Based on conversations I have had with some local amateurs, some seem worried the D-STAR boogie man will shut down our analog capability. I, for one, do not think we should shut anyone out. Analog should remain as an option for a long, long time. I do, however, think we should move ahead with a D-STAR Capability. How, you ask?
1. Leave the 146.64 MHZ repeater in place, as is, no changes.
2. Either utilize the 146.775 MHz repeater pair or request a new one from T-MARC.
3. Procure the D-STAR equipment. A two meter repeater and controller will set us back around $3,000.00. I think the club should foot half the bill, with the remainder from user donations. The cavity duplexers are expensive. I am willing to bet Marty would allow us to utilize the cavity from the .775 repeater. Another funding option would be to ask the county to fund (or partially fund) this effort.
4. Install the repeater at the old Leonardtown EOC.
Eventually, we should connect the repeater to the D-STAR network. This will require additional $$$.
I am throwing these ideas out there to bring about discussion.
Ben - 18 years ago
A D-Star repeater might be a nice addition to what we have now but by no means would I support a change from analog to digital of an exsisting repeater. Bad idea for all involved.
Based on conversations I have had with some local amateurs, some seem worried the D-STAR boogie man will shut down our analog capability. I, for one, do not think we should shut anyone out. Analog should remain as an option for a long, long time. I do, however, think we should move ahead with a D-STAR Capability. How, you ask?
1. Leave the 146.64 MHZ repeater in place, as is, no changes.
2. Either utilize the 146.775 MHz repeater pair or request a new one from T-MARC.
3. Procure the D-STAR equipment. A two meter repeater and controller will set us back around $3,000.00. I think the club should foot half the bill, with the remainder from user donations. The cavity duplexers are expensive. I am willing to bet Marty would allow us to utilize the cavity from the .775 repeater. Another funding option would be to ask the county to fund (or partially fund) this effort.
4. Install the repeater at the old Leonardtown EOC.
Eventually, we should connect the repeater to the D-STAR network. This will require additional $$$.
I am throwing these ideas out there to bring about discussion.
A D-Star repeater might be a nice addition to what we have now but by no means would I support a change from analog to digital of an exsisting repeater. Bad idea for all involved.