GB3UB & MB7UB The Bath Repeaters

A visit from the fairies?

2011-09-23T20:49:00.000+01:00

It seems the fairies have made a visit to Bath Uni and brought MB7UB back to life. I would like to thank them for once again helping me out.

MB7UB Off Air

2011-09-20T21:58:00.000+01:00

Seems MB7UB is off air again after a power outage. Will be a few days before I can get to site to sort it.

CHOTA

2011-09-09T21:42:00.001+01:00

Tomorrow,10th September I will be helping to operate GB1MSN at the Midsomer Methodist Church from 10am until approximately 1600. Although it is not possible to give precise frequencies, please listen and call if you hear any of the many stations operating for Churches and Chapels on the air. I will try and post bands of operation on Facebook.

Notice of use

2011-09-09T15:12:00.001+01:00

Just to let you know the repeater will once again be in use by Bath Raynet for the Bath Midnight Walk. Times of operation will be from approx 2300 till 0330. Your cooperation during this time would be appreciated. if you have any skeds arranged between these times please let me know.

No News

2011-05-05T20:21:00.001+01:00

Just a short note to say both repeaters continue to work well. I do try and monitor them during the day if I am in Bath. The only problem I have noted is that from time to time there is a carrier on the output but this does not seem to have caused any problems.

Update

2010-10-30T18:36:00.000+01:00

It seems the work at the Uni has finished and will try to make a site visit in the near future. However it appears our 'low profile' existence on the site may be at an end. I am not sure what impact this will have but hopefully it will only mean having to contribute to the electricity usage which I cannot see being very much. I hope I will not have to put out the begging bowl.

Off Air

2010-08-14T20:54:00.000+01:00

Due to the ongoing work at the uni both boxes are liable to interruptions. These may vary from a few minutes to a couple of days. I will update you when I have any more information.

Starting to enjoy this.

2010-07-11T17:00:00.000+01:00

Been back at work for a couple of months and now enjoying bus work. Most of the journeys now have plenty of time so no need to rush. Time to get off the bus, sit in the sun, read a book etc. No real problems with passengers, again with plenty of time you can explain things to passengers which greatly reduces the risk of confrontation. With the hot weather I am also glad not be driving into London and happy to sit in an (sometimes) air conditioned cab. For those of you who are interested the National Express contract will be transferred to South Gloucestershire at the beginning of August.

MB7UB Back on

2010-07-05T08:30:00.000+01:00

OK it would seem that thanks to a helpful hand MB7UB is back on. Thanks to them. However as I said there is extensive work taking place on site, and all repeaters on site are at risk of interruptions.

MB7UB Update

2010-07-04T16:43:00.000+01:00

MB7UB remains off air. The work on site means that access to the room where the repeaters are is almost impossible. Therefore it will remain off air until we have permission to access the site to move the equipment while the area is rewired. Hopefully there will be a chance of having some internet access which could open up some more possibilities.

MB7UB Off Air

2010-06-29T20:07:00.000+01:00

MB7UB the Bath APRS digipeater is currently off air. There is a great deal of work taking place on site so I suspect the laptop has not reset correctly. I will try and make a visit asap.

Facebook

2010-05-13T10:37:00.000+01:00

I have now put a page up on Facebook

Back in Service

2010-04-05T09:06:00.000+01:00

It would appear that both 'boxes' are back in service. MB7UB seems to have come back on at around 0300 this morning and is passing data. Obviously no action from me so not 100% sure what the problem was.

MB7UB/GB3UB Off air

2010-04-04T17:33:00.002+01:00

It would appear that there has been a power outage on site. GB3 UB seems to have powered up OK but MB7UB has not. I assume it this the laptop that will need to be rebooted. However unless I can find someone to go there for me I will not be able to get on site until my ankle is better.

Update

2009-07-02T11:03:00.002+01:00

Just a short note. Both 'boxes' continue to run well.There was a small problem with the ecolink audio but that was quickly sorted. MB7UB is preforming well in its new configuration.

MB7UB Upgrade

2009-04-01T22:27:00.002+01:00

MB7UB is in the process of being upgraded. Since the failure of the TM-D700 I have had the loan of another one. This has given me time to sort things out. I have at present on test, a Tiny2 and a IC-2E. This will at first be running a full UI-view digipeater. I hope in the near future to further upgrade this to run the UIDIGI prom. This wil take away the need to run with a PC. My thanks go to all of you who have offered help. I have not taken up all these offers but I thank you all.

MB7UB back on air

2009-01-26T14:08:00.001Z

Thanks to a very generous off from M3ZBE. MB7UB is back on and working well. This now gives me some time to get the original repaired. Thanks again Neil for the loan.

