GB3JB’s new 4G router had a problem sorting things out, if the site power failed during a it’s automatic re-boot cycle, or when everything came back to life at the same time, resulting in the repeater powering up before the router was ready.
This appears to have been resolved by providing the router with it’s own battery backed-up supply, which should keep it going for about 24 hours.
GB7PC, on 2m, located at the Marconi Centre, Poldhu Cove, Cornwall, became operational at approx., 3:00 pm local time on Wednesday 3rd April 2024., and all the slot 1 and 2 capabilities are available. The above coverage map, does not include GB7PC at this time, but will be updated shortly.
The South West Cluster now consists of 18 repeaters, 14 on 70cm and 4 on 2m.
Further information is available on the South West Cluster Page, HERE.
Unfortunately, we have our first power shutdown of the winter period. We have reached the point in the year when the Wind and Solar facilities on the site can no longer support the continuous operation of GB3JB and GB3USK (23cm Beacon). The beacon will be re-set to off at the next opportunity, to improve power support for GB3JB. From now until early February GB3JB availability will be somewhat intermittent. It all depends on the Sunshine and the Wind. 73 Dave G3ZXX.
As some of you will have noticed, GB3JB has been off air, while I've been awaiting the arrival of a NEW 4G router. There have also been a few health issues at this end which have delayed things, as well.
I'm pleased to advise that GB3JB came back on air at approx., 4:55 pm this afternoon, and successfully rejoined the SWC.
The 4G signal at the site is nice and strong, certainly stronger than the 3G signal was, so hopefully we should be OK for a few years now, until they decide they are going to close down that system.
The response of the Cluster Dashboard to a signal accessing GB3JB, is noticeably faster than with the 3G set-up, and there is no sign of any of the audio being chopped at the start of an over.
73's Dave, G3ZXX.
As some of you will have noticed, GB3JB is off air.
Those who regularly use it will have noticed the ever increasing SWC connectivity issues, which are a result of the changes / closing of the 3G mobile phone networks, which GB3JB has been using with great success until recently.
Unfortunately, GB3JB has spent most of the last week or so in standalone mode, connecting too and dropping off the Cluster as the 3G network would allow ... !
After much discussion over the last year or so, knowing that 3G would eventually disappear, I have taken the plunge and decided to purchase a new 4G/5G router, since there appears to be no other viable option.
This will hopefully appear during the coming week.
However, I have removed GB3JB from the site, so that I can give it thorough test from the home QTH, and testing with the new router when it arrives.
Hopefully, JB will be back in the next week or so, subject to finding any issues with the repeater hardware.
As of 1st March 2023 we are able to accept your donations again.
As many of you will be aware, we stopped taking donations via the Bank account system, as we were being ‘ripped’ off with exorbitant fees, despite having what was set up as a ‘Clubs and Societies’ account.
We are now only using PayPal.
Please go the the DONATIONS page for further details.
The repeater returned at approx., 11:50 am on Saturday 12th November.
Please remember that during the winter months the Solar Panels and wind turbine occasionally struggle to provide enough power for the overall system, so the repeater gets dumped.
Can I request that for the up to date real time current status of GB3JB, or any other SWC connected repeater, you refer to the SWC active repeaters dashboard, HERE, and then select the ‘LIVE TRAFFICK DASHBOARD’ and then select the ‘LINKED SYSTEMS’ option
As you can see from the screen print image opposite, GB7EW and GB7MJ are currently off-line. This does not mean they are not operational.
They are in fact both operational, but they show as off-line, because they are not connected to the main server, due to internet access issues, which are currently being investigated by the 3rd party providers.
However, in the case of GB3JB, because it is the only system that is not mains powered, if it goes off-line then it usually means that the battery charging system has switched it off.
The winter season has finally arrived, and we are now starting to suffer from the lack of Sunshine.
At approx., 9:40 am this morning, GB3JB, was closed down by the system that protects the batteries from being over discharged.
This is when the on-load battery terminal voltage has dropped to 21 volts. The system will not switch on again until the off-load terminal voltage has reached 25 volts.
This could be very quickly, perhaps a couple of days, if we get plenty of clear skies and Sunshine, or it could take quite some time. It all depends on the WX.
I will obviously advise when it’s operational again.
GB3JB is now fully re-connected to the SWC, as of approx., 11:30 this morning, Saturday 26th October.
It is fully functional on both slots 1 and 2.
Thanks to Mat G7FBD and Mark G4SDR, for there efforts in resolving the issue. Which I understand is indeed related to the 3 mobile network. As I understand it, for some reason the 3g system seems to scramble the port forwarding information, but leaves the IP address intact !
