GB3TW is on air.
GB3TW is back on the air and supports CTCSS.
As TW uses 2 metres with a 600khz separation one of the constant issues is interference from other services. TW has some very expensive filters that work hard to keep the signal clear but we welcome any signal reports - particularly on the edges of its coverage area.
GB3TW History
GB3TW was lucky that for many years it was on the old TV mast at Burnhope in County Durham. For many years the public service transmitter bosses saw amateur repeaters as a worthwhile “charity” that needed to be supported. Many senior engineers were also radio amateurs.
Unfortunately some years ago the transmitter masts were privatised and fell into the hands of companies like NTL. Engineers were replaced by accountants who wanted commercial rent from every transmitter. Quotes of £8,000+ were given to repeater keepers across the country and we, like many others, were forced to vacate our space.
Since then we have had TW at temporary sites. We are grateful to all the individuals who have made a special effort to keep the repeater running.
The current location is on a small mast in Gateshead that covers most of Tyne & Wear.