Author Archives: AREGNews

VK5RSB 6 metre repeater update

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The 6 metre repeater, VK5RSB 6 at Summertown, has now been serviced, the RF transmit power amplifier has been repaired, the receiver checked for specifications and the repeater is ready for re-installation back at its site. This is all subject to a replacement antenna and the service crew availability.

A temporary antenna has been re-built and will be installed as soon as is practicable. The mechanics of the construction of this antenna will be a limitation for long term use in the harsh environment at the top of the 30 metre tower, so it will need to be replaced as soon as a suitable alternative is made available.

AREG has requested for quotes from the “big three” antenna manufacturers and only one has responded with a firm quotation for a heavy duty antenna cut for 53.750 MHz, which is now being reviewed for consideration and possible purchase.

As the loss of the antenna was unexpected, AREG would appreciate any financial assistance to help pay for the replacement antenna. So, if you are able to make a donation, any amount will be much appreciated. You may use the “Donate” button to the left of this blog to donate, or alternatively contact one of the AREG Committee members for assistance.

If you are able to donate, please add “VK5RSB 6” and your call sign so that the donation may be identified specifically in support of the 6m antenna replacement.

73, Ben VK5BB

AREG June 2014 General Meeting

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The next General Meeting is this Friday, 20 June, at the Reedbeds Community Hall, 7:30 pm.

Well what with recent events with the club heavily involved with providing the River Murray Canoe Marathon Event (RPM) with safety and tracking communications support over the Queen’s Birthday long weekend, and many members racing around the country side chasing SOTA and Parks Awards activations, it has been a very busy couple of months.

So, come along one and all, the meeting will be offering a debrief of the RPM with the opportunities for all who participated in the event to regale us with anecdotes of their experiences, hopefully feedback from the RPM management and organising team, plus the opportunities to review AREG’s performance and provision of communications support for the event.

Also the evening will be covering general club business, preparation for the AGM, which should be in either July or August, and the general “rag chewing” over coffee, tea and cake.

Don’t miss this evening, it should be a very busy and interesting evening for all.

7:30 pm, Friday 20 June, at the Reedbeds, see you all there!

73, Ben VK5BB

 

 

 

VK5RWN Port C (2 metres) frequency changes

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Hi all D-STAR Users,

Just to advise, VK5RWN Port C (2 metres) has had its frequencies changed as of Monday 23 September 2013.

The new Repeater frequencies are,

Repeater Tx 147.0375 MHz
Repeater Rx 147.6375 MHz, (+ 600kHz shift)

therefore you need to change your portable and mobiles to reflect,

Mbl/Port Tx 147.6375 MHz
Mbl/Port Rx 147.0375 MHz
Set Rptr1 VK5RWN C
Set Rptr2 VK5RWN G

The frequency change has been brought about due to adjacent channel interference from the VK5RLH 2m repeater at Lochiel causing problems for some users mobiles and portables. These frequency changes are temporary whilst we evaluate the impact of the changes. If it works out OK, then AREG will apply for permanent changes and fix the frequencies.

Please let any other users know of the changes.

Advice will be promulgated via the National and Local Broadcast News and Notes, the AREG Web pages, www.areg.org.au, the D-STAR VK5 web pages.

Feedback will be appreciated.

73, Ben VK5BB
VK5RWN D-STAR Administrator

IRLP Node 6214 is off air.

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The AREG sponsored IRLP node 6214 here in Adelaide, VK5, has been taken off air pending service to the VK5RAD 70cm repeater and an upgrade to the IRLP node equipment.

The node is expected to be off air for a number of weeks, possibly through to August. Work on both systems is very dependent on the availability of the few volunteers and access to the site.

AREG apologises for any inconvenience to the amateur radio community.

73, Ben VK5BB, node 6214 Administrator

AREG General Meeting 17 May

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Hi,

The next AREG general meeting is this Friday 17 May 2013.

The invitation for the evening is extended to all persons who may be interested in amateur radio, AREG’s activities and see an amateur radio club in action, however the evening will be primarily focused around AREG’s activities, past, present and for the future.

So come along and visit at an AREG meeting, find out what AREG is up to and participate in an evening with other amateur radio operators.

Coffee, tea, cake will be on for supper along with general rag chewing.

73, Ben VK5BB

23 cm analogue FM voice repeater

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Saturday 2nd of March, a group of AREG members installed the 23 cm analogue FM voice repeater at the VK5RSB site, Summertown.

The repeater transmit frequency is 1273.500 MHz with a positive 20 MHz shift for receive. Transmit power into the the coax to the collinear antenna is 10 watts carrier. The repeater should provide good coverage across the major areas of the Adelaide plains.

You need to program your radio for 1273.500 MHz receive with a positive 20 MHz offset, giving your transmit at 1293.500 MHz. No CTCSS is required.

The repeater is fully operational, so check it out.

Thanks go all those who helped with the installation, Colin VK5ACE, who built the repeater, Ben VK5BB and Paul VK5BX, who did the rigging, Mark VK5QI and Andy VK5AKH, ground crew.

IRLP node 6214

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Due to the changes at VK5RSB with the requirement for the input CTCSS tone of 91.5Hz, the IRLP Node 6214 has now been transferred to the VK5RAD 70cm frequency, 439.925 MHz.

As AREG are the sponsors for both the 70cm repeaters, VK5RSB 439.900 and VK5RAD 439.925, AREG were planning changes with the IRLP node with the intention to transfer it to 439.925 in the future. However due to interference problems with VK5RSB necessitating implementing CTCSS on the repeater’s receiver, the transfer of the IRLP node 6214 has been brought forward.

AREG trusts that the transfer of the IRLP node 6214 is of value to the amateur community and that the system is available to all, including those who do not have the CTCSS capability in their radio equipment.

Ben VK5BB, 6214 node Administrator.

New Committee

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Congratulations to the new AREG committee, the following members were confirmed as the new committee at the AREG AGM held Friday night, 17 August 2012.

President Matt Cook VK5ZM, Executive member
Secretary Adrian Waiblinger VK5ZBR, Executive member
Treasurer Scott Testi VK5TST, Executive member
Committee member, Mark Jessop VK5QI
Committee member, Alex Groenen VK5FINE
Committee member, Ben Broadbent VK5BB

Thank you very much to the old committee for your services and support to the club.

73, Ben VK5BB