All repeaters back on air

All the repeaters at Bath Uni came back on at 1738, today 26th Feb 2018. There are currently no plans for any further disruptions.

Temporary Closure of GB3UB, MB7UB and GB3UT

Work is finally starting on the building where the repeaters are located. While, there are no plans to remove the aerials yet, we feel it a good idea to shut them down while there is a chance that a feeder could be cut or damaged. Therefore, the repeaters will be switched off around midnight on Friday 23rd February 2018. It is hoped, that should no disasters happen they could be back on early next week.

UB site update.

Following a meeting at the UNI today this is the current situation.

1. There are alternative roof's  being considered. These are lower  (still good site)than the present, however, they only seem to have restricted view to the North, and will mean we will have easier access.

3. When the equipment is moved it will need to put it into a cabinet and ensure that it is regularly checked and safely maintained. 

There are plenty of radio amateurs on campus who are keen to support this and we anticipate that we can identify and propose a new site in early January.

So there we are chaps. I will not name anyone (unless they own up) until everything is sorted and I can thank everyone in the appropriate manner. In the mean time thank you to everyone. And have a great Christmas.

Loss of site and close down.

It is with deep regret that after over 30 years of continuous use I have to announce that GB3UB, MB7UB and GB3UT with cease operation with almost immediate effect. This is due to the site changing owner. A new location will be looked for but finding one as good as the Uni will, I fear be impossible. I understand the cost of a typical site is around £5000 per year!
Of course this could be end of one era and the start of another, but UB has always successfully been run on a shoestring. Maybe someone will donate a few thousand pounds and we end up with a dual mode repeater in the Bath area. Still time will tell and I will post any updates on this site.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Back on

Both repeaters came back on at 0021 today, so I assume this was caused by routine maintenance on site.

GB3UB and MB7UB off air

Just up in the shack and noticed MB7UB not showing on map. Check on GB3UB and that appears to be off air. Seems they both went off at about 0900 today so suspect a power outage on site. Not much I can do at present but will check tomorrow and if necessary try and make a site visit ASAP.

MB7UB Back working

Had some spare time today as I had a 'split' duty so made a site visit. Turned out to be a cable fault, which is a little strange as the TNC and radio sit on a shelf. Anyway I did not have the tools to remake the connector but have left it working OK. I plan to make another cable for a TNC 220 I have acquired. Anyway it is all back working.

MB7UB Off Air

MB7UB the Bath APRS DigiPeat is currently off air. It appears to have gone off around 1700 yesterday. Unless my helpful fairies make a visit I will try and visit the site before work tomorrow. GB3UB is currently working with no problems.