Image: Yaesu DR-2X Repeater and Cavity Filters. Click on images for larger view.
Opgradering van die Stilbaai Herhaler (1 Februarie 2025) in die Suid Kaap. (Deel 1) = LINK
The first upgrade to the Still Bay Repeater as undertaken on the 1 February 2025 and you can read more about it by clicking on the LINK above. More information on the Yaesu DR-2X 50W Digital Repeater (C4FM IP Interconnect Dual Band Receiver System Multi-function Repeater) is available HERE. (Note: Afrikaans articles can be translated by using the Translate Tab on the Blog to choose a language of your choice.)
In this posting (Part 2) I will be looking at further upgrades to the Still Bay Repeater that was undertaken on the 13 April 2025. Before going ahead I would like to clear a possible misconception relating to the Yaesu DR-2X Repeater. You might read in previous articles that the Yaesu repeater was installed at the Aasvoëlkop Repeater site. That was indeed the case but due to commercial interference the Yaesu DR-2X Repeater was relocated to the Still Bay Repeater site and the Yaesu Vertex VXR9000 Repeater is now installed at the Aasvoëlkop Repeater site.
What did the 13 April 2025 upgrades entail:
1. Setup of the AMS (Automatic Mode Selection) platform relating to the UHF Repeater frequencies: This YAESU DR-2X repeater supports C4FM digital / regular FM dual mode and dual receive function relay platform, which includes VHF and UHF amateur radio band. Through the AMS function, the DR-2X mixes communication using conventional FM mode communication and C4FM (YSF) digital mode. The UHF frequency function was enabled as well as C4FM (YSF) Digital Mode.Compared with other digital models, the C4FM modulation mode has better bit error rate (BER) characteristics to ensure good speech quality in communication. The C4FM digital high definition voice technology using 12.5kHz bandwidth enables the high quality voice communication to be transmitted perfectly.
Take Note - The following frequencies is now in use for this repeater:
VHF = 145.750 Mhz RX and 145.150 Mhz TX 88.5 hz CTCSS Tone
UHF = 438.750 Mhz RX and 431.150 Mhz TX 88.5 hz CTCSS Tone
2. Re-Tuning of the Duplex Filters. A big thank you to Dolf ZS1DRP and Eben ZS1EP for spending time while on holiday to re-tune the Still Bay duplexers. The re-tuning of the duplexers made a very big difference to the performance of the Still Bay Repeater. (Watch the two videos to hear how Nick ZS1ZAN access the repeater all the way from the Anysberg in the Karoo.)
3. It was also recently noticed that on cloudy days the Still Bay Repeater output would fall considerably. Johann ZS1AAC indicated that the batteries need replacement. He replaced the batteries on site and the repeater now runs full output during all weather conditions..
4. As with all repeater sites we as radio amateurs should keep sites clean and neat at all times. Johann ZS1AAC undertook this task to ensure that the site was clean and safe. While cleaning the site a Cape Cobra snake came to see what was happening. Needless to say that both Johann and the snake had a good eye-ball where after both went their separate ways, thankfully without any incident.
5. Henry ZS1SB donated a EVE 280Ah LiFePO4 Battery to be used at a future repeater site. This battery is engineered for high performance and safety, making it ideal for various applications, including renewable energy storage and electric vehicles. With a nominal voltage of 12.8V and a cycle life of up to 8000 cycles @ 80% DOD, this battery ensures long-lasting efficiency. A big thank you to Henry ZS1SB for donating the battery to the Southern Cape Link Network Group. Highly appreciated!!
Finally: After the above upgrade the Still Bay repeater’s performance increased drastically. So much so that Nick ZS1ZAN from Anysberg can now clearly be heard via this repeater. Other reports also confirm a noticeable improvement in TX and RX. Join the weekly gathering on this repeater at 18h30.
To all the radio amateurs and non radio amateurs (Unfortunately I do not have all the names) who assisted in the second upgrade of this repeater and also for all the hard work that they put in, a big thank you! You did not only do it for yourself and other radio amateurs but for the continued existence of Amateur Radio in South Africa. The way and spirit in how this was done is clearly an example to all of us. Then there are many radio amateurs that are not able to assist in this project however they contributed by means of donating equipment and money. We all know that the installation and upkeep of repeaters are costing money. Others again contributed by way of moral support, reception reports, ham spirit etc. A big thank to everyone who contributed in any way possible to the future of Amateur Radio in the Southern Cape.
The following radio amateurs were actively involved in this upgrade of the Still Bay Repeater:
