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DATE
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SITE
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PERSON/S
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ACTION
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14 December 2009
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Lady's Slipper
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ZS2AAW
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? (Can't remember what I did!)
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19 November 2009
|
Governorskop
|
ZS2AAW
|
General RF Checks
Cradock UHF Link:
PIC Board & New DTMF card
TX Frequency 1kHz low, set to 0
TX dev 110mV OK
TX Power 2W - OK
VSWR 1.3:1 - OK
RX Dev 1.1V - OK
RX Frequency -72mV, cannot nett, no cap to
remove. Gives frequency 4kHz low - REPLACE
CRYSTAL
RX sensitivity 1uV tight - OK
Mt Kempt UHF Link:
New DTMF card
TX VSWR 1.2:1 - OK
TX Power 1.5W - OK
RX Frequency -300Hz - OK
TX dev 113mV - OK
RX Dev 1.18V (bad pot) set to 1.14V - OK
RX Frequency -13mV, netted OK
RX sensitivity 1uV tight - OK
Slipper UHF Link:
Old DTMF card
TX VSWR 1.3:1 - OK
TX Power 2W - OK
TX frequency -1kHz, set to 0
TX dev only 3kHz, set to 3.5kHz - OK
RX dev 1.17V - OK
RX Frequency -2mV - OK
RX sensitivity 1uV tight - OK
VHF Repeater:
TX Frequency -300Hz, set to 0
TX Dev 115mV, set to 110mV
TX Power was 1W!, set to 12W (suspect pot) - OK
VSWR 2:1 into co-linear - BAD
RX dev 1.28V, set to 1.15V - OK
RX Frequency +17mV (1kHz low) set to 0 - OK
RX Sensitivity 0.6uV through duplexer & xtal
filter - OK
First TX filter 11W out
Duplexer TX 4W out into antenna
VHF Packet:
TX Frequency -200Hz, set to 0
TX Power 10W - OK, 4W after filter
TX dev 103mV - OK
VSWR
RX dev 1.16V - OK
RX frequency -10mV, set to 0
RX sensitivity (thru filters) 1uV with pot half way
UHF Packet:
TX Power 2W - OK
TX Frequency -1kHz - set to 0
TX Dev 97mV, set to 110mV - OK
TX VSWR 1.1:1 - OK
RX Dev 1.115V - OK
RX Frequency 6mV - OK
RX Sensitivity 0.7uV tight - OK
Battery electrolyte levels - half
way - OK
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|
18 November 2009
|
Mount Shepstone
|
ZS2GV, ZS2JM, ZS2AAW
|
Complete site installation (in the rain)
UHF Link
Storno UHF Link (ex Bedford)
+ antenna towards Cradock
VHF Repeater (new)
Storno VHF repeater (ex Slipper)
+ antennas x2
VHF TX
Cavity filter
VHF repeater comms
provided for Queenstown for the first time
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|
17 November 2009
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Mount Rd
|
ZS2GV, ZS2AAW
|
Remove old site equipment at tank room:
Storno VHF Repeater
Storno UHF Link
Internal Mains PSU
1x TX Cavity filter
internal RX Crystal filter
UHF Link 3el Yagi
VHF TX Folded Dipole
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|
5 July 2009
|
Longmore
|
ZS2AAW, ZS2GV
|
Digi
installation
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3 July 2009
|
Uitenhage
|
ZS2AAW
|
Wifi
& Digi installation
|
|
2 July 2009
|
Lady's Slipper
|
ZS2AAW
|
Mains failure investigation
|
|
26 June 2009
|
Lady's Slipper
|
ZS2AAW
|
?
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|
15 April 2009
|
Longmore
|
ZS2AAW, ZS2GV
|
?
|
|
7 April 2009
|
Lady's Slipper
|
ZS2AAW
|
Replace repeater after repairs
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|
6 April 2009
|
Lady's Slipper
|
ZS2AAW
|
Repeater fuse failure (TX off air)
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|
1 March 2009
|
Lady's Slipper
|
ZS2AAW
|
?
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|
21 February 2009
|
Lady's Slipper
|
ZS2AAW
|
Site re-installation
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|
20 February 2009
|
Lady's Slipper
|
ZS2AAW
|
Site re-installation
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19 February 2009
|
Lady's Slipper
|
ZS2AAW
|
Site re-installation
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|
2009
|
|
10 December 2008
|
Danabaai
|
ZS2AAW, ZS1PC
|
VHF Repeater:
TX PA has burnt final transistor
Replaced PA board with spare
TX power 20W - OK
TX Frequency set to 0
TX audio levels OK @ 110mV for 3.5kHz dev
RX Offset set to 0
RX audio levels checked OK
Eskom control card fitted
TX seems a little prone to be spurious
UHF Link:
RX Frequency - adjusted to 0
RX Audio levels OK
RX Squelch 0.5uV
TX Power 2W
TX Frequency spurious - no centre frequency!
