12/11/08 - No:10 Petition!

Just quick update, some of you might be aware and some of you may not, I have had ongoing issues with Ofcom, which left me no alternative to summons a meeting at Riverside House on the 27th October to discuss with them the role Ofcom play within the management of our hobby amateur radio and problems that we experience as amateurs.

These are just some of the issues that I raised at that time.
  Lack of Enforcement.
Deliberate Interference.
Investigation of Interference.
Shutting Down of Repeaters.
Packages for the future.		  

Ofcom is the independent regulator and competition authority for the Communication Industries in the United Kingdom. Ofcom inherited the duties that had previously been the responsibility of five regulatory bodies.

  The Broadcasting Standards Commission,
Independent Television Commission,
The Office of Telecommunications (Oftel),
The Radio Authority, and
The Radio Communications Agency.		  

Methods of investigation have changed due to errors that have been made in the past. Once I have had, Ofcom’s report I will inform you in further of the outcomes.

If in the meantime you can support by clicking here > Petition to Mr Gordon Brown at number 10 to get his Government to enforce the Wireless Telegraphy Act and stop abuse on the amateur bands, especially repeaters. Your signature is valuable and makes a real difference. Please encourage others to sign the petition as well and further meetings with Ofcomm
Your signature is valuable and makes a real difference. Please encourage others to sign the petition as well.

http://petitions.number10.gov.uk/AmateurAbuse/

Regards

Jeanette, Administrator GB3OK, GB3LK Repeaters & Webmaster…………
   
 16/10/08 - Equipment Sold & Issues with Ofcom!

As you all know the spare Zetron logic controller for GB3OK was sold to Roland MW0DSV for GB3SP South Wales which Tony programmed this is now up and running, the two spare base stations have been sold to Knut, LA2PH and were collected by UPS yesterday and are on the way to Norway.

We do not have any spares for either repeater, we will not be accepting any further donations. Tony has paid the rent for further 6 months.

Tony and I are due in London for appointment with Ofcom very soon to discuss issues regarding abuse on the amateur bands and repeaters. Ofcom need to address this, rather than ignore. Ofcom have a responsibility it is the independent regulator and competition authority for communication and have been undersigned by the Secretary of State to enforce the Wireless Telegraphy Act. If there are any issue that you would like us to raise, then please send your comments to us and we will submit these, on your behalf. We will let you know the outcome of the pending meeting in due course.

 

The Wireless Telegraphy Act!

Abuse of radio comes in several forms on amateur radio. However, most of it is designed either to deny access to the spectrum or to offend and annoy by causing deliberate interference, using offensive language, playing music, pirating call signs, keying out other users etc. On the amateur service, abuse is most commonly aimed at open access facilities such as voice repeater so as to cause a nuisance to the maximum number of people and attract attention. Less common, but just as serious, is the abuser who targets individual operators or specific radio services.

The Wireless Telegraphy (Content of Transmission) Regulations 1988 makes it an offence to send a message, communication or other matter that is grossly offensive or of an obscene or menacing character. In considering such cases, it is important to remember that the courts need evidence that the language used in the alleged offence is worse than that encountered in everyday life.

  

First thing that I need to clarify with Ofcom at this meeting is my position in all of this.

I am the administrator and have been throughout the time that this project has been running. In the early days the Bromley Repeater Group was set up so I could step down from my position, though due to the abuse that the all the members of the group have endured from individuals, all responsibilities have came back to me. No forgetting the financial input that my husband and I have put in to all of this, it must be in the excesses of £5000, also all running cost of the repeaters being on air, i.e., insurance, site rent fees are also now being financed by us.

It was also my influence and persuasion that the repeaters are back on air. London Amateur Radio is in a very poor condition and these repeaters are needed.

As the regulators of amateur radio have done nothing to protect me, the repeaters or the spirit of amateur radio, I need to know what package they can give us for the future.

 Look forward to your support, Jeanette………………………………….
   
 01/10/08 - Southgate News Feed!

Southgate Amateur Radio Club RSS Feed / Latest news about GB3OK & GB3LK by Gary 2E0ULA.

Jeanette………………………………….
   
 29/09/08 - Kempton Park Rally!

It was great to see you all at Kempton on Sunday, though I must say these rallies appear to be getting smaller. I know lots of you asked Tony on Sunday ‘What’s happening about DStar?’ At this moment in time Tony has the NoV for GB7OK though he is not in a position to do anything with this NoV, (Ofcom & RMC are aware of this) there are some more serious issues that need to be dealt with first. Tony has been approached by a repeater group in Norway, who wishes to purchase our equipment.