MB7UB Off Air

2009-01-19T10:08:00.001Z

had a trip yesterday to tweak the settings and restore the TRACE path. However during the visit the rig died. I now have two dead TM-D700 at home. I am trying to find a cheap repair and possibly a source of replacement gear.

MB7UB APRS settings

2009-01-06T23:24:00.005Z

Made a visit to MB7UB and made the changes. You will need to change YOUR settings. The information you will need is at

http://www.apritch.myby.co.uk/uiview_newn-n.htm

Happy Christmas

2008-12-24T00:29:00.002Z

Well it's that time of year. 2008 has seen both repeaters fully operational with, as far as I know, no down time. Activity has remained constant with only a few using the internet link. There are no plans to make any changes to the present set up unless someone wants to convert it to voice/D-star!
Anyway a very Happy Christmas to you all and I hope to a bit more active in 2009.

MB7UB Settings

2008-12-15T13:37:00.002Z

There has been a change made by the IARU Region 1 to the APRS settings. This affects the THD-700E which MB7UB uses. I will need to make a visit over the weekend to make the changes so you may see strange effects as the changes take effect.

You can see the full document at http://www.apritch.myby.co.uk/uiview_newn-n.htm

What is a repeater?

2008-08-17T22:07:00.002+01:00

Sounds a bit obvious but for all those new to the hobby found this excellent information on a Canadian user group.

What is a Repeater and Why is it Needed, and How Does It Work?

What: It's a two-way radio system that receives on one frequency, then re-transmits what it hears on another frequency; at exactly the same time. It's nothing more than a "dumb machine" with some smart people behind it.

Why it's needed: Your mobile or handleld transceiver, has a limited range due to it's antenna height with respect to the radio horizon and rf attenuating surroundings. Repeater systems are used to "transfer" your transmitted and received signals to much higher elevations electronically using large, very efficient antennas, low loss feed lines and a transmitter and receiver that is rated for heavy or continuous duty. A repeater "gets out" your signal and receives the station you are talking to with a far
greater range and coverage area! You take advantage of the repeater's higher elevation to increase your effective transmitting and receiving coverage versus your mobile or hand held transceiver!

Repeater Etiquette
The first and most important rule before using a repeater is to LISTEN FIRST. Nothing is more annoying than someone that "keys up" or DOUBLES in the middle of another conversation without first checking to make sure the repeater is open. If the repeater is in use, wait for a pause in the conversation (watch your S meter and wait for it to drop indicating the repeater is “listening”) and simply announce your callsign and wait for one of the other stations to acknowledge your call. This is not CB, Don't use
CB lingo such as 10-4,.....don't say BREAKER! The word BREAKER or BRAKE, BRAKE on Ham radio is commonly used only in EMERGENCIES! Remember....you're an Amateur Radio Operator....NOT A CB'ER!

Use plain language on a repeater. If you want to know someone's location, say "Where are you? or what's your location?" If you want to know whether someone you're talking with is using a mobile rig or a hand-held radio, just ask: "What kind of radio are you using?" You get the idea.

Don't call CQ to initiate a conversation on a repeater. Just simply listen to make certain the repeater is not in use and then key your mic and say your call sign.
If someone happens to be listening and they want to talk to you they will respond.

When you are using the repeater leave a couple of seconds between exchanges to allow other stations to join in or make a quick call. Most repeaters have a "Courtesy Tone" (a short...beep or series of beeps) that will help in determining how long to pause. The courtesy tone serves two purposes. Repeaters have a time out function that will shut down the transmitter if the repeater is held on for a preset length of time (normally three or four minutes). This ensures that if someone's transmitter is stuck on for any reason, it won't hold the repeater's transmitter on indefinitely. (Don't laugh, many microphones get lodged in the fold of car seats and keep a repeater busy until it times out. Of course if it is not noticed soon
by the mobile operator.....the control operator of the repeater may have to shut down the repeater until the problem is corrected.)

When a ham is talking and releases the push-to-talk switch on their radio, the controller in the repeater detects the loss of carrier and resets the time-out timer. When the timer is reset, the repeater sends out the courtesy tone. If you wait until you hear this beep (normally a couple of seconds), before you respond, you can be sure that you are pausing a suitable length of time. After you hear the beep, the repeater's transmitter will stay on for
a few more seconds before turning off. This is referred to as the "tail". The length of the tail will vary from repeater to repeater but the average is about 2 or 3 seconds.
You don't HAVE to wait for the "tail to drop" before keying up again, but make sure that you hear the courtesy tone before going ahead.
Note: If you don't wait for the beep, the time-out timer may not reset. If you time-out the repeater, YOUR conversation AFTER the time-out will not be heard. The repeater time-out function does not care if you are still talking
or not; and the station on the other end may rib you about hogging the machine and you will have wasted all those words!

