AREG is pleased to announce that we have finally completed the long planned 2m repeater project at our Summertown repeater site. This now completes the full set of repeaters for all amateur bands from 6 m (53 MHz) to 23 cm(1273MHz).
The new repeater, which operates on 147.175 MHz (+600 kHz) and has been on test for a number of weeks, received its final antenna over the weekend. The antenna was also relocated to the top of the tower. So far, signal reports have been excellent right across Adelaide and the greater central South Australian region. We are getting great signal reports from mobiles and hand held operators alike all over Adelaide, including the southern suburbs (Christies Beach), Eastern foothills (Rostrevor/Newton) and the Northern hills face suburbs (like Hillbank) as well as further afield from Murray Bridge, Normanville, Renmark and Port Lincoln.
Operating via VK5RSB 2m
Stations using the repeater should be aware that the system is set up a little differently to other Adelaide repeaters. When you access the repeater, you will hear a courtesy beep 1 second after the end of your transmission, (which signals that the 5 minute time out timer has been reset), followed by the repeater tail transmitting for a further 4 seconds. During the remaining 4 seconds, you are free to key your transmitter and continue your conversation without waiting for the repeater transmitter to shut down. This reduces the “crash bang” squelch break noise you might be used to on other systems.
To access the system you do need CTCSS transmit capability. The repeater responds to a 91.5 Hz sub-tone for activation.
VK5RSB 2m Predicted Coverage
If you would like to send us a signal report, please email vk5arg @ areg.org.au. We would love to hear from you!
Our other repeaters at VK5RSB
If you would like to try some of the other bands, you will also find VK5RSB on:
- 53.750 MHz (-1 MHz offset)
- 439.900 MHz (-5 MHz offset) (with 91.5 Hz CTCSS)
- 1273.500 MHz (+20 MHz offset)
Future Plans
Future plans also include adding an APRS repeater on 145.175 MHz (AX.25) and connecting the VK5RSB 70cm repeater to the central SA repeater network as the replacement Adelaide network hub (given that the VK5RAD 70cm and APRS repeaters at Crafers are expected to cease operation when that site is closed in August 2025).