Jeanette………………………………….
   
 24/09/08 - Antenna System!

Over the last months GB3OK has had a number technical problems, signal drop out while running normal power while on low power everything appeared to be ‘OK’.

At short notice Tony managed to gain access to the site to change the feeder to Cellflex LCF 12-50J and replace the antenna, while there he also made a few adjustments. It appears that GB3OK is working much better and it is now running on normal power, this has also made a significant difference to GB3LK.

Thanks to Dennis G0OLX giving Tony the opportunity to purchase the feeder and connectors. Many thanks also to Gary 2E0ULA, Dave G7AKM, Derek M1NTY & Paul M0XLD who helped Tony with the antenna installationI also need to make an apology for omitting Murphy from the thank yous’, thank you for overseeing the whole new installation, next time I see you there will be a chewy stick waiting!!!!!!!!, much appreciated.

Tony will look forward to any reports.

Jeanette………………………………….
   
 14/09/08 - ANNOUNCEMENT!

One of Tony’s Customers informed Tony on Friday that John Drury, G4YVL had passed away on the 5th March this year. Tony and I wish to express our condolences to John’s family. John’s funeral was on 19th March. John was long time member of the Morse Club at Hextable, Kent.

Out of respect Tony will be shutting down GB3OK for the day Monday 15th September.


Mr. John Drury (G4YVL) R.I.P


Tony met John back in 1982 at his Gun shop off Great Portland St, London, W1 where John left QSL card on Tony’s Service Van which was parked in the next Street.

Jeanette………………………………….
   
 01/08/08 - GB3OK is back on air!

GB3OK is now back on air, Tony’s intentions are to keep this Repeater on air, this is against my wishes, though I understand fully and support his decision. You all are aware why the repeater was shut down in the first place and I will literate further about this. Enjoy the repeater and thank you for those who have supported Tony at this difficult time.

Tony is still the NoV holder for the new Dstar repeater GB7OK, though at this resent time he is unable to continue with this project, and he has placed this on hold, when he has the necessary support from the relevant departments then he may in the future continue with this idea.

Most to all refunds of the donations for the Dstar project have now been sent to the appropriate people and once again I would like to thank all those who have given their support.

 Jeanette………………………………….
   
 03/06/08 - GB3LK Back On-Air!ISCLAIMER!

Just to inform you all, GB3LK is on air, I will review the situation in 3 months time, meantime all the repeater equipment is still for sale. and the websites which has appeared on the net called gb3lk.com & g1upt.com, We would like to make it absolutely clear that the websites has ABSOLUTELY NOTHING to do with the 70cms UHF repeater GB3LK, GB3OK, The Bromley Repeater Group or me.

Jeanette, (G1UPT) ………………………………….
   
 02/05/08 - The Repeaters are off air!

The repeaters are off air and will not be coming back!

Due to a long string of events and what went on this afternoon, Tony & Jeanette have made the above decision. The repeaters have encroached in their personal life for too long with the personal abuse & aggravation.

Tony & Jeanette have found they are in an impossible situation, this will never stop all the while the repeaters remain on air.

They would like to thank all those who have supported them over the last few years, All those who have donated to D-Star project listed here will be fully refunded in due course.
   
 16/04/08 - DISCLAIMER!ISCLAIMER!

Just to inform you all, Tony came to register GB7OK our New D-Star Repeater on www.qrz.com, much to my surprise it has already been registered. On further investigation, Tony tried to update the information this error message appeared,

Update Access Not Authorized

The callsign GB7OK currently has another user: M3WTZ, listed as its administrative contact.

If M3WTZ was your previous login then you will need to use the password that was issued to that name.

In the meantime if any visitors visit GB7OK at www.qrz.com we are not in control of this, and unaware of their intentions. We have since emailed and notified qrz.com to release the callsign. I am sure like most we all know who the call sign belongs too, here we go again!!!

Jeanette………………………………….

   
 14/04/08 - GB7OK Had Been Cleared!
Just a quick note that Tony was informed today by Rod Wilkinson (Ofcom) that the application for GB7OK had been cleared and issued today. I have since been in touch with Icom confirming our order of the D-Star Repeater. I will give you more updates as they occur.

Jeanette………………………………….
   