LINK REMOVED for repair
13 December:
Link repairs done in CT
Spare unit ex Buffelsnek F54064
Re-connected oven wires on SU602's
All adjustments done, used TX osc ex original unit
to get on frequency
Swapped control cards - DTMF unit needed
Reset tone reply time & beep osc to default
Install IC socket to disable auto-disconnect (by removing CD4040 chip)
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|
10 December 2008
|
Buffelsnek
|
ZS2AAW
|
Site maintenance
DC Supply u/s - Eskom batteries open cct?
Add another temporary bank in parallel, after permission from Bart Saayman
434.825MHz UHF Link:
TX -1.5kHz, set to 0
VSWR 3:1 - BAD
RX discr -8mV, set to 0
Audio levels all OK
438.775MHZ UHF Link:
TX -0.5kHz, set to 0
VSWR OK 1.4:1
RX discr 18mV, set to 0
Audio levels all OK
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|
26 October 2008
|
Tygerhoek
(Eskom)
|
ZS2AAW, ZS2AE
|
Move VHF repeater to Eskom site on a temporary test basis
TX power = 5W
TX Ant VSWR = 1.3:1
RX Threshold = 0.3uV
RX Ant VSWR = 1.1:1
Desense = 11dB's - BAD!
Later coverage tests are very
disappointing, especially towards PE
|
|
2 October 2008
|
Mount Rd
|
ZS2AAW
|
145.650 Repeater
VHF Repeater levels checked - "REPT MOD" not set
correctly.
Add 100k resistor in parallel with R809B to get sufficient gain for repeater
thru mod setting (because RX level is now -10dBm, not 0dBm as designed)
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|
September 2008
|
Mount Rd
|
ZS2AAW
|
Commission new site at Barracks building
Kyodo VHF Repeater:
Model KG110-15B50KBR, Serial number 502212
TX Power 25W
TX Deviation: 3.5kHz @ -10dBm 600 Ohms
RX Sensitivity 0.25uV; 0.5uV tight
RX Level: -10dBm for 3.5kHz deviation input
Tait T800 UHF Link:
TX power = 2W
Audio levels: -10dBm in & out for 3.5kHz deviation
VHF Repeater RX opened by Wifi interference - squelch tightened
VHF Duplexer fitted, single antenna - Colinear - VSWR - 1.2:1
Tait UHF Link modified
to mute RX when TX'ing:
Bridge RX Disable A to Audio-2 in RX Module
Change jumper to select RX Disable
Bridge TX pin 5 to RX pin 7 on rack connectors
TX Still has Timeout Timer - to be disabled
UHF Link antenna Open cct - VSWR 2.5:1 - BAD
UHF Digi antenna
OK, VSWR 1.2:1 - move link onto this antenna for the meanwhile
IRLP Computer fitted, but later removed for
more config checks
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|
22 July 2008
|
Noupoort
|
ZS2AAW
|
Brief Line-up checks
Cradock UHF Link:
TX Power 0.3W, set to 1W (max was 2W)
TX Frequency set to 0kHz
TX SWR good at 1.3:1
RX Frequency (discr) 0.007V, set to 0
Colesberg UHF Link:
TX Power 1W
TX Frequency ~2kHz off, set to 0
TX VSWR <1.2:1 - OK
RX Frequency 27mV, set to 0
Battery Bank both green
Volts held at 26V with Mains off - OK
Charge current 5A with mains back on - OK
Reduced to ~1A soon - OK
6001 was off - connected it again
8904, 8909, 6001, 6002 all respond
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|
16 July 2008
|
Governorskop
|
ZS2AAW
|
Cradock UHF Link:
TX Frequency -2kHz, set to 0
TX Deviation 110mV for 3.5kHz - OK
TX Power = 3W - OK
VSWR = 1.2:1 - OK
RX dev 110mV for 3.5kHz - OK
RX Frequency -84mV (~4kHz low) Cannot adj to better
than -45mV (2kHz low). Cannot correct - no cap to remove - need to replace 438R750 Crystal
Mt Kempt UHF Link:
RX Dead
TX VSWR 1.3:1 - OK
Link removed for repairs
Lady's Slipper UHF Link:
TX Frequency -1.5kHz, set to 0
TX Power = 3W - OK
TX deviation 93mV for 3.5kHz - set to 110mV
VSWR 1.4:1 - OK
RX Frequency good at -7mV, set to 0
RX deviation low at 97mV, set to 110mV
(Slipper link RX discr at +16mV - OK)
Packet UHF Backbone Link:
TX -1.2kHz, set to 0
TX Power = 2W - OK
TX deviation 117mV for 3.5kHz, st to 110mV - OK
RX Frequency -27mV (~1.4kHz low) set to 0 - OK
RX deviation 110mV for 3.5kHz - OK
(Slipper link RX discr at +81mV - TX Freq needs to be checked at Slipper)
VHF Repeater:
TX power 8W, dropped away to 1W - bad power pot?
