Some pictures of the view from the site

Nice sunny day so some photos were requred. These do show what a fantastic site it is.

Callsign change

The callsign of the APRS digipeater has changed to MB7UUB. No other changes.

Echolink

 I have had serious issues with the Echolink since changing ISP. They don't provide a fixed IP as standard, and as such I have been relying on the Echolink proxy server service. This has now become unreliable to use with a link and I 'bit the bullet' and went with a fixed/static IP address. This has resolved all the issues and as such the link is now working as it should. I now just need to improve the signal into the repeater.

Working much better.

 Finally got another PC for the shack and the link. Running Echolink on a £3 soundcard which is working really well with audio levels 100% better than before.

Echolink revived

 Little update on the Echolink. After a little work the link is now working, still not 100% happy with the audio, but it is workable. Hopefully it will continue without any major issues.

Echolink

 Unfortuantly I have not been able to restore the Echolink link. To be truthful I have lost interest in Echolink. There are now multiple ways to access amateur radio via VOIP, I also struggle to access UB from here now which I suspect is due to trees and building work on site.  The NOV expires in July, so there is time for my interest to lift. Or of course someone else may like to run it.

Echolink down

 Unfortuantly the Echolink link is currently not working. I hope to sit and try and work out the cause in the near future.

Raynet Activity

 Tomorrow 16th October 2022 is the Bath Half marathon. GB3UB will be used by Bath Raynet to provide support radio for the event. The Echolink will be deactivated for the day.

MB7UB

 MB7UB, the APRS Digi has been quiet for a while and Covid prevented me from visiting the site. However, visit made on Friday and the radio changed over to an TMD-700. This seems to be working very well with a lot of stations being heard on RF. I will at some stage get the original set up sorted.

Update

 Just noticed this site has not been updated since last year.

The repeaters continue to operate without too many issues. I have had an issue with the Internet linking laptop. I have now resolved that by using a separate WIFI feed to it. having found my vertical had burned out and replaced it, I can now access the repeater without any issues.  

Internet link relicensed.

Just a short note. The repeaters are continuing to work without too many problems. I have now received the NOV for the link for another year.

MB7UB all legal

Just a short note to say MB7UB has had it's NOV renewed for another year. Much less pain than last year!!

Echolink commands.

Thought I would list the DTMF commands you need to use the Echolink facility on GB3UB.

Echolink DTMF Code list

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 call-sign.	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.	001
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

More playing.

The Echolink seems to running OK. I have changed the Internet feed. It was running of a range extender but that was messing with my house WIFI. I am now sharing the Internet from my weather and APRS laptop. It has been fine all day but I will monitor it to make sure it doesn't time out or go to sleep. I have also adjust the aerial and made some slight audio adjustments which seem to have improved things. Ant comments would be most appreciated.

Echolink Changes

You may have noticed the Echolink callsign has changed. This is due to the link now being located at my QTH. John G4OTJ has hosted this for many years and I would like to thank him for his work over these years. At present it is working on an indoor beam so the signal may not be as good as it could. I will hopefully be able to mount this outside. In the meantime please let me know of any problems you have.

GB3UB, now OK

Following the problem with the repeater not retransmitting a visit was made today. We checked all the settings which were OK, but as a result of plugging a computer in it seems to have cured the problem. Hopefully this was just some form of problem with the logic CPU.

Logic problem

It appears the logic at UB has became corrupted again. I did make a visit today and made a hard reset but to no avail. I will try and make a visit soon with a lap top and reload the logic. The repeater is still sending an ident. 

Unlicensed operators

It has come to my attention that unlicensed operators are using the output of GB3UB (433.100) These appear to be hot air balloon operations. This is actually much more serious than it first seems. There are special frequencies for  Hot Air balloons and all pilots must hold a air radio licence, also amateur radio is not permitted in any airborne vehicle. The consequences of interference to them is extremely serious.
If you hear  any operations please contact me immediately. use messenger, email or text. Please try to obtain a company. I will be contacting local companies to inform them of the interference, but may need to contact Ofcom if no joy. Please do not make contact with them as this is in contravention of your licence.

UB Update

Was planning to visit tonight but other commitments have prevented it. A visit is now planned for Wednesday evening. I know this is not ideal and many of you will be disappointed, but as the repeater, although not re transmitting is still sending an ID there is not an immediate need to shut it down.

GB3UB Off air

Sorry, but it appears GB3UB is off air. I have someone having a look latter and hopefully will just require a hard reset.