What is Doubling?
When two stations try to talk at the same time on the same repeater, the signals mix in the repeater's receiver and results in a buzzing sound, squeal, distorted sound or severely jumbled and broken words.
When you are involved in a roundtable discussion with several other stations it is always best to pass off the repeater to a specific person (station) rather than leave it up it the air. e.g. "VE??? to take it, this is VE???", then unkey; or.......

"Do you have any comments Fred?, this is VE2???"; un key.
You could also say "OK...that's all I have.....back to you Fred"... (un key)....
Failing to use this or other techniques is an invitation to total confusion.
As a point of interest, a repeater will usually lock into the strongest of two FM signals. This is the nature of FM. The strongest signal wins.

Signal Reports on a Repeater
Lots of new hams don't understand that the S meter on their radio is only reporting the relative strength of the repeater system and NOT the signal strength of the station they are talking to.

When the repeater is transmitting, it may have an output greatly exceding that of the station IT is listening to. Remember the station it hears on the input frequency of it's receiver may be on a hand held radio and only a few blocks from the "machine" or it could be a mobile radio in a vehicle out on the fringes of the repeater coverage area or a base station running a high gain antenna and 100 watts from the next county or in some cases, the
next state.

To a third party, (another ham), listening to the machine on the repeater output, all of these stations would have the same S meter reading on his
S meter!

As long as the repeater can detect the signals and is working properly
as it is setup, then all stations, (to the third ham), will "appear" to have
the same signal strength on the S meter. Remember, the S meter is only reporting the relative strength of the repeater and not the individual stations!

So all that being said, how do you give an accurate signal report to the station you are talking to?
JUST USE PLAIN ENGLISH!
Listen to the background sounds of his AUDIO coming from your speaker in between words and sentences. Don't even look at your S meter. (Assuming the repeater has a good strong signal into your location)

If there is no noise other than room background, road, passenger or other sounds that could be picked up by his microphone, then he would be said to have a FULL QUIETING signal into the repeater.....receiver. NOT 50 OVER S9, S9, OR ANY COMBINATION on your S meter.

If his audio is perfectly understandable with 100 % copy and there is NO "noise" in the background other than the above, then an accurate report
for him would be, "You're full quieting and 100 % copy.

Anything less than the above is usually given in various ways using an exact as possible description of his signal. "Audio" reports are a matter of interpretation by individual ears. We as hams are in the "business" of communications, not HI FI broadcast FM! We can only sound as good as the FCC/CRTC will allow!

If you are having extreme difficulty copying him, he may also be having
the same problem with you, but remember he is hearing the repeater
signal, not yours direct and so are you. Try to get him to go "simplex"
if he is coming closer to you in a few minutes. See hint below.

If the transmissions get so ruff that neither can copy the other, then just give your call sign and clear off the repeater for others to use while he
gets closer or higher or changes his transmitting setup. Not all conversations are completed to the end under adverse conditions or operating situations....be patient.
HINT....If the station is in and out of range of the repeater you and he were using and is coming in your direction...try him on a simplex frequency! He may be loud and clear direct on simplex and only a few miles away and getting stronger all the time!

Another situation that can happen during a new contact is that you and he did not exchange locations at the first of the contact. Both you and he are using a repeater 50 miles away. Then after several minutes you discover in your conversation with the other station that he is in the same town as you and only a couple of miles away! Time for simplex! Don't hog the repeater.

Carrier

2008-08-15T23:03:00.000+01:00

Evening,

There seems to be a carrier on the input of UB. I can hear it on a handi out at Peasdown so would be useful to have some other reports to try and identify the source. The box is working but the echolink is not strong enough to overcome the carrier.I am off sick at present so will be unable to make a site visit (if needed) until Sunday at the earliest.

Echolink back working

2008-06-18T09:00:00.001+01:00

You will be pleased to know that the Internet link is working again. Details are as previously posted.

Bath Yahoo group

2008-06-18T08:58:00.001+01:00

There is a 'new' Bath amateur radio Yahoo group. It can be found at -

http://groups.yahoo.com/group/bath_arc/

Bath Amateur Radio Club

2008-05-29T10:56:00.001+01:00

On Wednesday the 4th June, there will be a meeting at the Boat House (Newbridge Rd Bath, BA1 3NB) starting around 20:00hrs.
Please make an effort to come, as we need to have a discussion on the future of these meetings, and see where the club meetings are going.
Hope to see you there. Please pass this information on to your fellow Hams......
73's
Rob (M0TFO)

Cheap APRS Set up

2008-05-25T16:10:00.002+01:00

For those that think it is expensive to get onto APRS I was sent this web site with the dollar as it is at present this is very good value.

http://www.byonics.com/microtrak/mt300.php

Please note, I have not used this equipment so can give no personal information on it's use.

