GB3LV EchoLink Shut down.

[G0KUX]

For sometime now there has been a problem with GB3LV's EchoLink connection.

The EchoLink is linked to GB3LV via RF from my home QTH.

There has been a constant pulsating noise on the input frequency which we suspect is coming from crane collision beacons.
This has been reported to Ofcom but they will not act as we are secondary users of the band and therefore have to accept harmful interference!!!

Unfortunately, the pulsating interference creates havoc once EchoLink is activated manifesting itself as if someone is continuously keying up the repeater.
The inference doesn't go through LV due to a CTCSS tone required, only when someone is on it with the correct tone, or the RF link is activated which of course transmits the correct CTCSS tone.
Often there are two separate sources of interference, one on the input, 434.650MHz (most common one) and on the output, 433.050MHz (intermittent).

There is nothing I can do to improve the EchoLink until the interference disappears, often it manifests itself from morning to early evening.

We may try and get a change of frequency but until the interference subsides or we get a change of frequency, EchoLink is temporarily shutdown.

73 de G0KUX.

[G0RPM]

I reckon the best course of action is to change the QRG, which I believe Donald is working on. Hopefully, he will have some news in the New Year.

Nigel

[G0KUX]

Nige,

One thing I will revisit is setting the squelch on the EchoLink system to CTCSS rather than VOX.
I did try before to do this but couldn't get it working but will try again once time permits.

Of course this doesn't cure the QRM but just might get EchoLink going again.

73 de G0KUX.