GB3JB Site Photo's......

Hi All,

Just received the following pictures of the 'JB' site, and thought that you may find them interesting.

Thanks to Chris, G6WHI and friend, for taking them.

FT1802's !

Hi All,

We would be very interested to hear from anyone who has a Yaesu FT1802, with a list of any problems or concerns that you have had, or still have, with your unit.

If you have had direct dealings with either the dealer from whom you purchased it, or even Yaesu UK, we would also like to know your thoughts with regard to the support you have received.

Please ensure that you insert "FT1802 Problems" in the subject line for the email, so that they can be correctly handled by our email system. Please use the 'contact us' link opposite.

Controller Changes......

Hi All,

Just to confirm that the ctcss access tone was changed, to 88.5hz, this evening as previously advised.

The following changes were also made:

1. Time out setting was changed to FOUR minutes.

If you waffle for more than 4 minutes you will time out.

If you do not WAIT for the invitation to transmit 'pip' you will only get the remainder of the previous stations 4 minutes, resulting in you probably timing out. Plus you could prevent other stations from calling in.

2. Following on from comments regarding the beacon length, the speed has been increased to 15 WPM and the information transmitted now only consists of the repeaters callsign.

3. The period between the end of a user stations transmission and the invitation to transmit 'pip' has been increased to give slightly more time for other stations to call-in. Please wait for the 'pip'

The repeater was off air between 18:25 and 18:45

Change of ctcss tone to 88.5hz - Update

Hi All,

This change will take effect on the 1st May. However, due to work committments, probably not till late afternoon or early evening.

As the regular users of GB3JB will have noticed, we have recently been suffering from interference from users of GB3PC, who put a strong signal into the 'JB' site and are splattering across the 'JB' input frequency, presumably as a result of not having a narrow deviation capability on their equipment.

Because GB3PC has the same ctcss access tone as GB3JB, this has resulted in our repeater opening up at various times, and retransmitting the splatter along with the invitation to transmit tone, for, in some cases, significant periods of time.

We can obviously do nothing with regard to the stations splattering across the 'JB' input, other than to perhaps ask all operators to switch to narrow a deviation setting, if their equipment has that option.

Therefore, following on from communications with our zone manager on the ETCC, in an attempt to reduce the potential for interference, and to stop 'JB' opening up, as described above, we have decided to change the ctcss tone that is required to access 'JB', from it's current 71.9 hz, to 88.5 hz. Obviously the tone transmitted by the repeater will also change to this new frequency.

In addition to emailing this information to all on the blanket email update list, we will be adding it to the web site. The ETCC will also be changing the data on the "ukrepeater.net" web site. However, it would be appreciated if this could be mentioned to all those that you work via 'JB' and / or simplex, in the intervening period, as there are more users of 'JB' than we have on the email list.

It would also be appreciated, if those associated with radio clubs etc., within the 'JB' coverage area, could bring this information to the attention of their members.

Andover Radio Amateur Club - Boot Sale

Hi All,

Just a quick final reminder that it's the Andover Boot Sale, tomorrow, 13th.

For details, click here.

Solar Panel Installed.......

Hi All,

Just to advise that Clem (in Pic) and I managed to fully install the solar panel, this afternoon. Even in the overcast light, it was generating volts & current.

Hopefully this addition, along with the additional batteries, previously installed, should see us through periods of little or no wind.

When we left the site, the batteries were just about fully charged, and the turbine was freely turning and generating lots of power.

The panel has been mounted in an alluminium frame, backed with varnished ply wood, and the entire assembly is bolted to the barn wall.

The panel is connected into the power system via 20 Amp armoured cable.

Operational update

Hi all,

Clem and myself went to the site this evening (Saturday) to check things out.

The turbine appears to be working fine, the new 200AH of batteries are steady at 25.9 volts, the regulator is indicating that they are fully charged, the energy from the turbine is warming up the dump load quite nicely and the turbine itself is feathering in the strong gusts of wind.

So all appears to be fine with 'JB' at this moment in time.

We also measured up for the fixings for the solar panel. At this moment in time, I have 3 days off shift this week, Wednesday, Saturday & Sunday. So, we hope to be able to get the solar panel installed, by next Sunday evening, assuming everything comes together.

For those who may be interested in the technicalities of the panel itself, you can click here, for a link to a '.pdf' format data sheet for the panel, which is the ET-M572160, 24 volt, 160 watt unit.

