This past weekend, the W1VLA D-Star repeater stack got it’s internet connection for linking into the national D-STAR network.
Bill N1JBS and Mark K1PU (Phil WB1EXV lending moral support and the occasional tool hand up), fought off yellow jackets and other stinging insects that started to “wake up” with the warmer temperatures, to install both ends of a secure wireless link.

The W1VLA Repeater, located at the Rocky Hill CT Fire Station #2, is just 400 feet from K1PU’s work location, the “near end” of the link, so the link budget was a “No Brainer”. Signal margins look excellent and the whole link is connected to the first router in the network. Latency test end to end are in the order of 1 to 2 mS so there should be no problems the connection to the local Cable Company Internet service.

The Fire Station is connected via the town-wide network, but with discussions with the town, it was easier for the group to get an independent internet connection and not leave any “finger prints” inside the town network, and we’ll have better control over other network performance parameters with our own connection anyway.

Bill N1JBS is putting the final touches on the computer, loading the new software and NIC drivers, and we hope to have the system liked up by April 1st.

The W1VLA repeater uses ICOM brand D-Star repeater modules for Digital Voice on 2m and 70cm.
Frequencies are VHF 145.27Mhz -600 Khz and UHF 444.150Mhz +5 Mhz

Internet connection and the link equipment are donated by K1PU’s “Day Job”.

Mark, K1PU

Al Cohen, W1FXQ, a “well known” personality for more reasons than just Ham Radio, celebrates his 92nd Birthday today January 16th, 2010.

Happy Birthday Al !

Mark, K1PU