Broadcast - 8 August 2021
Guess what folks? We actually have a new item of news this week and yeah I am excited. It does get a bit monotonous each week rehashing the same news and I’m sure it’s equally monotonous listening to it. So without further ado I will hand over to Peter VK7PD to provide you with a report on the works carried out on Mt Arthur on Thursday August 5th.
“Tony VK7YBG, NTARC Repeater Officer, took advantage of the forecast fine weather and organised a small party, consisting of himself plus Andrè VK7ZAB and Peter VK7PD.
The main objective was to repair the VK7RAA, 2 metre repeater that had been producing a very weak transmit signal for several days. However, there were some other functions that required investigation. Tony made a checklist that included the following:
• Lack of functionality from the D-star repeater
• Check performance of VK7RJG analogue UHF repeater
• Check the UHF CB repeater under NTARC’s care
• Removal of the Raspberry Pi from the 6 metre repeater for repair/reprogramming
• Check lightning arrester for strike records
• Check batteries, and wiring etc for hot spots
The party went equipped with a spare 2 metre repeater and a spare 2 metre antenna and mounting accessories along with an RF power meter.
First off, transmit power was checked from the 2 metre repeater; it measured zero, so the first major task was to remove it from the rack for off-site repair then fit and configure the replacement. This was not put to air before an SWR check was made to the antenna system which proved excellent.
Next the D-star repeater was checked and found to have a defective final stage. This is the second time it has occurred and Tony intends to investigate the possibility of it having been locked in transmit mode for long periods undetected. There was no spare D-star repeater to hand so the faulty one had to be carried off the mountain for repair and re-installation in the near future.
All the other functions on the above checklist proved satisfactory. There had been no more lightning strikes recorded since the previous visit. The batteries were fully charged.
While at the site it was observed that the old lead-acid batteries left leaning against the shed had overfilled with rain water and spilled electrolyte onto the wall producing holes from resultant corrosion.
The spare antenna and hardware were left at the site along with some basic test equipment. No precipitation occurred while we were there but the area was enveloped in mist propelled by an icy wind. Condensation dripped from the antennas and guy wires. By early afternoon the temperature had dropped so it was a relief to make our way carefully down the mountain carrying the two repeaters and 6 metre link ‘Pi’ destined for repair.
Thanks are due to the several amateurs across the north who assisted with tests and reports.
73, Peter, VK7PD”
On behalf of the NTARC Committee and those who utilise this repeater we say thank you to Tony, Peter and André for your good work in getting NTARC’s premier repeater back in service. Climbing Mt Arthur is not an easy stroll and all the more so when loaded up with equipment and with chilly conditions prevailing. Your efforts are greatly appreciated.
Before I head into upcoming events I have received a message from Nic VK7WW advising that there will not be a Slow CW course on Wednesday 11th August due to a commitment on the day. Nic isn’t sure that he would be back in time to hold the course. I understand that last Wednesday 4th August he suggested to everyone that they listen to the continuous cycle of Morse practice from VK2WI on 3699. They run 35 w into a dipole at 10m high….so a good indicator of propagation.
Speeds are 5, 8, 10, 12 and 15 words per minute
Text of the latest CW transmission is available at the address on the email edition of this broadcast. https://arnsw.or.au/html/dural_facs.html
Thanks Nic for that update. We will note you in “coming events” as reappearing on Wednesday 18th August.
UPCOMING EVENTS
TECH NIGHT – Wednesday 11th August at the NTARC Club rooms, 19:30 hours until whenever. Special event on the night will be an introduction to and demonstrations on how to use the VKCL program to log the RD Contest; the RD Contest Rules and future field days. Your presenter on the night will be Peter VK7PD, one not to be missed.
August General meeting – Saturday 14th. Meeting will commence at 14:00 hours (2.00pm). The meeting will be followed by afternoon tea so donations of cakes, slices etc would be appreciated.
FUTURE EVENTS
SLOW MORSE COURSE – Wednesday 18th August. Your host and teacher is Nic VK7WW. Frequencies and times are the same as were used by Nic for the previous TestNet and TechNet. And if you have forgotten what they were, here they are, 1900 hrs to 1930 hrs on 3.580 MHz and then at 1930hours through to about 2030 on 3.567MHz.
So why not tune in and give it a try. For those who may want some extra help, this website is reported as being very good. www.morsecodeclassnet.com
Equine event – Saturday 28th August, North East Equine Endurance Club, Jolly Lette Memorial ride, Santarena Park, Scottsdale. Plenty of warning to help out on this ride. NTARC will be providing support for 80, 40 and 20 rides. As further information comes to hand I will update this news entry with further details.
COFFEE MORNINGS – currently held every Friday in the NTARC Club rooms. Catch up time is from 10.00 am to noon and we look forward to seeing you all.
These coffee events represent a good opportunity to collect your QSL cards. We currently have cards awaiting collection, so why not pop in and check the QSL box and join us for a cuppa and chat.
FINALLY – A reminder to all members that if you have any items of news you would like added to our weekly roundup, no matter how trivial, then please email me at the following address news@ntarc.net all items to be received no later than 17:00 on the Friday prior to the Broadcast.
Your continued cooperation in this regard will be greatly appreciated.
We will bring you all such contributions next Sunday morning.
73, Yvonne VK7FYMX, Secretary NTARC Inc
