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.
Wednesday, 15 July 2009
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.
Saturday, 25 April 2009
Interference from PLT... A NEW Petition. - UPDATED 29th April.
Hi All,
You might like to take a look at the follow sites, when you have read the main posting below:
www.rsgb.org/emc/plt.php
www.elmac.co.uk/pdfs/whyPLTisbadforemc.pdf
For the technically minded, the latter is very informative, but even if your not technically minded, then it is still a very interesting document to read.
------------------------- Original Posting -------------------------
Hi All,
We thought that you would be interested in the following.
It is the text from an e-mail received from Neil, G7EBY, plus some additional comments from G3ZXX.
"Hi all,
After my first experiance of power line technology transmissions, recorded by a friend up in Bedford, myself and many others have become aware of the threat that the WHOLE HF band could and will be thwarted with nasty digital noise from 2-34 MHz, if the devices that provide home networking through the mains wiring are continued to be allowed to be sold.
M6ZAP (Paddy) is an affected user, give him a call (or me) on 'JB' to hear the dreaded noise.
Some units do notch our bands, (except 5MHz,) but the noise is still accross the broadcast bands and the rest of HF.
Ofcom have and are removing the devices from people's property's, FREE of charge. Yes folks, you don't have to pay a penny, if you are not the origionating source of the QRM!
The origional 'test' in a foriegn 'test house' failed them, but a second test in Germany, let them pass, because they were in standby mode! (Direct source of this information is on the www.UKQRM.org (website.)
This amazing new technology is NOT legal, but like LPD 433-434MHz trancievers and the like, has crept into our market without warning. Next will be broadcast FM no doubt!
The range can be quite astonishing, up to 1/4 of a mile in one case!
Anyway, if you just want to sign up and make your invisble voice heard on the petition site, here's the link, for what its worth: http://petitions.number10.gov.uk/SaveShortwave2/
The previous petition came back with an interesting response, stating that the devices SHOULD comply with the current regulations, of which they obviously don't.
This new petition is to enforce this even more, to an end that the government should and will remove these devices from the marketplace.
The fight continues.
www.ukqrm.org
Thanks for reading.
73 de Neil, G7EBY."
Although, as is indicated, some units notch some amateur bands, the interference does spread into the LF and HF ends of the bands, and although weak and not necessarily causing too many problems to SSB users, it is still be a major problem to users of Digital Modes, like myself, with noise spikes every 50Hz !
It is also impossible for me to attempt to listen to any short-wave broadcasts.
Question. Don't transmissions from legal broadcasters, like the BBC and BFBS, even if on the shortwave bands, come under the heading of a "protected service" ?
As with the first petition, I have signed this new one.
Whether or not you are directly effected, it is important that the authorities are obliged to enforce the Law and that these devices and anything similar are removed from the market, as well as from the users installation, where any interference is reported.
I also urge you to sign the petition.
Cheers & 73's
Dave, G3ZXX.
Note: The views expressed above are those of the individuals concerned and do not specifically reflect the views of any other individuals associated in any way with GB3JB.
You might like to take a look at the follow sites, when you have read the main posting below:
www.rsgb.org/emc/plt.php
www.elmac.co.uk/pdfs/whyPLTisbadforemc.pdf
For the technically minded, the latter is very informative, but even if your not technically minded, then it is still a very interesting document to read.
------------------------- Original Posting -------------------------
Hi All,
We thought that you would be interested in the following.
It is the text from an e-mail received from Neil, G7EBY, plus some additional comments from G3ZXX.
"Hi all,
After my first experiance of power line technology transmissions, recorded by a friend up in Bedford, myself and many others have become aware of the threat that the WHOLE HF band could and will be thwarted with nasty digital noise from 2-34 MHz, if the devices that provide home networking through the mains wiring are continued to be allowed to be sold.
M6ZAP (Paddy) is an affected user, give him a call (or me) on 'JB' to hear the dreaded noise.
Some units do notch our bands, (except 5MHz,) but the noise is still accross the broadcast bands and the rest of HF.
Ofcom have and are removing the devices from people's property's, FREE of charge. Yes folks, you don't have to pay a penny, if you are not the origionating source of the QRM!
The origional 'test' in a foriegn 'test house' failed them, but a second test in Germany, let them pass, because they were in standby mode! (Direct source of this information is on the www.UKQRM.org (website.)
This amazing new technology is NOT legal, but like LPD 433-434MHz trancievers and the like, has crept into our market without warning. Next will be broadcast FM no doubt!
The range can be quite astonishing, up to 1/4 of a mile in one case!
Anyway, if you just want to sign up and make your invisble voice heard on the petition site, here's the link, for what its worth: http://petitions.number10.gov.uk/SaveShortwave2/
The previous petition came back with an interesting response, stating that the devices SHOULD comply with the current regulations, of which they obviously don't.
