[GCARC] Testing VARA FM Winlink on 2 meters

[Jon Pearce]

The Skunkworks team working on the WinLink system is evaluating options for upgrading the VARA FM system, and specifically whether we should focus on 2 meters or 70 cm as the operating band. Two meters offers greater range but also presents a significantly greater technical challenge in collocating the VARA and APRS stations on the same antenna when both operate on the same wavelength. Solving that problem will involve significant time and cost. Using 70 cm eliminates that issue but may also limit the range of the station. Before moving forward with either band we wanted to test the difference that the frequency made when using the same antenna from the same location on the remaining section of the Clubhouse VHF tower.

For the next two weeks we’ve shut down the APRS station and have moved the VARA FM station to 145.03. Stations who have been working with VARA FM  as well as anyone else who’s interested are encouraged to try connecting to the W2MMD-3 gateway  on this frequency. This will give us guidance on how to proceed.

Thanks

73 de Jon WB2MNF

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