TX Frequency 0kHz off
TX deviation low, adjusted to 3.5kHz for 110mV
VSWR 2:1 - BAD
RX Level 115mV for 3.5kHz - OK
RX Frequency discr = -6mV - set to 0 - OK
Squelch set to 2 o'Clock gives 0.3uV thru crystal
filter - OK
VHF Packet:
TX Power 11W - OK
TX Frequency -500Hz, set to 0
TX Deviation 108mV for 3.5kHz - OK
RX Frequency -2mV, set to 0 - OK
RX defviation 108mV for 3.5kHz, set to 110mV - OK
Antenna VSWR 1.5:1 - OK
Realigned all filters and duplexer
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|
8 July 2008
|
Uitenhage
|
ZS2AAW
|
UHF Link
TX Link to 431.050 was 13kHz high
Could not nett onto frequency
Changed osc oven, XO663 module, then
stopped working altogether!
Gave the crystal a flick and it came back to life - only 3kHz low!
Removed 10pF cap
netted onto frequency OK
Link TX Crystal thus FAULTY
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|
14 June 2008
|
Buffelsnek
|
ZS2AAW
|
UHF Duplex Link:
TX Frequency 8kHz high - set to 0
TX Power 5W - OK
TX deviation 3.5kHz for 110mV - OK
RX frequency -30mV (1.5kHz low) set to 0
Squelch set to 0.5uV
RX deviation OK at 110mV
Swartberg UHF Link:
TX Frequency 6kHz high, set to 0
TX Power 3W - OK
TX deviation 3.5kHz for 110mV - OK
RX Freqeuncy 1.6kHz low - set to 0
Squelch 0.45uV tight - OK
RX Deviation 110mV for 3.5kHz - OK
VHF Repeater:
Installed old Buffelsnek repeater serial no F51239
TX Power direct = 11W
TX deviation high, set to 3.5kHz for 110mV
RX Frequency 2mV, set to 0
RX deviation high, set to 110mV for 3.5kHz
Squelch set tight
RX & TX antenna VSWR's OK <1.3:1
All filters aligned - 2x Aluminium, 1x TX Pass cavity
VHF TX power 6W into antenna
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|
22 March 2008
|
Brenton
|
ZS2AAW
|
George UHF Link:
Repairs done:
Tantalum capacitor in exciter smoked
TX Switching transistor in PSU smoked as a result
TX VSWR 1.5:1
Buffelsnek UHF Link:
TX Frequency 3kHz low, set to 0
RX Frequency OK
RX Squelch 0.5uV
AF Levels OK
VHF Repeater:
TX Power 1W direct, 0.5W thru filter
TX Ant VSWR 1.3:1 - OK
TX Frequency OK
RX Ant VSWR 1.1:1 - OK
RX Squelch set to 1uV direct, 3uV through filters
RX Frequency OK
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|
28 Fenruary 2008
|
Kareedouw
|
ZS2AAW
|
Installed temporary metro Ambulance repeater at Eskom
site:
TX 154.150MHz
RX 147.100MHz
VHF Repeater:
Antenna VSWR was 3:1 - found water in ext connector
to antenna
Remade heliax connector off and dried connections.
Re-used old antenna
VSWR now 1.4:1
TX power adjusted back to 15W direct (was 3W)
TX Frequency -180Hz - OK
TX Deviation OK
RX Sensitivity 0.2uV direct, 0.8uV thru filters (set tight) - OK
RX Frequency discr 1mV - OK
RX deviation OK
DTMF card no decode (old type) - FAULTY
Lady's Slipper UHF Link:
TX 3kHz low - set to 0
TX Power = 1W - OK
TX deviation OK
RX Frequency -26mV (-1.5kHz), set to 0
RX deviation OK
RX Squelch 0.6uV tight - OK
VSWR 1.3:1 - OK
set reply tones to 800Hz
Plett Link:
TX Frequency 200Hz high - set to 0
TX Power 2W, set to 1W
TX dev OK
VSWR 1.6:1 - not good
Set reply tones to 800Hz
RX Defv OK
RX Frequency -11mV, set to 0
RX Squelch 0.5uV tight - OK
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|
17 January 2008
|
Uitenhage
|
ZS2AAW, ZR2JH, Gordon Harris
|
Investigate pole on new site for Wifi
installation (manufacture brackets etc)
|
|
2008
|
|
16 October 2007
|
Mount Rd Wifi
|
ZS2AAW
|
?
