GB7ES has arrived

The day has finally arrived that brings GB7ES, East Sussex’s first D*Star repeater, to full operation.

After a couple of days of reconfiguring the gateway computer, which provides the facility to route call signs and to be able to connect the repeater to others around the world. We were finally accepted onto the USTrust network, this morning (6/11/15).

The repeater has been operating as a ‘standalone’ DV repeater since the beginning of September without the gateway available, which has been really useful in actually finding out what the real life coverage of the repeater is. Only this morning did I receive a call from Chris M0NAY/m located at Toy Hill near Sevenoaks, Kent. Although well outside the normal coverage area of the repeater the location is listed on the SOTA website as 245mASL height really can make the difference.

Approximated coverage map supplied by UKRepeaters.net

So come and make yourself known. If you’re local and have an older radio make sure you have your R1 and R2 setting set correctly and if you’re using DR mode that your set your To box for CQCQCQ (use reflector) if you’re further afield, link to us via G2 with GB7ES  BL in your YR command.  If you need an update for your radio just goto the ICOMUK page listed in an earlier post for the latest repeater list available.

If you’re new to DStar you may need to have your callsign registered on the system too. There is a page dedicated to this,  CLICK HERE and fill out the form and our Admin will  contact you once your registration is complete. If you’ve had you callsign registered through another repeater you won’t need to have it done again to use GB7ES.

We look forward to hearing from you soon.

 

Just a few words of thanks to those who have helped make it possible,

RILGES our repeater group for its continued support as well as the local amateur radio community across the county for joining the D*Star community.

ICOMUK for their ongoing support for this project in bringing D*Star to East Sussex.

Don Turner G4TKR for his help and assistance getting the repeater together, and

Paul Middlehurst G1DVA for his continued knowledge and help with the configuration of the Gateway

Darren, Jim,and Brian of the USTrust admin team for their help in getting us registered.

 

 

D*Star Downloads

Have you been looking for the latest official Icom repeater downloads for your new radio, well IcomUK have the perfect place.

Don Turner (G4TKR) with data from ukrepeaters.net has put together a central webpage with all the latest repeater lists for your radio. With full UK lists with over 700 repeaters and nodes from all over the UK it’s the first place to look whether you’re looking for an updated list for your ID-51 or your new 7100 the lists are here.

It’s not just D*Star lists there are also lists for analouge repeaters and simplex gateways for 2m, 70cms, 4m, 6m and even 10m bands

The lists are in simple to use csv format to just import into the software and in turn into the radio, and they work if your using the software on a PC or updating your radio via an sd card. There’s even a pdf file with instructions if your not sure.

There are even sample ICF files to use with the software on your PC to adapt and make your own custom repeater lists too.

Have you tried Icom Android app yet?  Click here to go straight to the play store and download it now.  The app will not only control your 5100 but it will also be able to connect to Icoms other D*Star radios using the relevant data lead and your android phone or tablet to send pictures and text messages to your friends via D*Star.  The website also has the latest csv file for the app too, with a fully updated repeater list.

Don Turner doesn’t stop there, if your wanted a video to show you through a specific function of the App or your 5100 then there’s a link you their YouTube channel as well as the link to download that Icom manual you can’t find.

‘OK, OK, So where is this webpage then’ I hear you shout.  Well it’s right here at http://downloads.d-staruk.co.uk/

DCS Reflector Server update

For users of any of the DCS/Xrf Reflectors, you might have noticed that following a recent upgrade to the servers,  that things are not quite as they were previously. i.e. no one can hear you.

A few years ago CCS4 was introduced to the DCS network as an alternative to the G2 call sign routing that enabled users to each have a dtmf code ‘attached’ to their call sign, this started in Germany where the DCS reflector network was developed and grew very quickly. As this system developed over the years the large uptake of CCS4 soon started to outstrip supply, so an updated system was needed with greater capacity.

CCS7 was developed to provide a 7 digit DTMF for each user, similar to that used for DMR digital voice network.  This provides a much increased dtmf availability for new users to DStar system.  This also meant the end of DCS4 with users needing to register for a CCS7 code. For more information on CCS7 click here http://ham-digital.net/html/ccs7-ENG.html

If you don’t have a CCS7 then you will no longer be able to speak through the DCS reflectors.  The Image below shows some users who currently don’t have a CCS7 so although their call signs are showing on the dashboard NO VOICE NO CCS7!! in their message, and their are not being heard across the gateway.

