Hi All,
The turbine was removed from the site this morning, Saturday 29th.
Thanks to M0SMM Steve; G3VEH Chris; G7EBY Neil; M3ZVR Barry; for assisting Clem G3UGR in getting the thing down.
Hopefully, we'll be able to get it repaired within the next couple of weeks.
As previously advised, the repeater system is now only being supported by the Solar Panel, so whoever it is that has been doing the rain dance, please STOP !!!
Lets have plenty of sunshine and UV please.
Cheers & 73's
Dave, G3ZXX - GB3JB Team
Saturday, 29 May 2010
Tuesday, 25 May 2010
GB3JB Back Up On Full Power / Update ...
Hi All,
GB3JB is now back at full power 25 watts ERP, although it is still only being supported by the Solar Panel.
Having monitored the batteries over the last few days, the excellent WX conditions with plenty of sunshine / UV, has enabled the Solar Panel to maintain the batteries at full / above full charge. Although we are aware that JB has not seen it usual level of activity over the last week.
We shall continue to monitor the situation, and will reduce power again should the need arise.
With regard to the turbine. Clem and myself visited the site yesterday and as reported by several users, the turbine had started turning again. A strong gust of wind had obviously freed the jammed bearing. However, it was making significant clunking noises, therefore we have restricted the turbine blades to stop them turning and causing greater damage.
I understand that it has been agreed between Clem and various others that they will lower the turbine, for dismantling and repair, on Saturday morning. Thanks to those who have agreed to assist Clem. It is much appreciated.
Please feel free to use the repeater as per normal, again.
Cheers & 73's
Dave, G3ZXX
GB3JB is now back at full power 25 watts ERP, although it is still only being supported by the Solar Panel.
Having monitored the batteries over the last few days, the excellent WX conditions with plenty of sunshine / UV, has enabled the Solar Panel to maintain the batteries at full / above full charge. Although we are aware that JB has not seen it usual level of activity over the last week.
We shall continue to monitor the situation, and will reduce power again should the need arise.
With regard to the turbine. Clem and myself visited the site yesterday and as reported by several users, the turbine had started turning again. A strong gust of wind had obviously freed the jammed bearing. However, it was making significant clunking noises, therefore we have restricted the turbine blades to stop them turning and causing greater damage.
I understand that it has been agreed between Clem and various others that they will lower the turbine, for dismantling and repair, on Saturday morning. Thanks to those who have agreed to assist Clem. It is much appreciated.
Please feel free to use the repeater as per normal, again.
Cheers & 73's
Dave, G3ZXX
Sunday, 16 May 2010
We Need YOUR Help
Hi All,
Sorry, but I have to advise that GB3JB, has had to be switched to LOW Power, approx., 10 watts ERP.
Problem No 1.
It would appear that a bearing in the wind turbine may have gone, as it is no longer turning !
Therefore, the only power source, keeping the batteries topped-up, is the Solar Panel. Hence the reduction in output power.
We therefore need to lower the mast which has the turbine on it, so as to do an inspection and determine the actual problem, and organise the repair.
This gives us two further problems.
Problem No 2.
As some of you may be aware, I am, (as is the case with several other JB supports,) recovering from major Heart surgery, (a quad bypass) and am unable to assist Clem, with this urgent requirement.
We are therefore looking to you, the users and supporters, to offer your physical assistance.
The last time we had to do some work on the turbine it took 4 of us, and we only just managed it. I'm unavailable, and my Son is currently in the Golf - Pirate Bashing, as he puts it.
Clem will need the help of 3 or preferably 4 strong individuals, to assist with the lowering of the mast/turbine assembly. This is a total of around 135 Kgs, with the bulk of the weight being at 20 feet in the air.
At least 1 of the individuals will have to be happy, up a ladder, (that's usually my role, HI.).
As I am not going to be able to take part in the fun and games, Clem would like anyone who is able to offer assistance, to make direct contact with him, AS SOON AS POSSIBLE, via his e-mail address: clement.tabor@btopenworld.com
Problem No 3.
As most will be aware, GB3WX the 6m/10m Cross-band repeater and beacon system is located at the same site, as JB.
As you are also aware it is currently off-air whilst we are resolving a breakthrough problem, associated with JB. The GB3WX ident is getting into the GB3JB system and being re-transmitted over GB3JB, when JB is in use !
This system takes significant levels of power, approx twice as much as JB, and therefore GB3WX will not be put back on air, until the turbine has been repaired, even if the breakthrough problem is resolved, prior to that time.
SO FOLKS IT'S OVER TO YOU - WE REALLY DO NEED YOUR ASSISTANCE ....
Let's keep our fingers crossed, that we have lots of clear, bright, sunny days, with lots of UV, over the next few weeks, while we get the turbine problem sorted.
Cheers & 73's
Dave, G3ZXX - GB3JB Team
Sorry, but I have to advise that GB3JB, has had to be switched to LOW Power, approx., 10 watts ERP.
Problem No 1.
It would appear that a bearing in the wind turbine may have gone, as it is no longer turning !
Therefore, the only power source, keeping the batteries topped-up, is the Solar Panel. Hence the reduction in output power.
We therefore need to lower the mast which has the turbine on it, so as to do an inspection and determine the actual problem, and organise the repair.
This gives us two further problems.
Problem No 2.
As some of you may be aware, I am, (as is the case with several other JB supports,) recovering from major Heart surgery, (a quad bypass) and am unable to assist Clem, with this urgent requirement.
We are therefore looking to you, the users and supporters, to offer your physical assistance.
The last time we had to do some work on the turbine it took 4 of us, and we only just managed it. I'm unavailable, and my Son is currently in the Golf - Pirate Bashing, as he puts it.
Clem will need the help of 3 or preferably 4 strong individuals, to assist with the lowering of the mast/turbine assembly. This is a total of around 135 Kgs, with the bulk of the weight being at 20 feet in the air.
At least 1 of the individuals will have to be happy, up a ladder, (that's usually my role, HI.).
As I am not going to be able to take part in the fun and games, Clem would like anyone who is able to offer assistance, to make direct contact with him, AS SOON AS POSSIBLE, via his e-mail address: clement.tabor@btopenworld.com
Problem No 3.
As most will be aware, GB3WX the 6m/10m Cross-band repeater and beacon system is located at the same site, as JB.
As you are also aware it is currently off-air whilst we are resolving a breakthrough problem, associated with JB. The GB3WX ident is getting into the GB3JB system and being re-transmitted over GB3JB, when JB is in use !
This system takes significant levels of power, approx twice as much as JB, and therefore GB3WX will not be put back on air, until the turbine has been repaired, even if the breakthrough problem is resolved, prior to that time.
SO FOLKS IT'S OVER TO YOU - WE REALLY DO NEED YOUR ASSISTANCE ....
Let's keep our fingers crossed, that we have lots of clear, bright, sunny days, with lots of UV, over the next few weeks, while we get the turbine problem sorted.
Cheers & 73's
Dave, G3ZXX - GB3JB Team
Wednesday, 11 November 2009
WANTED - DX70TH....
Hi All,
The Wessex Repeater Group have asked us to publicise the following, with regard to their new GB3WX 6m/10m cross-band repeater.
"We are looking for an ALINCO DX70TH.....
Anyone out there got one they want to sell to us ........As you are aware, we now have the NoV and are looking for another DX70TH, to go with our existing unit - one for each band.
We have approached the main supplier, who did not have any secondhand units, and was only prepared to offer a discount equivalent to the shipping cost (!) on a new unit. Bearing in mind the product has now been dis-continued, in favour of the newly released DX-SR8E.
Anyway, if you have one or know of anyone who has one that they may be prepared to let go for a sensible price, or even donate (hi, sorry had to get that in) please ask them to contact us."
Tuesday, 3 November 2009
Interruption To Service.....
Hi All,
As some of you may have noticed, GB3JB was off-air from 4:45pm through to 6:20pm yesterday, 2nd.