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|
18 June 2007
|
Uitenhage
|
ZS2AAW
|
UHF Link:
TX on 431.050 was 10kHz low
removed cap and retuned to frequency
Checked 431.100 - 1.5kHz low, adjusted to 0
Checked RX - both < 10mV, so adjusted OK
TX Power 1W - OK
No checks done on the repeater
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|
17 April 2007
|
Cradock
|
ZS2AAW
|
Check link co-linear VSWR OK @ 1.2:1
Check 8 el yagi - VSWR OK @ 1.5:1
Link looks OK and works to 6001 & 6002, 8904, 8909, all OK
Other link specs are spot-on
Re-connect to co-linear and leave as it should be
No antenna: 7/8 heliax
front LHS (closest to ladder)
TX Antenna: 1/2" heliax old type
8el Yagi: 7/87 heliax,
front RHS
Changed antenna - VSWR
still bad.
Leave for another day...
|
|
3 April 2007
|
Lady's Slipper
|
ZS2AAW
|
BBS Remove?
|
|
20 March 2007
|
Workshop
|
ZS2AAW
|
650 UHF Repeater:
Serial no: F51649
General checks
TX Power 10W
TX Frequency OK
TX Dev OK< set to 3.5kHz for 110mV
RX Squelch 0.5uV thru duplexer
RX Dev was low @ 550mV for 3.5kHz, set to 1.1V
Frequency error ~20mV, set to 0
RX Dev was high the next day - 1.3V, set back to
1.1V
Power Supply OK - regulating fine
|
|
16 February 2007
|
Kareedouw
|
ZS2AAW
|
UHF Link:
Test from the road en route to Plett repeater
revealed the Plett link RX is u/s
So we stopped in at Kareedouw rather than go to Plett
Found the RX osc
supply missing
PSU green LED also not lit
Switching transistor in the PSU is open cct
Replaced BC107 with same from spare rev 0 PSU
Then found that the RX Osc delay card had been
shorted to earth and blew the BC107
Taped it up
Checked all tones - responded OK
VHF Repeater:
Set TX power down to 2W into VHF TX antenna because of 3:1 VSWR.
Could not change antenna due to WX conditions - high winds.
Link to the West is now restored
All codes test OK down to Riversdale
Notice noise on the link signals from
George into Brenton, may be a side lobe null at
George because the link antenna is still pointing direct to Buffelsnek, and not to Brenton
as it now runs
|
|
7 February 2007
|
Lady's Slipper
|
ZS2AAW
|
Checked 9k6 rig - no signals
Found that the 433.800 rig was using the 9k6 antenna!
Reconnected the 9k6 rig to the antenna
All OK again
Check audio & RF specs on UHF Link
& Repeater - adjusted OK
Possible low deviation on RX Audio board - control was at max but level was
1.2V, so adjusted back to 1.1V
Replace audio board at a later stage
|
|
18 January 2007
|
Kareedouw
|
ZS2AAW
|
Buffelsnek
UHF Link:
7252 no response (old board)
TX Power 1.5W
TX Frequency ~400Hz high, set to 0
TX dev spot-on
VSWR 1.5:1, not great
RX Squelch 0.7uV
RX Frequency 2mV - OK
RX devf 1.150V for 3.5kHz
Slipper UHF Link:
7251 responds OK
TX Power 1W
TX Frequency 1.8kHz low, adjusted to 0
TX Dev spot-on
VSWR 1.2:1 - OK
RX Squelch 0.7uV
RX Frequ -41mV, set to 0
RX dev 1.074V, adjusted to 1.150V - OK
VHF Repeater:
7250 responds OK
TX Power 15W direct, 10W thru filter
TX Frequency 200Hz low, adjusted to 0
TX dev OK
VSWR 3:1 - BAD
RX Squelch 0.15uV direct, 0.5uV thru filters - OK
RX Frequency -4mV, set to 0
RX dev 1.153V for 3.5kHz - OK
VSWR 1.4:1 - OK
7252 on Plett
Link not responding (rev 0 card)
Swapped with repeater and swapped RX osc delay too
So now 7252 is a new card
Repeater 7250 does not respond now (so rev 0 card is faulty)
Removed NHRC board from repeater
|
|
2007
|
|
21November 2006
|
Cradock
|
ZS2AAW
|
ICASA site inspection
VHF Repeater:
RX thru filters opens at 2.5uV - BAD
RX Frequency discr 10mV, set to 0
RX Dev high 1.27V @ 3.5kHz (left as-is)
TX Antenna VSWR 1.7:1 - BAD
TX Frequency 300Hz low - set to 0
TX Power 5W thru filters, 11W direct
TX Dev low - set to standard
UHF Link:
TX Power 0.3W @ 23.5V
4W @ 24.2V
Frequency 300Hz low - set to 0
TX Dev 3.5kHz OK
RX squelch OK at 0.5uV
RX discr -13mV, set to 0
RX Dev 1.18V for 3.5kHz - OK
VSWR 1.2:1 - OK
