The IRLP and Echolink nodes at GB3OA were off-air from approximately 14.05 to 14.25hrs this afternnon for the nodes software to have its monthly back-up.
There are around ten individual daily users of Echolink and several IRLP users that are regulars, one in Blackpool virtually daily connecting to a node in West Sweden. Popular times seem to be after breakfast, either side of lunch time, late afternoon, and from 20.00hrs into the small hours, with US stations appearing around 01.00hrs each night. Local mobiles seem to be active around 08.45 and 17.00hrs.
Several times each week the IRLP node is connected to the Alaska Morning Net at around 18.15hrs, 09.15hrs their time. It’s not just for Alaskan stations – amateurs around the world do check in. Friday is a popular evening when Roy KI7PKL is Net Controller as he keeps things moving and is very enthusiastic (and was only licenced last October). Also, the same with Craig K5CAP on Monday nights. If you wish to connect GB3OA yourself use DTMF tones 9109.
The coverage of GB3OA continues to be good, encompassing the North Wales coast, northwards up the coast to the South Lakes, and inland to East Lancashire, with a regular from Nelson. A full coverage map is available at https://gb3oa.org.uk/coverage/