Local Echolink

2008-05-05T13:56:00.002+01:00

As UB is off Echolink at present and it is always good to have this information. These are the other local links I know about.

M0TFO-L 145.3375 118.8 Bath

G0GRI

GB3FH Cheddar

GB3TD Swindon

Echolink

2008-04-28T09:30:00.002+01:00

Echolink is currently off on UB. This is due to a computer failure at G4OTJ. However, this has given John a chance to try some new software. This is SvxLink which runs under Linux.
I will post updates when available.

GB3JB CTCSS tone change

2008-04-22T09:22:00.002+01:00

This repeater has a large coverage so thought I would show this here as well.

GB3JB: Change of CTCSS tone

Written on Monday, April 21st, 2008 at 21:18 by Pat M0YDD
Filed under Operating, Repeaters.

From Jan G8CYV:

Hi All,

As the regular users of GB3JB will have noticed, we have recently been suffering from interference from users of GB3PC, who put a strong signal into the ‘JB’ site and are splattering across the ‘JB’ input frequency, presumably as a result of not have a narrow deviation capability on their equipment.

Because GB3PC has the same ctcss tone as GB3JB, this has resulted in our repeater opening up at various times, and retransmitting the splatter along with the invitation to transmit tone, for, in some cases, significant period of time.

We can obviously do nothing with regard to the stations splattering across the ‘JB’ input, other than to perhaps ask all operators to switch to narrow deviation setting, if their equipment has that option.

Therefore, following on from communications with our zone manager on the ETCC, in an attempt to reduce the potential for interference, and to stop ‘JB’ opening up, as described above, we have decided to change the ctcss tone that is required to access ‘JB’, from it’s current 71.9 hz, to 88.5 hz. Obviously the tone transmitted by the repeater will also change to this new frequency.

The change will take effect on the 1st May.

In addition to emailing this information to all on the blanket email update list, we will be adding it to the web site. The ETCC will also be changing the data on the “ukrepeater.net” web site. However, it would be appreciated if you could mention this to all those that you work via ‘JB’ and simplex, in the intervening period, as there are more users of ‘JB’ than we have on the email list.

It would also be appreciated, if those associated with radio clubs etc., within the ‘JB’ coverage area, could bring this information to the attention of their members.

73’s
Jan, G8CYV - GB3JB Team

Future of 70cms

2008-03-27T22:24:00.002Z

I, and many others fell foul of the hoax petition over loss of 70cms. As repeater keeper I should have checked the facts with the RSGB/Ofcom. Just to reinforce the situation, today I received the NOV for UB which does not need to be renewed until 31st March 2013. I think that says it all. With regard to D-Star there are no plans to upgrade UB at present.

MB7UB on holiday

2008-01-31T20:21:00.000Z

For those of you with APRS equipment I wonder if you noticed that MB7UB went on holiday to Africa? Do not what happened but it suddenly went 1000Km south. It corrected itself OK so no need to visit. Seem to have survived the storm of today but must try and make a trip up to double check.

Merry Christmas

2007-12-25T08:24:00.000Z

May I take this opportunity to wish you, the uses of GB3UB and MB7UB a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.

Thank you for your support over the year. It is a great buzz for me to read posts on user groups about people arranging skeds on the repeater. I look forward to more activity on UB, and please remember if you have any ideas or comments on the operation please let me know.

Update

2007-11-19T14:01:00.000Z

Just an update. Both repeaters continue to work well and Ian G0GRI is i the process of setting up a 2m internet link.
Some of you may have heard I am moving. I am not moving far and will almost me line of sight with the box. It may be some time before I can get all the aerials up so will run on indoor ones for a while.

Bath Amateur Radio Club Meeting

2007-10-04T10:23:00.000+01:00

If you are a local amateur there has been talk of starting (restarting) the Bath club, well it's happening.

The first meeting of Bath amateurs is planned for Wednesday 17 October in the Boathouse (map), starting around 20:00 - 20:30.

Come along and help get this club off the ground. Remember when you sign the book you will be part of history!!!!

To keep up-to-date with the latest local ham ragchewing, please join our active discussion group.

What is APRS??

2007-09-22T19:53:00.000+01:00

Heard a couple of locals on UB last night asking 'what is this APRS thing'?

Well found this site which explains it very well.

http://www.gb3ip.org.uk/index.php?s=aprs

CTCSS Change

2007-09-20T18:07:00.000+01:00

For those running CTCSS you may have noticed a change. CTCSS is now enabled all the time. You will not here the 'K' only through audio. You will here the callsign when the repeater first starts but that is all. Sounds good and will enable the Echolink to function quicker when that is running CTCSS.

CTCSS and 1750 tone burst.

2007-08-01T18:58:00.000+01:00

For those observant ones of you will have noticed that -

CTCSS is now enabled on both RX and TX (ie Encode and Decode) This required a bit of bypassing and modification of the logic board.

