The computer used for the gateway function of our DSTAR repeater, W1AAD, has been failing for the past few months. We have decided to take the repeater off the air until we can come up with a reliable alternative that can be managed remotely (access to the site is very restricted).
There is no definite timeframe, but several weeks is is the minimum.
The PC controlling the DSTAR machine has become increasingly unreliable in the past few months, after working solidly for years. Tools installed to allow a remote restart are no longer restoring the PC to operation, requiring more frequent site visits to get things going again. In addition, the PC is so old that it is not capable of supporting the latest version of the operating system and Gateway software.
For the foreseeable future, it is more likely than not that W1AAD will fail to connect to the internet gateway system. We suggest using W1HDN in West Warwick (147.045 MHz, + 600 KHz), or using a local internet device like a DVAP, DV3K or DVmega. Both the DVAP and DVmega work with your DSTAR HT to provide a local RF access point (think of it as a personal low power repeater). The DV3K is a computer device, using your microphone and speaker to connect to to repeaters or reflectors.
NCRC is embarking on a “Build Night” project that will span our Feb-Apr meetings. We will be assembling a QRP 40 Meter CW Transceiver. Interested parties who can attend the next few meetings are encouraged to visit our Pixie Page, by clicking on Pixie on our menu tabs. You will find details of the project and can even order one or more Pixie boards (which will be delivered to you at one of our upcoming meetings.
It is with deep regret that Newport County Radio Club announces that Dirmid, K1UFD, passed away on Friday January 6th. Dirmid was an active member of the club, always offering a helping hand to setup our events. In his radio life, he volunteered for many public service events, such as the Tour de Cure, and he participated in many on-air communication drills supporting Narragansett and South Kingstown EMAs. His obituary has been posted below.
Dirmid I. Gray, 72, of Narragansett, passed away unexpectedly on Friday. He was the beloved husband of Janet (Murchie) Gray. Born in South Kingstown, he was a son of the late William E. “Bub” and Ethel M (Wright) Gray. He was a graduate of South Kingstown High School. He served proudly and honorably in the US Air Force during the Vietnam Era. Mr. Gray retired from Sulzer Process Pumps of Easley, SC as a System Administrator. He was a life member of the Narragansett Steam Fire Engine Company # 1 of Peace Dale and the New England States Veteran Firemen’s League, and veteran member of the former South County Ambulance & Rescue Corp, and a member of the Newport Company Radio Club-Ham Radio sign K1UFD. Mr. Gray also volunteered his time with the Narragansett Emergency Management Agency, the Portsmouth EMA Communications Team, and the Southern RI Volunteer CERT Team, and the Peer to Peer Counselor for the Union Fire District. Besides his wife he is survived by a daughter, Jody Ann Gray of Marblehead, MA; a brother, Jereld Gray and his wife Edythe of West Hartford, CT and several nieces and nephews. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated Thursday 10 am in St. Francis of Assisi Church. Burial with military honors will follow in the Rhode Island Veterans Memorial Cemetery, Exeter. Visiting hours will be held in the Avery-Storti Funeral Home, 88 Columbia Street, Wakefield, Wednesday, 4-7 pm. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Animal Rescue RI, PO Box 458, Wakefield, RI 02882.
Happy New Year everyone!
The first meeting of NCRC will be held Monday January 9 at 7 PM at KVH.
Beyond a short business meeting, Paul, K1YBE, will be describing an upcoming “Build Night” project to be held after the February and March meetings. The project is a simply QRP 40 meter transceiver that can be used by any licensed ham.