We are delighted to report that the Galway APRS Digipeater EI2GCP-2 has been running, since Christmas, with no problems encountered to date. The antenna system has survived the inclement weather conditions and the power supply has also been faultless. EI2GCP-2 has successfully provided cover to County Galway and well into the Mayo direction. It is planned to install a weather station in the near future which will gather data from just outside of Galway City. Further modifications will include an I-Gate reporting direct to the internet and onto aprs.fi. To view the output of the Galway digipeater it is necessary to run a program such as UI-View and interface a TNC in kissmode to the computer. A map of Ireland is available as a plug in to UI-View and from here any information received from the digipeater will be translated to points on the map. Alternatively it is possible to log onto www.aprs.fi and scroll the google map to the area of coverage desired. Any activity picked up by the digipeaters will be directly plotted on the map. For further information about the Galway system; contact Gerry EI8DRB or Steve EI5DD.
Blogs
Galway Head of the River Aren Operation
The Galway VHf group will be providing AREN cover for the Galway Head of the River Rowing event taking place on Saturday the 27th of March. For the duration of the event the Galway VHF Group will be working hand in hand with the Civil Defence. Boats will be accounted for from the time they enter the water, take part in the event and return to their slips. A full duplex operation will take place between the Control Station, on 433.450 MHz, and Sub Stations on 145.450 MHz.
Dromineer Castle Activation
Members of the Galway VHF Group will be travelling down to Dromineer to activate Dromineer Castle on Wednesday the 17th of March. This will mark the first of the Castle activations by the group for the year 2010. VHF Group member, Declan EI2GE, owns the hostel next to the castle which is situated at Dromineer Harbour, a popular mooring for the boating fraternity. Amongst the activities it is also planned to take a boat trip along the Shannon. Activites are planned for the period from 10 am to 5 pm. The club callsign, EI4ALE/P, will be in use on this occasion and active on bands from 80 - 15 metres.
Radio Amateur's Examination Course
The Galway VHF Group runs an ongoing course for the Radio Amateur's Examination. Applicants may enter onto this course at any time and will be provided with a CD to assist with home study. The period of study will be at your own pace with a view to sitting the examination at the earliest possible time. Anyone wishing to participate in this course should contact Steve EI5DD at the following E-Mail address ei5dd.steve@gmail.com
