VK2RMG 438.125MHz Repeater (Requires 123Hz subtone to access)

VK2RMG is housed at Francis lookout, which is a commercial repeater site about 5km south of Dorrigo.

VK2RMG equipment enclosure  Carol VK2FCSR and the diplexer/filters  Carol VK2FCSR and the 70cms antennas Francis Lookout repeater site
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VK2RMG went on air on 16th May 2008. VK2RMG consists of a Vertex Standard VX9000U commercial 50 watt repeater. The antenna system was originally a dual phased dipole arrangement. Following more testing it was found that more signal was needed at a lower angle of radiation. The Diamond X50 was chosen. This antenna provides approx 7.0 db gain on 70cm, and is fed with LDF 450 Heliax to minimise loss. The dual array is held in stock and this will be used for repeater linking in the future.

The duplexer offers 85 dB of isolation from RX to TX and has a insertion loss of approx 1.5dB. The duplexer is housed inside the equipment rack enclosurer that accommodates the repeater and the power supply. The entire enclosure is locked and firmly secured.
 
As with our 2mtr repeater at Bruxner, VK2RMG has battery back up with auto change over. This is indicated by the letter "B" sent after the morse ID beacon. The output power is then reduced to 10 watts to conserve battery capacity. When mains power is restored the repeater reverts to 50 watts.
 
Lightning protection is provided and the antenna is DC grounded to prevent static build-up. The equipment enclosure is grounded to the radio site earth system.
 

Mobile stations should recieve a very strong signal in Dorrigo, Bellingen, Urunga, Nambucca, South West Rocks, Kempsey and everywhere in between. On the Pacific Highway, mobiles should be able to use VK2RMG between Port Macquarie and Bonville. Coverage extends to Ebor on the Waterfall Way.

To see more of the site and antennas, see these photos or visit the movies page . Click here for location map

Francis Lookout location   Repeater coverage plotted with UKWtools  Repeater coverage plotted with Radio Mobile  Vertex Standard VXR9000
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