 08/03/08 - Echo-Link Moved to GB3LK!

Echo-Link has now moved today from GB3OK, VHF to GB3LK UHF Repeater it has a NEW node number 372852, though at the moment the GB3LK Echo-Link gateway node will NOT allow outgoing connections to any other node via the internet and it will NOT respond to DTMF tones, though it will permit incoming connections from other nodes.

Jeanette………………………………….
   
 04/03/08 - Time, Effort and Money!

Now we are 8 months down the line since GB3LK came on air, there have been many changes to the two repeaters. Some major and some that seem insignificant in the grand scheme of things but have all added up to the excellent service that is currently being provided.

Firstly came the preamp fitted to GB3LK. This gave a huge increase to the sensitivity of the UHF repeater, but not without its own problems. The preamp gave an increase of 20db, which overloaded the repeater causing it to ‘ring round’ itself with some very interesting sound effects! So, Tony, (G1HIG) revisited the site and fitted an attenuator in line. The noises cleared but the sensitivity went down again! Not back to its original level, but it was once again a little deaf.

It was then decided to run the two repeaters on the same antenna hopefully gaining some receive sensitivity back on UHF. At that time, OK was using a VHF collinear and LK was running a 4 stack dipole. To enable the combining of the two repeaters required the purchasing of a duplexer as well as dual band vertical. Very generously, Alan G6XFI offered to purchase the antenna and Tony tracked down a, what seemed to be at the time, suitable duplexer.

Yet another trip was made to the repeater site to fit all the new ‘improved’ equipment. The antenna change was carried out at the weekend by Michael, (2E0UMB), Derek, (M1NTY), Dave, (G7AKM) and of course Tony. The rest of the kit was fitted during the week and the big switch over was complete! This also included attaching the 4 stack dipole to the remote access radio, thus increasing the range from which control, (decrease/restore power, 2 hour shutdown, full shut off/switch on, etc.), over the repeaters was available. The remote access radio was yet another little project that Tony had running in the mean time, enabling himself and the key holders to have control over the repeaters without having to try and gain access to the site.

Once again, you guessed it; these changes didn’t go quite as planned. OK began to suffer with its ‘electrical’ noise again and LK suffered insensitivity on receive. Another trip by Tony was made to change the in line attenuator and to fiddle with the leads of the repeaters to try and cure the white noise. Well, the attenuator change did the trick on UHF, but still had the white noise – especially when the weather was cold! Many suggestions were put forward as to what was the problem, everything from water in the coax to drifting cavities.

Over the next few weeks, the two repeaters began to de-sense and ‘bleed’ into each other. Again, Tony had to visit the site and try to solve the problem. One solution was to purchase and fit an improved duplexer, designed purely for the amateur frequencies. This made a difference that is only marginally noticeable and didn’t cure the obvious problem. Tony then, on another occasion, adjusted OK so that it is running only 1 Watt – that fixed it!

After all this, it means at present, both repeaters are working extremely well and are sensitive enough that, if you can hear them you can work them.

Now, if you have got this far, I am sure you would agree that this kind of set up comes with a heavy price tag. All the equipment mentioned has been purchased by Tony, (with exception of the antenna), from his own personal funds. None of the improvements have been funded by the user donations. He has also spent many hours of his time trying to continuously improve the setup and service which is GB3OK and GB3LK. There are a handful of others, some mentioned above, some more discreet and myself, who give up their free time to assist Tony in his venture for the best repeaters in the UK.

This is where you can help…we are always looking for volunteers. Whether it is because you have a useful skill or just don’t mind lending a hand when we need more muscle, you could help. If you would like to assist us, then please let us know.

There is one way that everyone can assist. The site where the repeaters are located costs £1 a day to rent. This doesn’t sound much, but it is a cost that we could do without. If you use or even listen to OK and LK regularly, think about how much you enjoy it and what would happen if they weren’t there. Now that we no longer have to pay annually for our licenses, how much of a warm feeling would you have by donating that spare cash, or a percentage of it, to the upkeep of the repeaters? We are ‘in credit’ at the time of writing this, but the rent is exceeding the donations by about 30%, so if the donations stop then OK and LK days are numbered!

Please Give Generously! Gary 2E0ULA.
   
 01/03/08 - Get Ready Echo-Link is moving from GB3OK (VHF) to GB3LK (UHF)!