To Register for CCS7 is a simple process, First you need to goto http://ham-digital.net/ click on Register a individual call sign followed by entering your call sign in the space below and then clicking OK.

On the next page you will need to enter a bit more information about yourself, (Name, Address, Email, etc) and after you’ve click ok again, you will need to attached a copy of the front page of your licence for verification purposes. Your licence document is 20+ pages but you only need to send the first page. Windows PC’s will allow you to ‘print’ to a document which will allow you to generate a single page document of the first page of your licence, which you then attach to this page of the registration process.

Click on OK again and your application is processed, and you should see on the screen that your application has been processed showing your CCS7 number and later an email to confirm this.

That’s it, when your done your should be able to use the DCS reflectors again as you did before. Once you’ve completed this, Yes you’ll be able to use any of the repeaters/nodes connected to DCS with your call sign.

MB6EB Blog gets a makeover :)

You will have noticed by now that not only has MB6EB had a bit of a makeover with a reformatted design, but also our name has changed too.

With the introduction on GB7ES B into the area, we are now called GB7ES Repeater / MB6EB Gateway.

With GB7ES B now running on-site over the last 8 weeks, and hopefully with the imminent connection of the repeater to the USTrust network, the repeater with it’s improved coverage across East Sussex, is an important addition to the D*Star network.

GB7ES located on-site in Stone Cross, just north of Eastbourne

GB7ES Ready to go, (Almost)

With the actual repeater being in place now for about 7 weeks, we’ve had some time to do some proper ‘real life’ testing.  Operating coverage of the repeater is a little better than expected, even taking into account the relatively low ERP level allowed.

Over the last week or two we’ve installed the gateway computer for the repeater, which will permit linking and routing capabilities through the DStar network to other repeaters and reflectors (conferences) around the world.

With the help and assistance of Paul (G1DVA) who has helped with the configuration of the Linux system, Thanks again Paul.

We are now just waiting to confirm the installation with the G2 USTrust network and GB7ES will be fully operational, hopefully in a few days time.

http://www.ukrepeater.net/my_repeater.php?callsign=GB7ES

MB6EB (2m Node) continues to operate on 144.825 Simplex

http://www.ukrepeater.net/my_repeater.php?callsign=mb6eb

MB6EB is back online

After a day of testing, faultfinding including compete removal of antenna for examination, the fault has now been rectified.

After an evening of testing both on DV and FM MB6EB is now back to full strength.

 

MB6EB not operational

Earlier in the year, I had to take 6EB out of service due to an antenna issue, and although the fault at that time was a seemingly easy fix and has been working well since, it appears that a fault has returned.

So to protect the equipment, 6EB has been removed from service for the immediate future. I hope that any problems can soon resolved.

Keep watching the blog for further information on 6EB.

In the mean time GB7ES on 439.4375 -9mHz is running in standalone mode (i.e. a digital repeater) and all signal reports are appreciated.

 

GB7ES Finally goes back to Site.

Following the small (ish) fire in the building and home of GB7ES and GB3EB back in December 2014 the building works and repairs are finally finished.

GB7ES UHF D*Star repeater  was returned to site today (27/7/2015) and switched on currently in stand alone (repeater) mode, there still is the little job of returning an internet connection to the room which will enable full gateway operation.

I’d like to thank members and supporters of Repeater & Internet Linking Group of East Sussex for their continued support in this project as well as St Lukes Parish Centre.  I’d also like to thank Icom UK for their assistance in making this project a reality.

MB6EB Return to Service

After a couple of hours tinkering with the antenna system for MB6EB, I can gladly announce that the problem has been resolved, and MB6EB is now back to full service again.

Have fun and see you at the rally on Sat 6th June

Sussex Electronics & Radio Fair

MB6EB Off the Air

Following my last post the other day, I have temporarily taken MB6EB off the air to give us a chance to identify any problems with the antenna system.