From ditzian at windstream.net  Tue Sep  1 21:13:18 2015
From: ditzian at windstream.net (Jan Ditzian)
Date: Tue, 1 Sep 2015 21:13:18 -0400
Subject: [W8MWA] Taco Thursday
Message-ID: <55E64D2E.5060301@windstream.net>

Taco Thursday will be a big deal.

Bob West (WA8YCD) is in dire need of two things: (1) Advanced Class VEs 
for a special testing session, and (2) a wastebasket.

Jan, KX2A, will present a solder-joint-by-solder-joint report about the 
ongoing repair of his  AL-82 amplifier.  The forecast is that he will 
complete the job before the end of 2016.

Randy, N8OZY, will again request additional volunteers to work the 
Morgantown Marathon.  If you know of a ham-with-a-handie who is not 
involved with our club but might be willing to help out, please ask that 
person and let Randy know if he or she is available.

As usual, the food will be great, the atmosphere creative, and the 
company a bunch of radio nerds.  What's not to like?  Oh, by the way, 
the Margaritas are pretty good--just ask Mike, K8LG.  You could have one 
for lunch too, if you were only a retired WVU Professor Emeritus.  It's 
something to shoot for.  Meanwhile, enjoy yourself for lunch and then 
head back to your cubicle for the afternoon grind.

I hope to see you at Los Mariachis in Suncrest on Thursday at high noon.

73,

Jan, KX2A

From wa8ycd at arrl.net  Wed Sep  2 08:24:12 2015
From: wa8ycd at arrl.net (Bob West)
Date: Wed, 2 Sep 2015 08:24:12 -0400
Subject: [W8MWA] W3PIE Gabfest
Message-ID: <BAY179-W59C708BCCC603750B7A3039F690@phx.gbl>

              


Cheers,
...Bob West WA8YCD
Think outside of the box? Dude! I've been outside so long I have forgotten what was actually IN the box in the first place!
 		 	   		  
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From deanot26508 at gmail.com  Sun Sep  6 18:31:06 2015
From: deanot26508 at gmail.com (Dean Thompson)
Date: Sun, 6 Sep 2015 18:31:06 -0400
Subject: [W8MWA] Looking for a part
Message-ID: <CAAkYMAa_JLnVfp7aMueHX8x5TDOdMWeGowQaQYrUT3iDZ_R1zg@mail.gmail.com>

I am looking for a 25pin D parallel printer cable, male to female for a
project.  I did have one on my Raspberry Pi but had to cut it up to work.

I am now building a new Echo/IRLP machine and I am in desperate need of
this cheap extension cable.

If anyone in Morgantown or nearby has one they do not need, please let me
know and how much you want for it.

Many Thanks

Dean (KD8YNY)
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From wa8ycd at arrl.net  Mon Sep  7 05:25:54 2015
From: wa8ycd at arrl.net (Bob West)
Date: Mon, 7 Sep 2015 05:25:54 -0400
Subject: [W8MWA] FW: [Work-Sat] Digest Number 1156
In-Reply-To: <1441616205.351.31892.m7@yahoogroups.com>
References: <1441616205.351.31892.m7@yahoogroups.com>
Message-ID: <BAY179-W30E0D34BFA40CF8A7CE5A99F540@phx.gbl>























  











  






Work-Sat - Working the FM Satellites




    
   
       
    
   

   
    
       Work-Sat - Working the FM Satellites   Group  
     
   
    

   

   
       
        1  
                  Message              

      
        Digest #1156      
       
      
   

   
    
   
    
     
                                          
       
      1 
    

     
        
           EDUCATORS: ISS Contact Project Opportunity 
        

      
       by 
                       k6lcs             
    

     
    
  
                                 
 
        
     
    
  
   


     
   
    
    
             Message          

               
 

      
      
       1  
      
    
      
         
        
        EDUCATORS: ISS Contact Project Opportunity        
        
      
       
    
   
      
        Sun Sep 6, 2015 12:08 pm        (PDT)        . Posted by:      

      
        
        
                 k6lcs         
        
      
    
   
        
             Proposal Window for Scheduled Contacts in the US Opens September 1


 


 The US partners of the Amateur Radio on the International Space Station (ARISS) Program are seeking formal and informal educational institutions and organizations in the US, individually or working together, to host an Amateur Radio contact with a crew member on board the ISS. ARISS anticipates that the contact would be held between July 1, 2016 and December 31, 2016. For more information about the proposal requirements, visit ...


 


 Hosting an ARISS Contact http://www.arrl.org/hosting-an-ariss-contact 


 


 http://www.arrl.org/hosting-an-ariss-contact 


 


 Hosting an ARISS Contact http://www.arrl.org/hosting-an-ariss-contact The American Radio Relay League (ARRL) is the national association for amateur radio, connecting hams around the U.S. with news, information and resources.


 


 


 


 View on www.arrl.org http://www.arrl.org/hosting-an-ariss-contact 


 Preview by Yahoo 


 


 


   





 I sure had a blast orchestrating our ARISS contact back in 2012 ... that Web site is still up at ...


 





 http://www.iss-flabob.com http://www.iss-flabob.com 





 


 


 http://www.iss-flabob.com http://www.iss-flabob.com 


 


 


 View on www.iss-flabob.com http://www.iss-flabob.com 


 Preview by Yahoo 


 


 


  


  


 


 





         
          
  
     


  
  
    
 
     
       
                          
           
             
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From wa8ycd at arrl.net  Mon Sep  7 17:41:27 2015
From: wa8ycd at arrl.net (Bob West)
Date: Mon, 7 Sep 2015 17:41:27 -0400
Subject: [W8MWA] VEs NEEDED FOR SPECIAL EXAM SESSION
In-Reply-To: <BAY179-W325CFD688DD100D1B1AF0F9F540@phx.gbl>
References: <BAY179-W325CFD688DD100D1B1AF0F9F540@phx.gbl>
Message-ID: <BAY179-W214749B43859D6A527B55F9F540@phx.gbl>





QST QST QST  - VEs NEEDED FOR EXAM SESSION 

NASA IV&V   ON TECHNOLOGY DR   FAIRMONT
OCTOBER 3, 2015. 

CRASH REVIEW FROM 9:00 AM UNTIL NOON.
VEs NEEDED AFTER NOON FOR EXAM SESSION.

THIS IS THE TUBESAT PROJECT AT NASA. TECH
EXAMS ARE EXPECTED SO GENERAL AND 
ADVANCED CLASS VEs CAN HELP.

QST QST QST - VEs NEEDED FOR EXAM SESSION 


73 WA8YCD     wa8ycd at hotmail.com



Cheers,
...Bob West WA8YCD
Think outside of the box? Dude! I've been outside so long I have forgotten what was actually IN the box in the first place!
 		 	   		   		 	   		  
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From wa8ycd at arrl.net  Tue Sep  8 16:16:26 2015
From: wa8ycd at arrl.net (Bob West)
Date: Tue, 8 Sep 2015 16:16:26 -0400
Subject: [W8MWA] FW: ARLB029 FCC Now Says ULS, Other Systems,
 Will Not Return Until September 10
In-Reply-To: <20150908162928.97B8E20152EE@bmail.arrl.org>
References: <20150908162928.97B8E20152EE@bmail.arrl.org>
Message-ID: <BAY179-W4B2836D0F80BDD24D7DD09F530@phx.gbl>




Cheers,
...Bob West WA8YCD
Think outside of the box? Dude! I've been outside so long I have forgotten what was actually IN the box in the first place!


> Subject: ARLB029 FCC Now Says ULS, Other Systems, Will Not Return Until September 10
> From: memberlist at www.arrl.org
> To: wa8ycd at hotmail.com
> Date: Tue, 8 Sep 2015 12:29:28 -0400
> 
> SB QST @ ARL $ARLB029
> ARLB029 FCC Now Says ULS, Other Systems, Will Not Return Until
> September 10
> 
> ZCZC AG29
> QST de W1AW  
> ARRL Bulletin 29  ARLB029
> From ARRL Headquarters  
> Newington CT  September 8, 2015
> To all radio amateurs 
> 
> SB QST ARL ARLB029
> ARLB029 FCC Now Says ULS, Other Systems, Will Not Return Until
> September 10
> 
> The FCC has announced that its Universal Licensing System (ULS) and
> some other website applications remain offline for maintenance, but
> the Electronic Comment Filing System (ECFS) is now back in service
> and the Electronic Document Management System (EDOCS) should be
> available in a short time. The remaining computer system upgrades
> scheduled to have been completed by today, September 8, now are not
> expected to be done until September 10, the FCC said in a Public
> Notice. As the ULS outage continues, it will not be possible to file
> any Amateur Radio applications, including examination session
> documents, or conduct any license or application searches.
> 
> "Over Labor Day weekend, a dedicated FCC team worked day and night
> to complete major IT upgrades," the FCC's Chief Information Officer
> David A. Bray, said in a statement. "This work included physically
> moving more than 200 different legacy servers out of FCC's
> headquarters to a commercial service provider." This move - a
> cost-saving measure, Bray explained - ran into trouble when it was
> determined that additional cabling was needed to complete the
> transition. "Unfortunately, this delayed completion of all of the
> system upgrades - even with the FCC team working around the clock
> throughout the holiday weekend," Bray explained.
> 
> While the requirement to pay a regulatory fee for Amateur Radio
> vanity call sign applications officially ended on September 3,
> prospective vanity applicants now will have to wait until the ULS is
> up and running again to file an application for an available call
> sign. The FCC has told ARRL that the approximately 18-day vanity
> call sign waiting period will remain in place "for now."
> 
> ARRL VEC Manager Maria Somma, AB1FM, said a lot of candidates and
> volunteer examiners have begun asking why new call signs or license
> upgrades have not yet been issued.
> 
> "We have a huge back log in our filing system that continues to
> grow!" she said. "We already have approximately 75 examination
> sessions and over 500 applications waiting to be released to FCC."
> 
> Bray said it took seven moving vans to contain the servers being
> relocated. "With a massive server move of this scale - even with
> detailed planning, independent verification, and backup plans - the
> opportunity always exists for surprises, especially with legacy IT
> systems, nearly 400 program applications, and hundreds of servers,"
> he pointed out.
> 
> The project will relocate the FCC's "legacy" computer systems to a
> commercial service provider, helping to reduce maintenance costs,
> improve "resiliency," and allow the FCC to shift many of its legacy
> applications to the cloud, as it has done with its Consumer Help
> Desk.
> 
> The FCC said in its Public Notice that it anticipates all systems
> and databases to be back online by 1200 UTC on September 10. By that
> time, it said, the Commission's website "will have returned to
> normal operations, with full content and search capabilities
> available." FCC voicemail and e-mail also should be back by then
> too.
> 
> "We will continue to work diligently and provide updates on these IT
> upgrades," Bray said. "The entire FCC team and I truly appreciate
> your patience and understanding as we work to complete all of the
> upgrades."
> NNNN
> /EX
 		 	   		  
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From bbrown2927 at gmail.com  Tue Sep  8 22:06:58 2015
From: bbrown2927 at gmail.com (Bayley Brown)
Date: Tue, 8 Sep 2015 22:06:58 -0400
Subject: [W8MWA] Some Stuff
Message-ID: <CANG012dmOQwsxXRC+rjnT1NWuGMQ0tWoBHMYWfjcTtMgtME_xA@mail.gmail.com>

Hi all,

KD8NZT here.  I live in Charleston now, but I'm moving to Eureka,
California on Saturday!  I need to sell a few items that may be of interest
to hams.  I can definitely arrange to get it up to Morgantown if anyone's
interested.

icom IC-746PRO $600 negotiable good condition
Leader Waveform Monitor 5860C no idea if it works FREE

Let me know if you know of anyone who would be interested in any of these
items before Saturday.

Thanks!

73,

Bayley Brown
304-216-9573

On Tue, Sep 8, 2015 at 4:16 PM, Bob West <wa8ycd at arrl.net> wrote:

>
>
>
>
> Cheers,
> ...Bob West WA8YCD
> ------------------------------
> *Think outside of the box? Dude! I've been outside so long I have
> forgotten what was actually IN the box in the first place!*
> ------------------------------
>
>
>
> > Subject: ARLB029 FCC Now Says ULS, Other Systems, Will Not Return Until
> September 10
> > From: memberlist at www.arrl.org
> > To: wa8ycd at hotmail.com
> > Date: Tue, 8 Sep 2015 12:29:28 -0400
> >
> > SB QST @ ARL $ARLB029
> > ARLB029 FCC Now Says ULS, Other Systems, Will Not Return Until
> > September 10
> >
> > ZCZC AG29
> > QST de W1AW
> > ARRL Bulletin 29 ARLB029
> > From ARRL Headquarters
> > Newington CT September 8, 2015
> > To all radio amateurs
> >
> > SB QST ARL ARLB029
> > ARLB029 FCC Now Says ULS, Other Systems, Will Not Return Until
> > September 10
> >
> > The FCC has announced that its Universal Licensing System (ULS) and
> > some other website applications remain offline for maintenance, but
> > the Electronic Comment Filing System (ECFS) is now back in service
> > and the Electronic Document Management System (EDOCS) should be
> > available in a short time. The remaining computer system upgrades
> > scheduled to have been completed by today, September 8, now are not
> > expected to be done until September 10, the FCC said in a Public
> > Notice. As the ULS outage continues, it will not be possible to file
> > any Amateur Radio applications, including examination session
> > documents, or conduct any license or application searches.
> >
> > "Over Labor Day weekend, a dedicated FCC team worked day and night
> > to complete major IT upgrades," the FCC's Chief Information Officer
> > David A. Bray, said in a statement. "This work included physically
> > moving more than 200 different legacy servers out of FCC's
> > headquarters to a commercial service provider." This move - a
> > cost-saving measure, Bray explained - ran into trouble when it was
> > determined that additional cabling was needed to complete the
> > transition. "Unfortunately, this delayed completion of all of the
> > system upgrades - even with the FCC team working around the clock
> > throughout the holiday weekend," Bray explained.
> >
> > While the requirement to pay a regulatory fee for Amateur Radio
> > vanity call sign applications officially ended on September 3,
> > prospective vanity applicants now will have to wait until the ULS is
> > up and running again to file an application for an available call
> > sign. The FCC has told ARRL that the approximately 18-day vanity
> > call sign waiting period will remain in place "for now."
> >
> > ARRL VEC Manager Maria Somma, AB1FM, said a lot of candidates and
> > volunteer examiners have begun asking why new call signs or license
> > upgrades have not yet been issued.
> >
> > "We have a huge back log in our filing system that continues to
> > grow!" she said. "We already have approximately 75 examination
> > sessions and over 500 applications waiting to be released to FCC."
> >
> > Bray said it took seven moving vans to contain the servers being
> > relocated. "With a massive server move of this scale - even with
> > detailed planning, independent verification, and backup plans - the
> > opportunity always exists for surprises, especially with legacy IT
> > systems, nearly 400 program applications, and hundreds of servers,"
> > he pointed out.
> >
> > The project will relocate the FCC's "legacy" computer systems to a
> > commercial service provider, helping to reduce maintenance costs,
> > improve "resiliency," and allow the FCC to shift many of its legacy
> > applications to the cloud, as it has done with its Consumer Help
> > Desk.
> >
> > The FCC said in its Public Notice that it anticipates all systems
> > and databases to be back online by 1200 UTC on September 10. By that
> > time, it said, the Commission's website "will have returned to
> > normal operations, with full content and search capabilities
> > available." FCC voicemail and e-mail also should be back by then
> > too.
> >
> > "We will continue to work diligently and provide updates on these IT
> > upgrades," Bray said. "The entire FCC team and I truly appreciate
> > your patience and understanding as we work to complete all of the
> > upgrades."
> > NNNN
> > /EX
>
> ______________________________________________________________
> W8MWA mailing list
> Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/w8mwa
> Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm
> Post: mailto:W8MWA at mailman.qth.net
>
> This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net
> Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
>
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From wa8ycd at arrl.net  Mon Sep 14 17:29:21 2015
From: wa8ycd at arrl.net (Bob West)
Date: Mon, 14 Sep 2015 17:29:21 -0400
Subject: [W8MWA] FW: [pr:13736] PR opportunity nationally
In-Reply-To: <000601d0ef32$fbc2df40$f3489dc0$@net>
References: <000601d0ef32$fbc2df40$f3489dc0$@net>
Message-ID: <BAY179-W538FBC237093A95734E7B69F5D0@phx.gbl>

WE HAVE A BARNES & NOBLE IN MORGANTOWN, RIGHT? GRANVILLE? ON THE "ANTHILL"?

From: AGPitts at comcast.net
To: pr at reflector.arrl.org
Date: Mon, 14 Sep 2015 17:19:03 -0400
Subject: [pr:13736] PR opportunity nationally

I never cared if you were a PIO or not?.. anyone showing off ham radio stuff and making stuff was always good by me.  So here?s a NATION-WIDE chance to show off your club projects or just something you cobbled up yourself! If you?re a tech enthusiast , educator, tinkerer, hobbyist, engineer, science club member, author, artist, student, entrepreneur, crafter, or maker of any kind?join us! In partnership with Make: Magazine, creators of the Maker Faire, we?re putting on a Mini Maker Faire in all Barnes & Noble stores nationwide from November 6 through 8. We?ll learn from each other, hear from experts, and work on projects together. Calling All MakersCalling All Makers! The first-ever B&N Mini Maker Faire is November 6-8, and we want YOU to share your mad maker talents. Click here to tell us all about your project. We can?t wait to hear from you!
http://www.barnesandnoble.com/blog/announcing-the-barnes-noble-mini-maker-faire-november-6-8-2015/    Allen   W1AGP 
_______________________________________________
pr mailing list
pr at reflector.arrl.org
https://reflector.arrl.org/mailman/listinfo/pr 		 	   		  
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From libby.dehaan at gmail.com  Mon Sep 14 17:30:50 2015
From: libby.dehaan at gmail.com (Libby DeHaan)
Date: Mon, 14 Sep 2015 21:30:50 +0000
Subject: [W8MWA] FW: [pr:13736] PR opportunity nationally
In-Reply-To: <BAY179-W538FBC237093A95734E7B69F5D0@phx.gbl>
References: <000601d0ef32$fbc2df40$f3489dc0$@net>
	<BAY179-W538FBC237093A95734E7B69F5D0@phx.gbl>
Message-ID: <CAFnssXOnv74RVb3gCzjSjbL9LCvJmsqHZQZSUfFc_zPoiRRwgQ@mail.gmail.com>

Sweet.  We do indeed have a Barnes and noble.

On Mon, Sep 14, 2015, 5:29 PM Bob West <wa8ycd at arrl.net> wrote:

> WE HAVE A BARNES & NOBLE IN MORGANTOWN, RIGHT? GRANVILLE? ON THE "ANTHILL"?
>
> ------------------------------
> From: AGPitts at comcast.net
> To: pr at reflector.arrl.org
> Date: Mon, 14 Sep 2015 17:19:03 -0400
> Subject: [pr:13736] PR opportunity nationally
>
> *I never cared if you were a PIO or not?.. anyone showing off ham radio
> stuff and making stuff was always good by me.  So here?s a NATION-WIDE
> chance to show off your club projects or just something you cobbled up
> yourself!*
>
>
>
> If you?re a tech enthusiast , educator, tinkerer, hobbyist, engineer,
> science club member, author, artist, student, entrepreneur, crafter, or
> maker of any kind?join us! In partnership with Make: Magazine, creators of
> the Maker Faire <http://makerfaire.com/>, we?re putting on a Mini Maker
> Faire in all Barnes & Noble stores nationwide from November 6 through 8.
> We?ll learn from each other, hear from experts, and work on projects
> together.
>
>
> Calling All MakersCalling All Makers! The first-ever B&N Mini Maker Faire
> is November 6-8, and we want YOU to share your mad maker talents. *Click
> here <http://www.barnesandnoble.com/h/makerfaire/signup>* to tell us all
> about your project. We can?t wait to hear from you!
>
>
> http://www.barnesandnoble.com/blog/announcing-the-barnes-noble-mini-maker-faire-november-6-8-2015/
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
> Allen   W1AGP
>
> [image: APSHLD 3]
>
>
>
> _______________________________________________ pr mailing list
> pr at reflector.arrl.org https://reflector.arrl.org/mailman/listinfo/pr
> ______________________________________________________________
> W8MWA mailing list
> Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/w8mwa
> Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm
> Post: mailto:W8MWA at mailman.qth.net
>
> This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net
> Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
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From wa8ycd at arrl.net  Wed Sep 16 14:39:51 2015
From: wa8ycd at arrl.net (Bob West)
Date: Wed, 16 Sep 2015 14:39:51 -0400
Subject: [W8MWA] [pr:13740] Media hit for Fox Hunt
In-Reply-To: <CAPyWa4ioAR9+-AuB8XgAYtqMNfm9OsN7+0HOOJdAmM91quBz3Q@mail.gmail.com>
References: <CAPyWa4ioAR9+-AuB8XgAYtqMNfm9OsN7+0HOOJdAmM91quBz3Q@mail.gmail.com>
Message-ID: <BAY179-W361C84482B56307DC8A2B89F5B0@phx.gbl>

Here's a story we submitted for our local fox hunt.  Page 3 of the September 11th, Henderson Daily News, Henderson, TX.  The paper is behind a paywall so here's a screen grab of the article.
73
David W5CWT


_______________________________________________
pr mailing list
pr at reflector.arrl.org
https://reflector.arrl.org/mailman/listinfo/pr 		 	   		  
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From ditzian at windstream.net  Wed Sep 16 18:10:21 2015
From: ditzian at windstream.net (Jan Ditzian)
Date: Wed, 16 Sep 2015 18:10:21 -0400
Subject: [W8MWA] Taco Thursday
Message-ID: <55F9E8CD.2040506@windstream.net>

Taco Thursday is coming: the beans are hot, the salsa is hot, the tea is 
cold, the chips are on the table.  It's time to join your clock-building 
friends at Los Mariachis for lunch at 12.  Hams from all over will be 
there.  We will complain about everything.  Bring your bitching--we'll 
join in.

See you at lunch on Thursday.

73,

Jan, KX2A


From Spencer.Graham at mail.wvu.edu  Tue Sep  8 08:54:07 2015
From: Spencer.Graham at mail.wvu.edu (Spencer Graham)
Date: Tue, 8 Sep 2015 12:54:07 +0000
Subject: [W8MWA] VEs NEEDED FOR SPECIAL EXAM SESSION
In-Reply-To: <BAY179-W325CFD688DD100D1B1AF0F9F540@phx.gbl>
References: <BAY179-W325CFD688DD100D1B1AF0F9F540@phx.gbl>
Message-ID: <BY2PR0301MB0694F3DD0AB9A0BED824C38DB1530@BY2PR0301MB0694.namprd03.prod.outlook.com>

I will be there, Bob.

Spence

From: wa8ycd at hotmail.com [mailto:wa8ycd at hotmail.com] On Behalf Of Bob West
Sent: Monday, September 07, 2015 5:05 PM
To: MWA Mail Reflector <w8mwa at mailman.qth.net>; Alan Carpenter <w8op at comcast.net>; Chuck McClain <mcclainct at comcast.net>; Allen Harris <lalk92 at comcast.net>; Randy Williams <randylwilliams54 at gmail.com>; Spencer Graham <Spencer.Graham at mail.wvu.edu>; Mabel Norene Arnold <marnold9651 at gmail.com>; Joe Radcliff <wvham at comcast.net>
Cc: Mike Palmer <gmikepalmer at comcast.net>; Michael DeHaan KD8ZMV <thorgard12 at gmail.com>; Libby DeHaan KD8ZMW <kd8zmw at gmail.com>
Subject: VEs NEEDED FOR SPECIAL EXAM SESSION

QST QST QST  - VEs NEEDED FOR EXAM SESSION

NASA IV&V   ON TECHNOLOGY DR   FAIRMONT
OCTOBER 3, 2015.

CRASH REVIEW FROM 9:00 AM UNTIL NOON.
VEs NEEDED AFTER NOON FOR EXAM SESSION.

THIS IS THE TUBESAT PROJECT AT NASA. TECH
EXAMS ARE EXPECTED SO GENERAL AND
ADVANCED CLASS VEs CAN HELP.

QST QST QST - VEs NEEDED FOR EXAM SESSION


73 WA8YCD     wa8ycd at hotmail.com<mailto:wa8ycd at hotmail.com>




Cheers,
...Bob West WA8YCD
________________________________
Think outside of the box? Dude! I've been outside so long I have forgotten what was actually IN the box in the first place!
________________________________

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From wvunderground at gmail.com  Thu Sep 17 22:55:00 2015
From: wvunderground at gmail.com (Josh Prichard)
Date: Thu, 17 Sep 2015 22:55:00 -0400
Subject: [W8MWA] Road map to the future?
Message-ID: <CADRdUyB2SKDVxLVXaUtjPNEADwbSS+6jKRnvg-pkCODFBE+0vQ@mail.gmail.com>

So this was my first visit to the club and it has left me a little confused
about the situation.  This first visit I wanted to see how the club was and
whether it was a club worth joining or not.  Seems like the club may be
divided on a lot of things.

Forgive me if I get the names wrong as I honestly stink at names.....

Michael gave a pretty darn good speech about the organization of the club.
He hit on many good points.  Mainly... where is this club heading and how
to get more members?  Spence hit on the future too.  The topic was changed
and on went the meeting.  Dean brought up that he has echolink/irlp ready
to link into the repeater and soon the topic was changed.  The future won't
happen unless some changes are made and the meeting discussions kinda stick
to one topic instead of floating around and avoiding topics.  Perhaps get a
roster of topics for the meeting then allot time to each topic.

I'll be new to the club so I don't expect what I have to say to hold much
weight as whom wants a new guy coming in and shaking the tree.  I'm curious
as to what is growing in this tree and plan to to shake it hard.  So to get
to my point.... I still have the question on where this club is going and
would like to get a discussion going on the topic.

Fusion was mentioned as a possible repeater implementation.
I'm a  big fan of DMR as I have expressed in previous postings.
DStar I hear a lot of complaints about and would want to avoid all
together.

The fusion repeaters can handle both digital/analog.  Can be linked with
other repeaters over the internet.

The dmr repeaters are pretty much the same.  Can be both digital/analog and
linked to many talkgroups over the internet as well.

Since internet is already planned for the repeater sites.... if it
happens.... the phone line to the repeater site could be disconnected and
the club could save that much money a month.  We also would have internet
in place for these digital systems.

As of right now I do believe the fusion would be cheaper for the club to
get a repeater on the air assuming the deal is still available from Yaesu.
DMR costs a tad more for the repeater but is still affordable.  The trade
off is on the users side.  Fusion radios are yaesu branded so they cost
more for users to use.  DMR has the Chinese radios coming out along with
Motorola and a few other brands.  It is cheaper for the user to start into
digital territory.

So my thoughts..... Morgantown don't have any digital repeaters that I'm
aware of.  The club could be the first to offer such a thing and perhaps
would draw in more members.  I love playing with new modes and I would
assume a lot of other hams do as well.  Since the Yaesu repeater would cost
the club less.... perhaps get one and replace the current VHF repeater and
run it in dual analog/digital mode so at least people whom don't have the
digital radios yet can still talk on the repeater.  Later on if the club
starts to get more memebers or something comes along... try to replace the
UHF repeater with a DMR repeater.  This would give the Morgantown area the
best of both digital worlds.  Perhaps if the club makes it this far....
start to work with our neighbor clubs.... get them on the digital bandwagon
and start to create a system that would put the ham talk system to shame.
As of right now I believe there is 1 fusion system and 4 dmr systems in
West Virginia.

Either direction the club would take would at least open it up to more
activity as both systems can be linked to other repeaters/talkgroups.  If
not digital right now at least think about opening up and letting
echolink/irlp get connected up.  I ran echolink for a while into the local
repeater where I used to live and never had a problem out of it.

Thoughts?

Also wow this ran longer than I had expected.....
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From monongalia.wireless at gmail.com  Fri Sep 18 21:42:21 2015
From: monongalia.wireless at gmail.com (MWA Club Mail)
Date: Fri, 18 Sep 2015 21:42:21 -0400
Subject: [W8MWA] Road map to the future?
In-Reply-To: <CADRdUyB2SKDVxLVXaUtjPNEADwbSS+6jKRnvg-pkCODFBE+0vQ@mail.gmail.com>
References: <CADRdUyB2SKDVxLVXaUtjPNEADwbSS+6jKRnvg-pkCODFBE+0vQ@mail.gmail.com>
Message-ID: <E7ABA9A7-F243-49C7-9BD4-C34F5906D95D@gmail.com>

Hello Josh, 

First of all, welcome to the Morgantown area, I hope you find it to be a great place to live and please feel free to get in touch if you need anything radio related or not.

Second of all thank you for coming to our meeting on Tuesday. I will attempt to address your comments/ questions inline below. 

73,
--
Josh Smith - President MWA
KD8HRX

Email/jabber: juicewvu at gmail.com
Phone: 304.237.9369(c)

Sent from my iPhone. 

> On Sep 17, 2015, at 10:55 PM, Josh Prichard <wvunderground at gmail.com> wrote:
> 
> So this was my first visit to the club and it has left me a little confused about the situation.  This first visit I wanted to see how the club was and whether it was a club worth joining or not.  Seems like the club may be divided on a lot of things.

Again, thank you for joining us. While I cannot make your decision as to weather or not the club is worth joining, I can say that I've been a member for nearly a decade now and believe it's more than worth the time and relatively inexpensive yearly dies required to be a member. As with any group of people there are definitely some differences of opinion, however I don't believe the club is too deeply divided on many serious issues. 

> 
> Forgive me if I get the names wrong as I honestly stink at names.....
> 
> Michael gave a pretty darn good speech about the organization of the club. 

Yes Michael did give a great presentation and as he mentioned has. Astringent background in helping organizations develop and grow. Speaking as the current president of the club, I look forward to hopefully getting the ball rolling toward implementing some of the ideas he mentioned. 

> He hit on many good points.  Mainly... where is this club heading and how to get more members? 

I never really thought about it before Michael mentioned it but I do believe one of the issues with the club is that for a long time we've tried the be everything to everybody and now is probably. Good time to step back, decide what we want our main area(s) of focus to be and start to focus on them. 

> Spence hit on the future too.  The topic was changed and on went the meeting. 

I agree Spence brought up some excellent points regarding our repeater. We kind of expect it to be there when we want/need it and Bill puts a ton of hard work into making sure it is. But as a club we (at least in the time I've been involved) haven't put any thought or effort into planning for its future and deciding what it might be. 

> Dean brought up that he has echolink/irlp ready to link into the repeater and soon the topic was changed. 

I know historically the previous trustee of the repeater was against the use of these type of systems and immediately dismissed linking them to our repeater. However the trustee changed in recent years so it's probably something we should more seriously revisit. I'll speak with Dean regarding this and we can add it to the agenda for next months meeting. 

> The future won't happen unless some changes are made and the meeting discussions kinda stick to one topic instead of floating around and avoiding topics. 

I don't feel that any topics were intentionally avoided but perhaps that's because I'm seeing things through my own eyes. I do agree with you that a more stringent agenda would likely be helpful for the meetings. 

> Perhaps get a roster of topics for the meeting then allot time to each topic.  
> 
> I'll be new to the club so I don't expect what I have to say to hold much weight as whom wants a new guy coming in and shaking the tree.  I'm curious as to what is growing in this tree and plan to to shake it hard.  So to get to my point.... I still have the question on where this club is going and would like to get a discussion going on the topic.  

Outside perspectives are often the most accurate. I appreciate your well thought out comments and  welcome you shaking the tree as vigorously as you would like in the future. 

> 
> Fusion was mentioned as a possible repeater implementation.
> I'm a  big fan of DMR as I have expressed in previous postings.
> DStar I hear a lot of complaints about and would want to avoid all together.  
> 
> The fusion repeaters can handle both digital/analog.  Can be linked with other repeaters over the internet.  
> 
> The dmr repeaters are pretty much the same.  Can be both digital/analog and linked to many talkgroups over the internet as well.

I unfortunately do not know much about these technologies, especially fusion or dmr. I will say when estate was discussed a few years ago it was decided against due to the relatively (at the time) high cost of the "end use" radios. 

> 
> Since internet is already planned for the repeater sites.... if it happens.... the phone line to the repeater site could be disconnected and the club could save that much money a month.  We also would have internet in place for these digital systems.

I agree that the in-progress internet link to the repeater site will be a huge asset for the club for all of the reasons you mentioned plus probably a thousand others we haven't yet thought of. 

> 
> As of right now I do believe the fusion would be cheaper for the club to get a repeater on the air assuming the deal is still available from Yaesu. DMR costs a tad more for the repeater but is still affordable.  The trade off is on the users side.  Fusion radios are yaesu branded so they cost more for users to use.  DMR has the Chinese radios coming out along with Motorola and a few other brands.  It is cheaper for the user to start into digital territory.  

It seems you have a lot of knowledge about these digital repeater systems - would you be interested in giving an overview presentation  of them at a future. Lin meeting?

> 
> So my thoughts..... Morgantown don't have any digital repeaters that I'm aware of. 

That is correct. 

> The club could be the first to offer such a thing and perhaps would draw in more members. 
> I love playing with new modes and I would assume a lot of other hams do as well. 

I know I enjoy playing with new modes as well and have recently been doing a good bit of experimentation with high bandwidth digital links in the 2.4 and 5 ghz bands. 


> Since the Yaesu repeater would cost the club less.... perhaps get one and replace the current VHF repeater and run it in dual analog/digital mode so at least people whom don't have the digital radios yet can still talk on the repeater.

In my opinion we would be better off operating this in addition to instead of in place of our current repeater. However perhaps some more research on the fusion repeaters would change my opinion on this. 

> Later on if the club starts to get more memebers or something comes along... try to replace the UHF repeater with a DMR repeater.  This would give the Morgantown area the best of both digital worlds.  Perhaps if the club makes it this far.... start to work with our neighbor clubs.... get them on the digital bandwagon and start to create a system that would put the ham talk system to shame. 

I think this is a great goal as I think all (most of us) can agree the future is definitely digital. 

> As of right now I believe there is 1 fusion system and 4 dmr systems in West Virginia.

Do you know where these systems are located? 

> 
> Either direction the club would take would at least open it up to more activity as both systems can be linked to other repeaters/talkgroups.  If not digital right now at least think about opening up and letting echolink/irlp get connected up.  I ran echolink for a while into the local repeater where I used to live and never had a problem out of it.

May I ask where you used to live out of curiosity?

>  
> 
> Thoughts?
> 
> Also wow this ran longer than I had expected.....
> ______________________________________________________________
> W8MWA mailing list
> Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/w8mwa
> Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm
> Post: mailto:W8MWA at mailman.qth.net
> 
> This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net
> Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html

From wvunderground at gmail.com  Mon Sep 21 16:31:37 2015
From: wvunderground at gmail.com (Josh Prichard)
Date: Mon, 21 Sep 2015 16:31:37 -0400
Subject: [W8MWA] Road map to the future?
In-Reply-To: <E7ABA9A7-F243-49C7-9BD4-C34F5906D95D@gmail.com>
References: <CADRdUyB2SKDVxLVXaUtjPNEADwbSS+6jKRnvg-pkCODFBE+0vQ@mail.gmail.com>
	<E7ABA9A7-F243-49C7-9BD4-C34F5906D95D@gmail.com>
Message-ID: <CADRdUyCxXWLcQSbH+bW=hnmK461k_y2XUV3Bfae1zcS8rafQaw@mail.gmail.com>

Thanks Josh....

I'm hoping I didn't come off as harsh as that was not my intention.
Sometimes I do have problems getting my thoughts out correctly.  If so I do
apologize.

This is the club I'll join.  It seems like a club with good users.  Sure
there is a difference of opinion but that is any club.  Everyone was nice
and friendly.  I think the club has a good future.  Just gotta get everyone
back to being excited about it.

Being everything to everyone is kinda hard to do in a club setting.
Everyone has different ideas on what the club should be.

The future for the repeaters and etc... it would be nice to hear some
activity on the repeater.  I know with cell phones, ham radio is starting
to taper off on usage.  This is the reason why I was talking about
echolink.  Since I'm not usually in town but will be moving in soon.... I
had a want to talk on the local repeater up there.  Would have been nice to
be able to remote into the repeater and strike up a convo about local stuff
and start to make friends.  If someone is traveling that would also be a
nice addition as well.  Echolink is now on smart phones so one can download
it and boom instant radio that works away from home.

As of right now the digital repeaters in WV are as follows.....

*DMR which is separated into two different link networks.*

*DMR-MARC network - uses motorola dmr repeaters - has been active in the
states for some time*
Bluefield, WV 1 repeater
Beckley, WV 3 spread out to cover a lot of area.
See here for current map:  http://www.dmr-marc.net/repeaters.html

*DMRPlus - uses hytera dmr repeaters*
None yet in WV but its just now getting started in the states.

*FUSION*
Clarksburg 1 repeater
Pt. Pleasant 1 repeater

*DSTAR*
Mount Hope 1 repeater

Digital offers some nice features.  In doing some more research on
fusion... i agree with you that it would be nice to leave the current
analog system online and put a digital system in place as another
repeater.  To have the fusion in place of the analog system you would have
to run the output of the fusion in analog mode and the input in dual
digital/analog mode.  That would almost defeat the purpose of digital as it
adds an analog route in.  Sooooo my new suggestion based on the info I have
acquired.  Install a new fusion repeater and then perhaps link it into the
analog system later on.  Or perhaps start with a UHF DMR repeater then move
to fusion a little later on.  DMR we could also link into the analog vhf
repeater.  Would be nice to get a dmr repeater on the air at the university
club as well.. Could use the same talkgroups on both repeaters and have a
wide link network started.

So yes.... I will try to put together an info packet/presentation on the
digital systems for the next meeting.  I'm hoping my DMR dongle has came in
by then.  If so I'll setup a DMR hotspot and let the group take a test
drive.  I have been doing a few months worth of research into different
digital modes so I do have some info handy.

As a side note.... how this reflector is setup.... its a tad hard to carry
on a good conversation.  If you don't reply to the reflector you just reply
to the user and no one else really sees the reply.  I'm in the process of
setting up a DMR website that will hopefully group some info together for
those interested in DMR and possibly other digital modes.  I'm adding a
forum in as well.  I have a club forum setup on there as well that is only
avail to members of the club if anyone would be interested.  Otherwise
perhaps we can setup a forum on the w8mwa page.  It would allow everyone to
discuss club business in a better format and have separate areas for
members and non members of the club.  Plus an area to talk about anything
and everything under the sun.
Here is mine.... http://forum.dmrwv.com
It's a work in progress as I just started it.
Also if help is needed with the website I would be more than happy to
help.  I have quite a bit of experience with websites etc.

On Fri, Sep 18, 2015 at 9:42 PM, MWA Club Mail <
monongalia.wireless at gmail.com> wrote:

> Hello Josh,
>
> First of all, welcome to the Morgantown area, I hope you find it to be a
> great place to live and please feel free to get in touch if you need
> anything radio related or not.
>
> Second of all thank you for coming to our meeting on Tuesday. I will
> attempt to address your comments/ questions inline below.
>
> 73,
> --
> Josh Smith - President MWA
> KD8HRX
>
> Email/jabber: juicewvu at gmail.com
> Phone: 304.237.9369(c)
>
> Sent from my iPhone.
>
> > On Sep 17, 2015, at 10:55 PM, Josh Prichard <wvunderground at gmail.com>
> wrote:
> >
> > So this was my first visit to the club and it has left me a little
> confused about the situation.  This first visit I wanted to see how the
> club was and whether it was a club worth joining or not.  Seems like the
> club may be divided on a lot of things.
>
> Again, thank you for joining us. While I cannot make your decision as to
> weather or not the club is worth joining, I can say that I've been a member
> for nearly a decade now and believe it's more than worth the time and
> relatively inexpensive yearly dies required to be a member. As with any
> group of people there are definitely some differences of opinion, however I
> don't believe the club is too deeply divided on many serious issues.
>
> >
> > Forgive me if I get the names wrong as I honestly stink at names.....
> >
> > Michael gave a pretty darn good speech about the organization of the
> club.
>
> Yes Michael did give a great presentation and as he mentioned has.
> Astringent background in helping organizations develop and grow. Speaking
> as the current president of the club, I look forward to hopefully getting
> the ball rolling toward implementing some of the ideas he mentioned.
>
> > He hit on many good points.  Mainly... where is this club heading and
> how to get more members?
>
> I never really thought about it before Michael mentioned it but I do
> believe one of the issues with the club is that for a long time we've tried
> the be everything to everybody and now is probably. Good time to step back,
> decide what we want our main area(s) of focus to be and start to focus on
> them.
>
> > Spence hit on the future too.  The topic was changed and on went the
> meeting.
>
> I agree Spence brought up some excellent points regarding our repeater. We
> kind of expect it to be there when we want/need it and Bill puts a ton of
> hard work into making sure it is. But as a club we (at least in the time
> I've been involved) haven't put any thought or effort into planning for its
> future and deciding what it might be.
>
> > Dean brought up that he has echolink/irlp ready to link into the
> repeater and soon the topic was changed.
>
> I know historically the previous trustee of the repeater was against the
> use of these type of systems and immediately dismissed linking them to our
> repeater. However the trustee changed in recent years so it's probably
> something we should more seriously revisit. I'll speak with Dean regarding
> this and we can add it to the agenda for next months meeting.
>
> > The future won't happen unless some changes are made and the meeting
> discussions kinda stick to one topic instead of floating around and
> avoiding topics.
>
> I don't feel that any topics were intentionally avoided but perhaps that's
> because I'm seeing things through my own eyes. I do agree with you that a
> more stringent agenda would likely be helpful for the meetings.
>
> > Perhaps get a roster of topics for the meeting then allot time to each
> topic.
> >
> > I'll be new to the club so I don't expect what I have to say to hold
> much weight as whom wants a new guy coming in and shaking the tree.  I'm
> curious as to what is growing in this tree and plan to to shake it hard.
> So to get to my point.... I still have the question on where this club is
> going and would like to get a discussion going on the topic.
>
> Outside perspectives are often the most accurate. I appreciate your well
> thought out comments and  welcome you shaking the tree as vigorously as you
> would like in the future.
>
> >
> > Fusion was mentioned as a possible repeater implementation.
> > I'm a  big fan of DMR as I have expressed in previous postings.
> > DStar I hear a lot of complaints about and would want to avoid all
> together.
> >
> > The fusion repeaters can handle both digital/analog.  Can be linked with
> other repeaters over the internet.
> >
> > The dmr repeaters are pretty much the same.  Can be both digital/analog
> and linked to many talkgroups over the internet as well.
>
> I unfortunately do not know much about these technologies, especially
> fusion or dmr. I will say when estate was discussed a few years ago it was
> decided against due to the relatively (at the time) high cost of the "end
> use" radios.
>
> >
> > Since internet is already planned for the repeater sites.... if it
> happens.... the phone line to the repeater site could be disconnected and
> the club could save that much money a month.  We also would have internet
> in place for these digital systems.
>
> I agree that the in-progress internet link to the repeater site will be a
> huge asset for the club for all of the reasons you mentioned plus probably
> a thousand others we haven't yet thought of.
>
> >
> > As of right now I do believe the fusion would be cheaper for the club to
> get a repeater on the air assuming the deal is still available from Yaesu.
> DMR costs a tad more for the repeater but is still affordable.  The trade
> off is on the users side.  Fusion radios are yaesu branded so they cost
> more for users to use.  DMR has the Chinese radios coming out along with
> Motorola and a few other brands.  It is cheaper for the user to start into
> digital territory.
>
> It seems you have a lot of knowledge about these digital repeater systems
> - would you be interested in giving an overview presentation  of them at a
> future. Lin meeting?
>
> >
> > So my thoughts..... Morgantown don't have any digital repeaters that I'm
> aware of.
>
> That is correct.
>
> > The club could be the first to offer such a thing and perhaps would draw
> in more members.
> > I love playing with new modes and I would assume a lot of other hams do
> as well.
>
> I know I enjoy playing with new modes as well and have recently been doing
> a good bit of experimentation with high bandwidth digital links in the 2.4
> and 5 ghz bands.
>
>
> > Since the Yaesu repeater would cost the club less.... perhaps get one
> and replace the current VHF repeater and run it in dual analog/digital mode
> so at least people whom don't have the digital radios yet can still talk on
> the repeater.
>
> In my opinion we would be better off operating this in addition to instead
> of in place of our current repeater. However perhaps some more research on
> the fusion repeaters would change my opinion on this.
>
> > Later on if the club starts to get more memebers or something comes
> along... try to replace the UHF repeater with a DMR repeater.  This would
> give the Morgantown area the best of both digital worlds.  Perhaps if the
> club makes it this far.... start to work with our neighbor clubs.... get
> them on the digital bandwagon and start to create a system that would put
> the ham talk system to shame.
>
> I think this is a great goal as I think all (most of us) can agree the
> future is definitely digital.
>
> > As of right now I believe there is 1 fusion system and 4 dmr systems in
> West Virginia.
>
> Do you know where these systems are located?
>
> >
> > Either direction the club would take would at least open it up to more
> activity as both systems can be linked to other repeaters/talkgroups.  If
> not digital right now at least think about opening up and letting
> echolink/irlp get connected up.  I ran echolink for a while into the local
> repeater where I used to live and never had a problem out of it.
>
> May I ask where you used to live out of curiosity?
>
> >
> >
> > Thoughts?
> >
> > Also wow this ran longer than I had expected.....
> > ______________________________________________________________
> > W8MWA mailing list
> > Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/w8mwa
> > Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm
> > Post: mailto:W8MWA at mailman.qth.net
> >
> > This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net
> > Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
>
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From wa8ycd at arrl.net  Mon Sep 21 20:43:58 2015
From: wa8ycd at arrl.net (Bob West)
Date: Mon, 21 Sep 2015 20:43:58 -0400
Subject: [W8MWA] lunar eclipse at SUPERmoon Sep 27
Message-ID: <BAY179-W687DC31553A5C8FC1909E99F450@phx.gbl>

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vKAw_wrIr5s


Cheers,
...Bob West WA8YCD
Think outside of the box? Dude! I've been outside so long I have forgotten what was actually IN the box in the first place!
 		 	   		  
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From juicewvu at gmail.com  Tue Sep 22 21:02:15 2015
From: juicewvu at gmail.com (Josh Smith)
Date: Tue, 22 Sep 2015 21:02:15 -0400
Subject: [W8MWA] Road map to the future?
In-Reply-To: <CADRdUyCxXWLcQSbH+bW=hnmK461k_y2XUV3Bfae1zcS8rafQaw@mail.gmail.com>
References: <CADRdUyB2SKDVxLVXaUtjPNEADwbSS+6jKRnvg-pkCODFBE+0vQ@mail.gmail.com>
	<E7ABA9A7-F243-49C7-9BD4-C34F5906D95D@gmail.com>
	<CADRdUyCxXWLcQSbH+bW=hnmK461k_y2XUV3Bfae1zcS8rafQaw@mail.gmail.com>
Message-ID: <CAFN8_47t7Ru407_B-yiDGycQCU7R3BXXAGjHak=58vuJ9kFGmw@mail.gmail.com>

Hello Josh,

Please see my comments inline again.

Josh Smith
KD8HRX
email/jabber:  juicewvu at gmail.com
phone:  304.237.9369(c)


On Mon, Sep 21, 2015 at 4:31 PM, Josh Prichard <wvunderground at gmail.com>
wrote:

> Thanks Josh....
>
> I'm hoping I didn't come off as harsh as that was not my intention.
> Sometimes I do have problems getting my thoughts out correctly.  If so I do
> apologize.
>

You didn't come across as harsh.  No need to apologize.


>
> This is the club I'll join.  It seems like a club with good users.  Sure
> there is a difference of opinion but that is any club.  Everyone was nice
> and friendly.  I think the club has a good future.  Just gotta get everyone
> back to being excited about it.
>

Thank you for joining our club.  I think you'll find its a good club and
worth the investment of your time and effort.


>
> Being everything to everyone is kinda hard to do in a club setting.
> Everyone has different ideas on what the club should be.
>
> The future for the repeaters and etc... it would be nice to hear some
> activity on the repeater.
>

I agree it would be nice to hear some activity outside of the Monday
evening net, I have no room to talk here though because I am as guilty as
anyone of not using the repeater.


>   I know with cell phones, ham radio is starting to taper off on usage.
>

I agree with this with respect to the local repeater as a means to foster
communication amongst hams in the local area.  I also think that the
ubiquity of emaill/instant messaging/text messaging has as much or more to
do with this than the cell phone does.  Just think 10 or 15 years ago we
would probably be having this discussion on the repeater instead of over
email.  I don't necessarily think this is all a bad thing though.  At least
email is easier to store and keep a record of for later reference.



> This is the reason why I was talking about echolink.  Since I'm not
> usually in town but will be moving in soon.... I had a want to talk on the
> local repeater up there.  Would have been nice to be able to remote into
> the repeater and strike up a convo about local stuff and start to make
> friends.  If someone is traveling that would also be a nice addition as
> well.  Echolink is now on smart phones so one can download it and boom
> instant radio that works away from home.
>

Echolink is definitely interesting and a useful mode.  I've experimented
with it in the past and useful to access a local repeater when away from
the area.  Unfortunately as you've noticed there isn't much activity on our
repeater currently so I'm not sure how much luck you would have had
striking up a conversation even if it were accessible via echolink.


>
>
> As of right now the digital repeaters in WV are as follows.....
>
> *DMR which is separated into two different link networks.*
>
> *DMR-MARC network - uses motorola dmr repeaters - has been active in the
> states for some time*
> Bluefield, WV 1 repeater
> Beckley, WV 3 spread out to cover a lot of area.
> See here for current map:  http://www.dmr-marc.net/repeaters.html
>

Thanks for the information and the link to the map.  I am glad to know
there is a presence in the Beckley area as it is where I am originally from
and still travel there often to visit family.  I may try to pick up a cheap
DMR HT before I head down there the next time and try to access them.  Do
you have any recommendations for such an HT?

>
>
> *DMRPlus - uses hytera dmr repeaters*
> None yet in WV but its just now getting started in the states.
>
> *FUSION*
> Clarksburg 1 repeater
> Pt. Pleasant 1 repeater
>
> *DSTAR*
> Mount Hope 1 repeater
>
> Digital offers some nice features.
>

It's definitely more bandwidth efficient and I also like the slow speed
data and text messaging capabilities present in most digital solutions.