Echo-Link will be switching from GB3OK to GB3LK in the very near future, an application of the change has now been to sent to the authorities and hopefully we will soon get notification from them, saying this can now be done. We received a donated UHF radio which has been setup for GB3LK for the change, Many Thanks.

UK list of D-Star users http://dstar.repeaters.org.uk are you listed here!, We would also like to know how many of you can access GB3OK at this present time, please could you let us know via email as Tony going to go D-Star at the OK site in the very near future.

Jeanette………………………………….
   
 29/02/08 - Presentation at the District Amateur Radio Club!

Hi All,
If you weren’t aware, on Wednesday the 27th February, Tony, G1HIG and I gave another repeater presentation to the Havering and District Amateur Radio Club, Hornchurch, Essex. The evening went well, (I knew it was going to when they wheeled out the chocolate biscuits). The 25 plus attendees showed interest about the repeaters and their development and asked some ‘very good’ questions!!

I would like to thank those present, (callsigns below), for their attention and hospitality and also their generous donations, (raised £44.67). Most of all, thanks to Dave, M0TAZ for arranging the evening.

If you would like us to come along and give a presentation at your local club venue that is in the serving area of the repeaters, (as much as I would happily travel abroad, I don’t think the XYL would appreciate it!!), then drop myself or Tony a line and we will see what we can arrange.

M0MAC Jim, M3VNO Darryl, M0GGL Chris, G3RJI Alan, G0BOF Bill, G3TTB Peter, 2E0SLA Stan, M0TAZ Dave, M3VHQ Joe, M1MOG Mike, M3KNL Dave, M1YOW Dave, 2E0FRN Frank, M3DOQ Mick, M3DOV Michael, G3OBX Derek, G3SVK Fred, G1NGO Dennis, M0MPG Wayne, 2E0EKF Selim, M3WKB Kevin, G6SPH John, M3WJI John, M0UKD John, M0SEM Mark, G0PIA John, M0VIN Charlie ……….and anyone else whose call I missed.

Thanks again to the Havering Club, 73 Gary 2E0ULA
   
 15/02/08 - Dual Band Diplexer and D-Star!
We have had a few problems with both OK & LK due to the single antenna, Tony has recently purchased a new upmarket 145 and 435 MHz Diplexer and Dual Band Filter (Model: DCI-145-435-DX-DB) which was highly recommend by Denis G0OLX in the fist place which was purchase and collect from stock at Waters & Stanton PLC (Hockley) which was installed on Friday 16th February. This dual band filter is made of two-inch extruded aluminium cavities and will reduce intermod in the 2-meter band and the 70 cm band. The filter is designed to be used with single band repeaters with single antenna which has made improvements to both repeaters

Now D-STAR (Digital Smart Technologies for Amateur Radio), The NEW DV Dongle Technical from your PC the DV Dongle is now a product and can be purchased from HRO (http://hamradio.com). Yup you’re got it! It’s the DV Dongle! If your PC has a microphone, speakers, and a USB port, provides encoding and decoding of compressed audio using the DVSI AMBE2000 full duplex vocoder DSP chip, For more information on the DV Dongle, please visit the DV Dongle page.

Check out the Youtube DV DONGLE demo video by Don Arnold W6GPS

As you all should already know OK’s original cavatities were recently sold on Ebay for the sum of £400, these are now in the possession of their new owner and will be installed on the new D-Star repeater which is located in Glasgow, Scotland.

Also we would like your views on the D-Star repeater for Orpington and Echo-Link moving to GB3LK

 Jeanette………………………………….
   
 01/02/08 - Echo-Link and D-Star!
Just to let everyone know Echo-Link Node 280040 on GB3OK will be off-air for approx ten days from Sunday 3rd February 08 due to maintenance and an upgrade on the system in the mean time the Swanley Echo-Link node 263052 is still available which G8NDL (Ken) manages is on 430.0625MHz no tone is required.

As you all know we have started collecting donations for the future D-Star Repeater the funds currently stand at £500.00 so if you like we are half way there.

At this present time we would like to know how many of you out there already own a D-Star Radio and can access GB3OK. If you are a an owner of a D-Star radio , please could you let us know via email as Tony and I will be approaching Icom themselves in the very near future.

Jeanette………………………………….
   
 12/01/08 - OK Back On-Air & LK Improved!

As you know OK was off-air for couple of days which gave Tony sometime to make a few adjustments on OK and at the same time to change over the Pre-Amplifier on GB3LK which seems to be performing much better, sensitivity appears to be improved, this a report that we have received from Ray M3ZRJ.