Clem, Paul (M3BDI) and myself needed to replace a damaged guy, resulting from the gales over the weekend. This required the mast to be lowered.
While we were at it, we replaced all the main top guys, as these were also showing signs of degredation.
Cheers & 73's
Dave, G3ZXX.
As some of you may have noticed, GB3JB was off-air from 4:45pm through to 6:20pm yesterday, 2nd.
Clem, Paul (M3BDI) and myself needed to replace a damaged guy, resulting from the gales over the weekend. This required the mast to be lowered.
While we were at it, we replaced all the main top guys, as these were also showing signs of degredation.
Cheers & 73's
Dave, G3ZXX.
Monday, 26 October 2009
QRT Shack Clearence
Hi All,
One of our longtime supporters, Ron G1LJT, is unfortunately having to effectively go QRT, as a result of ill health, and consequently a move of QTH.
He has much equipment to sell, quite quickly.
Yaesu FT920 HF Transceiver - £550
Yaesu FT847 HF Transceiver - offers around £500
Moonraker 40m and 80m mobile whips (not Pro Am Type) £12 each
Magnum Ultraforce 10/11 meter AM/FM/SSB 30 watt Transceiver boxed (exc condition) £100
Magnum 257 30 watt 10/11 meter AM/FM/SSB 30 watt Transceiver boxed VGC £100
Leda 250 watt HF ATU (nice) £40
HF / V/UHF Duplexer £12
Ascom 4m (70mhz) in base station cradle with fist mic and optional desk mic - 240v £50
Remote Head mount for ASCOM 4m Rig £5
6m to 2m Log perodic (TDARC 1st Reserve) free to a good home but new owner to dismantle.
4m 3 element beam (Ian G0GRI has 1st Reserve) £15
20/15/10 Rotary Dipole (Moonraker) £60
Altai Rotator, controller and bearing £15
VHS Video Recorder boxed £5
Sky Sat RXs (several) £8 each
2 x TV/VHS Video Combis £5 each
14 inch LODOS TV/DVD Combi boxed exc condition £20
If you are interested in any of the above, please make contact with Jon, G0IUE who's e-mail is as follows: G0IUE@aol.com
Please feel free to pass this information on to anyone whom you feel may be interested in any of the above items.
One of our longtime supporters, Ron G1LJT, is unfortunately having to effectively go QRT, as a result of ill health, and consequently a move of QTH.
He has much equipment to sell, quite quickly.
Yaesu FT920 HF Transceiver - £550
Yaesu FT847 HF Transceiver - offers around £500
Moonraker 40m and 80m mobile whips (not Pro Am Type) £12 each
Magnum Ultraforce 10/11 meter AM/FM/SSB 30 watt Transceiver boxed (exc condition) £100
Magnum 257 30 watt 10/11 meter AM/FM/SSB 30 watt Transceiver boxed VGC £100
Leda 250 watt HF ATU (nice) £40
HF / V/UHF Duplexer £12
Ascom 4m (70mhz) in base station cradle with fist mic and optional desk mic - 240v £50
Remote Head mount for ASCOM 4m Rig £5
6m to 2m Log perodic (TDARC 1st Reserve) free to a good home but new owner to dismantle.
4m 3 element beam (Ian G0GRI has 1st Reserve) £15
20/15/10 Rotary Dipole (Moonraker) £60
Altai Rotator, controller and bearing £15
VHS Video Recorder boxed £5
Sky Sat RXs (several) £8 each
2 x TV/VHS Video Combis £5 each
14 inch LODOS TV/DVD Combi boxed exc condition £20
If you are interested in any of the above, please make contact with Jon, G0IUE who's e-mail is as follows: G0IUE@aol.com
Please feel free to pass this information on to anyone whom you feel may be interested in any of the above items.
Thursday, 22 October 2009
Monday, 19 October 2009
GB3JB - Back On Air
GB3JB came back on air at approx., 3:45 pm this afternoon, running on 8 watts ERP.