> In doing some more research on fusion... i agree with you that it would be
> nice to leave the current analog system online and put a digital system in
> place as another repeater.
>

I think this is a requirement not just a nice to have.  Like it or not
Analog has too large of a footprint to just do away with anytime in the
near future and its proven technology.  I know our repeater has been used
more than once to coordinate communications to areas otherwise cut off due
to winter storms even as recently as 4 or 5 years ago.  I was
(un)fortunately out of town when that storm hit and was not able to
participate so someone else on the list can provide more details of this
event.  I think until such time as everyone has digital radios and the
system has proven itself to be as reliable there will be a lot of
reluctance to get rid of the current analog system.



> To have the fusion in place of the analog system you would have to run the
> output of the fusion in analog mode and the input in dual digital/analog
> mode.  That would almost defeat the purpose of digital as it adds an analog
> route in.  Sooooo my new suggestion based on the info I have acquired.
> Install a new fusion repeater and then perhaps link it into the analog
> system later on.
>

I like this idea.  Unfortunately I do not know if space is available at the
current repeater site or if we'd have to look for an alternate site to host
a new repeater.  It's something we should discuss as we go forward with
deciding what the future of our repeater looks like.


> Or perhaps start with a UHF DMR repeater then move to fusion a little
> later on.
>

We currently have an analog repeater that is in some form of disrepair.  I
really like the idea of making our UHF frequencies our "experimental"
repeater and I think we should investigate using any/all of the digital
repeater modes on this frequency.



> DMR we could also link into the analog vhf repeater.  Would be nice to get
> a dmr repeater on the air at the university club as well..
>

As you might have noticed from some of the discussions the university club
is pretty much defunct right now but Dr. Vanscoy is trying very hard to
revive it.  Hopefully she is successful and if she is we could embark on a
project like this.


> Could use the same talkgroups on both repeaters and have a wide link
> network started.
>

Just curious - I know that with some of the digital modes (DSTAR in
particular) linking over the air is not possible and all links must be over
the internet.  Is the same true for DMR or is it possible to link multiple
DMR repeaters using only RF?



>
> So yes.... I will try to put together an info packet/presentation on the
> digital systems for the next meeting.
>

Thank you very much for trying to put this together.  The next meeting will
be on October 20.  Would it be possible to let me know by the 13th if you
will be able to put together the presentation or not so we have a bit of
time to put together an alternate?



> I'm hoping my DMR dongle has came in by then.  If so I'll setup a DMR
> hotspot and let the group take a test drive.  I have been doing a few
> months worth of research into different digital modes so I do have some
> info handy.
>

Great.  I am very interested in theys technology and would love to see it
in action.


>
> As a side note.... how this reflector is setup.... its a tad hard to carry
> on a good conversation.  If you don't reply to the reflector you just reply
> to the user and no one else really sees the reply.
>

The reflector is set up pretty much identically to any email list I have
ever used and having been in the IT industry for a while I have subscribed
and continue to subscribe to lots of mailing lists.  Looking back at my
reply it went to both you (in the to: field) and the list (in the cc:
field) and looking at my email archive I did receive my reply via the list
so all subscribers should have seen it.  Please let me know if you have any
specific questions regarding the list.



> I'm in the process of setting up a DMR website that will hopefully group
> some info together for those interested in DMR and possibly other digital
> modes.
>

Great, I've spent some time reading a bit about DMR the past few evenings
and while there is a lot of information out there it seems to be scattered
all over the interwebs.  A central place that collects a lot of this
information would be very valuable.


> I'm adding a forum in as well.  I have a club forum setup on there as well
> that is only avail to members of the club if anyone would be interested.
> Otherwise perhaps we can setup a forum on the w8mwa page.
>
  It would allow everyone to discuss club business in a better format and
> have separate areas for members and non members of the club.  Plus an area
> to talk about anything and everything under the sun.
>


It's just my personal preference but I much prefer mailing lists for this
type of discussion but by no means does my preference cary any weight.



> Here is mine.... http://forum.dmrwv.com
> It's a work in progress as I just started it.
> Also if help is needed with the website I would be more than happy to
> help.  I have quite a bit of experience with websites etc.
>

Thank you very much for the offer.  Randy Crowe (N80ZY) and Bill Shultz
(W8RS) are the primary care takers of the website.  They are both
subscribed to the list and I'm sure will be reading this.  But do mention
it to them during the next club meeting.

 <snip>

Thanks,
Josh
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From deanot26508 at gmail.com  Tue Sep 22 22:35:54 2015
From: deanot26508 at gmail.com (Dean Thompson)
Date: Tue, 22 Sep 2015 22:35:54 -0400
Subject: [W8MWA] Road map to the future?
In-Reply-To: <CAFN8_47t7Ru407_B-yiDGycQCU7R3BXXAGjHak=58vuJ9kFGmw@mail.gmail.com>
References: <CADRdUyB2SKDVxLVXaUtjPNEADwbSS+6jKRnvg-pkCODFBE+0vQ@mail.gmail.com>
	<E7ABA9A7-F243-49C7-9BD4-C34F5906D95D@gmail.com>
	<CADRdUyCxXWLcQSbH+bW=hnmK461k_y2XUV3Bfae1zcS8rafQaw@mail.gmail.com>
	<CAFN8_47t7Ru407_B-yiDGycQCU7R3BXXAGjHak=58vuJ9kFGmw@mail.gmail.com>
Message-ID: <CAAkYMAbNDxdK1u_Ac0unfDok9BCGUPw9EnESwYNWsPEudxetvA@mail.gmail.com>

I am not seeing any replies from other club members on this, I for one am
interested in getting my echolink box set up on a local repeater, if not
this one I will try the WVU repeater.  Echolink does have some advantages,
example being... One of our hams moved away just over a year ago, would it
not be nice for him to stop in and say hi on the Monday net?.  As Josh
mentioned, it is also nice for when we are out of town.

We need more feedback on this, more replies as this affects us all in some
way or another. Josh has made some good points, and I look forward to
moving forward on some of these ideas.  First we need to either replace the
aged repeater or repair it, having a digital mode would be nice also.

What is the situation for a new repeater? can we afford one? do we need to
chip in, raise some funding somehow?

http://www.yaesu.com/indexVS.cfm?cmd=DisplayProducts&ProdCatID=249&encProdID=4105F1B8AE65079CAD2D26735B83B302
this is the system fusion repeater if anyone is interested, and I just
noticed it uses C4FM which is what my Yeasu 991 can run, so that is a plus
for me.. lol

I don't know if this is bogus or not, but the above repeater is $500 on a
club special, see here
http://www.radioinc.com/oscmax/catalog/product_info.php?products_id=3791

I hope to see you all at the next meeting, Josh and Josh, keep up the chat,
I feel some headway is being made.

Dean (KD8YNY)

On Tue, Sep 22, 2015 at 9:02 PM, Josh Smith <juicewvu at gmail.com> wrote:

> Hello Josh,
>
> Please see my comments inline again.
>
> Josh Smith
> KD8HRX
> email/jabber:  juicewvu at gmail.com
> phone:  304.237.9369(c)
>
>
> On Mon, Sep 21, 2015 at 4:31 PM, Josh Prichard <wvunderground at gmail.com>
> wrote:
>
>> Thanks Josh....
>>
>> I'm hoping I didn't come off as harsh as that was not my intention.
>> Sometimes I do have problems getting my thoughts out correctly.  If so I do
>> apologize.
>>
>
> You didn't come across as harsh.  No need to apologize.
>
>
>>
>> This is the club I'll join.  It seems like a club with good users.  Sure
>> there is a difference of opinion but that is any club.  Everyone was nice
>> and friendly.  I think the club has a good future.  Just gotta get everyone
>> back to being excited about it.
>>
>
> Thank you for joining our club.  I think you'll find its a good club and
> worth the investment of your time and effort.
>
>
>>
>> Being everything to everyone is kinda hard to do in a club setting.
>> Everyone has different ideas on what the club should be.
>>
>> The future for the repeaters and etc... it would be nice to hear some
>> activity on the repeater.
>>
>
> I agree it would be nice to hear some activity outside of the Monday
> evening net, I have no room to talk here though because I am as guilty as
> anyone of not using the repeater.
>
>
>>   I know with cell phones, ham radio is starting to taper off on usage.
>>
>
> I agree with this with respect to the local repeater as a means to foster
> communication amongst hams in the local area.  I also think that the
> ubiquity of emaill/instant messaging/text messaging has as much or more to
> do with this than the cell phone does.  Just think 10 or 15 years ago we
> would probably be having this discussion on the repeater instead of over
> email.  I don't necessarily think this is all a bad thing though.  At least
> email is easier to store and keep a record of for later reference.
>
>
>
>> This is the reason why I was talking about echolink.  Since I'm not
>> usually in town but will be moving in soon.... I had a want to talk on the
>> local repeater up there.  Would have been nice to be able to remote into
>> the repeater and strike up a convo about local stuff and start to make
>> friends.  If someone is traveling that would also be a nice addition as
>> well.  Echolink is now on smart phones so one can download it and boom
>> instant radio that works away from home.
>>
>
> Echolink is definitely interesting and a useful mode.  I've experimented
> with it in the past and useful to access a local repeater when away from
> the area.  Unfortunately as you've noticed there isn't much activity on our
> repeater currently so I'm not sure how much luck you would have had
> striking up a conversation even if it were accessible via echolink.
>
>
>>
>>
>> As of right now the digital repeaters in WV are as follows.....
>>
>> *DMR which is separated into two different link networks.*
>>
>> *DMR-MARC network - uses motorola dmr repeaters - has been active in the
>> states for some time*
>> Bluefield, WV 1 repeater
>> Beckley, WV 3 spread out to cover a lot of area.
>> See here for current map:  http://www.dmr-marc.net/repeaters.html
>>
>
> Thanks for the information and the link to the map.  I am glad to know
> there is a presence in the Beckley area as it is where I am originally from
> and still travel there often to visit family.  I may try to pick up a cheap
> DMR HT before I head down there the next time and try to access them.  Do
> you have any recommendations for such an HT?
>
>>
>>
>> *DMRPlus - uses hytera dmr repeaters*
>> None yet in WV but its just now getting started in the states.
>>
>> *FUSION*
>> Clarksburg 1 repeater
>> Pt. Pleasant 1 repeater
>>
>> *DSTAR*
>> Mount Hope 1 repeater
>>
>> Digital offers some nice features.
>>
>
> It's definitely more bandwidth efficient and I also like the slow speed
> data and text messaging capabilities present in most digital solutions.
>
>
>> In doing some more research on fusion... i agree with you that it would
>> be nice to leave the current analog system online and put a digital system
>> in place as another repeater.
>>
>
> I think this is a requirement not just a nice to have.  Like it or not
> Analog has too large of a footprint to just do away with anytime in the
> near future and its proven technology.  I know our repeater has been used
> more than once to coordinate communications to areas otherwise cut off due
> to winter storms even as recently as 4 or 5 years ago.  I was
> (un)fortunately out of town when that storm hit and was not able to
> participate so someone else on the list can provide more details of this
> event.  I think until such time as everyone has digital radios and the
> system has proven itself to be as reliable there will be a lot of
> reluctance to get rid of the current analog system.
>
>
>
>> To have the fusion in place of the analog system you would have to run
>> the output of the fusion in analog mode and the input in dual
>> digital/analog mode.  That would almost defeat the purpose of digital as it
>> adds an analog route in.  Sooooo my new suggestion based on the info I have
>> acquired.  Install a new fusion repeater and then perhaps link it into the
>> analog system later on.
>>
>
> I like this idea.  Unfortunately I do not know if space is available at
> the current repeater site or if we'd have to look for an alternate site to
> host a new repeater.  It's something we should discuss as we go forward
> with deciding what the future of our repeater looks like.
>
>
>> Or perhaps start with a UHF DMR repeater then move to fusion a little
>> later on.
>>
>
> We currently have an analog repeater that is in some form of disrepair.  I
> really like the idea of making our UHF frequencies our "experimental"
> repeater and I think we should investigate using any/all of the digital
> repeater modes on this frequency.
>
>
>
>> DMR we could also link into the analog vhf repeater.  Would be nice to
>> get a dmr repeater on the air at the university club as well..
>>
>
> As you might have noticed from some of the discussions the university club
> is pretty much defunct right now but Dr. Vanscoy is trying very hard to
> revive it.  Hopefully she is successful and if she is we could embark on a
> project like this.
>
>
>> Could use the same talkgroups on both repeaters and have a wide link
>> network started.
>>
>
> Just curious - I know that with some of the digital modes (DSTAR in
> particular) linking over the air is not possible and all links must be over
> the internet.  Is the same true for DMR or is it possible to link multiple
> DMR repeaters using only RF?
>
>
>
>>
>> So yes.... I will try to put together an info packet/presentation on the
>> digital systems for the next meeting.
>>
>
> Thank you very much for trying to put this together.  The next meeting
> will be on October 20.  Would it be possible to let me know by the 13th if
> you will be able to put together the presentation or not so we have a bit
> of time to put together an alternate?
>
>
>
>> I'm hoping my DMR dongle has came in by then.  If so I'll setup a DMR
>> hotspot and let the group take a test drive.  I have been doing a few
>> months worth of research into different digital modes so I do have some
>> info handy.
>>
>
> Great.  I am very interested in theys technology and would love to see it
> in action.
>
>
>>
>> As a side note.... how this reflector is setup.... its a tad hard to
>> carry on a good conversation.  If you don't reply to the reflector you just
>> reply to the user and no one else really sees the reply.
>>
>
> The reflector is set up pretty much identically to any email list I have
> ever used and having been in the IT industry for a while I have subscribed
> and continue to subscribe to lots of mailing lists.  Looking back at my
> reply it went to both you (in the to: field) and the list (in the cc:
> field) and looking at my email archive I did receive my reply via the list
> so all subscribers should have seen it.  Please let me know if you have any
> specific questions regarding the list.
>
>
>
>> I'm in the process of setting up a DMR website that will hopefully group
>> some info together for those interested in DMR and possibly other digital
>> modes.
>>
>
> Great, I've spent some time reading a bit about DMR the past few evenings
> and while there is a lot of information out there it seems to be scattered
> all over the interwebs.  A central place that collects a lot of this
> information would be very valuable.
>
>
>> I'm adding a forum in as well.  I have a club forum setup on there as
>> well that is only avail to members of the club if anyone would be
>> interested.  Otherwise perhaps we can setup a forum on the w8mwa page.
>>
>   It would allow everyone to discuss club business in a better format and
>> have separate areas for members and non members of the club.  Plus an area
>> to talk about anything and everything under the sun.
>>
>
>
> It's just my personal preference but I much prefer mailing lists for this
> type of discussion but by no means does my preference cary any weight.
>
>
>
>> Here is mine.... http://forum.dmrwv.com
>> It's a work in progress as I just started it.
>> Also if help is needed with the website I would be more than happy to
>> help.  I have quite a bit of experience with websites etc.
>>
>
> Thank you very much for the offer.  Randy Crowe (N80ZY) and Bill Shultz
> (W8RS) are the primary care takers of the website.  They are both
> subscribed to the list and I'm sure will be reading this.  But do mention
> it to them during the next club meeting.
>
>  <snip>
>
> Thanks,
> Josh
>
>
> ______________________________________________________________
> W8MWA mailing list
> Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/w8mwa
> Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm
> Post: mailto:W8MWA at mailman.qth.net
>
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>
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From juicewvu at gmail.com  Tue Sep 22 23:32:51 2015
From: juicewvu at gmail.com (Joshua Smith)
Date: Tue, 22 Sep 2015 23:32:51 -0400
Subject: [W8MWA] Road map to the future?
In-Reply-To: <CAAkYMAbNDxdK1u_Ac0unfDok9BCGUPw9EnESwYNWsPEudxetvA@mail.gmail.com>
References: <CADRdUyB2SKDVxLVXaUtjPNEADwbSS+6jKRnvg-pkCODFBE+0vQ@mail.gmail.com>
	<E7ABA9A7-F243-49C7-9BD4-C34F5906D95D@gmail.com>
	<CADRdUyCxXWLcQSbH+bW=hnmK461k_y2XUV3Bfae1zcS8rafQaw@mail.gmail.com>
	<CAFN8_47t7Ru407_B-yiDGycQCU7R3BXXAGjHak=58vuJ9kFGmw@mail.gmail.com>
	<CAAkYMAbNDxdK1u_Ac0unfDok9BCGUPw9EnESwYNWsPEudxetvA@mail.gmail.com>
Message-ID: <9218FC4A-2812-4925-9550-38CEE6C43476@gmail.com>

Dean,
Thanks for your input. Please see my comments again they are inline below. 

73,
--
Josh Smith
KD8HRX

Email/jabber: juicewvu at gmail.com
Phone: 304.237.9369(c)

Sent from my iPhone. 

> On Sep 22, 2015, at 10:35 PM, Dean Thompson <deanot26508 at gmail.com> wrote:
> 
> I am not seeing any replies from other club members on this,
> I for one am interested in getting my echolink box set up on a local repeater, if not this one I will try the WVU repeater.  Echolink does have some advantages, example being... One of our hams moved away just over a year ago, would it not be nice for him to stop in and say hi on the Monday net?.  As Josh mentioned, it is also nice for when we are out of town.


I agree echo link has some nice use sees and I would like to see it available on the MWA repeater. Although I think the ability to break/reestablish this link from the repeater side and I am not sure what is involved in making that a possibility. 

> 
> We need more feedback on this, more replies as this affects us all in some way or another.

We definitely need feedback from everyone in the club. Most importantly from Bill(WR8S) as the technical person who takes care of the repeater and from Randy (N8OZY) as the repeater trustee. 

hopefully they are able to weigh in on this via email but if not we have a good topic to address in the October meeting. 

> Josh has made some good points, and I look forward to moving forward on some of these ideas.  First we need to either replace the aged repeater or repair it, having a digital mode would be nice also.

I agree our number one priority needs to be in repairing the repeater (even if that means replacing some of the equipment). I also would like to see us have a digital repeater of some sort in addition to our existing analog repeater NOT in place of as I think asking everyone to replace their existing equipment just to access the repeater would be a disaster for the club. 

> 
> What is the situation for a new repeater? can we afford one? do we need to chip in, raise some funding somehow?

I think we need to first get the existing repeater back to its optimal condition and see what that does to our funds. Then we can start to plan for expanding our repeater system - hopefully into the digital space. 

> 
> http://www.yaesu.com/indexVS.cfm?cmd=DisplayProducts&ProdCatID=249&encProdID=4105F1B8AE65079CAD2D26735B83B302 this is the system fusion repeater if anyone is interested, and I just noticed it uses C4FM which is what my Yeasu 991 can run, so that is a plus for me.. lol

That seems like a good deal on the repeater. Unfortunately I believe most of the expenses with building out a new repeater will be in the ancillary things that go along with it - antennas, feed line, duplexes, filters, etc. 

> 
> I don't know if this is bogus or not, but the above repeater is $500 on a club special, see here http://www.radioinc.com/oscmax/catalog/product_info.php?products_id=3791
> 
> I hope to see you all at the next meeting, Josh and Josh, keep up the chat, I feel some headway is being made.

Thanks again for the input. 
> 
> Dean (KD8YNY)
> 
>> On Tue, Sep 22, 2015 at 9:02 PM, Josh Smith <juicewvu at gmail.com> wrote:
>> Hello Josh,
>> 
>> Please see my comments inline again.
>> 
>> Josh Smith
>> KD8HRX
>> email/jabber:  juicewvu at gmail.com
>> phone:  304.237.9369(c)
>> 
>> 
>>> On Mon, Sep 21, 2015 at 4:31 PM, Josh Prichard <wvunderground at gmail.com> wrote:
>>> Thanks Josh....
>>> 
>>> I'm hoping I didn't come off as harsh as that was not my intention.  Sometimes I do have problems getting my thoughts out correctly.  If so I do apologize.  
>> 
>> You didn't come across as harsh.  No need to apologize.  
>>  
>>> 
>>> This is the club I'll join.  It seems like a club with good users.  Sure there is a difference of opinion but that is any club.  Everyone was nice and friendly.  I think the club has a good future.  Just gotta get everyone back to being excited about it.  
>> 
>> Thank you for joining our club.  I think you'll find its a good club and worth the investment of your time and effort.
>>  
>>> 
>>> Being everything to everyone is kinda hard to do in a club setting.  Everyone has different ideas on what the club should be.
>>> 
>>> The future for the repeaters and etc... it would be nice to hear some activity on the repeater.
>> 
>> I agree it would be nice to hear some activity outside of the Monday evening net, I have no room to talk here though because I am as guilty as anyone of not using the repeater.
>>  
>>>   I know with cell phones, ham radio is starting to taper off on usage. 
>> 
>> I agree with this with respect to the local repeater as a means to foster communication amongst hams in the local area.  I also think that the ubiquity of emaill/instant messaging/text messaging has as much or more to do with this than the cell phone does.  Just think 10 or 15 years ago we would probably be having this discussion on the repeater instead of over email.  I don't necessarily think this is all a bad thing though.  At least email is easier to store and keep a record of for later reference.
>> 
>>  
>>> This is the reason why I was talking about echolink.  Since I'm not usually in town but will be moving in soon.... I had a want to talk on the local repeater up there.  Would have been nice to be able to remote into the repeater and strike up a convo about local stuff and start to make friends.  If someone is traveling that would also be a nice addition as well.  Echolink is now on smart phones so one can download it and boom instant radio that works away from home.
>> 
>> Echolink is definitely interesting and a useful mode.  I've experimented with it in the past and useful to access a local repeater when away from the area.  Unfortunately as you've noticed there isn't much activity on our repeater currently so I'm not sure how much luck you would have had striking up a conversation even if it were accessible via echolink.
>>  
>>>  
>>> 
>>> As of right now the digital repeaters in WV are as follows.....
>>> 
>>> DMR which is separated into two different link networks.
>>> 
>>> DMR-MARC network - uses motorola dmr repeaters - has been active in the states for some time
>>> Bluefield, WV 1 repeater
>>> Beckley, WV 3 spread out to cover a lot of area.
>>> See here for current map:  http://www.dmr-marc.net/repeaters.html
>> 
>> Thanks for the information and the link to the map.  I am glad to know there is a presence in the Beckley area as it is where I am originally from and still travel there often to visit family.  I may try to pick up a cheap DMR HT before I head down there the next time and try to access them.  Do you have any recommendations for such an HT? 
>>> 
>>> 
>>> DMRPlus - uses hytera dmr repeaters
>>> None yet in WV but its just now getting started in the states.
>>> 
>>> FUSION
>>> Clarksburg 1 repeater
>>> Pt. Pleasant 1 repeater
>>> 
>>> DSTAR
>>> Mount Hope 1 repeater
>>> 
>>> Digital offers some nice features. 
>> 
>> It's definitely more bandwidth efficient and I also like the slow speed data and text messaging capabilities present in most digital solutions.
>>  
>>> In doing some more research on fusion... i agree with you that it would be nice to leave the current analog system online and put a digital system in place as another repeater. 
>> 
>> I think this is a requirement not just a nice to have.  Like it or not Analog has too large of a footprint to just do away with anytime in the near future and its proven technology.  I know our repeater has been used more than once to coordinate communications to areas otherwise cut off due to winter storms even as recently as 4 or 5 years ago.  I was (un)fortunately out of town when that storm hit and was not able to participate so someone else on the list can provide more details of this event.  I think until such time as everyone has digital radios and the system has proven itself to be as reliable there will be a lot of reluctance to get rid of the current analog system.
>> 
>>  
>>> To have the fusion in place of the analog system you would have to run the output of the fusion in analog mode and the input in dual digital/analog mode.  That would almost defeat the purpose of digital as it adds an analog route in.  Sooooo my new suggestion based on the info I have acquired.  Install a new fusion repeater and then perhaps link it into the analog system later on.  
>> 
>> I like this idea.  Unfortunately I do not know if space is available at the current repeater site or if we'd have to look for an alternate site to host a new repeater.  It's something we should discuss as we go forward with deciding what the future of our repeater looks like.
>>  
>>> Or perhaps start with a UHF DMR repeater then move to fusion a little later on. 
>> 
>> We currently have an analog repeater that is in some form of disrepair.  I really like the idea of making our UHF frequencies our "experimental" repeater and I think we should investigate using any/all of the digital repeater modes on this frequency.
>> 
>>  
>>> DMR we could also link into the analog vhf repeater.  Would be nice to get a dmr repeater on the air at the university club as well..
>> 
>> As you might have noticed from some of the discussions the university club is pretty much defunct right now but Dr. Vanscoy is trying very hard to revive it.  Hopefully she is successful and if she is we could embark on a project like this.
>>  
>>> Could use the same talkgroups on both repeaters and have a wide link network started.
>> 
>> Just curious - I know that with some of the digital modes (DSTAR in particular) linking over the air is not possible and all links must be over the internet.  Is the same true for DMR or is it possible to link multiple DMR repeaters using only RF?
>> 
>>  
>>> 
>>> So yes.... I will try to put together an info packet/presentation on the digital systems for the next meeting. 
>> 
>> Thank you very much for trying to put this together.  The next meeting will be on October 20.  Would it be possible to let me know by the 13th if you will be able to put together the presentation or not so we have a bit of time to put together an alternate?
>> 
>>  
>>> I'm hoping my DMR dongle has came in by then.  If so I'll setup a DMR hotspot and let the group take a test drive.  I have been doing a few months worth of research into different digital modes so I do have some info handy.
>> 
>> Great.  I am very interested in theys technology and would love to see it in action.
>>  
>>> 
>>> As a side note.... how this reflector is setup.... its a tad hard to carry on a good conversation.  If you don't reply to the reflector you just reply to the user and no one else really sees the reply. 
>> 
>> The reflector is set up pretty much identically to any email list I have ever used and having been in the IT industry for a while I have subscribed and continue to subscribe to lots of mailing lists.  Looking back at my reply it went to both you (in the to: field) and the list (in the cc: field) and looking at my email archive I did receive my reply via the list so all subscribers should have seen it.  Please let me know if you have any specific questions regarding the list.
>> 
>>  
>>> I'm in the process of setting up a DMR website that will hopefully group some info together for those interested in DMR and possibly other digital modes. 
>> 
>> Great, I've spent some time reading a bit about DMR the past few evenings and while there is a lot of information out there it seems to be scattered all over the interwebs.  A central place that collects a lot of this information would be very valuable.
>>  
>>> I'm adding a forum in as well.  I have a club forum setup on there as well that is only avail to members of the club if anyone would be interested.  Otherwise perhaps we can setup a forum on the w8mwa page.
>>>   It would allow everyone to discuss club business in a better format and have separate areas for members and non members of the club.  Plus an area to talk about anything and everything under the sun.
>> 
>> 
>> It's just my personal preference but I much prefer mailing lists for this type of discussion but by no means does my preference cary any weight.
>> 
>>  
>>> Here is mine.... http://forum.dmrwv.com
>>> It's a work in progress as I just started it.
>>> Also if help is needed with the website I would be more than happy to help.  I have quite a bit of experience with websites etc.  
>> 
>> Thank you very much for the offer.  Randy Crowe (N80ZY) and Bill Shultz (W8RS) are the primary care takers of the website.  They are both subscribed to the list and I'm sure will be reading this.  But do mention it to them during the next club meeting.
>> 
>>  <snip>
>> 
>> Thanks,
>> Josh
>> 
>> 
>> ______________________________________________________________
>> W8MWA mailing list
>> Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/w8mwa
>> Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm
>> Post: mailto:W8MWA at mailman.qth.net
>> 
>> This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net
>> Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
> 
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From wvunderground at gmail.com  Wed Sep 23 02:05:57 2015
From: wvunderground at gmail.com (Josh Prichard)
Date: Wed, 23 Sep 2015 02:05:57 -0400
Subject: [W8MWA] Road map to the future?
In-Reply-To: <9218FC4A-2812-4925-9550-38CEE6C43476@gmail.com>
References: <CADRdUyB2SKDVxLVXaUtjPNEADwbSS+6jKRnvg-pkCODFBE+0vQ@mail.gmail.com>
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	<CAFN8_47t7Ru407_B-yiDGycQCU7R3BXXAGjHak=58vuJ9kFGmw@mail.gmail.com>
	<CAAkYMAbNDxdK1u_Ac0unfDok9BCGUPw9EnESwYNWsPEudxetvA@mail.gmail.com>
	<9218FC4A-2812-4925-9550-38CEE6C43476@gmail.com>
Message-ID: <CADRdUyDtatjD5eDUFPZ+0zosMbm4WyfL=4wrztX=E1ApmzYUGA@mail.gmail.com>

So what about linking the echolink in via remote base?  At least this way
if it was totally screwed up someone could key up the repeater and kill the
remote radio link until it was stable again.  I don't know if Dean is close
enough to have a good remote base signal but something to think about.
Otherwise.... echolink has a remote webpage that we can setup so any of the
club members can log in and kill the link as well.  It would be very easy
to setup and distribute the login info to everyone.  We could probably even
setup a mini server with power control to kill the echolink radio power in
case of extreme emergency.  Multiple ways to control this link.

I'm going to revisit the VHF fusion repeater thing as I have been reading
more info on it.  As of what I know now.... there are a few ways we could
go about this.  Since the vhf repeater is old it most likely needs
replaced.  The club could get a fusion repeater and let it replace the vhf
repeater.  We can run the fusion repeater in a few different modes.
Analog only in / Analog only out
Analog and Digital in / Analog out*
Analog and Digital in / Analog and Digital out**

*In the analog and digital in / analog out mode a user can either talk
digital or analog into the repeater and come out analog only on the output
so everyone would always hear everything.  This would allow digital users
better input into the repeater and should keep analog users the same as it
is now.

**Analog and Digital in / Analog and Digital out - in this mode if a group
of people are talking in digital would be digital in / digital out.  Analog
users wouldn't hear anything as long as they have a ctcss tone set on
receive.  Now if an analog user wants to talk.... when they key up the
repeater.... the repeater will go into the digital and analog in / analog
out mode and stay that way until a timeout has happened where the analog
user has stopped talking.  Then it'll be back in analog and digital in /
analog and digital out.

My new suggestion would be to replace the current vhf machine with a fusion
repeater and allow the analog and digital in / analog out mode.  This would
at least get a new repeater in place of the old equipment and still allow
all users to participate.  From what I gather yaesu still has the 500$ deal
going for clubs.  This would beat putting money into an old repeater.

Then perhaps start to build out a UHF network on DMR.  I'm aiming at UHF
for the fact that the new dongles coming out for DMR hotspots are UHF
based.  DMR radios aren't dual band yet.

Now to follow up on some of your other questions I never answered.  I'm
from Logan right now which is right over the hill from Beckley.  I have
been talking on the Ivy Knob dmr repeater after work.  I run up the top of
a hill and talk away.  Right now the cheapest HT for dmr would be the TYT
md-380 I believe.  It is what I'm using at the moment.

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Walkie-Talkie-TYT-MD-380-UHF-5W-Digital-Mobile-DMR-2-Way-Radio-1xUSB-Cable-US-/301693099071?hash=item463e4f5c3f

Just make sure to get one with a programming cable.  They have a codeplug
avail on the NCPRN site that includes the Beckley repeaters.

http://www.ncprn.net/downloads.html

As for linking digital repeaters.... its all internet based now days which
is why it would be a plus to have internet at the repeater sites.  The
wireless link that BIll is working on now is ideal.  I run a wireless link
at 5ghz at my current workplace and haven't had one hickup other than a
switch that couldn't handle the mac tables from so many devices going
through it.  Running the Ubiquiti Nanostation NSM5 at both locations and it
maxes a 75meg connection out.  Voice data is nowhere near this throughput.



On Tue, Sep 22, 2015 at 11:32 PM, Joshua Smith <juicewvu at gmail.com> wrote:

> Dean,
> Thanks for your input. Please see my comments again they are inline below.
>
> 73,
> --
> Josh Smith
> KD8HRX
>
> Email/jabber: juicewvu at gmail.com
> Phone: 304.237.9369(c)
>
> Sent from my iPhone.
>
> On Sep 22, 2015, at 10:35 PM, Dean Thompson <deanot26508 at gmail.com> wrote:
>
> I am not seeing any replies from other club members on this,
>
> I for one am interested in getting my echolink box set up on a local
> repeater, if not this one I will try the WVU repeater.  Echolink does have
> some advantages, example being... One of our hams moved away just over a
> year ago, would it not be nice for him to stop in and say hi on the Monday
> net?.  As Josh mentioned, it is also nice for when we are out of town.
>
>
>
> I agree echo link has some nice use sees and I would like to see it
> available on the MWA repeater. Although I think the ability to
> break/reestablish this link from the repeater side and I am not sure what
> is involved in making that a possibility.
>
>
> We need more feedback on this, more replies as this affects us all in some
> way or another.
>
>
> We definitely need feedback from everyone in the club. Most importantly
> from Bill(WR8S) as the technical person who takes care of the repeater and
> from Randy (N8OZY) as the repeater trustee.
>
> hopefully they are able to weigh in on this via email but if not we have a
> good topic to address in the October meeting.
>
> Josh has made some good points, and I look forward to moving forward on
> some of these ideas.  First we need to either replace the aged repeater or
> repair it, having a digital mode would be nice also.
>
>
> I agree our number one priority needs to be in repairing the repeater
> (even if that means replacing some of the equipment). I also would like to
> see us have a digital repeater of some sort in addition to our existing
> analog repeater NOT in place of as I think asking everyone to replace their
> existing equipment just to access the repeater would be a disaster for the
> club.
>
>
> What is the situation for a new repeater? can we afford one? do we need to
> chip in, raise some funding somehow?
>
>
> I think we need to first get the existing repeater back to its optimal
> condition and see what that does to our funds. Then we can start to plan
> for expanding our repeater system - hopefully into the digital space.
>
>
>
> http://www.yaesu.com/indexVS.cfm?cmd=DisplayProducts&ProdCatID=249&encProdID=4105F1B8AE65079CAD2D26735B83B302
> this is the system fusion repeater if anyone is interested, and I just
> noticed it uses C4FM which is what my Yeasu 991 can run, so that is a plus
> for me.. lol
>
>
> That seems like a good deal on the repeater. Unfortunately I believe most
> of the expenses with building out a new repeater will be in the ancillary
> things that go along with it - antennas, feed line, duplexes, filters, etc.
>
>
> I don't know if this is bogus or not, but the above repeater is $500 on a
> club special, see here
> http://www.radioinc.com/oscmax/catalog/product_info.php?products_id=3791
>
> I hope to see you all at the next meeting, Josh and Josh, keep up the
> chat, I feel some headway is being made.
>
>
> Thanks again for the input.
>
>
> Dean (KD8YNY)
>
> On Tue, Sep 22, 2015 at 9:02 PM, Josh Smith <juicewvu at gmail.com> wrote:
>
>> Hello Josh,
>>
>> Please see my comments inline again.
>>
>> Josh Smith
>> KD8HRX
>> email/jabber:  juicewvu at gmail.com
>> phone:  304.237.9369(c)
>>
>>
>> On Mon, Sep 21, 2015 at 4:31 PM, Josh Prichard <wvunderground at gmail.com>
>> wrote:
>>
>>> Thanks Josh....
>>>
>>> I'm hoping I didn't come off as harsh as that was not my intention.
>>> Sometimes I do have problems getting my thoughts out correctly.  If so I do
>>> apologize.
>>>
>>
>> You didn't come across as harsh.  No need to apologize.
>>
>>
>>>
>>> This is the club I'll join.  It seems like a club with good users.  Sure
>>> there is a difference of opinion but that is any club.  Everyone was nice
>>> and friendly.  I think the club has a good future.  Just gotta get everyone
>>> back to being excited about it.
>>>
>>
>> Thank you for joining our club.  I think you'll find its a good club and
>> worth the investment of your time and effort.
>>
>>
>>>
>>> Being everything to everyone is kinda hard to do in a club setting.
>>> Everyone has different ideas on what the club should be.
>>>
>>> The future for the repeaters and etc... it would be nice to hear some
>>> activity on the repeater.
>>>
>>
>> I agree it would be nice to hear some activity outside of the Monday
>> evening net, I have no room to talk here though because I am as guilty as
>> anyone of not using the repeater.
>>
>>
>>>   I know with cell phones, ham radio is starting to taper off on usage.
>>>
>>
>> I agree with this with respect to the local repeater as a means to foster
>> communication amongst hams in the local area.  I also think that the
>> ubiquity of emaill/instant messaging/text messaging has as much or more to
>> do with this than the cell phone does.  Just think 10 or 15 years ago we
>> would probably be having this discussion on the repeater instead of over
>> email.  I don't necessarily think this is all a bad thing though.  At least
>> email is easier to store and keep a record of for later reference.
>>
>>
>>
>>> This is the reason why I was talking about echolink.  Since I'm not
>>> usually in town but will be moving in soon.... I had a want to talk on the
>>> local repeater up there.  Would have been nice to be able to remote into
>>> the repeater and strike up a convo about local stuff and start to make
>>> friends.  If someone is traveling that would also be a nice addition as
>>> well.  Echolink is now on smart phones so one can download it and boom
>>> instant radio that works away from home.
>>>
>>
>> Echolink is definitely interesting and a useful mode.  I've experimented
>> with it in the past and useful to access a local repeater when away from
>> the area.  Unfortunately as you've noticed there isn't much activity on our
>> repeater currently so I'm not sure how much luck you would have had
>> striking up a conversation even if it were accessible via echolink.
>>
>>
>>>
>>>
>>> As of right now the digital repeaters in WV are as follows.....
>>>
>>> *DMR which is separated into two different link networks.*
>>>
>>> *DMR-MARC network - uses motorola dmr repeaters - has been active in the
>>> states for some time*
>>> Bluefield, WV 1 repeater
>>> Beckley, WV 3 spread out to cover a lot of area.
>>> See here for current map:  http://www.dmr-marc.net/repeaters.html
>>>
>>
>> Thanks for the information and the link to the map.  I am glad to know
>> there is a presence in the Beckley area as it is where I am originally from
>> and still travel there often to visit family.  I may try to pick up a cheap
>> DMR HT before I head down there the next time and try to access them.  Do
>> you have any recommendations for such an HT?
>>
>>>
>>>
>>> *DMRPlus - uses hytera dmr repeaters*
>>> None yet in WV but its just now getting started in the states.
>>>
>>> *FUSION*
>>> Clarksburg 1 repeater
>>> Pt. Pleasant 1 repeater
>>>
>>> *DSTAR*
>>> Mount Hope 1 repeater
>>>
>>> Digital offers some nice features.
>>>
>>
>> It's definitely more bandwidth efficient and I also like the slow speed
>> data and text messaging capabilities present in most digital solutions.
>>
>>
>>> In doing some more research on fusion... i agree with you that it would
>>> be nice to leave the current analog system online and put a digital system
>>> in place as another repeater.
>>>
>>
>> I think this is a requirement not just a nice to have.  Like it or not
>> Analog has too large of a footprint to just do away with anytime in the
>> near future and its proven technology.  I know our repeater has been used
>> more than once to coordinate communications to areas otherwise cut off due
>> to winter storms even as recently as 4 or 5 years ago.  I was
>> (un)fortunately out of town when that storm hit and was not able to
>> participate so someone else on the list can provide more details of this
>> event.  I think until such time as everyone has digital radios and the
>> system has proven itself to be as reliable there will be a lot of
>> reluctance to get rid of the current analog system.
>>
>>
>>
>>> To have the fusion in place of the analog system you would have to run
>>> the output of the fusion in analog mode and the input in dual
>>> digital/analog mode.  That would almost defeat the purpose of digital as it
>>> adds an analog route in.  Sooooo my new suggestion based on the info I have
>>> acquired.  Install a new fusion repeater and then perhaps link it into the
>>> analog system later on.
>>>
>>
>> I like this idea.  Unfortunately I do not know if space is available at
>> the current repeater site or if we'd have to look for an alternate site to
>> host a new repeater.  It's something we should discuss as we go forward
>> with deciding what the future of our repeater looks like.
>>
>>
>>> Or perhaps start with a UHF DMR repeater then move to fusion a little
>>> later on.
>>>
>>
>> We currently have an analog repeater that is in some form of disrepair.
>> I really like the idea of making our UHF frequencies our "experimental"
>> repeater and I think we should investigate using any/all of the digital
>> repeater modes on this frequency.
>>
>>
>>
>>> DMR we could also link into the analog vhf repeater.  Would be nice to
>>> get a dmr repeater on the air at the university club as well..
>>>
>>
>> As you might have noticed from some of the discussions the university
>> club is pretty much defunct right now but Dr. Vanscoy is trying very hard
>> to revive it.  Hopefully she is successful and if she is we could embark on
>> a project like this.
>>
>>
>>> Could use the same talkgroups on both repeaters and have a wide link
>>> network started.
>>>
>>
>> Just curious - I know that with some of the digital modes (DSTAR in
>> particular) linking over the air is not possible and all links must be over
>> the internet.  Is the same true for DMR or is it possible to link multiple
>> DMR repeaters using only RF?
>>
>>
>>
>>>
>>> So yes.... I will try to put together an info packet/presentation on the
>>> digital systems for the next meeting.
>>>
>>
>> Thank you very much for trying to put this together.  The next meeting
>> will be on October 20.  Would it be possible to let me know by the 13th if
>> you will be able to put together the presentation or not so we have a bit
>> of time to put together an alternate?
>>
>>
>>
>>> I'm hoping my DMR dongle has came in by then.  If so I'll setup a DMR
>>> hotspot and let the group take a test drive.  I have been doing a few
>>> months worth of research into different digital modes so I do have some
>>> info handy.
>>>
>>
>> Great.  I am very interested in theys technology and would love to see it
>> in action.
>>
>>
>>>
>>> As a side note.... how this reflector is setup.... its a tad hard to
>>> carry on a good conversation.  If you don't reply to the reflector you just
>>> reply to the user and no one else really sees the reply.
>>>
>>
>> The reflector is set up pretty much identically to any email list I have
>> ever used and having been in the IT industry for a while I have subscribed
>> and continue to subscribe to lots of mailing lists.  Looking back at my
>> reply it went to both you (in the to: field) and the list (in the cc:
>> field) and looking at my email archive I did receive my reply via the list
>> so all subscribers should have seen it.  Please let me know if you have any
>> specific questions regarding the list.
>>
>>
>>
>>> I'm in the process of setting up a DMR website that will hopefully group
>>> some info together for those interested in DMR and possibly other digital
>>> modes.
>>>
>>
>> Great, I've spent some time reading a bit about DMR the past few evenings
>> and while there is a lot of information out there it seems to be scattered
>> all over the interwebs.  A central place that collects a lot of this
>> information would be very valuable.
>>
>>
>>> I'm adding a forum in as well.  I have a club forum setup on there as
>>> well that is only avail to members of the club if anyone would be
>>> interested.  Otherwise perhaps we can setup a forum on the w8mwa page.
>>>
>>   It would allow everyone to discuss club business in a better format and
>>> have separate areas for members and non members of the club.  Plus an area
>>> to talk about anything and everything under the sun.
>>>
>>
>>
>> It's just my personal preference but I much prefer mailing lists for this
>> type of discussion but by no means does my preference cary any weight.
>>
>>
>>
>>> Here is mine.... http://forum.dmrwv.com
>>> It's a work in progress as I just started it.
>>> Also if help is needed with the website I would be more than happy to
>>> help.  I have quite a bit of experience with websites etc.
>>>
>>
>> Thank you very much for the offer.  Randy Crowe (N80ZY) and Bill Shultz
>> (W8RS) are the primary care takers of the website.  They are both
>> subscribed to the list and I'm sure will be reading this.  But do mention
>> it to them during the next club meeting.
>>
>>  <snip>
>>
>> Thanks,
>> Josh
>>
>>
>> ______________________________________________________________
>> W8MWA mailing list
>> Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/w8mwa
>> Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm
>> Post: mailto:W8MWA at mailman.qth.net
>>
>> This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net
>> Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
>>
>
>
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From juicewvu at gmail.com  Fri Sep 25 10:55:58 2015
From: juicewvu at gmail.com (Josh Smith)
Date: Fri, 25 Sep 2015 10:55:58 -0400
Subject: [W8MWA] Road map to the future?
In-Reply-To: <CADRdUyDtatjD5eDUFPZ+0zosMbm4WyfL=4wrztX=E1ApmzYUGA@mail.gmail.com>
References: <CADRdUyB2SKDVxLVXaUtjPNEADwbSS+6jKRnvg-pkCODFBE+0vQ@mail.gmail.com>
	<E7ABA9A7-F243-49C7-9BD4-C34F5906D95D@gmail.com>
	<CADRdUyCxXWLcQSbH+bW=hnmK461k_y2XUV3Bfae1zcS8rafQaw@mail.gmail.com>
	<CAFN8_47t7Ru407_B-yiDGycQCU7R3BXXAGjHak=58vuJ9kFGmw@mail.gmail.com>
	<CAAkYMAbNDxdK1u_Ac0unfDok9BCGUPw9EnESwYNWsPEudxetvA@mail.gmail.com>
	<9218FC4A-2812-4925-9550-38CEE6C43476@gmail.com>
	<CADRdUyDtatjD5eDUFPZ+0zosMbm4WyfL=4wrztX=E1ApmzYUGA@mail.gmail.com>
Message-ID: <CAFN8_46=0f41-08D94EtAearisDooDq1HtpWfcAPNga-0kbD4g@mail.gmail.com>

Hello Josh,

See my replies inline as before.

Josh Smith
KD8HRX
email/jabber:  juicewvu at gmail.com
phone:  304.237.9369(c)


On Wed, Sep 23, 2015 at 2:05 AM, Josh Prichard <wvunderground at gmail.com>
wrote:

> So what about linking the echolink in via remote base?  At least this way
> if it was totally screwed up someone could key up the repeater and kill the
> remote radio link until it was stable again.  I don't know if Dean is close
> enough to have a good remote base signal but something to think about.
> Otherwise.... echolink has a remote webpage that we can setup so any of the
> club members can log in and kill the link as well.  It would be very easy
> to setup and distribute the login info to everyone.  We could probably even
> setup a mini server with power control to kill the echolink radio power in
> case of extreme emergency.  Multiple ways to control this link.
>


A remote base sounds like a fantastic idea for linking our repeater to echo
link to me.  I'm not sure if Deans QTH is a good one for this or not, but
I'll bet we can find a member or two that are in a good location if Dean is
not.

Randy - Can you weigh in on your thoughts of linking the repeater to
echolink via a remote base as the repeater trustee?

Bill - Can you weigh in from a technical standpoint.


>
> I'm going to revisit the VHF fusion repeater thing as I have been reading
> more info on it.  As of what I know now.... there are a few ways we could
> go about this.  Since the vhf repeater is old it most likely needs
> replaced.  The club could get a fusion repeater and let it replace the vhf
> repeater.  We can run the fusion repeater in a few different modes.
> Analog only in / Analog only out
> Analog and Digital in / Analog out*
> Analog and Digital in / Analog and Digital out**
>
> *In the analog and digital in / analog out mode a user can either talk
> digital or analog into the repeater and come out analog only on the output
> so everyone would always hear everything.  This would allow digital users
> better input into the repeater and should keep analog users the same as it
> is now.
>
> **Analog and Digital in / Analog and Digital out - in this mode if a group
> of people are talking in digital would be digital in / digital out.  Analog
> users wouldn't hear anything as long as they have a ctcss tone set on
> receive.  Now if an analog user wants to talk.... when they key up the
> repeater.... the repeater will go into the digital and analog in / analog
> out mode and stay that way until a timeout has happened where the analog
> user has stopped talking.  Then it'll be back in analog and digital in /
> analog and digital out.
>
> My new suggestion would be to replace the current vhf machine with a
> fusion repeater and allow the analog and digital in / analog out mode.
> This would at least get a new repeater in place of the old equipment and
> still allow all users to participate.  From what I gather yaesu still has
> the 500$ deal going for clubs.  This would beat putting money into an old
> repeater.
>


To provide a little more detail on our repeater.  The controller is pretty
new (less than 3 years) but the radios are pretty old but have proven to be
very reliable.  I'm not sure that a replacement of the entire system is
warranted.



>
> Then perhaps start to build out a UHF network on DMR.  I'm aiming at UHF
> for the fact that the new dongles coming out for DMR hotspots are UHF
> based.  DMR radios aren't dual band yet.
>
> Now to follow up on some of your other questions I never answered.  I'm
> from Logan right now which is right over the hill from Beckley.
>

I know where Logan is, I've been there more than once, though I have not
been there for several years.


> I have been talking on the Ivy Knob dmr repeater after work.  I run up the
> top of a hill and talk away.  Right now the cheapest HT for dmr would be
> the TYT md-380 I believe.  It is what I'm using at the moment.
>
>
> http://www.ebay.com/itm/Walkie-Talkie-TYT-MD-380-UHF-5W-Digital-Mobile-DMR-2-Way-Radio-1xUSB-Cable-US-/301693099071?hash=item463e4f5c3f
>
> Just make sure to get one with a programming cable.  They have a codeplug
> avail on the NCPRN site that includes the Beckley repeaters.
>
> http://www.ncprn.net/downloads.html
>

Thanks for the links.

>
>
> As for linking digital repeaters.... its all internet based now days which
> is why it would be a plus to have internet at the repeater sites.  The
> wireless link that BIll is working on now is ideal.  I run a wireless link
> at 5ghz at my current workplace and haven't had one hickup other than a
> switch that couldn't handle the mac tables from so many devices going
> through it.  Running the Ubiquiti Nanostation NSM5 at both locations and it
> maxes a 75meg connection out.  Voice data is nowhere near this throughput.
>


I've used ubiquiti equipment and am a big fan as well.


