Our Repeaters are Somewhere at the top of the Towers
The Lincoln Short Wave Club has four repeaters; these are located at IARU IO 93 RF (NGR SK 978718) on top of central tower of Lincoln Minster. At 441ft ASL it’s the highest point in the area, thus giving us very good repeater footprints.
The first to be installed was GB3LS, a 70CM voice repeater. Built and installed in 1981 after a 70CM coverage need was identified, LS operates on 434.650MHz input, 433.050 output. CTCSS tone B (71.9) & 1750Hz. tone burst access.
GB3LM, a 2mtr voice repeater was next. This unit was built and installed in February 1983. Operating on 145.125MHz.input, 145.725MHz. Output. CTCSS tone B (71.9) & 1750Hz tone burst access.
Shortly after this, the ATV enthusiasts in the club requested a 23CM television repeater. GB3VL was commissioned on 01/03/1997 at 11.00am, operating on 1248MHz input, 1310MHz output. It’s first users being G6ZVE, G3OS, G0UOZ, G7RUP and G7AVU.
Finally came the 10GHz. Atv repeater GB3LX, to satisfy the needs of enthusiasts for this band. This last unit was installed on 10/10/2004, switched on at 11.35 am. Operating on 10.425GHz input, 10.240GHz output.
The first repeater keeper and part instigator of the Lincoln Minster site was the late John Middleton (G8VGF) who went silent key in January 2004. Sadly missed.
The mantle of repeater keeper now rests on the shoulders of that well-known Amateur Television fanatic Bob Fisk, better known as G7AVU. Bob and his small but dedicated team spend so much time on the tower that not only are they on first name terms with the Lincoln Imp, they’re rumoured to have their own key. (Lock up when you leave lads)
In all fairness the engineering team has done a marvellous job, maintaining and improving all four repeaters, with modifications always in the pipeline.
The credits page on GB3VL gives you a fair idea of the numbers of people that have been involved, particularly in the last two years, in the large logistical exercise that is the repeaters.
Special mention must go to: G3PVU, G8VGF, G8OPS, G7AVU, M1LNB, M1CCD, M1CFL, G7NSK, G8NWC, G6KGG, G4XMQ, G7ERS, Linwave Technology and numerous other members of “Bobs bunch”, you know who you are!
Last but by no means least, special thanks to the Lincoln Minster staff, especially Margaret and the other ladies of the clerk of works department.
Please send any reports / comments to: G7AVU (QTHR) or g7avu@hotmail.com