I think that this issue also occurs on other mobile networks as well. If you encounter any issues please advise.
Please remember, that when the transmission is passed to you, please count to 5 before transmitting.
This allows any stations to call-in if they wish, without any doubling, but it also allows the Cluster server and all the repeaters to fully re-set, before you press the PTT and start talking.
GB3JB is currently disconnected from the SWC, and is in 'stand alone' mode on both slots, 1 and 2, until further notice .........
Mat G7FBD, Mark G4SDR and myself went to the site today and it soon became clear that the problem was related to the 3G router, which connects GB3JB to the Cluster, via the 3 mobile network.
Irrespective of the programming of the 3G router, it randomly changed the port forwarding information.
It would appear that it has developed 'AI', spooooky, and now does it's own thing !!!!!!!!!
Mat G7FBD and Mark G4SDR, have taken it back to Bristol to carry out some more tests, with a DR3000 reprogrammed as GB3JB and the new network server, all connected together via the 3 network.
If you see GB3JB appearing on the Cluster dashboards, please ignore, unless a response is requested. This will not be the 'real' GB3JB, but the testing process.
As soon as I know more, I will advise.
GB3JB, returned to the site this morning, 1st October, and was re-activated at approx., 09:16 am.
It is fully connected to the NEW SWC server .......
As before, the SWC of connected repeaters can be found on Slot 2, TG 950. Also, as before Slot 2 is still totally isolated from Slot 1. No changes to Slot 2.
Slot 1, is still stand alone as before, but now offers users the option of Dial-On-Demand talk groups, across other networks.
At the time of writing, 2:15 pm local on the 1st, there are 5 repeaters connected to the new server, these being GB7BS Bristol, GB7EW Exeter, GB7PF Princetown, GB7SP Salisbury, and of course GB3JB.
It is anticipated that the remaining cluster repeaters will be back on the cluster as so as they are able to be re-programmed.
To keep up to date with which is and which is not re-connected, you can view the SWC 'Live Repeater Status' dashboard, HERE.
To view who is using Slot 2 and Slot 1, and the DOD capabilities on Slot 1, you can view the SWC 'Live Traffic' dashboard, HERE.
For further information on the 'What' and the 'How To' use the new capabilities, please follow this LINK to the GB3JB web site.
Important. If you have been using your local repeaters Slot 1 for a DOD, QSO, it is very important that you disconnect from that talk group when you finish the QSO. To do so you must re-dial using 4000. As explained in the 'How To' document.
Remember, there may be other locals on Slot 2, who would wish to QSY to Slot 1, and they need to use TG 9, and not the other, still open, talk group.
Always disconnect when you are finished with your DOD, QSO.
Below you will see a couple of images which provide an outline of the UK talk groups that are available.
Of course, global talk groups are also available.
This is a NEW system, with bespoke software for SWC use.
Extensive testing has been carried out, but 'Murphys Law' almost demands that the guy's have missed some little ‘BUG’, somewhere.
If you think something is not quite right, let me know, and those folks with brains 'the size of planets' can investigate.
GB3JB was switched off at approx., 14:50 local time today.
This is in preparation for the change over of the Cluster server, which is anticipated to go live on the 1st October.
GB3JB is now being reprogrammed, as is the router, and it is anticipated that both will return to the site, and be reactivated, at some time between the morning of 30th September or the evening of the 1st October. This is a little fluid, because of various appointments that I already have, on those two days.
Please remember that the SWC coverage, via slot 2, will be fragmented until the other Cluster repeaters have been reprogrammed and re-connected to the new server, by their own tech., team.
On or around the 1st October 22, GB3JB (2m DMR) will be changing over to the NEW South West Cluster server, along with hopefully the 70cm cluster repeaters.
From the prospective of the user, there will be NO change to the operation of Slot 2, TG 950, on the Cluster.
However, there are significant changes to Slot 1, TG 9.
GB3JB will still operate in stand alone mode on Slot 1, however it will offer users the capability of 'Dial-On-Demand' TG's. Thus enabling users access to other networks.
The server change over will be live on the 1st October. So please be patient, as there could well be a few hours to a day or so when GB3JB is un-available, whilst I am re-programming the hardware. I will be as quick as I can.
For detailed information on the additional capabilities, please follow this link.
73
Dave, G3ZXX
22/08/2022 @ 10:14
Over the next couple of months users of SWC repeaters will see some significant changes in the operation of Slot 1, TG 9, which has historically only provided stand alone coverage for the repeater being accessed. It will soon offer NEW opportunities, via a NEW server system and custom software. For further preliminary information, please follow this LINK.
