9M8ZAL
Date: 15th May 2025
Great news for the amateur radio community operating in the Kuching area! We are thrilled to announce a significant expansion of our local LoRa APRS network with the successful deployment of three new iGate/Digipeater nodes.
These new stations, operating under the callsign 9W4GTS, are strategically located to improve coverage and enhance the reliability of LoRa APRS communication in key areas around the 6th, 7th, and 8th Mile vicinities. The addition of these nodes is a vital step in building a robust and resilient digital communication layer for tracking, messaging, and data transmission within our local amateur radio network.
The newly deployed nodes are:
- 9W4GTS-2:
- Location: Deployed near Institut Memandu MKM, 7th Mile.
- Coverage: Primarily serves the Institut Memandu MKM area and its surrounding districts, filling a crucial gap in coverage along this busy stretch.
- 9W4GTS-3:
- Location: Situated in the vicinity of Kem Penrissen, 8th Mile.
- Coverage: Extends reliable LoRa APRS coverage to Kem Penrissen and the broader 8th Mile area, an important residential and institutional zone.
- 9W4GTS-4:
- Location: Positioned to cover the area around Farley Mall, 6th Mile.
- Coverage: Provides enhanced coverage for the bustling Farley Mall commercial district and the surrounding residential neighborhoods at the 6th Mile.
These nodes function as both iGates, forwarding received LoRa APRS packets to the internet-based APRS-IS, and as Digipeaters, relaying packets locally between stations that might not have direct line-of-sight. This dual functionality maximizes their contribution to the network.
We extend our sincere gratitude to 9W8AKN for his invaluable contribution, dedication, and effort in the setup and deployment of these three new stations. His initiative has significantly boosted the coverage footprint in this area and serves as a fantastic example of community contribution.
The growth of our LoRa APRS network relies heavily on the collective efforts of licensed amateur radio operators. Every new node added strengthens the network, improves coverage, and provides redundancy, making the system more reliable for everyone, especially during potential communication emergencies.
We strongly encourage other stations in the Kuching area and beyond to consider setting up their own LoRa APRS nodes. Whether it’s a simple receive-only iGate or a full iGate/Digipeater, your contribution helps build a stronger, more comprehensive network for the benefit of the entire amateur radio community. It’s a rewarding project that expands your technical knowledge and directly contributes to local digital infrastructure.
Let’s continue to build and expand this valuable resource together!
73,
The Team at KV50s.my
