AREG has been working on upgrading the VK5RWN DSTAR repeater to the new G3 gateway software for several months now. In December last year, we also began training a new administrative team, comprising Charlie VK5VC, Darren VK5ADL, Grant VK5GR and David VK5MDF to continue the work that Ben VK5BB used to do managing the D-Star repeater, and preparing the team for the installation of the new computer.

In early January, Grant, Darren and Charlie made a start on installing the new software. This went smoothly, however as the hot weather arrived, it was decided to leave the old computer in place until the weather cooled down.

Today (Sunday 1st February) Darren and Charlie went to the site and installed the new computer and worked on finishing the configuration. We were able to get the system synchronising with the main trust server with no errors reported. The gateway computer  is now fully operational, allowing remote Hotspot users to log in, as well as supporting connectivity to remote reflectors.

UPDATE: 3rd Feb – the connection with the repeater RP2C controller to the RF side of the site is now working!

The final stage of the upgrade will be the installation of the software to allow it to connect to the XLX reflectors. Once we are happy it is stable to this stage, we will then add this module, which will complete the repeater’s brain transplant.

This has been a substantial learning curve for the team and we are very pleased with our progress. Thanks to all out volunteers for the work they do managing AREG’s digital D*STAR voice repeater site serving the Adelaide metropolitan area.

VK5RWN DSTAR Repeaters