for front line service while the mod is made.
The committee
Your support is very grateful
IMPORTANT INFORMATION GB7MT
Due to the interference that's been reported by our users in the catchment area of GB7MT from the Brighton Repeater in Southampton & Waterside
We have put in a request for a change of frequency.
After checking availability and interference we have been offered 439.6625MHz Output 430.6625Mhz Input
This is currently going through the vetting stages it may take a week or months. This is to prepare our users for the change in advance
Sorry for any inconvenience
Sorry for any disappointment
Click on each image to open
ENGINEERS 1 ENGINEERS 2 ENGINEERS 3 & GB7MT ANTENNA
In PDF Format click on the link below for your radio. More coming soon
FT70DE FT2DE
GB7MT ON AIR
Pleased to say GB7MT
is on air with a perfect SWR ( drawing 4 Amps ) to the colinear we've
been heard in Bracklesham Bay, Chichester Bembrige where were 9+ ( qrm
from brighton is S5 ) and I can get in on my Hand held in Shirley.
MT is not internet linked yet, as weve not yet purchased the kit! Neither
did we have the time to fit the aerial for SU and IV, thats for next time.
Thus SU is next, not sure when were going up again but it will be some
time next week week starting 3rd June. It was too murky to take pickys
today, for you to see the views from up their, and we were far to busy
anyway. So enjoy its on.
If all goes to plan GB7MT the UHF Fusion repeater will come on air Tomorrow Tuesday 28th May by late afternoon.
Work to achieve this dependent on a number of factors.
We cant say when it will be linked , it will be soon, early June at the latest.
For help call us! we monitor S20 & MT
For further help consult a psychiatrist....
The committee
GB7MT our UHF Fusion repeater will be on air soon.
During the first few days GB7MT may not be linked. We are aiming to be
on air by early June.
When we have ironed out the behavioral characteristics of linking Fusion
repeaters together, and other assumed complications of the repeater ""system",
We will introduce GB3SU, the UHF FM repeater, for the rest of us.
GB7MT will be on 439.575MHz
with a 9MHz, - shift so we transmitt on 430.575MHz. Note GB7MT is Fusion
only, it wont respond to FM! Fusion users are referred to their radio
manuals for operating settings like DN & VW ! If in doubt ask - we
monitor S20, and 433.225MHz.
Time is now to tune your radios in, .. get MT in a memory channel - and
monitor! Our other repeaters will follow soon.
We offer our thanks to everyone, and there are many, who has made this project possible, a lot more hard work is about to begin, locally, and further afield, and now is the time lads to get ready to enjoy, and support the repeater group! We've almost done our bit, its almost over to you!
......Stand by for further good news as GB7MT 's local Fusion twined repeater, also comes on air,- within days of us! ( it could just be they come on air first! ) See their facebook page for details!
The committee
The repeater group will soon receive its rental documentation for signing. We will be able to get the UHF repeaters GB7MT & GB3SU on air in due course after that, it will take a little longer to get GB7MT internet linked, the VHF repeaters GB3SH & GB7IV will follow in due course. Were sorry we cannot give dates as we dont have that information yest please regard this notice as soon and pending!
In the meantine do as We do: turn your radios on 433.200 & 439.575! with the correct modes and shifts and tones,: reception reports of all traffic before turn on and afterward are welcome!
The committee
The Repeater group is pleased to announce we have received a gift of not one, but two 190Amp, 12Volt, 66Kg cells to act as standby power supply for each set of repeaters when they come on air .."soon", We are not in a position to say when yet, as we dont know, but soon is the point.
GB7MT the fusion repeater & GB3SU the Southampton Suburban UHF speech repeater will come on air first, this is due to installation complications.
The South Hampshire
Repeater Group Raffle
The SHRG is giving you an opportunity to win a brand new FT70 FM Fusion
hand held radio with 3 year warranty. Also there are some runner up prizes.
Such as an Alpha Tronix Power Supply & a selection of Insulators.
The date of the draw
will be anounced soon when we hope to have a full Fusion Demonstration
Details of venue will be published here and on Facebook.
Raffle tickets will be on sale from various outlets and SHRG Committee
members. Contact us via the website for your interest £5 a strip
and £10 two strips includes a years membership to the group.
Details will be here on our website & our Facebook page.
You can also come along to the next meeting of the Southampton Amateur Radio Club where members of SHRG will be on hand with raffle tickets.
The next meeting is at The Peartree Inn Wednesday 15th May 7:30pm SO19 5GZ
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WATCH THIS PAGE ONE OF THESE COULD BE YOURS!!!
Wednesdays "test" proved interesting, We did not work any real distances this is likely caused by the woods, the 3 tower blocks, and the many smaller 4 story blocks that are in Thornhill, certainly where gaps exist at ground level, stations were heard at some distance from the Repeater, This showed both Hythe & Chandlers Ford will be able to work the repeater from Handhelds in the open as we worked G7POC & G7AFT in side their homes, both at about 5 miles from MT. Of interest these handhelds were the furthest worked! Things will of course improve when the repeater is 160 ft higher, well above the tree line, and other buildings.