>
>
>
> On Tue, Sep 22, 2015 at 11:32 PM, Joshua Smith <juicewvu at gmail.com> wrote:
>
>> Dean,
>> Thanks for your input. Please see my comments again they are inline
>> below.
>>
>> 73,
>> --
>> Josh Smith
>> KD8HRX
>>
>> Email/jabber: juicewvu at gmail.com
>> Phone: 304.237.9369(c)
>>
>> Sent from my iPhone.
>>
>> On Sep 22, 2015, at 10:35 PM, Dean Thompson <deanot26508 at gmail.com>
>> wrote:
>>
>> I am not seeing any replies from other club members on this,
>>
>> I for one am interested in getting my echolink box set up on a local
>> repeater, if not this one I will try the WVU repeater.  Echolink does have
>> some advantages, example being... One of our hams moved away just over a
>> year ago, would it not be nice for him to stop in and say hi on the Monday
>> net?.  As Josh mentioned, it is also nice for when we are out of town.
>>
>>
>>
>> I agree echo link has some nice use sees and I would like to see it
>> available on the MWA repeater. Although I think the ability to
>> break/reestablish this link from the repeater side and I am not sure what
>> is involved in making that a possibility.
>>
>>
>> We need more feedback on this, more replies as this affects us all in
>> some way or another.
>>
>>
>> We definitely need feedback from everyone in the club. Most importantly
>> from Bill(WR8S) as the technical person who takes care of the repeater and
>> from Randy (N8OZY) as the repeater trustee.
>>
>> hopefully they are able to weigh in on this via email but if not we have
>> a good topic to address in the October meeting.
>>
>> Josh has made some good points, and I look forward to moving forward on
>> some of these ideas.  First we need to either replace the aged repeater or
>> repair it, having a digital mode would be nice also.
>>
>>
>> I agree our number one priority needs to be in repairing the repeater
>> (even if that means replacing some of the equipment). I also would like to
>> see us have a digital repeater of some sort in addition to our existing
>> analog repeater NOT in place of as I think asking everyone to replace their
>> existing equipment just to access the repeater would be a disaster for the
>> club.
>>
>>
>> What is the situation for a new repeater? can we afford one? do we need
>> to chip in, raise some funding somehow?
>>
>>
>> I think we need to first get the existing repeater back to its optimal
>> condition and see what that does to our funds. Then we can start to plan
>> for expanding our repeater system - hopefully into the digital space.
>>
>>
>>
>> http://www.yaesu.com/indexVS.cfm?cmd=DisplayProducts&ProdCatID=249&encProdID=4105F1B8AE65079CAD2D26735B83B302
>> this is the system fusion repeater if anyone is interested, and I just
>> noticed it uses C4FM which is what my Yeasu 991 can run, so that is a plus
>> for me.. lol
>>
>>
>> That seems like a good deal on the repeater. Unfortunately I believe most
>> of the expenses with building out a new repeater will be in the ancillary
>> things that go along with it - antennas, feed line, duplexes, filters, etc.
>>
>>
>> I don't know if this is bogus or not, but the above repeater is $500 on a
>> club special, see here
>> http://www.radioinc.com/oscmax/catalog/product_info.php?products_id=3791
>>
>> I hope to see you all at the next meeting, Josh and Josh, keep up the
>> chat, I feel some headway is being made.
>>
>>
>> Thanks again for the input.
>>
>>
>> Dean (KD8YNY)
>>
>> On Tue, Sep 22, 2015 at 9:02 PM, Josh Smith <juicewvu at gmail.com> wrote:
>>
>>> Hello Josh,
>>>
>>> Please see my comments inline again.
>>>
>>> Josh Smith
>>> KD8HRX
>>> email/jabber:  juicewvu at gmail.com
>>> phone:  304.237.9369(c)
>>>
>>>
>>> On Mon, Sep 21, 2015 at 4:31 PM, Josh Prichard <wvunderground at gmail.com>
>>> wrote:
>>>
>>>> Thanks Josh....
>>>>
>>>> I'm hoping I didn't come off as harsh as that was not my intention.
>>>> Sometimes I do have problems getting my thoughts out correctly.  If so I do
>>>> apologize.
>>>>
>>>
>>> You didn't come across as harsh.  No need to apologize.
>>>
>>>
>>>>
>>>> This is the club I'll join.  It seems like a club with good users.
>>>> Sure there is a difference of opinion but that is any club.  Everyone was
>>>> nice and friendly.  I think the club has a good future.  Just gotta get
>>>> everyone back to being excited about it.
>>>>
>>>
>>> Thank you for joining our club.  I think you'll find its a good club and
>>> worth the investment of your time and effort.
>>>
>>>
>>>>
>>>> Being everything to everyone is kinda hard to do in a club setting.
>>>> Everyone has different ideas on what the club should be.
>>>>
>>>> The future for the repeaters and etc... it would be nice to hear some
>>>> activity on the repeater.
>>>>
>>>
>>> I agree it would be nice to hear some activity outside of the Monday
>>> evening net, I have no room to talk here though because I am as guilty as
>>> anyone of not using the repeater.
>>>
>>>
>>>>   I know with cell phones, ham radio is starting to taper off on
>>>> usage.
>>>>
>>>
>>> I agree with this with respect to the local repeater as a means to
>>> foster communication amongst hams in the local area.  I also think that the
>>> ubiquity of emaill/instant messaging/text messaging has as much or more to
>>> do with this than the cell phone does.  Just think 10 or 15 years ago we
>>> would probably be having this discussion on the repeater instead of over
>>> email.  I don't necessarily think this is all a bad thing though.  At least
>>> email is easier to store and keep a record of for later reference.
>>>
>>>
>>>
>>>> This is the reason why I was talking about echolink.  Since I'm not
>>>> usually in town but will be moving in soon.... I had a want to talk on the
>>>> local repeater up there.  Would have been nice to be able to remote into
>>>> the repeater and strike up a convo about local stuff and start to make
>>>> friends.  If someone is traveling that would also be a nice addition as
>>>> well.  Echolink is now on smart phones so one can download it and boom
>>>> instant radio that works away from home.
>>>>
>>>
>>> Echolink is definitely interesting and a useful mode.  I've experimented
>>> with it in the past and useful to access a local repeater when away from
>>> the area.  Unfortunately as you've noticed there isn't much activity on our
>>> repeater currently so I'm not sure how much luck you would have had
>>> striking up a conversation even if it were accessible via echolink.
>>>
>>>
>>>>
>>>>
>>>> As of right now the digital repeaters in WV are as follows.....
>>>>
>>>> *DMR which is separated into two different link networks.*
>>>>
>>>> *DMR-MARC network - uses motorola dmr repeaters - has been active in
>>>> the states for some time*
>>>> Bluefield, WV 1 repeater
>>>> Beckley, WV 3 spread out to cover a lot of area.
>>>> See here for current map:  http://www.dmr-marc.net/repeaters.html
>>>>
>>>
>>> Thanks for the information and the link to the map.  I am glad to know
>>> there is a presence in the Beckley area as it is where I am originally from
>>> and still travel there often to visit family.  I may try to pick up a cheap
>>> DMR HT before I head down there the next time and try to access them.  Do
>>> you have any recommendations for such an HT?
>>>
>>>>
>>>>
>>>> *DMRPlus - uses hytera dmr repeaters*
>>>> None yet in WV but its just now getting started in the states.
>>>>
>>>> *FUSION*
>>>> Clarksburg 1 repeater
>>>> Pt. Pleasant 1 repeater
>>>>
>>>> *DSTAR*
>>>> Mount Hope 1 repeater
>>>>
>>>> Digital offers some nice features.
>>>>
>>>
>>> It's definitely more bandwidth efficient and I also like the slow speed
>>> data and text messaging capabilities present in most digital solutions.
>>>
>>>
>>>> In doing some more research on fusion... i agree with you that it would
>>>> be nice to leave the current analog system online and put a digital system
>>>> in place as another repeater.
>>>>
>>>
>>> I think this is a requirement not just a nice to have.  Like it or not
>>> Analog has too large of a footprint to just do away with anytime in the
>>> near future and its proven technology.  I know our repeater has been used
>>> more than once to coordinate communications to areas otherwise cut off due
>>> to winter storms even as recently as 4 or 5 years ago.  I was
>>> (un)fortunately out of town when that storm hit and was not able to
>>> participate so someone else on the list can provide more details of this
>>> event.  I think until such time as everyone has digital radios and the
>>> system has proven itself to be as reliable there will be a lot of
>>> reluctance to get rid of the current analog system.
>>>
>>>
>>>
>>>> To have the fusion in place of the analog system you would have to run
>>>> the output of the fusion in analog mode and the input in dual
>>>> digital/analog mode.  That would almost defeat the purpose of digital as it
>>>> adds an analog route in.  Sooooo my new suggestion based on the info I have
>>>> acquired.  Install a new fusion repeater and then perhaps link it into the
>>>> analog system later on.
>>>>
>>>
>>> I like this idea.  Unfortunately I do not know if space is available at
>>> the current repeater site or if we'd have to look for an alternate site to
>>> host a new repeater.  It's something we should discuss as we go forward
>>> with deciding what the future of our repeater looks like.
>>>
>>>
>>>> Or perhaps start with a UHF DMR repeater then move to fusion a little
>>>> later on.
>>>>
>>>
>>> We currently have an analog repeater that is in some form of disrepair.
>>> I really like the idea of making our UHF frequencies our "experimental"
>>> repeater and I think we should investigate using any/all of the digital
>>> repeater modes on this frequency.
>>>
>>>
>>>
>>>> DMR we could also link into the analog vhf repeater.  Would be nice to
>>>> get a dmr repeater on the air at the university club as well..
>>>>
>>>
>>> As you might have noticed from some of the discussions the university
>>> club is pretty much defunct right now but Dr. Vanscoy is trying very hard
>>> to revive it.  Hopefully she is successful and if she is we could embark on
>>> a project like this.
>>>
>>>
>>>> Could use the same talkgroups on both repeaters and have a wide link
>>>> network started.
>>>>
>>>
>>> Just curious - I know that with some of the digital modes (DSTAR in
>>> particular) linking over the air is not possible and all links must be over
>>> the internet.  Is the same true for DMR or is it possible to link multiple
>>> DMR repeaters using only RF?
>>>
>>>
>>>
>>>>
>>>> So yes.... I will try to put together an info packet/presentation on
>>>> the digital systems for the next meeting.
>>>>
>>>
>>> Thank you very much for trying to put this together.  The next meeting
>>> will be on October 20.  Would it be possible to let me know by the 13th if
>>> you will be able to put together the presentation or not so we have a bit
>>> of time to put together an alternate?
>>>
>>>
>>>
>>>> I'm hoping my DMR dongle has came in by then.  If so I'll setup a DMR
>>>> hotspot and let the group take a test drive.  I have been doing a few
>>>> months worth of research into different digital modes so I do have some
>>>> info handy.
>>>>
>>>
>>> Great.  I am very interested in theys technology and would love to see
>>> it in action.
>>>
>>>
>>>>
>>>> As a side note.... how this reflector is setup.... its a tad hard to
>>>> carry on a good conversation.  If you don't reply to the reflector you just
>>>> reply to the user and no one else really sees the reply.
>>>>
>>>
>>> The reflector is set up pretty much identically to any email list I have
>>> ever used and having been in the IT industry for a while I have subscribed
>>> and continue to subscribe to lots of mailing lists.  Looking back at my
>>> reply it went to both you (in the to: field) and the list (in the cc:
>>> field) and looking at my email archive I did receive my reply via the list
>>> so all subscribers should have seen it.  Please let me know if you have any
>>> specific questions regarding the list.
>>>
>>>
>>>
>>>> I'm in the process of setting up a DMR website that will hopefully
>>>> group some info together for those interested in DMR and possibly other
>>>> digital modes.
>>>>
>>>
>>> Great, I've spent some time reading a bit about DMR the past few
>>> evenings and while there is a lot of information out there it seems to be
>>> scattered all over the interwebs.  A central place that collects a lot of
>>> this information would be very valuable.
>>>
>>>
>>>> I'm adding a forum in as well.  I have a club forum setup on there as
>>>> well that is only avail to members of the club if anyone would be
>>>> interested.  Otherwise perhaps we can setup a forum on the w8mwa page.
>>>>
>>>   It would allow everyone to discuss club business in a better format
>>>> and have separate areas for members and non members of the club.  Plus an
>>>> area to talk about anything and everything under the sun.
>>>>
>>>
>>>
>>> It's just my personal preference but I much prefer mailing lists for
>>> this type of discussion but by no means does my preference cary any weight.
>>>
>>>
>>>
>>>> Here is mine.... http://forum.dmrwv.com
>>>> It's a work in progress as I just started it.
>>>> Also if help is needed with the website I would be more than happy to
>>>> help.  I have quite a bit of experience with websites etc.
>>>>
>>>
>>> Thank you very much for the offer.  Randy Crowe (N80ZY) and Bill Shultz
>>> (W8RS) are the primary care takers of the website.  They are both
>>> subscribed to the list and I'm sure will be reading this.  But do mention
>>> it to them during the next club meeting.
>>>
>>>  <snip>
>>>
>>> Thanks,
>>> Josh
>>>
>>>
>>> ______________________________________________________________
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>>>
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>>>
>>
>>
>
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From deanot26508 at gmail.com  Fri Sep 25 11:06:22 2015
From: deanot26508 at gmail.com (Dean Thompson)
Date: Fri, 25 Sep 2015 11:06:22 -0400
Subject: [W8MWA] Road map to the future?
In-Reply-To: <CAFN8_46=0f41-08D94EtAearisDooDq1HtpWfcAPNga-0kbD4g@mail.gmail.com>
References: <CADRdUyB2SKDVxLVXaUtjPNEADwbSS+6jKRnvg-pkCODFBE+0vQ@mail.gmail.com>
	<E7ABA9A7-F243-49C7-9BD4-C34F5906D95D@gmail.com>
	<CADRdUyCxXWLcQSbH+bW=hnmK461k_y2XUV3Bfae1zcS8rafQaw@mail.gmail.com>
	<CAFN8_47t7Ru407_B-yiDGycQCU7R3BXXAGjHak=58vuJ9kFGmw@mail.gmail.com>
	<CAAkYMAbNDxdK1u_Ac0unfDok9BCGUPw9EnESwYNWsPEudxetvA@mail.gmail.com>
	<9218FC4A-2812-4925-9550-38CEE6C43476@gmail.com>
	<CADRdUyDtatjD5eDUFPZ+0zosMbm4WyfL=4wrztX=E1ApmzYUGA@mail.gmail.com>
	<CAFN8_46=0f41-08D94EtAearisDooDq1HtpWfcAPNga-0kbD4g@mail.gmail.com>
Message-ID: <CAAkYMAYP6Dhhv4F01XCB=HCwyZ+-ibbuiGoADTBiiCsJiOcB9g@mail.gmail.com>

The remote base is what i had in mind, Ido have a 100% signal at my qth.

Just for information.

On Friday, September 25, 2015, Josh Smith <juicewvu at gmail.com> wrote:

> Hello Josh,
>
> See my replies inline as before.
>
> Josh Smith
> KD8HRX
> email/jabber:  juicewvu at gmail.com
> <javascript:_e(%7B%7D,'cvml','juicewvu at gmail.com');>
> phone:  304.237.9369(c)
>
>
> On Wed, Sep 23, 2015 at 2:05 AM, Josh Prichard <wvunderground at gmail.com
> <javascript:_e(%7B%7D,'cvml','wvunderground at gmail.com');>> wrote:
>
>> So what about linking the echolink in via remote base?  At least this way
>> if it was totally screwed up someone could key up the repeater and kill the
>> remote radio link until it was stable again.  I don't know if Dean is close
>> enough to have a good remote base signal but something to think about.
>> Otherwise.... echolink has a remote webpage that we can setup so any of the
>> club members can log in and kill the link as well.  It would be very easy
>> to setup and distribute the login info to everyone.  We could probably even
>> setup a mini server with power control to kill the echolink radio power in
>> case of extreme emergency.  Multiple ways to control this link.
>>
>
>
> A remote base sounds like a fantastic idea for linking our repeater to
> echo link to me.  I'm not sure if Deans QTH is a good one for this or not,
> but I'll bet we can find a member or two that are in a good location if
> Dean is not.
>
> Randy - Can you weigh in on your thoughts of linking the repeater to
> echolink via a remote base as the repeater trustee?
>
> Bill - Can you weigh in from a technical standpoint.
>
>
>>
>> I'm going to revisit the VHF fusion repeater thing as I have been reading
>> more info on it.  As of what I know now.... there are a few ways we could
>> go about this.  Since the vhf repeater is old it most likely needs
>> replaced.  The club could get a fusion repeater and let it replace the vhf
>> repeater.  We can run the fusion repeater in a few different modes.
>> Analog only in / Analog only out
>> Analog and Digital in / Analog out*
>> Analog and Digital in / Analog and Digital out**
>>
>> *In the analog and digital in / analog out mode a user can either talk
>> digital or analog into the repeater and come out analog only on the output
>> so everyone would always hear everything.  This would allow digital users
>> better input into the repeater and should keep analog users the same as it
>> is now.
>>
>> **Analog and Digital in / Analog and Digital out - in this mode if a
>> group of people are talking in digital would be digital in / digital out.
>> Analog users wouldn't hear anything as long as they have a ctcss tone set
>> on receive.  Now if an analog user wants to talk.... when they key up the
>> repeater.... the repeater will go into the digital and analog in / analog
>> out mode and stay that way until a timeout has happened where the analog
>> user has stopped talking.  Then it'll be back in analog and digital in /
>> analog and digital out.
>>
>> My new suggestion would be to replace the current vhf machine with a
>> fusion repeater and allow the analog and digital in / analog out mode.
>> This would at least get a new repeater in place of the old equipment and
>> still allow all users to participate.  From what I gather yaesu still has
>> the 500$ deal going for clubs.  This would beat putting money into an old
>> repeater.
>>
>
>
> To provide a little more detail on our repeater.  The controller is pretty
> new (less than 3 years) but the radios are pretty old but have proven to be
> very reliable.  I'm not sure that a replacement of the entire system is
> warranted.
>
>
>
>>
>> Then perhaps start to build out a UHF network on DMR.  I'm aiming at UHF
>> for the fact that the new dongles coming out for DMR hotspots are UHF
>> based.  DMR radios aren't dual band yet.
>>
>> Now to follow up on some of your other questions I never answered.  I'm
>> from Logan right now which is right over the hill from Beckley.
>>
>
> I know where Logan is, I've been there more than once, though I have not
> been there for several years.
>
>
>> I have been talking on the Ivy Knob dmr repeater after work.  I run up
>> the top of a hill and talk away.  Right now the cheapest HT for dmr would
>> be the TYT md-380 I believe.  It is what I'm using at the moment.
>>
>>
>> http://www.ebay.com/itm/Walkie-Talkie-TYT-MD-380-UHF-5W-Digital-Mobile-DMR-2-Way-Radio-1xUSB-Cable-US-/301693099071?hash=item463e4f5c3f
>>
>> Just make sure to get one with a programming cable.  They have a codeplug
>> avail on the NCPRN site that includes the Beckley repeaters.
>>
>> http://www.ncprn.net/downloads.html
>>
>
> Thanks for the links.
>
>>
>>
>> As for linking digital repeaters.... its all internet based now days
>> which is why it would be a plus to have internet at the repeater sites.
>> The wireless link that BIll is working on now is ideal.  I run a wireless
>> link at 5ghz at my current workplace and haven't had one hickup other than
>> a switch that couldn't handle the mac tables from so many devices going
>> through it.  Running the Ubiquiti Nanostation NSM5 at both locations and it
>> maxes a 75meg connection out.  Voice data is nowhere near this throughput.
>>
>
>
> I've used ubiquiti equipment and am a big fan as well.
>
>
>>
>>
>>
>> On Tue, Sep 22, 2015 at 11:32 PM, Joshua Smith <juicewvu at gmail.com
>> <javascript:_e(%7B%7D,'cvml','juicewvu at gmail.com');>> wrote:
>>
>>> Dean,
>>> Thanks for your input. Please see my comments again they are inline
>>> below.
>>>
>>> 73,
>>> --
>>> Josh Smith
>>> KD8HRX
>>>
>>> Email/jabber: juicewvu at gmail.com
>>> <javascript:_e(%7B%7D,'cvml','juicewvu at gmail.com');>
>>> Phone: 304.237.9369(c)
>>>
>>> Sent from my iPhone.
>>>
>>> On Sep 22, 2015, at 10:35 PM, Dean Thompson <deanot26508 at gmail.com
>>> <javascript:_e(%7B%7D,'cvml','deanot26508 at gmail.com');>> wrote:
>>>
>>> I am not seeing any replies from other club members on this,
>>>
>>> I for one am interested in getting my echolink box set up on a local
>>> repeater, if not this one I will try the WVU repeater.  Echolink does have
>>> some advantages, example being... One of our hams moved away just over a
>>> year ago, would it not be nice for him to stop in and say hi on the Monday
>>> net?.  As Josh mentioned, it is also nice for when we are out of town.
>>>
>>>
>>>
>>> I agree echo link has some nice use sees and I would like to see it
>>> available on the MWA repeater. Although I think the ability to
>>> break/reestablish this link from the repeater side and I am not sure what
>>> is involved in making that a possibility.
>>>
>>>
>>> We need more feedback on this, more replies as this affects us all in
>>> some way or another.
>>>
>>>
>>> We definitely need feedback from everyone in the club. Most importantly
>>> from Bill(WR8S) as the technical person who takes care of the repeater and
>>> from Randy (N8OZY) as the repeater trustee.
>>>
>>> hopefully they are able to weigh in on this via email but if not we have
>>> a good topic to address in the October meeting.
>>>
>>> Josh has made some good points, and I look forward to moving forward on
>>> some of these ideas.  First we need to either replace the aged repeater or
>>> repair it, having a digital mode would be nice also.
>>>
>>>
>>> I agree our number one priority needs to be in repairing the repeater
>>> (even if that means replacing some of the equipment). I also would like to
>>> see us have a digital repeater of some sort in addition to our existing
>>> analog repeater NOT in place of as I think asking everyone to replace their
>>> existing equipment just to access the repeater would be a disaster for the
>>> club.
>>>
>>>
>>> What is the situation for a new repeater? can we afford one? do we need
>>> to chip in, raise some funding somehow?
>>>
>>>
>>> I think we need to first get the existing repeater back to its optimal
>>> condition and see what that does to our funds. Then we can start to plan
>>> for expanding our repeater system - hopefully into the digital space.
>>>
>>>
>>>
>>> http://www.yaesu.com/indexVS.cfm?cmd=DisplayProducts&ProdCatID=249&encProdID=4105F1B8AE65079CAD2D26735B83B302
>>> this is the system fusion repeater if anyone is interested, and I just
>>> noticed it uses C4FM which is what my Yeasu 991 can run, so that is a plus
>>> for me.. lol
>>>
>>>
>>> That seems like a good deal on the repeater. Unfortunately I believe
>>> most of the expenses with building out a new repeater will be in the
>>> ancillary things that go along with it - antennas, feed line, duplexes,
>>> filters, etc.
>>>
>>>
>>> I don't know if this is bogus or not, but the above repeater is $500 on
>>> a club special, see here
>>> http://www.radioinc.com/oscmax/catalog/product_info.php?products_id=3791
>>>
>>> I hope to see you all at the next meeting, Josh and Josh, keep up the
>>> chat, I feel some headway is being made.
>>>
>>>
>>> Thanks again for the input.
>>>
>>>
>>> Dean (KD8YNY)
>>>
>>> On Tue, Sep 22, 2015 at 9:02 PM, Josh Smith <juicewvu at gmail.com
>>> <javascript:_e(%7B%7D,'cvml','juicewvu at gmail.com');>> wrote:
>>>
>>>> Hello Josh,
>>>>
>>>> Please see my comments inline again.
>>>>
>>>> Josh Smith
>>>> KD8HRX
>>>> email/jabber:  juicewvu at gmail.com
>>>> <javascript:_e(%7B%7D,'cvml','juicewvu at gmail.com');>
>>>> phone:  304.237.9369(c)
>>>>
>>>>
>>>> On Mon, Sep 21, 2015 at 4:31 PM, Josh Prichard <wvunderground at gmail.com
>>>> <javascript:_e(%7B%7D,'cvml','wvunderground at gmail.com');>> wrote:
>>>>
>>>>> Thanks Josh....
>>>>>
>>>>> I'm hoping I didn't come off as harsh as that was not my intention.
>>>>> Sometimes I do have problems getting my thoughts out correctly.  If so I do
>>>>> apologize.
>>>>>
>>>>
>>>> You didn't come across as harsh.  No need to apologize.
>>>>
>>>>
>>>>>
>>>>> This is the club I'll join.  It seems like a club with good users.
>>>>> Sure there is a difference of opinion but that is any club.  Everyone was
>>>>> nice and friendly.  I think the club has a good future.  Just gotta get
>>>>> everyone back to being excited about it.
>>>>>
>>>>
>>>> Thank you for joining our club.  I think you'll find its a good club
>>>> and worth the investment of your time and effort.
>>>>
>>>>
>>>>>
>>>>> Being everything to everyone is kinda hard to do in a club setting.
>>>>> Everyone has different ideas on what the club should be.
>>>>>
>>>>> The future for the repeaters and etc... it would be nice to hear some
>>>>> activity on the repeater.
>>>>>
>>>>
>>>> I agree it would be nice to hear some activity outside of the Monday
>>>> evening net, I have no room to talk here though because I am as guilty as
>>>> anyone of not using the repeater.
>>>>
>>>>
>>>>>   I know with cell phones, ham radio is starting to taper off on
>>>>> usage.
>>>>>
>>>>
>>>> I agree with this with respect to the local repeater as a means to
>>>> foster communication amongst hams in the local area.  I also think that the
>>>> ubiquity of emaill/instant messaging/text messaging has as much or more to
>>>> do with this than the cell phone does.  Just think 10 or 15 years ago we
>>>> would probably be having this discussion on the repeater instead of over
>>>> email.  I don't necessarily think this is all a bad thing though.  At least
>>>> email is easier to store and keep a record of for later reference.
>>>>
>>>>
>>>>
>>>>> This is the reason why I was talking about echolink.  Since I'm not
>>>>> usually in town but will be moving in soon.... I had a want to talk on the
>>>>> local repeater up there.  Would have been nice to be able to remote into
>>>>> the repeater and strike up a convo about local stuff and start to make
>>>>> friends.  If someone is traveling that would also be a nice addition as
>>>>> well.  Echolink is now on smart phones so one can download it and boom
>>>>> instant radio that works away from home.
>>>>>
>>>>
>>>> Echolink is definitely interesting and a useful mode.  I've
>>>> experimented with it in the past and useful to access a local repeater when
>>>> away from the area.  Unfortunately as you've noticed there isn't much
>>>> activity on our repeater currently so I'm not sure how much luck you would
>>>> have had striking up a conversation even if it were accessible via echolink.
>>>>
>>>>
>>>>>
>>>>>
>>>>> As of right now the digital repeaters in WV are as follows.....
>>>>>
>>>>> *DMR which is separated into two different link networks.*
>>>>>
>>>>> *DMR-MARC network - uses motorola dmr repeaters - has been active in
>>>>> the states for some time*
>>>>> Bluefield, WV 1 repeater
>>>>> Beckley, WV 3 spread out to cover a lot of area.
>>>>> See here for current map:  http://www.dmr-marc.net/repeaters.html
>>>>>
>>>>
>>>> Thanks for the information and the link to the map.  I am glad to know
>>>> there is a presence in the Beckley area as it is where I am originally from
>>>> and still travel there often to visit family.  I may try to pick up a cheap
>>>> DMR HT before I head down there the next time and try to access them.  Do
>>>> you have any recommendations for such an HT?
>>>>
>>>>>
>>>>>
>>>>> *DMRPlus - uses hytera dmr repeaters*
>>>>> None yet in WV but its just now getting started in the states.
>>>>>
>>>>> *FUSION*
>>>>> Clarksburg 1 repeater
>>>>> Pt. Pleasant 1 repeater
>>>>>
>>>>> *DSTAR*
>>>>> Mount Hope 1 repeater
>>>>>
>>>>> Digital offers some nice features.
>>>>>
>>>>
>>>> It's definitely more bandwidth efficient and I also like the slow speed
>>>> data and text messaging capabilities present in most digital solutions.
>>>>
>>>>
>>>>> In doing some more research on fusion... i agree with you that it
>>>>> would be nice to leave the current analog system online and put a digital
>>>>> system in place as another repeater.
>>>>>
>>>>
>>>> I think this is a requirement not just a nice to have.  Like it or not
>>>> Analog has too large of a footprint to just do away with anytime in the
>>>> near future and its proven technology.  I know our repeater has been used
>>>> more than once to coordinate communications to areas otherwise cut off due
>>>> to winter storms even as recently as 4 or 5 years ago.  I was
>>>> (un)fortunately out of town when that storm hit and was not able to
>>>> participate so someone else on the list can provide more details of this
>>>> event.  I think until such time as everyone has digital radios and the
>>>> system has proven itself to be as reliable there will be a lot of
>>>> reluctance to get rid of the current analog system.
>>>>
>>>>
>>>>
>>>>> To have the fusion in place of the analog system you would have to run
>>>>> the output of the fusion in analog mode and the input in dual
>>>>> digital/analog mode.  That would almost defeat the purpose of digital as it
>>>>> adds an analog route in.  Sooooo my new suggestion based on the info I have
>>>>> acquired.  Install a new fusion repeater and then perhaps link it into the
>>>>> analog system later on.
>>>>>
>>>>
>>>> I like this idea.  Unfortunately I do not know if space is available at
>>>> the current repeater site or if we'd have to look for an alternate site to
>>>> host a new repeater.  It's something we should discuss as we go forward
>>>> with deciding what the future of our repeater looks like.
>>>>
>>>>
>>>>> Or perhaps start with a UHF DMR repeater then move to fusion a little
>>>>> later on.
>>>>>
>>>>
>>>> We currently have an analog repeater that is in some form of
>>>> disrepair.  I really like the idea of making our UHF frequencies our
>>>> "experimental" repeater and I think we should investigate using any/all of
>>>> the digital repeater modes on this frequency.
>>>>
>>>>
>>>>
>>>>> DMR we could also link into the analog vhf repeater.  Would be nice to
>>>>> get a dmr repeater on the air at the university club as well..
>>>>>
>>>>
>>>> As you might have noticed from some of the discussions the university
>>>> club is pretty much defunct right now but Dr. Vanscoy is trying very hard
>>>> to revive it.  Hopefully she is successful and if she is we could embark on
>>>> a project like this.
>>>>
>>>>
>>>>> Could use the same talkgroups on both repeaters and have a wide link
>>>>> network started.
>>>>>
>>>>
>>>> Just curious - I know that with some of the digital modes (DSTAR in
>>>> particular) linking over the air is not possible and all links must be over
>>>> the internet.  Is the same true for DMR or is it possible to link multiple
>>>> DMR repeaters using only RF?
>>>>
>>>>
>>>>
>>>>>
>>>>> So yes.... I will try to put together an info packet/presentation on
>>>>> the digital systems for the next meeting.
>>>>>
>>>>
>>>> Thank you very much for trying to put this together.  The next meeting
>>>> will be on October 20.  Would it be possible to let me know by the 13th if
>>>> you will be able to put together the presentation or not so we have a bit
>>>> of time to put together an alternate?
>>>>
>>>>
>>>>
>>>>> I'm hoping my DMR dongle has came in by then.  If so I'll setup a DMR
>>>>> hotspot and let the group take a test drive.  I have been doing a few
>>>>> months worth of research into different digital modes so I do have some
>>>>> info handy.
>>>>>
>>>>
>>>> Great.  I am very interested in theys technology and would love to see
>>>> it in action.
>>>>
>>>>
>>>>>
>>>>> As a side note.... how this reflector is setup.... its a tad hard to
>>>>> carry on a good conversation.  If you don't reply to the reflector you just
>>>>> reply to the user and no one else really sees the reply.
>>>>>
>>>>
>>>> The reflector is set up pretty much identically to any email list I
>>>> have ever used and having been in the IT industry for a while I have
>>>> subscribed and continue to subscribe to lots of mailing lists.  Looking
>>>> back at my reply it went to both you (in the to: field) and the list (in
>>>> the cc: field) and looking at my email archive I did receive my reply via
>>>> the list so all subscribers should have seen it.  Please let me know if you
>>>> have any specific questions regarding the list.
>>>>
>>>>
>>>>
>>>>> I'm in the process of setting up a DMR website that will hopefully
>>>>> group some info together for those interested in DMR and possibly other
>>>>> digital modes.
>>>>>
>>>>
>>>> Great, I've spent some time reading a bit about DMR the past few
>>>> evenings and while there is a lot of information out there it seems to be
>>>> scattered all over the interwebs.  A central place that collects a lot of
>>>> this information would be very valuable.
>>>>
>>>>
>>>>> I'm adding a forum in as well.  I have a club forum setup on there as
>>>>> well that is only avail to members of the club if anyone would be
>>>>> interested.  Otherwise perhaps we can setup a forum on the w8mwa page.
>>>>>
>>>>   It would allow everyone to discuss club business in a better format
>>>>> and have separate areas for members and non members of the club.  Plus an
>>>>> area to talk about anything and everything under the sun.
>>>>>
>>>>
>>>>
>>>> It's just my personal preference but I much prefer mailing lists for
>>>> this type of discussion but by no means does my preference cary any weight.
>>>>
>>>>
>>>>
>>>>> Here is mine.... http://forum.dmrwv.com
>>>>> It's a work in progress as I just started it.
>>>>> Also if help is needed with the website I would be more than happy to
>>>>> help.  I have quite a bit of experience with websites etc.
>>>>>
>>>>
>>>> Thank you very much for the offer.  Randy Crowe (N80ZY) and Bill Shultz
>>>> (W8RS) are the primary care takers of the website.  They are both
>>>> subscribed to the list and I'm sure will be reading this.  But do mention
>>>> it to them during the next club meeting.
>>>>
>>>>  <snip>
>>>>
>>>> Thanks,
>>>> Josh
>>>>
>>>>
>>>> ______________________________________________________________
>>>> W8MWA mailing list
>>>> Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/w8mwa
>>>> Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm
>>>> Post: mailto:W8MWA at mailman.qth.net
>>>> <javascript:_e(%7B%7D,'cvml','W8MWA at mailman.qth.net');>
>>>>
>>>> This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net
>>>> Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
>>>>
>>>
>>>
>>
>> ______________________________________________________________
>> W8MWA mailing list
>> Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/w8mwa
>> Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm
>> Post: mailto:W8MWA at mailman.qth.net
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>>
>> This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net
>> Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
>>
>
>

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From juicewvu at gmail.com  Fri Sep 25 13:00:02 2015
From: juicewvu at gmail.com (Josh Smith)
Date: Fri, 25 Sep 2015 13:00:02 -0400
Subject: [W8MWA] Road map to the future?
In-Reply-To: <CAAkYMAYP6Dhhv4F01XCB=HCwyZ+-ibbuiGoADTBiiCsJiOcB9g@mail.gmail.com>
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	<CAFN8_47t7Ru407_B-yiDGycQCU7R3BXXAGjHak=58vuJ9kFGmw@mail.gmail.com>
	<CAAkYMAbNDxdK1u_Ac0unfDok9BCGUPw9EnESwYNWsPEudxetvA@mail.gmail.com>
	<9218FC4A-2812-4925-9550-38CEE6C43476@gmail.com>
	<CADRdUyDtatjD5eDUFPZ+0zosMbm4WyfL=4wrztX=E1ApmzYUGA@mail.gmail.com>
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	<CAAkYMAYP6Dhhv4F01XCB=HCwyZ+-ibbuiGoADTBiiCsJiOcB9g@mail.gmail.com>
Message-ID: <CAFN8_47bJsnm6r+eCyGvW3g4_bgwYW3uwoFA1Wo_pMMKi8Nm5g@mail.gmail.com>

Hello Everyone:

According to the Yaesu website the special price on Fusion repeaters is
available through September 30:
https://www.yaesu.com/pdf/DR1-X_Installation_Program_Final.pdf

I think this is something the club should likely persue - at the very least
to get something up and running on the UHF frequencies allocated to our
repeater infrastructure.

The time frame is pretty tight on this so we would need to move quickly to
get this application submitted prior to the deadline.

What does everyone think about trying to get in on this special price?


Thanks,
Josh


Josh Smith
KD8HRX
email/jabber:  juicewvu at gmail.com
phone:  304.237.9369(c)


On Fri, Sep 25, 2015 at 11:06 AM, Dean Thompson <deanot26508 at gmail.com>
wrote:

> The remote base is what i had in mind, Ido have a 100% signal at my qth.
>
> Just for information.
>
>
> On Friday, September 25, 2015, Josh Smith <juicewvu at gmail.com> wrote:
>
>> Hello Josh,
>>
>> See my replies inline as before.
>>
>> Josh Smith
>> KD8HRX
>> email/jabber:  juicewvu at gmail.com
>> phone:  304.237.9369(c)
>>
>>
>> On Wed, Sep 23, 2015 at 2:05 AM, Josh Prichard <wvunderground at gmail.com>
>> wrote:
>>
>>> So what about linking the echolink in via remote base?  At least this
>>> way if it was totally screwed up someone could key up the repeater and kill
>>> the remote radio link until it was stable again.  I don't know if Dean is
>>> close enough to have a good remote base signal but something to think
>>> about.  Otherwise.... echolink has a remote webpage that we can setup so
>>> any of the club members can log in and kill the link as well.  It would be
>>> very easy to setup and distribute the login info to everyone.  We could
>>> probably even setup a mini server with power control to kill the echolink
>>> radio power in case of extreme emergency.  Multiple ways to control this
>>> link.
>>>
>>
>>
>> A remote base sounds like a fantastic idea for linking our repeater to
>> echo link to me.  I'm not sure if Deans QTH is a good one for this or not,
>> but I'll bet we can find a member or two that are in a good location if
>> Dean is not.
>>
>> Randy - Can you weigh in on your thoughts of linking the repeater to
>> echolink via a remote base as the repeater trustee?
>>
>> Bill - Can you weigh in from a technical standpoint.
>>
>>
>>>
>>> I'm going to revisit the VHF fusion repeater thing as I have been
>>> reading more info on it.  As of what I know now.... there are a few ways we
>>> could go about this.  Since the vhf repeater is old it most likely needs
>>> replaced.  The club could get a fusion repeater and let it replace the vhf
>>> repeater.  We can run the fusion repeater in a few different modes.
>>> Analog only in / Analog only out
>>> Analog and Digital in / Analog out*
>>> Analog and Digital in / Analog and Digital out**
>>>
>>> *In the analog and digital in / analog out mode a user can either talk
>>> digital or analog into the repeater and come out analog only on the output
>>> so everyone would always hear everything.  This would allow digital users
>>> better input into the repeater and should keep analog users the same as it
>>> is now.
>>>
>>> **Analog and Digital in / Analog and Digital out - in this mode if a
>>> group of people are talking in digital would be digital in / digital out.
>>> Analog users wouldn't hear anything as long as they have a ctcss tone set
>>> on receive.  Now if an analog user wants to talk.... when they key up the
>>> repeater.... the repeater will go into the digital and analog in / analog
>>> out mode and stay that way until a timeout has happened where the analog
>>> user has stopped talking.  Then it'll be back in analog and digital in /
>>> analog and digital out.
>>>
>>> My new suggestion would be to replace the current vhf machine with a
>>> fusion repeater and allow the analog and digital in / analog out mode.
>>> This would at least get a new repeater in place of the old equipment and
>>> still allow all users to participate.  From what I gather yaesu still has
>>> the 500$ deal going for clubs.  This would beat putting money into an old
>>> repeater.
>>>
>>
>>
>> To provide a little more detail on our repeater.  The controller is
>> pretty new (less than 3 years) but the radios are pretty old but have
>> proven to be very reliable.  I'm not sure that a replacement of the entire
>> system is warranted.
>>
>>
>>
>>>
>>> Then perhaps start to build out a UHF network on DMR.  I'm aiming at UHF
>>> for the fact that the new dongles coming out for DMR hotspots are UHF
>>> based.  DMR radios aren't dual band yet.
>>>
>>> Now to follow up on some of your other questions I never answered.  I'm
>>> from Logan right now which is right over the hill from Beckley.
>>>
>>
>> I know where Logan is, I've been there more than once, though I have not
>> been there for several years.
>>
>>
>>> I have been talking on the Ivy Knob dmr repeater after work.  I run up
>>> the top of a hill and talk away.  Right now the cheapest HT for dmr would
>>> be the TYT md-380 I believe.  It is what I'm using at the moment.
>>>
>>>
>>> http://www.ebay.com/itm/Walkie-Talkie-TYT-MD-380-UHF-5W-Digital-Mobile-DMR-2-Way-Radio-1xUSB-Cable-US-/301693099071?hash=item463e4f5c3f
>>>
>>> Just make sure to get one with a programming cable.  They have a
>>> codeplug avail on the NCPRN site that includes the Beckley repeaters.
>>>
>>> http://www.ncprn.net/downloads.html
>>>
>>
>> Thanks for the links.
>>
>>>
>>>
>>> As for linking digital repeaters.... its all internet based now days
>>> which is why it would be a plus to have internet at the repeater sites.
>>> The wireless link that BIll is working on now is ideal.  I run a wireless
>>> link at 5ghz at my current workplace and haven't had one hickup other than
>>> a switch that couldn't handle the mac tables from so many devices going
>>> through it.  Running the Ubiquiti Nanostation NSM5 at both locations and it
>>> maxes a 75meg connection out.  Voice data is nowhere near this throughput.
>>>
>>
>>
>> I've used ubiquiti equipment and am a big fan as well.
>>
>>
>>>
>>>
>>>
>>> On Tue, Sep 22, 2015 at 11:32 PM, Joshua Smith <juicewvu at gmail.com>
>>> wrote:
>>>
>>>> Dean,
>>>> Thanks for your input. Please see my comments again they are inline
>>>> below.
>>>>
>>>> 73,
>>>> --
>>>> Josh Smith
>>>> KD8HRX
>>>>
>>>> Email/jabber: juicewvu at gmail.com
>>>> Phone: 304.237.9369(c)
>>>>
>>>> Sent from my iPhone.
>>>>
>>>> On Sep 22, 2015, at 10:35 PM, Dean Thompson <deanot26508 at gmail.com>
>>>> wrote:
>>>>
>>>> I am not seeing any replies from other club members on this,
>>>>
>>>> I for one am interested in getting my echolink box set up on a local
>>>> repeater, if not this one I will try the WVU repeater.  Echolink does have
>>>> some advantages, example being... One of our hams moved away just over a
>>>> year ago, would it not be nice for him to stop in and say hi on the Monday
>>>> net?.  As Josh mentioned, it is also nice for when we are out of town.
>>>>
>>>>
>>>>
>>>> I agree echo link has some nice use sees and I would like to see it
>>>> available on the MWA repeater. Although I think the ability to
>>>> break/reestablish this link from the repeater side and I am not sure what
>>>> is involved in making that a possibility.
>>>>
>>>>
>>>> We need more feedback on this, more replies as this affects us all in
>>>> some way or another.
>>>>
>>>>
>>>> We definitely need feedback from everyone in the club. Most importantly
>>>> from Bill(WR8S) as the technical person who takes care of the repeater and
>>>> from Randy (N8OZY) as the repeater trustee.
>>>>
>>>> hopefully they are able to weigh in on this via email but if not we
>>>> have a good topic to address in the October meeting.
>>>>
>>>> Josh has made some good points, and I look forward to moving forward on
>>>> some of these ideas.  First we need to either replace the aged repeater or
>>>> repair it, having a digital mode would be nice also.
>>>>
>>>>
>>>> I agree our number one priority needs to be in repairing the repeater
>>>> (even if that means replacing some of the equipment). I also would like to
>>>> see us have a digital repeater of some sort in addition to our existing
>>>> analog repeater NOT in place of as I think asking everyone to replace their
>>>> existing equipment just to access the repeater would be a disaster for the
>>>> club.
>>>>
>>>>
>>>> What is the situation for a new repeater? can we afford one? do we need
>>>> to chip in, raise some funding somehow?
>>>>
>>>>
>>>> I think we need to first get the existing repeater back to its optimal
>>>> condition and see what that does to our funds. Then we can start to plan
>>>> for expanding our repeater system - hopefully into the digital space.
>>>>
>>>>
>>>>
>>>> http://www.yaesu.com/indexVS.cfm?cmd=DisplayProducts&ProdCatID=249&encProdID=4105F1B8AE65079CAD2D26735B83B302
>>>> this is the system fusion repeater if anyone is interested, and I just
>>>> noticed it uses C4FM which is what my Yeasu 991 can run, so that is a plus
>>>> for me.. lol
>>>>
>>>>
>>>> That seems like a good deal on the repeater. Unfortunately I believe
>>>> most of the expenses with building out a new repeater will be in the
>>>> ancillary things that go along with it - antennas, feed line, duplexes,
>>>> filters, etc.
>>>>
>>>>
>>>> I don't know if this is bogus or not, but the above repeater is $500 on
>>>> a club special, see here
>>>> http://www.radioinc.com/oscmax/catalog/product_info.php?products_id=3791
>>>>
>>>> I hope to see you all at the next meeting, Josh and Josh, keep up the
>>>> chat, I feel some headway is being made.
>>>>
>>>>
>>>> Thanks again for the input.
>>>>
>>>>
>>>> Dean (KD8YNY)
>>>>
>>>> On Tue, Sep 22, 2015 at 9:02 PM, Josh Smith <juicewvu at gmail.com> wrote:
>>>>
>>>>> Hello Josh,
>>>>>
>>>>> Please see my comments inline again.
>>>>>
>>>>> Josh Smith
>>>>> KD8HRX
>>>>> email/jabber:  juicewvu at gmail.com
>>>>> phone:  304.237.9369(c)
>>>>>
>>>>>
>>>>> On Mon, Sep 21, 2015 at 4:31 PM, Josh Prichard <
>>>>> wvunderground at gmail.com> wrote:
>>>>>
>>>>>> Thanks Josh....
>>>>>>
>>>>>> I'm hoping I didn't come off as harsh as that was not my intention.
>>>>>> Sometimes I do have problems getting my thoughts out correctly.  If so I do
>>>>>> apologize.
>>>>>>
>>>>>
>>>>> You didn't come across as harsh.  No need to apologize.
>>>>>
>>>>>
>>>>>>
>>>>>> This is the club I'll join.  It seems like a club with good users.
>>>>>> Sure there is a difference of opinion but that is any club.  Everyone was
>>>>>> nice and friendly.  I think the club has a good future.  Just gotta get
>>>>>> everyone back to being excited about it.
>>>>>>
>>>>>
>>>>> Thank you for joining our club.  I think you'll find its a good club
>>>>> and worth the investment of your time and effort.
>>>>>
>>>>>
>>>>>>
>>>>>> Being everything to everyone is kinda hard to do in a club setting.
>>>>>> Everyone has different ideas on what the club should be.
>>>>>>
>>>>>> The future for the repeaters and etc... it would be nice to hear some
>>>>>> activity on the repeater.
>>>>>>
>>>>>
>>>>> I agree it would be nice to hear some activity outside of the Monday
>>>>> evening net, I have no room to talk here though because I am as guilty as
>>>>> anyone of not using the repeater.
>>>>>
>>>>>
>>>>>>   I know with cell phones, ham radio is starting to taper off on
>>>>>> usage.
>>>>>>
>>>>>
>>>>> I agree with this with respect to the local repeater as a means to
>>>>> foster communication amongst hams in the local area.  I also think that the
>>>>> ubiquity of emaill/instant messaging/text messaging has as much or more to
>>>>> do with this than the cell phone does.  Just think 10 or 15 years ago we
>>>>> would probably be having this discussion on the repeater instead of over
>>>>> email.  I don't necessarily think this is all a bad thing though.  At least
>>>>> email is easier to store and keep a record of for later reference.
>>>>>
>>>>>
>>>>>
>>>>>> This is the reason why I was talking about echolink.  Since I'm not
>>>>>> usually in town but will be moving in soon.... I had a want to talk on the
>>>>>> local repeater up there.  Would have been nice to be able to remote into
>>>>>> the repeater and strike up a convo about local stuff and start to make
>>>>>> friends.  If someone is traveling that would also be a nice addition as
>>>>>> well.  Echolink is now on smart phones so one can download it and boom
>>>>>> instant radio that works away from home.
>>>>>>
>>>>>
>>>>> Echolink is definitely interesting and a useful mode.  I've
>>>>> experimented with it in the past and useful to access a local repeater when
>>>>> away from the area.  Unfortunately as you've noticed there isn't much
>>>>> activity on our repeater currently so I'm not sure how much luck you would
>>>>> have had striking up a conversation even if it were accessible via echolink.
>>>>>
>>>>>
>>>>>>
>>>>>>
>>>>>> As of right now the digital repeaters in WV are as follows.....
>>>>>>
>>>>>> *DMR which is separated into two different link networks.*
>>>>>>
>>>>>> *DMR-MARC network - uses motorola dmr repeaters - has been active in
>>>>>> the states for some time*
>>>>>> Bluefield, WV 1 repeater
>>>>>> Beckley, WV 3 spread out to cover a lot of area.
>>>>>> See here for current map:  http://www.dmr-marc.net/repeaters.html
>>>>>>
>>>>>
>>>>> Thanks for the information and the link to the map.  I am glad to know
>>>>> there is a presence in the Beckley area as it is where I am originally from
>>>>> and still travel there often to visit family.  I may try to pick up a cheap
>>>>> DMR HT before I head down there the next time and try to access them.  Do
>>>>> you have any recommendations for such an HT?
>>>>>
>>>>>>
>>>>>>
>>>>>> *DMRPlus - uses hytera dmr repeaters*
>>>>>> None yet in WV but its just now getting started in the states.
>>>>>>
>>>>>> *FUSION*
>>>>>> Clarksburg 1 repeater
>>>>>> Pt. Pleasant 1 repeater
>>>>>>
>>>>>> *DSTAR*
>>>>>> Mount Hope 1 repeater
>>>>>>
>>>>>> Digital offers some nice features.
>>>>>>
>>>>>
>>>>> It's definitely more bandwidth efficient and I also like the slow
>>>>> speed data and text messaging capabilities present in most digital
>>>>> solutions.
>>>>>
>>>>>
>>>>>> In doing some more research on fusion... i agree with you that it
>>>>>> would be nice to leave the current analog system online and put a digital
>>>>>> system in place as another repeater.
>>>>>>
>>>>>
>>>>> I think this is a requirement not just a nice to have.  Like it or not
>>>>> Analog has too large of a footprint to just do away with anytime in the
>>>>> near future and its proven technology.  I know our repeater has been used
>>>>> more than once to coordinate communications to areas otherwise cut off due
>>>>> to winter storms even as recently as 4 or 5 years ago.  I was
>>>>> (un)fortunately out of town when that storm hit and was not able to
>>>>> participate so someone else on the list can provide more details of this
>>>>> event.  I think until such time as everyone has digital radios and the
>>>>> system has proven itself to be as reliable there will be a lot of
>>>>> reluctance to get rid of the current analog system.
>>>>>
>>>>>
>>>>>
>>>>>> To have the fusion in place of the analog system you would have to
>>>>>> run the output of the fusion in analog mode and the input in dual
>>>>>> digital/analog mode.  That would almost defeat the purpose of digital as it
>>>>>> adds an analog route in.  Sooooo my new suggestion based on the info I have
>>>>>> acquired.  Install a new fusion repeater and then perhaps link it into the
>>>>>> analog system later on.
>>>>>>
>>>>>
>>>>> I like this idea.  Unfortunately I do not know if space is available
>>>>> at the current repeater site or if we'd have to look for an alternate site
>>>>> to host a new repeater.  It's something we should discuss as we go forward
>>>>> with deciding what the future of our repeater looks like.
>>>>>
>>>>>
>>>>>> Or perhaps start with a UHF DMR repeater then move to fusion a little
>>>>>> later on.
>>>>>>
>>>>>
>>>>> We currently have an analog repeater that is in some form of
>>>>> disrepair.  I really like the idea of making our UHF frequencies our
>>>>> "experimental" repeater and I think we should investigate using any/all of
>>>>> the digital repeater modes on this frequency.
>>>>>
>>>>>
>>>>>
>>>>>> DMR we could also link into the analog vhf repeater.  Would be nice
>>>>>> to get a dmr repeater on the air at the university club as well..
>>>>>>
>>>>>
>>>>> As you might have noticed from some of the discussions the university
>>>>> club is pretty much defunct right now but Dr. Vanscoy is trying very hard
>>>>> to revive it.  Hopefully she is successful and if she is we could embark on
>>>>> a project like this.
>>>>>
>>>>>
>>>>>> Could use the same talkgroups on both repeaters and have a wide link
>>>>>> network started.
>>>>>>
>>>>>
>>>>> Just curious - I know that with some of the digital modes (DSTAR in
>>>>> particular) linking over the air is not possible and all links must be over
>>>>> the internet.  Is the same true for DMR or is it possible to link multiple
>>>>> DMR repeaters using only RF?
>>>>>
>>>>>
>>>>>
>>>>>>
>>>>>> So yes.... I will try to put together an info packet/presentation on
>>>>>> the digital systems for the next meeting.
>>>>>>
>>>>>
>>>>> Thank you very much for trying to put this together.  The next meeting
>>>>> will be on October 20.  Would it be possible to let me know by the 13th if
>>>>> you will be able to put together the presentation or not so we have a bit
>>>>> of time to put together an alternate?
>>>>>
>>>>>
>>>>>
>>>>>> I'm hoping my DMR dongle has came in by then.  If so I'll setup a DMR
>>>>>> hotspot and let the group take a test drive.  I have been doing a few
>>>>>> months worth of research into different digital modes so I do have some
>>>>>> info handy.
>>>>>>
>>>>>
>>>>> Great.  I am very interested in theys technology and would love to see
>>>>> it in action.
>>>>>
>>>>>
>>>>>>
>>>>>> As a side note.... how this reflector is setup.... its a tad hard to
>>>>>> carry on a good conversation.  If you don't reply to the reflector you just
>>>>>> reply to the user and no one else really sees the reply.
>>>>>>
>>>>>
>>>>> The reflector is set up pretty much identically to any email list I
>>>>> have ever used and having been in the IT industry for a while I have
>>>>> subscribed and continue to subscribe to lots of mailing lists.  Looking
>>>>> back at my reply it went to both you (in the to: field) and the list (in
>>>>> the cc: field) and looking at my email archive I did receive my reply via
>>>>> the list so all subscribers should have seen it.  Please let me know if you
>>>>> have any specific questions regarding the list.
>>>>>
>>>>>
>>>>>
>>>>>> I'm in the process of setting up a DMR website that will hopefully
>>>>>> group some info together for those interested in DMR and possibly other
>>>>>> digital modes.
>>>>>>
>>>>>
>>>>> Great, I've spent some time reading a bit about DMR the past few
>>>>> evenings and while there is a lot of information out there it seems to be
>>>>> scattered all over the interwebs.  A central place that collects a lot of
>>>>> this information would be very valuable.
>>>>>
>>>>>
>>>>>> I'm adding a forum in as well.  I have a club forum setup on there as
>>>>>> well that is only avail to members of the club if anyone would be
>>>>>> interested.  Otherwise perhaps we can setup a forum on the w8mwa page.
>>>>>>
>>>>>   It would allow everyone to discuss club business in a better format
>>>>>> and have separate areas for members and non members of the club.  Plus an
>>>>>> area to talk about anything and everything under the sun.
>>>>>>
>>>>>
>>>>>
>>>>> It's just my personal preference but I much prefer mailing lists for
>>>>> this type of discussion but by no means does my preference cary any weight.
>>>>>
>>>>>
>>>>>
>>>>>> Here is mine.... http://forum.dmrwv.com
>>>>>> It's a work in progress as I just started it.
>>>>>> Also if help is needed with the website I would be more than happy to
>>>>>> help.  I have quite a bit of experience with websites etc.
>>>>>>
>>>>>
>>>>> Thank you very much for the offer.  Randy Crowe (N80ZY) and Bill
>>>>> Shultz (W8RS) are the primary care takers of the website.  They are both
>>>>> subscribed to the list and I'm sure will be reading this.  But do mention
>>>>> it to them during the next club meeting.
>>>>>
>>>>>  <snip>
>>>>>
>>>>> Thanks,
>>>>> Josh
>>>>>
>>>>>
>>>>> ______________________________________________________________
>>>>> W8MWA mailing list
>>>>> Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/w8mwa
>>>>> Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm
>>>>> Post: mailto:W8MWA at mailman.qth.net
>>>>>
>>>>> This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net
>>>>> Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
>>>>>
>>>>
>>>>
>>>
>>> ______________________________________________________________
>>> W8MWA mailing list
>>> Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/w8mwa
>>> Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm
>>> Post: mailto:W8MWA at mailman.qth.net
>>>
>>> This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net
>>> Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
>>>
>>
>>
>
> --
> Sent from Gmail Mobile
>
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From wvunderground at gmail.com  Fri Sep 25 14:30:43 2015
From: wvunderground at gmail.com (Josh Prichard)
Date: Fri, 25 Sep 2015 14:30:43 -0400
Subject: [W8MWA] Road map to the future?
In-Reply-To: <CAFN8_47bJsnm6r+eCyGvW3g4_bgwYW3uwoFA1Wo_pMMKi8Nm5g@mail.gmail.com>
References: <CADRdUyB2SKDVxLVXaUtjPNEADwbSS+6jKRnvg-pkCODFBE+0vQ@mail.gmail.com>
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	<CAFN8_47t7Ru407_B-yiDGycQCU7R3BXXAGjHak=58vuJ9kFGmw@mail.gmail.com>
	<CAAkYMAbNDxdK1u_Ac0unfDok9BCGUPw9EnESwYNWsPEudxetvA@mail.gmail.com>
	<9218FC4A-2812-4925-9550-38CEE6C43476@gmail.com>
	<CADRdUyDtatjD5eDUFPZ+0zosMbm4WyfL=4wrztX=E1ApmzYUGA@mail.gmail.com>
	<CAFN8_46=0f41-08D94EtAearisDooDq1HtpWfcAPNga-0kbD4g@mail.gmail.com>
	<CAAkYMAYP6Dhhv4F01XCB=HCwyZ+-ibbuiGoADTBiiCsJiOcB9g@mail.gmail.com>
	<CAFN8_47bJsnm6r+eCyGvW3g4_bgwYW3uwoFA1Wo_pMMKi8Nm5g@mail.gmail.com>
Message-ID: <CADRdUyDG06Ve0dyqP43sZs95gN2ALa9bYK4gPqHc-oY-GJSAhg@mail.gmail.com>

I'm very biased here as I would like to see DMR go on UHF and the Fusion go
on VHF then link the two repeaters later on down the road.

