GB3IM

A Multi-site system of interlinked repeaters and part-time simplex nodes

	Snaefell	Bride	Douglas	Peel
TX:	433.125MHz	430.825MHz	430.825MHz	430.875MHz
RX:	434.725MHz	438.425MHz	438.425MHz	438.475MHz
CTCSS:	110.9Hz	71.9Hz	110.9Hz	110.9
E.R.P. :	20 Watts	5 Watts	5 Watts	5 Watts
Antenna:	Procomm CXL 2/70C	SA460	SA460	SA460
Height:	3M AGL	6M AGL	6M AGL	20M AGL
Allstar Node	2480	2481	2482	2484
Echolink	464453

GB3IM began life as a co-habitant with GB3GD on the summit of Snaefell.

Following a protracted period of downtime caused by antenna failures, the group decided to look at options to keeping the island connected but which did not rely upon Snaefell.

The result was a project to set-up and internet link three repeaters in strategic locations on the island. All three repeaters are controlled and linked using the AllStar Link software, masterminded by the late Jim Dixon, WB6NIL.

The AllStar software also provides us with an EchoLink gateway, giving us the best of both worlds.

We do not have (and never will have) any facility to interface with IRLP.

The Notice of Variation for these repeaters was first issued on 26th March 2008.

Nodes:

GB3IM-S	Snaefell is our key site, filling-in many local grey areas and also giving coverage of the coastline of the surrounding countries (England, Ireland, Scotland and Wales).

GB3IM-R	Located in the North of the island, this site gives coverage in areas inaccessible to Snaefell, particularly the section of the T.T. course between Sulby and Ramsey.

GB3IM-C	Just to the south of Douglas is Carnane, a hilltop with a great view to the south and west. This location gives coverage to many areas that are not well served by Snaefell. It also serves as an important backstop in the event of Snaefell's repeaters being unavailable.

GB3IM-P	This repeater is located on the roof of Peel Power Station, adjacent to the top end of Peel Harbour. Good coverage is available along the west coast road to the north of Peel as well as towards Glen Maye to the south.

It is recommended that users connecting from outside the network should connect to 2480.

Polite request to remote users:

When you make a connection to our node it triggers a voice announcement of your presence. Since we know you're there, please be good enough to listen for a while and also, since you've joined us, why not make a call?

It takes a few seconds for the announcement to complete, about as long as you would normally wait before joining any other QSO so please - listen on the channel for at least 15 seconds before making a call. If you don't your call will compete with the voice announcement, and you will probably lose!

GB3IM-S (Snaefell) - Radio Repairs July 2019

A failed bridge rectifier led to this transformer overheating and turning this rather unhappy colour.
What a healthy transformer should look like.
This was fitted to another radio that had been scrapped for other reasons.
The mouting screws for the transformer are underneath.
The transformer mounting screws are revealed.
The transformer on its end, about to be disconnected.
Removed and ready for a trip to the bin.
The replacement transformer, wired-up and secured.
The GB3IM-S HOZLogic controller
A repaired PA module with fresh heatsink compound, ready for re-fitting.
A very satisfactory receiver test
An equally satisfying transmitter test
Squelch opens at a nice low signal level

GB3IM-C (Carnane) Images

The SA460 antenna for GB3IM-C. The Wi-Fi link is the white box below.
The Carnane site was originally built by the BBC. This coat of arms is embedded in the wall of the main building.
The dual-band omni for APRS at the top, the SA460 in the middle and the Wi-Fi link unit below.
All Aerials in the air.
Sunset over the Government Radio Site on Carnane.
Viewed from outside the fence with the Arquiva main tower in the background
The repeater and PC installation at the top with APRS packet equipment below
The PC and radio for GB3IM-C
Dual-Band W30 at the top, SA460 below and WiFi link at the bottom (just above the roof)
Outside view
Our baby pole with its big brother behind!
Which mast is vertical?
The base of the Arquiva tower
The upper secion
Broadcast downlink dishes for DAB and TV
Douglas bay viewed from the roof or our accomodation.
Panorama 2
Panorama 3
Panorama 4
Panorama 5
Panorama 6
Panorama 7
The mast and building of the Department of Home Affairs radio site
The Manx Electricity Authority power station at Pulrose
A bit fuzzy, but this is the view of Snaefell from Carnane
The team visiting the site. L-R, Ed Rixon (GD6XHG), Andy Morgan (GD1MIP), Matty Cunningham (MD0MAN)
Built by the founder of the RNLI, Sir William Hilary, who lived on the island.

(note that the pictures are stored at their original resolution and may take a little time to download)