“Hi Tony,

As promised, the NGR reference for where I was standing this afternoon whilst we had our QSO through GB3LK is TQ 189 942, which is about 1.3 kms east of Junction 4 on the M1. It is on a road called Edgwarebury Lane and is just outside some surrounding coloured areas in the coverage map at http://www.ukrepeater.net/repeaters/maps/gb3lk-hi.jpg.

It is approx 43 kms, 27 miles, to the GB3LK/OK site on a bearing of 139 degrees. (For our QSO thru OK, I was on higher ground about 100 metres to the north).

The surrounding land is all farm fields, with no high buildings in the way and what surprised me was that the slight rise in the land a few hundred metres to the south east didn't obstruct either the transmitted or received signal.

The rig was a Kenwood THF7E, running 5w into a helical antenna, Hope this report helps you.

Regards Ray”

Also M3SEY informed us that on his website, there are useful up to date repeater POI to download for your Sat/Nav. Please click here to visit Michael's website.

Jeanette………………………………….

 
   
 01/01/08 - Welcome to 2008, Looking back over last year!
Welcome to 2008, Looking back over last year, It was a good year for Tony (G1HIG) and for amateur radio.

2007 has been quite a successfully year, with promoting amateur radio, Gary 2E0ULA conducted two presentations, one at the Darenth Valley Radio Society and one at The Bromley Soaring Club.

2007 also the launch of Tony’s second repeater GB3LK UHF wide split repeater, this repeater came on air in June, there was also an antenna change for both VHF & UHF in November, which was also made an improvement to both repeaters.

2008 is a New Year, some of you may already be aware that Tony is talking about D-Star Repeater for this coming New Year. Digital Smart Technology for Amateur Radio. The purpose of D-Star is allow Amateur Radio operators to speak further a field and to produce clearer signals using digital voice while sending data at the same time.

I have spoken to Icom UK, just a few weeks before Christmas to see if they could assist us in setting up a new repeater in this mode, though at this time they are only able to assist those who will be promoting the sales of their D-Star radios. I will be approaching them again a few weeks into the New Year, though with or without there assistance D-Star is probably the way to go, it’s an exciting time.

In the mean time if you should have any views about the future of the existing repeaters going D-Star or if already have D-Star radio please let us know and please post your comments here! You will need to register if you are not already a member.

Also there is new added a section on the website “D-Star page” information about D-Star along with five video presentation and demonstration clips.

GB3OK and Echo-Link will be off-air for maintenance on the 8th January till the 10th January GB3LK will still be fully operational.

If anyone should be interested in buying repeater equipment we have spare working Nokia BSR150 VHF repeater base stations already on the amateur band monies received will go towards the D-Star project for more detils Email Tony, G1HIG the repeater keeper wicth can be found on the contacts page.

Dennis G0OLX needs to thank for all of his technical support with both repeaters and many thanks to all of you who have supported Tony over the last year.

Jeanette………………………………….

   
 23/12/07 - Identification "fingerprint" Software!
Coming soon on both repeaters, Identification Software via Analog Signal Fingerprinting used for transmitter identification which creates a profile of the signal characteristics.

It will allow us to record and catalogue the unique "fingerprint" that is part of every FM radio's transmission. This will positively identify people responsible for malicious interference problems from the user’s transmitter, it records the radio's discriminator audio finger print, then time and date stamps every transmission and stores "fingerprint" the radio onto hard drive.

Jeanette………………………………….
   
 13/12/07 - Evening at The Darenth Valley Radio Society (Also Supporting members of GB3OK & GB3LK)

The Darenth Valley Radio Society - Had their last meeting of 2007, here is a photo of some of the members who were there, an enjoyable evening with a demonstration of D-Star and to finish there was a Fish & Chip supper. I would also like to take this opportunity in thanking those who purchased the Polo Shirts with the Repeater’s Logo on them; these T-Shirts will be available at further meetings. The Darenth Valley Radio Society www.g0kdv.com would like to wish everyone a Merry Christmas and would welcome New Members next year.



Group photograph taken by club member Tony "G1HIG" From left to right Len, "G0HRD", Ray "G0FDU", Micheal "2E0UMB", Paul " G0HAL", Paul "M0SCF", Paul "M3XLD", Rob "G1YRV", Derek "M1NTY", Gary "2E0ULA", Micheal "G8AXA", Dave "G7AKM & Bob "M0RAW"..

