F E E D - P O I N T
| February, 2008 | Vol. 18 No.2 |
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The most common refrain heard in February has been, "Where are we going to put the snow? There is no more room for it." I have seen bucket loaders cleaning out yards and dump trucks full of snow in Fort Kent. One person said that snowblowing resulted in snow falling back down into his driveway after bouncing off high piles. Fortunately our snowblower throws the snow way back on our long driveway. Our solar panels are mounted four feet above the ground. Twice I have had to shovel snow away from their base to make room for snow sliding off them. I wonder how everyone's antennas are holding up in the snow and ice. Looks like more ice coming in the next couple of days. |
I have contacted N1CHF about shortening the tail on 146.640. He has sent me detailed instructions. There is also an explanation of the voltage signals, which I will put on the third page. Gale Flagg 108 Franklin School Rd Fort Kent, Maine 04743 Phone: 207-834-6670 E-mail: galeflagg@sjv.net Next Meeting: Tues. March 11, UMFK, 6:00 PM Nadeau Hall Conf Room |
| Schedule of Coming Events | ||||||
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| Date | Event | Place | Contact | Sponsor | Time | Freq |
| SUN | Net | NB | VE1PIN | IRG | 2000 | 145.130 |
| MON | Net | Fort Kent | N1FG | SJVARA | 1900 | 146.64 |
| MON | Net | Presque Isle | WA1YNZ | AARA | 2000 | 146.73 |
| Page 2 | Feed-Point, February, 2008 |
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Start Time: 17:59 Members and guests present: N1FG, N1QMC, N1JHD, WB1FTK, KA1SJV, KA7VNR, N7GLR, W1TCP, N1EVO, KB1OWW. Secretary’s Minutes: Motion made to accept the minutes of the January meeting by WB1FTK and seconded by N7GLR. Accepted by members. Treasurer's Report:N1FRX
Treasurer's report read and motion made by N7GLR to accept treasurer's report, seconded by WB1FTK. Old Business: 1. Rocky Mt.: 12.47 at 12:22 Hrs February 10th. N1FG mentioned it’s on the low side due to lack of sunshine. 2. 146.640 Repeater: 12.75 volts at 12:22 Hrs February 10th. N1FG said this one is also on the low side due to lack of sunshine. Repeater status discussed; batteries charging well; repeaters in good shape and ready for Can-Am Crown Race. Question was asked about the Rocky Mountain repeater-was it not working well? So far, it's in fine condition. 3. Other: NONE New Business: 1. Repairs to Rocky Mountain Tower: Gale sent around copies of the email regarding repairs to the Rocky Mountain repeater site. These repairs are planned for this summer. Possibility of moving the repeater to the mountain in Saint Francis was discussed. The Saint Francis site would be easier to access to make any repairs that might be needed. Question asked regarding who is in charge of the towers at that the site. Carl said he would speak to John Voisine regarding this and also to Owen Pelletier. We need to know as much as possible about this area in order to decide whether it is a good site for the repeater or not. Carl also raised the question of a need for a new controller for 146.640 repeater to shorten the tail and get voltage of the moment. N1FG will contact N1CHF about this. |
2. Can-Am Races March 1-4 2008: Can-Am Race was discussed. Carl and June are going to check on the antenna at the ski tow--will the co-ax need to be replaced or is it all still in good working order? Gil checked it the day of the meeting and said it looks like the co-ax is coiled inside the pipe, everything is still there. The checkpoints will have Forestry radios as well as the Ham radios. Gale is lookiing for a diamond high gain 2-meter antenna for KB1EBE. June recommended using a J-pole antenna. Gale will ask KB1EBE if he can use the J-pole. If he needs one, Carl and June will make one for him. NET control for the race needs, and will have, many operators because of the need to use APRS to track key race personnel. KB1PCQ, Jonathon Hinson will be lookout for Maibec Camp. Gale has the list of Hams who will be volunteering for the race. Refreshments were shared. Carl and June put together the program for this meeting, (MFG Cub Kit) demonstrated it, and volunteered to present the program for the next meeting. 3. Other: None. Next Meeting: Tuesday, March 11, 6:00 PM, UMFK Nadeau Hall Alumni Conf Room Adjourned: Charles, N7GLR motioned to adjourn the meeting at 6:45, Sandra, N1QMC, seconded the motion. Meeting was adjourned at 7:00. Submitted by Sandra Daigle, N1QMC |
| Happy Birthday | |
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| New products: Waterproof Log Books. ASA log books are available through Amazon. Just type in Water Proof Log Books. There are two models. MFJ has several models of fiberglass telescoping masts. |
| Page 3 | Feed-Point, February, 2008 |
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" The repeater keeps track of 4 different battery voltages. The current voltage, the peak for the day, the low for the day, and whatever it was just before the transmitter came on. The peak is what you've been monitoring. If you check it at sunset, you'll know if your battery hit full charge for the day. Checking it in the morning, as you've been doing, is a waste of time. This is the only voltage that can be announced when the repeater first keys up. And I think that's how I left it. |
You need to send tones to check all of the other voltages. The only way to change this would be to program a new chip for you. I can do that, but I'd have to install it. I assume that you can't wait until summer for that. Why don't you just break down and buy a couple of more batteries and another panel. Then you wouldn't have to worry about voltages. You have $2700, why not put it to use? With enough power, you could also increase the output power from 30 watts to 40 just by turning a pot. Or more if you wanted to change radios. We only picked 1 panel and 2 batteries as a starting point. Obviously, you need more now. Just a suggestion." 73, Steve, N1CHF |
Heavy duty 40' galvanized steel tower, 16" X 16". Includes mounting hardware. Best Offer. N1FRX. Force 12 EF-510, 5 ele 10m Beam w/balun New in the box, never installed Retails at $470/$480 ... asking $350 Call Don, WB1FTK, at 543-6033 | Collected by Richard Lederer |
F E E D - P O I N T February, 2008
Published by the St. John Valley Amateur Radio Association
| and distributed free to members and friends of Amateur Radio.
| President: Gale Flagg N1FG
| Vice President: Gil Daigle, N1JHD
| Secretary: Sandra Daigle, N1QMC
| Treasurer: Charles Zafonte, N1FRX
| Public Information: Charles Ames, N7GLR
| Technical Advisor: Carl Pelletier, N1EVO
| Editor/Publisher/Printer
| Gale Flagg - N1FG / Stan Flagg 834-6670
| Associate Editor/Web Edition
| Charles Ames N7GLR
| Membership Information (Annual Dues):
| Regular Membership $ 12
| Associate Membership $ 6
| Articles may be submitted by anyone with a good idea, and may be re-printed
| only in their entirety and with credit going to this newsletter.
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