I'll throw this into the mix as I know its a new rc210....

http://www.arcomcontrollers.com/index.php/adr-interface

Whatever the club thinks we should do will be ok though.  Can always find
repeater space later on if anyone does want DMR.


Also could someone perhaps go into the admin panel of this list and change
the reply options to reply to the list instead of the poster.  That way we
can at least see all the replies?

*When list members reply to a message, who does it go to?*
When replying to a message sent to a list the reply will be sent, by
default, to the original sender of the message. This action can be changed:
*General Options*
*Where are replies to list messages directed*. "Message poster" is the
default. Changing this option to *"This list"* or *"Explicit Address"* will
redirect replies. If you use "Explicit Address," be sure to also list the
address under the *"Explicit Reply-To: Header"* section directly below. If
the reply is sent to "reply to all" within the email client, both the
recipient and the list will be replied to.

On Fri, Sep 25, 2015 at 1:00 PM, Josh Smith <juicewvu at gmail.com> wrote:

> Hello Everyone:
>
> According to the Yaesu website the special price on Fusion repeaters is
> available through September 30:
> https://www.yaesu.com/pdf/DR1-X_Installation_Program_Final.pdf
>
> I think this is something the club should likely persue - at the very
> least to get something up and running on the UHF frequencies allocated to
> our repeater infrastructure.
>
> The time frame is pretty tight on this so we would need to move quickly to
> get this application submitted prior to the deadline.
>
> What does everyone think about trying to get in on this special price?
>
>
> Thanks,
> Josh
>
>
> Josh Smith
> KD8HRX
> email/jabber:  juicewvu at gmail.com
> phone:  304.237.9369(c)
>
>
> On Fri, Sep 25, 2015 at 11:06 AM, Dean Thompson <deanot26508 at gmail.com>
> wrote:
>
>> The remote base is what i had in mind, Ido have a 100% signal at my qth.
>>
>> Just for information.
>>
>>
>> On Friday, September 25, 2015, Josh Smith <juicewvu at gmail.com> wrote:
>>
>>> Hello Josh,
>>>
>>> See my replies inline as before.
>>>
>>> Josh Smith
>>> KD8HRX
>>> email/jabber:  juicewvu at gmail.com
>>> phone:  304.237.9369(c)
>>>
>>>
>>> On Wed, Sep 23, 2015 at 2:05 AM, Josh Prichard <wvunderground at gmail.com>
>>> wrote:
>>>
>>>> So what about linking the echolink in via remote base?  At least this
>>>> way if it was totally screwed up someone could key up the repeater and kill
>>>> the remote radio link until it was stable again.  I don't know if Dean is
>>>> close enough to have a good remote base signal but something to think
>>>> about.  Otherwise.... echolink has a remote webpage that we can setup so
>>>> any of the club members can log in and kill the link as well.  It would be
>>>> very easy to setup and distribute the login info to everyone.  We could
>>>> probably even setup a mini server with power control to kill the echolink
>>>> radio power in case of extreme emergency.  Multiple ways to control this
>>>> link.
>>>>
>>>
>>>
>>> A remote base sounds like a fantastic idea for linking our repeater to
>>> echo link to me.  I'm not sure if Deans QTH is a good one for this or not,
>>> but I'll bet we can find a member or two that are in a good location if
>>> Dean is not.
>>>
>>> Randy - Can you weigh in on your thoughts of linking the repeater to
>>> echolink via a remote base as the repeater trustee?
>>>
>>> Bill - Can you weigh in from a technical standpoint.
>>>
>>>
>>>>
>>>> I'm going to revisit the VHF fusion repeater thing as I have been
>>>> reading more info on it.  As of what I know now.... there are a few ways we
>>>> could go about this.  Since the vhf repeater is old it most likely needs
>>>> replaced.  The club could get a fusion repeater and let it replace the vhf
>>>> repeater.  We can run the fusion repeater in a few different modes.
>>>> Analog only in / Analog only out
>>>> Analog and Digital in / Analog out*
>>>> Analog and Digital in / Analog and Digital out**
>>>>
>>>> *In the analog and digital in / analog out mode a user can either talk
>>>> digital or analog into the repeater and come out analog only on the output
>>>> so everyone would always hear everything.  This would allow digital users
>>>> better input into the repeater and should keep analog users the same as it
>>>> is now.
>>>>
>>>> **Analog and Digital in / Analog and Digital out - in this mode if a
>>>> group of people are talking in digital would be digital in / digital out.
>>>> Analog users wouldn't hear anything as long as they have a ctcss tone set
>>>> on receive.  Now if an analog user wants to talk.... when they key up the
>>>> repeater.... the repeater will go into the digital and analog in / analog
>>>> out mode and stay that way until a timeout has happened where the analog
>>>> user has stopped talking.  Then it'll be back in analog and digital in /
>>>> analog and digital out.
>>>>
>>>> My new suggestion would be to replace the current vhf machine with a
>>>> fusion repeater and allow the analog and digital in / analog out mode.
>>>> This would at least get a new repeater in place of the old equipment and
>>>> still allow all users to participate.  From what I gather yaesu still has
>>>> the 500$ deal going for clubs.  This would beat putting money into an old
>>>> repeater.
>>>>
>>>
>>>
>>> To provide a little more detail on our repeater.  The controller is
>>> pretty new (less than 3 years) but the radios are pretty old but have
>>> proven to be very reliable.  I'm not sure that a replacement of the entire
>>> system is warranted.
>>>
>>>
>>>
>>>>
>>>> Then perhaps start to build out a UHF network on DMR.  I'm aiming at
>>>> UHF for the fact that the new dongles coming out for DMR hotspots are UHF
>>>> based.  DMR radios aren't dual band yet.
>>>>
>>>> Now to follow up on some of your other questions I never answered.  I'm
>>>> from Logan right now which is right over the hill from Beckley.
>>>>
>>>
>>> I know where Logan is, I've been there more than once, though I have not
>>> been there for several years.
>>>
>>>
>>>> I have been talking on the Ivy Knob dmr repeater after work.  I run up
>>>> the top of a hill and talk away.  Right now the cheapest HT for dmr would
>>>> be the TYT md-380 I believe.  It is what I'm using at the moment.
>>>>
>>>>
>>>> http://www.ebay.com/itm/Walkie-Talkie-TYT-MD-380-UHF-5W-Digital-Mobile-DMR-2-Way-Radio-1xUSB-Cable-US-/301693099071?hash=item463e4f5c3f
>>>>
>>>> Just make sure to get one with a programming cable.  They have a
>>>> codeplug avail on the NCPRN site that includes the Beckley repeaters.
>>>>
>>>> http://www.ncprn.net/downloads.html
>>>>
>>>
>>> Thanks for the links.
>>>
>>>>
>>>>
>>>> As for linking digital repeaters.... its all internet based now days
>>>> which is why it would be a plus to have internet at the repeater sites.
>>>> The wireless link that BIll is working on now is ideal.  I run a wireless
>>>> link at 5ghz at my current workplace and haven't had one hickup other than
>>>> a switch that couldn't handle the mac tables from so many devices going
>>>> through it.  Running the Ubiquiti Nanostation NSM5 at both locations and it
>>>> maxes a 75meg connection out.  Voice data is nowhere near this throughput.
>>>>
>>>
>>>
>>> I've used ubiquiti equipment and am a big fan as well.
>>>
>>>
>>>>
>>>>
>>>>
>>>> On Tue, Sep 22, 2015 at 11:32 PM, Joshua Smith <juicewvu at gmail.com>
>>>> wrote:
>>>>
>>>>> Dean,
>>>>> Thanks for your input. Please see my comments again they are inline
>>>>> below.
>>>>>
>>>>> 73,
>>>>> --
>>>>> Josh Smith
>>>>> KD8HRX
>>>>>
>>>>> Email/jabber: juicewvu at gmail.com
>>>>> Phone: 304.237.9369(c)
>>>>>
>>>>> Sent from my iPhone.
>>>>>
>>>>> On Sep 22, 2015, at 10:35 PM, Dean Thompson <deanot26508 at gmail.com>
>>>>> wrote:
>>>>>
>>>>> I am not seeing any replies from other club members on this,
>>>>>
>>>>> I for one am interested in getting my echolink box set up on a local
>>>>> repeater, if not this one I will try the WVU repeater.  Echolink does have
>>>>> some advantages, example being... One of our hams moved away just over a
>>>>> year ago, would it not be nice for him to stop in and say hi on the Monday
>>>>> net?.  As Josh mentioned, it is also nice for when we are out of town.
>>>>>
>>>>>
>>>>>
>>>>> I agree echo link has some nice use sees and I would like to see it
>>>>> available on the MWA repeater. Although I think the ability to
>>>>> break/reestablish this link from the repeater side and I am not sure what
>>>>> is involved in making that a possibility.
>>>>>
>>>>>
>>>>> We need more feedback on this, more replies as this affects us all in
>>>>> some way or another.
>>>>>
>>>>>
>>>>> We definitely need feedback from everyone in the club. Most
>>>>> importantly from Bill(WR8S) as the technical person who takes care of the
>>>>> repeater and from Randy (N8OZY) as the repeater trustee.
>>>>>
>>>>> hopefully they are able to weigh in on this via email but if not we
>>>>> have a good topic to address in the October meeting.
>>>>>
>>>>> Josh has made some good points, and I look forward to moving forward
>>>>> on some of these ideas.  First we need to either replace the aged repeater
>>>>> or repair it, having a digital mode would be nice also.
>>>>>
>>>>>
>>>>> I agree our number one priority needs to be in repairing the repeater
>>>>> (even if that means replacing some of the equipment). I also would like to
>>>>> see us have a digital repeater of some sort in addition to our existing
>>>>> analog repeater NOT in place of as I think asking everyone to replace their
>>>>> existing equipment just to access the repeater would be a disaster for the
>>>>> club.
>>>>>
>>>>>
>>>>> What is the situation for a new repeater? can we afford one? do we
>>>>> need to chip in, raise some funding somehow?
>>>>>
>>>>>
>>>>> I think we need to first get the existing repeater back to its optimal
>>>>> condition and see what that does to our funds. Then we can start to plan
>>>>> for expanding our repeater system - hopefully into the digital space.
>>>>>
>>>>>
>>>>>
>>>>> http://www.yaesu.com/indexVS.cfm?cmd=DisplayProducts&ProdCatID=249&encProdID=4105F1B8AE65079CAD2D26735B83B302
>>>>> this is the system fusion repeater if anyone is interested, and I just
>>>>> noticed it uses C4FM which is what my Yeasu 991 can run, so that is a plus
>>>>> for me.. lol
>>>>>
>>>>>
>>>>> That seems like a good deal on the repeater. Unfortunately I believe
>>>>> most of the expenses with building out a new repeater will be in the
>>>>> ancillary things that go along with it - antennas, feed line, duplexes,
>>>>> filters, etc.
>>>>>
>>>>>
>>>>> I don't know if this is bogus or not, but the above repeater is $500
>>>>> on a club special, see here
>>>>> http://www.radioinc.com/oscmax/catalog/product_info.php?products_id=3791
>>>>>
>>>>> I hope to see you all at the next meeting, Josh and Josh, keep up the
>>>>> chat, I feel some headway is being made.
>>>>>
>>>>>
>>>>> Thanks again for the input.
>>>>>
>>>>>
>>>>> Dean (KD8YNY)
>>>>>
>>>>> On Tue, Sep 22, 2015 at 9:02 PM, Josh Smith <juicewvu at gmail.com>
>>>>> wrote:
>>>>>
>>>>>> Hello Josh,
>>>>>>
>>>>>> Please see my comments inline again.
>>>>>>
>>>>>> Josh Smith
>>>>>> KD8HRX
>>>>>> email/jabber:  juicewvu at gmail.com
>>>>>> phone:  304.237.9369(c)
>>>>>>
>>>>>>
>>>>>> On Mon, Sep 21, 2015 at 4:31 PM, Josh Prichard <
>>>>>> wvunderground at gmail.com> wrote:
>>>>>>
>>>>>>> Thanks Josh....
>>>>>>>
>>>>>>> I'm hoping I didn't come off as harsh as that was not my intention.
>>>>>>> Sometimes I do have problems getting my thoughts out correctly.  If so I do
>>>>>>> apologize.
>>>>>>>
>>>>>>
>>>>>> You didn't come across as harsh.  No need to apologize.
>>>>>>
>>>>>>
>>>>>>>
>>>>>>> This is the club I'll join.  It seems like a club with good users.
>>>>>>> Sure there is a difference of opinion but that is any club.  Everyone was
>>>>>>> nice and friendly.  I think the club has a good future.  Just gotta get
>>>>>>> everyone back to being excited about it.
>>>>>>>
>>>>>>
>>>>>> Thank you for joining our club.  I think you'll find its a good club
>>>>>> and worth the investment of your time and effort.
>>>>>>
>>>>>>
>>>>>>>
>>>>>>> Being everything to everyone is kinda hard to do in a club setting.
>>>>>>> Everyone has different ideas on what the club should be.
>>>>>>>
>>>>>>> The future for the repeaters and etc... it would be nice to hear
>>>>>>> some activity on the repeater.
>>>>>>>
>>>>>>
>>>>>> I agree it would be nice to hear some activity outside of the Monday
>>>>>> evening net, I have no room to talk here though because I am as guilty as
>>>>>> anyone of not using the repeater.
>>>>>>
>>>>>>
>>>>>>>   I know with cell phones, ham radio is starting to taper off on
>>>>>>> usage.
>>>>>>>
>>>>>>
>>>>>> I agree with this with respect to the local repeater as a means to
>>>>>> foster communication amongst hams in the local area.  I also think that the
>>>>>> ubiquity of emaill/instant messaging/text messaging has as much or more to
>>>>>> do with this than the cell phone does.  Just think 10 or 15 years ago we
>>>>>> would probably be having this discussion on the repeater instead of over
>>>>>> email.  I don't necessarily think this is all a bad thing though.  At least
>>>>>> email is easier to store and keep a record of for later reference.
>>>>>>
>>>>>>
>>>>>>
>>>>>>> This is the reason why I was talking about echolink.  Since I'm not
>>>>>>> usually in town but will be moving in soon.... I had a want to talk on the
>>>>>>> local repeater up there.  Would have been nice to be able to remote into
>>>>>>> the repeater and strike up a convo about local stuff and start to make
>>>>>>> friends.  If someone is traveling that would also be a nice addition as
>>>>>>> well.  Echolink is now on smart phones so one can download it and boom
>>>>>>> instant radio that works away from home.
>>>>>>>
>>>>>>
>>>>>> Echolink is definitely interesting and a useful mode.  I've
>>>>>> experimented with it in the past and useful to access a local repeater when
>>>>>> away from the area.  Unfortunately as you've noticed there isn't much
>>>>>> activity on our repeater currently so I'm not sure how much luck you would
>>>>>> have had striking up a conversation even if it were accessible via echolink.
>>>>>>
>>>>>>
>>>>>>>
>>>>>>>
>>>>>>> As of right now the digital repeaters in WV are as follows.....
>>>>>>>
>>>>>>> *DMR which is separated into two different link networks.*
>>>>>>>
>>>>>>> *DMR-MARC network - uses motorola dmr repeaters - has been active in
>>>>>>> the states for some time*
>>>>>>> Bluefield, WV 1 repeater
>>>>>>> Beckley, WV 3 spread out to cover a lot of area.
>>>>>>> See here for current map:  http://www.dmr-marc.net/repeaters.html
>>>>>>>
>>>>>>
>>>>>> Thanks for the information and the link to the map.  I am glad to
>>>>>> know there is a presence in the Beckley area as it is where I am originally
>>>>>> from and still travel there often to visit family.  I may try to pick up a
>>>>>> cheap DMR HT before I head down there the next time and try to access
>>>>>> them.  Do you have any recommendations for such an HT?
>>>>>>
>>>>>>>
>>>>>>>
>>>>>>> *DMRPlus - uses hytera dmr repeaters*
>>>>>>> None yet in WV but its just now getting started in the states.
>>>>>>>
>>>>>>> *FUSION*
>>>>>>> Clarksburg 1 repeater
>>>>>>> Pt. Pleasant 1 repeater
>>>>>>>
>>>>>>> *DSTAR*
>>>>>>> Mount Hope 1 repeater
>>>>>>>
>>>>>>> Digital offers some nice features.
>>>>>>>
>>>>>>
>>>>>> It's definitely more bandwidth efficient and I also like the slow
>>>>>> speed data and text messaging capabilities present in most digital
>>>>>> solutions.
>>>>>>
>>>>>>
>>>>>>> In doing some more research on fusion... i agree with you that it
>>>>>>> would be nice to leave the current analog system online and put a digital
>>>>>>> system in place as another repeater.
>>>>>>>
>>>>>>
>>>>>> I think this is a requirement not just a nice to have.  Like it or
>>>>>> not Analog has too large of a footprint to just do away with anytime in the
>>>>>> near future and its proven technology.  I know our repeater has been used
>>>>>> more than once to coordinate communications to areas otherwise cut off due
>>>>>> to winter storms even as recently as 4 or 5 years ago.  I was
>>>>>> (un)fortunately out of town when that storm hit and was not able to
>>>>>> participate so someone else on the list can provide more details of this
>>>>>> event.  I think until such time as everyone has digital radios and the
>>>>>> system has proven itself to be as reliable there will be a lot of
>>>>>> reluctance to get rid of the current analog system.
>>>>>>
>>>>>>
>>>>>>
>>>>>>> To have the fusion in place of the analog system you would have to
>>>>>>> run the output of the fusion in analog mode and the input in dual
>>>>>>> digital/analog mode.  That would almost defeat the purpose of digital as it
>>>>>>> adds an analog route in.  Sooooo my new suggestion based on the info I have
>>>>>>> acquired.  Install a new fusion repeater and then perhaps link it into the
>>>>>>> analog system later on.
>>>>>>>
>>>>>>
>>>>>> I like this idea.  Unfortunately I do not know if space is available
>>>>>> at the current repeater site or if we'd have to look for an alternate site
>>>>>> to host a new repeater.  It's something we should discuss as we go forward
>>>>>> with deciding what the future of our repeater looks like.
>>>>>>
>>>>>>
>>>>>>> Or perhaps start with a UHF DMR repeater then move to fusion a
>>>>>>> little later on.
>>>>>>>
>>>>>>
>>>>>> We currently have an analog repeater that is in some form of
>>>>>> disrepair.  I really like the idea of making our UHF frequencies our
>>>>>> "experimental" repeater and I think we should investigate using any/all of
>>>>>> the digital repeater modes on this frequency.
>>>>>>
>>>>>>
>>>>>>
>>>>>>> DMR we could also link into the analog vhf repeater.  Would be nice
>>>>>>> to get a dmr repeater on the air at the university club as well..
>>>>>>>
>>>>>>
>>>>>> As you might have noticed from some of the discussions the university
>>>>>> club is pretty much defunct right now but Dr. Vanscoy is trying very hard
>>>>>> to revive it.  Hopefully she is successful and if she is we could embark on
>>>>>> a project like this.
>>>>>>
>>>>>>
>>>>>>> Could use the same talkgroups on both repeaters and have a wide link
>>>>>>> network started.
>>>>>>>
>>>>>>
>>>>>> Just curious - I know that with some of the digital modes (DSTAR in
>>>>>> particular) linking over the air is not possible and all links must be over
>>>>>> the internet.  Is the same true for DMR or is it possible to link multiple
>>>>>> DMR repeaters using only RF?
>>>>>>
>>>>>>
>>>>>>
>>>>>>>
>>>>>>> So yes.... I will try to put together an info packet/presentation on
>>>>>>> the digital systems for the next meeting.
>>>>>>>
>>>>>>
>>>>>> Thank you very much for trying to put this together.  The next
>>>>>> meeting will be on October 20.  Would it be possible to let me know by the
>>>>>> 13th if you will be able to put together the presentation or not so we have
>>>>>> a bit of time to put together an alternate?
>>>>>>
>>>>>>
>>>>>>
>>>>>>> I'm hoping my DMR dongle has came in by then.  If so I'll setup a
>>>>>>> DMR hotspot and let the group take a test drive.  I have been doing a few
>>>>>>> months worth of research into different digital modes so I do have some
>>>>>>> info handy.
>>>>>>>
>>>>>>
>>>>>> Great.  I am very interested in theys technology and would love to
>>>>>> see it in action.
>>>>>>
>>>>>>
>>>>>>>
>>>>>>> As a side note.... how this reflector is setup.... its a tad hard to
>>>>>>> carry on a good conversation.  If you don't reply to the reflector you just
>>>>>>> reply to the user and no one else really sees the reply.
>>>>>>>
>>>>>>
>>>>>> The reflector is set up pretty much identically to any email list I
>>>>>> have ever used and having been in the IT industry for a while I have
>>>>>> subscribed and continue to subscribe to lots of mailing lists.  Looking
>>>>>> back at my reply it went to both you (in the to: field) and the list (in
>>>>>> the cc: field) and looking at my email archive I did receive my reply via
>>>>>> the list so all subscribers should have seen it.  Please let me know if you
>>>>>> have any specific questions regarding the list.
>>>>>>
>>>>>>
>>>>>>
>>>>>>> I'm in the process of setting up a DMR website that will hopefully
>>>>>>> group some info together for those interested in DMR and possibly other
>>>>>>> digital modes.
>>>>>>>
>>>>>>
>>>>>> Great, I've spent some time reading a bit about DMR the past few
>>>>>> evenings and while there is a lot of information out there it seems to be
>>>>>> scattered all over the interwebs.  A central place that collects a lot of
>>>>>> this information would be very valuable.
>>>>>>
>>>>>>
>>>>>>> I'm adding a forum in as well.  I have a club forum setup on there
>>>>>>> as well that is only avail to members of the club if anyone would be
>>>>>>> interested.  Otherwise perhaps we can setup a forum on the w8mwa page.
>>>>>>>
>>>>>>   It would allow everyone to discuss club business in a better format
>>>>>>> and have separate areas for members and non members of the club.  Plus an
>>>>>>> area to talk about anything and everything under the sun.
>>>>>>>
>>>>>>
>>>>>>
>>>>>> It's just my personal preference but I much prefer mailing lists for
>>>>>> this type of discussion but by no means does my preference cary any weight.
>>>>>>
>>>>>>
>>>>>>
>>>>>>> Here is mine.... http://forum.dmrwv.com
>>>>>>> It's a work in progress as I just started it.
>>>>>>> Also if help is needed with the website I would be more than happy
>>>>>>> to help.  I have quite a bit of experience with websites etc.
>>>>>>>
>>>>>>
>>>>>> Thank you very much for the offer.  Randy Crowe (N80ZY) and Bill
>>>>>> Shultz (W8RS) are the primary care takers of the website.  They are both
>>>>>> subscribed to the list and I'm sure will be reading this.  But do mention
>>>>>> it to them during the next club meeting.
>>>>>>
>>>>>>  <snip>
>>>>>>
>>>>>> Thanks,
>>>>>> Josh
>>>>>>
>>>>>>
>>>>>> ______________________________________________________________
>>>>>> W8MWA mailing list
>>>>>> Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/w8mwa
>>>>>> Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm
>>>>>> Post: mailto:W8MWA at mailman.qth.net
>>>>>>
>>>>>> This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net
>>>>>> Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
>>>>>>
>>>>>
>>>>>
>>>>
>>>> ______________________________________________________________
>>>> W8MWA mailing list
>>>> Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/w8mwa
>>>> Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm
>>>> Post: mailto:W8MWA at mailman.qth.net
>>>>
>>>> This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net
>>>> Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
>>>>
>>>
>>>
>>
>> --
>> Sent from Gmail Mobile
>>
>
>
> ______________________________________________________________
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> Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/w8mwa
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From deanot26508 at gmail.com  Fri Sep 25 14:33:23 2015
From: deanot26508 at gmail.com (Dean Thompson)
Date: Fri, 25 Sep 2015 14:33:23 -0400
Subject: [W8MWA] Road map to the future?
In-Reply-To: <CADRdUyDG06Ve0dyqP43sZs95gN2ALa9bYK4gPqHc-oY-GJSAhg@mail.gmail.com>
References: <CADRdUyB2SKDVxLVXaUtjPNEADwbSS+6jKRnvg-pkCODFBE+0vQ@mail.gmail.com>
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	<CAAkYMAbNDxdK1u_Ac0unfDok9BCGUPw9EnESwYNWsPEudxetvA@mail.gmail.com>
	<9218FC4A-2812-4925-9550-38CEE6C43476@gmail.com>
	<CADRdUyDtatjD5eDUFPZ+0zosMbm4WyfL=4wrztX=E1ApmzYUGA@mail.gmail.com>
	<CAFN8_46=0f41-08D94EtAearisDooDq1HtpWfcAPNga-0kbD4g@mail.gmail.com>
	<CAAkYMAYP6Dhhv4F01XCB=HCwyZ+-ibbuiGoADTBiiCsJiOcB9g@mail.gmail.com>
	<CAFN8_47bJsnm6r+eCyGvW3g4_bgwYW3uwoFA1Wo_pMMKi8Nm5g@mail.gmail.com>
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Message-ID: <CAAkYMAYs-xT7pja5tmwNZB8u+Ar5Tq=RV+66QreNUEAJJ1-7Ug@mail.gmail.com>

I like that idea, i like it very much..

On Friday, September 25, 2015, Josh Prichard <wvunderground at gmail.com>
wrote:

> I'm very biased here as I would like to see DMR go on UHF and the Fusion
> go on VHF then link the two repeaters later on down the road.
>
> I'll throw this into the mix as I know its a new rc210....
>
> http://www.arcomcontrollers.com/index.php/adr-interface
>
> Whatever the club thinks we should do will be ok though.  Can always find
> repeater space later on if anyone does want DMR.
>
>
> Also could someone perhaps go into the admin panel of this list and change
> the reply options to reply to the list instead of the poster.  That way we
> can at least see all the replies?
>
> *When list members reply to a message, who does it go to?*
> When replying to a message sent to a list the reply will be sent, by
> default, to the original sender of the message. This action can be changed:
> *General Options*
> *Where are replies to list messages directed*. "Message poster" is the
> default. Changing this option to *"This list"* or *"Explicit Address"* will
> redirect replies. If you use "Explicit Address," be sure to also list the
> address under the *"Explicit Reply-To: Header"* section directly below.
> If the reply is sent to "reply to all" within the email client, both the
> recipient and the list will be replied to.
>
> On Fri, Sep 25, 2015 at 1:00 PM, Josh Smith <juicewvu at gmail.com
> <javascript:_e(%7B%7D,'cvml','juicewvu at gmail.com');>> wrote:
>
>> Hello Everyone:
>>
>> According to the Yaesu website the special price on Fusion repeaters is
>> available through September 30:
>> https://www.yaesu.com/pdf/DR1-X_Installation_Program_Final.pdf
>>
>> I think this is something the club should likely persue - at the very
>> least to get something up and running on the UHF frequencies allocated to
>> our repeater infrastructure.
>>
>> The time frame is pretty tight on this so we would need to move quickly
>> to get this application submitted prior to the deadline.
>>
>> What does everyone think about trying to get in on this special price?
>>
>>
>> Thanks,
>> Josh
>>
>>
>> Josh Smith
>> KD8HRX
>> email/jabber:  juicewvu at gmail.com
>> <javascript:_e(%7B%7D,'cvml','juicewvu at gmail.com');>
>> phone:  304.237.9369(c)
>>
>>
>> On Fri, Sep 25, 2015 at 11:06 AM, Dean Thompson <deanot26508 at gmail.com
>> <javascript:_e(%7B%7D,'cvml','deanot26508 at gmail.com');>> wrote:
>>
>>> The remote base is what i had in mind, Ido have a 100% signal at my qth.
>>>
>>> Just for information.
>>>
>>>
>>> On Friday, September 25, 2015, Josh Smith <juicewvu at gmail.com
>>> <javascript:_e(%7B%7D,'cvml','juicewvu at gmail.com');>> wrote:
>>>
>>>> Hello Josh,
>>>>
>>>> See my replies inline as before.
>>>>
>>>> Josh Smith
>>>> KD8HRX
>>>> email/jabber:  juicewvu at gmail.com
>>>> phone:  304.237.9369(c)
>>>>
>>>>
>>>> On Wed, Sep 23, 2015 at 2:05 AM, Josh Prichard <wvunderground at gmail.com
>>>> > wrote:
>>>>
>>>>> So what about linking the echolink in via remote base?  At least this
>>>>> way if it was totally screwed up someone could key up the repeater and kill
>>>>> the remote radio link until it was stable again.  I don't know if Dean is
>>>>> close enough to have a good remote base signal but something to think
>>>>> about.  Otherwise.... echolink has a remote webpage that we can setup so
>>>>> any of the club members can log in and kill the link as well.  It would be
>>>>> very easy to setup and distribute the login info to everyone.  We could
>>>>> probably even setup a mini server with power control to kill the echolink
>>>>> radio power in case of extreme emergency.  Multiple ways to control this
>>>>> link.
>>>>>
>>>>
>>>>
>>>> A remote base sounds like a fantastic idea for linking our repeater to
>>>> echo link to me.  I'm not sure if Deans QTH is a good one for this or not,
>>>> but I'll bet we can find a member or two that are in a good location if
>>>> Dean is not.
>>>>
>>>> Randy - Can you weigh in on your thoughts of linking the repeater to
>>>> echolink via a remote base as the repeater trustee?
>>>>
>>>> Bill - Can you weigh in from a technical standpoint.
>>>>
>>>>
>>>>>
>>>>> I'm going to revisit the VHF fusion repeater thing as I have been
>>>>> reading more info on it.  As of what I know now.... there are a few ways we
>>>>> could go about this.  Since the vhf repeater is old it most likely needs
>>>>> replaced.  The club could get a fusion repeater and let it replace the vhf
>>>>> repeater.  We can run the fusion repeater in a few different modes.
>>>>> Analog only in / Analog only out
>>>>> Analog and Digital in / Analog out*
>>>>> Analog and Digital in / Analog and Digital out**
>>>>>
>>>>> *In the analog and digital in / analog out mode a user can either talk
>>>>> digital or analog into the repeater and come out analog only on the output
>>>>> so everyone would always hear everything.  This would allow digital users
>>>>> better input into the repeater and should keep analog users the same as it
>>>>> is now.
>>>>>
>>>>> **Analog and Digital in / Analog and Digital out - in this mode if a
>>>>> group of people are talking in digital would be digital in / digital out.
>>>>> Analog users wouldn't hear anything as long as they have a ctcss tone set
>>>>> on receive.  Now if an analog user wants to talk.... when they key up the
>>>>> repeater.... the repeater will go into the digital and analog in / analog
>>>>> out mode and stay that way until a timeout has happened where the analog
>>>>> user has stopped talking.  Then it'll be back in analog and digital in /
>>>>> analog and digital out.
>>>>>
>>>>> My new suggestion would be to replace the current vhf machine with a
>>>>> fusion repeater and allow the analog and digital in / analog out mode.
>>>>> This would at least get a new repeater in place of the old equipment and
>>>>> still allow all users to participate.  From what I gather yaesu still has
>>>>> the 500$ deal going for clubs.  This would beat putting money into an old
>>>>> repeater.
>>>>>
>>>>
>>>>
>>>> To provide a little more detail on our repeater.  The controller is
>>>> pretty new (less than 3 years) but the radios are pretty old but have
>>>> proven to be very reliable.  I'm not sure that a replacement of the entire
>>>> system is warranted.
>>>>
>>>>
>>>>
>>>>>
>>>>> Then perhaps start to build out a UHF network on DMR.  I'm aiming at
>>>>> UHF for the fact that the new dongles coming out for DMR hotspots are UHF
>>>>> based.  DMR radios aren't dual band yet.
>>>>>
>>>>> Now to follow up on some of your other questions I never answered.
>>>>> I'm from Logan right now which is right over the hill from Beckley.
>>>>>
>>>>
>>>> I know where Logan is, I've been there more than once, though I have
>>>> not been there for several years.
>>>>
>>>>
>>>>> I have been talking on the Ivy Knob dmr repeater after work.  I run up
>>>>> the top of a hill and talk away.  Right now the cheapest HT for dmr would
>>>>> be the TYT md-380 I believe.  It is what I'm using at the moment.
>>>>>
>>>>>
>>>>> http://www.ebay.com/itm/Walkie-Talkie-TYT-MD-380-UHF-5W-Digital-Mobile-DMR-2-Way-Radio-1xUSB-Cable-US-/301693099071?hash=item463e4f5c3f
>>>>>
>>>>> Just make sure to get one with a programming cable.  They have a
>>>>> codeplug avail on the NCPRN site that includes the Beckley repeaters.
>>>>>
>>>>> http://www.ncprn.net/downloads.html
>>>>>
>>>>
>>>> Thanks for the links.
>>>>
>>>>>
>>>>>
>>>>> As for linking digital repeaters.... its all internet based now days
>>>>> which is why it would be a plus to have internet at the repeater sites.
>>>>> The wireless link that BIll is working on now is ideal.  I run a wireless
>>>>> link at 5ghz at my current workplace and haven't had one hickup other than
>>>>> a switch that couldn't handle the mac tables from so many devices going
>>>>> through it.  Running the Ubiquiti Nanostation NSM5 at both locations and it
>>>>> maxes a 75meg connection out.  Voice data is nowhere near this throughput.
>>>>>
>>>>
>>>>
>>>> I've used ubiquiti equipment and am a big fan as well.
>>>>
>>>>
>>>>>
>>>>>
>>>>>
>>>>> On Tue, Sep 22, 2015 at 11:32 PM, Joshua Smith <juicewvu at gmail.com>
>>>>> wrote:
>>>>>
>>>>>> Dean,
>>>>>> Thanks for your input. Please see my comments again they are inline
>>>>>> below.
>>>>>>
>>>>>> 73,
>>>>>> --
>>>>>> Josh Smith
>>>>>> KD8HRX
>>>>>>
>>>>>> Email/jabber: juicewvu at gmail.com
>>>>>> Phone: 304.237.9369(c)
>>>>>>
>>>>>> Sent from my iPhone.
>>>>>>
>>>>>> On Sep 22, 2015, at 10:35 PM, Dean Thompson <deanot26508 at gmail.com>
>>>>>> wrote:
>>>>>>
>>>>>> I am not seeing any replies from other club members on this,
>>>>>>
>>>>>> I for one am interested in getting my echolink box set up on a local
>>>>>> repeater, if not this one I will try the WVU repeater.  Echolink does have
>>>>>> some advantages, example being... One of our hams moved away just over a
>>>>>> year ago, would it not be nice for him to stop in and say hi on the Monday
>>>>>> net?.  As Josh mentioned, it is also nice for when we are out of town.
>>>>>>
>>>>>>
>>>>>>
>>>>>> I agree echo link has some nice use sees and I would like to see it
>>>>>> available on the MWA repeater. Although I think the ability to
>>>>>> break/reestablish this link from the repeater side and I am not sure what
>>>>>> is involved in making that a possibility.
>>>>>>
>>>>>>
>>>>>> We need more feedback on this, more replies as this affects us all in
>>>>>> some way or another.
>>>>>>
>>>>>>
>>>>>> We definitely need feedback from everyone in the club. Most
>>>>>> importantly from Bill(WR8S) as the technical person who takes care of the
>>>>>> repeater and from Randy (N8OZY) as the repeater trustee.
>>>>>>
>>>>>> hopefully they are able to weigh in on this via email but if not we
>>>>>> have a good topic to address in the October meeting.
>>>>>>
>>>>>> Josh has made some good points, and I look forward to moving forward
>>>>>> on some of these ideas.  First we need to either replace the aged repeater
>>>>>> or repair it, having a digital mode would be nice also.
>>>>>>
>>>>>>
>>>>>> I agree our number one priority needs to be in repairing the repeater
>>>>>> (even if that means replacing some of the equipment). I also would like to
>>>>>> see us have a digital repeater of some sort in addition to our existing
>>>>>> analog repeater NOT in place of as I think asking everyone to replace their
>>>>>> existing equipment just to access the repeater would be a disaster for the
>>>>>> club.
>>>>>>
>>>>>>
>>>>>> What is the situation for a new repeater? can we afford one? do we
>>>>>> need to chip in, raise some funding somehow?
>>>>>>
>>>>>>
>>>>>> I think we need to first get the existing repeater back to its
>>>>>> optimal condition and see what that does to our funds. Then we can start to
>>>>>> plan for expanding our repeater system - hopefully into the digital space.
>>>>>>
>>>>>>
>>>>>>
>>>>>> http://www.yaesu.com/indexVS.cfm?cmd=DisplayProducts&ProdCatID=249&encProdID=4105F1B8AE65079CAD2D26735B83B302
>>>>>> this is the system fusion repeater if anyone is interested, and I just
>>>>>> noticed it uses C4FM which is what my Yeasu 991 can run, so that is a plus
>>>>>> for me.. lol
>>>>>>
>>>>>>
>>>>>> That seems like a good deal on the repeater. Unfortunately I believe
>>>>>> most of the expenses with building out a new repeater will be in the
>>>>>> ancillary things that go along with it - antennas, feed line, duplexes,
>>>>>> filters, etc.
>>>>>>
>>>>>>
>>>>>> I don't know if this is bogus or not, but the above repeater is $500
>>>>>> on a club special, see here
>>>>>> http://www.radioinc.com/oscmax/catalog/product_info.php?products_id=3791
>>>>>>
>>>>>> I hope to see you all at the next meeting, Josh and Josh, keep up the
>>>>>> chat, I feel some headway is being made.
>>>>>>
>>>>>>
>>>>>> Thanks again for the input.
>>>>>>
>>>>>>
>>>>>> Dean (KD8YNY)
>>>>>>
>>>>>> On Tue, Sep 22, 2015 at 9:02 PM, Josh Smith <juicewvu at gmail.com>
>>>>>> wrote:
>>>>>>
>>>>>>> Hello Josh,
>>>>>>>
>>>>>>> Please see my comments inline again.
>>>>>>>
>>>>>>> Josh Smith
>>>>>>> KD8HRX
>>>>>>> email/jabber:  juicewvu at gmail.com
>>>>>>> phone:  304.237.9369(c)
>>>>>>>
>>>>>>>
>>>>>>> On Mon, Sep 21, 2015 at 4:31 PM, Josh Prichard <
>>>>>>> wvunderground at gmail.com> wrote:
>>>>>>>
>>>>>>>> Thanks Josh....
>>>>>>>>
>>>>>>>> I'm hoping I didn't come off as harsh as that was not my
>>>>>>>> intention.  Sometimes I do have problems getting my thoughts out
>>>>>>>> correctly.  If so I do apologize.
>>>>>>>>
>>>>>>>
>>>>>>> You didn't come across as harsh.  No need to apologize.
>>>>>>>
>>>>>>>
>>>>>>>>
>>>>>>>> This is the club I'll join.  It seems like a club with good users.
>>>>>>>> Sure there is a difference of opinion but that is any club.  Everyone was
>>>>>>>> nice and friendly.  I think the club has a good future.  Just gotta get
>>>>>>>> everyone back to being excited about it.
>>>>>>>>
>>>>>>>
>>>>>>> Thank you for joining our club.  I think you'll find its a good club
>>>>>>> and worth the investment of your time and effort.
>>>>>>>
>>>>>>>
>>>>>>>>
>>>>>>>> Being everything to everyone is kinda hard to do in a club
>>>>>>>> setting.  Everyone has different ideas on what the club should be.
>>>>>>>>
>>>>>>>> The future for the repeaters and etc... it would be nice to hear
>>>>>>>> some activity on the repeater.
>>>>>>>>
>>>>>>>
>>>>>>> I agree it would be nice to hear some activity outside of the Monday
>>>>>>> evening net, I have no room to talk here though because I am as guilty as
>>>>>>> anyone of not using the repeater.
>>>>>>>
>>>>>>>
>>>>>>>>   I know with cell phones, ham radio is starting to taper off on
>>>>>>>> usage.
>>>>>>>>
>>>>>>>
>>>>>>> I agree with this with respect to the local repeater as a means to
>>>>>>> foster communication amongst hams in the local area.  I also think that the
>>>>>>> ubiquity of emaill/instant messaging/text messaging has as much or more to
>>>>>>> do with this than the cell phone does.  Just think 10 or 15 years ago we
>>>>>>> would probably be having this discussion on the repeater instead of over
>>>>>>> email.  I don't necessarily think this is all a bad thing though.  At least
>>>>>>> email is easier to store and keep a record of for later reference.
>>>>>>>
>>>>>>>
>>>>>>>
>>>>>>>> This is the reason why I was talking about echolink.  Since I'm not
>>>>>>>> usually in town but will be moving in soon.... I had a want to talk on the
>>>>>>>> local repeater up there.  Would have been nice to be able to remote into
>>>>>>>> the repeater and strike up a convo about local stuff and start to make
>>>>>>>> friends.  If someone is traveling that would also be a nice addition as
>>>>>>>> well.  Echolink is now on smart phones so one can download it and boom
>>>>>>>> instant radio that works away from home.
>>>>>>>>
>>>>>>>
>>>>>>> Echolink is definitely interesting and a useful mode.  I've
>>>>>>> experimented with it in the past and useful to access a local repeater when
>>>>>>> away from the area.  Unfortunately as you've noticed there isn't much
>>>>>>> activity on our repeater currently so I'm not sure how much luck you would
>>>>>>> have had striking up a conversation even if it were accessible via echolink.
>>>>>>>
>>>>>>>
>>>>>>>>
>>>>>>>>
>>>>>>>> As of right now the digital repeaters in WV are as follows.....
>>>>>>>>
>>>>>>>> *DMR which is separated into two different link networks.*
>>>>>>>>
>>>>>>>> *DMR-MARC network - uses motorola dmr repeaters - has been active
>>>>>>>> in the states for some time*
>>>>>>>> Bluefield, WV 1 repeater
>>>>>>>> Beckley, WV 3 spread out to cover a lot of area.
>>>>>>>> See here for current map:  http://www.dmr-marc.net/repeaters.html
>>>>>>>>
>>>>>>>
>>>>>>> Thanks for the information and the link to the map.  I am glad to
>>>>>>> know there is a presence in the Beckley area as it is where I am originally
>>>>>>> from and still travel there often to visit family.  I may try to pick up a
>>>>>>> cheap DMR HT before I head down there the next time and try to access
>>>>>>> them.  Do you have any recommendations for such an HT?
>>>>>>>
>>>>>>>>
>>>>>>>>
>>>>>>>> *DMRPlus - uses hytera dmr repeaters*
>>>>>>>> None yet in WV but its just now getting started in the states.
>>>>>>>>
>>>>>>>> *FUSION*
>>>>>>>> Clarksburg 1 repeater
>>>>>>>> Pt. Pleasant 1 repeater
>>>>>>>>
>>>>>>>> *DSTAR*
>>>>>>>> Mount Hope 1 repeater
>>>>>>>>
>>>>>>>> Digital offers some nice features.
>>>>>>>>
>>>>>>>
>>>>>>> It's definitely more bandwidth efficient and I also like the slow
>>>>>>> speed data and text messaging capabilities present in most digital
>>>>>>> solutions.
>>>>>>>
>>>>>>>
>>>>>>>> In doing some more research on fusion... i agree with you that it
>>>>>>>> would be nice to leave the current analog system online and put a digital
>>>>>>>> system in place as another repeater.
>>>>>>>>
>>>>>>>
>>>>>>> I think this is a requirement not just a nice to have.  Like it or
>>>>>>> not Analog has too large of a footprint to just do away with anytime in the
>>>>>>> near future and its proven technology.  I know our repeater has been used
>>>>>>> more than once to coordinate communications to areas otherwise cut off due
>>>>>>> to winter storms even as recently as 4 or 5 years ago.  I was
>>>>>>> (un)fortunately out of town when that storm hit and was not able to
>>>>>>> participate so someone else on the list can provide more details of this
>>>>>>> event.  I think until such time as everyone has digital radios and the
>>>>>>> system has proven itself to be as reliable there will be a lot of
>>>>>>> reluctance to get rid of the current analog system.
>>>>>>>
>>>>>>>
>>>>>>>
>>>>>>>> To have the fusion in place of the analog system you would have to
>>>>>>>> run the output of the fusion in analog mode and the input in dual
>>>>>>>> digital/analog mode.  That would almost defeat the purpose of digital as it
>>>>>>>> adds an analog route in.  Sooooo my new suggestion based on the info I have
>>>>>>>> acquired.  Install a new fusion repeater and then perhaps link it into the
>>>>>>>> analog system later on.
>>>>>>>>
>>>>>>>
>>>>>>> I like this idea.  Unfortunately I do not know if space is available
>>>>>>> at the current repeater site or if we'd have to look for an alternate site
>>>>>>> to host a new repeater.  It's something we should discuss as we go forward
>>>>>>> with deciding what the future of our repeater looks like.
>>>>>>>
>>>>>>>
>>>>>>>> Or perhaps start with a UHF DMR repeater then move to fusion a
>>>>>>>> little later on.
>>>>>>>>
>>>>>>>
>>>>>>> We currently have an analog repeater that is in some form of
>>>>>>> disrepair.  I really like the idea of making our UHF frequencies our
>>>>>>> "experimental" repeater and I think we should investigate using any/all of
>>>>>>> the digital repeater modes on this frequency.
>>>>>>>
>>>>>>>
>>>>>>>
>>>>>>>> DMR we could also link into the analog vhf repeater.  Would be nice
>>>>>>>> to get a dmr repeater on the air at the university club as well..
>>>>>>>>
>>>>>>>
>>>>>>> As you might have noticed from some of the discussions the
>>>>>>> university club is pretty much defunct right now but Dr. Vanscoy is trying
>>>>>>> very hard to revive it.  Hopefully she is successful and if she is we could
>>>>>>> embark on a project like this.
>>>>>>>
>>>>>>>
>>>>>>>> Could use the same talkgroups on both repeaters and have a wide
>>>>>>>> link network started.
>>>>>>>>
>>>>>>>
>>>>>>> Just curious - I know that with some of the digital modes (DSTAR in
>>>>>>> particular) linking over the air is not possible and all links must be over
>>>>>>> the internet.  Is the same true for DMR or is it possible to link multiple
>>>>>>> DMR repeaters using only RF?
>>>>>>>
>>>>>>>
>>>>>>>
>>>>>>>>
>>>>>>>> So yes.... I will try to put together an info packet/presentation
>>>>>>>> on the digital systems for the next meeting.
>>>>>>>>
>>>>>>>
>>>>>>> Thank you very much for trying to put this together.  The next
>>>>>>> meeting will be on October 20.  Would it be possible to let me know by the
>>>>>>> 13th if you will be able to put together the presentation or not so we have
>>>>>>> a bit of time to put together an alternate?
>>>>>>>
>>>>>>>
>>>>>>>
>>>>>>>> I'm hoping my DMR dongle has came in by then.  If so I'll setup a
>>>>>>>> DMR hotspot and let the group take a test drive.  I have been doing a few
>>>>>>>> months worth of research into different digital modes so I do have some
>>>>>>>> info handy.
>>>>>>>>
>>>>>>>
>>>>>>> Great.  I am very interested in theys technology and would love to
>>>>>>> see it in action.
>>>>>>>
>>>>>>>
>>>>>>>>
>>>>>>>> As a side note.... how this reflector is setup.... its a tad hard
>>>>>>>> to carry on a good conversation.  If you don't reply to the reflector you
>>>>>>>> just reply to the user and no one else really sees the reply.
>>>>>>>>
>>>>>>>
>>>>>>> The reflector is set up pretty much identically to any email list I
>>>>>>> have ever used and having been in the IT industry for a while I have
>>>>>>> subscribed and continue to subscribe to lots of mailing lists.  Looking
>>>>>>> back at my reply it went to both you (in the to: field) and the list (in
>>>>>>> the cc: field) and looking at my email archive I did receive my reply via
>>>>>>> the list so all subscribers should have seen it.  Please let me know if you
>>>>>>> have any specific questions regarding the list.
>>>>>>>
>>>>>>>
>>>>>>>
>>>>>>>> I'm in the process of setting up a DMR website that will hopefully
>>>>>>>> group some info together for those interested in DMR and possibly other
>>>>>>>> digital modes.
>>>>>>>>
>>>>>>>
>>>>>>> Great, I've spent some time reading a bit about DMR the past few
>>>>>>> evenings and while there is a lot of information out there it seems to be
>>>>>>> scattered all over the interwebs.  A central place that collects a lot of
>>>>>>> this information would be very valuable.
>>>>>>>
>>>>>>>
>>>>>>>> I'm adding a forum in as well.  I have a club forum setup on there
>>>>>>>> as well that is only avail to members of the club if anyone would be
>>>>>>>> interested.  Otherwise perhaps we can setup a forum on the w8mwa page.
>>>>>>>>
>>>>>>>   It would allow everyone to discuss club business in a better
>>>>>>>> format and have separate areas for members and non members of the club.
>>>>>>>> Plus an area to talk about anything and everything under the sun.
>>>>>>>>
>>>>>>>
>>>>>>>
>>>>>>> It's just my personal preference but I much prefer mailing lists for
>>>>>>> this type of discussion but by no means does my preference cary any weight.
>>>>>>>
>>>>>>>
>>>>>>>
>>>>>>>> Here is mine.... http://forum.dmrwv.com
>>>>>>>> It's a work in progress as I just started it.
>>>>>>>> Also if help is needed with the website I would be more than happy
>>>>>>>> to help.  I have quite a bit of experience with websites etc.
>>>>>>>>
>>>>>>>
>>>>>>> Thank you very much for the offer.  Randy Crowe (N80ZY) and Bill
>>>>>>> Shultz (W8RS) are the primary care takers of the website.  They are both
>>>>>>> subscribed to the list and I'm sure will be reading this.  But do mention
>>>>>>> it to them during the next club meeting.
>>>>>>>
>>>>>>>  <snip>
>>>>>>>
>>>>>>> Thanks,
>>>>>>> Josh
>>>>>>>
>>>>>>>
>>>>>>> ______________________________________________________________
>>>>>>> W8MWA mailing list
>>>>>>> Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/w8mwa
>>>>>>> Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm
>>>>>>> Post: mailto:W8MWA at mailman.qth.net
>>>>>>>
>>>>>>> This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net
>>>>>>> Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
>>>>>>>
>>>>>>
>>>>>>
>>>>>
>>>>> ______________________________________________________________
>>>>> W8MWA mailing list
>>>>> Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/w8mwa
>>>>> Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm
>>>>> Post: mailto:W8MWA at mailman.qth.net
>>>>>
>>>>> This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net
>>>>> Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
>>>>>
>>>>
>>>>
>>>
>>> --
>>> Sent from Gmail Mobile
>>>
>>
>>
>> ______________________________________________________________
>> W8MWA mailing list
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From cwerntz at hsc.wvu.edu  Fri Sep 25 14:46:36 2015
From: cwerntz at hsc.wvu.edu (Werntz, Carl)
Date: Fri, 25 Sep 2015 18:46:36 +0000
Subject: [W8MWA] Road map to the future?
In-Reply-To: <CAFN8_47bJsnm6r+eCyGvW3g4_bgwYW3uwoFA1Wo_pMMKi8Nm5g@mail.gmail.com>
References: <CADRdUyB2SKDVxLVXaUtjPNEADwbSS+6jKRnvg-pkCODFBE+0vQ@mail.gmail.com>
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	<CAAkYMAbNDxdK1u_Ac0unfDok9BCGUPw9EnESwYNWsPEudxetvA@mail.gmail.com>
	<9218FC4A-2812-4925-9550-38CEE6C43476@gmail.com>
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Message-ID: <DM2PR05MB367326509250F500FC06EB3E1420@DM2PR05MB367.namprd05.prod.outlook.com>