 Jeanette………………………………….
   
 06/12/07 - Donations to the Bromley Repeater Group!
Please consider supporting your local Repeaters, your donations help keep GB3OK and GB3LK on the air and equipment operational , donations are also go towards paying for the site rent, electricity & insurance. Without donations the repeaters cannot exist. So if you use GB3OK and GB3LK on a regular basis please consider making an annual donation.

The BRG need to raise around £400 per annum for the site rent and insurance this does not include replacements and upgrades or any additional maintenance that maybe required or the Echo-Link internet gateway on GB3OK.

We currently have 9 supporting members, those whom have supported the repeaters from August 07, not forgetting Gary “2E0ULA” who has and continues to give Presentation on GB3OK, GB3LK and Echo-Link System!

Anyone who makes a donation will be listed on the BRG supporting member’s page; all donations go DIRECTLY towards keeping the repeater systems running.

Thanks to all who have supported BRG recently, James Flint "G0SDB" Dave Pearson "G7AKM" Mal "G1NOX" Paul Gredley "M3XLD" Paul Davis "G0SCF" Michael Wallace "G8AXA" Michael Bryans "M3UMB" & Mark Giffin "M0DWW"...

Whether this is a financial donation or through giving up your time it is very much appreciated.

As many of you may already know, Tony’s mobile telephone number has changed as follows: 07904 723300.

Jeanette………………………………….
   
 02/12/07 - Improvement in the repeaters to be significant! by Ken Ginn “G8NDL”
I have an interest in local VHF/UHF radio propagation, partly as a sideline to my actual daytime work I get paid for. I was curious and keen to find out what effect the new aerial changeover at the GB3OK/LK repeater site would work out.

Subjective tests can be a little misleading, especially for me as a child I had a hearing problem that affects me to some extent at this advanced age. There is another 12 years before I get my bus pass, I may add.

With (G1HIG) Tony’s knowledge I set equipment up at work. Work being near as dam it ten miles or sixteen kilo metres west of the repeater site. There we have a broadband omni-directional aerial and the equipment available to monitor and measure quite accurately radio frequencies in the VHF/UHF bands. In fact, as long as the same cables and test equipment was used for all the tests, any anomalies that occurred because of equipment were ironed out. The testing is a before and after comparative test with the same measuring components.

The testing simply involved the use of a Rohde & Schwarz FSH3 handheld spectrum analyser, since this single piece of equipment was available, sensitive and importantly, calibrated. The levels of both repeaters were measured each morning when it was hoped the repeaters would be busy and the signals captured and measured. This consisted of taking five readings and finding the average (mean) for that morning, this was accomplished for both repeaters around the same time.

The readings started on Sunday the 4th of November around 08:00 GMT, and approximately the same time each morning until the day of the aerial change over and to this day.

The average readings of both repeaters signals received were calculated at -77.5dBm for GB3OK, and -91.3dBm from GB3LK over this ten-mile path before the aerial change over. Eleven daily readings were taken n total. Immediately after the aerial change over, the signal level received over the same path was measured at -72.4dBm for OK, an increase in level of 3.2dB. LK showing the greater increase in signal strength with a difference of 5.1dB. I shall continue to take readings when I can over the next month or so to get a more accurate average reading, but I would consider the improvement in the repeater to be significant, certainly at least a doubling of power on two metres. Seventy centimetres - even more so.

This morning as of writing this, I am measuring 29.8uV (pd) or -72.46dBm into the test equipment for GB3OK, and 7.8uV (pd) or -88.3dBm for GB3LK. These readings are consistent with the initial measurements made over the weekend.

I have found the signal level at the home QTH in Swanley of both repeaters to be end stop and fully quieting before and after the change over. Working mobile I have noticed a significant improvement in both repeater signal strength running to and from work in south east London, the noise level and quality is greatly improved.

A job well done Tony & Co, 73’s de Ken G8NDL.
   
 17/11/07 - New Site Antenna installed!
As planned the 2mtr single band antenna was replaced to a dual band 2mtr/70cm, the aim of this was to improve the coverage of LK which we had been using a Jay beam UHF Stacked Dipole.

I'd like to thank the following people Alan G6XFI who paid for the new antenna and Dave G7AKM, Derek M1NTY & Michael M3UMB who helped Tony with the antenna installation.