If you do not have a '.pdf' format reader, you can download "Adobe Reader" from here.

CTCSS Encoders For Older Rigs....

Hi All,

Knowing that there are quite a few amateurs out there who are only able to monitor 'JB', because there older tranceivers do not have a ctcss facility, we felt that the following information may well be of interest.

Tony, G6FIB, has a quantity of two types of ctcss modules available. They are easy to install and instructions for wiring and ctcss frequency selection are available.

The following image shows the two different types available.

Further information contact G6FIB, via the Secretary of the Andover Radio Amateur Club, M0MWS or let us know and we'll pass on your contact details.

Don't forget the Andover club boot sale on April 13th - click here for details.

'JB' Back To Full Power......

Hi All,

Just to confirm that we installed the new turbine this morning, and the repeater was switched back to high power, 25w ERP, at approx., 1:00pm local time today.

Our thanks to FuturEnergy, for the excellent service they have provided.

The additional 200AH of batteries are still being cycled, so we only have the original 100AH available at this time. We will confirm when the additional batteries are installed.

We are collecting the 160 watt solar panel later today, but have to construct and mount a frame to hold it. Again, we will keep you up to date on the progress with this new addition to the 'JB' system.

Our thanks must also go to those amateurs who, through their additional financial support and assistance, made it possible for us to purchase the additional batteries and the solar panel.

The image above, is the provisional schematic for the upgraded system, once the additional batteries and the solar panel have been installed.

RSGB Train the Trainers Session

The following was received from the Trowbridge DARC, and we have included here, as it will hopefully be of interest to site visitors, supporters and users, alike.

"Dear JB Team

Have you considered becoming a trainer or all ready are?

Well here is an opportunity to join a Train the Trainers session locally.

An RSGB Train the Trainers session takes place on Saturday 7 June.

I am hoping that the session will be at Southwick Village Hall (or alternatively at Chippenham DARC).

The session will run from 9:30 until 16:00. Refreshments will be provided. Bring a packed lunch.

This scheme helps tutors enhance the standard of their Foundation, Intermediate and Advanced license courses.

Alan Betts, G0HIQ, and Brian Reay, G8OSN, will be presenting the all day course, which is free of charge to instructors.

For more information, and to register, contact me. Limited numbers so please respond ASAP.

I’d be obliged if you could circulate this to your fellow group and club members. It will be going out nationally on GB2RS soon.

73
Ian G0GRI
Tel. 01225 864698 or
Skype ian-g0gri"

Sorry Folks......

Hi All,

We went up to the site, but unfortunately, it was blowing a gale and raining when we got there at 11:00 am. It had not eased, by 11:45, so we called it a day.

Unfortunate, Dave had taken a days leave, based to the weather forecasts indications of a calm / dry spell late morning. Should have known better !

We will now try to install the turbine around Dave's work schedule, but it may now not be until early next week.

We will continue to operate 'JB' on the rotating battery bank and on low power, basis .

Installing New Turbine

Hi All,

Just to advise that the new turbine arrived yesterday, and with a bit of luck, the weathermen say there will be a reduction in the wind and rain, late in the morning - keep your fingers crossed.

We'll be up at the site from about 11 am attempting to install the new turbine.

Brand NEW Turbine.......

Hi All,

We have just had a telephone call from the turbine suppliers, FuturEnergy, indicating that our assumption was correct, in that the winding had burnt out. As to the cause, they are still investigating.

They advised that they have shipped a NEW unit to us, this afternoon, for delivery on Monday. What excellent service and support.

Depending upon when it's delivered, and the prevailing weather conditions, we will either try to install on Monday evening, or Tuesday morning.

Hi All,

Just to advise that the batteries were changed at 5:55pm this evening (Wednesday). So with a bit of luck, we should be OK for another 24 to 30 hours. The set removed, are now being recharged.

The turbine was shipped back to the manufacturer this afternoon, for delivery tomorrow.

If you are not getting the same signal strength from 'JB' as previous, just remember that we are currently on LOW power output - 8 watts ERP, and not the nominal 25 watts ERP.

The additional 200 AH of batteries arrived today. However, these will need to be cycled, prior to installation.

We are also pressing on with the purchase of a Solar Panel. More on this as soon as we have anything to report.