GB3WS - If the repeater is off-air you should not use the output frequency to hold simplex conversations on for the following reasons.

• The RSGB band-plan suggests that there are several simplex frequencies to use.

• If you are using the output frequency, when the repeater comes back into service you will not access it and therefore be oblivious to its re-activation.
 

• You may well create interference to the output of another repeater irrespective if you can hear it or not.
 

• If there is a large net using the output frequency other distant stations may well join in and create interference to a neighbouring repeater.
 

• The holder of the NOV receives complaints that the repeater ‘is not up to its normal strength’ and the person that reports this may well file a complaint to the ETCC, creating more endless and unnecessary work for all.
 

• It will encourage other new users to the hobby to think that this is a normal and accepted practice.
 

• The NOV holder may well be conducting some experiments and be unable to complete his tests.
 

• It is anti-social and bad practice. The band plans are there to ensure that every one can enjoy the hobby with the minimum of interference.

Mick Senior G4EFO
NOV for GB3WS

I would like to place on record my thanks to the following for their help and guidance.

Icom UK, particularly Geoff in sorting out a new CTCSS decoder chip and some circuit diagrams for me.

Mike G4ZPY, for his assistance in supplying a new PA block for the repeater and more recently some very useful details on CTCSS decoders and encoders, details of which I hope to publish on the site soon.

Dave G7UZN the repeater manager for the South East.

Martin, G8KOE, for suggesting I take the old repeater into the garden and set fire to it !! Then replace it with new rigs back to back.

Phil, G4UDU, (Adur Communications) for supplying the two new ICOM ICF110's at discounted prices.

Mike Senior G4EFO

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