MIDSTAR Regional Network                      August   2009

GB7BM (Birmingham),GB7GL(Gloucester) GB7SY (Shrewsbury) GB7WF (Wyre Forest) & GB7ZI (Cannock) are now linked on a more permanent basis to create our own regional network, MidStar UK, for local users which will be more relevant to our region.

By having repeaters connected to a regional default reflector currently Reflector 21B any call that is made on any of the above repeaters will be heard on the other repeaters without users having to issue any link commands. This is especially useful for mobiles users as it removes the difficulty of linking/unlinking when mobile to continue their regional QSO.

In addition to creating a regional network and to maintain the flexibility and choice, users will still be able to connect to National & International Reflectors as they can now. If already connected to MidStar UK a standard “Unlink” command (see MidStar UK Reflector Guide) will have to be transmitted first, then you can transmit a link command to whichever Reflector or Repeater you wish.

When RF is no longer detected after 10 minutes, an unlink command (if linked elsewhere) is automatically sent, then after an additional 2 minutes a link command is sent which automatically links back to MIDSTAR giving a total timeout period of 12 minutes.
If you are in QSO with stations via other Reflectors your QSO will not be interrupted as long as you transmit once every 10 minutes to reset the timer. Also if you want to make a local call then if you transmit within the 2 minutes after the auto unlink command it will reset the timer for another 12 minutes before attempting to link back to MidStar.

This timeout period is set so the repeater is not connected for long periods to a distance reflector with no one listening which puts off potential local users who may only want to make a local call.

If any one wants their local repeater to stay linked for longer periods to other Reflectors just to listen, which they are welcome to do, then all they have to do is transmit their call within 10 minutes and the timer will be reset, also it would indicate to others that someone locally is actually listening.

If a user does unlink from MidStar and makes a call on another reflector then they would have 10 minutes to receive a reply. Also if they are in a QSO involving a number of other stations then they are not under pressure to transmit every 2 or 3 minutes.

We hope this new facility will encourage the use and enjoyment of DStar in the Midlands.

For further information please contact your local DStar repeater keeper or
Don M0FHM (GB7SY), Mike G1ZRN (GB7WF)
www.midstar.org.uk     don@m0fhm.net