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

VK5RSB 6M Repeater off-air!

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VK5RSB 6M Antenna

As you can see, the VK5RSB 6m repeater antenna is not looking too good! A combination of recent lightning strikes and high winds has caused the radome to fail, and the antenna to effectively snap in two. As a result, the 6m repeater is offline until a new antenna can be sourced.

VK5RSB 6m is in a prime location on the Summertown ridge line, and is the best coverage 6m repeater in VK5. Donations to help fund the new antenna would be greatly appreciated – use the donation button to the left of this post, and use a reference of “RSB6M” and your callsign. Any amount will help!

 

Project Horus Launch 9th November 2014

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On Sunday the 9th of November the AREG members assisted Project Horus and Launchbox with a double balloon launch from Mt Barker.

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Filling 2kg Balloon with 5.5m^3 of Helium

These two Balloon launches contained nine High School science experiments along with an experimental satellite payload from the University of South Australia.  They also carried the usual Project Horus cutdown and telemetry payloads to ensure recovery.

Thankfully the first payload was recovered from near Harogate and was relatively intact, after a freefall from 33kms sans chute.

The second payload made a miraculous landing into a farmers field just outside of Palmer, thanks to Andy VK5AKH for sharing the footage.

More specific details about the flights, altitudes and flight paths can be found on the Project Horus website.

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Telemetry & Cutdown ready to go

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First Balloon Train ready for Launch !

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

A big thanks has to go to our volunteer ground crew Gary VK5FGRY, Dennis VK5FDEN and his wife Irene, for cooking us a brilliant breakfast.  They also put up and took down the Marquee and made sure the oval was nice and clean while we’d all taken off to go and chase the Balloons…  Gary also made sure we had plenty of photos of the event, so it stands to reason why we’ve no photo of him to put on the blog (*grin*).

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Breakfast of Legends !

I’m confident that everyone enjoyed the day and can’t wait for the next adventure in the coming months !

73 Matt, VK5ZM

AREG November 2014 General Meeting

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The next AREG General Meeting is on Friday the 21st of November, at the Reedbeds Community Hall doors open 7:45pm.

This month there will be a short 30 minute business meeting held starting at 8:00pm sharp.  This month we will try a new format for the meeting in an effort to streamline proceedings.

MarkPrototypeThis month we have arranged Mark VK5QI to present a technical talk entitled “<Insert Radio Name Here> – A open source teaching SDR for Linux Conf 2015”, starting at 8:45pm.

In this talk Mark will discuss the Softrock-based SDR he is developing for the Open Radio Mini conference, to be held at “Linux Conf 2015” in Auckland, New Zealand. Some basic SDR theory will be covered, along with some demo’s of the prototype kit.

We’re certainly fingers crossed that by the time our meeting comes around that this radio has a project name !

After the presentation there will be the usual  “rag chew” over coffee, tea and cake until stumps.

We look forward to seeing you there.

73, Matt VK5ZM

VK5RWN Wireless Link

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On October 18th the AREG installed a new 5.8GHz wireless link into the VK5RWN repeater system.

The system is on test for the next couple of weeks, the results have been very promising with the link providing in excess of 30Mbit throughput (full duplex).  Certainly many times faster than the current 512kbit symmetrical ADSL connection.

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Once the wireless link has been finally commissioned and cut over the AREG will be able to close the current ADSL and Telephone internet connection which will significantly reduce the on-going running costs of this site.

I’d like to thank Bob VK5FO, Ray VK5RR, Andy VK5AKH and Mark VK5QI for assisting me with the installation and setup of both ends of the link.

73 Matt, VK5ZM

AREG October 2014 General Meeting

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The next General Meeting is this Friday, 17th October, at the Reedbeds Community Hall, 7:45 pm.

There are no formal planned activities for this month other than a short sharp and shiny General Meeting.

During the general meeting we will be covering club business, upcoming technical talk discussions, which will then be followed by a general “rag chew” over coffee, tea and cake.  With luck a few members might even bring their new Elecraft toys, you know who you are !

We look forward to seeing you there.

73, Matt VK5ZM