1750hz tone burst is now working. This seems to have been caused by a dirty IC socket. All of the sockets on the board have been cleaned.

Hope you find this useful. And please don't forget the Interlink is active. Information on usage is contained elsewhere on the blog.

Off Air for maintenance

2007-08-01T12:41:00.000+01:00

Off for a few days and John has some time so UB will be off air today for some maintenance. I hope to have it back on latter today of tomorrow morning.

Update

2007-07-20T21:59:00.000+01:00

Made a visit to site today to sort the ctcss out. Didn't go quite according to plan as when I left UB had no through audio!!! Had to go back and despite various checks on the software could not find the cause, just about to give up when the audio came back. Bit worried about this, however the box does seem to be OK apart from the 1750hz not functioning very well. I do not plan to make another visit for a while so things will stay as they are.
A good thing however is that the 'third J' has gone and beacons have gone to every 15mins.
Still all good fun and still a learning curve.

g4kvi-7

2007-07-16T05:47:00.000+01:00

For those of you who wonder what my tracker looks like. I have some information on my work blog.

http://bumpyhighway.blogspot.com/2007/07/g4kvi-7-upgrade.html

CTCSS Update

2007-07-12T21:16:00.001+01:00

OK the CTCSS is still down. 1750 is all OK, however. Please note that you must use narrow deviation or whistle. I have used both with no problems at all. I will try and make a visit over the weekend but it is my wedding anniversary and the fridge is loaded!!

CTCSS Problem

2007-07-07T13:15:00.000+01:00

Just noticed there seems to be a problem accessing UB with a 118.8 tone. I have no plans to visit the site at present so I do apologise for any sore fingers and time wasted finding the rig manual!! Everything else seems to be working OK.

West of England Rally. Frome

2007-06-20T18:47:00.000+01:00

Don't forget it is the Frome Rally this Sunday 24th June.

I will be there but I do not have a stand. Maybe next year. I will be lurking round the Trowbridge stand at about 1130.

More info at http://www.westrally.org.uk/

UiView Maps updated.

2007-06-12T06:42:00.000+01:00

I have updated the link to local UiView Maps. They now cover most of the local area.

Both repeaters continue to operate well. I hope to pay a visit this week and sort out the 'Third J' and check the other settings, such as time out. But I need to make up a lead so will try and pull my finger out!!!

London Activity

2007-05-25T08:55:00.000+01:00

Not quite in line with this blog but thought I would bring this up. I travel to London most days and always take a handie. But I am very surprised at the lack of activity. There is no APRS digipeater, only one 70cm repeater no 2m repeater and no Internet link. So if someone from the BBC club, Scout association and some of the other radio related bodies who have offices in London there are still lots of empty roofs!!

Operating and photo's

2007-05-23T12:56:00.001+01:00

Been listening in on the repeater and things seem to going very well. Quite a few new callsign coming on which is very encouraging to me. It does seem now that 'if you can hear it, you can work it'. Below are a few photo's (i did do some work!!)

Now, just a note about operating through the repeater. I have noticed quite a lot of stations opening the repeater and not giving a callsign. I am aware that some of these may be weak signals so no problem there. However if you are checking to see if you can access or checking the Echolink is active, could I ask you give your call (required) and if possible your location.
Also as the repeater becomes more widely used there is the chance that some people will try and spoil our enjoyment. This is very rare on 70cm but if you do encounter this here are some helpful points -
Ignore it - this is sometimes very difficult, but do not rise to the bait.
Do not reply to any call.
If you do here anyting please let me know of times etc.

Apart from that, enjoy the repeater and please spread the word that UB is up and running.

New Aerials

2007-05-22T18:45:00.000+01:00

The new aerials are installed.

I visited site today along with Stuart (callsign escapes me), and Dennis M1NED. Thank you very much gentlemen. The weather was fantastic(dry) with almost unbroken views across Somerset. The only problem was that the roof area had not drained and had about 3inch's of water in it so Stuart and I ended up with very wet feet!The existing aerials were removed from the pole, new ones fitted and checked for alignment. They are mounted a wavelength from the pole which should give an almost omni directional pattern. All connectors were checked before being covered with self amalgamating tape. Once installed a call was made and the first station worked was in Abergavenny!!! Apart from that first indications are that the performance is pretty well unchanged, which is to be expected. However we now have an aerial system which should see us through the next 25+ years.
Below are a few pictures of the installation and team.
Thanks go to Mike, G8CPF (left) for arranging the key.