VHF Packet:
TX Power thru filter 4W
TX Frequency 0Hz off
TX dev limited @ 3kHz, nominal 2.5kHz
Cannot lift it higher than 3.5kHz limited
Set nominal to 3kHz, max to 3.5kHz
TX Audio board/modulator faulty
RX Frequency 2mV - OK
RX 741 op-amp was faulty - replaced
RX Dev 1.2V for 3.5kHz - OK
RX Squelch 0.5uV thru filters - OK
BUT Audio sounds distorted
Antenna VSWR 1.1:1 - OK
Batteries & floor need a good cleaning
& bicarb treatment
Vacuum cleaner a good idea
|
|
15 October 2006
|
Tygerhoek
(Eskom)
|
ZS2AAW, ZS2AE
|
Investigate for temporary VHF repeater
|
|
9 May 2006
|
Governorskop
|
ZS2AAW
|
Cradock UHF Link:
TX Frequency ~1kHz high
TX Power 3W
TX Dev 3.5kHz for 105mV
RX 8kHz low - removed 5p6 cap
RX dev 1.1V for 3.5kHz - OK
RX Sensitivity 0.6uV tight
VSWR 1.2:1
Mt Kempt UHF Link:
RX 5kHz high (no cap fitted) - added 10pF cap
RX Sensitivity 1uV tight
TX 200Hz high - OK
TX power 2W
TX dev 104mV for 3.5kHz - OK
VSWR 1.3:1
[NO RX oscillator delay cct fitted]
Slipper Link:
Old DTMF card fitted
TX 1lHz low
TX Power 3W
TX dev 3.6kHz for 105mV, set to 3.5kHz
RX discr -11mV, set to 0
RX dev 1.1V for 3.5kHz - OK
RX Sensitivity 0.4uV not tight
VSWR 2.4:1 - BAD
VHF Repeater:
RX Frequency 2mV off - OK
RX dev 1.1V for 3.5kHz - OK
RX Sensitivity 0.2uV direct not tight
TX Power 9W direct
TX Frequency ~200Hz low at first, drifts on
TX dev was 115mV for 3.5kHz - set to 105mV
VSWR 2:1 into co-linear - BAD
VHF Packet:
RX 0mv off!
RX sensitivity 0.3uV threshold
RX dev 1.112V for 3.5kHz
TX Frequency 100Hz low
TX power 10W
TX dev 1.5kHz for 110mV, 3kHz max
set to 3.5kHz dev, 5kHz max
Then set TNC to 3kHz dev in calibrate mode
VSWR 1.5:1 direct to antenna - OK (2:1 thru filter)
UHF Packet:
TX Frequency 1.1kHz low - set to 0
TX power 2W
TX dev 3.5kHz for 110mV - OK
RX frequency -77mV off - set to 0
RX Dev 3.5kHz for 1.1V - OK
RX sensitivity 0.5uV - OK
VSWR 1.1:1 - excellent
Packet Digi
re-programmed
|
|
27 April 2006
|
Buffelsnek
Brenton
|
ZS2AAW
ZS2AAW
|
?
?
|
|
10 April 2006
|
Lady's Slipper
|
ZS2AAW
|
Roof
|
|
2006
|
|
17 December 2005
|
Buffelsnek
|
ZS2AAW
|
VHF repeater replaced
serial no: 31978
Duplex UHF Link installed on 438.775MHz
serial no: F61939
But this link exhibits audio problems...
This is to bring in the signals from Brenton, no longer links direct to George
|
|
16 December 2005
|
Brenton
|
ZS2AAW, ZS2AE, ZR2AAS, ZS1PC
|
New Repeater Installation
VHF Repeater serial no: F54645
UHF Link to George serial no: F63962
UHF Link to Buffelsnek serial no: F52149
Complete installation from scratch
|
|
30 November 2005
|
Noupoort
|
ZS2AAW
|
Colesberg
UHF Link:
Interference problems
Detune neutrodyne caps completely
Detune front end cap to give 5uV = 12dB SIJNAD
Gets rid of interference signal on 438.675MHz, but Colesberg
still comes in OK
Batteries both green - OK
Holds DC volts OK on mains off
|
|
29 November 2005
|
Colesberg
|
ZS2AAW
|
UHF Link:
TX Power 5W
Frequency spot-on
Deviation ~6kHz max, 4.5kHz nominal (not great)
Adjusted R3/R4 (top one) to give nominal = 3.5kHz @ 110mV, max is now 5.5kHz
- OK
RX Sensitivity & SINAD good at <0.4uV for 12dB
RX Audio levels fine
RX Frequency OK
Commands to Kramberg OK
Interference tracing:
440.000MHz - polled system, 1 outstation is spurious
interferes at Noupoort on 438.675MHz RX
Seems to be West of Colesberg
458.025 - same noise as Mt Kempt interference
|
|
29 November 2005
|
Kramberg
|
ZS2AAW
|
Changed PIC code to 8914
so 8914 6102 - Ham link
8914 6002 - Eskom (default)
Port #1 used for BUSY line
UHF Link:
TX Power 2W
VSWR 1.3:1
Antenna panned OK
Frequency OK, was ~400Hz low
RX Sensitivity >1uV - BAD
Adjusted front ends to get 12dB SINAD at 0.4uV
RX Frequency OK
Audio levels OK in & out
Respondes fine to DTMF commands via Colesberg
|
|
Lady's Slipper
|
ZS2AAW
|
Bush Fire
Site offline due to fires - no AC power
No damage to property
Power lines down for ~7 days
