W8BAP D-Star Repeater

 

The D-Star Rack



On top of cabinet:


  1. * VHF Tuning Cavities & Polyphaser Arresters





Inside cabinet:


  1. * Argent Data OT+ APRS Telemetry Unit (not pictured, in top of cabinet behind cavities)


  1. *Motorola UHF Tuning Cavities & Polyphaser Arresters



  1. *Icom RP-4000V UHF Voice Module


  1. *N5EBW D-Star Status Board


  1. *  Icom RP-2000V VHF Voice Module



  1. *Icom RP-2C D-Star Controller














  1. * Dell PowerEdge 350 rack mount Server (Running Icom G2 Gateway software & web-server)


  1. * Trendnet Network Router / Firewall


  1. * APC XS-100 Un-interruptible AC Supply




  1. * GE UR F-60 Power Management & SCADA Controller




* Motorola DC Breaker Panel (Modified)


  1. *Alternate AC Distribution (Not in Service)


  1. * IOTA DC Supply (behind panel)

  2. *Battery Bank (behind panel)


  1. *Dual Cooling Fans on cabinet back

The SVARC D-Star Repeater was made possible by the contributions of the following:  KD8FJH - Shawn Coppel, KI8HU - Gary Nelson, NR8TV - David Kibler, KD8EAD - Justin Drummond, KC8WIW - Mike Matheuws, N8ZEU - Carl Henderson,W8BAP - Scioto Valley A.R.C., Justin W1IX, Kevin W8KHW, Chris WG8I, and others who have helped with system setup and testing.  This project has been a success thanks to all who have participated.

http://www.w8bapdstar.info


Links of interest:


    W8BAP D-Plus Dashboard - D-Star Repeater Status and Recent Activity - See who’s been recently heard, connected DV-Dongle users, and Module Link Status.


An excellent PDF guide to getting started in D-Star, by W8KWA is available to download here: Dstar For Dummies V2.3.pdf.  New users are highly encouraged to read this.


    W8BAP D-Star Registration Page


    D-Star Registration Instructions  <---  VERY important to follow these directions and complete all steps for Gateway operation.



Repeater Information:


The W8BAP D-Star repeater is located near Amanda, Ohio (between Circleville and Lancaster) on a tower referred to as “Stoutsville”.  The antenna is on top of the 350’ tower.  This site was chosen due to its high profile, low occupant count (important as de-sense is a big issue in D-Star), and on-site high-speed internet access (100 MB!) for Gateway Server operation.


The repeater currently has a “Port B” or UHF / 440 MHz Module.  TX output of the cavities is just over 20 watts (highest power output of a D-Star Module).  RF Stations have routinely checked in from: Columbus, Chillicothe, Circleville, Lancaster, Washington Court House, Hillsboro, Jeffersonville, and one exceptional contact from 65.6 miles away on 0.1 watt with a “rubber duck” antenna!


“Port C” or VHF / 144 Mhz Module is currently in a very-low-profile mode until resources become available. If there is enough interest, 1.2 GHz Data and/or Voice modules will be added.


The repeater system has full gateway capabilities allowing repeater linking, reflector use, call sign routing, and DPRS.  We have added D-Extra capability to interface to non-ICOM D-Star systems and XReflectors.  We are a part of the irc-DDB system for enhanced call sign routing features.  All amateur radio operators are invited to use the system to its full capability, whether by radio or internet link.  DV-Dongle, DVAP, and other “alternate” users are welcome as well.


Feedback appreciated!  For more information on the W8BAP Repeaters, Club information, or other questions, contact SVARC D-Star Admin:  Shawn Coppel, KD8FJH.   Thanks to ALL those who helped make this project a success!