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.

GB3JB Update

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.

GB3JB OFF AIR

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.

GB3JB OFF AIR

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.

GB3JB OFF AIR

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.

GB3JB OFF AIR

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.