I don?t know how the repeater association is governed, but I would fully support going after buying a repeater and   using the site/frequency/tone data for the MWA UHF repeater that has been off the air for several years.  I view this as a rapid means to get a UHF repeater on the air, and provide the opportunity for folks to dabble in digital modulation if they so choose.  [This is far better than D-Star, which is digital only and does not interface with analog radios].

The repeater can operate in analog, digital, and mixed modes (so we could just put it on the air as an analog repeater until enough folks buy system fusion radios (or perhaps forever)).

Just as background, SystemFusion is built using the same general modulation scheme as the public safety P25 systems, which (according to tests done by the US Forest Service) increases the usable coverage area of a signal by about 20% when compared to analog.

So put be down as one vote for placing an order.

Carl, WA3ZZU

From: W8MWA [mailto:w8mwa-bounces at mailman.qth.net] On Behalf Of Josh Smith
Sent: Friday, September 25, 2015 1:00 PM
To: MWA Mail Reflector <w8mwa at mailman.qth.net>
Cc: Crowe Randy <rcrowe at wvu.edu>; Bill Shultz <wr8s at shultzie.com>
Subject: Re: [W8MWA] Road map to the future?

Hello Everyone:

According to the Yaesu website the special price on Fusion repeaters is available through September 30:
https://www.yaesu.com/pdf/DR1-X_Installation_Program_Final.pdf

I think this is something the club should likely persue - at the very least to get something up and running on the UHF frequencies allocated to our repeater infrastructure.

The time frame is pretty tight on this so we would need to move quickly to get this application submitted prior to the deadline.

What does everyone think about trying to get in on this special price?


Thanks,
Josh


Josh Smith
KD8HRX
email/jabber:  juicewvu at gmail.com<mailto:juicewvu at gmail.com>
phone:  304.237.9369<tel:304.237.9369>(c)

On Fri, Sep 25, 2015 at 11:06 AM, Dean Thompson <deanot26508 at gmail.com<mailto:deanot26508 at gmail.com>> wrote:
The remote base is what i had in mind, Ido have a 100% signal at my qth.

Just for information.


On Friday, September 25, 2015, Josh Smith <juicewvu at gmail.com<mailto:juicewvu at gmail.com>> wrote:
Hello Josh,

See my replies inline as before.

Josh Smith
KD8HRX
email/jabber:  juicewvu at gmail.com<mailto:juicewvu at gmail.com>
phone:  304.237.9369<tel:304.237.9369>(c)

On Wed, Sep 23, 2015 at 2:05 AM, Josh Prichard <wvunderground at gmail.com<mailto:wvunderground at gmail.com>> wrote:
So what about linking the echolink in via remote base?  At least this way if it was totally screwed up someone could key up the repeater and kill the remote radio link until it was stable again.  I don't know if Dean is close enough to have a good remote base signal but something to think about.  Otherwise.... echolink has a remote webpage that we can setup so any of the club members can log in and kill the link as well.  It would be very easy to setup and distribute the login info to everyone.  We could probably even setup a mini server with power control to kill the echolink radio power in case of extreme emergency.  Multiple ways to control this link.


A remote base sounds like a fantastic idea for linking our repeater to echo link to me.  I'm not sure if Deans QTH is a good one for this or not, but I'll bet we can find a member or two that are in a good location if Dean is not.

Randy - Can you weigh in on your thoughts of linking the repeater to echolink via a remote base as the repeater trustee?

Bill - Can you weigh in from a technical standpoint.


I'm going to revisit the VHF fusion repeater thing as I have been reading more info on it.  As of what I know now.... there are a few ways we could go about this.  Since the vhf repeater is old it most likely needs replaced.  The club could get a fusion repeater and let it replace the vhf repeater.  We can run the fusion repeater in a few different modes.
Analog only in / Analog only out
Analog and Digital in / Analog out*
Analog and Digital in / Analog and Digital out**

*In the analog and digital in / analog out mode a user can either talk digital or analog into the repeater and come out analog only on the output so everyone would always hear everything.  This would allow digital users better input into the repeater and should keep analog users the same as it is now.

**Analog and Digital in / Analog and Digital out - in this mode if a group of people are talking in digital would be digital in / digital out.  Analog users wouldn't hear anything as long as they have a ctcss tone set on receive.  Now if an analog user wants to talk.... when they key up the repeater.... the repeater will go into the digital and analog in / analog out mode and stay that way until a timeout has happened where the analog user has stopped talking.  Then it'll be back in analog and digital in / analog and digital out.

My new suggestion would be to replace the current vhf machine with a fusion repeater and allow the analog and digital in / analog out mode.  This would at least get a new repeater in place of the old equipment and still allow all users to participate.  From what I gather yaesu still has the 500$ deal going for clubs.  This would beat putting money into an old repeater.


To provide a little more detail on our repeater.  The controller is pretty new (less than 3 years) but the radios are pretty old but have proven to be very reliable.  I'm not sure that a replacement of the entire system is warranted.



Then perhaps start to build out a UHF network on DMR.  I'm aiming at UHF for the fact that the new dongles coming out for DMR hotspots are UHF based.  DMR radios aren't dual band yet.

Now to follow up on some of your other questions I never answered.  I'm from Logan right now which is right over the hill from Beckley.

I know where Logan is, I've been there more than once, though I have not been there for several years.

I have been talking on the Ivy Knob dmr repeater after work.  I run up the top of a hill and talk away.  Right now the cheapest HT for dmr would be the TYT md-380 I believe.  It is what I'm using at the moment.

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Walkie-Talkie-TYT-MD-380-UHF-5W-Digital-Mobile-DMR-2-Way-Radio-1xUSB-Cable-US-/301693099071?hash=item463e4f5c3f

Just make sure to get one with a programming cable.  They have a codeplug avail on the NCPRN site that includes the Beckley repeaters.

http://www.ncprn.net/downloads.html

Thanks for the links.


As for linking digital repeaters.... its all internet based now days which is why it would be a plus to have internet at the repeater sites.  The wireless link that BIll is working on now is ideal.  I run a wireless link at 5ghz at my current workplace and haven't had one hickup other than a switch that couldn't handle the mac tables from so many devices going through it.  Running the Ubiquiti Nanostation NSM5 at both locations and it maxes a 75meg connection out.  Voice data is nowhere near this throughput.


I've used ubiquiti equipment and am a big fan as well.




On Tue, Sep 22, 2015 at 11:32 PM, Joshua Smith <juicewvu at gmail.com<mailto:juicewvu at gmail.com>> wrote:
Dean,
Thanks for your input. Please see my comments again they are inline below.

73,
--
Josh Smith
KD8HRX

Email/jabber: juicewvu at gmail.com<mailto:juicewvu at gmail.com>
Phone: 304.237.9369<tel:304.237.9369>(c)

Sent from my iPhone.

On Sep 22, 2015, at 10:35 PM, Dean Thompson <deanot26508 at gmail.com<mailto:deanot26508 at gmail.com>> wrote:
I am not seeing any replies from other club members on this,
I for one am interested in getting my echolink box set up on a local repeater, if not this one I will try the WVU repeater.  Echolink does have some advantages, example being... One of our hams moved away just over a year ago, would it not be nice for him to stop in and say hi on the Monday net?.  As Josh mentioned, it is also nice for when we are out of town.


I agree echo link has some nice use sees and I would like to see it available on the MWA repeater. Although I think the ability to break/reestablish this link from the repeater side and I am not sure what is involved in making that a possibility.



We need more feedback on this, more replies as this affects us all in some way or another.

We definitely need feedback from everyone in the club. Most importantly from Bill(WR8S) as the technical person who takes care of the repeater and from Randy (N8OZY) as the repeater trustee.

hopefully they are able to weigh in on this via email but if not we have a good topic to address in the October meeting.


Josh has made some good points, and I look forward to moving forward on some of these ideas.  First we need to either replace the aged repeater or repair it, having a digital mode would be nice also.

I agree our number one priority needs to be in repairing the repeater (even if that means replacing some of the equipment). I also would like to see us have a digital repeater of some sort in addition to our existing analog repeater NOT in place of as I think asking everyone to replace their existing equipment just to access the repeater would be a disaster for the club.



What is the situation for a new repeater? can we afford one? do we need to chip in, raise some funding somehow?

I think we need to first get the existing repeater back to its optimal condition and see what that does to our funds. Then we can start to plan for expanding our repeater system - hopefully into the digital space.



http://www.yaesu.com/indexVS.cfm?cmd=DisplayProducts&ProdCatID=249&encProdID=4105F1B8AE65079CAD2D26735B83B302 this is the system fusion repeater if anyone is interested, and I just noticed it uses C4FM which is what my Yeasu 991 can run, so that is a plus for me.. lol

That seems like a good deal on the repeater. Unfortunately I believe most of the expenses with building out a new repeater will be in the ancillary things that go along with it - antennas, feed line, duplexes, filters, etc.



I don't know if this is bogus or not, but the above repeater is $500 on a club special, see here http://www.radioinc.com/oscmax/catalog/product_info.php?products_id=3791

I hope to see you all at the next meeting, Josh and Josh, keep up the chat, I feel some headway is being made.

Thanks again for the input.


Dean (KD8YNY)

On Tue, Sep 22, 2015 at 9:02 PM, Josh Smith <juicewvu at gmail.com<mailto:juicewvu at gmail.com>> wrote:
Hello Josh,

Please see my comments inline again.

Josh Smith
KD8HRX
email/jabber:  juicewvu at gmail.com<mailto:juicewvu at gmail.com>
phone:  304.237.9369<tel:304.237.9369>(c)

On Mon, Sep 21, 2015 at 4:31 PM, Josh Prichard <wvunderground at gmail.com<mailto:wvunderground at gmail.com>> wrote:
Thanks Josh....

I'm hoping I didn't come off as harsh as that was not my intention.  Sometimes I do have problems getting my thoughts out correctly.  If so I do apologize.

You didn't come across as harsh.  No need to apologize.


This is the club I'll join.  It seems like a club with good users.  Sure there is a difference of opinion but that is any club.  Everyone was nice and friendly.  I think the club has a good future.  Just gotta get everyone back to being excited about it.

Thank you for joining our club.  I think you'll find its a good club and worth the investment of your time and effort.


Being everything to everyone is kinda hard to do in a club setting.  Everyone has different ideas on what the club should be.

The future for the repeaters and etc... it would be nice to hear some activity on the repeater.

I agree it would be nice to hear some activity outside of the Monday evening net, I have no room to talk here though because I am as guilty as anyone of not using the repeater.

  I know with cell phones, ham radio is starting to taper off on usage.

I agree with this with respect to the local repeater as a means to foster communication amongst hams in the local area.  I also think that the ubiquity of emaill/instant messaging/text messaging has as much or more to do with this than the cell phone does.  Just think 10 or 15 years ago we would probably be having this discussion on the repeater instead of over email.  I don't necessarily think this is all a bad thing though.  At least email is easier to store and keep a record of for later reference.


This is the reason why I was talking about echolink.  Since I'm not usually in town but will be moving in soon.... I had a want to talk on the local repeater up there.  Would have been nice to be able to remote into the repeater and strike up a convo about local stuff and start to make friends.  If someone is traveling that would also be a nice addition as well.  Echolink is now on smart phones so one can download it and boom instant radio that works away from home.

Echolink is definitely interesting and a useful mode.  I've experimented with it in the past and useful to access a local repeater when away from the area.  Unfortunately as you've noticed there isn't much activity on our repeater currently so I'm not sure how much luck you would have had striking up a conversation even if it were accessible via echolink.



As of right now the digital repeaters in WV are as follows.....

DMR which is separated into two different link networks.

DMR-MARC network - uses motorola dmr repeaters - has been active in the states for some time
Bluefield, WV 1 repeater
Beckley, WV 3 spread out to cover a lot of area.
See here for current map:  http://www.dmr-marc.net/repeaters.html

Thanks for the information and the link to the map.  I am glad to know there is a presence in the Beckley area as it is where I am originally from and still travel there often to visit family.  I may try to pick up a cheap DMR HT before I head down there the next time and try to access them.  Do you have any recommendations for such an HT?


DMRPlus - uses hytera dmr repeaters
None yet in WV but its just now getting started in the states.

FUSION
Clarksburg 1 repeater
Pt. Pleasant 1 repeater

DSTAR
Mount Hope 1 repeater

Digital offers some nice features.

It's definitely more bandwidth efficient and I also like the slow speed data and text messaging capabilities present in most digital solutions.

In doing some more research on fusion... i agree with you that it would be nice to leave the current analog system online and put a digital system in place as another repeater.

I think this is a requirement not just a nice to have.  Like it or not Analog has too large of a footprint to just do away with anytime in the near future and its proven technology.  I know our repeater has been used more than once to coordinate communications to areas otherwise cut off due to winter storms even as recently as 4 or 5 years ago.  I was (un)fortunately out of town when that storm hit and was not able to participate so someone else on the list can provide more details of this event.  I think until such time as everyone has digital radios and the system has proven itself to be as reliable there will be a lot of reluctance to get rid of the current analog system.


To have the fusion in place of the analog system you would have to run the output of the fusion in analog mode and the input in dual digital/analog mode.  That would almost defeat the purpose of digital as it adds an analog route in.  Sooooo my new suggestion based on the info I have acquired.  Install a new fusion repeater and then perhaps link it into the analog system later on.

I like this idea.  Unfortunately I do not know if space is available at the current repeater site or if we'd have to look for an alternate site to host a new repeater.  It's something we should discuss as we go forward with deciding what the future of our repeater looks like.

Or perhaps start with a UHF DMR repeater then move to fusion a little later on.

We currently have an analog repeater that is in some form of disrepair.  I really like the idea of making our UHF frequencies our "experimental" repeater and I think we should investigate using any/all of the digital repeater modes on this frequency.


DMR we could also link into the analog vhf repeater.  Would be nice to get a dmr repeater on the air at the university club as well..

As you might have noticed from some of the discussions the university club is pretty much defunct right now but Dr. Vanscoy is trying very hard to revive it.  Hopefully she is successful and if she is we could embark on a project like this.

Could use the same talkgroups on both repeaters and have a wide link network started.

Just curious - I know that with some of the digital modes (DSTAR in particular) linking over the air is not possible and all links must be over the internet.  Is the same true for DMR or is it possible to link multiple DMR repeaters using only RF?



So yes.... I will try to put together an info packet/presentation on the digital systems for the next meeting.

Thank you very much for trying to put this together.  The next meeting will be on October 20.  Would it be possible to let me know by the 13th if you will be able to put together the presentation or not so we have a bit of time to put together an alternate?


I'm hoping my DMR dongle has came in by then.  If so I'll setup a DMR hotspot and let the group take a test drive.  I have been doing a few months worth of research into different digital modes so I do have some info handy.

Great.  I am very interested in theys technology and would love to see it in action.


As a side note.... how this reflector is setup.... its a tad hard to carry on a good conversation.  If you don't reply to the reflector you just reply to the user and no one else really sees the reply.

The reflector is set up pretty much identically to any email list I have ever used and having been in the IT industry for a while I have subscribed and continue to subscribe to lots of mailing lists.  Looking back at my reply it went to both you (in the to: field) and the list (in the cc: field) and looking at my email archive I did receive my reply via the list so all subscribers should have seen it.  Please let me know if you have any specific questions regarding the list.


I'm in the process of setting up a DMR website that will hopefully group some info together for those interested in DMR and possibly other digital modes.

Great, I've spent some time reading a bit about DMR the past few evenings and while there is a lot of information out there it seems to be scattered all over the interwebs.  A central place that collects a lot of this information would be very valuable.

I'm adding a forum in as well.  I have a club forum setup on there as well that is only avail to members of the club if anyone would be interested.  Otherwise perhaps we can setup a forum on the w8mwa page.
  It would allow everyone to discuss club business in a better format and have separate areas for members and non members of the club.  Plus an area to talk about anything and everything under the sun.


It's just my personal preference but I much prefer mailing lists for this type of discussion but by no means does my preference cary any weight.


Here is mine.... http://forum.dmrwv.com
It's a work in progress as I just started it.
Also if help is needed with the website I would be more than happy to help.  I have quite a bit of experience with websites etc.

Thank you very much for the offer.  Randy Crowe (N80ZY) and Bill Shultz (W8RS) are the primary care takers of the website.  They are both subscribed to the list and I'm sure will be reading this.  But do mention it to them during the next club meeting.

 <snip>

Thanks,
Josh


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From cwerntz at hsc.wvu.edu  Fri Sep 25 15:23:21 2015
From: cwerntz at hsc.wvu.edu (Werntz, Carl)
Date: Fri, 25 Sep 2015 19:23:21 +0000
Subject: [W8MWA] Road map to the future?
In-Reply-To: <DM2PR05MB367326509250F500FC06EB3E1420@DM2PR05MB367.namprd05.prod.outlook.com>
References: <CADRdUyB2SKDVxLVXaUtjPNEADwbSS+6jKRnvg-pkCODFBE+0vQ@mail.gmail.com>
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Message-ID: <DM2PR05MB36751DD9903E764179F47B0E1420@DM2PR05MB367.namprd05.prod.outlook.com>

Three more thoughts:


1)      The 145.430 repeater is a time-tested workhorse that reliably covers a huge swath of the region.  I would recommend strongly against changing anything there.

2)      There are many UHF frequencies available (as opposed to few to no VHF frequencies available), so we might (over time) want to look at having 2 (or more) UHF repeaters in or around Morgantown for learning and experimentation.

3)      There are already Echolink (146.925 Mhz, -600, 103.5Hz) and ILRP (146.595 MHz simplex, CTCSS 103.5) nodes in Morgantown.  I would vote against adding this capability to either the 145.430 or 146.760 repeaters.  While I agree that these provide interesting accesses to the world, the nets and programs that are typically accessed  tend to tie up repeaters for long times, making casual use of the repeaters difficult to impossible.

Carl

From: W8MWA [mailto:w8mwa-bounces at mailman.qth.net] On Behalf Of Werntz, Carl
Sent: Friday, September 25, 2015 2:47 PM
To: Josh Smith <juicewvu at gmail.com>; MWA Mail Reflector <w8mwa at mailman.qth.net>
Cc: Crowe Randy <rcrowe at wvu.edu>; Bill Shultz <wr8s at shultzie.com>
Subject: Re: [W8MWA] Road map to the future?

I don?t know how the repeater association is governed, but I would fully support going after buying a repeater and   using the site/frequency/tone data for the MWA UHF repeater that has been off the air for several years.  I view this as a rapid means to get a UHF repeater on the air, and provide the opportunity for folks to dabble in digital modulation if they so choose.  [This is far better than D-Star, which is digital only and does not interface with analog radios].

The repeater can operate in analog, digital, and mixed modes (so we could just put it on the air as an analog repeater until enough folks buy system fusion radios (or perhaps forever)).

Just as background, SystemFusion is built using the same general modulation scheme as the public safety P25 systems, which (according to tests done by the US Forest Service) increases the usable coverage area of a signal by about 20% when compared to analog.

So put be down as one vote for placing an order.

Carl, WA3ZZU

From: W8MWA [mailto:w8mwa-bounces at mailman.qth.net] On Behalf Of Josh Smith
Sent: Friday, September 25, 2015 1:00 PM
To: MWA Mail Reflector <w8mwa at mailman.qth.net<mailto:w8mwa at mailman.qth.net>>
Cc: Crowe Randy <rcrowe at wvu.edu<mailto:rcrowe at wvu.edu>>; Bill Shultz <wr8s at shultzie.com<mailto:wr8s at shultzie.com>>
Subject: Re: [W8MWA] Road map to the future?

Hello Everyone:

According to the Yaesu website the special price on Fusion repeaters is available through September 30:
https://www.yaesu.com/pdf/DR1-X_Installation_Program_Final.pdf

I think this is something the club should likely persue - at the very least to get something up and running on the UHF frequencies allocated to our repeater infrastructure.

The time frame is pretty tight on this so we would need to move quickly to get this application submitted prior to the deadline.

What does everyone think about trying to get in on this special price?


Thanks,
Josh


Josh Smith
KD8HRX
email/jabber:  juicewvu at gmail.com<mailto:juicewvu at gmail.com>
phone:  304.237.9369<tel:304.237.9369>(c)

On Fri, Sep 25, 2015 at 11:06 AM, Dean Thompson <deanot26508 at gmail.com<mailto:deanot26508 at gmail.com>> wrote:
The remote base is what i had in mind, Ido have a 100% signal at my qth.

Just for information.


On Friday, September 25, 2015, Josh Smith <juicewvu at gmail.com<mailto:juicewvu at gmail.com>> wrote:
Hello Josh,

See my replies inline as before.

Josh Smith
KD8HRX
email/jabber:  juicewvu at gmail.com<mailto:juicewvu at gmail.com>
phone:  304.237.9369<tel:304.237.9369>(c)

On Wed, Sep 23, 2015 at 2:05 AM, Josh Prichard <wvunderground at gmail.com<mailto:wvunderground at gmail.com>> wrote:
So what about linking the echolink in via remote base?  At least this way if it was totally screwed up someone could key up the repeater and kill the remote radio link until it was stable again.  I don't know if Dean is close enough to have a good remote base signal but something to think about.  Otherwise.... echolink has a remote webpage that we can setup so any of the club members can log in and kill the link as well.  It would be very easy to setup and distribute the login info to everyone.  We could probably even setup a mini server with power control to kill the echolink radio power in case of extreme emergency.  Multiple ways to control this link.


A remote base sounds like a fantastic idea for linking our repeater to echo link to me.  I'm not sure if Deans QTH is a good one for this or not, but I'll bet we can find a member or two that are in a good location if Dean is not.

Randy - Can you weigh in on your thoughts of linking the repeater to echolink via a remote base as the repeater trustee?

Bill - Can you weigh in from a technical standpoint.


I'm going to revisit the VHF fusion repeater thing as I have been reading more info on it.  As of what I know now.... there are a few ways we could go about this.  Since the vhf repeater is old it most likely needs replaced.  The club could get a fusion repeater and let it replace the vhf repeater.  We can run the fusion repeater in a few different modes.
Analog only in / Analog only out
Analog and Digital in / Analog out*
Analog and Digital in / Analog and Digital out**

*In the analog and digital in / analog out mode a user can either talk digital or analog into the repeater and come out analog only on the output so everyone would always hear everything.  This would allow digital users better input into the repeater and should keep analog users the same as it is now.

**Analog and Digital in / Analog and Digital out - in this mode if a group of people are talking in digital would be digital in / digital out.  Analog users wouldn't hear anything as long as they have a ctcss tone set on receive.  Now if an analog user wants to talk.... when they key up the repeater.... the repeater will go into the digital and analog in / analog out mode and stay that way until a timeout has happened where the analog user has stopped talking.  Then it'll be back in analog and digital in / analog and digital out.

My new suggestion would be to replace the current vhf machine with a fusion repeater and allow the analog and digital in / analog out mode.  This would at least get a new repeater in place of the old equipment and still allow all users to participate.  From what I gather yaesu still has the 500$ deal going for clubs.  This would beat putting money into an old repeater.


To provide a little more detail on our repeater.  The controller is pretty new (less than 3 years) but the radios are pretty old but have proven to be very reliable.  I'm not sure that a replacement of the entire system is warranted.



Then perhaps start to build out a UHF network on DMR.  I'm aiming at UHF for the fact that the new dongles coming out for DMR hotspots are UHF based.  DMR radios aren't dual band yet.

Now to follow up on some of your other questions I never answered.  I'm from Logan right now which is right over the hill from Beckley.

I know where Logan is, I've been there more than once, though I have not been there for several years.

I have been talking on the Ivy Knob dmr repeater after work.  I run up the top of a hill and talk away.  Right now the cheapest HT for dmr would be the TYT md-380 I believe.  It is what I'm using at the moment.

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Walkie-Talkie-TYT-MD-380-UHF-5W-Digital-Mobile-DMR-2-Way-Radio-1xUSB-Cable-US-/301693099071?hash=item463e4f5c3f

Just make sure to get one with a programming cable.  They have a codeplug avail on the NCPRN site that includes the Beckley repeaters.

http://www.ncprn.net/downloads.html

Thanks for the links.


As for linking digital repeaters.... its all internet based now days which is why it would be a plus to have internet at the repeater sites.  The wireless link that BIll is working on now is ideal.  I run a wireless link at 5ghz at my current workplace and haven't had one hickup other than a switch that couldn't handle the mac tables from so many devices going through it.  Running the Ubiquiti Nanostation NSM5 at both locations and it maxes a 75meg connection out.  Voice data is nowhere near this throughput.


I've used ubiquiti equipment and am a big fan as well.




On Tue, Sep 22, 2015 at 11:32 PM, Joshua Smith <juicewvu at gmail.com<mailto:juicewvu at gmail.com>> wrote:
Dean,
Thanks for your input. Please see my comments again they are inline below.

73,
--
Josh Smith
KD8HRX

Email/jabber: juicewvu at gmail.com<mailto:juicewvu at gmail.com>
Phone: 304.237.9369<tel:304.237.9369>(c)

Sent from my iPhone.

On Sep 22, 2015, at 10:35 PM, Dean Thompson <deanot26508 at gmail.com<mailto:deanot26508 at gmail.com>> wrote:
I am not seeing any replies from other club members on this,
I for one am interested in getting my echolink box set up on a local repeater, if not this one I will try the WVU repeater.  Echolink does have some advantages, example being... One of our hams moved away just over a year ago, would it not be nice for him to stop in and say hi on the Monday net?.  As Josh mentioned, it is also nice for when we are out of town.


I agree echo link has some nice use sees and I would like to see it available on the MWA repeater. Although I think the ability to break/reestablish this link from the repeater side and I am not sure what is involved in making that a possibility.


We need more feedback on this, more replies as this affects us all in some way or another.

We definitely need feedback from everyone in the club. Most importantly from Bill(WR8S) as the technical person who takes care of the repeater and from Randy (N8OZY) as the repeater trustee.

hopefully they are able to weigh in on this via email but if not we have a good topic to address in the October meeting.

Josh has made some good points, and I look forward to moving forward on some of these ideas.  First we need to either replace the aged repeater or repair it, having a digital mode would be nice also.

I agree our number one priority needs to be in repairing the repeater (even if that means replacing some of the equipment). I also would like to see us have a digital repeater of some sort in addition to our existing analog repeater NOT in place of as I think asking everyone to replace their existing equipment just to access the repeater would be a disaster for the club.


What is the situation for a new repeater? can we afford one? do we need to chip in, raise some funding somehow?

I think we need to first get the existing repeater back to its optimal condition and see what that does to our funds. Then we can start to plan for expanding our repeater system - hopefully into the digital space.


http://www.yaesu.com/indexVS.cfm?cmd=DisplayProducts&ProdCatID=249&encProdID=4105F1B8AE65079CAD2D26735B83B302 this is the system fusion repeater if anyone is interested, and I just noticed it uses C4FM which is what my Yeasu 991 can run, so that is a plus for me.. lol

That seems like a good deal on the repeater. Unfortunately I believe most of the expenses with building out a new repeater will be in the ancillary things that go along with it - antennas, feed line, duplexes, filters, etc.


I don't know if this is bogus or not, but the above repeater is $500 on a club special, see here http://www.radioinc.com/oscmax/catalog/product_info.php?products_id=3791

I hope to see you all at the next meeting, Josh and Josh, keep up the chat, I feel some headway is being made.

Thanks again for the input.

Dean (KD8YNY)

On Tue, Sep 22, 2015 at 9:02 PM, Josh Smith <juicewvu at gmail.com<mailto:juicewvu at gmail.com>> wrote:
Hello Josh,

Please see my comments inline again.

Josh Smith
KD8HRX
email/jabber:  juicewvu at gmail.com<mailto:juicewvu at gmail.com>
phone:  304.237.9369<tel:304.237.9369>(c)

On Mon, Sep 21, 2015 at 4:31 PM, Josh Prichard <wvunderground at gmail.com<mailto:wvunderground at gmail.com>> wrote:
Thanks Josh....

I'm hoping I didn't come off as harsh as that was not my intention.  Sometimes I do have problems getting my thoughts out correctly.  If so I do apologize.

You didn't come across as harsh.  No need to apologize.


This is the club I'll join.  It seems like a club with good users.  Sure there is a difference of opinion but that is any club.  Everyone was nice and friendly.  I think the club has a good future.  Just gotta get everyone back to being excited about it.

Thank you for joining our club.  I think you'll find its a good club and worth the investment of your time and effort.


Being everything to everyone is kinda hard to do in a club setting.  Everyone has different ideas on what the club should be.

The future for the repeaters and etc... it would be nice to hear some activity on the repeater.

I agree it would be nice to hear some activity outside of the Monday evening net, I have no room to talk here though because I am as guilty as anyone of not using the repeater.

  I know with cell phones, ham radio is starting to taper off on usage.

I agree with this with respect to the local repeater as a means to foster communication amongst hams in the local area.  I also think that the ubiquity of emaill/instant messaging/text messaging has as much or more to do with this than the cell phone does.  Just think 10 or 15 years ago we would probably be having this discussion on the repeater instead of over email.  I don't necessarily think this is all a bad thing though.  At least email is easier to store and keep a record of for later reference.


This is the reason why I was talking about echolink.  Since I'm not usually in town but will be moving in soon.... I had a want to talk on the local repeater up there.  Would have been nice to be able to remote into the repeater and strike up a convo about local stuff and start to make friends.  If someone is traveling that would also be a nice addition as well.  Echolink is now on smart phones so one can download it and boom instant radio that works away from home.

Echolink is definitely interesting and a useful mode.  I've experimented with it in the past and useful to access a local repeater when away from the area.  Unfortunately as you've noticed there isn't much activity on our repeater currently so I'm not sure how much luck you would have had striking up a conversation even if it were accessible via echolink.



As of right now the digital repeaters in WV are as follows.....

DMR which is separated into two different link networks.

DMR-MARC network - uses motorola dmr repeaters - has been active in the states for some time
Bluefield, WV 1 repeater
Beckley, WV 3 spread out to cover a lot of area.
See here for current map:  http://www.dmr-marc.net/repeaters.html

Thanks for the information and the link to the map.  I am glad to know there is a presence in the Beckley area as it is where I am originally from and still travel there often to visit family.  I may try to pick up a cheap DMR HT before I head down there the next time and try to access them.  Do you have any recommendations for such an HT?


DMRPlus - uses hytera dmr repeaters
None yet in WV but its just now getting started in the states.

FUSION
Clarksburg 1 repeater
Pt. Pleasant 1 repeater

DSTAR
Mount Hope 1 repeater

Digital offers some nice features.

It's definitely more bandwidth efficient and I also like the slow speed data and text messaging capabilities present in most digital solutions.

In doing some more research on fusion... i agree with you that it would be nice to leave the current analog system online and put a digital system in place as another repeater.

I think this is a requirement not just a nice to have.  Like it or not Analog has too large of a footprint to just do away with anytime in the near future and its proven technology.  I know our repeater has been used more than once to coordinate communications to areas otherwise cut off due to winter storms even as recently as 4 or 5 years ago.  I was (un)fortunately out of town when that storm hit and was not able to participate so someone else on the list can provide more details of this event.  I think until such time as everyone has digital radios and the system has proven itself to be as reliable there will be a lot of reluctance to get rid of the current analog system.


To have the fusion in place of the analog system you would have to run the output of the fusion in analog mode and the input in dual digital/analog mode.  That would almost defeat the purpose of digital as it adds an analog route in.  Sooooo my new suggestion based on the info I have acquired.  Install a new fusion repeater and then perhaps link it into the analog system later on.

I like this idea.  Unfortunately I do not know if space is available at the current repeater site or if we'd have to look for an alternate site to host a new repeater.  It's something we should discuss as we go forward with deciding what the future of our repeater looks like.

Or perhaps start with a UHF DMR repeater then move to fusion a little later on.

We currently have an analog repeater that is in some form of disrepair.  I really like the idea of making our UHF frequencies our "experimental" repeater and I think we should investigate using any/all of the digital repeater modes on this frequency.


DMR we could also link into the analog vhf repeater.  Would be nice to get a dmr repeater on the air at the university club as well..

As you might have noticed from some of the discussions the university club is pretty much defunct right now but Dr. Vanscoy is trying very hard to revive it.  Hopefully she is successful and if she is we could embark on a project like this.

Could use the same talkgroups on both repeaters and have a wide link network started.

Just curious - I know that with some of the digital modes (DSTAR in particular) linking over the air is not possible and all links must be over the internet.  Is the same true for DMR or is it possible to link multiple DMR repeaters using only RF?



So yes.... I will try to put together an info packet/presentation on the digital systems for the next meeting.

Thank you very much for trying to put this together.  The next meeting will be on October 20.  Would it be possible to let me know by the 13th if you will be able to put together the presentation or not so we have a bit of time to put together an alternate?


I'm hoping my DMR dongle has came in by then.  If so I'll setup a DMR hotspot and let the group take a test drive.  I have been doing a few months worth of research into different digital modes so I do have some info handy.

Great.  I am very interested in theys technology and would love to see it in action.


As a side note.... how this reflector is setup.... its a tad hard to carry on a good conversation.  If you don't reply to the reflector you just reply to the user and no one else really sees the reply.

The reflector is set up pretty much identically to any email list I have ever used and having been in the IT industry for a while I have subscribed and continue to subscribe to lots of mailing lists.  Looking back at my reply it went to both you (in the to: field) and the list (in the cc: field) and looking at my email archive I did receive my reply via the list so all subscribers should have seen it.  Please let me know if you have any specific questions regarding the list.


I'm in the process of setting up a DMR website that will hopefully group some info together for those interested in DMR and possibly other digital modes.

Great, I've spent some time reading a bit about DMR the past few evenings and while there is a lot of information out there it seems to be scattered all over the interwebs.  A central place that collects a lot of this information would be very valuable.

I'm adding a forum in as well.  I have a club forum setup on there as well that is only avail to members of the club if anyone would be interested.  Otherwise perhaps we can setup a forum on the w8mwa page.
  It would allow everyone to discuss club business in a better format and have separate areas for members and non members of the club.  Plus an area to talk about anything and everything under the sun.


It's just my personal preference but I much prefer mailing lists for this type of discussion but by no means does my preference cary any weight.


Here is mine.... http://forum.dmrwv.com
It's a work in progress as I just started it.
Also if help is needed with the website I would be more than happy to help.  I have quite a bit of experience with websites etc.

Thank you very much for the offer.  Randy Crowe (N80ZY) and Bill Shultz (W8RS) are the primary care takers of the website.  They are both subscribed to the list and I'm sure will be reading this.  But do mention it to them during the next club meeting.

 <snip>

Thanks,
Josh


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From hrpratt at gmail.com  Fri Sep 25 15:57:04 2015
From: hrpratt at gmail.com (Harold R. Pratt)
Date: Fri, 25 Sep 2015 15:57:04 -0400
Subject: [W8MWA] Road map to the future?
In-Reply-To: <CAFN8_47bJsnm6r+eCyGvW3g4_bgwYW3uwoFA1Wo_pMMKi8Nm5g@mail.gmail.com>
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Message-ID: <9EFBE758-1148-4B50-A221-151BEDBF46E3@gmail.com>

Since this has to be determined before the next regular meeting, I'd be in favor of getting the system fusion for our UHF repeater to get that up and running again. So I guess I'm a yes vote. 

