The diagram above shows the concept. The sites VK6RCT, Northam, VK6RMS and VK6RBN
require the addition of a single transceiver that listens and transmits on VK6RUF's user frequency.
No additional equipment is required at VK6RUF. When Cataby is being used by an amateur in its
area, the "off air" link transceiver transmits the signal to Perth, where it is re-transmitted
by VK6RUF. VK6RUF does not know it is a transmission from VK6RCT, it does not need to know,
the signal is just a user signal. Any repeater site that can access VK6RUF can be linked by this means.

The other repeaters such as VK6RMS, VK6RBN and Northam, receive VK6RUF "off air" and re-transmit
it. In the example we are following, the signal is in fact VK6RCT Cataby. All repeaters hear and re-
transmit the same signal. All repeaters are linked and all can talk and receive each other, via VK6RUF.

The exception is VK6RAW. This repeater is out of range of VK6RUF so it has to link via VK6RAW.
VK6RAW once "off air" linked into VK6RMS also becomes part of the RUF network.

The UHF path to VK6RBN Busselton is a long one, some 200 kilometers, but it can be bridged on UHF.
The path would not be 100%, but usable most of the time.

All that is required, apart from the legalities of the system, is to put it together. A lot of basic work has
already been done. The design is completed, now comes the hardware building. The Cataby replacement
repeater is close to being finished, along with the replacement link for VK6RMS Mt. Saddleback. This
is step one. Once this equipment is returned to service the link for Cataby can be built and installed.
With VK6RAW Katanning already linked we would then have Cataby, Perth, Mt.Saddleback and Katanning
all linked, covering a vast area from North of Cataby to South of Katanning. Next would be the link
equipment for Busselton, followed by the propossed Northam repeater.

This link can happen, but trials of linking VK6RUF to VK6RMS shows it is not always easy. Any problems with
one repeater reflects all down the line. And it can be difficult to sort out just which repeater has the problem.

Any or all of the repeaters in the RUF Link can be isolated from the link by DTMF. This could be user
configerable. The way the RUF link operates can be decided after a trial. The system could allow
local users of any given repeater to have priority over link traffic, and this local traffic not linked.

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