The batteries are still quite low - the d.c. rail is only 22.8 volts, so we still have quite a way to go to get the system back up to a fully charged state. It shows how little UV and wind there has been at the site over the last 5 days.
The forcast for tonight and tomorrow is for high wind, so with a bit of luck, we should get a good charge over the next 24 hours.
However, it would be appreciated if use is kept to a minimum, for the next day or so.
Dave, G3ZXX, is planning to go up to the site tomorrow (Tuesday) afternoon, to return the repeater to it's nominal 25 watts ERP, if the batteries are back to their nominal status, by then.
The batteries are still quite low - the d.c. rail is only 22.8 volts, so we still have quite a way to go to get the system back up to a fully charged state. It shows how little UV and wind there has been at the site over the last 5 days.
The forcast for tonight and tomorrow is for high wind, so with a bit of luck, we should get a good charge over the next 24 hours.
However, it would be appreciated if use is kept to a minimum, for the next day or so.
Dave, G3ZXX, is planning to go up to the site tomorrow (Tuesday) afternoon, to return the repeater to it's nominal 25 watts ERP, if the batteries are back to their nominal status, by then.
Friday, 16 October 2009
GB3JB Off Air ........
Hi All,
Pleased be advised that GB3JB is currently off-air. It was switched off at approx., 3:20 pm yesterday afternoon.
Due to the poor charging conditions - low wind speeds for the Turbine over the last week or so and very little Sun / thick cloud cover for the Solar panel over the last few days, the battery voltage had dropped to the critical level and the safety trip switch was activating.
Again, thick cloud and very little wind, so far today, Friday.
Clem and Dave will go back to the site tomorrow afternoon (Saturday), and check the charge state. If it is at an acceptable level, they will switch 'JB' back on again. However, it may well be at the reduced output level, 8w instead of the nominal 25w ERP, to give the batteries further time to fully recover.
73's
Jan, G8CYV - GB3JB Team
Pleased be advised that GB3JB is currently off-air. It was switched off at approx., 3:20 pm yesterday afternoon.
Due to the poor charging conditions - low wind speeds for the Turbine over the last week or so and very little Sun / thick cloud cover for the Solar panel over the last few days, the battery voltage had dropped to the critical level and the safety trip switch was activating.
Again, thick cloud and very little wind, so far today, Friday.
Clem and Dave will go back to the site tomorrow afternoon (Saturday), and check the charge state. If it is at an acceptable level, they will switch 'JB' back on again. However, it may well be at the reduced output level, 8w instead of the nominal 25w ERP, to give the batteries further time to fully recover.
73's
Jan, G8CYV - GB3JB Team
Thursday, 8 October 2009
Annual Site Fee & Insurance
Hi All,
Yes, another year has passed us by, and yet again its that time when I have to remind you that at the end of October our annual £150 site fee and £165 insurance costs are due for payment.
As you are all aware, 'JB' is not supported by a membership subscription, it is only supported by your donations.
Last year, many of the users of 'JB' were able to make donations towards these on-going annual costs, and we hope that we will receive the same level of support this year.
As usual, donations can be made via PAYPAL.
The email for donations at PAYPAL, is: gb3jb.repeater@googlemail.com
You can make a payment from your bank account, debit card, credit card or if you already have a PAYPAL account, from your PAYPAL account balance.
If you would prefer the more traditional methods, such as a CHEQUE or a POSTAL ORDER, then these should be sent directly to:
GB3JB Repeater,
c/o “Cariad”,
Yarnbarton,
Templecombe,
Somerset,
BA8 0JH.
Please ensure that ALL cheques and postal orders are made payable to “GB3JB Repeater”.
Please also ensure that your Name and Callsign are clearly printed on the reverse.
If you have email, please include this and then we can confirm receipt of your donation.
Please do NOT send cash under any circumstances.
73'sJan, G8CYV - GB3JB Team
Yes, another year has passed us by, and yet again its that time when I have to remind you that at the end of October our annual £150 site fee and £165 insurance costs are due for payment.