Sent from my iPhone

> On Sep 25, 2015, at 1:00 PM, Josh Smith <juicewvu at gmail.com> wrote:
> 
> Hello Everyone:
> 
> According to the Yaesu website the special price on Fusion repeaters is available through September 30:
> https://www.yaesu.com/pdf/DR1-X_Installation_Program_Final.pdf
> 
> I think this is something the club should likely persue - at the very least to get something up and running on the UHF frequencies allocated to our repeater infrastructure.  
> 
> The time frame is pretty tight on this so we would need to move quickly to get this application submitted prior to the deadline.
> 
> What does everyone think about trying to get in on this special price?
> 
> 
> Thanks,
> Josh
>  
> 
> Josh Smith
> KD8HRX
> email/jabber:  juicewvu at gmail.com
> phone:  304.237.9369(c)
> 
> 
>> On Fri, Sep 25, 2015 at 11:06 AM, Dean Thompson <deanot26508 at gmail.com> wrote:
>> The remote base is what i had in mind, Ido have a 100% signal at my qth.
>> 
>> Just for information.
>> 
>> 
>>> On Friday, September 25, 2015, Josh Smith <juicewvu at gmail.com> wrote:
>>> Hello Josh,
>>> 
>>> See my replies inline as before.
>>> 
>>> Josh Smith
>>> KD8HRX
>>> email/jabber:  juicewvu at gmail.com
>>> phone:  304.237.9369(c)
>>> 
>>> 
>>>> On Wed, Sep 23, 2015 at 2:05 AM, Josh Prichard <wvunderground at gmail.com> wrote:
>>>> So what about linking the echolink in via remote base?  At least this way if it was totally screwed up someone could key up the repeater and kill the remote radio link until it was stable again.  I don't know if Dean is close enough to have a good remote base signal but something to think about.  Otherwise.... echolink has a remote webpage that we can setup so any of the club members can log in and kill the link as well.  It would be very easy to setup and distribute the login info to everyone.  We could probably even setup a mini server with power control to kill the echolink radio power in case of extreme emergency.  Multiple ways to control this link.
>>> 
>>> 
>>> A remote base sounds like a fantastic idea for linking our repeater to echo link to me.  I'm not sure if Deans QTH is a good one for this or not, but I'll bet we can find a member or two that are in a good location if Dean is not.  
>>> 
>>> Randy - Can you weigh in on your thoughts of linking the repeater to echolink via a remote base as the repeater trustee?
>>> 
>>> Bill - Can you weigh in from a technical standpoint. 
>>>  
>>>> 
>>>> I'm going to revisit the VHF fusion repeater thing as I have been reading more info on it.  As of what I know now.... there are a few ways we could go about this.  Since the vhf repeater is old it most likely needs replaced.  The club could get a fusion repeater and let it replace the vhf repeater.  We can run the fusion repeater in a few different modes.
>>>> Analog only in / Analog only out
>>>> Analog and Digital in / Analog out*
>>>> Analog and Digital in / Analog and Digital out**
>>>> 
>>>> *In the analog and digital in / analog out mode a user can either talk digital or analog into the repeater and come out analog only on the output so everyone would always hear everything.  This would allow digital users better input into the repeater and should keep analog users the same as it is now.
>>>> 
>>>> **Analog and Digital in / Analog and Digital out - in this mode if a group of people are talking in digital would be digital in / digital out.  Analog users wouldn't hear anything as long as they have a ctcss tone set on receive.  Now if an analog user wants to talk.... when they key up the repeater.... the repeater will go into the digital and analog in / analog out mode and stay that way until a timeout has happened where the analog user has stopped talking.  Then it'll be back in analog and digital in / analog and digital out.
>>>> 
>>>> My new suggestion would be to replace the current vhf machine with a fusion repeater and allow the analog and digital in / analog out mode.  This would at least get a new repeater in place of the old equipment and still allow all users to participate.  From what I gather yaesu still has the 500$ deal going for clubs.  This would beat putting money into an old repeater.
>>> 
>>> 
>>> To provide a little more detail on our repeater.  The controller is pretty new (less than 3 years) but the radios are pretty old but have proven to be very reliable.  I'm not sure that a replacement of the entire system is warranted.
>>> 
>>>  
>>>> 
>>>> Then perhaps start to build out a UHF network on DMR.  I'm aiming at UHF for the fact that the new dongles coming out for DMR hotspots are UHF based.  DMR radios aren't dual band yet.  
>>>> 
>>>> Now to follow up on some of your other questions I never answered.  I'm from Logan right now which is right over the hill from Beckley. 
>>> 
>>> I know where Logan is, I've been there more than once, though I have not been there for several years.
>>>  
>>>> I have been talking on the Ivy Knob dmr repeater after work.  I run up the top of a hill and talk away.  Right now the cheapest HT for dmr would be the TYT md-380 I believe.  It is what I'm using at the moment.
>>>> 
>>>> http://www.ebay.com/itm/Walkie-Talkie-TYT-MD-380-UHF-5W-Digital-Mobile-DMR-2-Way-Radio-1xUSB-Cable-US-/301693099071?hash=item463e4f5c3f
>>>> 
>>>> Just make sure to get one with a programming cable.  They have a codeplug avail on the NCPRN site that includes the Beckley repeaters.
>>>> 
>>>> http://www.ncprn.net/downloads.html
>>> 
>>> Thanks for the links. 
>>>> 
>>>> 
>>>> As for linking digital repeaters.... its all internet based now days which is why it would be a plus to have internet at the repeater sites.  The wireless link that BIll is working on now is ideal.  I run a wireless link at 5ghz at my current workplace and haven't had one hickup other than a switch that couldn't handle the mac tables from so many devices going through it.  Running the Ubiquiti Nanostation NSM5 at both locations and it maxes a 75meg connection out.  Voice data is nowhere near this throughput.
>>> 
>>> 
>>> I've used ubiquiti equipment and am a big fan as well.
>>>  
>>>> 
>>>> 
>>>> 
>>>>> On Tue, Sep 22, 2015 at 11:32 PM, Joshua Smith <juicewvu at gmail.com> wrote:
>>>>> Dean,
>>>>> Thanks for your input. Please see my comments again they are inline below. 
>>>>> 
>>>>> 73,
>>>>> --
>>>>> Josh Smith
>>>>> KD8HRX
>>>>> 
>>>>> Email/jabber: juicewvu at gmail.com
>>>>> Phone: 304.237.9369(c)
>>>>> 
>>>>> Sent from my iPhone. 
>>>>> 
>>>>>> On Sep 22, 2015, at 10:35 PM, Dean Thompson <deanot26508 at gmail.com> wrote:
>>>>>> 
>>>>>> I am not seeing any replies from other club members on this,
>>>>>> I for one am interested in getting my echolink box set up on a local repeater, if not this one I will try the WVU repeater.  Echolink does have some advantages, example being... One of our hams moved away just over a year ago, would it not be nice for him to stop in and say hi on the Monday net?.  As Josh mentioned, it is also nice for when we are out of town.
>>>>> 
>>>>> 
>>>>> I agree echo link has some nice use sees and I would like to see it available on the MWA repeater. Although I think the ability to break/reestablish this link from the repeater side and I am not sure what is involved in making that a possibility. 
>>>>> 
>>>>>> 
>>>>>> We need more feedback on this, more replies as this affects us all in some way or another.
>>>>> 
>>>>> We definitely need feedback from everyone in the club. Most importantly from Bill(WR8S) as the technical person who takes care of the repeater and from Randy (N8OZY) as the repeater trustee. 
>>>>> 
>>>>> hopefully they are able to weigh in on this via email but if not we have a good topic to address in the October meeting. 
>>>>> 
>>>>>> Josh has made some good points, and I look forward to moving forward on some of these ideas.  First we need to either replace the aged repeater or repair it, having a digital mode would be nice also.
>>>>> 
>>>>> I agree our number one priority needs to be in repairing the repeater (even if that means replacing some of the equipment). I also would like to see us have a digital repeater of some sort in addition to our existing analog repeater NOT in place of as I think asking everyone to replace their existing equipment just to access the repeater would be a disaster for the club. 
>>>>> 
>>>>>> 
>>>>>> What is the situation for a new repeater? can we afford one? do we need to chip in, raise some funding somehow?
>>>>> 
>>>>> I think we need to first get the existing repeater back to its optimal condition and see what that does to our funds. Then we can start to plan for expanding our repeater system - hopefully into the digital space. 
>>>>> 
>>>>>> 
>>>>>> http://www.yaesu.com/indexVS.cfm?cmd=DisplayProducts&ProdCatID=249&encProdID=4105F1B8AE65079CAD2D26735B83B302 this is the system fusion repeater if anyone is interested, and I just noticed it uses C4FM which is what my Yeasu 991 can run, so that is a plus for me.. lol
>>>>> 
>>>>> That seems like a good deal on the repeater. Unfortunately I believe most of the expenses with building out a new repeater will be in the ancillary things that go along with it - antennas, feed line, duplexes, filters, etc. 
>>>>> 
>>>>>> 
>>>>>> I don't know if this is bogus or not, but the above repeater is $500 on a club special, see here http://www.radioinc.com/oscmax/catalog/product_info.php?products_id=3791
>>>>>> 
>>>>>> I hope to see you all at the next meeting, Josh and Josh, keep up the chat, I feel some headway is being made.
>>>>> 
>>>>> Thanks again for the input. 
>>>>>> 
>>>>>> Dean (KD8YNY)
>>>>>> 
>>>>>>> On Tue, Sep 22, 2015 at 9:02 PM, Josh Smith <juicewvu at gmail.com> wrote:
>>>>>>> Hello Josh,
>>>>>>> 
>>>>>>> Please see my comments inline again.
>>>>>>> 
>>>>>>> Josh Smith
>>>>>>> KD8HRX
>>>>>>> email/jabber:  juicewvu at gmail.com
>>>>>>> phone:  304.237.9369(c)
>>>>>>> 
>>>>>>> 
>>>>>>>> On Mon, Sep 21, 2015 at 4:31 PM, Josh Prichard <wvunderground at gmail.com> wrote:
>>>>>>>> Thanks Josh....
>>>>>>>> 
>>>>>>>> I'm hoping I didn't come off as harsh as that was not my intention.  Sometimes I do have problems getting my thoughts out correctly.  If so I do apologize.  
>>>>>>> 
>>>>>>> You didn't come across as harsh.  No need to apologize.  
>>>>>>>  
>>>>>>>> 
>>>>>>>> This is the club I'll join.  It seems like a club with good users.  Sure there is a difference of opinion but that is any club.  Everyone was nice and friendly.  I think the club has a good future.  Just gotta get everyone back to being excited about it.  
>>>>>>> 
>>>>>>> Thank you for joining our club.  I think you'll find its a good club and worth the investment of your time and effort.
>>>>>>>  
>>>>>>>> 
>>>>>>>> Being everything to everyone is kinda hard to do in a club setting.  Everyone has different ideas on what the club should be.
>>>>>>>> 
>>>>>>>> The future for the repeaters and etc... it would be nice to hear some activity on the repeater.
>>>>>>> 
>>>>>>> I agree it would be nice to hear some activity outside of the Monday evening net, I have no room to talk here though because I am as guilty as anyone of not using the repeater.
>>>>>>>  
>>>>>>>>   I know with cell phones, ham radio is starting to taper off on usage. 
>>>>>>> 
>>>>>>> I agree with this with respect to the local repeater as a means to foster communication amongst hams in the local area.  I also think that the ubiquity of emaill/instant messaging/text messaging has as much or more to do with this than the cell phone does.  Just think 10 or 15 years ago we would probably be having this discussion on the repeater instead of over email.  I don't necessarily think this is all a bad thing though.  At least email is easier to store and keep a record of for later reference.
>>>>>>> 
>>>>>>>  
>>>>>>>> This is the reason why I was talking about echolink.  Since I'm not usually in town but will be moving in soon.... I had a want to talk on the local repeater up there.  Would have been nice to be able to remote into the repeater and strike up a convo about local stuff and start to make friends.  If someone is traveling that would also be a nice addition as well.  Echolink is now on smart phones so one can download it and boom instant radio that works away from home.
>>>>>>> 
>>>>>>> Echolink is definitely interesting and a useful mode.  I've experimented with it in the past and useful to access a local repeater when away from the area.  Unfortunately as you've noticed there isn't much activity on our repeater currently so I'm not sure how much luck you would have had striking up a conversation even if it were accessible via echolink.
>>>>>>>  
>>>>>>>>  
>>>>>>>> 
>>>>>>>> As of right now the digital repeaters in WV are as follows.....
>>>>>>>> 
>>>>>>>> DMR which is separated into two different link networks.
>>>>>>>> 
>>>>>>>> DMR-MARC network - uses motorola dmr repeaters - has been active in the states for some time
>>>>>>>> Bluefield, WV 1 repeater
>>>>>>>> Beckley, WV 3 spread out to cover a lot of area.
>>>>>>>> See here for current map:  http://www.dmr-marc.net/repeaters.html
>>>>>>> 
>>>>>>> Thanks for the information and the link to the map.  I am glad to know there is a presence in the Beckley area as it is where I am originally from and still travel there often to visit family.  I may try to pick up a cheap DMR HT before I head down there the next time and try to access them.  Do you have any recommendations for such an HT? 
>>>>>>>> 
>>>>>>>> 
>>>>>>>> DMRPlus - uses hytera dmr repeaters
>>>>>>>> None yet in WV but its just now getting started in the states.
>>>>>>>> 
>>>>>>>> FUSION
>>>>>>>> Clarksburg 1 repeater
>>>>>>>> Pt. Pleasant 1 repeater
>>>>>>>> 
>>>>>>>> DSTAR
>>>>>>>> Mount Hope 1 repeater
>>>>>>>> 
>>>>>>>> Digital offers some nice features. 
>>>>>>> 
>>>>>>> It's definitely more bandwidth efficient and I also like the slow speed data and text messaging capabilities present in most digital solutions.
>>>>>>>  
>>>>>>>> In doing some more research on fusion... i agree with you that it would be nice to leave the current analog system online and put a digital system in place as another repeater. 
>>>>>>> 
>>>>>>> I think this is a requirement not just a nice to have.  Like it or not Analog has too large of a footprint to just do away with anytime in the near future and its proven technology.  I know our repeater has been used more than once to coordinate communications to areas otherwise cut off due to winter storms even as recently as 4 or 5 years ago.  I was (un)fortunately out of town when that storm hit and was not able to participate so someone else on the list can provide more details of this event.  I think until such time as everyone has digital radios and the system has proven itself to be as reliable there will be a lot of reluctance to get rid of the current analog system.
>>>>>>> 
>>>>>>>  
>>>>>>>> To have the fusion in place of the analog system you would have to run the output of the fusion in analog mode and the input in dual digital/analog mode.  That would almost defeat the purpose of digital as it adds an analog route in.  Sooooo my new suggestion based on the info I have acquired.  Install a new fusion repeater and then perhaps link it into the analog system later on.  
>>>>>>> 
>>>>>>> I like this idea.  Unfortunately I do not know if space is available at the current repeater site or if we'd have to look for an alternate site to host a new repeater.  It's something we should discuss as we go forward with deciding what the future of our repeater looks like.
>>>>>>>  
>>>>>>>> Or perhaps start with a UHF DMR repeater then move to fusion a little later on. 
>>>>>>> 
>>>>>>> We currently have an analog repeater that is in some form of disrepair.  I really like the idea of making our UHF frequencies our "experimental" repeater and I think we should investigate using any/all of the digital repeater modes on this frequency.
>>>>>>> 
>>>>>>>  
>>>>>>>> DMR we could also link into the analog vhf repeater.  Would be nice to get a dmr repeater on the air at the university club as well..
>>>>>>> 
>>>>>>> As you might have noticed from some of the discussions the university club is pretty much defunct right now but Dr. Vanscoy is trying very hard to revive it.  Hopefully she is successful and if she is we could embark on a project like this.
>>>>>>>  
>>>>>>>> Could use the same talkgroups on both repeaters and have a wide link network started.
>>>>>>> 
>>>>>>> Just curious - I know that with some of the digital modes (DSTAR in particular) linking over the air is not possible and all links must be over the internet.  Is the same true for DMR or is it possible to link multiple DMR repeaters using only RF?
>>>>>>> 
>>>>>>>  
>>>>>>>> 
>>>>>>>> So yes.... I will try to put together an info packet/presentation on the digital systems for the next meeting. 
>>>>>>> 
>>>>>>> Thank you very much for trying to put this together.  The next meeting will be on October 20.  Would it be possible to let me know by the 13th if you will be able to put together the presentation or not so we have a bit of time to put together an alternate?
>>>>>>> 
>>>>>>>  
>>>>>>>> I'm hoping my DMR dongle has came in by then.  If so I'll setup a DMR hotspot and let the group take a test drive.  I have been doing a few months worth of research into different digital modes so I do have some info handy.
>>>>>>> 
>>>>>>> Great.  I am very interested in theys technology and would love to see it in action.
>>>>>>>  
>>>>>>>> 
>>>>>>>> As a side note.... how this reflector is setup.... its a tad hard to carry on a good conversation.  If you don't reply to the reflector you just reply to the user and no one else really sees the reply. 
>>>>>>> 
>>>>>>> The reflector is set up pretty much identically to any email list I have ever used and having been in the IT industry for a while I have subscribed and continue to subscribe to lots of mailing lists.  Looking back at my reply it went to both you (in the to: field) and the list (in the cc: field) and looking at my email archive I did receive my reply via the list so all subscribers should have seen it.  Please let me know if you have any specific questions regarding the list.
>>>>>>> 
>>>>>>>  
>>>>>>>> I'm in the process of setting up a DMR website that will hopefully group some info together for those interested in DMR and possibly other digital modes. 
>>>>>>> 
>>>>>>> Great, I've spent some time reading a bit about DMR the past few evenings and while there is a lot of information out there it seems to be scattered all over the interwebs.  A central place that collects a lot of this information would be very valuable.
>>>>>>>  
>>>>>>>> I'm adding a forum in as well.  I have a club forum setup on there as well that is only avail to members of the club if anyone would be interested.  Otherwise perhaps we can setup a forum on the w8mwa page.
>>>>>>>>   It would allow everyone to discuss club business in a better format and have separate areas for members and non members of the club.  Plus an area to talk about anything and everything under the sun.
>>>>>>> 
>>>>>>> 
>>>>>>> It's just my personal preference but I much prefer mailing lists for this type of discussion but by no means does my preference cary any weight.
>>>>>>> 
>>>>>>>  
>>>>>>>> Here is mine.... http://forum.dmrwv.com
>>>>>>>> It's a work in progress as I just started it.
>>>>>>>> Also if help is needed with the website I would be more than happy to help.  I have quite a bit of experience with websites etc.  
>>>>>>> 
>>>>>>> Thank you very much for the offer.  Randy Crowe (N80ZY) and Bill Shultz (W8RS) are the primary care takers of the website.  They are both subscribed to the list and I'm sure will be reading this.  But do mention it to them during the next club meeting.
>>>>>>> 
>>>>>>>  <snip>
>>>>>>> 
>>>>>>> Thanks,
>>>>>>> Josh
>>>>>>> 
>>>>>>> 
>>>>>>> ______________________________________________________________
>>>>>>> W8MWA mailing list
>>>>>>> Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/w8mwa
>>>>>>> Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm
>>>>>>> Post: mailto:W8MWA at mailman.qth.net
>>>>>>> 
>>>>>>> This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net
>>>>>>> Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
>>>> 
>>>> 
>>>> ______________________________________________________________
>>>> W8MWA mailing list
>>>> Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/w8mwa
>>>> Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm
>>>> Post: mailto:W8MWA at mailman.qth.net
>>>> 
>>>> This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net
>>>> Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
>> 
>> 
>> -- 
>> Sent from Gmail Mobile
> 
> ______________________________________________________________
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From wvunderground at gmail.com  Fri Sep 25 16:09:45 2015
From: wvunderground at gmail.com (Josh Prichard)
Date: Fri, 25 Sep 2015 16:09:45 -0400
Subject: [W8MWA] Road map to the future?
In-Reply-To: <DM2PR05MB36751DD9903E764179F47B0E1420@DM2PR05MB367.namprd05.prod.outlook.com>
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	<CAFN8_47bJsnm6r+eCyGvW3g4_bgwYW3uwoFA1Wo_pMMKi8Nm5g@mail.gmail.com>
	<DM2PR05MB367326509250F500FC06EB3E1420@DM2PR05MB367.namprd05.prod.outlook.com>
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Message-ID: <CADRdUyBo5OPZj5bAzsqdJcfpE_ZuxzOs+XMM7SJHPuVVY8zORQ@mail.gmail.com>

I'll throw my thoughts back at this just for fun....

1.  From what most people tell me.... most of it needs replaced anyways as
it is getting very old and could fail at any time.  So eventually it will
have to be changed out.  I'll bow out about putting the fusion system on
vhf assuming the club can handle #2.

2.  Talking from a money standpoint on the future of having new repeaters
put up.  If we can afford the space and the equipment.... feed line,
duplex, etc etc for new repeater sites.... then by all means dive in and
get fusion on the UHF side.  Then we can work on getting a DMR system in
place somewhere then link the dmr/fusion together and let people talk back
and forth between the two techs and leave the VHF repeater for local use
only.

3.  I'm assuming you would be ok with it on the UHF side then?  The digital
systems we are talking about kinda have the same function as echolink and
irlp.  They can and may be connected to conferences etc that will have it
tied up more.  I'm also looking at ways to increase our user base and club
numbers so we can kinda work towards #2 as well and kinda expand what the
club has.

Sooooo.... if we can work toward DMR in the future then I'll vote a yes to
440 fusion.  Let 440 be our playground!


On Fri, Sep 25, 2015 at 3:23 PM, Werntz, Carl <cwerntz at hsc.wvu.edu> wrote:

> Three more thoughts:
>
>
>
> 1)      The 145.430 repeater is a time-tested workhorse that reliably
> covers a huge swath of the region.  I would recommend strongly against
> changing anything there.
>
> 2)      There are many UHF frequencies available (as opposed to few to no
> VHF frequencies available), so we might (over time) want to look at having
> 2 (or more) UHF repeaters in or around Morgantown for learning and
> experimentation.
>
> 3)      There are already Echolink (146.925 Mhz, -600, 103.5Hz) and ILRP
> (146.595 MHz simplex, CTCSS 103.5) nodes in Morgantown.  I would vote
> against adding this capability to either the 145.430 or 146.760 repeaters.
> While I agree that these provide interesting accesses to the world, the
> nets and programs that are typically accessed  tend to tie up repeaters for
> long times, making casual use of the repeaters difficult to impossible.
>
>
>
> Carl
>
>
>
> *From:* W8MWA [mailto:w8mwa-bounces at mailman.qth.net] *On Behalf Of *Werntz,
> Carl
> *Sent:* Friday, September 25, 2015 2:47 PM
> *To:* Josh Smith <juicewvu at gmail.com>; MWA Mail Reflector <
> w8mwa at mailman.qth.net>
> *Cc:* Crowe Randy <rcrowe at wvu.edu>; Bill Shultz <wr8s at shultzie.com>
> *Subject:* Re: [W8MWA] Road map to the future?
>
>
>
> I don?t know how the repeater association is governed, but I would fully
> support going after buying a repeater and   using the site/frequency/tone
> data for the MWA UHF repeater that has been off the air for several years.
> I view this as a rapid means to get a UHF repeater on the air, and provide
> the opportunity for folks to dabble in digital modulation if they so
> choose.  [This is far better than D-Star, which is digital only and does
> not interface with analog radios].
>
>
>
> The repeater can operate in analog, digital, and mixed modes (so we could
> just put it on the air as an analog repeater until enough folks buy system
> fusion radios (or perhaps forever)).
>
>
>
> Just as background, SystemFusion is built using the same general
> modulation scheme as the public safety P25 systems, which (according to
> tests done by the US Forest Service) increases the usable coverage area of
> a signal by about 20% when compared to analog.
>
>
>
> So put be down as one vote for placing an order.
>
>
>
> Carl, WA3ZZU
>
>
>
> *From:* W8MWA [mailto:w8mwa-bounces at mailman.qth.net
> <w8mwa-bounces at mailman.qth.net>] *On Behalf Of *Josh Smith
> *Sent:* Friday, September 25, 2015 1:00 PM
> *To:* MWA Mail Reflector <w8mwa at mailman.qth.net>
> *Cc:* Crowe Randy <rcrowe at wvu.edu>; Bill Shultz <wr8s at shultzie.com>
> *Subject:* Re: [W8MWA] Road map to the future?
>
>
>
> Hello Everyone:
>
>
>
> According to the Yaesu website the special price on Fusion repeaters is
> available through September 30:
>
> https://www.yaesu.com/pdf/DR1-X_Installation_Program_Final.pdf
>
>
>
> I think this is something the club should likely persue - at the very
> least to get something up and running on the UHF frequencies allocated to
> our repeater infrastructure.
>
>
>
> The time frame is pretty tight on this so we would need to move quickly to
> get this application submitted prior to the deadline.
>
>
>
> What does everyone think about trying to get in on this special price?
>
>
>
>
>
> Thanks,
>
> Josh
>
>
>
>
> Josh Smith
> KD8HRX
> email/jabber:  juicewvu at gmail.com
> phone:  304.237.9369(c)
>
>
>
> On Fri, Sep 25, 2015 at 11:06 AM, Dean Thompson <deanot26508 at gmail.com>
> wrote:
>
> The remote base is what i had in mind, Ido have a 100% signal at my qth.
>
>
>
> Just for information.
>
>
>
> On Friday, September 25, 2015, Josh Smith <juicewvu at gmail.com> wrote:
>
> Hello Josh,
>
>
>
> See my replies inline as before.
>
>
> Josh Smith
> KD8HRX
> email/jabber:  juicewvu at gmail.com
> phone:  304.237.9369(c)
>
>
>
> On Wed, Sep 23, 2015 at 2:05 AM, Josh Prichard <wvunderground at gmail.com>
> wrote:
>
> So what about linking the echolink in via remote base?  At least this way
> if it was totally screwed up someone could key up the repeater and kill the
> remote radio link until it was stable again.  I don't know if Dean is close
> enough to have a good remote base signal but something to think about.
> Otherwise.... echolink has a remote webpage that we can setup so any of the
> club members can log in and kill the link as well.  It would be very easy
> to setup and distribute the login info to everyone.  We could probably even
> setup a mini server with power control to kill the echolink radio power in
> case of extreme emergency.  Multiple ways to control this link.
>
>
>
>
>
> A remote base sounds like a fantastic idea for linking our repeater to
> echo link to me.  I'm not sure if Deans QTH is a good one for this or not,
> but I'll bet we can find a member or two that are in a good location if
> Dean is not.
>
>
>
> Randy - Can you weigh in on your thoughts of linking the repeater to
> echolink via a remote base as the repeater trustee?
>
>
>
> Bill - Can you weigh in from a technical standpoint.
>
>
>
>
>
> I'm going to revisit the VHF fusion repeater thing as I have been reading
> more info on it.  As of what I know now.... there are a few ways we could
> go about this.  Since the vhf repeater is old it most likely needs
> replaced.  The club could get a fusion repeater and let it replace the vhf
> repeater.  We can run the fusion repeater in a few different modes.
>
> Analog only in / Analog only out
>
> Analog and Digital in / Analog out*
>
> Analog and Digital in / Analog and Digital out**
>
>
>
> *In the analog and digital in / analog out mode a user can either talk
> digital or analog into the repeater and come out analog only on the output
> so everyone would always hear everything.  This would allow digital users
> better input into the repeater and should keep analog users the same as it
> is now.
>
>
>
> **Analog and Digital in / Analog and Digital out - in this mode if a group
> of people are talking in digital would be digital in / digital out.  Analog
> users wouldn't hear anything as long as they have a ctcss tone set on
> receive.  Now if an analog user wants to talk.... when they key up the
> repeater.... the repeater will go into the digital and analog in / analog
> out mode and stay that way until a timeout has happened where the analog
> user has stopped talking.  Then it'll be back in analog and digital in /
> analog and digital out.
>
>
>
> My new suggestion would be to replace the current vhf machine with a
> fusion repeater and allow the analog and digital in / analog out mode.
> This would at least get a new repeater in place of the old equipment and
> still allow all users to participate.  From what I gather yaesu still has
> the 500$ deal going for clubs.  This would beat putting money into an old
> repeater.
>
>
>
>
>
> To provide a little more detail on our repeater.  The controller is pretty
> new (less than 3 years) but the radios are pretty old but have proven to be
> very reliable.  I'm not sure that a replacement of the entire system is
> warranted.
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
> Then perhaps start to build out a UHF network on DMR.  I'm aiming at UHF
> for the fact that the new dongles coming out for DMR hotspots are UHF
> based.  DMR radios aren't dual band yet.
>
>
>
> Now to follow up on some of your other questions I never answered.  I'm
> from Logan right now which is right over the hill from Beckley.
>
>
>
> I know where Logan is, I've been there more than once, though I have not
> been there for several years.
>
>
>
> I have been talking on the Ivy Knob dmr repeater after work.  I run up the
> top of a hill and talk away.  Right now the cheapest HT for dmr would be
> the TYT md-380 I believe.  It is what I'm using at the moment.
>
>
>
>
> http://www.ebay.com/itm/Walkie-Talkie-TYT-MD-380-UHF-5W-Digital-Mobile-DMR-2-Way-Radio-1xUSB-Cable-US-/301693099071?hash=item463e4f5c3f
>
>
>
> Just make sure to get one with a programming cable.  They have a codeplug
> avail on the NCPRN site that includes the Beckley repeaters.
>
>
>
> http://www.ncprn.net/downloads.html
>
>
>
> Thanks for the links.
>
>
>
>
>
> As for linking digital repeaters.... its all internet based now days which
> is why it would be a plus to have internet at the repeater sites.  The
> wireless link that BIll is working on now is ideal.  I run a wireless link
> at 5ghz at my current workplace and haven't had one hickup other than a
> switch that couldn't handle the mac tables from so many devices going
> through it.  Running the Ubiquiti Nanostation NSM5 at both locations and it
> maxes a 75meg connection out.  Voice data is nowhere near this throughput.
>
>
>
>
>
> I've used ubiquiti equipment and am a big fan as well.
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
> On Tue, Sep 22, 2015 at 11:32 PM, Joshua Smith <juicewvu at gmail.com> wrote:
>
> Dean,
>
> Thanks for your input. Please see my comments again they are inline below.
>
> 73,
>
> --
>
> Josh Smith
>
> KD8HRX
>
>
>
> Email/jabber: juicewvu at gmail.com
>
> Phone: 304.237.9369(c)
>
>
>
> Sent from my iPhone.
>
>
> On Sep 22, 2015, at 10:35 PM, Dean Thompson <deanot26508 at gmail.com> wrote:
>
> I am not seeing any replies from other club members on this,
>
> I for one am interested in getting my echolink box set up on a local
> repeater, if not this one I will try the WVU repeater.  Echolink does have
> some advantages, example being... One of our hams moved away just over a
> year ago, would it not be nice for him to stop in and say hi on the Monday
> net?.  As Josh mentioned, it is also nice for when we are out of town.
>
>
>
>
>
> I agree echo link has some nice use sees and I would like to see it
> available on the MWA repeater. Although I think the ability to
> break/reestablish this link from the repeater side and I am not sure what
> is involved in making that a possibility.
>
>
>
>
>
> We need more feedback on this, more replies as this affects us all in some
> way or another.
>
>
>
> We definitely need feedback from everyone in the club. Most importantly
> from Bill(WR8S) as the technical person who takes care of the repeater and
> from Randy (N8OZY) as the repeater trustee.
>
>
>
> hopefully they are able to weigh in on this via email but if not we have a
> good topic to address in the October meeting.
>
>
>
> Josh has made some good points, and I look forward to moving forward on
> some of these ideas.  First we need to either replace the aged repeater or
> repair it, having a digital mode would be nice also.
>
>
>
> I agree our number one priority needs to be in repairing the repeater
> (even if that means replacing some of the equipment). I also would like to
> see us have a digital repeater of some sort in addition to our existing
> analog repeater NOT in place of as I think asking everyone to replace their
> existing equipment just to access the repeater would be a disaster for the
> club.
>
>
>
>
>
> What is the situation for a new repeater? can we afford one? do we need to
> chip in, raise some funding somehow?
>
>
>
> I think we need to first get the existing repeater back to its optimal
> condition and see what that does to our funds. Then we can start to plan
> for expanding our repeater system - hopefully into the digital space.
>
>
>
>
>
>
> http://www.yaesu.com/indexVS.cfm?cmd=DisplayProducts&ProdCatID=249&encProdID=4105F1B8AE65079CAD2D26735B83B302
> this is the system fusion repeater if anyone is interested, and I just
> noticed it uses C4FM which is what my Yeasu 991 can run, so that is a plus
> for me.. lol
>
>
>
> That seems like a good deal on the repeater. Unfortunately I believe most
> of the expenses with building out a new repeater will be in the ancillary
> things that go along with it - antennas, feed line, duplexes, filters, etc.
>
>
>
>
>
> I don't know if this is bogus or not, but the above repeater is $500 on a
> club special, see here
> http://www.radioinc.com/oscmax/catalog/product_info.php?products_id=3791
>
>
>
> I hope to see you all at the next meeting, Josh and Josh, keep up the
> chat, I feel some headway is being made.
>
>
>
> Thanks again for the input.
>
>
>
> Dean (KD8YNY)
>
>
>
> On Tue, Sep 22, 2015 at 9:02 PM, Josh Smith <juicewvu at gmail.com> wrote:
>
> Hello Josh,
>
>
>
> Please see my comments inline again.
>
>
> Josh Smith
> KD8HRX
> email/jabber:  juicewvu at gmail.com
> phone:  304.237.9369(c)
>
>
>
> On Mon, Sep 21, 2015 at 4:31 PM, Josh Prichard <wvunderground at gmail.com>
> wrote:
>
> Thanks Josh....
>
>
>
> I'm hoping I didn't come off as harsh as that was not my intention.
> Sometimes I do have problems getting my thoughts out correctly.  If so I do
> apologize.
>
>
>
> You didn't come across as harsh.  No need to apologize.
>
>
>
>
>
> This is the club I'll join.  It seems like a club with good users.  Sure
> there is a difference of opinion but that is any club.  Everyone was nice
> and friendly.  I think the club has a good future.  Just gotta get everyone
> back to being excited about it.
>
>
>
> Thank you for joining our club.  I think you'll find its a good club and
> worth the investment of your time and effort.
>
>
>
>
>
> Being everything to everyone is kinda hard to do in a club setting.
> Everyone has different ideas on what the club should be.
>
>
>
> The future for the repeaters and etc... it would be nice to hear some
> activity on the repeater.
>
>
>
> I agree it would be nice to hear some activity outside of the Monday
> evening net, I have no room to talk here though because I am as guilty as
> anyone of not using the repeater.
>
>
>
>   I know with cell phones, ham radio is starting to taper off on usage.
>
>
>
> I agree with this with respect to the local repeater as a means to foster
> communication amongst hams in the local area.  I also think that the
> ubiquity of emaill/instant messaging/text messaging has as much or more to
> do with this than the cell phone does.  Just think 10 or 15 years ago we
> would probably be having this discussion on the repeater instead of over
> email.  I don't necessarily think this is all a bad thing though.  At least
> email is easier to store and keep a record of for later reference.
>
>
>
>
>
> This is the reason why I was talking about echolink.  Since I'm not
> usually in town but will be moving in soon.... I had a want to talk on the
> local repeater up there.  Would have been nice to be able to remote into
> the repeater and strike up a convo about local stuff and start to make
> friends.  If someone is traveling that would also be a nice addition as
> well.  Echolink is now on smart phones so one can download it and boom
> instant radio that works away from home.
>
>
>
> Echolink is definitely interesting and a useful mode.  I've experimented
> with it in the past and useful to access a local repeater when away from
> the area.  Unfortunately as you've noticed there isn't much activity on our
> repeater currently so I'm not sure how much luck you would have had
> striking up a conversation even if it were accessible via echolink.
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
> As of right now the digital repeaters in WV are as follows.....
>
>
>
> *DMR which is separated into two different link networks.*
>
>
>
> *DMR-MARC network - uses motorola dmr repeaters - has been active in the
> states for some time*
>
> Bluefield, WV 1 repeater
>
> Beckley, WV 3 spread out to cover a lot of area.
>
> See here for current map:  http://www.dmr-marc.net/repeaters.html
>
>
>
> Thanks for the information and the link to the map.  I am glad to know
> there is a presence in the Beckley area as it is where I am originally from
> and still travel there often to visit family.  I may try to pick up a cheap
> DMR HT before I head down there the next time and try to access them.  Do
> you have any recommendations for such an HT?
>
>
>
>
>
> *DMRPlus - uses hytera dmr repeaters*
>
> None yet in WV but its just now getting started in the states.
>
>
>
> *FUSION*
>
> Clarksburg 1 repeater
>
> Pt. Pleasant 1 repeater
>
>
>
> *DSTAR*
>
> Mount Hope 1 repeater
>
>
>
> Digital offers some nice features.
>
>
>
> It's definitely more bandwidth efficient and I also like the slow speed
> data and text messaging capabilities present in most digital solutions.
>
>
>
> In doing some more research on fusion... i agree with you that it would be
> nice to leave the current analog system online and put a digital system in
> place as another repeater.
>
>
>
> I think this is a requirement not just a nice to have.  Like it or not
> Analog has too large of a footprint to just do away with anytime in the
> near future and its proven technology.  I know our repeater has been used
> more than once to coordinate communications to areas otherwise cut off due
> to winter storms even as recently as 4 or 5 years ago.  I was
> (un)fortunately out of town when that storm hit and was not able to
> participate so someone else on the list can provide more details of this
> event.  I think until such time as everyone has digital radios and the
> system has proven itself to be as reliable there will be a lot of
> reluctance to get rid of the current analog system.
>
>
>
>
>
> To have the fusion in place of the analog system you would have to run the
> output of the fusion in analog mode and the input in dual digital/analog
> mode.  That would almost defeat the purpose of digital as it adds an analog
> route in.  Sooooo my new suggestion based on the info I have acquired.
> Install a new fusion repeater and then perhaps link it into the analog
> system later on.
>
>
>
> I like this idea.  Unfortunately I do not know if space is available at
> the current repeater site or if we'd have to look for an alternate site to
> host a new repeater.  It's something we should discuss as we go forward
> with deciding what the future of our repeater looks like.
>
>
>
> Or perhaps start with a UHF DMR repeater then move to fusion a little
> later on.
>
>
>
> We currently have an analog repeater that is in some form of disrepair.  I
> really like the idea of making our UHF frequencies our "experimental"
> repeater and I think we should investigate using any/all of the digital
> repeater modes on this frequency.
>
>
>
>
>
> DMR we could also link into the analog vhf repeater.  Would be nice to get
> a dmr repeater on the air at the university club as well..
>
>
>
> As you might have noticed from some of the discussions the university club
> is pretty much defunct right now but Dr. Vanscoy is trying very hard to
> revive it.  Hopefully she is successful and if she is we could embark on a
> project like this.
>
>
>
> Could use the same talkgroups on both repeaters and have a wide link
> network started.
>
>
>
> Just curious - I know that with some of the digital modes (DSTAR in
> particular) linking over the air is not possible and all links must be over
> the internet.  Is the same true for DMR or is it possible to link multiple
> DMR repeaters using only RF?
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
> So yes.... I will try to put together an info packet/presentation on the
> digital systems for the next meeting.
>
>
>
> Thank you very much for trying to put this together.  The next meeting
> will be on October 20.  Would it be possible to let me know by the 13th if
> you will be able to put together the presentation or not so we have a bit
> of time to put together an alternate?
>
>
>
>
>
> I'm hoping my DMR dongle has came in by then.  If so I'll setup a DMR
> hotspot and let the group take a test drive.  I have been doing a few
> months worth of research into different digital modes so I do have some
> info handy.
>
>
>
> Great.  I am very interested in theys technology and would love to see it
> in action.
>
>
>
>
>
> As a side note.... how this reflector is setup.... its a tad hard to carry
> on a good conversation.  If you don't reply to the reflector you just reply
> to the user and no one else really sees the reply.
>
>
>
> The reflector is set up pretty much identically to any email list I have
> ever used and having been in the IT industry for a while I have subscribed
> and continue to subscribe to lots of mailing lists.  Looking back at my
> reply it went to both you (in the to: field) and the list (in the cc:
> field) and looking at my email archive I did receive my reply via the list
> so all subscribers should have seen it.  Please let me know if you have any
> specific questions regarding the list.
>
>
>
>
>
> I'm in the process of setting up a DMR website that will hopefully group
> some info together for those interested in DMR and possibly other digital
> modes.
>
>
>
> Great, I've spent some time reading a bit about DMR the past few evenings
> and while there is a lot of information out there it seems to be scattered
> all over the interwebs.  A central place that collects a lot of this
> information would be very valuable.
>
>
>
> I'm adding a forum in as well.  I have a club forum setup on there as well
> that is only avail to members of the club if anyone would be interested.
> Otherwise perhaps we can setup a forum on the w8mwa page.
>
>   It would allow everyone to discuss club business in a better format and
> have separate areas for members and non members of the club.  Plus an area
> to talk about anything and everything under the sun.
>
>
>
>
>
> It's just my personal preference but I much prefer mailing lists for this
> type of discussion but by no means does my preference cary any weight.
>
>
>
>
>
> Here is mine.... http://forum.dmrwv.com
>
> It's a work in progress as I just started it.
>
> Also if help is needed with the website I would be more than happy to
> help.  I have quite a bit of experience with websites etc.
>
>
>
> Thank you very much for the offer.  Randy Crowe (N80ZY) and Bill Shultz
> (W8RS) are the primary care takers of the website.  They are both
> subscribed to the list and I'm sure will be reading this.  But do mention
> it to them during the next club meeting.
>
>
>
>  <snip>
>
>
>
> Thanks,
>
> Josh
>
>
>
>
> ______________________________________________________________
> W8MWA mailing list
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> Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm
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>
> This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net
> Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
>
>
>
>
>
>
> ______________________________________________________________
> W8MWA mailing list
> Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/w8mwa
> Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm
> Post: mailto:W8MWA at mailman.qth.net <W8MWA at mailman.qth.net>
>
> This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net
> Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
>
>
>
>
>
> --
> Sent from Gmail Mobile
>
>
>
> ______________________________________________________________
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From juicewvu at gmail.com  Fri Sep 25 16:14:58 2015
From: juicewvu at gmail.com (Joshua Smith)
Date: Fri, 25 Sep 2015 16:14:58 -0400
Subject: [W8MWA] Road map to the future?
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Message-ID: <A95CDE73-D4E7-4160-B0B5-7C7F28A40B57@gmail.com>

Carl,

I agree with you with regards to the existing MWA VHF repeater - it has serve red the area very well for longer than I've been on this earth and I wouldn't want to do anything to jeopardize that.

I do think we need to address the relatively recent audio quality issues we are experiencing though. 

I'm completely on the fence with regards to linking the repeater with echo link and propose we discuss it at the October club meeting since it is not a time sensitive matter. 

--
Josh Smith
KD8HRX

Email/jabber: juicewvu at gmail.com
Phone: 304.237.9369(c)

Sent from my iPhone. 

> On Sep 25, 2015, at 3:23 PM, Werntz, Carl <cwerntz at hsc.wvu.edu> wrote:
> 
> Three more thoughts:
>  
> 1)      The 145.430 repeater is a time-tested workhorse that reliably covers a huge swath of the region.  I would recommend strongly against changing anything there.
> 2)      There are many UHF frequencies available (as opposed to few to no VHF frequencies available), so we might (over time) want to look at having 2 (or more) UHF repeaters in or around Morgantown for learning and experimentation.
> 3)      There are already Echolink (146.925 Mhz, -600, 103.5Hz) and ILRP (146.595 MHz simplex, CTCSS 103.5) nodes in Morgantown.  I would vote against adding this capability to either the 145.430 or 146.760 repeaters.  While I agree that these provide interesting accesses to the world, the nets and programs that are typically accessed  tend to tie up repeaters for long times, making casual use of the repeaters difficult to impossible.
>  
> Carl
>  
> From: W8MWA [mailto:w8mwa-bounces at mailman.qth.net] On Behalf Of Werntz, Carl
> Sent: Friday, September 25, 2015 2:47 PM
> To: Josh Smith <juicewvu at gmail.com>; MWA Mail Reflector <w8mwa at mailman.qth.net>
> Cc: Crowe Randy <rcrowe at wvu.edu>; Bill Shultz <wr8s at shultzie.com>
> Subject: Re: [W8MWA] Road map to the future?
>  
> I don?t know how the repeater association is governed, but I would fully support going after buying a repeater and   using the site/frequency/tone data for the MWA UHF repeater that has been off the air for several years.  I view this as a rapid means to get a UHF repeater on the air, and provide the opportunity for folks to dabble in digital modulation if they so choose.  [This is far better than D-Star, which is digital only and does not interface with analog radios].
>  
> The repeater can operate in analog, digital, and mixed modes (so we could just put it on the air as an analog repeater until enough folks buy system fusion radios (or perhaps forever)).
>  
> Just as background, SystemFusion is built using the same general modulation scheme as the public safety P25 systems, which (according to tests done by the US Forest Service) increases the usable coverage area of a signal by about 20% when compared to analog.
>  
> So put be down as one vote for placing an order.
>  
> Carl, WA3ZZU    
>  
> From: W8MWA [mailto:w8mwa-bounces at mailman.qth.net] On Behalf Of Josh Smith
> Sent: Friday, September 25, 2015 1:00 PM
> To: MWA Mail Reflector <w8mwa at mailman.qth.net>
> Cc: Crowe Randy <rcrowe at wvu.edu>; Bill Shultz <wr8s at shultzie.com>
> Subject: Re: [W8MWA] Road map to the future?
>  
> Hello Everyone:
>  
> According to the Yaesu website the special price on Fusion repeaters is available through September 30:
> https://www.yaesu.com/pdf/DR1-X_Installation_Program_Final.pdf
>  
> I think this is something the club should likely persue - at the very least to get something up and running on the UHF frequencies allocated to our repeater infrastructure.  
>  
> The time frame is pretty tight on this so we would need to move quickly to get this application submitted prior to the deadline.
>  
> What does everyone think about trying to get in on this special price?
>  
>  
> Thanks,
> Josh
>  
> 
> Josh Smith
> KD8HRX
> email/jabber:  juicewvu at gmail.com
> phone:  304.237.9369(c)
> 
>  
> On Fri, Sep 25, 2015 at 11:06 AM, Dean Thompson <deanot26508 at gmail.com> wrote:
> The remote base is what i had in mind, Ido have a 100% signal at my qth.
>  
> Just for information.
> 
> 
> On Friday, September 25, 2015, Josh Smith <juicewvu at gmail.com> wrote:
> Hello Josh,
>  
> See my replies inline as before.
> 
> Josh Smith
> KD8HRX
> email/jabber:  juicewvu at gmail.com
> phone:  304.237.9369(c)
> 
>  
> On Wed, Sep 23, 2015 at 2:05 AM, Josh Prichard <wvunderground at gmail.com> wrote:
> So what about linking the echolink in via remote base?  At least this way if it was totally screwed up someone could key up the repeater and kill the remote radio link until it was stable again.  I don't know if Dean is close enough to have a good remote base signal but something to think about.  Otherwise.... echolink has a remote webpage that we can setup so any of the club members can log in and kill the link as well.  It would be very easy to setup and distribute the login info to everyone.  We could probably even setup a mini server with power control to kill the echolink radio power in case of extreme emergency.  Multiple ways to control this link.
>  
>  
> A remote base sounds like a fantastic idea for linking our repeater to echo link to me.  I'm not sure if Deans QTH is a good one for this or not, but I'll bet we can find a member or two that are in a good location if Dean is not.  
>  
> Randy - Can you weigh in on your thoughts of linking the repeater to echolink via a remote base as the repeater trustee?
>  
> Bill - Can you weigh in from a technical standpoint. 
>  
>  
> I'm going to revisit the VHF fusion repeater thing as I have been reading more info on it.  As of what I know now.... there are a few ways we could go about this.  Since the vhf repeater is old it most likely needs replaced.  The club could get a fusion repeater and let it replace the vhf repeater.  We can run the fusion repeater in a few different modes.
> Analog only in / Analog only out
> Analog and Digital in / Analog out*
> Analog and Digital in / Analog and Digital out**
>  
> *In the analog and digital in / analog out mode a user can either talk digital or analog into the repeater and come out analog only on the output so everyone would always hear everything.  This would allow digital users better input into the repeater and should keep analog users the same as it is now.
>  
> **Analog and Digital in / Analog and Digital out - in this mode if a group of people are talking in digital would be digital in / digital out.  Analog users wouldn't hear anything as long as they have a ctcss tone set on receive.  Now if an analog user wants to talk.... when they key up the repeater.... the repeater will go into the digital and analog in / analog out mode and stay that way until a timeout has happened where the analog user has stopped talking.  Then it'll be back in analog and digital in / analog and digital out.
>  
> My new suggestion would be to replace the current vhf machine with a fusion repeater and allow the analog and digital in / analog out mode.  This would at least get a new repeater in place of the old equipment and still allow all users to participate.  From what I gather yaesu still has the 500$ deal going for clubs.  This would beat putting money into an old repeater.
>  
>  
> To provide a little more detail on our repeater.  The controller is pretty new (less than 3 years) but the radios are pretty old but have proven to be very reliable.  I'm not sure that a replacement of the entire system is warranted.
>  
>  
>  
> Then perhaps start to build out a UHF network on DMR.  I'm aiming at UHF for the fact that the new dongles coming out for DMR hotspots are UHF based.  DMR radios aren't dual band yet.  
>  
> Now to follow up on some of your other questions I never answered.  I'm from Logan right now which is right over the hill from Beckley. 
>  
> I know where Logan is, I've been there more than once, though I have not been there for several years.
>  
> I have been talking on the Ivy Knob dmr repeater after work.  I run up the top of a hill and talk away.  Right now the cheapest HT for dmr would be the TYT md-380 I believe.  It is what I'm using at the moment.
>  
> http://www.ebay.com/itm/Walkie-Talkie-TYT-MD-380-UHF-5W-Digital-Mobile-DMR-2-Way-Radio-1xUSB-Cable-US-/301693099071?hash=item463e4f5c3f
>  
> Just make sure to get one with a programming cable.  They have a codeplug avail on the NCPRN site that includes the Beckley repeaters.
>  
> http://www.ncprn.net/downloads.html
>  
> Thanks for the links. 
>  
>  
> As for linking digital repeaters.... its all internet based now days which is why it would be a plus to have internet at the repeater sites.  The wireless link that BIll is working on now is ideal.  I run a wireless link at 5ghz at my current workplace and haven't had one hickup other than a switch that couldn't handle the mac tables from so many devices going through it.  Running the Ubiquiti Nanostation NSM5 at both locations and it maxes a 75meg connection out.  Voice data is nowhere near this throughput.
>  
>  
> I've used ubiquiti equipment and am a big fan as well.
>  
>  
>  
>  
> On Tue, Sep 22, 2015 at 11:32 PM, Joshua Smith <juicewvu at gmail.com> wrote:
> Dean,
> Thanks for your input. Please see my comments again they are inline below. 
> 
> 73,
> --
> Josh Smith
> KD8HRX
>  
> Email/jabber: juicewvu at gmail.com
> Phone: 304.237.9369(c)
>  
> Sent from my iPhone. 
> 
> On Sep 22, 2015, at 10:35 PM, Dean Thompson <deanot26508 at gmail.com> wrote:
> 
> I am not seeing any replies from other club members on this,
> I for one am interested in getting my echolink box set up on a local repeater, if not this one I will try the WVU repeater.  Echolink does have some advantages, example being... One of our hams moved away just over a year ago, would it not be nice for him to stop in and say hi on the Monday net?.  As Josh mentioned, it is also nice for when we are out of town.
>  
>  
> I agree echo link has some nice use sees and I would like to see it available on the MWA repeater. Although I think the ability to break/reestablish this link from the repeater side and I am not sure what is involved in making that a possibility. 
>  
> 
>  
> We need more feedback on this, more replies as this affects us all in some way or another.
>  
> We definitely need feedback from everyone in the club. Most importantly from Bill(WR8S) as the technical person who takes care of the repeater and from Randy (N8OZY) as the repeater trustee. 
>  
> hopefully they are able to weigh in on this via email but if not we have a good topic to address in the October meeting. 
>  
> 
> Josh has made some good points, and I look forward to moving forward on some of these ideas.  First we need to either replace the aged repeater or repair it, having a digital mode would be nice also.
>  
> I agree our number one priority needs to be in repairing the repeater (even if that means replacing some of the equipment). I also would like to see us have a digital repeater of some sort in addition to our existing analog repeater NOT in place of as I think asking everyone to replace their existing equipment just to access the repeater would be a disaster for the club. 
>  
> 
>  
> What is the situation for a new repeater? can we afford one? do we need to chip in, raise some funding somehow?
>  
> I think we need to first get the existing repeater back to its optimal condition and see what that does to our funds. Then we can start to plan for expanding our repeater system - hopefully into the digital space. 
>  
> 
>  
> http://www.yaesu.com/indexVS.cfm?cmd=DisplayProducts&ProdCatID=249&encProdID=4105F1B8AE65079CAD2D26735B83B302 this is the system fusion repeater if anyone is interested, and I just noticed it uses C4FM which is what my Yeasu 991 can run, so that is a plus for me.. lol
>  
> That seems like a good deal on the repeater. Unfortunately I believe most of the expenses with building out a new repeater will be in the ancillary things that go along with it - antennas, feed line, duplexes, filters, etc. 
>  
> 
>  
> I don't know if this is bogus or not, but the above repeater is $500 on a club special, see here http://www.radioinc.com/oscmax/catalog/product_info.php?products_id=3791
>  
> I hope to see you all at the next meeting, Josh and Josh, keep up the chat, I feel some headway is being made.
>  
> Thanks again for the input. 
> 
>  
> Dean (KD8YNY)
>  
> On Tue, Sep 22, 2015 at 9:02 PM, Josh Smith <juicewvu at gmail.com> wrote:
> Hello Josh,
>  
> Please see my comments inline again.
> 
> Josh Smith
> KD8HRX
> email/jabber:  juicewvu at gmail.com
> phone:  304.237.9369(c)
> 
>  
> On Mon, Sep 21, 2015 at 4:31 PM, Josh Prichard <wvunderground at gmail.com> wrote:
> Thanks Josh....
>  
> I'm hoping I didn't come off as harsh as that was not my intention.  Sometimes I do have problems getting my thoughts out correctly.  If so I do apologize.  
>  
> You didn't come across as harsh.  No need to apologize.  
>  
>  
> This is the club I'll join.  It seems like a club with good users.  Sure there is a difference of opinion but that is any club.  Everyone was nice and friendly.  I think the club has a good future.  Just gotta get everyone back to being excited about it.  
>  
> Thank you for joining our club.  I think you'll find its a good club and worth the investment of your time and effort.
>  
>  
> Being everything to everyone is kinda hard to do in a club setting.  Everyone has different ideas on what the club should be.
>  
> The future for the repeaters and etc... it would be nice to hear some activity on the repeater.
>  
> I agree it would be nice to hear some activity outside of the Monday evening net, I have no room to talk here though because I am as guilty as anyone of not using the repeater.
>  
>   I know with cell phones, ham radio is starting to taper off on usage. 
>  
> I agree with this with respect to the local repeater as a means to foster communication amongst hams in the local area.  I also think that the ubiquity of emaill/instant messaging/text messaging has as much or more to do with this than the cell phone does.  Just think 10 or 15 years ago we would probably be having this discussion on the repeater instead of over email.  I don't necessarily think this is all a bad thing though.  At least email is easier to store and keep a record of for later reference.
>  
>  
> This is the reason why I was talking about echolink.  Since I'm not usually in town but will be moving in soon.... I had a want to talk on the local repeater up there.  Would have been nice to be able to remote into the repeater and strike up a convo about local stuff and start to make friends.  If someone is traveling that would also be a nice addition as well.  Echolink is now on smart phones so one can download it and boom instant radio that works away from home.
>  
> Echolink is definitely interesting and a useful mode.  I've experimented with it in the past and useful to access a local repeater when away from the area.  Unfortunately as you've noticed there isn't much activity on our repeater currently so I'm not sure how much luck you would have had striking up a conversation even if it were accessible via echolink.
>  
>  
>  
> As of right now the digital repeaters in WV are as follows.....
>  
> DMR which is separated into two different link networks.
>  
> DMR-MARC network - uses motorola dmr repeaters - has been active in the states for some time
> Bluefield, WV 1 repeater
> Beckley, WV 3 spread out to cover a lot of area.
> See here for current map:  http://www.dmr-marc.net/repeaters.html
>  
> Thanks for the information and the link to the map.  I am glad to know there is a presence in the Beckley area as it is where I am originally from and still travel there often to visit family.  I may try to pick up a cheap DMR HT before I head down there the next time and try to access them.  Do you have any recommendations for such an HT? 
>  
>  
> DMRPlus - uses hytera dmr repeaters
> None yet in WV but its just now getting started in the states.
>  
> FUSION
> Clarksburg 1 repeater
> Pt. Pleasant 1 repeater
>  
> DSTAR
> Mount Hope 1 repeater
>  
> Digital offers some nice features. 
>  
> It's definitely more bandwidth efficient and I also like the slow speed data and text messaging capabilities present in most digital solutions.
>  
> In doing some more research on fusion... i agree with you that it would be nice to leave the current analog system online and put a digital system in place as another repeater. 
>  
> I think this is a requirement not just a nice to have.  Like it or not Analog has too large of a footprint to just do away with anytime in the near future and its proven technology.  I know our repeater has been used more than once to coordinate communications to areas otherwise cut off due to winter storms even as recently as 4 or 5 years ago.  I was (un)fortunately out of town when that storm hit and was not able to participate so someone else on the list can provide more details of this event.  I think until such time as everyone has digital radios and the system has proven itself to be as reliable there will be a lot of reluctance to get rid of the current analog system.
>  
>  
> To have the fusion in place of the analog system you would have to run the output of the fusion in analog mode and the input in dual digital/analog mode.  That would almost defeat the purpose of digital as it adds an analog route in.  Sooooo my new suggestion based on the info I have acquired.  Install a new fusion repeater and then perhaps link it into the analog system later on.  
>  
> I like this idea.  Unfortunately I do not know if space is available at the current repeater site or if we'd have to look for an alternate site to host a new repeater.  It's something we should discuss as we go forward with deciding what the future of our repeater looks like.
>  
> Or perhaps start with a UHF DMR repeater then move to fusion a little later on. 
>  
> We currently have an analog repeater that is in some form of disrepair.  I really like the idea of making our UHF frequencies our "experimental" repeater and I think we should investigate using any/all of the digital repeater modes on this frequency.
>  
>  
> DMR we could also link into the analog vhf repeater.  Would be nice to get a dmr repeater on the air at the university club as well..
>  
> As you might have noticed from some of the discussions the university club is pretty much defunct right now but Dr. Vanscoy is trying very hard to revive it.  Hopefully she is successful and if she is we could embark on a project like this.
>  
> Could use the same talkgroups on both repeaters and have a wide link network started.
>  
> Just curious - I know that with some of the digital modes (DSTAR in particular) linking over the air is not possible and all links must be over the internet.  Is the same true for DMR or is it possible to link multiple DMR repeaters using only RF?
>  
>  
>  
> So yes.... I will try to put together an info packet/presentation on the digital systems for the next meeting. 
>  
> Thank you very much for trying to put this together.  The next meeting will be on October 20.  Would it be possible to let me know by the 13th if you will be able to put together the presentation or not so we have a bit of time to put together an alternate?
>  
>  
> I'm hoping my DMR dongle has came in by then.  If so I'll setup a DMR hotspot and let the group take a test drive.  I have been doing a few months worth of research into different digital modes so I do have some info handy.
>  
> Great.  I am very interested in theys technology and would love to see it in action.
>  
>  
> As a side note.... how this reflector is setup.... its a tad hard to carry on a good conversation.  If you don't reply to the reflector you just reply to the user and no one else really sees the reply. 
>  
> The reflector is set up pretty much identically to any email list I have ever used and having been in the IT industry for a while I have subscribed and continue to subscribe to lots of mailing lists.  Looking back at my reply it went to both you (in the to: field) and the list (in the cc: field) and looking at my email archive I did receive my reply via the list so all subscribers should have seen it.  Please let me know if you have any specific questions regarding the list.
>  
>  
> I'm in the process of setting up a DMR website that will hopefully group some info together for those interested in DMR and possibly other digital modes. 
>  
> Great, I've spent some time reading a bit about DMR the past few evenings and while there is a lot of information out there it seems to be scattered all over the interwebs.  A central place that collects a lot of this information would be very valuable.
>  
> I'm adding a forum in as well.  I have a club forum setup on there as well that is only avail to members of the club if anyone would be interested.  Otherwise perhaps we can setup a forum on the w8mwa page.
>   It would allow everyone to discuss club business in a better format and have separate areas for members and non members of the club.  Plus an area to talk about anything and everything under the sun.
>  
>  
> It's just my personal preference but I much prefer mailing lists for this type of discussion but by no means does my preference cary any weight.
>  
>  
> Here is mine.... http://forum.dmrwv.com
> It's a work in progress as I just started it.
> Also if help is needed with the website I would be more than happy to help.  I have quite a bit of experience with websites etc.  
>  
> Thank you very much for the offer.  Randy Crowe (N80ZY) and Bill Shultz (W8RS) are the primary care takers of the website.  They are both subscribed to the list and I'm sure will be reading this.  But do mention it to them during the next club meeting.
>  
>  <snip>
>  
> Thanks,
> Josh
>  
> 
> ______________________________________________________________
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> 
> This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net
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>  
>  
> 
> ______________________________________________________________
> W8MWA mailing list
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> Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm
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> 
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>  
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From deanot26508 at gmail.com  Fri Sep 25 16:14:46 2015
From: deanot26508 at gmail.com (Dean Thompson)
Date: Fri, 25 Sep 2015 16:14:46 -0400
Subject: [W8MWA] Road map to the future?
In-Reply-To: <CADRdUyBo5OPZj5bAzsqdJcfpE_ZuxzOs+XMM7SJHPuVVY8zORQ@mail.gmail.com>
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	<DM2PR05MB367326509250F500FC06EB3E1420@DM2PR05MB367.namprd05.prod.outlook.com>
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Message-ID: <CAAkYMAb+h6v0QaZgVwotbewAiTZ=-ohnGx1yr9Y12H5QZEpGWw@mail.gmail.com>

We seem to be slipping away from the main issue, if we go 440 with the
System Fusion, we still have the main problem to contend with.  That being
the repeater in use right now, while it still works, it is hard to
understand what most are saying because the audio is over driving, and what
if it does fail?  We are left with 440 that most probably do not have and
being on 440, your coverage will be less.