This new petition is to enforce this even more, to an end that the government should and will remove these devices from the marketplace.
The fight continues.
www.ukqrm.org
Thanks for reading.
73 de Neil, G7EBY."
Although, as is indicated, some units notch some amateur bands, the interference does spread into the LF and HF ends of the bands, and although weak and not necessarily causing too many problems to SSB users, it is still be a major problem to users of Digital Modes, like myself, with noise spikes every 50Hz !
It is also impossible for me to attempt to listen to any short-wave broadcasts.
Question. Don't transmissions from legal broadcasters, like the BBC and BFBS, even if on the shortwave bands, come under the heading of a "protected service" ?
As with the first petition, I have signed this new one.
Whether or not you are directly effected, it is important that the authorities are obliged to enforce the Law and that these devices and anything similar are removed from the market, as well as from the users installation, where any interference is reported.
I also urge you to sign the petition.
Cheers & 73's
Dave, G3ZXX.
Note: The views expressed above are those of the individuals concerned and do not specifically reflect the views of any other individuals associated in any way with GB3JB.
Friday, 24 April 2009
International Marconi Day - Andover Club...
Members of the Andover Club will be operating the special events station, GB8IMD, in celebration of the Marconi transmissions from Salisbury plain, in 1897.
The group will be operational from midnight on the 24th April, through until 15:00 on the 25th.
They will be operating ssb, cw and psk 31 on 80, 40 and 20m, as well as some 2m simplex and GB3JB.
They have a delta loop for 20 mtrs and various other antennas supported by 3 x 60 foot pump up masts.
Please take some time to give them a call. It will be much appreciated.
Lets hope they have good weather.
The group will be operational from midnight on the 24th April, through until 15:00 on the 25th.
They will be operating ssb, cw and psk 31 on 80, 40 and 20m, as well as some 2m simplex and GB3JB.
They have a delta loop for 20 mtrs and various other antennas supported by 3 x 60 foot pump up masts.
Please take some time to give them a call. It will be much appreciated.
Lets hope they have good weather.
Sunday, 19 April 2009
GB3JB Systems Check....
Hi All,
Dave, G3ZXX, carried out a regular site visit / systems check, this afternoon.
The batteries were all fully charged, with the main nominal 24v regulated dc supply voltage being at 26.55 volts. The nominal 12v dc supply to the repeater was at 13.77 volts, in standby, and 13.64 volts in TX mode with an input signal at the RX.
The turbine was turning freely, the solar panel was providing 1.6 A, with the Sun side on, and the 'dump load' was intermittently humming. Thus confirming the charge state of the batteries.
RF power outputs were also checked, and again all were at their nominal levels, giving approx., 25 watts erp, based on the nominal feeder losses and nominal gain of the antenna.
All external fixings were checked as were the mast guys. All were in order.
In all, 'JB' was effectively off air for around 5 minutes, whilst the RF power levels were checked.
Dave, G3ZXX, carried out a regular site visit / systems check, this afternoon.
The batteries were all fully charged, with the main nominal 24v regulated dc supply voltage being at 26.55 volts. The nominal 12v dc supply to the repeater was at 13.77 volts, in standby, and 13.64 volts in TX mode with an input signal at the RX.
The turbine was turning freely, the solar panel was providing 1.6 A, with the Sun side on, and the 'dump load' was intermittently humming. Thus confirming the charge state of the batteries.
RF power outputs were also checked, and again all were at their nominal levels, giving approx., 25 watts erp, based on the nominal feeder losses and nominal gain of the antenna.
All external fixings were checked as were the mast guys. All were in order.
In all, 'JB' was effectively off air for around 5 minutes, whilst the RF power levels were checked.
Tuesday, 7 April 2009
MSARC - G3HAT Talk.......
Hi All,
Not that we have anything specifically to do with the Mid-Somerset Amateur Radio Club, we don't, but we thought that the content of a e-mail received from Shaun, would be of interest to our supporter, users, and of course visitors to our web site.
Over the years there has been much written about cross-field antennas. In fact there is probably as much controversy about the CFA in the antenna world, as there is about cold fusion in the nuclear physics world.
However, for the coming meeting of the MSARC, on the 14th April, Shaun has secured a talk to be given by G3HAT himself. The title being "New Forms Of Antenna", and I guess that the CFA will almost certainly get a mention.
Shauns e-mail text:
"Hello Everyone
The Mid Somerset Amateur Radio Club doors will open again on Tuesday 14th April 7:00pm at Peter Street Rooms, Peter Street, Shepton Mallet.
A talk on "New Forms Of Antenna" will be conducted on the above date, by Maurice Hately G3HAT a Former Senior Lecturer at Robert Gordon University in Aberdeen.
Look forward to seeing you all again at the next meeting.
