Category Archives: Repeaters

AREG Repeater news, updates and events

VK5RSB 6m Repeater – Down Again

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VK5RSB 6m_2The VK5RSB 6m repeater is once again off the air.  We suspect that the temporary antenna has failed, most likely taking the power amplifier with it again.

The AREG is currently looking to buy a new commercially made co-linear 6m antenna, we have received quotes to replace the antenna for A$500.

The AREG would welcome any donations to the antenna replacement by regular users/contributors.  There’s a donate button on the front page of our website, simply place “VK5RSB 6m” in the relevant field when prompted to let us know what the donation is for.

Those users that have already donated we offer our thanks !   Without your support this repeater would be off air for a much longer period.

D-Star DVAP & Dongles

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d-star-logo-350The AREG is happy to report that the recent issues with D-Star DVAP and Dongles accessing and using VK5RWN has been resolved.

The issue turned out to be the Internet router config, which was blocking some necessary ports that weren’t identified at the time of cut over.

Thanks to Bob, Michael & Ben from the AREG D-Star team for resolving the issue.

73, Matthew VK5ZM

VK5RWN – Service Restored

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LcK75XpcaNow that the bush fires in Adelaide are over and vehicular access to the repeater site has recommenced, the VK5RWN D-Star services have been restored.   All ports are operational and the wireless internet link re-established.  Further changes to the internet configuration are planned in coming months.  We thank the D-Star users for their patience while services were disrupted.

73, Matthew VK5ZM

VK5RWN – Adelaide Bush Fires

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AUSTRALIA-ADELAIDE HILL-BUSHFIRE

Due to the bush fires in the Adelaide hills mains power to the VK5RWN repeater has been lost.   As of Tuesday the 6th of January the repeater sites 300Ah backup battery system has run out of power.

The bush fire has passed within 2kms to the north of the repeater site, for which we are thankful.  Access to the repeater site is currently restricted due to road closures and the proximity of the fire ground.

Until the damage to the power infrastructure can be restored and road closures removed the VK5RWN D-Star system will be unavailable.

We thank you for your patience as we wait for the VK5RWN service to be restored.  Our thoughts and best wishes go to those people who have lost property and homes in these recent fires.

73, Matthew VK5ZM

VK5RWN, D-STAR in Adelaide, update-2

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d-star-logo-350As was previously forecast in earlier posts, AREG has now installed and tested the secure Wireless link to the VK5RWN site. This means internet connectivity to the VK5RWN computer server is now independent of the Telstra phone line to the site.

As a consequence of these changes,  IP addresses have changed which have affected a number of links on various D-STAR web pages. These are in the process of being updated.

One of these links is the VK5RWN Registration page link at the bottom of the http://www.dstar.org.au/registration.htm page, which currently does not work!

However, access is available for anyone wishing to register on VK5RWN or for existing registered users to access their registration details.

Access to the VK5RWN Registration page is via, https://dstar.areg.org.au/Dstar.do

The rest of the operation of VK5RWN has been tested and is believed to be operating correctly with all connectivity to the D-STAR world in place.

If anyone experiences any problems with access to VK5RWN system, or have any questions regarding the operation of VK5RWN, you may contact the VK5RWN D-STAR Administrator, Ben VK5BB at, vk5bb@wia.org.au

As further changes to VK5RWN occur, more information will be provided by both the Local VK5 Broadcast medium and the AREG website.

73, Ben VK5BB

VK5RSB 6 metre repeater update

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The 6 metre repeater, VK5RSB 6 (53.750 MHz) at Summertown, has now been serviced, the RF transmit power amplifier has been repaired, the receiver checked for specifications and the repeater has now been re-installed (23/12/2014) at its site with a replacement temporary 5/8w antenna and is now back on air for general use.

The high power PA is back on line with the system now putting 40 watts into the antenna, as a against the previous 15 watts from the PA driver.

VK5RSB 6m_2

Many thanks must go to Adrian VK5ZBR and Rod VK5UDX for their efforts and work to get the VK5RSB 6 metre repeater back on line.

73, Ben VK5BB

VK5RWN, DSTAR in Adelaide update

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d-star-logo-350The AREG manages the VK5RWN D-STAR repeater system here in Adelaide.

Until recently, the yearly running costs of the VK5RWN D-STAR system was shared between the WIA and the AREG, with the WIA paying for the licence, power and the internet, while AREG picked up the bills for the telephone connection needed for the internet connection.

The WIA, who was sponsoring a large number of D-STAR systems around Australia, has made the decision to divest itself of the D-STAR costs by transferring the licence and full yearly running costs to the respective D-STAR sponsoring clubs and/or group. This means that the AREG is now financially responsible for the entire operating and maintenance costs associated with keeping the VK5RWN local D-STAR repeater system on air.

AREG have reviewed all aspects of maintaining the site and VK5RWN installation and are committed to keeping the system running. To assist with this, the AREG are currently implementing a number of cost saving initiatives to reduce the ongoing expenditure.

As was recently posted, the AREG are in the process of installing a high capacity WiFi link into the site providing alternative internet connectivity without the need for the fixed telephone line and ADSL.   As part of the cut over process, it is expected the VK5RWN connectivity to the world wide D-STAR network will be interrupted a number of times over the coming weeks.  We ask that regular users of the D-STAR system to be patient and understanding while these upgrades are in progress.

As changes to VK5RWN occur, more information will be provided by both the Local VK5 Broadcast medium and the AREG website.

73, Ben VK5BB

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