This repeater is funded by the owner and by voluntary user contribution. User contribution is vital to ensure the future of the system.
Repeater Status as of March 2012: Reduced coverage
Recent Expenses |
Source of Funds |
||
| Amplifier Repair* | March, 2012 | $114.67 | N1BUG |
| Power Supply Purchase | March, 2012 | $359.98 | N1BUG |
| Tower Maintenance | March, 2012 | $25.16 | N1BUG |
| Heliax Connector | March, 2012 | $24.34 | N1BUG |
| Heliax Connectors | March, 2012 | $58.90 | N1BUG |
| Cable Ties | April 2, 2012 | $11.54 | N1BUG |
| Heliax Connectors | April 7, 2012 | $48.95 | N1BUG |
| Heliax Connector | April 28, 2012 | $70.00 | PARC |
| Spare Parts - Transmitter | May 17, 2012 | $68.70 | PARC |
| Total | $781.24 | ||
Needed Repairs |
|||
| Antenna Replacement | $500 - $2000* | ||
| Tower Guying | Aproximately $1000# | ||
| Battery Replacement | $200 | ||
| Improve Lightning Protection | $300-$600@ | ||
| Funds Available | $61.30 | PARC | |
| Defecit | $2000-$3800 | ||
* The amplifier is not yet in service due to limitations imposed by the present antenna configuration.
*
Since the antenna failure in 2008 the repeater has been running on a single half wave dipole. This is a zero gain antenna approximately equivalent to a mobile antenna. As a result coverage has been significantly reduced.
There are several options for recovery, ranging from a very minimal upgrade to installing something equivalent to the failed antenna. That is why I have a cost range indicated rather than a fixed amount. Obviously the better the antenna installed, the better the system coverage. Commercial repeater antennas capable of surviving in the repeater environment are very expensive.
Tests will soon be underway to evaluate tradeoffs between antenna size and cost.
#
The tower is not guyed according to good engineering standard. We took the fast road to improving coverage, saving money on the installation with the intent to upgrade it later. At the time there was little risk of damage to anything but our repeater if disaster were to strike.
Unfortunately, expenses never cease and situations change. The tower guying has never been upgraded to proper standards because there is always a critical expense to keep the system running and not enough funds to cover everything. If the tower were to fall today it would very likely take its new neighbor with it.
@
We suffered a lightning strike in 2001. The resulting damage caused months of down time and great expense getting back on the air. Subsequently, we have made strides toward protecting the system from future lighting damage. Unfortunately the current system leaves a major risk. The tower ground is inadequate and separate from the electrical ground, providing a surge current path through the repeater equipment in the event of a strike. Even a near miss would very likely result in significant damage.
A perfect lightning protection system is beyond reason. However, improving the existing tower ground and modifying the electrical wiring to eliminate the surge current path through the equipment would offer significantly greater protection than we have now. It is entirely reasonable to upgrade to a system that would prevent damage from any near miss or even a small direct strike on the antenna.
Future support options are being considered. Meanwhile every little bit helps. If the repeater is of importance to you, please consider making a donation. The button below makes it easy to donate through PayPal.
Please make checks payable to Paul Kelley and mail to:
Paul Kelley
293 Elm Street
Milo, ME 04463
Thank you Piscataquis Amateur Radio Club and numerous individuals for your past support.
Last update May 17, 2012