Removed BBS & Node PC for fan maintenance
Set up & got 9k6 radios working
properly - was the roll-off on the Storno audio
processor board
Removed the board and strapped it out
Also checked ZS2LR's SAATI modem to be OK
Configured additional APRS ports &
fitted sound card
- 144.625
- 434.875
- 438.275
- 7.040
- BBS
- 433.800
- 144.800
- Loopback
|
|
16 September 2005
|
Kareedouw
|
ZS2AE, ZS2AAW
|
ICASA Inspection
Revealed a faulty yagi to Slipper
Antenna mounting re-hashed and improved with double supports
VHF RX and TX antennas added
Extra feedline added, but not through to container
- need an additional 40mm pipe
19" rack left on site, ready for repeater/link installation
Need:
DC cable 6m
Link #1 M-M 5300mm
Link #2 M-M 4800mm
VHF TX M-BNC 3000mm
VHF RX M-BNC 4000mm
|
|
25 August 2005
|
Buffelsnek
|
ZS2AAW
|
DC System problems investigated
Charger left in boost mode
Batteries cooked dry, all over the floor
Charger boost threshold reduced to same as float to prevent a recurrence
Batteries filled
Pulls 1-2A only
Left to charge, but batteries are shot
~5 days later
Batteries went short cct, pulled volts down to
~16V, so load disconnected
ZS2AZR removed batteries, running on mains only
|
|
28 May 2005
|
Cockscomb
|
ZS2ECH, ZR2RCG, Elly, ZS2AAW,
ZS2R, ZS2AE, 2 labourers
|
Hike
Too wet to lower the pole to replace the
stay wires
Cleaned alkali deposit inside aluimium box, washed
& treated with Tectyl
Replaced TX folded dipoles - water ingress
New TX folded dipole has poor VSWR - 1.9:1 - don't know why
New TX feeder RG213 into cabinet, direct to TX box
Link Yagi fitted, with new RG213 feeder & BMC
connector
UHF Signals good
All feeders bandit-strapped to pole
Repeater fitted & running OK
Squelch set to 0.3uV
New gel battery fitted - 26Ah
RX antenna also not good on VSWR ~ 2:1
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21 May 2005
|
Cockscomb
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ZS2AAW, ZS2AE, ZS2R
|
Helicopter trip
Nico & Marie Dorfling
on Kleinplaas, Tel 041 964 1007
Trip aborted quite dramatically due to wind
on site whilst landed and offloading
Flight engineer left hanging after sudden take-off...
All tools,
equipment unloaded on mountain, but no people
Rudi, ZR2RCG manages to cover and protect equipment
Organise a later hike to re-instate the repeater
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10 May 2005
|
Cockscomb prep at home
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ZS2AAW
|
RX Squelch line swings 0.765V closed, 6.82V open
RX Audio 1kHz tone @ 3.5kHz dev - HiZ = 0.679VAC, 5k = 0.368VAC
TX Audio (loaded) 11mV AC
Other levels
5kHz dev: Loaded 500mV, Unloaded 913mV
3kHz dev: Loaded 320mV, Unloaded 594mV
1kHz dev: Loaded 117mV, Unloaded 220mV
TX as was
max limiting is @ 3.5kHz dev, up to 50mV
3mV = 3kHz
2mV = 2.2kHz
RX modification #1
re-instate C34 = 220n
Fit 10k preset across 12-13 (output)
take screened lead from wiper
set to 110mV for 3.5kHz dev (storno
standard)
RX Sensitivity
Re-tuned osc/multiplier & front end
0.6uV = 12dB SINAD thru xtal filter
0.2uV 12dB SINAD direct to RX!
so 8dB loss thru XTAL filter...!!
TX modification #1
Audio in via 10K, then with 1k to GND and 0u47 coupling cap going to C9, C7 etc
Then set RV2 for 5kHz max
RV1 for 3.5kHz @ 110mV
No good - no pre-emphasis
TX modification #2
Re-instate 470R, remove mic, 10k, 0u47 etc as above
Audio in via 47k to pt 5, with 1k to GND (pt 6) as C1, C2 = 10u etc
Remove C1 (2u2) and fit 1k in its place
Set gain RV1 to give 3.5kHz dev for 110mV i/p
Pre-emphasis now sounds fine - OK
Minimal loading of RX output now - with TX connected, level drops to 103mV
NEW battery purhcased
- 26Ah for R336 at Batteries 4U, 35 5th Avenue, Tel 041 364 1241
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13 May 2005
|
Uitenhage
|
ZS2AAW
|
UHF Link:
Ch1 TX 431.100 ~500Hz off, set OK
Ch2 TX 431.050 ~10kHz high!!
