The 2-metre D-STAR VK3RMM repeater on Mt Macedon is currently being site-tested with the initial contacts through it reporting perfect copy over a wide area.

Further testing will be made for some time yet to ensure compatibility with other radio services at the site that is or paramount importance.

This is the latest ICOM (Australia) provided D-STAR repeater to go on air, and follows very substantial expenditure by Amateur Radio Victoria including a new antenna, its installation, cable runs and a new filter.

This project has taken longer than expected because of the unique and unforeseen difficulties at the site and the need to draw on limited available volunteer resources.

The 70cm VK3RMM D-STAR repeater has been fully operational for some time and continues to receive good reports from users.

Broadband options for the D-STAR gateway facility have also been a headache because of misleading marketing claims by service providers about their coverage. It remains a priority to find a cost effective solution.

Amateur Radio Victoria again acknowledges the generous donation of the D-STAR repeater modules by ICOM (Australia) and the technical support of the National D-STAR Instructor/Administrator Richard Hoskin VK3JFK.