And here we are in December….. Where has this year gone?
Received all of the hardware for my second Raspberry Pi’s IRLP Node (#8154). This node connects TG #6395 on Time Slot #1 of my DMR machine to IRLP. As mentioned previously, I have that Time Slot disconnected from the DMR-MARC network. That node is currently connected to the W9ICE IRLP Reflector (#9737) along with my other node connecting my 70cm analog and 33cm analog machines. Ed’s (K3HTK) machines are also connected to that reflector as well. I’m using an XPR4350 mobile radio for my link.
My DMR work/experimentation continues. I’m looking at interfacing a time slot/talk group to the AllStar repeater network. At this point, I’m just beginning to look at hardware/interfaces. But this will provide something new to the Indy Metro area. I’m also very close to being able to relocate my DMR machine to a much higher-profile site.
I also purchased a new BridgeCom BCR-40U Repeater to replace the Kenwood TKR-820 on my 70cm analog system. So far the repeater is working great and I had no issues interfacing it to my Arcom RC-210 controller.
I’m not sure what I’m going to do with the TKR-820 that I took out of service. But I’m considering keeping it around as a spare or trying to build a DSTAR repeater out of it. I’ve heard good things about this board: http://arsrepeaters.com/D-Star_Repeater_Control.php and it sounds like a fun project.
And if I don’t have enough repeater projects on deck, I’m also going to work on building a machine for The Boy Scouts at Camp Belzer this winter. I have an offer of a donated machine, but it’s an old crystal controlled unit and I’d like to use something synthesized if possible. I have a couple of MaxTracs that I was originally planning to use for my 70cm machine before I acquired the TKR-820. Their machine will be a low profile machine, so we don’t need a whole lot of power, etc.
Speaking of The Boy Scouts, we had our final VE session for 2014 on November 8th. Here is a summary of our 2014 VE testing with the BSA from Brian Murrey (KB9BVN) – “In 2014 had 31 people test with us, we issued 33 element exams, 27 of those exams were passed. 22 of these people were Boy Scouts or Scout
leaders. We ran a total of six testing sessions, our four regular sessions, and two special sessions for the Scouts.” I look forward to continued participation in 2015!
Continued to exchange emails with Howard (W6IDS) regarding Broadband HamNet.
That’s about it. I’m on vacation the last half of December and am looking forward to some bench/shack time.
I hope that everyone has a safe and very Merry Christmas and may one of those presents under the tree be something ham-related!
