Two new Cat5 runs are in place to where the simplex nodes meet the house internet. However these are in place a new fault was located in the power control so this is being worked on. New plan for end of June for nodes to return back to service with dashboards and better functionality.
Author: 2e0emo
Update on outages
Currently awaiting new fibre and good weather to be replaced. Very likely be swapped to Cat5 as a bit more suited. This will be when the keeper is back from holiday. We did try and improve the connection over the mesh but no joy.
Outages 27/04/2026
We have noticed all of the nodes are currently dropping offline regularly. This from a very quick test appeared to be passing over the mesh wifi at the location. No fibre activity on the port so will be a bit of time to fix. This is due to Both M9TTL and M7ORN are due to get married so focus is else where.
MB7AMS So long and farewell
With the changes of the Amateur Radio License, I have decided to handback MB7AMS before their NoV’s expire. The two nodes which made up MB7AMS are going to join the MB7IMS cluster which includes a 2M and a 6M node set. There will be some downtime as bits are updated like call signs. Frequency’s should stay the same.
Why No Antenna Photos
It can be a balance of showing off a setup and privacy.
A few times I have taken photos of my antenna setup and online those living near me had concern about bits of their house / garden being shown. A local kindly have used the photos as “proof” to the local council I am breaking planning laws. In true style only their views on the planning laws.
The closest house to where I live views was I do not mind the antennas but please do not include my house. Quiet hard to do. For me there are some photos of the Antenna that provides MB7RMS simply as this can be done without any house’s in view.
I do aim to keep all the antennas in the best shape going to save the issues. My local council however have been out and checked and happy with the 1 mast rule.
Why split network
With Amateur / Ham Radio there is always a new and upcoming communication method. Even infighting with in operators which calls splinter networks to form. As a keeper I am spoiled for choice with a few of the networks. All connected well in the sense of ways to access them but not interconnected with each other. The choice of having all 4 nodes on the same network vs splitting the network became hard. In the end I picked to have MB7IMS on the Freedom Network and MB7AMS on Freestar. This means two pairs of nodes on each. It helped to ensure a great coverage from both networks.
For me it is about choice. I am not loyal to one or the other. Both have great talks on them by fellow hams. Both connect the world. Sometimes I do feel like I should pick one and that is it. However speaking with others locally the choice is good. I know that MB7AMS is only on at night time but this is when I noticed traffic is connected better. There is more activity.
If a new network appeared I would need to make a choice and review. However If a network became less busy / Ethics came in to question I would look to review.
I am however always open for new ideas and networks. Drop a email to keeper@efsc.co.uk