The GB3EK repeater team visited the repeater on 28th September 2016 and replaced the backup repeater system with the main system which had been removed to have its firmware updated and power adjusted per the new NoV. A Raspberry Pi 3, along with associated audio/switching interfaces and 4G network were installed alongside, providing the repeater with connectivity to both AllStar and Echolink RoIP systems.
Users can connect into GB3EK from AllStar or Echolink-equipped RF nodes or from Echolink software on a computer or mobile device. DTMF functionality on the repeater is currently disabled pending ongoing testing but will be enabled once the keeper is satisfied that everything is stable and is not causing undue disruption to the normal operation of GB3EK by its local users.
If you hear anything (or anyone!) misbehaving on the repeater, please report this via EK’s website at www.gb3ek.co.uk. Members of the repeater team actively monitor EK and have remote access to its systems.
The repeater team also carried out some simplex tests with a new 4 stack dipole antenna array and collected reception reports from around Thanet, Dover and Whitstable areas with good results. More testing will be carried out during our next visit to install a new 5.8Ghz internet link. Thanks go to G8FEZ, G4HHX and G0VUT for helping with our testing.