set OK
Ch1 & 2 RX both OK
Audio levels in & out both set OK
VHF Repeater:
TX 10W direct, 4W thru filter
Frequency OK
Audio levels OK
VSWR 3:1 into filter, 1:1 into antenna
Adjust cavity for best reject
VSWR 1.6:1 - OK
TX Power now 8W out of filter
RX antenna also 1:1 direct, 1.5:1 thru filter
Adjust RX cavity for best reject
RX Frequency OK
RX Audio levels 980mV for 3.5kHz, set to 1.1V
RX Squelch opens @0.3uV thru filter - good
Power Supply 27.8V - OK
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|
12 April 2005
|
Mount Rd
|
ZS2AAW
|
Repetaer
is off the air
Found the PSU unplugged
Checked all specs and adjusted where necessary
PSU is faulty - 39V output!
Hum on TX
Removed for repairs
Returned to site and fitted internal mains
PSU ex Riversdale
Hum cleared
|
|
2005
|
|
?
|
Governorskop
|
ZS2AAW
|
UHF Link antenna to Cradock bad
Removed and used 9600 Packet antenna
UHF Link antenna to Slipper has VSWR 2:1
UHF Link antenna to Mt Kempt OK
Cradock RX low
TX OK
EL RX OK
TX - changed osc oven (no trim range)
PE - OK
Adjusted to 2W TX
Must bring:
Drilled covers
UHF Yagi & bracket for Cradock
UHF Yagi & bracket for PE
|
|
?
|
Cradock
|
ZS2AAW
|
UHF Link Omni antenna/feeder repairs:
Antenna changed - no difference
Feeder - still a problem
transferred to old 1/2" feeder - still no good
Tailpiece faulty - ZS2BW changed it later and fixed the problem
|
|
30 November 2004
|
Kramberg
|
ZS2AAW
|
Install UHF Link 431.075/438.675MHz to Colesberg
into Eskom container as SATEPSA backup facility
DTMF code 7504
8904 6102 - Eskom Backup
8904 6002 - Normal Ham link
Take a look at Nico ZS4N's ham repeater
next door
Motrola repeater RX gated audio found at J2-6 on
main board, which also goes to the SG card bottom pin, and J4
Using the discriminator audio loads the squelch detector and opens the RX
(previous problem noted by ZS2N)
|
|
23 October 2004
|
Swartberg
|
ZS2AAW, ZS2AE, ZS1PC
|
Complete installation
145.625MHz VHF Repeater supplied
Storno CQF614 25W
Serial no: C40298
DTMF card 6254 * / #
431.150MHz UHF Link supplied
Storno CQF662 12W
Serial no: C41894
With standard Eskom control card
|
|
1 September 2004
|
Colesberg
|
ZS2AAW
|
UHF Link:
TX Power 5W - OK
TX Frequenbcy +300Hz, left as-is
Deviation max 5.5kHz, nominal 3.5kHz - OK
RX Level 1.18mV - OK
Can't check point (a) as it is 0/-4dBm levels (reads ~480mV)
RX squelch set to 0.5uV
VSWR OK at 1.4:1
|
|
31 August 2004
|
Noupoort
|
ZS2AAW
|
Batteries bone dry
Filled them, but taking no charge
2x Willard truck batteries
Remove solar regulator & Transformer/bulb story
Fit "STORNO" charger
Re-wire DC blocks & breakers
Remove Renosterberg Link
Cradock Link:
RX sensitivity 0.5uV with tight squelch
RX Frequewncy -17mV, set to zero
RX audio level spot-on 110mV out on (a)
TX Frequency 3kHz high, set to zero
TX Power 0.6W, set to 1W
TX Deviation max 5.5kHz, set to 5kHz
TX Deviation nominal 3.3kHz, set to 3.5kHz
Reply tone frequency set to 800Hz
VSWR Cradock good at <1.2:1
Colesberg Link:
TX Frequency spot-on
TX Power 1W
TX deviation max 5kHz, nominal 3.7kHz, set to 3.5kHz
RX Frequency +17mV, set to zero
RX Deviation 70% 439mV - PROBLEM
RX Sensitivity 1uV squelch flat out
Changed the RX audio board SQ601, problem cured
RX Audio levels set to 1.1V, or 110mV out on (a)
Reply tone frequency set to 800Hz
Tests to 8909 and 8904 all OK
Repairs done to Cradock link as removed
below
Audio board replaced from Renosterberg link
Now max deviation is 5kHz, nominal is 3.5kHz
Link can be returned to site (delivered 1/9/2004 to ZS2BW for
re-installation)
|
|
31 August 2004
|
Cradock
|
ZS2AAW
|
UHF Link deviation max at 2kHz - AA601 faulty?
