Jack received permission to display this photo of the repeater site on Elephant Head.
Enjoy the view!
Looking somewhat like a hawk sitting quietly atop a tall pole surveying the ground below eager looking for his next meal, Terry Tompkins rests diligently atop the tower at Elephant Head eagerly securing GVARC's new 2 meter antenna to the tower.
It took about 4 hours for the 6 man ground crew to complete the task of reinstalling the repeater in the shack, repairing the coax and reinstalling a new connector then re routing the coax feed line back up the tower and securing it in place.
All in all it was a warm day with no wind.
The only company we had in the area was the Border patrol who was perched down on the "hair pin turn" electronically looking for illegal traffic.
Special thanks to the crew, Terry Tompkins AD7EL, Gene Schouweiler W0KAD, Roger Johnson K5IP, Ron Phillips AA7RP, and Rudy Sweisfurth N3EBG.
Jack McGowan
AD7NK
President GVARC
Since yesterdays 29 repeater problems, there has been an update on repairs.
The group at Wednesday's breakfast this AM decided it would be a good idea to authorize the vice president Ron AA7RP $350 to order up a new
antenna and required parts to repair the 29 machine.
We checked with the outgoing treasurer and was assured there was money in the repeater fund to cover the repair expenses.
Anyone up for a field trip to physically see what's "up there" and understand why it's a trip?
Hopefully, this test of the group email works. If you have problems let me know.
Jack
AD7NK
Well I guess not everything survived the windy days we have had over the last couple of weeks.
The 29 repeater antenna had stood tall and proud in its service to the GVARC for many a year.
The weather has finally taken it's toll on it.
The pictures show where it wasn’t the antenna that gave up it was the tower itself.
The pieces are at Gene's house W0KAD to inspect closer and make a decision on what is needed to repair the system.
The system was still partially functioning, transmitting out from the end of the shredded coax that was left hanging in mid air from the tower.
The repeater itself has also been brought down to be checked out and "tuned".
Ron Phillips AA7RP has been researching (shopping) the I-Net for the best buy on replacement parts. At this time we do not have a set date for the 29 to be back in service. We need to assess the cause and inspect the tower for other weak points it may have.
I have received several emails. One was to inform everyone the Ice Cream Net would be held on the 27 repeater and the Oatmeal net will be held there also. Several others were asking about what the cost would be and wanted to help offset it. The yearly membership dues is coming up soon and it has an area to donate to the repeater fund. At this time it would be the best place to donate since our next meeting is not till Jan 13 2010. All donations received will be greatly appreciated and definitely put to good use...
Jack
AD7NK
As you may know, we have been experiencing problems with the 145.29 repeater.
Today Gene, WØKAD, and Ron, AA7RP, went up to the site to check things out.
They found that the top 18 inches or so of the tower the antenna was mounted on had come down, taking the antenna with it.
There is extensive damage and the 145.29 repeater will be down for a few weeks.
Since repairs will be somewhat costly, please consider a special donation to the repeater fund. If you have not yet sent in your membership renewal, please add a donation for the repeater fund to that if you can.
Thanking you in advance...
Have a great week and a merry Christmas,
Ron Gross, AD7FV
for Jack McGowan, AD7NK