TX 439.400 MHz 

RX 430.400 MHz

GB7SY (Shrewsbury), GB7WF (Wyre Forest), GB7ZI (Cannock),  GB7BM (Birmingham) and GB7GL (Edge Hills) are linked through MIDSTAR to create a regional network more relevant for local users.

The repeaters in the cluster are all connected by default through a dedicated reflector (REF021B) so that any call made on any one of the above repeaters will be heard on the others without users having to issue any link commands. You can see which repeaters are currently connected to the reflector here.

Users can still connect to the National & International Reflectors as usual. If already connected to MIDSTAR, a standard “Unlink” command will have to be transmitted first. You can then transmit a link command to connect to whichever alternative reflector or repeater you wish.

When input activity is no longer detected after 10 minutes of operation connected to another reflector, an unlink command is automatically sent, then after an additional 2 minutes a link command is sent to automatically re-establish the connection with MIDSTAR. 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, then all they have to do is transmit their call within 10 minutes to reset the timer. This will also indicate to other users 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 before the system returns to MIDSTAR. 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 to stay connected.

We hope this new facility will encourage the use and enjoyment of D-Star in the Midlands.