Just something to think about.

Dean

On Fri, Sep 25, 2015 at 4:09 PM, Josh Prichard <wvunderground at gmail.com>
wrote:

> I'll throw my thoughts back at this just for fun....
>
> 1.  From what most people tell me.... most of it needs replaced anyways as
> it is getting very old and could fail at any time.  So eventually it will
> have to be changed out.  I'll bow out about putting the fusion system on
> vhf assuming the club can handle #2.
>
> 2.  Talking from a money standpoint on the future of having new repeaters
> put up.  If we can afford the space and the equipment.... feed line,
> duplex, etc etc for new repeater sites.... then by all means dive in and
> get fusion on the UHF side.  Then we can work on getting a DMR system in
> place somewhere then link the dmr/fusion together and let people talk back
> and forth between the two techs and leave the VHF repeater for local use
> only.
>
> 3.  I'm assuming you would be ok with it on the UHF side then?  The
> digital systems we are talking about kinda have the same function as
> echolink and irlp.  They can and may be connected to conferences etc that
> will have it tied up more.  I'm also looking at ways to increase our user
> base and club numbers so we can kinda work towards #2 as well and kinda
> expand what the club has.
>
> Sooooo.... if we can work toward DMR in the future then I'll vote a yes to
> 440 fusion.  Let 440 be our playground!
>
>
> On Fri, Sep 25, 2015 at 3:23 PM, Werntz, Carl <cwerntz at hsc.wvu.edu> wrote:
>
>> Three more thoughts:
>>
>>
>>
>> 1)      The 145.430 repeater is a time-tested workhorse that reliably
>> covers a huge swath of the region.  I would recommend strongly against
>> changing anything there.
>>
>> 2)      There are many UHF frequencies available (as opposed to few to
>> no VHF frequencies available), so we might (over time) want to look at
>> having 2 (or more) UHF repeaters in or around Morgantown for learning and
>> experimentation.
>>
>> 3)      There are already Echolink (146.925 Mhz, -600, 103.5Hz) and ILRP
>> (146.595 MHz simplex, CTCSS 103.5) nodes in Morgantown.  I would vote
>> against adding this capability to either the 145.430 or 146.760 repeaters.
>> While I agree that these provide interesting accesses to the world, the
>> nets and programs that are typically accessed  tend to tie up repeaters for
>> long times, making casual use of the repeaters difficult to impossible.
>>
>>
>>
>> Carl
>>
>>
>>
>> *From:* W8MWA [mailto:w8mwa-bounces at mailman.qth.net] *On Behalf Of *Werntz,
>> Carl
>> *Sent:* Friday, September 25, 2015 2:47 PM
>> *To:* Josh Smith <juicewvu at gmail.com>; MWA Mail Reflector <
>> w8mwa at mailman.qth.net>
>> *Cc:* Crowe Randy <rcrowe at wvu.edu>; Bill Shultz <wr8s at shultzie.com>
>> *Subject:* Re: [W8MWA] Road map to the future?
>>
>>
>>
>> I don?t know how the repeater association is governed, but I would fully
>> support going after buying a repeater and   using the site/frequency/tone
>> data for the MWA UHF repeater that has been off the air for several years.
>> I view this as a rapid means to get a UHF repeater on the air, and provide
>> the opportunity for folks to dabble in digital modulation if they so
>> choose.  [This is far better than D-Star, which is digital only and does
>> not interface with analog radios].
>>
>>
>>
>> The repeater can operate in analog, digital, and mixed modes (so we could
>> just put it on the air as an analog repeater until enough folks buy system
>> fusion radios (or perhaps forever)).
>>
>>
>>
>> Just as background, SystemFusion is built using the same general
>> modulation scheme as the public safety P25 systems, which (according to
>> tests done by the US Forest Service) increases the usable coverage area of
>> a signal by about 20% when compared to analog.
>>
>>
>>
>> So put be down as one vote for placing an order.
>>
>>
>>
>> Carl, WA3ZZU
>>
>>
>>
>> *From:* W8MWA [mailto:w8mwa-bounces at mailman.qth.net
>> <w8mwa-bounces at mailman.qth.net>] *On Behalf Of *Josh Smith
>> *Sent:* Friday, September 25, 2015 1:00 PM
>> *To:* MWA Mail Reflector <w8mwa at mailman.qth.net>
>> *Cc:* Crowe Randy <rcrowe at wvu.edu>; Bill Shultz <wr8s at shultzie.com>
>> *Subject:* Re: [W8MWA] Road map to the future?
>>
>>
>>
>> Hello Everyone:
>>
>>
>>
>> According to the Yaesu website the special price on Fusion repeaters is
>> available through September 30:
>>
>> https://www.yaesu.com/pdf/DR1-X_Installation_Program_Final.pdf
>>
>>
>>
>> I think this is something the club should likely persue - at the very
>> least to get something up and running on the UHF frequencies allocated to
>> our repeater infrastructure.
>>
>>
>>
>> The time frame is pretty tight on this so we would need to move quickly
>> to get this application submitted prior to the deadline.
>>
>>
>>
>> What does everyone think about trying to get in on this special price?
>>
>>
>>
>>
>>
>> Thanks,
>>
>> Josh
>>
>>
>>
>>
>> Josh Smith
>> KD8HRX
>> email/jabber:  juicewvu at gmail.com
>> phone:  304.237.9369(c)
>>
>>
>>
>> On Fri, Sep 25, 2015 at 11:06 AM, Dean Thompson <deanot26508 at gmail.com>
>> wrote:
>>
>> The remote base is what i had in mind, Ido have a 100% signal at my qth.
>>
>>
>>
>> Just for information.
>>
>>
>>
>> On Friday, September 25, 2015, Josh Smith <juicewvu at gmail.com> wrote:
>>
>> Hello Josh,
>>
>>
>>
>> See my replies inline as before.
>>
>>
>> Josh Smith
>> KD8HRX
>> email/jabber:  juicewvu at gmail.com
>> phone:  304.237.9369(c)
>>
>>
>>
>> On Wed, Sep 23, 2015 at 2:05 AM, Josh Prichard <wvunderground at gmail.com>
>> wrote:
>>
>> So what about linking the echolink in via remote base?  At least this way
>> if it was totally screwed up someone could key up the repeater and kill the
>> remote radio link until it was stable again.  I don't know if Dean is close
>> enough to have a good remote base signal but something to think about.
>> Otherwise.... echolink has a remote webpage that we can setup so any of the
>> club members can log in and kill the link as well.  It would be very easy
>> to setup and distribute the login info to everyone.  We could probably even
>> setup a mini server with power control to kill the echolink radio power in
>> case of extreme emergency.  Multiple ways to control this link.
>>
>>
>>
>>
>>
>> A remote base sounds like a fantastic idea for linking our repeater to
>> echo link to me.  I'm not sure if Deans QTH is a good one for this or not,
>> but I'll bet we can find a member or two that are in a good location if
>> Dean is not.
>>
>>
>>
>> Randy - Can you weigh in on your thoughts of linking the repeater to
>> echolink via a remote base as the repeater trustee?
>>
>>
>>
>> Bill - Can you weigh in from a technical standpoint.
>>
>>
>>
>>
>>
>> I'm going to revisit the VHF fusion repeater thing as I have been reading
>> more info on it.  As of what I know now.... there are a few ways we could
>> go about this.  Since the vhf repeater is old it most likely needs
>> replaced.  The club could get a fusion repeater and let it replace the vhf
>> repeater.  We can run the fusion repeater in a few different modes.
>>
>> Analog only in / Analog only out
>>
>> Analog and Digital in / Analog out*
>>
>> Analog and Digital in / Analog and Digital out**
>>
>>
>>
>> *In the analog and digital in / analog out mode a user can either talk
>> digital or analog into the repeater and come out analog only on the output
>> so everyone would always hear everything.  This would allow digital users
>> better input into the repeater and should keep analog users the same as it
>> is now.
>>
>>
>>
>> **Analog and Digital in / Analog and Digital out - in this mode if a
>> group of people are talking in digital would be digital in / digital out.
>> Analog users wouldn't hear anything as long as they have a ctcss tone set
>> on receive.  Now if an analog user wants to talk.... when they key up the
>> repeater.... the repeater will go into the digital and analog in / analog
>> out mode and stay that way until a timeout has happened where the analog
>> user has stopped talking.  Then it'll be back in analog and digital in /
>> analog and digital out.
>>
>>
>>
>> My new suggestion would be to replace the current vhf machine with a
>> fusion repeater and allow the analog and digital in / analog out mode.
>> This would at least get a new repeater in place of the old equipment and
>> still allow all users to participate.  From what I gather yaesu still has
>> the 500$ deal going for clubs.  This would beat putting money into an old
>> repeater.
>>
>>
>>
>>
>>
>> To provide a little more detail on our repeater.  The controller is
>> pretty new (less than 3 years) but the radios are pretty old but have
>> proven to be very reliable.  I'm not sure that a replacement of the entire
>> system is warranted.
>>
>>
>>
>>
>>
>>
>>
>> Then perhaps start to build out a UHF network on DMR.  I'm aiming at UHF
>> for the fact that the new dongles coming out for DMR hotspots are UHF
>> based.  DMR radios aren't dual band yet.
>>
>>
>>
>> Now to follow up on some of your other questions I never answered.  I'm
>> from Logan right now which is right over the hill from Beckley.
>>
>>
>>
>> I know where Logan is, I've been there more than once, though I have not
>> been there for several years.
>>
>>
>>
>> I have been talking on the Ivy Knob dmr repeater after work.  I run up
>> the top of a hill and talk away.  Right now the cheapest HT for dmr would
>> be the TYT md-380 I believe.  It is what I'm using at the moment.
>>
>>
>>
>>
>> http://www.ebay.com/itm/Walkie-Talkie-TYT-MD-380-UHF-5W-Digital-Mobile-DMR-2-Way-Radio-1xUSB-Cable-US-/301693099071?hash=item463e4f5c3f
>>
>>
>>
>> Just make sure to get one with a programming cable.  They have a codeplug
>> avail on the NCPRN site that includes the Beckley repeaters.
>>
>>
>>
>> http://www.ncprn.net/downloads.html
>>
>>
>>
>> Thanks for the links.
>>
>>
>>
>>
>>
>> As for linking digital repeaters.... its all internet based now days
>> which is why it would be a plus to have internet at the repeater sites.
>> The wireless link that BIll is working on now is ideal.  I run a wireless
>> link at 5ghz at my current workplace and haven't had one hickup other than
>> a switch that couldn't handle the mac tables from so many devices going
>> through it.  Running the Ubiquiti Nanostation NSM5 at both locations and it
>> maxes a 75meg connection out.  Voice data is nowhere near this throughput.
>>
>>
>>
>>
>>
>> I've used ubiquiti equipment and am a big fan as well.
>>
>>
>>
>>
>>
>>
>>
>>
>>
>> On Tue, Sep 22, 2015 at 11:32 PM, Joshua Smith <juicewvu at gmail.com>
>> wrote:
>>
>> Dean,
>>
>> Thanks for your input. Please see my comments again they are inline
>> below.
>>
>> 73,
>>
>> --
>>
>> Josh Smith
>>
>> KD8HRX
>>
>>
>>
>> Email/jabber: juicewvu at gmail.com
>>
>> Phone: 304.237.9369(c)
>>
>>
>>
>> Sent from my iPhone.
>>
>>
>> On Sep 22, 2015, at 10:35 PM, Dean Thompson <deanot26508 at gmail.com>
>> wrote:
>>
>> I am not seeing any replies from other club members on this,
>>
>> I for one am interested in getting my echolink box set up on a local
>> repeater, if not this one I will try the WVU repeater.  Echolink does have
>> some advantages, example being... One of our hams moved away just over a
>> year ago, would it not be nice for him to stop in and say hi on the Monday
>> net?.  As Josh mentioned, it is also nice for when we are out of town.
>>
>>
>>
>>
>>
>> I agree echo link has some nice use sees and I would like to see it
>> available on the MWA repeater. Although I think the ability to
>> break/reestablish this link from the repeater side and I am not sure what
>> is involved in making that a possibility.
>>
>>
>>
>>
>>
>> We need more feedback on this, more replies as this affects us all in
>> some way or another.
>>
>>
>>
>> We definitely need feedback from everyone in the club. Most importantly
>> from Bill(WR8S) as the technical person who takes care of the repeater and
>> from Randy (N8OZY) as the repeater trustee.
>>
>>
>>
>> hopefully they are able to weigh in on this via email but if not we have
>> a good topic to address in the October meeting.
>>
>>
>>
>> Josh has made some good points, and I look forward to moving forward on
>> some of these ideas.  First we need to either replace the aged repeater or
>> repair it, having a digital mode would be nice also.
>>
>>
>>
>> I agree our number one priority needs to be in repairing the repeater
>> (even if that means replacing some of the equipment). I also would like to
>> see us have a digital repeater of some sort in addition to our existing
>> analog repeater NOT in place of as I think asking everyone to replace their
>> existing equipment just to access the repeater would be a disaster for the
>> club.
>>
>>
>>
>>
>>
>> What is the situation for a new repeater? can we afford one? do we need
>> to chip in, raise some funding somehow?
>>
>>
>>
>> I think we need to first get the existing repeater back to its optimal
>> condition and see what that does to our funds. Then we can start to plan
>> for expanding our repeater system - hopefully into the digital space.
>>
>>
>>
>>
>>
>>
>> http://www.yaesu.com/indexVS.cfm?cmd=DisplayProducts&ProdCatID=249&encProdID=4105F1B8AE65079CAD2D26735B83B302
>> this is the system fusion repeater if anyone is interested, and I just
>> noticed it uses C4FM which is what my Yeasu 991 can run, so that is a plus
>> for me.. lol
>>
>>
>>
>> That seems like a good deal on the repeater. Unfortunately I believe most
>> of the expenses with building out a new repeater will be in the ancillary
>> things that go along with it - antennas, feed line, duplexes, filters, etc.
>>
>>
>>
>>
>>
>> I don't know if this is bogus or not, but the above repeater is $500 on a
>> club special, see here
>> http://www.radioinc.com/oscmax/catalog/product_info.php?products_id=3791
>>
>>
>>
>> I hope to see you all at the next meeting, Josh and Josh, keep up the
>> chat, I feel some headway is being made.
>>
>>
>>
>> Thanks again for the input.
>>
>>
>>
>> Dean (KD8YNY)
>>
>>
>>
>> On Tue, Sep 22, 2015 at 9:02 PM, Josh Smith <juicewvu at gmail.com> wrote:
>>
>> Hello Josh,
>>
>>
>>
>> Please see my comments inline again.
>>
>>
>> Josh Smith
>> KD8HRX
>> email/jabber:  juicewvu at gmail.com
>> phone:  304.237.9369(c)
>>
>>
>>
>> On Mon, Sep 21, 2015 at 4:31 PM, Josh Prichard <wvunderground at gmail.com>
>> wrote:
>>
>> Thanks Josh....
>>
>>
>>
>> I'm hoping I didn't come off as harsh as that was not my intention.
>> Sometimes I do have problems getting my thoughts out correctly.  If so I do
>> apologize.
>>
>>
>>
>> You didn't come across as harsh.  No need to apologize.
>>
>>
>>
>>
>>
>> This is the club I'll join.  It seems like a club with good users.  Sure
>> there is a difference of opinion but that is any club.  Everyone was nice
>> and friendly.  I think the club has a good future.  Just gotta get everyone
>> back to being excited about it.
>>
>>
>>
>> Thank you for joining our club.  I think you'll find its a good club and
>> worth the investment of your time and effort.
>>
>>
>>
>>
>>
>> Being everything to everyone is kinda hard to do in a club setting.
>> Everyone has different ideas on what the club should be.
>>
>>
>>
>> The future for the repeaters and etc... it would be nice to hear some
>> activity on the repeater.
>>
>>
>>
>> I agree it would be nice to hear some activity outside of the Monday
>> evening net, I have no room to talk here though because I am as guilty as
>> anyone of not using the repeater.
>>
>>
>>
>>   I know with cell phones, ham radio is starting to taper off on usage.
>>
>>
>>
>> I agree with this with respect to the local repeater as a means to foster
>> communication amongst hams in the local area.  I also think that the
>> ubiquity of emaill/instant messaging/text messaging has as much or more to
>> do with this than the cell phone does.  Just think 10 or 15 years ago we
>> would probably be having this discussion on the repeater instead of over
>> email.  I don't necessarily think this is all a bad thing though.  At least
>> email is easier to store and keep a record of for later reference.
>>
>>
>>
>>
>>
>> This is the reason why I was talking about echolink.  Since I'm not
>> usually in town but will be moving in soon.... I had a want to talk on the
>> local repeater up there.  Would have been nice to be able to remote into
>> the repeater and strike up a convo about local stuff and start to make
>> friends.  If someone is traveling that would also be a nice addition as
>> well.  Echolink is now on smart phones so one can download it and boom
>> instant radio that works away from home.
>>
>>
>>
>> Echolink is definitely interesting and a useful mode.  I've experimented
>> with it in the past and useful to access a local repeater when away from
>> the area.  Unfortunately as you've noticed there isn't much activity on our
>> repeater currently so I'm not sure how much luck you would have had
>> striking up a conversation even if it were accessible via echolink.
>>
>>
>>
>>
>>
>>
>>
>> As of right now the digital repeaters in WV are as follows.....
>>
>>
>>
>> *DMR which is separated into two different link networks.*
>>
>>
>>
>> *DMR-MARC network - uses motorola dmr repeaters - has been active in the
>> states for some time*
>>
>> Bluefield, WV 1 repeater
>>
>> Beckley, WV 3 spread out to cover a lot of area.
>>
>> See here for current map:  http://www.dmr-marc.net/repeaters.html
>>
>>
>>
>> Thanks for the information and the link to the map.  I am glad to know
>> there is a presence in the Beckley area as it is where I am originally from
>> and still travel there often to visit family.  I may try to pick up a cheap
>> DMR HT before I head down there the next time and try to access them.  Do
>> you have any recommendations for such an HT?
>>
>>
>>
>>
>>
>> *DMRPlus - uses hytera dmr repeaters*
>>
>> None yet in WV but its just now getting started in the states.
>>
>>
>>
>> *FUSION*
>>
>> Clarksburg 1 repeater
>>
>> Pt. Pleasant 1 repeater
>>
>>
>>
>> *DSTAR*
>>
>> Mount Hope 1 repeater
>>
>>
>>
>> Digital offers some nice features.
>>
>>
>>
>> It's definitely more bandwidth efficient and I also like the slow speed
>> data and text messaging capabilities present in most digital solutions.
>>
>>
>>
>> In doing some more research on fusion... i agree with you that it would
>> be nice to leave the current analog system online and put a digital system
>> in place as another repeater.
>>
>>
>>
>> I think this is a requirement not just a nice to have.  Like it or not
>> Analog has too large of a footprint to just do away with anytime in the
>> near future and its proven technology.  I know our repeater has been used
>> more than once to coordinate communications to areas otherwise cut off due
>> to winter storms even as recently as 4 or 5 years ago.  I was
>> (un)fortunately out of town when that storm hit and was not able to
>> participate so someone else on the list can provide more details of this
>> event.  I think until such time as everyone has digital radios and the
>> system has proven itself to be as reliable there will be a lot of
>> reluctance to get rid of the current analog system.
>>
>>
>>
>>
>>
>> To have the fusion in place of the analog system you would have to run
>> the output of the fusion in analog mode and the input in dual
>> digital/analog mode.  That would almost defeat the purpose of digital as it
>> adds an analog route in.  Sooooo my new suggestion based on the info I have
>> acquired.  Install a new fusion repeater and then perhaps link it into the
>> analog system later on.
>>
>>
>>
>> I like this idea.  Unfortunately I do not know if space is available at
>> the current repeater site or if we'd have to look for an alternate site to
>> host a new repeater.  It's something we should discuss as we go forward
>> with deciding what the future of our repeater looks like.
>>
>>
>>
>> Or perhaps start with a UHF DMR repeater then move to fusion a little
>> later on.
>>
>>
>>
>> We currently have an analog repeater that is in some form of disrepair.
>> I really like the idea of making our UHF frequencies our "experimental"
>> repeater and I think we should investigate using any/all of the digital
>> repeater modes on this frequency.
>>
>>
>>
>>
>>
>> DMR we could also link into the analog vhf repeater.  Would be nice to
>> get a dmr repeater on the air at the university club as well..
>>
>>
>>
>> As you might have noticed from some of the discussions the university
>> club is pretty much defunct right now but Dr. Vanscoy is trying very hard
>> to revive it.  Hopefully she is successful and if she is we could embark on
>> a project like this.
>>
>>
>>
>> Could use the same talkgroups on both repeaters and have a wide link
>> network started.
>>
>>
>>
>> Just curious - I know that with some of the digital modes (DSTAR in
>> particular) linking over the air is not possible and all links must be over
>> the internet.  Is the same true for DMR or is it possible to link multiple
>> DMR repeaters using only RF?
>>
>>
>>
>>
>>
>>
>>
>> So yes.... I will try to put together an info packet/presentation on the
>> digital systems for the next meeting.
>>
>>
>>
>> Thank you very much for trying to put this together.  The next meeting
>> will be on October 20.  Would it be possible to let me know by the 13th if
>> you will be able to put together the presentation or not so we have a bit
>> of time to put together an alternate?
>>
>>
>>
>>
>>
>> I'm hoping my DMR dongle has came in by then.  If so I'll setup a DMR
>> hotspot and let the group take a test drive.  I have been doing a few
>> months worth of research into different digital modes so I do have some
>> info handy.
>>
>>
>>
>> Great.  I am very interested in theys technology and would love to see it
>> in action.
>>
>>
>>
>>
>>
>> As a side note.... how this reflector is setup.... its a tad hard to
>> carry on a good conversation.  If you don't reply to the reflector you just
>> reply to the user and no one else really sees the reply.
>>
>>
>>
>> The reflector is set up pretty much identically to any email list I have
>> ever used and having been in the IT industry for a while I have subscribed
>> and continue to subscribe to lots of mailing lists.  Looking back at my
>> reply it went to both you (in the to: field) and the list (in the cc:
>> field) and looking at my email archive I did receive my reply via the list
>> so all subscribers should have seen it.  Please let me know if you have any
>> specific questions regarding the list.
>>
>>
>>
>>
>>
>> I'm in the process of setting up a DMR website that will hopefully group
>> some info together for those interested in DMR and possibly other digital
>> modes.
>>
>>
>>
>> Great, I've spent some time reading a bit about DMR the past few evenings
>> and while there is a lot of information out there it seems to be scattered
>> all over the interwebs.  A central place that collects a lot of this
>> information would be very valuable.
>>
>>
>>
>> I'm adding a forum in as well.  I have a club forum setup on there as
>> well that is only avail to members of the club if anyone would be
>> interested.  Otherwise perhaps we can setup a forum on the w8mwa page.
>>
>>   It would allow everyone to discuss club business in a better format and
>> have separate areas for members and non members of the club.  Plus an area
>> to talk about anything and everything under the sun.
>>
>>
>>
>>
>>
>> It's just my personal preference but I much prefer mailing lists for this
>> type of discussion but by no means does my preference cary any weight.
>>
>>
>>
>>
>>
>> Here is mine.... http://forum.dmrwv.com
>>
>> It's a work in progress as I just started it.
>>
>> Also if help is needed with the website I would be more than happy to
>> help.  I have quite a bit of experience with websites etc.
>>
>>
>>
>> Thank you very much for the offer.  Randy Crowe (N80ZY) and Bill Shultz
>> (W8RS) are the primary care takers of the website.  They are both
>> subscribed to the list and I'm sure will be reading this.  But do mention
>> it to them during the next club meeting.
>>
>>
>>
>>  <snip>
>>
>>
>>
>> Thanks,
>>
>> Josh
>>
>>
>>
>>
>> ______________________________________________________________
>> W8MWA mailing list
>> Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/w8mwa
>> Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm
>> Post: mailto:W8MWA at mailman.qth.net <W8MWA at mailman.qth.net>
>>
>> This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net
>> Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
>>
>>
>>
>>
>>
>>
>> ______________________________________________________________
>> W8MWA mailing list
>> Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/w8mwa
>> Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm
>> Post: mailto:W8MWA at mailman.qth.net <W8MWA at mailman.qth.net>
>>
>> This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net
>> Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
>>
>>
>>
>>
>>
>> --
>> Sent from Gmail Mobile
>>
>>
>>
>> ______________________________________________________________
>> W8MWA mailing list
>> Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/w8mwa
>> Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm
>> Post: mailto:W8MWA at mailman.qth.net
>>
>> This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net
>> Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
>>
>
>
> ______________________________________________________________
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> Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm
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From cwerntz at hsc.wvu.edu  Fri Sep 25 16:31:42 2015
From: cwerntz at hsc.wvu.edu (Werntz, Carl)
Date: Fri, 25 Sep 2015 20:31:42 +0000
Subject: [W8MWA] Road map to the future?
In-Reply-To: <CAAkYMAb+h6v0QaZgVwotbewAiTZ=-ohnGx1yr9Y12H5QZEpGWw@mail.gmail.com>
References: <CADRdUyB2SKDVxLVXaUtjPNEADwbSS+6jKRnvg-pkCODFBE+0vQ@mail.gmail.com>
	<E7ABA9A7-F243-49C7-9BD4-C34F5906D95D@gmail.com>
	<CADRdUyCxXWLcQSbH+bW=hnmK461k_y2XUV3Bfae1zcS8rafQaw@mail.gmail.com>
	<CAFN8_47t7Ru407_B-yiDGycQCU7R3BXXAGjHak=58vuJ9kFGmw@mail.gmail.com>
	<CAAkYMAbNDxdK1u_Ac0unfDok9BCGUPw9EnESwYNWsPEudxetvA@mail.gmail.com>
	<9218FC4A-2812-4925-9550-38CEE6C43476@gmail.com>
	<CADRdUyDtatjD5eDUFPZ+0zosMbm4WyfL=4wrztX=E1ApmzYUGA@mail.gmail.com>
	<CAFN8_46=0f41-08D94EtAearisDooDq1HtpWfcAPNga-0kbD4g@mail.gmail.com>
	<CAAkYMAYP6Dhhv4F01XCB=HCwyZ+-ibbuiGoADTBiiCsJiOcB9g@mail.gmail.com>
	<CAFN8_47bJsnm6r+eCyGvW3g4_bgwYW3uwoFA1Wo_pMMKi8Nm5g@mail.gmail.com>
	<DM2PR05MB367326509250F500FC06EB3E1420@DM2PR05MB367.namprd05.prod.outlook.com>
	<DM2PR05MB36751DD9903E764179F47B0E1420@DM2PR05MB367.namprd05.prod.outlook.com>
	<CADRdUyBo5OPZj5bAzsqdJcfpE_ZuxzOs+XMM7SJHPuVVY8zORQ@mail.gmail.com>
	<CAAkYMAb+h6v0QaZgVwotbewAiTZ=-ohnGx1yr9Y12H5QZEpGWw@mail.gmail.com>
Message-ID: <DM2PR05MB3672057D71D257C52571999E1420@DM2PR05MB367.namprd05.prod.outlook.com>

Agreed ? we need to look at the audio on 145.430 and fix any audio problem that exists.

Also agreed that the hardware on the 145.430 repeater is old (OK, very old), but it is from a time when I would argue we (the USA) were at the peak of design reliability and durability (and before engineers got the ideas that being ?just good enough? and designing obsolescence into products were good ideas).  Many commercial/public safety radios from this era were only removed from service with the narrowbanding mandate in 2013.  Without any comment on the quality of the proposed repeater, I would bet that put side-by-side the current RCA Carfone-based repeater would likely outlive the Yaesu repeater.

Additionally, if you read carefully, the SystemFusion is a dual-band repeater, so we could slide it over to VHF if needed in the future.

That said, I fully support getting the Yaesu repeater and getting it up on UHF soonest.

Carl

From: W8MWA [mailto:w8mwa-bounces at mailman.qth.net] On Behalf Of Dean Thompson
Sent: Friday, September 25, 2015 4:15 PM
To: Josh Prichard <wvunderground at gmail.com>
Cc: MWA Mail Reflector <w8mwa at mailman.qth.net>
Subject: Re: [W8MWA] Road map to the future?

We seem to be slipping away from the main issue, if we go 440 with the System Fusion, we still have the main problem to contend with.  That being the repeater in use right now, while it still works, it is hard to understand what most are saying because the audio is over driving, and what if it does fail?  We are left with 440 that most probably do not have and being on 440, your coverage will be less.

Just something to think about.

Dean

On Fri, Sep 25, 2015 at 4:09 PM, Josh Prichard <wvunderground at gmail.com<mailto:wvunderground at gmail.com>> wrote:
I'll throw my thoughts back at this just for fun....

1.  From what most people tell me.... most of it needs replaced anyways as it is getting very old and could fail at any time.  So eventually it will have to be changed out.  I'll bow out about putting the fusion system on vhf assuming the club can handle #2.

2.  Talking from a money standpoint on the future of having new repeaters put up.  If we can afford the space and the equipment.... feed line, duplex, etc etc for new repeater sites.... then by all means dive in and get fusion on the UHF side.  Then we can work on getting a DMR system in place somewhere then link the dmr/fusion together and let people talk back and forth between the two techs and leave the VHF repeater for local use only.

3.  I'm assuming you would be ok with it on the UHF side then?  The digital systems we are talking about kinda have the same function as echolink and irlp.  They can and may be connected to conferences etc that will have it tied up more.  I'm also looking at ways to increase our user base and club numbers so we can kinda work towards #2 as well and kinda expand what the club has.

Sooooo.... if we can work toward DMR in the future then I'll vote a yes to 440 fusion.  Let 440 be our playground!


On Fri, Sep 25, 2015 at 3:23 PM, Werntz, Carl <cwerntz at hsc.wvu.edu<mailto:cwerntz at hsc.wvu.edu>> wrote:
Three more thoughts:


1)      The 145.430 repeater is a time-tested workhorse that reliably covers a huge swath of the region.  I would recommend strongly against changing anything there.

2)      There are many UHF frequencies available (as opposed to few to no VHF frequencies available), so we might (over time) want to look at having 2 (or more) UHF repeaters in or around Morgantown for learning and experimentation.

3)      There are already Echolink (146.925 Mhz, -600, 103.5Hz) and ILRP (146.595 MHz simplex, CTCSS 103.5) nodes in Morgantown.  I would vote against adding this capability to either the 145.430 or 146.760 repeaters.  While I agree that these provide interesting accesses to the world, the nets and programs that are typically accessed  tend to tie up repeaters for long times, making casual use of the repeaters difficult to impossible.

Carl

From: W8MWA [mailto:w8mwa-bounces at mailman.qth.net<mailto:w8mwa-bounces at mailman.qth.net>] On Behalf Of Werntz, Carl
Sent: Friday, September 25, 2015 2:47 PM
To: Josh Smith <juicewvu at gmail.com<mailto:juicewvu at gmail.com>>; MWA Mail Reflector <w8mwa at mailman.qth.net<mailto:w8mwa at mailman.qth.net>>
Cc: Crowe Randy <rcrowe at wvu.edu<mailto:rcrowe at wvu.edu>>; Bill Shultz <wr8s at shultzie.com<mailto:wr8s at shultzie.com>>
Subject: Re: [W8MWA] Road map to the future?

I don?t know how the repeater association is governed, but I would fully support going after buying a repeater and   using the site/frequency/tone data for the MWA UHF repeater that has been off the air for several years.  I view this as a rapid means to get a UHF repeater on the air, and provide the opportunity for folks to dabble in digital modulation if they so choose.  [This is far better than D-Star, which is digital only and does not interface with analog radios].

The repeater can operate in analog, digital, and mixed modes (so we could just put it on the air as an analog repeater until enough folks buy system fusion radios (or perhaps forever)).

Just as background, SystemFusion is built using the same general modulation scheme as the public safety P25 systems, which (according to tests done by the US Forest Service) increases the usable coverage area of a signal by about 20% when compared to analog.

So put be down as one vote for placing an order.

Carl, WA3ZZU

From: W8MWA [mailto:w8mwa-bounces at mailman.qth.net] On Behalf Of Josh Smith
Sent: Friday, September 25, 2015 1:00 PM
To: MWA Mail Reflector <w8mwa at mailman.qth.net<mailto:w8mwa at mailman.qth.net>>
Cc: Crowe Randy <rcrowe at wvu.edu<mailto:rcrowe at wvu.edu>>; Bill Shultz <wr8s at shultzie.com<mailto:wr8s at shultzie.com>>
Subject: Re: [W8MWA] Road map to the future?

Hello Everyone:

According to the Yaesu website the special price on Fusion repeaters is available through September 30:
https://www.yaesu.com/pdf/DR1-X_Installation_Program_Final.pdf

I think this is something the club should likely persue - at the very least to get something up and running on the UHF frequencies allocated to our repeater infrastructure.

The time frame is pretty tight on this so we would need to move quickly to get this application submitted prior to the deadline.

What does everyone think about trying to get in on this special price?


Thanks,
Josh


Josh Smith
KD8HRX
email/jabber:  juicewvu at gmail.com<mailto:juicewvu at gmail.com>
phone:  304.237.9369<tel:304.237.9369>(c)

On Fri, Sep 25, 2015 at 11:06 AM, Dean Thompson <deanot26508 at gmail.com<mailto:deanot26508 at gmail.com>> wrote:
The remote base is what i had in mind, Ido have a 100% signal at my qth.

Just for information.


On Friday, September 25, 2015, Josh Smith <juicewvu at gmail.com<mailto:juicewvu at gmail.com>> wrote:
Hello Josh,

See my replies inline as before.

Josh Smith
KD8HRX
email/jabber:  juicewvu at gmail.com<mailto:juicewvu at gmail.com>
phone:  304.237.9369<tel:304.237.9369>(c)

On Wed, Sep 23, 2015 at 2:05 AM, Josh Prichard <wvunderground at gmail.com<mailto:wvunderground at gmail.com>> wrote:
So what about linking the echolink in via remote base?  At least this way if it was totally screwed up someone could key up the repeater and kill the remote radio link until it was stable again.  I don't know if Dean is close enough to have a good remote base signal but something to think about.  Otherwise.... echolink has a remote webpage that we can setup so any of the club members can log in and kill the link as well.  It would be very easy to setup and distribute the login info to everyone.  We could probably even setup a mini server with power control to kill the echolink radio power in case of extreme emergency.  Multiple ways to control this link.


A remote base sounds like a fantastic idea for linking our repeater to echo link to me.  I'm not sure if Deans QTH is a good one for this or not, but I'll bet we can find a member or two that are in a good location if Dean is not.

Randy - Can you weigh in on your thoughts of linking the repeater to echolink via a remote base as the repeater trustee?

Bill - Can you weigh in from a technical standpoint.


I'm going to revisit the VHF fusion repeater thing as I have been reading more info on it.  As of what I know now.... there are a few ways we could go about this.  Since the vhf repeater is old it most likely needs replaced.  The club could get a fusion repeater and let it replace the vhf repeater.  We can run the fusion repeater in a few different modes.
Analog only in / Analog only out
Analog and Digital in / Analog out*
Analog and Digital in / Analog and Digital out**

*In the analog and digital in / analog out mode a user can either talk digital or analog into the repeater and come out analog only on the output so everyone would always hear everything.  This would allow digital users better input into the repeater and should keep analog users the same as it is now.

**Analog and Digital in / Analog and Digital out - in this mode if a group of people are talking in digital would be digital in / digital out.  Analog users wouldn't hear anything as long as they have a ctcss tone set on receive.  Now if an analog user wants to talk.... when they key up the repeater.... the repeater will go into the digital and analog in / analog out mode and stay that way until a timeout has happened where the analog user has stopped talking.  Then it'll be back in analog and digital in / analog and digital out.

My new suggestion would be to replace the current vhf machine with a fusion repeater and allow the analog and digital in / analog out mode.  This would at least get a new repeater in place of the old equipment and still allow all users to participate.  From what I gather yaesu still has the 500$ deal going for clubs.  This would beat putting money into an old repeater.


To provide a little more detail on our repeater.  The controller is pretty new (less than 3 years) but the radios are pretty old but have proven to be very reliable.  I'm not sure that a replacement of the entire system is warranted.



Then perhaps start to build out a UHF network on DMR.  I'm aiming at UHF for the fact that the new dongles coming out for DMR hotspots are UHF based.  DMR radios aren't dual band yet.

Now to follow up on some of your other questions I never answered.  I'm from Logan right now which is right over the hill from Beckley.

I know where Logan is, I've been there more than once, though I have not been there for several years.

I have been talking on the Ivy Knob dmr repeater after work.  I run up the top of a hill and talk away.  Right now the cheapest HT for dmr would be the TYT md-380 I believe.  It is what I'm using at the moment.

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Walkie-Talkie-TYT-MD-380-UHF-5W-Digital-Mobile-DMR-2-Way-Radio-1xUSB-Cable-US-/301693099071?hash=item463e4f5c3f

Just make sure to get one with a programming cable.  They have a codeplug avail on the NCPRN site that includes the Beckley repeaters.

http://www.ncprn.net/downloads.html

Thanks for the links.


As for linking digital repeaters.... its all internet based now days which is why it would be a plus to have internet at the repeater sites.  The wireless link that BIll is working on now is ideal.  I run a wireless link at 5ghz at my current workplace and haven't had one hickup other than a switch that couldn't handle the mac tables from so many devices going through it.  Running the Ubiquiti Nanostation NSM5 at both locations and it maxes a 75meg connection out.  Voice data is nowhere near this throughput.


I've used ubiquiti equipment and am a big fan as well.




On Tue, Sep 22, 2015 at 11:32 PM, Joshua Smith <juicewvu at gmail.com<mailto:juicewvu at gmail.com>> wrote:
Dean,
Thanks for your input. Please see my comments again they are inline below.

73,
--
Josh Smith
KD8HRX

Email/jabber: juicewvu at gmail.com<mailto:juicewvu at gmail.com>
Phone: 304.237.9369<tel:304.237.9369>(c)

Sent from my iPhone.

On Sep 22, 2015, at 10:35 PM, Dean Thompson <deanot26508 at gmail.com<mailto:deanot26508 at gmail.com>> wrote:
I am not seeing any replies from other club members on this,
I for one am interested in getting my echolink box set up on a local repeater, if not this one I will try the WVU repeater.  Echolink does have some advantages, example being... One of our hams moved away just over a year ago, would it not be nice for him to stop in and say hi on the Monday net?.  As Josh mentioned, it is also nice for when we are out of town.


I agree echo link has some nice use sees and I would like to see it available on the MWA repeater. Although I think the ability to break/reestablish this link from the repeater side and I am not sure what is involved in making that a possibility.


We need more feedback on this, more replies as this affects us all in some way or another.

We definitely need feedback from everyone in the club. Most importantly from Bill(WR8S) as the technical person who takes care of the repeater and from Randy (N8OZY) as the repeater trustee.

hopefully they are able to weigh in on this via email but if not we have a good topic to address in the October meeting.

Josh has made some good points, and I look forward to moving forward on some of these ideas.  First we need to either replace the aged repeater or repair it, having a digital mode would be nice also.

I agree our number one priority needs to be in repairing the repeater (even if that means replacing some of the equipment). I also would like to see us have a digital repeater of some sort in addition to our existing analog repeater NOT in place of as I think asking everyone to replace their existing equipment just to access the repeater would be a disaster for the club.


What is the situation for a new repeater? can we afford one? do we need to chip in, raise some funding somehow?

I think we need to first get the existing repeater back to its optimal condition and see what that does to our funds. Then we can start to plan for expanding our repeater system - hopefully into the digital space.


http://www.yaesu.com/indexVS.cfm?cmd=DisplayProducts&ProdCatID=249&encProdID=4105F1B8AE65079CAD2D26735B83B302 this is the system fusion repeater if anyone is interested, and I just noticed it uses C4FM which is what my Yeasu 991 can run, so that is a plus for me.. lol

That seems like a good deal on the repeater. Unfortunately I believe most of the expenses with building out a new repeater will be in the ancillary things that go along with it - antennas, feed line, duplexes, filters, etc.


I don't know if this is bogus or not, but the above repeater is $500 on a club special, see here http://www.radioinc.com/oscmax/catalog/product_info.php?products_id=3791

I hope to see you all at the next meeting, Josh and Josh, keep up the chat, I feel some headway is being made.

Thanks again for the input.

Dean (KD8YNY)

On Tue, Sep 22, 2015 at 9:02 PM, Josh Smith <juicewvu at gmail.com<mailto:juicewvu at gmail.com>> wrote:
Hello Josh,

Please see my comments inline again.

Josh Smith
KD8HRX
email/jabber:  juicewvu at gmail.com<mailto:juicewvu at gmail.com>
phone:  304.237.9369<tel:304.237.9369>(c)

On Mon, Sep 21, 2015 at 4:31 PM, Josh Prichard <wvunderground at gmail.com<mailto:wvunderground at gmail.com>> wrote:
Thanks Josh....

I'm hoping I didn't come off as harsh as that was not my intention.  Sometimes I do have problems getting my thoughts out correctly.  If so I do apologize.

You didn't come across as harsh.  No need to apologize.


This is the club I'll join.  It seems like a club with good users.  Sure there is a difference of opinion but that is any club.  Everyone was nice and friendly.  I think the club has a good future.  Just gotta get everyone back to being excited about it.

Thank you for joining our club.  I think you'll find its a good club and worth the investment of your time and effort.


Being everything to everyone is kinda hard to do in a club setting.  Everyone has different ideas on what the club should be.

The future for the repeaters and etc... it would be nice to hear some activity on the repeater.

I agree it would be nice to hear some activity outside of the Monday evening net, I have no room to talk here though because I am as guilty as anyone of not using the repeater.

  I know with cell phones, ham radio is starting to taper off on usage.

I agree with this with respect to the local repeater as a means to foster communication amongst hams in the local area.  I also think that the ubiquity of emaill/instant messaging/text messaging has as much or more to do with this than the cell phone does.  Just think 10 or 15 years ago we would probably be having this discussion on the repeater instead of over email.  I don't necessarily think this is all a bad thing though.  At least email is easier to store and keep a record of for later reference.


This is the reason why I was talking about echolink.  Since I'm not usually in town but will be moving in soon.... I had a want to talk on the local repeater up there.  Would have been nice to be able to remote into the repeater and strike up a convo about local stuff and start to make friends.  If someone is traveling that would also be a nice addition as well.  Echolink is now on smart phones so one can download it and boom instant radio that works away from home.

Echolink is definitely interesting and a useful mode.  I've experimented with it in the past and useful to access a local repeater when away from the area.  Unfortunately as you've noticed there isn't much activity on our repeater currently so I'm not sure how much luck you would have had striking up a conversation even if it were accessible via echolink.



As of right now the digital repeaters in WV are as follows.....

DMR which is separated into two different link networks.

DMR-MARC network - uses motorola dmr repeaters - has been active in the states for some time
Bluefield, WV 1 repeater
Beckley, WV 3 spread out to cover a lot of area.
See here for current map:  http://www.dmr-marc.net/repeaters.html

Thanks for the information and the link to the map.  I am glad to know there is a presence in the Beckley area as it is where I am originally from and still travel there often to visit family.  I may try to pick up a cheap DMR HT before I head down there the next time and try to access them.  Do you have any recommendations for such an HT?


DMRPlus - uses hytera dmr repeaters
None yet in WV but its just now getting started in the states.

FUSION
Clarksburg 1 repeater
Pt. Pleasant 1 repeater

DSTAR
Mount Hope 1 repeater

Digital offers some nice features.

It's definitely more bandwidth efficient and I also like the slow speed data and text messaging capabilities present in most digital solutions.

In doing some more research on fusion... i agree with you that it would be nice to leave the current analog system online and put a digital system in place as another repeater.

I think this is a requirement not just a nice to have.  Like it or not Analog has too large of a footprint to just do away with anytime in the near future and its proven technology.  I know our repeater has been used more than once to coordinate communications to areas otherwise cut off due to winter storms even as recently as 4 or 5 years ago.  I was (un)fortunately out of town when that storm hit and was not able to participate so someone else on the list can provide more details of this event.  I think until such time as everyone has digital radios and the system has proven itself to be as reliable there will be a lot of reluctance to get rid of the current analog system.


To have the fusion in place of the analog system you would have to run the output of the fusion in analog mode and the input in dual digital/analog mode.  That would almost defeat the purpose of digital as it adds an analog route in.  Sooooo my new suggestion based on the info I have acquired.  Install a new fusion repeater and then perhaps link it into the analog system later on.

I like this idea.  Unfortunately I do not know if space is available at the current repeater site or if we'd have to look for an alternate site to host a new repeater.  It's something we should discuss as we go forward with deciding what the future of our repeater looks like.

Or perhaps start with a UHF DMR repeater then move to fusion a little later on.

We currently have an analog repeater that is in some form of disrepair.  I really like the idea of making our UHF frequencies our "experimental" repeater and I think we should investigate using any/all of the digital repeater modes on this frequency.


DMR we could also link into the analog vhf repeater.  Would be nice to get a dmr repeater on the air at the university club as well..

As you might have noticed from some of the discussions the university club is pretty much defunct right now but Dr. Vanscoy is trying very hard to revive it.  Hopefully she is successful and if she is we could embark on a project like this.

Could use the same talkgroups on both repeaters and have a wide link network started.

Just curious - I know that with some of the digital modes (DSTAR in particular) linking over the air is not possible and all links must be over the internet.  Is the same true for DMR or is it possible to link multiple DMR repeaters using only RF?



So yes.... I will try to put together an info packet/presentation on the digital systems for the next meeting.

Thank you very much for trying to put this together.  The next meeting will be on October 20.  Would it be possible to let me know by the 13th if you will be able to put together the presentation or not so we have a bit of time to put together an alternate?


I'm hoping my DMR dongle has came in by then.  If so I'll setup a DMR hotspot and let the group take a test drive.  I have been doing a few months worth of research into different digital modes so I do have some info handy.

