K1JAY on Jay Peak, VT

Our repeaters on Jay Peak, Vermont, have been modified and updated with new controller cards; the station layout has been updated.

MicroComputer Concepts RC-1000 Controller Cards reside in a single chassis along with a UHF Uplink Receiver, and those items are wired via a shielded harness to the Kenwood 720 (VHF) and 820 (UHF) repeaters. Power for the Controller Cards and Uplink Receiver is furnished by 2 each 13.2 volt supplies which are diode isolated from each other. If we used only one power supply, common to both Controller Cards, and that supply were to fail, both repeaters would go off line. By using two diode isolated supplies in operation, should one fail, the other should still provide power.

1/4 -20 machine screws and associated hardware were installed in the 2 machines and in the Controller Cards box, for connecting the ground braids which tie back to the radio room ground bus.

Our shorter 4 folded dipole VHF antenna with the UHF stick on top, resides on the topmost roof of the Sky Haus! The mast, elements and harness of this current, 2 over 2, VHF antenna were salvaged from the old, 20 foot high, stacked 4 element mast. To achieve proper element phasing using the salvaged mast and elements, the harness had to be folded back on itself as shown in the photo. One can see that the coax bends are about as tight as is safely possible, but that precludes storing the harness inside the mast. Nine large stainless-steel hose clamps secure the harness to the outside of the mast. Rime ice will have an opportunity to damage this harness, presenting the possibility of disconnecting the VHF transmitter from its' load, leading to possible transmitter damage. For this VHF antenna configuration we should use a 5 inch minimum diameter mast. Our current rooftop antenna base would accommodate such a mast.

During the upcoming winter we hope to mount a Club Project to construct 2 new VHF antenna harnesses, one to replace the current in-use harness, and the other for a spare. The present, in use harness has been abused by weather and UV for several years. Antennas have to take much abuse on Jay Peak.

We have a spare VHF repeater "on the shelf" but need a spare UHF machine. The Repeater Committee goal is to have an operational spare available for each Jay Peak major component.

KB1JME, David, is now responsible for site maintenance while KD1BL, Brad, will be available for bench work, but not for trips to the mountain.