GW7ERI AMATEUR RADIO

TUTSHILL - CHEPSTOW - MONMOUTHSHIRE

UNITED KINGDOM

 

 

Station Status

 

 

 

Weather Station

Data Collection

OK - Operational

Data Upload (FTP) Web Update

OK - Operational

Data Upload to CWOP, Met Office etc.

OK - Operational

Data to APRS (VHF Radio Link)

OK - Operational  See note below *

WEFAX APT Satellite Pictures

OK - Operational  See note below ** 
Lightning Detection OK - Operational

 

HF Radio Station

HF  Radio Voice (20-10meters)

OFF AIR  -  See note below ****

HF Data Comms (PSK31)

OFF AIR  -  See note below ****

 

VHF Radio Station

VHF  Radio Voice (6 meters)

OK - Operational

VHF  Radio Voice (2 meters)

OK - Operational
VHF APRS I-Gate (2 meters) OK - Operational

VHF  Radio Voice (70 centimeters)

OK - Operational

 

 

 

*  APRS RF Beacon

 The APRS RF beacon is operating using the SSID GW7ERI-1. RF beaconing is every 15 minutes at a power of 10 watts, with  weather data intended for local users. The station also operates as an I-Gate, forwarding any RF APRS data heard to the internet servers. An internet position beacon is also sent every 20 minutes. 

--------

**  Wefax Weather Satellite Pictures.

From 12th December 2010, wideband QRM (interference) has been experienced, covering most of the Non Geo-stationary satellite band. The interference takes the form of a carrier wave with 'white noise' and occasional very faint voice traffic being heard. The interference is such that the R2ZX fails to scan, the squelch being open on all channels.  Increasing squelch threshold has no effect. Any received pictures are swamped by noise. 

I have altered the WXtoIMG software settings to allow computer control of the receiver. The software will now tune the radio to the appropriate frequency, and wait for the satellite carrier to be detected.  Satellite imaging to the web has been reinstated from January 8th 2011 to help monitor progress. 

 All home QTH electrical equipment has now been eliminated from the cause (by disconnection,) antenna connections have been re-made, and as yet the source of the QRM remains a mystery. 

14th January 2011 - QRM pattern has altered to mainly effect day time images. Noise commences between 1000 and 1100, continuing through until approximately 2200. Night time IR images are clearer and less effected.

22nd January 2011 - The WX satellite antenna has been replaced with a 'turnstile' type. After experimenting with the azimuth alignment, a position has been found which has significantly reduced, but not cured, the noise problem.

Usable images are again being uploaded, however, the use of WXtoImg software noise filter results in blurring to cloud images.      

-------- 

***  Boltek Ligntning Detector installed May2011. Calibration tests are underway, but as this relies on storm activity, the process will take some time.

-------- 

**** From 05th September 2011 refurbishment of the radio room is taking place. All radio equipment has been disconnected along with the station magnetometer. 24th November VHF station re-instated. 

 

Home

Ham Radio     Home Brew     Space     Weather

Search