Aerial Installation

2007-05-21T15:00:00.000+01:00

I will be on site tomorrow (Tuesday) from about 0930 to install the new aerials. If any one is available (sorry about short notice) to help an extra pair of hands could be good. Call on UB or via email

Help with aerial installation

2007-05-18T17:53:00.000+01:00

As you know the aerials are ready to be installed. The problem being is that access is only available between 0900 and 1600 weekdays. If you or know any one who is available could you let me know as I would like if possible to have a 'pool' of people I can call on on at relatively short notice.

Receive much improved

2007-05-18T17:39:00.000+01:00

I am very excited!! I made a visit with John last night and we have a result. As you may have noticed there has been a strange noise on the repeater. This was traced to a wireless access node on site. This has now been replaced and I thank all those concerned for providing the replacement so quickly. As a result of this the squelch setting has been substantially lighted. The receiver sensitivity is now around -118dbm. So what does this mean? Well, I can now use the repeater from home on a handheld, as before I could only open it with 35w!!
The echo link is working well now. So please let those that may not read this as I know there were many people who could not access even though they were receiving a strong signal.

Echolink (Node 201135)

2007-05-15T18:25:00.000+01:00

Ok, another new(ish) feature for GB3UB. The Echolink link is active again. I know some of you will know how to use it but for those that do not, and for those like me who have forgotten the commands I have put together some links to helpful sites.

The number others will need to connect to GB3UB is 201135

This link gives basic set up information on Echolink

Below is a list of the DTMF commands

DTMF Functions

These commands are used to connect or disconnect a station on the Internet.

Each command consists of a sequence of digits (or the special keys *, #, and A through D).

The table below lists each of the DTMF commands.

Command	Description	Default
Connect	Connects to a station on the Internet, based on its node number.	num
Connect by Call	Connects to a station on the Internet, based on its callsign.	C+call+#
Random Node	Selects an available node (of any type) at random, and tries to connect to it.	00
Random Link	Selects an available link or repeater (-L or -R) at random, and tries to connect to it.	01
Random Conf	Selects a conference server at random, and tries to connect to it.	02
Random User	Selects an available single-user station at random, and tries to connect to it.	03
RandomFavNode	Selects an available node (of any type) at random from the Favorites List, and tries to connect to it.	0

RandomFavLink	Selects an available link or repeater (-L or -R) at random from the Favorites List, and tries to connect to it.	011
RandomFavConf	Selects a conference server at random from the Favorites List, and tries to connect to it.	021
RandomFavUser	Selects an available single-user station at random, and tries to connect to it.	031
Disconnect	Disconnects the station that is currently connected. If more than one station is connected, disconnects only the most-recently-connected station.	#
Disconnect All	Disconnects all stations.	##
Reconnect	Re-connects to the station that most recently disconnected.	09
Status	Announces the callsign of each station currently connected.	08

Play Info	Plays a brief ID message.	*
Query by Call	Looks up a station by its callsign, and reads back its node number and status.	07+call+#
Query by Node	Looks up a station by its node number, and reads back its callsign and status.	06+num

Connect

The default for the Connect command is to simply enter the 4- 5-, or 6-digit node number to which you wish to connect. To prevent interference with other DTMF functions, however, you may wish to configure a special prefix, such as A or 99.

Entering Node Numbers

To enter a node number (for the Connect or Query by Node commands), enter the 4-, 5-, or 6-digit node number. If the specified node is not among the stations currently logged on, EchoLink will say "NOT FOUND".

Entering Callsigns

To enter a callsign (for the Connect by Call or Query by Call commands), press two digits for each letter and number in the callsign. The first digit is the key on which the letter appears (using 1 for Q and Z), and the second digit is 1, 2, or 3, to indicate which letter is being entered. To enter a digit, press the digit followed by 0. When finished, end with the pound key (#).

For example, the letter "K" is entered as "52", the letter "Q" is entered as "11", and the digit "7" is entered as "70".

Callsigns need not be entered in full. If a partial callsign is entered, EchoLink will find the first match among the stations currently logged on. If no match is found among the stations currently logged on, EchoLink will say "NOT FOUND".

Examples

(These examples assume that the default DTMF codes are configured.)

To connect to node number 9999:

Enter: 9 9 9 9

EchoLink responds with:

"CONNECTING TO CONFERENCE E-C-H-O-T-E-S-T"

followed by

"CONNECTED"

because 9999 is the node number of conference server "*ECHOTEST*".

To get the status of K1RFD:

Enter: 0 7 5 2 1 0 7 2 3 3 3 1 #

EchoLink responds with:

"K-1-R-F-D 1-3-6-4-4 BUSY"

because 13644 is the node number of station K1RFD, and K1RFD is currently busy.

To connect to a random link or repeater:

Enter: 0 1

EchoLink responds with:

"CONNECTING TO K-1-O-F REPEATER"

followed by

"CONNECTED"

because K1OF-R was selected at random.

I hope you find this useful. If you have any problems give me a call/email and I will do my best to help.

