NORTHLINK Update 2018

Timeline of Update:

2 metre repeater:

• Installation and Testing August 3rd 2013. A suitable site has been acquired.
• 2m Repeater replaced by a new Yaesu System Fusion FM/C4FM 50 watt repeater 30/12/2016

70cm repeater:

• Installation and Testing August 3rd 2013. A suitable site has been acquired.
• Echo Link is now operational on the 70cm repeater. VK2RAD-R or Node 872907.
• 70cm Repeater replaced by a new Yaesu System Fusion FM/C4FM 50 watt repeater Mid 2017

2018 has seen significant changes to the ADARC repeater system.

 70 cm (438.650 out with 123hz, 431.650 in, no tone required)

As a result of a very generous donation, we have upgraded our 70cm repeater antenna from a single folded dipole to an array of eight. This is a commercial stainless steel system with integral phasing and over 6dbd gain 360 degrees. Needless to say it has improved the 70cm coverage ‘somewhat’. In addition, the newer 50-watt Yaesu repeater has a much better receiver than the older (30 + years) radio that is still available should all else fail!

Our 70cm repeater offers analogue and fusion access (automatic change over). We have added a 123hz tone on the transmitter so if you wish you can use ‘tone squelch’ to keep your receiver quiet unless there is a valid transmission from the repeater. There are plans to include echo link, and to link this repeater with others…. Stay tuned

2 M (146.725 out with 123hz, 146.125 in, no tone required)

Our 2 m repeater has also undergone significant change and now is part of the NORTHLINK* system. This means that with no special requirements, as you key any of the linked repeaters (including Armidale), you are simulcast on all others within the linked system.

This means that coverage has increased from 50ish Kilometres to most of the north west of NSW.

Technically the Walcha group have installed a “Point to multi-Point” base at Mt Crawney. This can ‘talk’ to up to 16 ‘remotes’. Our remote has a link transceiver connected to the back of our 2m repeater and the ability for us to remotely switch off the link in case of problems.

At Armidale our repeater has the normal ‘tail’ to confirm you are accessing the repeater, however when the link is the source of audio there is no tail. This makes it very easy to tell if you’re talking to a ‘local’ or not. The system easily links stations as far south as Scone to Ben Lomond in the north with Moree, Boomi and Narrabri to the west.

As linking does not allow digital modes we have reverted our 2m repeater to analogue only mode.

The new Yaesu Fusion repeater has a 50-watt transmitter and a much more sensitive receiver than the 30+ year old equipment that has served us very well and is still in usable condition should there be the need.

*NORTHLINK is a ‘Point to multi-Point’ base station that allows authorised remote repeaters to become part of the group. NORTHLINK is kindly supplied and maintained by the Walcha group.