KAGE Repeater Site Maintenance and Changelog
04/12/2011
Erik, WB0NIU, and Lance, KB0YJU, visited the site.
Our main goal was to address the open squelch on the 444.225 repeater, which had just happened a couple days ago. We found the control slightly CCW of the 1995 mark. We rotated the control end to end a few times, then adjusted it. We found that the marked position was still a good spot, and left it there. N0OWU and N0JP used it for some time and it worked correctly.
We have been noticing all winter that sometimes just after the 64 squelch closes, it bounces open a few times, as if there is a weak signal trying to get in. We cycled the squelch control end to end and found that the squelch would not open in any position. We cycled it a few more times, with no change. So we left the control where we found it. This needs further investigation.
We pulled the plug on the rack and checked the batteries: with neither repeater transmitting, the batteries were 6.54 and 6.44v. With the 64 repeater transmitting, they were 6.50 and 6.40v. We then plugged the power back in and a few minutes later they were at 6.91 and 6.94v, and climbing. So, the batteries appear to be in good shape. The tape covering the terminals was coming loose, so we applied some new duct tape over the top.
The equipment was relatively clean, although we knocked the cobwebs out. No evidence of mice.
We investigated how to install APRS telemetry. There is space on a shelf next to the IOTA power supply. Lance suggested putting the radio and Tiny Tracker 4 in another small dust-proof box. It can be powered either with banana jacks in the back of the 64 repeater, or a tap off of Molex Ares connectors. We currently have an unused 220Mhz beam, intended for the remote receiver, on a short mast outside of the building. The feedline is coiled up on the floor. We feel that antenna should work just fine to get to the APRS node.
05/19/2008
Jim N9MFI and I made a trip to the KAGE site Monday afternoon with Gary De Jarlais of La Crescent Erection to look at the tower climbing part of the project. Gary was very helpful.
He suggested that we check heliax condition before changing it out. If we want to upgrade for the sake of upgrade, that's one thing. But if we are concerned about aging or condition, he suggested we first check the feed line/antenna system with a RF wattmeter (power in/power out) or he could test the feed line and antenna separately with an Aritsu Cable & Antenna Analyzer ($70 fee to come back for the Aritsu test). He said that heliax should have an almost indefinite life unless water got into it or it was physically damaged.
He assessed the heliax length and came up with a figure a little longer than Jim and I had estimated--195 to 200 feet total length. I will update the spreadsheet. With copper prices jumping so much, Gay warned us about keeping close track of cost estimates for the project.
He made let us know about some other cost items--hoisting grip, feedline grounding kits, feedline ties, etc., and he made some recommendations. He told us where we can buy these direct if we wish.
He also made some suggestions about commercial grade antennas and gave me a Hutton catalog with commercial equipment. I haven't had an opportunity to examine it yet.
He examined the antenna mount with binoculars. It looked OK, but at that distance, it is hard to tell. His experience is that commercial mounts are generally plated steel and hold up quite well. Maybe this is an area where we send "one of our own" up the tower to examine the antenna mount and stabilizer early in the project.
Finally, on the tower work itself (remove old feedline, antenna, miscellaneous related items & install new feedline, antenna, grounding kits, ties) he quoted a price considerably less than the original $1,000 estimate provided we would handle the ground crew support--tag lines, etc. He would train the ground crew regarding good practices as necessary. He estimated one day of time and indicated that his price would be fixed--any additional time within the discussed scope of the project would be absorbed by him.
Jim and I agreed that we should explore the possibility of testing the feedline--or feedline and antenna--early on to see if its condition warrants replacement of the feedline or are we changing it for the upgrade only.
04/04/2008
Jim N9MFI and Len KC0RSX went to the site to collect details regarding the equipment at the site as part of the KAGE site club equipment upgrade. Jim took a number of photos of the rack and installed equipment. We will attempt to upload some of the better pictures to the club Photo Gallery. The details of equipment ID are in the upgrade project proposal and cost estimate spreadsheet.
Equipment seemed to be operating well--no issues observed.