Please note. The operation of the linked repeaters on Slot 2, TG 950, will be totally unchanged in any way.
Saturday 28th May 2022 @ 1719 UTC
The following is the text of a blanket email, issued to the 155 registered list members, earlier this afternoon.
“Hi All.
As most will be aware, the introduction of GB3JB has had quite an impact on SWC activity levels.
As I have previously reported, I have had QSO’s with almost 30 new users in the last month.
A significant number, using GB3JB.
Obviously being on 2m, the coverage of GB3JB from up on top of it’s hill top, near Mere, is significantly greater than that of the old GB7JB on 70cm installation, on the same site.
Thus, there is significant overlap, in Yellow, of the GB3JB coverage with that of a number of the existing 70cm Cluster repeaters.
This was of course expected, with the hope that it would encourage greater mobile use, across the Cluster. Which it appears to be doing.
All very good so far ….. YES ? ……….. Well, there is always a ‘However’.
As the keeper of GB3JB I feel that I must remind users that there is a Slot 1.
Many users of the Cluster are used to working each other across the Cluster, using different 70cm repeaters. Which is absolutely what the Cluster is there for. To provide that communications capability.
So now we get to that ‘However’ …..
If your QSO, irrespective of how many members, is only using GB3JB, can I respectfully request that having established the QSO, via Slot 2, that you all QSY to Slot 1.
This will free up Slot 2 on all the 70cm repeaters in the Cluster, for other users, as well as slot 2 on GB3JB, for cross-repeater, across-clusters, cross-band activity.
If all in the QSO can all work each other via, Slot 2 on GB3JB, you can all also work each other via Slot 1 on GB3JB.
Staying on Slot 2 of GB3JB when it is un-necessary, locks up the entire Cluster System, which could be being used by others.
So please be prepared to QSY to Slot 1, on GB3JB, if it will not effect any members of your ongoing QSO, to do so.
I will put my hand up at this point and say that I have been guilty of previously not thinking about this issue.
I do hope that the logic of the above, makes sense to you all.
The last thing that we want, is for the GB3JB activity to have a negative impact on the existing Cluster activity.”
Cheers & 73 Dave, G3ZXX.
Sunday 15th May 2022 @ 1042 UTC
The change from analogue FM to TDMA DMR, and linking to the South West Cluster, is to date proving to be very successful.
The 30 or so responses to the ETCC news and my ‘blanket’ updates etc., have been overwhelmingly in favour of the change. Only one disgruntled individual.
In the last two weeks, I have added 20 new Cluster users call signs to my contacts list, and I am aware of at least 6 individuals who have purchased NEW dual-band DMR radio’s, several specifically for mobile use.
Other long time users, are also reporting increased activity, and making new contacts.
Interestingly, I have also received communications from several individuals who are considering the possibilities of setting up a SWC DMR repeater in their area of the South West.
My thanks to all who have provided support and encouragement during this process of change and development.
If anyone is struggling with a code plug, please let me know. I have been busy writing code plugs for different radios, over the last couple of weeks, and may well be able to assist. If I can’t, I probably know someone who can.
With effect from approx., 1:30 pm on Saturday 30th April 2022, GB3JB became fully operational. A day earlier than planned.
At this time, 6:00pm, 30th, Cross-Cluster contacts have been made via GB7BS, GB7EW, GB7JB, GB7SD and GB7SP.
Several 2m GB3JB DMR QSO’s have also been made. The most impressive being with 50mW from Wincanton and 1 watts from Andover. Both with loft antennas, and lots of building and large hills in the way. Absolutely no background noise, no drop-outs, crystal clear QSO’s.
GB3JB came back on air, at approx., noon on 26th April 2022.
With the help of Ian G0GRI and Frank G8PCB, we re-installed the turbine with it’s new generating hub assembly, which appears to be operating OK. Al be it, not generating much energy as the wind was quite calm on site, at the time.
We also installed the DR3000 DMR repeater system. No change in frequencies, so exactly the same as the old FM GB3JB, and operating at 14 dBw erp, via the same cavity, coax, and antenna system.
Still waiting for the data SIM, for the 3G router to arrive. Hence, beacon mode.
It beacons, in digital mode, every 5 minutes. On every 3rd consecutive ident, i.e. every 15 minutes, it also adds an analogue FM ident, in Morse, to the end of the digital ident.
Obviously, if you are listening on an Analogue FM radio, with the ctcss turned off, then the digital ident will sound like a ‘rasping’ noise, which lasts about 2 seconds. The added analogue FM ident will be in the clear.
