Update by David Wilson
As previously reported, RAYNET (the amateur radio volunteer group who support the police, ambulance service and fire brigade by providing a communication resource in times of emergency) have been working with Dallington Parish Council to establish a radio hub centred on Dallington.
This is a key part of resilience planning against the event of normal communication systems failing due to natural or man-made disasters . There is no cost to the Parish Council or those wishing to be part of the project. All materials and equipment are being provided by RAYNET. It is hoped other Parish Councils will become involved in due course.
Here’s an update on our progress so far.
Phase 1 The Dallington Project made a start on the 1st March 2026. Eastbourne and Wealden Raynet (EWR) erected a simple antenna outside the pavilion in the recreation ground. Our training officer Pat and her husband Dick operated a VHF transceiver from the pavilion and members drove round the county testing the reception coverage. It was an outstanding success!
Phase 2 As the radio reception was so good it was decided to proceed with the project to install antennas and radio repeating equipment in the pavilion. 24th April 2026 was a nice sunny warm day. Members gathered on the field having previously sourced the necessary equipment form RAYNET funds.
Photo 1 The first step was to erect the antennas and cabling. Here we see our intrepid members scaling the heights of the container.
The antenna in they are holding will be used eventually for the Public Mobile Radios (PMR) which any one could use.
Photo 2 The next stage was to solder the special cable end fittings. Here we see Tony (or G8WBI to his amateur radio friends) hard at work with his soldering iron.
The Radio equipment and battery has its own special container (because it has to be stand-alone equipment and not rely on the mains electricity).
Photo 3 The only problem was that the cabinet came in many pieces…..
A child is said to be able to assemble the cabinet, unfortunately we didn’t have any children to hand so two members had to have a go, they spent many a happy hour sorting it out until they found the instructions!
Photo 4 Here we see the members having a break before heaving the antenna into place (that is the long rod in the background)
Phase 3 11th May 2026 Not such a nice day. Four members gathered for the installation of the solar panels which will charge the battery stored in the cabinet.
Photo 5 The solar panels were placed horizontally on the top of the container using very strong magnets. Members were careful not to have their phones nearby in case the strong magnetic fields damaged their phone memories.
Once installed, the panels had to be connected to the battery, but this involved a special controller attached to the back of the cabinet along with a standby battery charger in case the panels are covered in snow and cannot charge the battery.
Photo 6 The small box is the solar panel controller and the bigger one is the battery charger.
Apparently, they can talk to each other by Bluetooth so if the battery cannot be charged by the solar panels the battery charger takes over. Pretty cool!
Photo 7 This shows the cabinet in the cupboard complete with battery and radio.
It was tested and found to be relaying messages across the county.
The next stage is to set up the radio so that it can be turned off and on remotely (so I don’t have to go up to the pavilion in the middle of the night!) And install another radio for packet radio (a way of sending emails by radio without the internet) – but more about that another day.
IN THE MEANTIME FOR FURTHER INFORMATION PLEASE CONTACT:
Pat 07746393788 Steve 07435221861 David 07773044719
It may be rainy today but tomorrow’s forecast is looking good for tomorrow’s Coronation Big Lunch Picnic at the Dallington Recreation Ground – Sunday 7th May – gates open from 12.30.
So please come along and enjoy the day!