D-STAR, VK2RDS and the VK2RWN D-STAR repeaters were officially launched for New South Wales at the Wyong Hamfest last Sunday.
Located at Maddens Plains, near Wollongong, VK2RDS is designed to provide D-STAR coverage in the south of Sydney on 2m DV, 70cm DV, 23cm DV and 23cm DD. VK2RDS was installed and is being maintained by the Illawarra Amateur Radio Society.
Located at Terrey Hills VK2RWN is designed to provide D-STAR coverage on 2m DV, 70cm DV, 23cm DV and 23cm DD in the north Sydney area. VK2RWN was installed and is being managed by the Manly-Warringah Amateur Radio Society.
The New South Wales D-STAR system was launched by the WIA President Michael Owen, VK3KI, in conjunction with VK2 from the MWARS, Rob VK2MT from the IARS. Peter VK3TQ of Icom and Richard VK3JFK the National D-STAR Coordinator provided a presentation on D-STAR and gave a live demonstration of D-STAR as well as a question and answer session.
At the Icom Australia stand David VK3UR programmed approximately 25 IC-92AD, IC-2820H and ID-800H D-STAR radios for users of the VK2RDS and VK2RWN D-STAR repeaters.
Regards, David Tilson – VK3UR
