BATC Forum

The following grant has been approved:

* Date of application: 23/10/2020

* Project description: GB3FT rx / tx upgrade - digital end to end.

Change rx from Comag SL12 to Ryde, change tx from DTX1 to Pluto with F5OEO firmware and H265 encoder boxes for FT tx and BATC stream.
Improve remote control DTMF system to generate ethernet messages to control encoders and Pluto.

* Benefits to ATV community: GB3FT has been running in its current form using a DTX1 tx and Comag sat rx for 4 years during which time it has attracted a small number of core users. Unfortunately for some want to be users there is an obstruction which makes the signal marginal at best.
Tests have show that by reducing the symbol rate to 500k and using DVBS2 H265 the path loss performance improves by 10dB thus increasing coverage and improving picture quality.
In turn it is hoped it will attract more users, perhaps even along the North Wales coast and into South Cumbria.

* Total amount of funding requested: £300

I think this is great - now if we can also sponsor a 30m mast to get over Winter Hill I might get into it.

At the risk of going off topic we've just had one of our regular activity night nets thru' GB3FT and as predicted a good 10dB improvement in signal both ways - everyone was very pleased.
New Ryde rx was able to handle 32PSK at 500kS no problem.
Money well spent imho and generating more interest / activity.
A BIG thankyou to the BATC for helping us out.

Mike - give it a shot at 333k and FEC 1/4 the rx will operate down to -116dBm with those parameters and the antenna gain including feeder loss is circa 8dBd

Repeater is located at IO83LU near Blackpool water tower - not my qth.

Glad it's working. I can't beam that way - I need to get some antenna work done to be able to do that. Perhaps if there were a lower frequency input but even if I could beam that way I am beaming straight into the hill. Coverage prediction
Mike