Great.  I am very interested in theys technology and would love to see it in action.


As a side note.... how this reflector is setup.... its a tad hard to carry on a good conversation.  If you don't reply to the reflector you just reply to the user and no one else really sees the reply.

The reflector is set up pretty much identically to any email list I have ever used and having been in the IT industry for a while I have subscribed and continue to subscribe to lots of mailing lists.  Looking back at my reply it went to both you (in the to: field) and the list (in the cc: field) and looking at my email archive I did receive my reply via the list so all subscribers should have seen it.  Please let me know if you have any specific questions regarding the list.


I'm in the process of setting up a DMR website that will hopefully group some info together for those interested in DMR and possibly other digital modes.

Great, I've spent some time reading a bit about DMR the past few evenings and while there is a lot of information out there it seems to be scattered all over the interwebs.  A central place that collects a lot of this information would be very valuable.

I'm adding a forum in as well.  I have a club forum setup on there as well that is only avail to members of the club if anyone would be interested.  Otherwise perhaps we can setup a forum on the w8mwa page.
  It would allow everyone to discuss club business in a better format and have separate areas for members and non members of the club.  Plus an area to talk about anything and everything under the sun.


It's just my personal preference but I much prefer mailing lists for this type of discussion but by no means does my preference cary any weight.


Here is mine.... http://forum.dmrwv.com
It's a work in progress as I just started it.
Also if help is needed with the website I would be more than happy to help.  I have quite a bit of experience with websites etc.

Thank you very much for the offer.  Randy Crowe (N80ZY) and Bill Shultz (W8RS) are the primary care takers of the website.  They are both subscribed to the list and I'm sure will be reading this.  But do mention it to them during the next club meeting.

 <snip>

Thanks,
Josh


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From deanot26508 at gmail.com  Sat Sep 26 19:09:45 2015
From: deanot26508 at gmail.com (Dean Thompson)
Date: Sat, 26 Sep 2015 19:09:45 -0400
Subject: [W8MWA] Road map to the future?
In-Reply-To: <CAFN8_47bJsnm6r+eCyGvW3g4_bgwYW3uwoFA1Wo_pMMKi8Nm5g@mail.gmail.com>
References: <CADRdUyB2SKDVxLVXaUtjPNEADwbSS+6jKRnvg-pkCODFBE+0vQ@mail.gmail.com>
	<E7ABA9A7-F243-49C7-9BD4-C34F5906D95D@gmail.com>
	<CADRdUyCxXWLcQSbH+bW=hnmK461k_y2XUV3Bfae1zcS8rafQaw@mail.gmail.com>
	<CAFN8_47t7Ru407_B-yiDGycQCU7R3BXXAGjHak=58vuJ9kFGmw@mail.gmail.com>
	<CAAkYMAbNDxdK1u_Ac0unfDok9BCGUPw9EnESwYNWsPEudxetvA@mail.gmail.com>
	<9218FC4A-2812-4925-9550-38CEE6C43476@gmail.com>
	<CADRdUyDtatjD5eDUFPZ+0zosMbm4WyfL=4wrztX=E1ApmzYUGA@mail.gmail.com>
	<CAFN8_46=0f41-08D94EtAearisDooDq1HtpWfcAPNga-0kbD4g@mail.gmail.com>
	<CAAkYMAYP6Dhhv4F01XCB=HCwyZ+-ibbuiGoADTBiiCsJiOcB9g@mail.gmail.com>
	<CAFN8_47bJsnm6r+eCyGvW3g4_bgwYW3uwoFA1Wo_pMMKi8Nm5g@mail.gmail.com>
Message-ID: <CAAkYMAY7ES0r1ioTQh7dKaSvAGwUZ3ESuuc6g7gAafzpTSFPJQ@mail.gmail.com>

If it is of any interest in wanting to set up a secondary system/repeater
in the area, I live on a pretty tall mountain just off of 119.  If we can
find a tower, set it up on my property we could have another pretty good
coverage system.  I can hit Clarksburg, Morgantown, Waynesburg and many
other repeaters from this location. and that is with the tip of my dual
band Diamond base antenna about 30' in the air.

If we could get an 80' tower, I could provide the power to the site, some
data access to the repeater and none of the BS with having to worry about
regulations on being certified to climb a tower.

Food for thought, we could expand the coverage and even link the two sites
via wireless backhaul using Ubiquity Network Hardware.

Dean,  KD8YNY

On Fri, Sep 25, 2015 at 1:00 PM, Josh Smith <juicewvu at gmail.com> wrote:

> Hello Everyone:
>
> According to the Yaesu website the special price on Fusion repeaters is
> available through September 30:
> https://www.yaesu.com/pdf/DR1-X_Installation_Program_Final.pdf
>
> I think this is something the club should likely persue - at the very
> least to get something up and running on the UHF frequencies allocated to
> our repeater infrastructure.
>
> The time frame is pretty tight on this so we would need to move quickly to
> get this application submitted prior to the deadline.
>
> What does everyone think about trying to get in on this special price?
>
>
> Thanks,
> Josh
>
>
> Josh Smith
> KD8HRX
> email/jabber:  juicewvu at gmail.com
> phone:  304.237.9369(c)
>
>
> On Fri, Sep 25, 2015 at 11:06 AM, Dean Thompson <deanot26508 at gmail.com>
> wrote:
>
>> The remote base is what i had in mind, Ido have a 100% signal at my qth.
>>
>> Just for information.
>>
>>
>> On Friday, September 25, 2015, Josh Smith <juicewvu at gmail.com> wrote:
>>
>>> Hello Josh,
>>>
>>> See my replies inline as before.
>>>
>>> Josh Smith
>>> KD8HRX
>>> email/jabber:  juicewvu at gmail.com
>>> phone:  304.237.9369(c)
>>>
>>>
>>> On Wed, Sep 23, 2015 at 2:05 AM, Josh Prichard <wvunderground at gmail.com>
>>> wrote:
>>>
>>>> So what about linking the echolink in via remote base?  At least this
>>>> way if it was totally screwed up someone could key up the repeater and kill
>>>> the remote radio link until it was stable again.  I don't know if Dean is
>>>> close enough to have a good remote base signal but something to think
>>>> about.  Otherwise.... echolink has a remote webpage that we can setup so
>>>> any of the club members can log in and kill the link as well.  It would be
>>>> very easy to setup and distribute the login info to everyone.  We could
>>>> probably even setup a mini server with power control to kill the echolink
>>>> radio power in case of extreme emergency.  Multiple ways to control this
>>>> link.
>>>>
>>>
>>>
>>> A remote base sounds like a fantastic idea for linking our repeater to
>>> echo link to me.  I'm not sure if Deans QTH is a good one for this or not,
>>> but I'll bet we can find a member or two that are in a good location if
>>> Dean is not.
>>>
>>> Randy - Can you weigh in on your thoughts of linking the repeater to
>>> echolink via a remote base as the repeater trustee?
>>>
>>> Bill - Can you weigh in from a technical standpoint.
>>>
>>>
>>>>
>>>> I'm going to revisit the VHF fusion repeater thing as I have been
>>>> reading more info on it.  As of what I know now.... there are a few ways we
>>>> could go about this.  Since the vhf repeater is old it most likely needs
>>>> replaced.  The club could get a fusion repeater and let it replace the vhf
>>>> repeater.  We can run the fusion repeater in a few different modes.
>>>> Analog only in / Analog only out
>>>> Analog and Digital in / Analog out*
>>>> Analog and Digital in / Analog and Digital out**
>>>>
>>>> *In the analog and digital in / analog out mode a user can either talk
>>>> digital or analog into the repeater and come out analog only on the output
>>>> so everyone would always hear everything.  This would allow digital users
>>>> better input into the repeater and should keep analog users the same as it
>>>> is now.
>>>>
>>>> **Analog and Digital in / Analog and Digital out - in this mode if a
>>>> group of people are talking in digital would be digital in / digital out.
>>>> Analog users wouldn't hear anything as long as they have a ctcss tone set
>>>> on receive.  Now if an analog user wants to talk.... when they key up the
>>>> repeater.... the repeater will go into the digital and analog in / analog
>>>> out mode and stay that way until a timeout has happened where the analog
>>>> user has stopped talking.  Then it'll be back in analog and digital in /
>>>> analog and digital out.
>>>>
>>>> My new suggestion would be to replace the current vhf machine with a
>>>> fusion repeater and allow the analog and digital in / analog out mode.
>>>> This would at least get a new repeater in place of the old equipment and
>>>> still allow all users to participate.  From what I gather yaesu still has
>>>> the 500$ deal going for clubs.  This would beat putting money into an old
>>>> repeater.
>>>>
>>>
>>>
>>> To provide a little more detail on our repeater.  The controller is
>>> pretty new (less than 3 years) but the radios are pretty old but have
>>> proven to be very reliable.  I'm not sure that a replacement of the entire
>>> system is warranted.
>>>
>>>
>>>
>>>>
>>>> Then perhaps start to build out a UHF network on DMR.  I'm aiming at
>>>> UHF for the fact that the new dongles coming out for DMR hotspots are UHF
>>>> based.  DMR radios aren't dual band yet.
>>>>
>>>> Now to follow up on some of your other questions I never answered.  I'm
>>>> from Logan right now which is right over the hill from Beckley.
>>>>
>>>
>>> I know where Logan is, I've been there more than once, though I have not
>>> been there for several years.
>>>
>>>
>>>> I have been talking on the Ivy Knob dmr repeater after work.  I run up
>>>> the top of a hill and talk away.  Right now the cheapest HT for dmr would
>>>> be the TYT md-380 I believe.  It is what I'm using at the moment.
>>>>
>>>>
>>>> http://www.ebay.com/itm/Walkie-Talkie-TYT-MD-380-UHF-5W-Digital-Mobile-DMR-2-Way-Radio-1xUSB-Cable-US-/301693099071?hash=item463e4f5c3f
>>>>
>>>> Just make sure to get one with a programming cable.  They have a
>>>> codeplug avail on the NCPRN site that includes the Beckley repeaters.
>>>>
>>>> http://www.ncprn.net/downloads.html
>>>>
>>>
>>> Thanks for the links.
>>>
>>>>
>>>>
>>>> As for linking digital repeaters.... its all internet based now days
>>>> which is why it would be a plus to have internet at the repeater sites.
>>>> The wireless link that BIll is working on now is ideal.  I run a wireless
>>>> link at 5ghz at my current workplace and haven't had one hickup other than
>>>> a switch that couldn't handle the mac tables from so many devices going
>>>> through it.  Running the Ubiquiti Nanostation NSM5 at both locations and it
>>>> maxes a 75meg connection out.  Voice data is nowhere near this throughput.
>>>>
>>>
>>>
>>> I've used ubiquiti equipment and am a big fan as well.
>>>
>>>
>>>>
>>>>
>>>>
>>>> On Tue, Sep 22, 2015 at 11:32 PM, Joshua Smith <juicewvu at gmail.com>
>>>> wrote:
>>>>
>>>>> Dean,
>>>>> Thanks for your input. Please see my comments again they are inline
>>>>> below.
>>>>>
>>>>> 73,
>>>>> --
>>>>> Josh Smith
>>>>> KD8HRX
>>>>>
>>>>> Email/jabber: juicewvu at gmail.com
>>>>> Phone: 304.237.9369(c)
>>>>>
>>>>> Sent from my iPhone.
>>>>>
>>>>> On Sep 22, 2015, at 10:35 PM, Dean Thompson <deanot26508 at gmail.com>
>>>>> wrote:
>>>>>
>>>>> I am not seeing any replies from other club members on this,
>>>>>
>>>>> I for one am interested in getting my echolink box set up on a local
>>>>> repeater, if not this one I will try the WVU repeater.  Echolink does have
>>>>> some advantages, example being... One of our hams moved away just over a
>>>>> year ago, would it not be nice for him to stop in and say hi on the Monday
>>>>> net?.  As Josh mentioned, it is also nice for when we are out of town.
>>>>>
>>>>>
>>>>>
>>>>> I agree echo link has some nice use sees and I would like to see it
>>>>> available on the MWA repeater. Although I think the ability to
>>>>> break/reestablish this link from the repeater side and I am not sure what
>>>>> is involved in making that a possibility.
>>>>>
>>>>>
>>>>> We need more feedback on this, more replies as this affects us all in
>>>>> some way or another.
>>>>>
>>>>>
>>>>> We definitely need feedback from everyone in the club. Most
>>>>> importantly from Bill(WR8S) as the technical person who takes care of the
>>>>> repeater and from Randy (N8OZY) as the repeater trustee.
>>>>>
>>>>> hopefully they are able to weigh in on this via email but if not we
>>>>> have a good topic to address in the October meeting.
>>>>>
>>>>> Josh has made some good points, and I look forward to moving forward
>>>>> on some of these ideas.  First we need to either replace the aged repeater
>>>>> or repair it, having a digital mode would be nice also.
>>>>>
>>>>>
>>>>> I agree our number one priority needs to be in repairing the repeater
>>>>> (even if that means replacing some of the equipment). I also would like to
>>>>> see us have a digital repeater of some sort in addition to our existing
>>>>> analog repeater NOT in place of as I think asking everyone to replace their
>>>>> existing equipment just to access the repeater would be a disaster for the
>>>>> club.
>>>>>
>>>>>
>>>>> What is the situation for a new repeater? can we afford one? do we
>>>>> need to chip in, raise some funding somehow?
>>>>>
>>>>>
>>>>> I think we need to first get the existing repeater back to its optimal
>>>>> condition and see what that does to our funds. Then we can start to plan
>>>>> for expanding our repeater system - hopefully into the digital space.
>>>>>
>>>>>
>>>>>
>>>>> http://www.yaesu.com/indexVS.cfm?cmd=DisplayProducts&ProdCatID=249&encProdID=4105F1B8AE65079CAD2D26735B83B302
>>>>> this is the system fusion repeater if anyone is interested, and I just
>>>>> noticed it uses C4FM which is what my Yeasu 991 can run, so that is a plus
>>>>> for me.. lol
>>>>>
>>>>>
>>>>> That seems like a good deal on the repeater. Unfortunately I believe
>>>>> most of the expenses with building out a new repeater will be in the
>>>>> ancillary things that go along with it - antennas, feed line, duplexes,
>>>>> filters, etc.
>>>>>
>>>>>
>>>>> I don't know if this is bogus or not, but the above repeater is $500
>>>>> on a club special, see here
>>>>> http://www.radioinc.com/oscmax/catalog/product_info.php?products_id=3791
>>>>>
>>>>> I hope to see you all at the next meeting, Josh and Josh, keep up the
>>>>> chat, I feel some headway is being made.
>>>>>
>>>>>
>>>>> Thanks again for the input.
>>>>>
>>>>>
>>>>> Dean (KD8YNY)
>>>>>
>>>>> On Tue, Sep 22, 2015 at 9:02 PM, Josh Smith <juicewvu at gmail.com>
>>>>> wrote:
>>>>>
>>>>>> Hello Josh,
>>>>>>
>>>>>> Please see my comments inline again.
>>>>>>
>>>>>> Josh Smith
>>>>>> KD8HRX
>>>>>> email/jabber:  juicewvu at gmail.com
>>>>>> phone:  304.237.9369(c)
>>>>>>
>>>>>>
>>>>>> On Mon, Sep 21, 2015 at 4:31 PM, Josh Prichard <
>>>>>> wvunderground at gmail.com> wrote:
>>>>>>
>>>>>>> Thanks Josh....
>>>>>>>
>>>>>>> I'm hoping I didn't come off as harsh as that was not my intention.
>>>>>>> Sometimes I do have problems getting my thoughts out correctly.  If so I do
>>>>>>> apologize.
>>>>>>>
>>>>>>
>>>>>> You didn't come across as harsh.  No need to apologize.
>>>>>>
>>>>>>
>>>>>>>
>>>>>>> This is the club I'll join.  It seems like a club with good users.
>>>>>>> Sure there is a difference of opinion but that is any club.  Everyone was
>>>>>>> nice and friendly.  I think the club has a good future.  Just gotta get
>>>>>>> everyone back to being excited about it.
>>>>>>>
>>>>>>
>>>>>> Thank you for joining our club.  I think you'll find its a good club
>>>>>> and worth the investment of your time and effort.
>>>>>>
>>>>>>
>>>>>>>
>>>>>>> Being everything to everyone is kinda hard to do in a club setting.
>>>>>>> Everyone has different ideas on what the club should be.
>>>>>>>
>>>>>>> The future for the repeaters and etc... it would be nice to hear
>>>>>>> some activity on the repeater.
>>>>>>>
>>>>>>
>>>>>> I agree it would be nice to hear some activity outside of the Monday
>>>>>> evening net, I have no room to talk here though because I am as guilty as
>>>>>> anyone of not using the repeater.
>>>>>>
>>>>>>
>>>>>>>   I know with cell phones, ham radio is starting to taper off on
>>>>>>> usage.
>>>>>>>
>>>>>>
>>>>>> I agree with this with respect to the local repeater as a means to
>>>>>> foster communication amongst hams in the local area.  I also think that the
>>>>>> ubiquity of emaill/instant messaging/text messaging has as much or more to
>>>>>> do with this than the cell phone does.  Just think 10 or 15 years ago we
>>>>>> would probably be having this discussion on the repeater instead of over
>>>>>> email.  I don't necessarily think this is all a bad thing though.  At least
>>>>>> email is easier to store and keep a record of for later reference.
>>>>>>
>>>>>>
>>>>>>
>>>>>>> This is the reason why I was talking about echolink.  Since I'm not
>>>>>>> usually in town but will be moving in soon.... I had a want to talk on the
>>>>>>> local repeater up there.  Would have been nice to be able to remote into
>>>>>>> the repeater and strike up a convo about local stuff and start to make
>>>>>>> friends.  If someone is traveling that would also be a nice addition as
>>>>>>> well.  Echolink is now on smart phones so one can download it and boom
>>>>>>> instant radio that works away from home.
>>>>>>>
>>>>>>
>>>>>> Echolink is definitely interesting and a useful mode.  I've
>>>>>> experimented with it in the past and useful to access a local repeater when
>>>>>> away from the area.  Unfortunately as you've noticed there isn't much
>>>>>> activity on our repeater currently so I'm not sure how much luck you would
>>>>>> have had striking up a conversation even if it were accessible via echolink.
>>>>>>
>>>>>>
>>>>>>>
>>>>>>>
>>>>>>> As of right now the digital repeaters in WV are as follows.....
>>>>>>>
>>>>>>> *DMR which is separated into two different link networks.*
>>>>>>>
>>>>>>> *DMR-MARC network - uses motorola dmr repeaters - has been active in
>>>>>>> the states for some time*
>>>>>>> Bluefield, WV 1 repeater
>>>>>>> Beckley, WV 3 spread out to cover a lot of area.
>>>>>>> See here for current map:  http://www.dmr-marc.net/repeaters.html
>>>>>>>
>>>>>>
>>>>>> Thanks for the information and the link to the map.  I am glad to
>>>>>> know there is a presence in the Beckley area as it is where I am originally
>>>>>> from and still travel there often to visit family.  I may try to pick up a
>>>>>> cheap DMR HT before I head down there the next time and try to access
>>>>>> them.  Do you have any recommendations for such an HT?
>>>>>>
>>>>>>>
>>>>>>>
>>>>>>> *DMRPlus - uses hytera dmr repeaters*
>>>>>>> None yet in WV but its just now getting started in the states.
>>>>>>>
>>>>>>> *FUSION*
>>>>>>> Clarksburg 1 repeater
>>>>>>> Pt. Pleasant 1 repeater
>>>>>>>
>>>>>>> *DSTAR*
>>>>>>> Mount Hope 1 repeater
>>>>>>>
>>>>>>> Digital offers some nice features.
>>>>>>>
>>>>>>
>>>>>> It's definitely more bandwidth efficient and I also like the slow
>>>>>> speed data and text messaging capabilities present in most digital
>>>>>> solutions.
>>>>>>
>>>>>>
>>>>>>> In doing some more research on fusion... i agree with you that it
>>>>>>> would be nice to leave the current analog system online and put a digital
>>>>>>> system in place as another repeater.
>>>>>>>
>>>>>>
>>>>>> I think this is a requirement not just a nice to have.  Like it or
>>>>>> not Analog has too large of a footprint to just do away with anytime in the
>>>>>> near future and its proven technology.  I know our repeater has been used
>>>>>> more than once to coordinate communications to areas otherwise cut off due
>>>>>> to winter storms even as recently as 4 or 5 years ago.  I was
>>>>>> (un)fortunately out of town when that storm hit and was not able to
>>>>>> participate so someone else on the list can provide more details of this
>>>>>> event.  I think until such time as everyone has digital radios and the
>>>>>> system has proven itself to be as reliable there will be a lot of
>>>>>> reluctance to get rid of the current analog system.
>>>>>>
>>>>>>
>>>>>>
>>>>>>> To have the fusion in place of the analog system you would have to
>>>>>>> run the output of the fusion in analog mode and the input in dual
>>>>>>> digital/analog mode.  That would almost defeat the purpose of digital as it
>>>>>>> adds an analog route in.  Sooooo my new suggestion based on the info I have
>>>>>>> acquired.  Install a new fusion repeater and then perhaps link it into the
>>>>>>> analog system later on.
>>>>>>>
>>>>>>
>>>>>> I like this idea.  Unfortunately I do not know if space is available
>>>>>> at the current repeater site or if we'd have to look for an alternate site
>>>>>> to host a new repeater.  It's something we should discuss as we go forward
>>>>>> with deciding what the future of our repeater looks like.
>>>>>>
>>>>>>
>>>>>>> Or perhaps start with a UHF DMR repeater then move to fusion a
>>>>>>> little later on.
>>>>>>>
>>>>>>
>>>>>> We currently have an analog repeater that is in some form of
>>>>>> disrepair.  I really like the idea of making our UHF frequencies our
>>>>>> "experimental" repeater and I think we should investigate using any/all of
>>>>>> the digital repeater modes on this frequency.
>>>>>>
>>>>>>
>>>>>>
>>>>>>> DMR we could also link into the analog vhf repeater.  Would be nice
>>>>>>> to get a dmr repeater on the air at the university club as well..
>>>>>>>
>>>>>>
>>>>>> As you might have noticed from some of the discussions the university
>>>>>> club is pretty much defunct right now but Dr. Vanscoy is trying very hard
>>>>>> to revive it.  Hopefully she is successful and if she is we could embark on
>>>>>> a project like this.
>>>>>>
>>>>>>
>>>>>>> Could use the same talkgroups on both repeaters and have a wide link
>>>>>>> network started.
>>>>>>>
>>>>>>
>>>>>> Just curious - I know that with some of the digital modes (DSTAR in
>>>>>> particular) linking over the air is not possible and all links must be over
>>>>>> the internet.  Is the same true for DMR or is it possible to link multiple
>>>>>> DMR repeaters using only RF?
>>>>>>
>>>>>>
>>>>>>
>>>>>>>
>>>>>>> So yes.... I will try to put together an info packet/presentation on
>>>>>>> the digital systems for the next meeting.
>>>>>>>
>>>>>>
>>>>>> Thank you very much for trying to put this together.  The next
>>>>>> meeting will be on October 20.  Would it be possible to let me know by the
>>>>>> 13th if you will be able to put together the presentation or not so we have
>>>>>> a bit of time to put together an alternate?
>>>>>>
>>>>>>
>>>>>>
>>>>>>> I'm hoping my DMR dongle has came in by then.  If so I'll setup a
>>>>>>> DMR hotspot and let the group take a test drive.  I have been doing a few
>>>>>>> months worth of research into different digital modes so I do have some
>>>>>>> info handy.
>>>>>>>
>>>>>>
>>>>>> Great.  I am very interested in theys technology and would love to
>>>>>> see it in action.
>>>>>>
>>>>>>
>>>>>>>
>>>>>>> As a side note.... how this reflector is setup.... its a tad hard to
>>>>>>> carry on a good conversation.  If you don't reply to the reflector you just
>>>>>>> reply to the user and no one else really sees the reply.
>>>>>>>
>>>>>>
>>>>>> The reflector is set up pretty much identically to any email list I
>>>>>> have ever used and having been in the IT industry for a while I have
>>>>>> subscribed and continue to subscribe to lots of mailing lists.  Looking
>>>>>> back at my reply it went to both you (in the to: field) and the list (in
>>>>>> the cc: field) and looking at my email archive I did receive my reply via
>>>>>> the list so all subscribers should have seen it.  Please let me know if you
>>>>>> have any specific questions regarding the list.
>>>>>>
>>>>>>
>>>>>>
>>>>>>> I'm in the process of setting up a DMR website that will hopefully
>>>>>>> group some info together for those interested in DMR and possibly other
>>>>>>> digital modes.
>>>>>>>
>>>>>>
>>>>>> Great, I've spent some time reading a bit about DMR the past few
>>>>>> evenings and while there is a lot of information out there it seems to be
>>>>>> scattered all over the interwebs.  A central place that collects a lot of
>>>>>> this information would be very valuable.
>>>>>>
>>>>>>
>>>>>>> I'm adding a forum in as well.  I have a club forum setup on there
>>>>>>> as well that is only avail to members of the club if anyone would be
>>>>>>> interested.  Otherwise perhaps we can setup a forum on the w8mwa page.
>>>>>>>
>>>>>>   It would allow everyone to discuss club business in a better format
>>>>>>> and have separate areas for members and non members of the club.  Plus an
>>>>>>> area to talk about anything and everything under the sun.
>>>>>>>
>>>>>>
>>>>>>
>>>>>> It's just my personal preference but I much prefer mailing lists for
>>>>>> this type of discussion but by no means does my preference cary any weight.
>>>>>>
>>>>>>
>>>>>>
>>>>>>> Here is mine.... http://forum.dmrwv.com
>>>>>>> It's a work in progress as I just started it.
>>>>>>> Also if help is needed with the website I would be more than happy
>>>>>>> to help.  I have quite a bit of experience with websites etc.
>>>>>>>
>>>>>>
>>>>>> Thank you very much for the offer.  Randy Crowe (N80ZY) and Bill
>>>>>> Shultz (W8RS) are the primary care takers of the website.  They are both
>>>>>> subscribed to the list and I'm sure will be reading this.  But do mention
>>>>>> it to them during the next club meeting.
>>>>>>
>>>>>>  <snip>
>>>>>>
>>>>>> Thanks,
>>>>>> Josh
>>>>>>
>>>>>>
>>>>>> ______________________________________________________________
>>>>>> W8MWA mailing list
>>>>>> Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/w8mwa
>>>>>> Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm
>>>>>> Post: mailto:W8MWA at mailman.qth.net
>>>>>>
>>>>>> This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net
>>>>>> Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
>>>>>>
>>>>>
>>>>>
>>>>
>>>> ______________________________________________________________
>>>> W8MWA mailing list
>>>> Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/w8mwa
>>>> Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm
>>>> Post: mailto:W8MWA at mailman.qth.net
>>>>
>>>> This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net
>>>> Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
>>>>
>>>
>>>
>>
>> --
>> Sent from Gmail Mobile
>>
>
>
> ______________________________________________________________
> W8MWA mailing list
> Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/w8mwa
> Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm
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From wahelmick at hsc.wvu.edu  Mon Sep 28 06:45:05 2015
From: wahelmick at hsc.wvu.edu (Helmick, Delbert)
Date: Mon, 28 Sep 2015 10:45:05 +0000
Subject: [W8MWA] Road map to the future?
In-Reply-To: <CAAkYMAY7ES0r1ioTQh7dKaSvAGwUZ3ESuuc6g7gAafzpTSFPJQ@mail.gmail.com>
References: <CADRdUyB2SKDVxLVXaUtjPNEADwbSS+6jKRnvg-pkCODFBE+0vQ@mail.gmail.com>
	<E7ABA9A7-F243-49C7-9BD4-C34F5906D95D@gmail.com>
	<CADRdUyCxXWLcQSbH+bW=hnmK461k_y2XUV3Bfae1zcS8rafQaw@mail.gmail.com>
	<CAFN8_47t7Ru407_B-yiDGycQCU7R3BXXAGjHak=58vuJ9kFGmw@mail.gmail.com>
	<CAAkYMAbNDxdK1u_Ac0unfDok9BCGUPw9EnESwYNWsPEudxetvA@mail.gmail.com>
	<9218FC4A-2812-4925-9550-38CEE6C43476@gmail.com>
	<CADRdUyDtatjD5eDUFPZ+0zosMbm4WyfL=4wrztX=E1ApmzYUGA@mail.gmail.com>
	<CAFN8_46=0f41-08D94EtAearisDooDq1HtpWfcAPNga-0kbD4g@mail.gmail.com>
	<CAAkYMAYP6Dhhv4F01XCB=HCwyZ+-ibbuiGoADTBiiCsJiOcB9g@mail.gmail.com>
	<CAFN8_47bJsnm6r+eCyGvW3g4_bgwYW3uwoFA1Wo_pMMKi8Nm5g@mail.gmail.com>,
	<CAAkYMAY7ES0r1ioTQh7dKaSvAGwUZ3ESuuc6g7gAafzpTSFPJQ@mail.gmail.com>
Message-ID: <CY1PR05MB18652CFBCBFF8F332BCC7B22F94F0@CY1PR05MB1865.namprd05.prod.outlook.com>

i have a  change of e-mail address ---it is wahelmick at mail.wvu.edu


________________________________
From: w8mwa-bounces at mailman.qth.net <w8mwa-bounces at mailman.qth.net> on behalf of Dean Thompson <deanot26508 at gmail.com>
Sent: Saturday, September 26, 2015 7:09 PM
To: Josh Smith
Cc: Crowe Randy; MWA Mail Reflector; Bill Shultz
Subject: Re: [W8MWA] Road map to the future?

If it is of any interest in wanting to set up a secondary system/repeater in the area, I live on a pretty tall mountain just off of 119.  If we can find a tower, set it up on my property we could have another pretty good coverage system.  I can hit Clarksburg, Morgantown, Waynesburg and many other repeaters from this location. and that is with the tip of my dual band Diamond base antenna about 30' in the air.

If we could get an 80' tower, I could provide the power to the site, some data access to the repeater and none of the BS with having to worry about regulations on being certified to climb a tower.

Food for thought, we could expand the coverage and even link the two sites via wireless backhaul using Ubiquity Network Hardware.

Dean,  KD8YNY

On Fri, Sep 25, 2015 at 1:00 PM, Josh Smith <juicewvu at gmail.com<mailto:juicewvu at gmail.com>> wrote:
Hello Everyone:

According to the Yaesu website the special price on Fusion repeaters is available through September 30:
https://www.yaesu.com/pdf/DR1-X_Installation_Program_Final.pdf

I think this is something the club should likely persue - at the very least to get something up and running on the UHF frequencies allocated to our repeater infrastructure.

The time frame is pretty tight on this so we would need to move quickly to get this application submitted prior to the deadline.

What does everyone think about trying to get in on this special price?


Thanks,
Josh


Josh Smith
KD8HRX
email/jabber:  juicewvu at gmail.com<mailto:juicewvu at gmail.com>
phone:  304.237.9369<tel:304.237.9369>(c)


On Fri, Sep 25, 2015 at 11:06 AM, Dean Thompson <deanot26508 at gmail.com<mailto:deanot26508 at gmail.com>> wrote:
The remote base is what i had in mind, Ido have a 100% signal at my qth.

Just for information.


On Friday, September 25, 2015, Josh Smith <juicewvu at gmail.com<mailto:juicewvu at gmail.com>> wrote:
Hello Josh,

See my replies inline as before.

Josh Smith
KD8HRX
email/jabber:  juicewvu at gmail.com
phone:  304.237.9369<tel:304.237.9369>(c)


On Wed, Sep 23, 2015 at 2:05 AM, Josh Prichard <wvunderground at gmail.com> wrote:
So what about linking the echolink in via remote base?  At least this way if it was totally screwed up someone could key up the repeater and kill the remote radio link until it was stable again.  I don't know if Dean is close enough to have a good remote base signal but something to think about.  Otherwise.... echolink has a remote webpage that we can setup so any of the club members can log in and kill the link as well.  It would be very easy to setup and distribute the login info to everyone.  We could probably even setup a mini server with power control to kill the echolink radio power in case of extreme emergency.  Multiple ways to control this link.


A remote base sounds like a fantastic idea for linking our repeater to echo link to me.  I'm not sure if Deans QTH is a good one for this or not, but I'll bet we can find a member or two that are in a good location if Dean is not.

Randy - Can you weigh in on your thoughts of linking the repeater to echolink via a remote base as the repeater trustee?

Bill - Can you weigh in from a technical standpoint.


I'm going to revisit the VHF fusion repeater thing as I have been reading more info on it.  As of what I know now.... there are a few ways we could go about this.  Since the vhf repeater is old it most likely needs replaced.  The club could get a fusion repeater and let it replace the vhf repeater.  We can run the fusion repeater in a few different modes.
Analog only in / Analog only out
Analog and Digital in / Analog out*
Analog and Digital in / Analog and Digital out**

*In the analog and digital in / analog out mode a user can either talk digital or analog into the repeater and come out analog only on the output so everyone would always hear everything.  This would allow digital users better input into the repeater and should keep analog users the same as it is now.

**Analog and Digital in / Analog and Digital out - in this mode if a group of people are talking in digital would be digital in / digital out.  Analog users wouldn't hear anything as long as they have a ctcss tone set on receive.  Now if an analog user wants to talk.... when they key up the repeater.... the repeater will go into the digital and analog in / analog out mode and stay that way until a timeout has happened where the analog user has stopped talking.  Then it'll be back in analog and digital in / analog and digital out.

My new suggestion would be to replace the current vhf machine with a fusion repeater and allow the analog and digital in / analog out mode.  This would at least get a new repeater in place of the old equipment and still allow all users to participate.  From what I gather yaesu still has the 500$ deal going for clubs.  This would beat putting money into an old repeater.


To provide a little more detail on our repeater.  The controller is pretty new (less than 3 years) but the radios are pretty old but have proven to be very reliable.  I'm not sure that a replacement of the entire system is warranted.



Then perhaps start to build out a UHF network on DMR.  I'm aiming at UHF for the fact that the new dongles coming out for DMR hotspots are UHF based.  DMR radios aren't dual band yet.

Now to follow up on some of your other questions I never answered.  I'm from Logan right now which is right over the hill from Beckley.

I know where Logan is, I've been there more than once, though I have not been there for several years.

I have been talking on the Ivy Knob dmr repeater after work.  I run up the top of a hill and talk away.  Right now the cheapest HT for dmr would be the TYT md-380 I believe.  It is what I'm using at the moment.

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Walkie-Talkie-TYT-MD-380-UHF-5W-Digital-Mobile-DMR-2-Way-Radio-1xUSB-Cable-US-/301693099071?hash=item463e4f5c3f

Just make sure to get one with a programming cable.  They have a codeplug avail on the NCPRN site that includes the Beckley repeaters.

http://www.ncprn.net/downloads.html

Thanks for the links.


As for linking digital repeaters.... its all internet based now days which is why it would be a plus to have internet at the repeater sites.  The wireless link that BIll is working on now is ideal.  I run a wireless link at 5ghz at my current workplace and haven't had one hickup other than a switch that couldn't handle the mac tables from so many devices going through it.  Running the Ubiquiti Nanostation NSM5 at both locations and it maxes a 75meg connection out.  Voice data is nowhere near this throughput.


I've used ubiquiti equipment and am a big fan as well.




On Tue, Sep 22, 2015 at 11:32 PM, Joshua Smith <juicewvu at gmail.com> wrote:
Dean,
Thanks for your input. Please see my comments again they are inline below.

73,
--
Josh Smith
KD8HRX

Email/jabber: juicewvu at gmail.com
Phone: 304.237.9369<tel:304.237.9369>(c)

Sent from my iPhone.

On Sep 22, 2015, at 10:35 PM, Dean Thompson <deanot26508 at gmail.com> wrote:

I am not seeing any replies from other club members on this,
I for one am interested in getting my echolink box set up on a local repeater, if not this one I will try the WVU repeater.  Echolink does have some advantages, example being... One of our hams moved away just over a year ago, would it not be nice for him to stop in and say hi on the Monday net?.  As Josh mentioned, it is also nice for when we are out of town.


I agree echo link has some nice use sees and I would like to see it available on the MWA repeater. Although I think the ability to break/reestablish this link from the repeater side and I am not sure what is involved in making that a possibility.


We need more feedback on this, more replies as this affects us all in some way or another.

We definitely need feedback from everyone in the club. Most importantly from Bill(WR8S) as the technical person who takes care of the repeater and from Randy (N8OZY) as the repeater trustee.

hopefully they are able to weigh in on this via email but if not we have a good topic to address in the October meeting.

Josh has made some good points, and I look forward to moving forward on some of these ideas.  First we need to either replace the aged repeater or repair it, having a digital mode would be nice also.

I agree our number one priority needs to be in repairing the repeater (even if that means replacing some of the equipment). I also would like to see us have a digital repeater of some sort in addition to our existing analog repeater NOT in place of as I think asking everyone to replace their existing equipment just to access the repeater would be a disaster for the club.


What is the situation for a new repeater? can we afford one? do we need to chip in, raise some funding somehow?

I think we need to first get the existing repeater back to its optimal condition and see what that does to our funds. Then we can start to plan for expanding our repeater system - hopefully into the digital space.


http://www.yaesu.com/indexVS.cfm?cmd=DisplayProducts&ProdCatID=249&encProdID=4105F1B8AE65079CAD2D26735B83B302 this is the system fusion repeater if anyone is interested, and I just noticed it uses C4FM which is what my Yeasu 991 can run, so that is a plus for me.. lol

That seems like a good deal on the repeater. Unfortunately I believe most of the expenses with building out a new repeater will be in the ancillary things that go along with it - antennas, feed line, duplexes, filters, etc.


I don't know if this is bogus or not, but the above repeater is $500 on a club special, see here http://www.radioinc.com/oscmax/catalog/product_info.php?products_id=3791

I hope to see you all at the next meeting, Josh and Josh, keep up the chat, I feel some headway is being made.

Thanks again for the input.

Dean (KD8YNY)

On Tue, Sep 22, 2015 at 9:02 PM, Josh Smith <juicewvu at gmail.com> wrote:
Hello Josh,

Please see my comments inline again.

Josh Smith
KD8HRX
email/jabber:  juicewvu at gmail.com
phone:  304.237.9369<tel:304.237.9369>(c)


On Mon, Sep 21, 2015 at 4:31 PM, Josh Prichard <wvunderground at gmail.com> wrote:
Thanks Josh....

I'm hoping I didn't come off as harsh as that was not my intention.  Sometimes I do have problems getting my thoughts out correctly.  If so I do apologize.

You didn't come across as harsh.  No need to apologize.


This is the club I'll join.  It seems like a club with good users.  Sure there is a difference of opinion but that is any club.  Everyone was nice and friendly.  I think the club has a good future.  Just gotta get everyone back to being excited about it.

Thank you for joining our club.  I think you'll find its a good club and worth the investment of your time and effort.


Being everything to everyone is kinda hard to do in a club setting.  Everyone has different ideas on what the club should be.

The future for the repeaters and etc... it would be nice to hear some activity on the repeater.

I agree it would be nice to hear some activity outside of the Monday evening net, I have no room to talk here though because I am as guilty as anyone of not using the repeater.

  I know with cell phones, ham radio is starting to taper off on usage.

I agree with this with respect to the local repeater as a means to foster communication amongst hams in the local area.  I also think that the ubiquity of emaill/instant messaging/text messaging has as much or more to do with this than the cell phone does.  Just think 10 or 15 years ago we would probably be having this discussion on the repeater instead of over email.  I don't necessarily think this is all a bad thing though.  At least email is easier to store and keep a record of for later reference.


This is the reason why I was talking about echolink.  Since I'm not usually in town but will be moving in soon.... I had a want to talk on the local repeater up there.  Would have been nice to be able to remote into the repeater and strike up a convo about local stuff and start to make friends.  If someone is traveling that would also be a nice addition as well.  Echolink is now on smart phones so one can download it and boom instant radio that works away from home.

Echolink is definitely interesting and a useful mode.  I've experimented with it in the past and useful to access a local repeater when away from the area.  Unfortunately as you've noticed there isn't much activity on our repeater currently so I'm not sure how much luck you would have had striking up a conversation even if it were accessible via echolink.



As of right now the digital repeaters in WV are as follows.....

DMR which is separated into two different link networks.

DMR-MARC network - uses motorola dmr repeaters - has been active in the states for some time
Bluefield, WV 1 repeater
Beckley, WV 3 spread out to cover a lot of area.
See here for current map:  http://www.dmr-marc.net/repeaters.html

Thanks for the information and the link to the map.  I am glad to know there is a presence in the Beckley area as it is where I am originally from and still travel there often to visit family.  I may try to pick up a cheap DMR HT before I head down there the next time and try to access them.  Do you have any recommendations for such an HT?


DMRPlus - uses hytera dmr repeaters
None yet in WV but its just now getting started in the states.

FUSION
Clarksburg 1 repeater
Pt. Pleasant 1 repeater

DSTAR
Mount Hope 1 repeater

Digital offers some nice features.

It's definitely more bandwidth efficient and I also like the slow speed data and text messaging capabilities present in most digital solutions.

In doing some more research on fusion... i agree with you that it would be nice to leave the current analog system online and put a digital system in place as another repeater.

I think this is a requirement not just a nice to have.  Like it or not Analog has too large of a footprint to just do away with anytime in the near future and its proven technology.  I know our repeater has been used more than once to coordinate communications to areas otherwise cut off due to winter storms even as recently as 4 or 5 years ago.  I was (un)fortunately out of town when that storm hit and was not able to participate so someone else on the list can provide more details of this event.  I think until such time as everyone has digital radios and the system has proven itself to be as reliable there will be a lot of reluctance to get rid of the current analog system.


To have the fusion in place of the analog system you would have to run the output of the fusion in analog mode and the input in dual digital/analog mode.  That would almost defeat the purpose of digital as it adds an analog route in.  Sooooo my new suggestion based on the info I have acquired.  Install a new fusion repeater and then perhaps link it into the analog system later on.

I like this idea.  Unfortunately I do not know if space is available at the current repeater site or if we'd have to look for an alternate site to host a new repeater.  It's something we should discuss as we go forward with deciding what the future of our repeater looks like.

Or perhaps start with a UHF DMR repeater then move to fusion a little later on.

We currently have an analog repeater that is in some form of disrepair.  I really like the idea of making our UHF frequencies our "experimental" repeater and I think we should investigate using any/all of the digital repeater modes on this frequency.


DMR we could also link into the analog vhf repeater.  Would be nice to get a dmr repeater on the air at the university club as well..

As you might have noticed from some of the discussions the university club is pretty much defunct right now but Dr. Vanscoy is trying very hard to revive it.  Hopefully she is successful and if she is we could embark on a project like this.

Could use the same talkgroups on both repeaters and have a wide link network started.

Just curious - I know that with some of the digital modes (DSTAR in particular) linking over the air is not possible and all links must be over the internet.  Is the same true for DMR or is it possible to link multiple DMR repeaters using only RF?



So yes.... I will try to put together an info packet/presentation on the digital systems for the next meeting.

Thank you very much for trying to put this together.  The next meeting will be on October 20.  Would it be possible to let me know by the 13th if you will be able to put together the presentation or not so we have a bit of time to put together an alternate?


I'm hoping my DMR dongle has came in by then.  If so I'll setup a DMR hotspot and let the group take a test drive.  I have been doing a few months worth of research into different digital modes so I do have some info handy.

Great.  I am very interested in theys technology and would love to see it in action.


As a side note.... how this reflector is setup.... its a tad hard to carry on a good conversation.  If you don't reply to the reflector you just reply to the user and no one else really sees the reply.

The reflector is set up pretty much identically to any email list I have ever used and having been in the IT industry for a while I have subscribed and continue to subscribe to lots of mailing lists.  Looking back at my reply it went to both you (in the to: field) and the list (in the cc: field) and looking at my email archive I did receive my reply via the list so all subscribers should have seen it.  Please let me know if you have any specific questions regarding the list.


I'm in the process of setting up a DMR website that will hopefully group some info together for those interested in DMR and possibly other digital modes.

Great, I've spent some time reading a bit about DMR the past few evenings and while there is a lot of information out there it seems to be scattered all over the interwebs.  A central place that collects a lot of this information would be very valuable.

I'm adding a forum in as well.  I have a club forum setup on there as well that is only avail to members of the club if anyone would be interested.  Otherwise perhaps we can setup a forum on the w8mwa page.
  It would allow everyone to discuss club business in a better format and have separate areas for members and non members of the club.  Plus an area to talk about anything and everything under the sun.


It's just my personal preference but I much prefer mailing lists for this type of discussion but by no means does my preference cary any weight.


Here is mine.... http://forum.dmrwv.com
It's a work in progress as I just started it.
Also if help is needed with the website I would be more than happy to help.  I have quite a bit of experience with websites etc.

Thank you very much for the offer.  Randy Crowe (N80ZY) and Bill Shultz (W8RS) are the primary care takers of the website.  They are both subscribed to the list and I'm sure will be reading this.  But do mention it to them during the next club meeting.

 <snip>

Thanks,
Josh


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--
Sent from Gmail Mobile


______________________________________________________________
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From juicewvu at gmail.com  Tue Sep 29 20:12:54 2015
From: juicewvu at gmail.com (Josh Smith)
Date: Tue, 29 Sep 2015 20:12:54 -0400
Subject: [W8MWA] Yaesu DR-1X Repeater
Message-ID: <CAFN8_46QbZAoaWMonKjEo5M9xv9xGzrCySobgD8JYSyMdi5=Yw@mail.gmail.com>

Hello Fellow MWA Members,

I am writing this email to let everyone know that the Club has applied for
and received special pricing on a Yaesu DR-1X System Fusion repeater.  This
repeater normally has an MSRP of $1,700.00 but due to the promotion Yaesu
currently has in place we are able to purchase it for $500.00.

In order to secure this pricing we had to agree to purchase the repeater
once it becomes available, it is currently backordered for approximately
30-60 days.

This will be a significant upgrade/addition to our existing aging repeater
infrastructure and will enable us to again operate a repeater in the 70cm
band, dabble with a new digital mode (C4FM), and (since this is a dual band
repeater) have a "warm" backup installed and ready to go should our current
2m repeater experience an issue.

The full technical details of the equipment can be found at the following
location:

http://www.yaesu.com/indexVS.cfm?cmd=DisplayProducts&ProdCatID=249&encProdID=4105F1B8AE65079CAD2D26735B83B302

I will let everyone know once the repeater is off of back order and has
officially been ordered.

Please come to the October 20 meeting ready to discuss this and other plans
for the future of our repeater system as I would like to make this a topic
for discussion.

Also if you have any questions or comments please do not hesitate to get in
touch with me.

Sincerely and 73,
Josh Smith
President MWA
KD8HRX
email/jabber:  juicewvu at gmail.com
phone:  304.237.9369(c)
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From ditzian at windstream.net  Wed Sep 30 20:06:03 2015
From: ditzian at windstream.net (Jan Ditzian)
Date: Wed, 30 Sep 2015 20:06:03 -0400
Subject: [W8MWA] Taco Thursday
Message-ID: <560C78EB.60804@windstream.net>

Taco Thursday is coming up again.  I know, it seems like only a week 
since the last one, but here it is again.

Josh is going to explain why the club needs a new analog/digital 
repeater at a bargain basement price, and probably others will explain 
why we don't need a new one at all.  The fireworks should be good.  
Forget Ronda Rousey and Australia, the action will be at Los Mariachis 
in Suncrest at 12 noon.

KX2A will explain, in excruciating detail, how to change a 3-500Z tube 
in an Ameritron AL-82 (hint, it is a lot like changing a 12BA6 in an 
All-American Five AM radio). Then he will start bragging about DX, rare 
ones, blah, blah, blah...

How can you miss this?  These are the people you know.  It's not our 
fault that you chose ham radio as a hobby.

C U there.

73,

Jan, KX2A

From juicewvu at gmail.com  Wed Sep 30 17:33:26 2015
From: juicewvu at gmail.com (Joshua Smith)
Date: Wed, 30 Sep 2015 17:33:26 -0400
Subject: [W8MWA] Ham radio feature in make magazine
Message-ID: <DD8E0712-BE60-446A-90CD-1A67A07B8580@gmail.com>

http://makezine.com/2015/09/30/build-satellite-ground-station/

--
Josh Smith
KD8HRX

Email/jabber: juicewvu at gmail.com
Phone: 304.237.9369(c)

Sent from my iPhone. 
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From juicewvu at gmail.com  Wed Sep 30 20:55:34 2015
From: juicewvu at gmail.com (Joshua Smith)
Date: Wed, 30 Sep 2015 20:55:34 -0400
Subject: [W8MWA] Taco Thursday
In-Reply-To: <560C78EB.60804@windstream.net>
References: <560C78EB.60804@windstream.net>
Message-ID: <55A3D02D-FF09-45F0-8F9F-FA19AF363F21@gmail.com>


Not sure if I'll be at tacos tomorrow or not but in case anyone is curious the reason we are purchasing a repeater is:

1) we do not currently have anything on the air on UHF. 
2) It was an excellent opportunity to step into the digital age. 
3) This repeater is dual band (VHF and UHF) so should something happen to our existing VHF repeater it could be easily put into duty there. 
4) The repeater trustee/chair of the repeater committee agreed it was something we should do. 
5) The bargain basement price (71% less than MSRP) was too good to pass up. 

73,
--
Josh Smith
KD8HRX

Email/jabber: juicewvu at gmail.com
Phone: 304.237.9369(c)

Sent from my iPhone. 

> On Sep 30, 2015, at 8:06 PM, Jan Ditzian <ditzian at windstream.net> wrote:
> 
> Taco Thursday is coming up again.  I know, it seems like only a week since the last one, but here it is again.
> 
> Josh is going to explain why the club needs a new analog/digital repeater at a bargain basement price, and probably others will explain why we don't need a new one at all.  The fireworks should be good.  Forget Ronda Rousey and Australia, the action will be at Los Mariachis in Suncrest at 12 noon.
> 
> KX2A will explain, in excruciating detail, how to change a 3-500Z tube in an Ameritron AL-82 (hint, it is a lot like changing a 12BA6 in an All-American Five AM radio). Then he will start bragging about DX, rare ones, blah, blah, blah...
> 
> How can you miss this?  These are the people you know.  It's not our fault that you chose ham radio as a hobby.
> 
> C U there.
> 
> 73,
> 
> Jan, KX2A
> ______________________________________________________________
> W8MWA mailing list
> Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/w8mwa
> Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm
> Post: mailto:W8MWA at mailman.qth.net
> 
> This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net
> Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html