Man with a big lorry

2007-05-10T22:16:00.000+01:00

Apart from the pouring rain I had a ray of sunshine. A lorry turned up today with two shinny new 70cm aerials!!

They look good and seem up to the job of 25years on top of Bath Uni.

Next step is to get a work permit on a day when I can get help and away we go.

Aerials & Donation

2007-05-02T22:39:00.000+01:00

As you may be aware the aerials at GB3UB are coming to the end of their life. They were hand made to a very high standard but are now over 25 years old.

A recent visit found one to be full of water which meant using the one and only spare. We had a look at replacing them and came up with folded dipoles from Jaybeam. This seems the best option as soon it will be virtually impossible to gain access to the roof we need a 'fit and forget' solution.

As you now I recently asked for donations and there have been several generous donations.
During this time a contact was made with the Bristol RSGB Group even though Gb3UB is outside their normal area.

However, I am delighted to tell you that thanks to the help of various individuals, who I would rather not name at the risk of causing embarrassment, have provided the full cost of replacing the aerials.

As you can appreciate this is fantastic news for the repeater and should ensure it's long term future.

I would like to take this opportunity to thank all those involved in providing this very generous donation.

The aerials have been ordered and expected delivery is around 11th May. Hopefully with good weather and ability to obtain a work permit we hope to fit them by the end of May.

In the mean time the repeater is in daily use and there are plans to reactivate the Internet Link.

Coverage

2007-04-29T19:05:00.000+01:00

As a repeater keeper I am required to monitor the repeater. It has been great this weekend to hear stations using the box. I have been playing with google maps and have produced a map showing locations I have heard stations operating from. I cannot be on 24/7 so if you hear a location not on the map, let me know.

The map is GB3UB Coverage

Observations

2007-04-29T10:53:00.000+01:00

The weekend has been busy on the box with a lot of new callsigns heard (well new to me)

There are a couple of things that need to be noted.

The repeater does not encode (transmit) the 118.8 ctcss tone at present.

It can be accessed with a 1750 tone burst but please be careful with deviation. Some radios tone burst will push the deviation outside the range of the repeater and access will not be possible.

If you are using a wide deviation radio try and keep the audio quiet and you should be OK.

Local Ui-View maps

2007-04-27T23:29:00.000+01:00

Have made a load of maps for Ui-view. They are all for the local area and the area I travel most days.

Click on the title or Click Here

If you have problems downloading them please let me know.

GB3UB back. watch deviation!!

2007-04-27T22:06:00.000+01:00

Well the visit tonight went well the repeater is working well with many stations heard tonight.
There seems to be a slight problem with weak stations having a noise with them but we think we know the source of this and hopefully will have a solution soon.

One thing to watch is that the repeater is set for +-2.5Khz. Some radios can be adjusted (set to 'Narrow') however some older models and some modified radio's can not. If you have one of these please be careful with the modulation (i.e. don't talk too loud) and you should not have a problem.

It would also be helpful if you could let me know where you are when you access the repeater this will give me soom idea on how the repeater is performing.

Re Installing

2007-04-27T08:04:00.000+01:00

Hi,

Will be up on site tonight around 1930 to reinstall GB3UB John has had it on the bench for a while so hopefully it should go ok. If you are around tonight it would be good to get some on air reports .

Off Air again

2007-04-18T22:17:00.000+01:00

Went up to site tonight with John. Made some measurements and it looks like the demodulator is not working correctly. So we have removed it form site so it can be looked at. Things are still progressing and I hope to make an announcement soon.
MB7UB continues to work well.

Experiment

2007-04-12T20:59:00.000+01:00

Tomorrow, Friday I plan to go to site and remove the attenuator. This will mean that the box will be open until the time out kicks in. That is approx 5 mins. I am sorry in advance but I would like to see how the noise behaves i.e. is it there all the time etc. etc. I plan this to last until Tueday next week. If there any major problems I can be contacted by email at g4kvi@yahoo.co.uk

GB3UB Back on & donation

2007-04-02T19:02:00.000+01:00

Well made a visit today and put the attenuator back in line. So it is very deaf at present so only those local to Bath will be able to get in. I am at present trying to raise some funds for some new aerials and cavity filters. I have added a donation link to the site and I know there is a link from the Bath club site (thanks for that) Although I am asking for donations I would like to make it clear I provide both GB3UB and MB7UB for the benefit of all radio amateurs and THERE IS NO CHARGE expected for there use.

Have to think of the next step regarding input noise.

UB off.

2007-03-27T15:54:00.000+01:00

Made the visit on Monday. The filters, well they were on 70cm,just. They were realigned and put back in. Seem to working ok but all was not well . The noise was back. This time I did not think it could be desence. So had a listen on the input and the noise was there. Easy cure to that and that was to raise the squelch. However I did have an allan key with me. So will try and make a visit on morning this week before work. In the mean time UB is off.

