ON6URE visits TLS: SVXLink, Hotspot and Repeaters

On Friday, June 20th, UBA section TLS hosted Joeri Van Dooren, ON6URE — also known as “the RF GURU” — for an engaging and revealing evening on SVXLink and practical RF topics.

Joeri's talk started at 20:30 and ran until after 22h, followed by an open round of questions that continued deep into the night. His presentation focused on the SVXLink network — the backbone behind many interconnected repeaters across Flanders. He explained not just how it works, but why it's often misunderstood.

While most sysops keep technical details close to the chest, Joeri provided a clear and open look into SVXLink’s architecture. He explained how, by transmitting on a local repeater like the one in Gent, you can trigger multiple repeaters across the region. He also demonstrated how to connect remotely to the SVXLink network via personal hotspots — a powerful option for operators abroad.

The session wasn’t just theoretical. Joeri explained how to program your own SVXLink hotspot and discussed several hidden or underused features within the platform. His deep knowledge of Linux-based RF systems and his straightforward style made the content accessible for both newcomers and seasoned sysops.

After a short drink break, the session transitioned into a broad Q&A, covering everything from repeater configurations to the deeper layers of RX and TX antenna performance. Attendees raised questions about common-mode interference, matching techniques, and real-world antenna setups — all met with Joeri’s clear, critical, and experience-driven responses.

Joeri is well known for challenging commercial RF products that fall short of their claims, and for offering solid alternatives through his own designs. He took time to engage with every attendee who had questions, offering suggestions and insights specific to their stations and operating environments.

It was past midnight when Joeri finally headed home — after almost four hours of talking, teaching, and helping fellow amateurs explore the limits of their gear and knowledge.

If you want to dive into the topics discussed, visit https://shop.rf.guru and don’t miss the Q&A Knowledge Base: https://shop.rf.guru/pages/knowledge-base, where Joeri explains many misunderstood RF concepts in a no-nonsense way.