A liitle about the repeater

Both repeaters are located HERE, on the roof of Bath University overlooking the historic city of Bath

GB3UB is the 70cm 433mhz voice repeater and operates on 433.100/434.700mhz, ctcss 118.8hz. It uses a converted Storno base station using G8CUL logic running 10w to two Jaybeam folded dipoles. It provides hand-held coverage around the city of Bath, out towards Chippenham, down towards Midsomer Norton and across towards Westbury. It is internet linked via Echolink (node no. 201135 )
MB7UB is the APRS data digipeater.

You can find out what I do in my day job HERE.

For further information you can email me

20 November 2015

The radio amateurs code

The Amateur's Code

by Paul M. Segal, W9EEA (1928)

The Radio Amateur is:

CONSIDERATEnever knowingly operating in such a way as to lessen the pleasure of others.
LOYALoffering loyalty, encouragement and support to other amateurs, local clubs and the American Radio Relay League, through which Amateur Radio in the United States is represented nationally and internationally.
PROGRESSIVEwith knowledge abreast of science, a well built and efficient station, and operation beyond reproach.
FRIENDLYwith slow and patient operation when requested, friendly advice and counsel to the beginner, kindly assistance, co-operation and consideration for the interests of others. These are the hallmarks of the amateur spirit.
BALANCEDRadio is an avocation, never interfering with duties owed to family, job, school or community.
PATRIOTICwith station and skill always ready for service to country and community

10 November 2015

A digital UB?

There seems to be some interest in a DMR repeater for the Bath area. As the repeater keeper I have no desire to stand in the was of developments that are driven by the users. I do not have the funds to go and buy an of the shelf unit and pay for the monthly costs such as internet access. However, if enough people get together than hopefully all these things can be resolved. However, one thing I do want to remain is, the given the current availability of very cheap handhelds, is the ability for all radio amateurs to have access to a repeater. We are in interesting times and the future is looking interesting.

29 October 2015

All back

Had a site visit tonight with John and at long last GB3UB is ending the correct callsign and MB7UB is back and working. We also replaced the PSU which had failed. Hopefully they will continue to work without any further  problems.

20 October 2015

MB7UB Update

Currently have MB7UB under test on the bench here in the shack. It consists of a APRS TNC Digi Tracker and an Icom IC2E with reduced deviation. This setup runs completely standalone and is the setup I have wanted for some time. I am waiting for a replaced 2.5mm plug and then it will be ready to install, hopefully sometime next week.

04 August 2015

Wrong Callsign

It seems that GB3UB has thrown a wobbly and is currently transmitting a corrupted ID. Everything else appears to working OK. I assume it is as a result of the mains problem causing the logic to become corrupted. A site visit is required which will be the early part of next week.

14 July 2015

GB3UB & MB7UB update

OK, made a site visit this evening to fix the problem with GB3UB, which was stuck open with a tone. Turns out it was a simple reset and the repeater is running fine, if a little hot. As a result of this visit I have reinstated MB7UB, the APRS digipeater which is now running fine. I still hope to get it running standalone with the Tiny 2 at some stage.

01 July 2015

MB7UB

MB7UB is currently sat on the desk in the shack waiting to be installed. Still not the configuration I want but it will do for the time being. I hope to install it next Thursday.

20 June 2015

Repeater Update

Just noticed I have not updated this. GB3UB is back working and seems better than ever. We only took the box out and then reconnected it so maybe there was a bad connection somewhere. MB7UB is a different matter. I have the equipment, but the TINY 2 TNC I have is version 2 and not version 5 which has all the digi software. I am trying to find a source of the firmware but not having much luck at present.

29 April 2015

GB3UB Back in service

Just to report that GB3UB went back on air at approximately 2030 today. The problems with the pips was found to be a software setting which has now been corrected. There has also been a slight change to the CTCSS timings which means if you have CTCSS enabled you will not hear any audio once a station has dropped carrier.

21 April 2015

MB7UB, GB3UB update

Ok, both repeaters are ready to go but due to work commitments it will not be possible to visit the site until next week to reinstall the equipment. Sorry to those that are missing the box.

17 April 2015

MB7UB NOV

I have today received the NOV for MB7UB. I was not expecting this so very pleased.d I still have some work to do to get it running again as the radio I was using, the IC2E, runs 5khz deviation and not 2.5 as per the spec. I hope to obtain a TMD-700 or similar and get it all back on.

08 April 2015

GB3UB Off Air

As you may have noticed UB has lost it's pips. A visit was made today but unfortunately an on site repair was not possible. The unit has been removed for repair and hence UB is off air for the next few days.

06 April 2015

MB7UB Reapplication

I have tonight put in an application to put MB7UB back on air again. Not sure how long things will take and then I will have to see what I am going to do regarding equipment. I am hoping that the TNC can be setup to take away the need for a laptop permanently running, which caused most of the previous problems. So it is now a case of watch this space.

23 January 2015

MB7UB RIP

After many years of service, I have decided to close down MB7UB. Over the last few years the RF use of APRS has almost been overtaken by internet based systems and smartphone App's. There is still some RF mobiles about but in my view not enough to justify relicensing etc. So unless I get a massive rush of interest, MB7UB R.I.P.