Cascade RF Network - what is it and why?
Essex RAYNET has built and designed a resilient RF Cascade Network, for use during deployments and training, which take place throughout the year, across Essex.
Currently the network consists of 6 VHF-UHF Crossband Repeaters, which are strategically located at key sites across Essex, to provide good coverage from either a Vehicle Mobile,
Handheld (local to Crossband site) and QTH/Council Installation.
We also have a Icom RF-LTE Bi-Directional Crosslink, via our Southend Repeater – for extra capabilities and resilience.
All of our High Power Crossband Repeaters are fully licensed and have undergone MOD + ETCC/RSGB Vetting & Clearance.
Network Map as of September 2025
MB9ADY - RF Icom LTE Crosslink
Originally built by G8PYD Graham & G1SNU Derek (both now SK), a Icom IC-2800 Mobile Radio was used with this custom built Repeater Cupboard.
Internal equipment featured a Charging Circuit, Relays, Manual Override & GSM Switching via SMS.
In 2023, the original Diamond X30 Antenna was replaced with a Diamond X50 to help boost performance.
However, after some 20 years of service, the original Radio Equipment was retired and upgraded in 2025 by the Engineering Team.
This saw a bespoke Icom IP501M LTE Mobile & IC-F6130D LTE Crosslink be installed. The RF Radio is connected to a Diamond X50 Antenna.
The Crosslink is powered by a Sterling 45Ah Battery, which is maintained by a Victron Energy Battery Charger, with GSM Switching via SMS.
The Crosslink is linked via RF to our Southend Repeater, MB9HAQ using UHF Radio - enabling bi-directional communications.
MB9HAQ - Southend Crossband Repeater
Originally built by G8PYD Graham & G1SNU Derek (both now SK), a Icom IC-2800 Mobile Radio was used with this custom built Repeater Cupboard.
Internal equipment featured a Charging Circuit, Relays, Manual Over-Ride & GSM Switching via SMS.
However, after some 20 years of service, the original Radio Equipment was retired and upgraded in 2024 by the Engineering Team.
This saw a bespoke Icom X-11 Crossband Repeater, which was connected to a Diamond X50 Antenna and was powered by 2x 35Ah FullRiver AGM Batteries.
In 2025, the original Diamond X50 Antenna was replaced and spaced further apart from MB7USE, APRS Digipeater, which is on the same building - to help with prevent any de-sense.
Coverage is provided for the Southend and wider South Essex Area, such as Tilbury - Benfleet - Wickford - Basildon and between Southend-Chelmsford.
MB9HAR - Halstead Crossband Repeater
Equipment donated and hosted by member M0NAS Neil - Built using a Icom IC-F110s/210s X-11 Crossband Repeater.
This setup is connected to a Diamond X300 Antenna and is powered by 1x Leisure Batteries with Trickle Charging System & GSM Control via SMS.
Coverage is provided for the Halstead and North Essex Area between Halstead - Braintree.
MB9HAS - Maldon Crossband Repeater
Site Build currently in progress - awaiting replacement of Antennas + Coax.
Built using either a Kenwood TM-V71E Crossband Radio or Simoco SRM-9000 Crossband Repeater.
This setup will be connected to a Diamond X50 Antenna and is powered by 1x 100Ah Leisure Batteries with Victron Energy Battery Charging System & GSM Control via SMS.
Coverage is provided for the Maldon & Dengie Area, with additional coverage between Maldon - Chelmsford - Witham.
MB9HAT - Chelmsford Crossband Repeater
Equipment donated by 2E0XTA Jason - Built using a Motorola GM340 VHF + GM360 UHF Mobile Radios.
This setup is connected to a Diamond X50 Antenna and is powered by 30A 12v Linear Power Supply, with Generator Backup & GSM Control via SMS.
Coverage is provided for the Chelmsford and Central Essex Area between Chelmsford - Stansted - Dunmow.
MB9HAU - Colchester Crossband Repeater
Equipment donated by 2E0XTA Jason - Built by G0MBA Tony using a Icom IC-2730E Mobile Radio.
Site & Case Build are with thanks to G0MBA Tony of the Martello Tower Group, who very kindly hosts this Crossband Repeater for Essex RAYNET.
This setup is connected to a Diamond X300 Antenna and is powered by 12V Meanwell Power Supply & GSM Control via SMS.
Coverage is provided for the Colchester and North Essex Area.
MB9HAV - Clacton Crossband Repeater
Equipment donated and hosted by member 2E0XTA Jason - Built using a 2x Simoco SRM-9000 Mobile Radios, setup as a Crossband Repeater.
This setup is connected to a Diamond X50 Antenna and is powered by 1x Hankook 65Ah Leisure Batteries with Trickle Charging System & GSM Control via SMS.
Coverage is provided to the Tendring and North Essex Area.
