NS Repeater System

Repeaters Very few areas outside repeater coverage in Atlantic Canada. Most do not require a CTCSS (Continuous Tone-Coded Squelch System). Have 3 ways to link to other repeaters MAVCOM IRLP EchoLink

This map shows most of the repeaters in nova Scotia OVERVIEW This map shows most of the repeaters in nova Scotia Not all are linked

MAVCOM Links most (but not all) repeaters in Atlantic Canada. A “work in progress” – new repeaters being added. A central UHF “backbone” runs throughout province. Repeaters not normally connected to the backbone but can be linked into it using a 4-digit DTMF code.

MAVCOM Linking Transmitting the 4-digit DTMF code for the repeater you are on connects it to the UHF backbone system. Then transmitting the 4-digit DTMF code for the repeater you wish to access will connect it to the UHF backbone system. You can then contact stations through both repeaters.

One Code to Destination A few repeaters have a “one code to destination” feature – OCTD. There is no need to first connect your repeater to the backbone – one code connects both it and the destination repeater. These repeaters are shaded in grey on the HARC link codes list: http://www.halifax-arc.org/pdf/Repeater-Link-Codes.pdf

Hard Linking Some repeaters are permanently “hard linked” together. No need to use a code to access those repeaters if you are already on one. For example, all the repeaters in Cape Breton are hard linked.

Nova Scotia and PEI Linking Codes

Nova Scotia and PEI Linking Codes

MAVCOM Procedures Be sure the repeater is clear and available. Get on the radio and ask if necessary. Give your callsign and state your intentions. Then dial the appropriate DTMF codes to put local repeater on the backbone. If not using OCTD, pause after dialing the local repeater on code that puts you on the UHF backbone. Wait for link on status message, this will be your repeater “callsign” link on announcement. If system is clear, announce your callsign, intentions and dial your destination code. Listen for link status message, remote repeater “callsign” link on before proceeding. IMPORTANT Leave several seconds between transmissions and when keying up to talk, wait at least two seconds BEFORE speaking. If you end up in a local repeater conversation, turn off any links in use!

MAVCOM Procedures - To downlink, give your callsign, intentions and dial the DTMF off codes. Then announce locally that you are clear of the link system once you have heard the link status messages. - Link status messages. What should you hear? The repeater “callsign” link off What should you not hear? (improperly configured systems) Link off without a callsign - If unsuccessful or in doubt try again - You can’t break the system - As a final resort take your local repeater off the link. Any other links that are up will time out due to inactivity

Yellow lines = UHF backbone system White lines = under construction OVERVIEW Briefly point out the different Hard Linked sections. Hard linking is generally done for reasons of cost and simplicity in areas with low usage or where you want to cover a large area with the same signal. The current system is almost complete. A few future additions are planned and areas with poor coverage may be looked at in the future. Since NSARA got involved the past 6 years has seen a more rapid expansion of the system as envisioned about 20 years ago by a group of individual clubs. Red lines = Hard linked Yellow lines = UHF backbone system White lines = under construction VE1BBC

The white links under construction will be hard links OVERVIEW Point out the non Provincial sites at Yarmouth - Yarmouth ARC Shelburne EOC - Shelburne ARC Keji Park - Queens Co. ARC - Solar powered East Dalhousie - Lunnenburg ARC Hebbville - Lunnenburg ARC Point out the complicated arrangement at East Dalhousie and Springfield and why we want to change it. Mention access problems to Aliant sites and also mention the loss of the Queens airport site at Greenfield and the current plan for adding a repeater at Granite Village that is planned to be Hard Linked to Great Hill site in Liverpool. The section in Shelburne County will be Hard Linked with system connection at Middle Ohio. The white links under construction will be hard links VE1BBC

OVERVIEW Note how complicated the system gets in the central section of the province. Also note there may be some errors in link paths shown. This is because several different groups were implementing the system in various ways over the years without proper co-ordination. Parts of the system go back more than 20 years. Point out the Hard Linked section on the Eastern Shore. Allowance was incorporated into the equipment at the Nuttby Aliant site many years ago for the expansion East. Point out the recent expansion East from Nuttby Mountain to New Glasgow, Antigonish and Guysburough.

OVERVIEW Point out the connecting links to PEI and NB.

OVERVIEW Point out the most recent expansion to bring the Cape Breton Hard Linked system into the rest of the provincial system by adding a repeater and links at Oban ( Saint Peters ). This completes the vision of about 20 years ago of being able to use a hand held radio in the Smokey area to speak with someone using a hand held radio in Yarmouth.

Internet Radio Linking Project Links repeaters together using the Internet as a backbone. Network of dedicated servers and nodes. Offers excellent reliability and telephone quality audio. Over 3000 repeaters on IRLP.

IRLP Notes IRLP (www.irlp.net) - Uses the Internet for linking just repeater systems - Creates a secure, full duplex audio stream between repeater systems using VOiP and PGP keys - The connection point between repeater and the Internet is called a “Node” - Many nodes can be joined together on the internet using a “Reflector” (party line) - There are over 2900 active nodes and 32 reflectors - Uses a 4 digit on code and a common off code (73) - Node software runs on the Linux operating system - Requires a computer and the IRLP interface board (installs inside PC). - Node locations and status can be found online at: http://status.irlp.net - Custom codes and features

NS IRLP Nodes Note: Operating procedures can be found on IRLP website, The HARC website, or the 2012 Maritime Provinces Callbook.

EchoLink Computer-based Amateur Radio system distributed free of charge that allows Amateurs to communicate with other amateur radio operators using VoIP technology on the Internet for at least part of the path between them. Can get on the air through a repeater from PC.

EchoLink Prospective user's callsign must be validated before one can access the system. Free and easy to do so. Must download software if you want to use PC to access system. More detailed info on EchoLink website: http://www.echolink.org/

NS EchoLink Nodes 145.3500- Sugarloaf VE1BHS 100853 145.4500- Sheet Harbour VE1ESR 94232 146.7600- New Glasgow VE1HR 484358 146.9400- Sydney VE1CR 104517 147.0300+ 82.5 Musquodoboit VE1MHR 94232 147.1350+ Truro VE1HAR 161248 147.1800+ Glenmont VE1AEH 309062 147.2400+ Greenwood VE1WN 792670 443.2500+ 151.4 Digby, EMO VA1JSO 149477 448.9250- Sugarloaf VE1BHS 100853

Local Repeaters 147.180 (+) VE1AEH, Glenmont 145.210 (-) VE1VAL, Stronach Mtn (Greenwood) 147.240 (+) VE1WN, Greenwood 444.050 (+) VE1VLY, Greenwood

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