Aerials & seagull

2007-03-22T20:58:00.000Z

Ok a visit was made today to investigate the poor operation of the repeater. Thanks to John and Mike. The rain mainly stayed off. On first look the top aerial had the feeder wrapped around the element after it had come away from the mast. We lowered the mast down and discovered the aerials to be full of water!! A replacement aerial was located and the top dipole replaced. The feeders were tidied up and reattached to the mast. When we came to test UB it was found to have severe feedback/desence. It would appear that the aerial poor performance was masking a problem with the cavities. I have put a 15dB attenuator in line so UB works but is VERY deaf. I have arranged to put the cavities on test on Monday so hopefully things will improve. I have attached a photo, can you see the dead seagull???

Problem with access

2007-02-06T18:15:00.000Z

Seems to be a problem getting in to UB. Will try and visit over the next few days.

Problems with access

2006-12-21T08:32:00.000Z

It would seem that Ub has a problem. It seems a little deaf. I will try and see if I can get to the site and have a look. However with Christmas etc it may be a while and also I think the site is closed. That said I hope to have a result by early Jan.

G4KVI-7 working fine

2006-11-24T08:51:00.000Z

Well, tested the TH-D7 on Wednesday. Everything seems fine. Even with one spring the battery clip is Ok. The socket is great only slight problem is with the GPS socket. But signal out seems OK.

G4KVI-7 back on air

2006-11-21T20:30:00.000Z

Well the parts arrived from the states. Only took 3 days!! Only ordered one spring!!! but socket works fine. Will test it out tomorrow.

Part on order.

2006-11-16T12:06:00.000Z

Well have ordered the part for the TH-D7. Will be interested to see how long it takes.

Mobile setup off air

2006-11-12T11:48:00.000Z

Problem with the TH-D7. The aerial socket has been a bit dodgy for a while. Finally took it apart and trying to get a replacement. Found a place in the states, so could be off for a while.

Massive Lift

2006-11-08T09:51:00.000Z

Well the last couple of days have been interesting. All the local stations went and were replaced by VERY strong Dutch, French and German stations. This was caused by a temperature inversion due to the the difference in low and high pressure. Good to see so many stations on uiview but did make local contacts almost impossible.

Working Well!!

2006-09-21T09:24:00.000+01:00

Went to the uni yesterday and changed the radio over. Settings seem ok now and UB is really working well. Just shows what a read of the manual can do and having a good understanding of what is going on!!!
It is now running at the updated standard, which you can link to from www.great2play.co.uk

Updated Settings

2006-09-18T14:49:00.000+01:00

Went to site today and changed the rig to accept Tracen-n, WIDEn-n and APRS. However I left the uissid on which means some stations are showing multiple id numbers.I hope to go back up on Wednesday and sort it out.
Reports on how it is going would be appreciated.

Changes to UI-View Settings

2006-09-15T09:51:00.000+01:00

There has been a change in the way you should set up uiview.
There is a link from www.great2play.co.uk This has some good information on settings and has already had a big impact on the network.

2006-09-13T09:54:00.000+01:00

Well things are moving with APRS. More digi's etc. Also the standard for unproto g=has changed. for base it is APRS,TRACE3-3 and mobile APRS,RELAY,TRACE3-3. MB7UB is still set for TRACE7-7 and will not accept TRACE so a trip will be needed to change things.

2006-08-26T21:09:00.000+01:00

Some good news regarding Internet Linking. An offer has been made to reinstate the Echolink link on GB3UB. More information when I get it

2006-07-19T15:30:00.000+01:00

GB3 UB seems to have a problem with access. It seems the filter is very tight. The idea was to set it to work on 12.5KHz seems that many radios are set very wide even on 'narrow' Anyway will try and get it sorted soon. In the mean time if you keep the audio to a minimum you should be able to gain access.

MB7UB continues to operate OK.

2006-07-19T13:06:00.000+01:00

Hi I am Chris G4KVI and I am the keeper for GB3UB and MB7UB in Bath.

First a little about the repeaters. These are available for use by all radio amateurs. For more information on amateur radio go to the RSGB web site. They are both located on the roof of Bath university. This is a very good radio site with clear views across the city.

GB3UB is the 70cm 433mhz voice repeater and operates on 433.100mhz/434.700mhz it has a ctcss tone of 118.8hz. It covers an area around Bath, out towards Chipenham, down towards Midsomer Norton and across towards Westbury.

MB7UB is the APRS data digipeater. It enables stations equipped with APRS to improve their coverage especially when mobile. It operates on 144.800mhz and has a similar coverage to GB3UB.

I will use this blog to provide updates on the repeaters and any other local radio information.