Thanks again for your support
73
Shaun M0RTS
e-mail:m0rts@hotmail.co.uk
p.s for those who were unfortunately unable to attend our last meeting, but will be hopefully attending future meetings, please e-mail me for directions."
For anyone who is interested in antennas, let alone the pro/cons of this type, I guess this talk is a must.
Not that we have anything specifically to do with the Mid-Somerset Amateur Radio Club, we don't, but we thought that the content of a e-mail received from Shaun, would be of interest to our supporter, users, and of course visitors to our web site.
Over the years there has been much written about cross-field antennas. In fact there is probably as much controversy about the CFA in the antenna world, as there is about cold fusion in the nuclear physics world.
However, for the coming meeting of the MSARC, on the 14th April, Shaun has secured a talk to be given by G3HAT himself. The title being "New Forms Of Antenna", and I guess that the CFA will almost certainly get a mention.
Shauns e-mail text:
"Hello Everyone
The Mid Somerset Amateur Radio Club doors will open again on Tuesday 14th April 7:00pm at Peter Street Rooms, Peter Street, Shepton Mallet.
A talk on "New Forms Of Antenna" will be conducted on the above date, by Maurice Hately G3HAT a Former Senior Lecturer at Robert Gordon University in Aberdeen.
Look forward to seeing you all again at the next meeting.
Thanks again for your support
73
Shaun M0RTS
e-mail:m0rts@hotmail.co.uk
p.s for those who were unfortunately unable to attend our last meeting, but will be hopefully attending future meetings, please e-mail me for directions."
For anyone who is interested in antennas, let alone the pro/cons of this type, I guess this talk is a must.
Sunday, 22 March 2009
Editor Of Practical Wireless To Visit NBARC...
Hi All,
The following e-mail has been received from Dick G0XAY, one of our supporters, and we thought that it may well be of interest to you all.
"Hi
Rob Mannion will be coming to NBARC on Friday 3rd April 2009. All are welcome!
NBARC meet at SHE7, Braemar Avenue, North ville, Bristol (to the rear of HKSB bank) from 1930hrs.
Let me know if you require further details or how to find us.
Regards
Dick Elford G0XAY"
Link to NBARC web site.
The following e-mail has been received from Dick G0XAY, one of our supporters, and we thought that it may well be of interest to you all.
"Hi
Rob Mannion will be coming to NBARC on Friday 3rd April 2009. All are welcome!
NBARC meet at SHE7, Braemar Avenue, North ville, Bristol (to the rear of HKSB bank) from 1930hrs.
Let me know if you require further details or how to find us.
Regards
Dick Elford G0XAY"
Link to NBARC web site.
Wednesday, 18 March 2009
Mid Somerset Amateur Radio Club
"Hi Everyone,
Just a quick message to keep you all informed.
After a tremendous attendance of the Mid Somerset Amateur Radio Club last week I would like to Thank Everyone for their support and time to get the Club going again.
Since the meeting last week my phone has still been ringing and numbers of enquiries are increasing! So as it seems the news is still spreading.
Arrangments for next months meeting on Tuesday 14th April will be forwarded on to you all over the next week.
If anyone has any questions please feel free to e-mail me.
73
Shaun M0RTS"
If you require any further information regarding future meetings, etc., then please contact Shaun, direct. (email link at name/callsign).
Monday, 2 March 2009
Mid Somerset Amateur Radio Club - Re-opens...
Hi All,
The following has been taken from the text of the GB2RS news broadcast of Sunday 1st March 2009, and it may well be of interests to 'JB' users and visitors to this site.....
"The first meeting of the Mid Somerset Amateur Radio Club since the club folded some 12 years ago will be on Tuesday 10 March at the Peter Street Rooms, Shepton Mallet, Somerset, BA4 5LE.
The location is just behind the shops at Town Street where there is free parking very close by.
Refreshments will be provided and everyone is very welcome to come along and meet up with other radio operators whether you are licensed, a short wave listener or just curious about amateur radio and would like to find out more.
For further information please contact Shaun, M0RTS on 01749 347446 after 6.30pm."
We wish all those associated with the MSARC every success.
The following has been taken from the text of the GB2RS news broadcast of Sunday 1st March 2009, and it may well be of interests to 'JB' users and visitors to this site.....
"The first meeting of the Mid Somerset Amateur Radio Club since the club folded some 12 years ago will be on Tuesday 10 March at the Peter Street Rooms, Shepton Mallet, Somerset, BA4 5LE.
The location is just behind the shops at Town Street where there is free parking very close by.
Refreshments will be provided and everyone is very welcome to come along and meet up with other radio operators whether you are licensed, a short wave listener or just curious about amateur radio and would like to find out more.
For further information please contact Shaun, M0RTS on 01749 347446 after 6.30pm."