As you are all aware, 'JB' is not supported by a membership subscription, it is only supported by your donations.
Last year, many of the users of 'JB' were able to make donations towards these on-going annual costs, and we hope that we will receive the same level of support this year.
As usual, donations can be made via PAYPAL.
The email for donations at PAYPAL, is: gb3jb.repeater@googlemail.com
You can make a payment from your bank account, debit card, credit card or if you already have a PAYPAL account, from your PAYPAL account balance.
If you would prefer the more traditional methods, such as a CHEQUE or a POSTAL ORDER, then these should be sent directly to:
GB3JB Repeater,
c/o “Cariad”,
Yarnbarton,
Templecombe,
Somerset,
BA8 0JH.
Please ensure that ALL cheques and postal orders are made payable to “GB3JB Repeater”.
Please also ensure that your Name and Callsign are clearly printed on the reverse.
If you have email, please include this and then we can confirm receipt of your donation.
Please do NOT send cash under any circumstances.
73'sJan, G8CYV - GB3JB Team
Tuesday, 25 August 2009
The Rig Register
Hi All,
What an excellent idea...
Hugh Golding, G7UOD has created a national database for stolen amateur radio equipment.
The Rig Register is a simple site that allows users to store their details and serial numbers of various equipment types.
These can then be marked as lost or stolen and checked by the participating shops and second-hand purchasers, as well as amateur radio clubs, etc.
Can we suggest that registering all your kit may just be a good idea.
What an excellent idea...
Hugh Golding, G7UOD has created a national database for stolen amateur radio equipment.
The Rig Register is a simple site that allows users to store their details and serial numbers of various equipment types.
These can then be marked as lost or stolen and checked by the participating shops and second-hand purchasers, as well as amateur radio clubs, etc.
Can we suggest that registering all your kit may just be a good idea.
Monday, 20 July 2009
GB3JB Off Air
Hi All,
GB3JB will go off air for a short period of time tomorrow afternoon. Hopefully, no more than a couple of hours, from around 2:00 pm onwards.
The purpose, is to enable a winch arrangement to be installed to enable easy raising and lowering of the antenna mast, when required.
Assuming the weather stays dry, we may also attempt to re-install the 6m and 10m antenna system for the GB3WX cross-band repeater.
GB3JB will go off air for a short period of time tomorrow afternoon. Hopefully, no more than a couple of hours, from around 2:00 pm onwards.
The purpose, is to enable a winch arrangement to be installed to enable easy raising and lowering of the antenna mast, when required.
Assuming the weather stays dry, we may also attempt to re-install the 6m and 10m antenna system for the GB3WX cross-band repeater.
Wednesday, 15 July 2009
ISS Tracking.......
As we occasionally get some QRM from the ISS, we thought that it might be useful to provide the ISS tracker, opposite.
It might just give us clue as to when we might expect to get some interference on the repeater output frequency, but it could well be useful for those who may be interested in listening on 144.800 for the stations working through the on board 70cm/2m repeater.
It might just give us clue as to when we might expect to get some interference on the repeater output frequency, but it could well be useful for those who may be interested in listening on 144.800 for the stations working through the on board 70cm/2m repeater.
Wednesday, 24 June 2009
GB3JB Back On Air...
Hi All,
GB3JB was put back on-air at approx., 1730 local time, Tuesday 22nd.
Whilst we were carrying out the initial work for the GB3WX antenna system, we checked out the 'JB' systems.
All the batteries were fully charged and both the turbine and solar panel were developing power.
The antenna VSWR was 1.2:1 and based on the power output from the filter system, nominal feeder loss and nominal antenna gain, the system was operating at 14 dBW erp.
GB3JB was put back on-air at approx., 1730 local time, Tuesday 22nd.
Whilst we were carrying out the initial work for the GB3WX antenna system, we checked out the 'JB' systems.
All the batteries were fully charged and both the turbine and solar panel were developing power.
