GB3IN goes dual-mode

GB3IN located near Matlock in Derbyshire now operates both Analogue FM and GMSK Digital D-Star.

On the DSTAR_DIGITAL group Jonathan G4KLX writes:

I'm happy to announce that the first full dual-mode repeater using my software went live yesterday. GB3IN had already been operating dual-mode by means of fixed time periods for each mode, but with the latest version of my software, the repeater is now available for both modes when cold.

In brief, the mode of operation is as follows. When cold both repeaters are listening for valid GMSK or CTCSS/1750Hz respectively.

Once that has been received, the active repeater tells the other repeater to go into Shutdown. This Shutdown state lasts for as long as the active repeater is receiving / transmitting valid information and for a user definable period afterwards to stop quick mode flipping.

Once that period has expired, the Shutdown repeater is brought back to life and the system is available for both modes again.

The only duplicate hardware in use are two Velleman K8055 boards, one for each repeater, the USB audio fob and radio are of course shared.

Jonathan G4KLX

For further infomation on the PC controller see the Yahoo PC Repeater Controller group
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/pcrepeatercontroller/

GB3IN website
http://www.gb3in.co.uk/

GB3IN Coverage map
http://www.ukrepeater.net/repeaters/gb3in.htm

DSTAR_DIGITAL Yahoo Group
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/DSTAR_DIGITAL