The image above shows Dave G3ZXX & Frank G8PCB, lowering the turbine mast, ready for re-attaching the turbine.
Ian G0GRI, is shown with Frank, after we re-fitted the turbine.
Ians dog, Summer, was acting as general site supervisor, and ‘responsible adult’ ……
The image opposite, shows the turbine, currently back in it’s original position, plus the full tower arrangement.
We are still considering the ‘How’ and ‘Where’ of the re-positioning and the adding of height above ground level, for the turbine.
We would be very interested to get reports on signal levels and signal to noise ratios.
Subject to the arrival of the SIM card, GB3JB should be fully operational on Sunday 1st May.
Please remember … No donations until further notice.
Please see the Donations page for details.
Saturday 9th April 2022 @ 1437 UTC
We have now been advised by the turbine manufacturer, that the returned ‘generating hub’ is a write-off. As we anticipated.
We have however agreed a good price with them for a new replacement ‘hub’.
Funding has been made available, and we hope the parts should be with us, once the cheque has cleared and the new ‘hub’ delivered. Unfortunately, probably not till sometime after the Easter weekend.
Once received and put back together, the reconstructed turbine will be put back on the site. However, changes are planned with respect to the turbines installation and likely site location.
This will of course delay things a little, but it is hoped to have been completed by the end of April.
Please remember … No donations until further notice.
Please see the Donations page for details.
Thursday 24th March 2022 @ 1150 UTC
Hi Folks. Just a quick update. The relevant parts of the turbine, have been back with the manufacturer for a little over a week now, and we are awaiting their assessment with respect to a repair and cost etc.,
With respect to GB3JB itself, as you should be aware, the TX hardware is dead. However, several options have been considered, and I am hoping to move forward with getting 3JB back on air in due course.
As previously advised, please resist any urges you may have to dip into your piggy-banks, to make any donations to the group, at this time.
Dave, G3ZXX.
Sunday 27th February 2022 @ 1920 UTC
At this time I consider that the state of the Turbine could well be TERMINAL.
My thanks to Frank G8PCB, for coming to the site on Friday pm, to help with lowering the turbine. His assistance was very much appreciated.
If you would like to click this link to the IMAGES web page, I believe that you will have a good idea as to what the issues are.
A picture says a thousand words ……..
My plan is to contact Marlec, to discuss the images, and get their thoughts on the viability of a repair and the costs involved.
Obviously, a repair will be cheaper than buying a new turbine, but as it appears to me at this time, as the casing is damaged, and at least one major part is damaged, the repair cost will relate to a significant proportion of the hardware’s costs.
The only bits to not be replaces would be the main plastic shroud, a piece of tubing, two bridge rectifiers, several bits of wire, and a bracket or two.
More, info as soon as available.
Although, donations are always nice. Please do not make any at this point in time.
Hold back on any enthusiasm that you may be feeling at this time to raid your piggy bank.
Friday 18th February 2022 @ 1655 UTC
At this time I consider the state of the FT-2600m TX unit to be TERMINAL.
After further inspection, rechecking fuses, and simply checking various parts of the circuit from a simply DC prospective with the multi-meter, I decided to attempt a power up whilst doing a factory reset.
Joy it powered up. However, it soon became clear that all was not well.
The smell of something getting hot. Nothing obvious to the touch on the top of the board.
Checked TX on 25 watts output …. The smell of something getting very hot.
Removed main 15A fuse, which was warm to the touch. Put the ammeter in line, pressed PTT and exceeded 10 Amp scale.
At the 5 watt output setting it is taking 62.5 watts @ 13.4 volt supply.
At the 10 watt output setting it is taking 97.8 watts from the 13.4 volt supply.
I have not stripped the board out of the unit. I do not consider it to be worth the effort that is required to do so, at this time.
Thursday 17th February 2022 @ 1412 UTC
Unfortunately the hardware now has some serious issues.
The marine wind turbine has stopped turning. Unfortunately, the wind was much too strong for me to attempt to lower it on my own.
My initial thoughts, based of the previous experience with earlier turbine on the site, is that the bearings have probably failed.
This will have caused the mechanics inside to shift, with the consequence of the winding being significantly damaged and causing everything inside to jam up.
Unfortunately, it will probably turn out to be a write-off. Further inspection is obviously necessary.
Just to add insult to injury, the FT2600m TX is also dead.
There is power going to the unit, all external fuses are OK, as is the on-board fuse. So not very hopeful. Only time and further investigation, will tell.
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