The antenna VSWR was 1.2:1 and based on the power output from the filter system, nominal feeder loss and nominal antenna gain, the system was operating at 14 dBW erp.
Monday, 22 June 2009
GB3JB Off-air......
Hi All,
'JB' will be going off-air this morning, from about 10 am.
The purpose is so that the 6m and 10m antennas for GB3WX, can be installed and the scheduled test transmissions started.
The purpose is so that the 6m and 10m antennas for GB3WX, can be installed and the scheduled test transmissions started.
This should not take too long, but as we all know, 'MURPHY' will always try to have his evil way.
Monday, 8 June 2009
Site Developments.....
Hi All,
Just thought that it would be useful to bring you up to date, with developments.
As you are probably aware, it has been decided to allow The WesseX Repeater Group to install an up-dated GB3WX (6m / 10m cross-band repeater), at the 'JB' site.
This repeater having previously been operational, as a 6m repeater, from a site near Kilmington, in South Wiltshire.
This repeater having previously been operational, as a 6m repeater, from a site near Kilmington, in South Wiltshire.
This development is of course subject to them receiving approval from the authorities, to change the repeater parameters and it's location.
With regard to 'JB' and its supporters, we perceive that there are no significant implications for either the repeater or its funding.
Like 'JB', The Wessex Repeater Group are funded by donations and they will be funding all the cost associated with their project.
With regard to electrical energy, they will be tapping into the 'JB' supply.
However, we do not see this as a problem as more often than not we are shunting energy into the dump load, to prevent the existing batteries from being over charged.
The only implication for TWXRG, in this respect, is the need or them to supply us with some additional batteries to support their additional power loading, when no charging is taking place.
TWXRG will also be expected to either organise their own insurance, which will offer the same or better cover than our own policy, or they will be expected to pay for the additional costs associated with adding their equipment to our policy schedule.
TWXRG will also be expected to contribute 50% of the annual site fees.
The only implication for TWXRG, in this respect, is the need or them to supply us with some additional batteries to support their additional power loading, when no charging is taking place.
TWXRG will also be expected to either organise their own insurance, which will offer the same or better cover than our own policy, or they will be expected to pay for the additional costs associated with adding their equipment to our policy schedule.
TWXRG will also be expected to contribute 50% of the annual site fees.
Between now and the end of June, 'JB' will go off-air for a short period of time, which should last no longer than a few hours, while changes are made to the antenna support structure to facilitate the installation of the proposed GB3WX antenna's at the site.
This is so that TWXRG can carry out test transmissions from the site, on both 6m and 10m simplex freqiencies.
This is so that TWXRG can carry out test transmissions from the site, on both 6m and 10m simplex freqiencies.
We will advise you all as soon as the date is known.
If you have any interest in their project, we are sure that they would appreciate you visiting the TWXRG web site, and completeing their on-line survey.
Friday, 8 May 2009
6m to 10m Cross Band Repeater.....
Hi All,
The WesseX Repeater Group, have posted the following on their web site.
We guess that they would be pleased to receive your input, via their survey.
"Posted: 8th May 2009.
The WesseX Repeater Group, have posted the following on their web site.
We guess that they would be pleased to receive your input, via their survey.
"Posted: 8th May 2009.
6m to 10m Cross-band Repeater.
The WesseX Repeater Group is proposing that a 6m to 10m cross-band FM voice repeater be established in South Wiltshire, on the site currently occupied by GB3WX.
As can be seen, from the GB3WX coverage area, the 6m coverage of the system will be significant, and it is anticipated that the 10m coverage should be very similar.
There is of course the potential for significant Sporadic E's and MUF DX propagation, which should of course significantly improve with the increase in solar activity, as we start to move towards the next solar maximum.
Therefore, as this would be an significant and ground breaking project as cross-band repeaters have not previously be allowed in the UK, prior to making the formal application to the ETCC / Ofcom we need to assess the level of support that such a system would receive from the Amateur community.
It would be very much appreciated if you could share your thoughts with us, by completing the linked survey.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
