Here's an update on where I am on getting a club repeater up that will be linked to the internet:
I will need to get the radios programmed with the correct frequency pair or purchase a cable and locate the software to do it myself. I also still need to purchase the DSTAR board and install the software. I need to figure out what to do for coax, as well.
I'll keep everyone posted as I make progress.
- I've spoken to the local coordination body and received some instructions on how to proceed. It is very difficult to find available frequency pairs in Southern California on 2m or 440.
- Received permission from the coordinator of the LA Independent Radio Club to add a repeater to their DSTAR system. the LA IRC is a local DSTAR club with several linked repeaters. They also have an internet gateway up, so this allows us to piggy back on their gateway. Because they already have a 440mhz pair coordinated in SoCal for DSTAR, we can use their 440 pair to fill in the valley where I live which does not have good DSTAR coverage.
- I've been searching for, and made progress on acquiring some inexpensive radios to use as a repeater. I purchased a Motorola based repeater that uses GM300 45 watt radios that is housed in a cabinet with power supply and a Motorola RICK (repeater interface). We don't need the Motorla RICK as that will be replaced with the DSTAR interface. Unfortunately, the seller accidentally shipped me VHF radios instead of UHF radios, so I'm waiting for the correct radios to arrive to exchange.
- I purchased an inexpensive UHF antenna from ebay: eBay - New & used electronics, cars, apparel, collectibles, sporting goods & more at low prices
I will need to get the radios programmed with the correct frequency pair or purchase a cable and locate the software to do it myself. I also still need to purchase the DSTAR board and install the software. I need to figure out what to do for coax, as well.
I'll keep everyone posted as I make progress.