Griffins Hill Update April 2026

A big thanks to Stephen for helping Tony (ZR5CAT) to contact Eskom at the Griffins hill site

Thanks to Tony (ZR5CAT) for taking the time and petrol money to go to the site to assess the situation

Griffins Hill requires multiple layers on authentication to gain access. So it takes a bit longer to get things moving but we are working on smoothing out the process.

Below is a quote of the discussed points regarding Griffins hill:

There have been some great suggestions from MARC members regarding possible solutions and options as to what can be done to replace the repeater box/ cabinet or enclosure at Griffins Hill.
So to summarise here are some factors to take note of.

(1) The box is situated within a perimeter fenced off area but outdoors in open, subject to the elements. It is prone to rain, rats, mice and any human that accesses the site.

(2) A locking mechanism that is robust and tamper resistant is recommended. I have seen boxes that have a locking mechanism similar to what we see on vehicle wheel lock nuts that are recessed and require one to use the correct tool to open. This I saw used by Brian ZR5GCB (silent key) at his Weenen site.

(3) The box needs to have sufficient space to hold a repeater rack, power supply, back up battery, Wifi rooter and a few other items. (4) In addition it needs to have additional space for further expansion and projects such as a DMR repeater, APRS and so on. It has really been great seeing all the comments and interest shown. Makes me proud to be a part of MARC. Thank you all.

Good morning all, thinking through the possible options regarding the repeater box/enclosure at Griffins Hill, and the photo/images, the box/enclosure is not in too bad a shape.

The only major concern is rodents getting in and damaging equipment as can be seen from the droppings.

One recommendation I received from Stephen Swanepoel and the Eskom technician I met at Griffins Hill yesterday, was to construct a lockable cage around the existing box.

Just floating the idea.

However that does not solve the rodent issue.

Looking forwards to suggestions and recommendations from all who have some ideas to guide the executive with a final decision.

One advantage of a cage is that we will not have to deconstruct the power supply , antenna cable and so on. Best Regards Tony ZR5CAT QTH Estcourt.