GB7MK

The History of GB7MK

With very little DMR coverage in the east ( just south end and Norwich) it was not well known about and I was told about DMR and the "mototurbo" system (this became Phoenix) so I purchase a 16 channel Handheld  and had a play. Simplex was fun but just did not create the spark. Until I was working within range of the Norwich repeater (GB7DS), with the connectivity it opened up. So I began talking and spreading the word.

Mark 2E0TNG was the only local with a DMR capable radio so we worked many times and others gained the interest.  

Karl G4AQV joined in and we approached  the repeater  group about setting up a repeater. It was agreed that if we could raise the funds and get an NOV  we would do it.

So after about 6 months  we had the funds raised but no site for it. It was difficult  to find a good location  that  had an internet connection. 

Well at 9 months I was getting  impatient so joked that I could put it at my home location  till we found the final site. 

The NOV took only weeks and with the paperwork  in hand and the ok from the committee a Motorola DR3000 was purchased 

With new news that a repeater was imminent  the simplex nets had grown to 15+ and interest was massive.

G4AQV and 2E0TNG  helped with all the complex  problems  of setting up a repeater and we where good to go

GB7MK  (M for Mark's and K for Karl)  was put in test mode with 1watt output  and activity was chaotic as DMR was different to the analogue we had been used to..

After about 12-18 months  we had two sites in mind but could not get the vital internet connection. Until at a chance bring and buy sale I met Chris M0FMO, he sparked an idea and Karl found the equipment needed.

So the location at the top of Ipswich maternity block (co sited with GB3PO and GB3IH) was the final location. 

This is where GB7MK sits with a very good coverage of the area. 

Mark Austin
M1NIZ
GB7MK Keeper