We look forward to any coverage reports. Your information will help! Thanks for the time to post your comments and reports. Incidentally the reports that we have received since this morning have been encouraging and it appears that our aim to improve LK have succeeded.

Any other queries about the Repeater Group should be e-mailed to the relevant member who's details can be found on the contacts page.

Jeanette………………………………….
   
 16/11/07 - Site Updates!
Quick up date & to inform those who don’t already know. Tony has been very busy making improvements to both repeaters. He & Gary 2E0ULA replaced both repeaters harness to RG-214 and fitted a new 2m & 70cms 8 Pole Bandpass Diplexer.

While Gary and Tony were still on site deliberate interference was observed and we received several reports of this.

Jeanette………………………………….
   
 04/11/07 - Kempton Radio Rally!

Tony and I went to the Kempton Rally, quite surprised to see that some of the main manufacturers weren’t there, Rallies are certainly becoming smaller and smaller. Though it was a good opportunity to see most of the regulars of the repeater there and some faces from the past that we haven’t seen for a very long while,

 
Kempton GB3OK Road Crew Vehicle!
 
Left to right Mike's daughter Lucy, Mike "SEY" & Alex "KVA"

I wont name you all though, I will make a exception and say it was great to see M3SEY (if I don’t he will get the UMP)! It was also great to see the Official GB3OK Road Crew Vehicle.

Jeanette………………………………….

   
 09/10/07 - UHF Pre-Amplifier is NOW installed!
Just to let everyone know we received the UHF Low Noise Pre-Amplifier for GB3LK on Monday. Tony fitted this, this evening around 4.00pm, it is only earlier days and far to early to make an comments on how this will improve the coverage, though by what we did hear this evening, it does look promising.

It would be appreciated if you have any comments on GB3LK and any coverage reports please let Tony know. Your information will help! Thank for the time to post your comments and reports.

Any other queries about the Repeater Group should be e-mailed to the relevant member who's details can be found on the contacts page

Jeanette………………………………….

 
   
 06/10/07 - UHF Pre-Amplifier for GB3LK!
I would like to take this opportunity in thanking Gerry, G6TLH for donating Icom IC-271E 2m VHF Multimode Base Transceiver & Kenwood TM-411E 430MHz FM Transceiver which were sold on eBay which raised £141.00 excluding listing fees & post and packaging. The proceeds of this sale have gone towards the costing of the 432MHz Low Noise 20dB Amplifier (MKU LNA 432 A) this include a double helical band-pass filter from Kuhne Electronic in Germany price 224,00 € plus postage which should be with us some time next week

I would like also take this opportunity for good wishes that I have been received while I was in hospital.

Jeanette……………
 
   
 22/08/07 - Practical Wireless (September 2007 Issue)!
Practical Wireless (September 2007 Issue)

‘Now on Air GBLK’ these were the headlines of article that is the above issue of Practical Wireless. You can find the full article on Page 12. Unfortunately the article published is not quite correct, the most important part of the article LK’s frequency was wrong, though they did promote www.gb3ok.com so hopefully readers will see for themselves the correct frequency by visiting the website.

GB3LK Technical Information

Jeanette…………
 
   
 23/06/07 - GB3LK is working well!

One week on the new UHF Repeater GB3LK is working quite well, at this time it seems to have created new activity and numbers of users seem to be growing, with lots of new stations and also the regular user’s of OK now spoilt for choice!! The overall coverage doesn’t seem as good as predicted, though from some of the emails that Tony has received it is quite encouraging and as time goes on there may be still some improvements that Tony may be able to make.

If you are interested in reading additional information about the UHF Repeater, Click Here!

If you have comments please feel free to use the Guestbook or if you have any questions email Tony the Repeater Keeper

Sometime over this weekend the number of visitors to this website should reach 23,000 due to this a new link has been added to the website, Latest Amateur Radio News Headlines, which is continuously updated courtesy of the Southgate Amateur Radio Club.

Practical Wireless (September 2007 Issue)
   
 16/06/07 - GB3LK GOES LIVE (A five star event)
Rod Wilkinson (G3TXA) Ofcom informed Tony yesterday that his second application NoV for the new UHF repeater GB3LK had been granted and that he would receive it by post. It is currently planned for the repeater to go "live" sometime over the weekend.

Thanks to Denis (G0OLX) professional radio engineer for the help and technical support with new UHF repeater.

I would also like to thank the User’s of GB3OK for the Petition which has been forwarded to Ofcom, RSGB and the RMC.

Jeanette…………