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Thread: Amateur TV going digital in Melbourne

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    Default Amateur TV going digital in Melbourne

    Hi all

    Readers may be interested to hear that the Amateur Digital Repeater VK3RTV in Melbourne is being converted into a 2 channel digital system (it is currently a single channel analog signal).

    The way the repeater works is that Amateur tv enthusiasts transmit a tv signal up to the top of Mrt Dandenong using their own equipment. This might be sourced from a camera in their shack or say a tv program about electronics or amateur radio.

    The repeater receives the signal and then retransmits it on a different frequency so that people across Melbourne can pick it up. The transmitter power is not very high but is nonetheless surprisingly well received in many cases.

    The first digital tests were carried out on 7 June 2009. A small number of people were able to receive the 2 channel digital signal.

    A second test was carried out on 20th June 2009. Many more amateur tv operators had bought suitable set top boxes and were able to receive the transmissions. The pictures received in most cases were perfect with no snowing or static.

    It is expected that the digital repeater will be fully operational in about 6 weeks time. The existence of 2 tv channels will facilitate videoconferencing by radio amateurs.

    Tv viewers are welcome to let the operators of the repeater know how well it is being received. Send reception reports to vk3rtv@amateurradio.com.au

    Please note that the repeater only operates when a signal is being transmitted to it so often there is no signal.



    Regards

    Peter VK3PB



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    Thanks for the heads up as I didn't even know this existed.

    Leroy
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    Quote Originally Posted by LeroyPatrol View Post
    Thanks for the heads up as I didn't even know this existed.

    Leroy
    At the moment you can sometimes get the analog signal on 444.25 mhz. Basically on a modern tv that is right down at the bottom of the uhf band below ch28.

    Saturday nights there is often something on about 8PM.

    Amazing to think that this has been done before CH31.

    cheers

    Peter VK3PB
    Last edited by pberrett; 23-06-09 at 12:50 AM.

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    When I read your title initially I thought you were going to refer to channel 31. Has ch31 gone digital yet?

    Leroy
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    Quote Originally Posted by LeroyPatrol View Post
    When I read your title initially I thought you were going to refer to channel 31. Has ch31 gone digital yet?

    Leroy
    No...despite promises, the federal govt has still not given them any funds to do it. Considering the diversity of content Ch31 provides, and the tiny cost (in relative terms) to fund the digital switchover, it's a kick in the guts for amateur content. If they can swipe a quarter of a billion a year off those of us who like to drink the occasional pre-mix, the least they can do is give a tiny fraction of it to a worthwile service.

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    now not only will you be able to hear us complain about all our aliments, but we can show you them as well ha ha ha

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    Interesting.

    Do you know if the signal is strong enough to reach Melbournes northern suburbs, like Roxburgh Park?

    Might try to see if i can tune it in tonight.

    It would be fantastic to see Ch 31 go digital, some good alternative programs there.

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    Fantastic that they are using DVB-T not DVB-S which is what amateurs have been using elsewhere.
    Then again most of us here have a DVB-S box .

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    Ch31 is only due to go digital when all stations take up multicasting, then when 2 7 9 & 10 & SBS pay for extra bandwidth for extra station feeds the money will become available for ch31.
    iam a bogan

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    Quote Originally Posted by Godzilla View Post
    Interesting.

    Do you know if the signal is strong enough to reach Melbournes northern suburbs, like Roxburgh Park?

    Might try to see if i can tune it in tonight.

    It would be fantastic to see Ch 31 go digital, some good alternative programs there.
    It should be available as it has been seen far and wide with only a few watts of power.

    Note thought....

    1. you will need an antenna designed for teh 70cm amateur band (446.500MHz) to get best performance.

    2. Your set top box will also need to be able to tune to this frequence. Not all of them do!

    good luck

    porkop

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    the analog amateur tv is about "chanel 16" if i recall correctly.
    way down the bottom of the tv tuner

    Below is a list of stboxes that may work for amateur digital

    TEAC SDB451 Yes Yes
    Strong SRT5006 Maybe Info being sought
    Healing HST 814 No
    TEAC HDB 842 177.5-226.5,522.5-578.5, 585.5-816.5 No
    Tevion TSTB18 49-860 No
    TEAC SDB440 174-860 Possibly (not tested)
    AWA STB232
    Bush DFTA6A
    Toshiba HD-S23 51-858 Possibly (not tested)
    Bush DFTA5A
    Bush DFTA7B
    Lennox STB800
    Strong SRT5022 45-862 Possibly (not tested)
    Audiosonic KM0767
    Conia CSBT16
    Olin DVBT10 474-858 No
    DgTech A-1301
    Supernet 8050T 47-870 Possibly (not tested)
    Strong SRT5200
    Legend LSD2 174-230, 470-862
    TEAC DV-B300 174-820 Possibly (not tested)
    TEAC DV-B420 174-820 Possibly (not tested)
    Dgtech SD2401 170-230, 470-862
    Dgtech DG-SDO403 174-230, 470-862
    Ikon DVBT15
    Thomson DTI351TH
    TEAC HDB841 174-860 Possibly (not tested)
    Digitel SD1000 174-230, 470-862

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    I have been getting amtv for at least 30 years without buying any special equipment it's around ch 34 UHF in SA

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    Quote Originally Posted by badass View Post
    I have been getting amtv for at least 30 years without buying any special equipment it's around ch 34 UHF in SA
    mmhhh.. I thought the licence for UHF Band IV transmissions had be removed from the amature service years and years ago? It was in Melbourne anyway. Analog signals from VK3RTV moved from 576MHz to 444 MHZ about 10 years ago.

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    Well it's been a long time since I had time to get on there so you might be right so far all I could fine is this.




    and

    Last edited by badass; 17-07-09 at 02:55 PM.

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    Quote Originally Posted by porkop View Post
    now not only will you be able to hear us complain about all our aliments, but we can show you them as well ha ha ha
    Why are you complaining about your food? "aliments: food, sustinence,..."

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    Quote Originally Posted by dogknees View Post
    Why are you complaining about your food? "aliments: food, sustinence,..."
    coz I couldnt speil gull bludder

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    Quote Originally Posted by porkop View Post
    coz I couldnt speil gull bludder
    You spell "aliments" well enough. I doubt most people even know it's a legitimate word!

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    Is there any digital ham tv in Sydney please?

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    Quote Originally Posted by dogknees View Post
    You spell "aliments" well enough. I doubt most people even know it's a legitimate word!
    god mate, I am guilty or transposing the I and the L....move on

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    porkop - I'm making the point that you didn't mis-spell a word, you wrote a different word.

    I like to take people at their word. You use the wrong word, you're stuck with it.


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