Repeater Visit May 4, 2011

The goal for this trip to the repeater was to swap out the batteries, bringing down the set that was discharged and installing some temporary replacements. On the trip were: Greg Filliger, N7RIA, Susan Filliger, KF7IRS, Mary Jo Mosby, KB7NJE, and Dale Mosby, K7FW. This was a great day for the trip as there was a cloud free blue sky, very little wind, and very nice temperature for this time of year.

A useful test we performed on this trip was to measure the transmit and standby current required by the repeater. We found that transmit requires 4.7 amps and standby is 350 millamps.

We also measured the panel voltage in sun as: 19.66, 20.65, 19.59, and 20.68. Considering that we have two panels facing south and two facing west the numbers seem reasonable.

Despite bright sun the charge controller indicated no current flowing into the batteries. Greg and I think that the charge voltage may be set a little low. I checked a couple cells and found that the gravity was quite low, however at least floating the indicator this time.

While I was concentrating on the difficult task of planning the work ahead Greg ran up to the repeater shack with the replacement batteries.

Greg checks the fuses for each panel. All were OK.

Dale (left) and Greg (right) ready to close up the repeater building.

A few photos to demonstrate why I enjoy coming up here -- especially on such a beautiful day.







Back to main repeater page.