We wish all those associated with the MSARC every success.
Saturday, 28 February 2009
The Demise of GB3WA.....
Hi All,
Although not directly associated with GB3JB, we felt that you might be interested to know that GB3WA the 70cm's repeater, located about 6 km NW of 'JB', has been permanently taken off-air, and the 2nd NoV requested.
Details of the closure and the potential impact on other TWXRG repeaters, can be found at the TWXRG web site.
Although not directly associated with GB3JB, we felt that you might be interested to know that GB3WA the 70cm's repeater, located about 6 km NW of 'JB', has been permanently taken off-air, and the 2nd NoV requested.
Details of the closure and the potential impact on other TWXRG repeaters, can be found at the TWXRG web site.
Tuesday, 24 February 2009
Nothing To Report - or is there.....
Hi All,
Just a quick post to advise that there is nothing to report..... Hi.
Sorry, but we have received a few messages indicating that its about time the site was updated.
I guess people are fed up of seeing that Christmas tree.
As they say... "No news is good news"...
However, those who closely follow the site will have noted that we have added a couple of NEW links.
However, if anyone is interested in seeing the GB3JB lecture, which goes into the requirements of setting up a repeater, and details the setting up of GB3JB and its capabilities and control systems, then perhaps you will be interested in coming along to the Trowbridge Club on the 4th March.
Just a quick post to advise that there is nothing to report..... Hi.
Sorry, but we have received a few messages indicating that its about time the site was updated.
I guess people are fed up of seeing that Christmas tree.
As they say... "No news is good news"...
However, those who closely follow the site will have noted that we have added a couple of NEW links.
However, if anyone is interested in seeing the GB3JB lecture, which goes into the requirements of setting up a repeater, and details the setting up of GB3JB and its capabilities and control systems, then perhaps you will be interested in coming along to the Trowbridge Club on the 4th March.
Monday, 22 December 2008
Merry Christmas and Happy New Year....
Just a quick posting, to wish you all the very best of seasons greetings.
May the future bring you all that you wish yourselves together with Peace, Health and Happiness.
73's and 88's
Jan, G8CYV - Clem, G3UGR - Dave, G3ZXX - Peter, M0ACD
Tuesday, 16 December 2008
ETCC Position statement on 2 Metre band GMSK Proposals.
The following statement is taken from the ETCC web site at: http://www.ukrepeater.net/index.html we felt that it may be of interest to viewers of our web page.
"Amateurs who use the 144MHz band will be only too well aware of the congestion being experienced in this band especially in the Midlands and South East.
To enable the ETCC to make an informed decision on best use of the band in the future, a complete frequency re-planning exercise was carried out for England and Wales, using computer simulation and taking existing repeaters as the base model.
The output of this exercise was a new plan which re-assigned frequencies with a probability of less then 5% interference but with NO spare capacity.
When additional repeaters were entered into the model, the interference level increased to unacceptable levels.
This suggests that maximum use of available channels has already been reached in central and southern England.
As a consequence of this, the ETCC have agreed that proposals for GMSK nodes in this band can no longer be recommended to Ofcom unless the proposal incorporates a plan to either:
a) close down an existing repeater in the area, replacing it with a digital node at a location which retains the same general coverage characteristics.
b) or convert the repeater to dual mode working.
Dual mode working in this context means analogue and digital operation on the same site using the same frequency.
Click here for pdf copy of this statement."
"Amateurs who use the 144MHz band will be only too well aware of the congestion being experienced in this band especially in the Midlands and South East.
To enable the ETCC to make an informed decision on best use of the band in the future, a complete frequency re-planning exercise was carried out for England and Wales, using computer simulation and taking existing repeaters as the base model.
The output of this exercise was a new plan which re-assigned frequencies with a probability of less then 5% interference but with NO spare capacity.
When additional repeaters were entered into the model, the interference level increased to unacceptable levels.
This suggests that maximum use of available channels has already been reached in central and southern England.
As a consequence of this, the ETCC have agreed that proposals for GMSK nodes in this band can no longer be recommended to Ofcom unless the proposal incorporates a plan to either:
a) close down an existing repeater in the area, replacing it with a digital node at a location which retains the same general coverage characteristics.
b) or convert the repeater to dual mode working.
Dual mode working in this context means analogue and digital operation on the same site using the same frequency.
Click here for pdf copy of this statement."
Thursday, 27 November 2008
Happy Birthday To Us.........
Hi All,
GB3JB is 1 year old today.
The team would like to express their thanks to all those who have supported us, and those who have used the box, throughout the year.
Lets hope that the coming year is as successful as this one has been.
Cheers.....
GB3JB is 1 year old today.
The team would like to express their thanks to all those who have supported us, and those who have used the box, throughout the year.
Lets hope that the coming year is as successful as this one has been.
Cheers.....
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