I have held the NoV for the MB6BA Simplex Gateway (1st in Wales) since 2009, It was established when D-Star was the only digital mode available, since then many have followed. To me though, D-Star remains the best of them all having been designed specifically for amateur use.
I have in recent years followed the trend though and added some other digital modes over the years and now have NXDN, DMR and Yaesu System Fusion in my arsenal of kit.
ABOUT MB6BA
Being a simplex node there are limitations to the use of MB6BA in that “it is as it says on the tin” it’s simplex. It does not repeat out the transmissions into it to the local area, so an out of simplex range station may be using it and you will not hear them as their transmission is not repeated on the node only across the network via the gateway.
Being a multi mode node, MB6BA works on a “first come first served” basis, so if D-Star opens it, it works on D-Star for a short period of time to the exclusion of DMR / YSF which is likewise for the other modes, DMR to the exclusion of D-Star / YSF etc. this is only on the TX side of the transmission, it will receive incoming traffic on all modes coming through the gateway allowing D-Star users to speak with DMR / YSF operators, it is again likewise if DMR or YSF are using the gateway.
Therefore it is only fitting that MB6BA evolves too. In August 2023, thanks to Dale Robins (2W0ODS) for his donation of kit towards the project MB6BA now has multi Digital mode capability.
MB6BA Simplex Gateway operates on 144.86250 in the Barry Area, Vale of Glamorgan, South Wales, so if you live in the area or are visiting give it a try.
D-Star Connectivity:-
UR: CQCQCQ
RPT1: MB6BA–C
RPT2: MB6BA–G
MY: Your own callsign
You must set a Duplex split (DUP) of either Plus or Minus 0.000Mhz for this to work.
DMR Connectivity:
DMR operates on Colour Code 3 and Talkgroup 6 , Slot 2 which you would need to program in your codeplug.
YSF Connectivity:
Details to follow.
All connections through MB6BA are set for XLX 135 info here:- http://xlx.hopto.org/
Default connection is to the regional Module B
RAYNET Makes use of Module R
More information on connection codes etc here. MODULE INFO Click
MB6BA is an available asset for the use of RAYNET in the area and is used as part of their capabilities equipment, so from time to time it maybe in use for community events and government emergency support functionality, if you hear it in operation for this use, we ask that you keep it clear for this priority traffic, at all other times you are free to use it as required.