2E1PHW reported he could not hear the tests as his location on the East side of the Isle of Wight, as he is jammed out by the multimode crocodile repeater at Brighton, which has been given our channel,.. We assume this is an oversight by the RSGB, as we have been allocated this formally clear channel for the last two years.
We found that the repeater keeps its power level maintained, despite the voltage drop on the battery, down to 11.9Volts after 2 1/2 hours, We also found that the Solar panel can charge up the standby battery, and that that battery can run the Repeater in TX mode for an extended time, despite it only being a 40Amphour cell.
In all nine stations
were worked, we are aware through Facebook that other did try and we give
out thanks to you for trying, Many of the stations involved had their
first taste of Fusion working, and through a Fusion repeater, We noted
too that there are several "open" Wifi systems usefully in range
of the site which may well help us prove "fusion linking!"
Our thanks to: in order of working: 2E0ZBE G7AFT M6RGQ M3LWS M6RGQ/M G2BFC
G7POC/P and the babysitter G4MYS who had the repeater in a tranny van
in the car park, if you heard it and could not get in please send in your
report !
Our working conditions was 20 Watts from the duplexer to a mag mount just
8ft up, at least for a few hours we were Britians newest repeater, and
the lowest off the ground!
Repeaters MT & SU On Test
We will be testing
GB7MT from site but at lower elevation on Wednesday 24th 19:00 local time
if anyone fusion (C4FM) would like to make contct it will be much appriciated.
CLICK TO ENLARGE
The South Hampshire
Repeater Group Raffle
The SHRG is giving you an opportunity to win a brand new FT70 FM Fusion
hand held radio with 3 year warranty. Also there are some runner up prizes.
Very soon raffle tickets will be on sale from various outlets and SHRG
Committee members.
Details will be here on our website & our Facebook page.
You can also come along to the next meeting of the Southampton Amateur Radio Club where members of SHRG will be on hand with raffle tickets.
The next meeting is at The Peartree Inn Wednesday 17th April 7:30pm SO19 5GZ
WATCH THIS PAGE THIS COULD BE YOURS!!!
A Light At The
End Of The Tunnel
Firstly nice to see
those who turned up to the Southampton Amateur Radio Club AGM last night.
Those in attendance will know that we have had a lease agreement
with our landlord from the solicitors now that we can agree on. We hope
to meet with them in the next few days to finalise the last bits and we
should
be able to move on to the sight very soon. We dont have an on air date
as yet but it is hoped that we may have one or two of the four repeaters
on air in May.
Andy G4MYS
Southampton Amateur Radio Club Meeting WEDNESDAY 20th March 2019
The Southampton Amateur Radio Club meet at The Peartree Inn Southampton on the 3rd Wednesday of every month.
We The South Hampshire Repeater Group are also there for any questions and to report progress.
You can also get information on the Radio Amateur courses for those starting and those who wish to progress.
New and old members
always welcome. Good to see some of the old members coming back and returning
to the airways.
WEDNESDAY Evening: 20th March at the Peartree Inn, Woolston, SO19 7GZ
19:00 for 19:30 : large car park, no worries parking!
Drink policy: we purchase our own they sell soft drinks / Coffee, water and booze! however they don't do meals.
HARWELL RALLY SUNDAY
10th FEBRUARY
We will be at the Harwell ARS Rally Didcot with our sales stand to help
raise repeater funds. We have many items so please do come along to support
or to say hello and talk about our repeater progress.
Details of the rally are here Click for FLYER
& MAP
Andy G4MYS
PROGRESS UPDATE
Firstly a Happy New Year to our followers and soon to be users.
To update you all as its been very quiet over the past months and we are sorry on no recent updates this is because there is no progress to update on. Unfortunatly we can not give you an On air date yet. As soon as we have it it will be posted on our web site and Facebook pages.
All four repeaters
were licenced from the Thornhill site between August and Dec 2017,
Planning permission was granted by SCC by End of 2017,
Only then could we start negotiating with the Landlord.
Early 2018 we get our "Heads of Lease document".
This is checked by Solicitors for both us and the Landlord, at landlords
request.
We are at this stage: Several of the Landlords departments need to make
"comments" and us agree, and give the "OK"
Once both parties have agreed and signed , then we get the keys
We have all the equipment to fit with the exception of the cables for the duplexer of GB7IV which has been lost by G4HCL's Girlfriend.
It is our intention
to run our four repeaters from this site, digitally linked for MT &
IV.
Let us make it clear: We are not running a digital repeater in Portsmouth,
and don't have any interest in DMR repeaters, despite their locations
or callsigns.
SHRG Committee
The Southampton Amateur Radio Club meet at The Peartree Inn Southampton.
The South Hampshire Repeater Group are also there for any questions and to report progress.
You can also get information on the Radio Amateur courses for those starting and those who wish to progress.
New and old members
always welcome. Good to see some of the old members coming back and returning
to the airways.
WEDNESDAY Evening: 16th January at the Peartree Inn, Woolston, SO19 7GZ
19:00 for 19:30 : large car park, no worries parking!
Drink policy: we purchase
our own they sell soft drinks / Coffee, water and booze! however they
don't do meals.