GB3JT Update
Posted: Sat Jan 02, 2016 3:13 pm
As an update of GB3JT, it has unfortunately been a bit a journey in time getting the repeater up and running due to life, a number of jigsaw pieces and also working party access to the school tower block roof, out of term time for site safety.
The main part has been replacing the rack cabinet on site with a larger version to accommodate the repeaters (GB3HE, GB7HE (DSTAR), GB3JT (DATV) and also MB7UE (APRS)), plus preparing the 2nd mast for the new DSTAR repeater and 23cm ATV antenna.
Due to the site exposure to WX elements, GB3JT's antenna was originally going to be an Alford Slot in a sealed radome but after testing an Angled Slot (based on Dave G8ADM design), this appeared to be the better overall option and so after a few tests, rugged versions were made/tested and finally one was enclosed in a home made radome ready for site. Hopefully this will prove OK, once fully on air we shall see.
The slot antenna and heliax installation was due to go to site just before Christmas, whilst the working party were also updating GB3HE and installing GB7HE but the weather was unfortunately against us. We were also hindered in getting the wireless bridge installed for internet access (which we need for Echolink, DSTAR, RadioReference and DATV), so these works are now planned as soon as we can during January.
Hopefully now that my workshop is clear of recent works to GB3EB, GB3HE, GB7HE, we can get momentum on GB3JT and get it in the air as soon as possible, even if its in beacon mode to get some signal reports.
The longer term plan for GB3JT is both digital and analogue in, with digital out, streaming and 24/7 operation (active and test cards), in order to encourage clubs and individual ATV projects and development.
Should you wish to be part of our DATV project, or for further details, please see our RILGES Repeater Group website (http://www.rilges.org.uk and Forum http://www.rilges.org.uk/forum
Two repeater masts
One of two racks
The Tower
View from the roof, antennas another 20' higher!
Dave G8PUO
The main part has been replacing the rack cabinet on site with a larger version to accommodate the repeaters (GB3HE, GB7HE (DSTAR), GB3JT (DATV) and also MB7UE (APRS)), plus preparing the 2nd mast for the new DSTAR repeater and 23cm ATV antenna.
Due to the site exposure to WX elements, GB3JT's antenna was originally going to be an Alford Slot in a sealed radome but after testing an Angled Slot (based on Dave G8ADM design), this appeared to be the better overall option and so after a few tests, rugged versions were made/tested and finally one was enclosed in a home made radome ready for site. Hopefully this will prove OK, once fully on air we shall see.
The slot antenna and heliax installation was due to go to site just before Christmas, whilst the working party were also updating GB3HE and installing GB7HE but the weather was unfortunately against us. We were also hindered in getting the wireless bridge installed for internet access (which we need for Echolink, DSTAR, RadioReference and DATV), so these works are now planned as soon as we can during January.
Hopefully now that my workshop is clear of recent works to GB3EB, GB3HE, GB7HE, we can get momentum on GB3JT and get it in the air as soon as possible, even if its in beacon mode to get some signal reports.
The longer term plan for GB3JT is both digital and analogue in, with digital out, streaming and 24/7 operation (active and test cards), in order to encourage clubs and individual ATV projects and development.
Should you wish to be part of our DATV project, or for further details, please see our RILGES Repeater Group website (http://www.rilges.org.uk and Forum http://www.rilges.org.uk/forum
Two repeater masts
One of two racks
The Tower
View from the roof, antennas another 20' higher!
Dave G8PUO