Saturday, April 20th @ 11 am the following club members arrived at our new location up on Oxbow road in Canastota for the installation of the Repeater and Antenna: W2ZXN, WB2RLL, KC2FEV, KA2JFU, KR2HWK, and KR2ECP that is Andy, Bruce, JJ, Dick, Marc, and Josiah respectively.  No rain was falling, but the clouds were set and the sun was hidden as the group started to unload and start the process of putting everything together. 2 geese decided to fly by and see what was going on at the initial start of the unloading. The view was beautiful with some of the Fenner Wind Turbines in the background.

It took about 10 minutes to unload and get everything into the garage and around back before the process of putting everything together could begin.  By 11:30 the antenna was on the ground and assembled into what was going to be stationed against the chimney. Three members of the group walked the mast up against the chimney and in place beside the current owner’s FM antenna.  It was around noon when the minor adjustments were all done. Resecuring the antenna to the top of the mast as it wasn’t tightened enough before going up and stand needed to be a little to better secure the mast to the chimney.

It was near to One o’clock when the repeater cables were ready to be attached to the Duplexer and antenna cable to the Repeater.  At this point, testing began and at first, all seemed to be working fine, until it was noticed that the high and low pass cables were swapped.  This was remedied and testing continued on the drive home after 2 pm. So far there are some good signal reports while there are some others with not as good a report.  Testing will continue to see what better signal footprint can be attained.

The help from all hands that were available that day was greatly appreciated.  It was a fun time and flies on the roof didn’t affect things too much, although it was a nuisance to JJ who became the default safety person and dedicated roof climber.  The equipment went up without too much of a hitch, but there are always little issues. During the testing phase, some adjustments will be made and hopefully, these will improve the use of the repeater.

Here is a little gallery of what happened that day:

April 24th

630 pm – 830 pm

Advanced Sky Warn Class
Oneida
Oneida County Department of Public Works
5999 Judd Rd, Oriskany, NY 13424

see: https://goo.gl/maps/u2WPD7wbQWG2 for a map.
To register go to this web address:

https://goo.gl/forms/5fR0N7y66e9xvGsY2

It’s not too late to join in and celebrate World Amateur Radio Day 2019. HF, VHF, UHF, Microwave and all parts of the spectrum are a great place to show your support of Amateur Radio. The ARRL has a notice about it so take the time to boost, support and advocate on and off the air our Hobby and World Amateur Radio Day.

Here’s the ARRL article for your perusal.

-73
CNYARA

Everyone needs a portable / emergency and durable antenna for Field Day or any situation. While doing some research I came across some information that might be of assistance to others. So if you have the time to work out the information and want a new project then take a look at the link below.

-73 CNYARA

2m-70cm Durable Antenna Link