Removed link for repair
RX is spot-on
UHF Link antennas both faulty - low signals from Noupoort
and Governorskop
Need to check 7/8" heliax for water (joint in
ice tray outside)
Other 7/8" coax is know to be wet (joint
closer to gland plate)
See if we can resurrect the unused 1/2" heliax
that was wet before
Packet:
Set IDMSG: idmsg via ZS0GHT-5;ZS0NTP-7,WIDE,WIDE
BTINTERVAL 16
IDINTERVAL 10
|
|
2004
|
|
22 November 2002
|
Various
|
ZS2AAW, ZS2AE, ZR2EY, ZS1SG
|
Maintenance run - Southern Cape
HANSKOP:
Travel in convoy with Dave ZS1SG
Dave did maintenance on the Motorola linking equipment
JONASKOP:
ZS1SG changed out rack mounted Storno's with spares prepared by him
RIVERSDALE:
Change AC Power Supply
UHF Link antenna to Jonaskop
- OK
UHF Link antenna to Geroge 1.3:1 - OK
VHF Repeater >2:1 - BAD
VHF TX power 9W
AF Levels adjusted
|
|
18 November 2002
|
Stilbaai
|
ZS2AAW, ZS2AE, ZR2EY
|
Maintenance run - Southern Cape
UHF Link:
IF OK
Audio levels set (were out)
Frequencies good (set to zero)
TX o/p 3W tuined, set to 2W
VSWR OK at 1.1:1
Rev 0 PSU
3-way control card
serial number: F57191
VHF Repeater:
TX o/p 15W, 11W out of duplexer
RX Frequency off - 3kHz low, set to zero
SIAND 12dB @ 0.4uV - aligned to 0.3uV
Squelkch set to 0.5uV, 0.55uV thru duplexer
VSWR good
Audio levels high - set to standard
Old Storno PSU
3-way control card
|
|
17 November 2002
|
Various
|
ZS2AAW, ZS2AE, ZR2EY
|
Maintenance run - Southern Cape
BUFFELSNEK:
VHF Repeater:
Adjust squelch
IF Trimmed and balanced
SINAD tuned down to < 0.3uV for 12dB
RX Frequency OK
Audio levels lined up
Squelch set to 0.5uV thru filters
Antennae OK
TX Power 11W (small PA)
George UHF Link:
TX o/p 5W
Frequencies OK & set
SINAD checked OK
Audio levels set
VSWR good
Kareedouw Link:
TX o/p 1W
Frequencies OK, but set
SINAD OK at 0.4uV after alignment
Audio levels set
VSWR 1.5:1 (not great)
Charger cabled direct to DB and labelled
All equipment labelled etc
GEORGE:
UHF serial no: F57223
VHF serial no: F56485
UHF Link:
TX way off requency - removed cap and adjusted back
TX o/p 5W
Audio Levels set
RX Off frequency - adjusted
SINAD OK at 0.4uV
Squelch set to 0.7uV
Old style PSU
20W PA stage
Burnt tantalum C27 4u7 35V
VSWR good at 1.1:1
VHF Repeater:
TX o/p 7W
Frequency OK
Audio levels set
VSWR 1.2:1
3 pole cavity filter
25W PA stage
Old style PSU
RX audio levels set
SINAD poor 12dB @ > 0.7uV, never better than 14dB!! (audio
cct problems?)
IF not aligning properly
RX Ant VSWR good 1:1
DANABAAI:
VHF Repeater:
TX 15W
TX Frequency 2kHz low - adjusted
RX Frequency set
12dB SINAD for 0.3uV
Squelch set to 0.3uV
Audio levels set (were slightly low)
Stilbaai UHF Link:
RX Audio board faulty - replaced (RX level was max 400mV!)
SINAD OK at 0.45uV
Squelch set to 0.7uV
AF levels set
TX power 2-3W
TX Levels set OK
George UHF Link:
Replaced TX Audio board
Re-aligned Modulator (didn't help)
TX o/p 3W
TX Frequency OK
RX audio levels set OK
|
|
?
|
Various
|
ZS2AAW, June Poval
|
Done on trip to Bloemfontein
Cradock:
Replace waterlogged UHF Link co-linear antenna
VSWR fine after that
Dried ouf all connectors
Signals tested OK to Queenstown and Grahamstown
Colesberg:
Checked all parameters
Set up the audio through levels on the UHF Link
VSWR good
TX Output at 5W
Check RX frequency netting with 10.7 osc, adjusted
on
Noupoort:
No access - gate lock removed
|
|
13 June 2002
|
Cradock
|
ZS2AAW
|
ICASA Inspection:
VSWR's all OK
Changed UHF Link osc
x2
TX was 6.5kHz low
Packet filter:
Tuned packet pass filter 3.5W TX output (was 2W)
Replaced squelch op-amp to correct RX LED
RX Frequency 1.6kHz high - netted OK
RX Squelch OK at 0.5uV
VHF Repeater filters
Sensitivity thru the filters was 5uV!
Re-aligned dB products filter, RX front end and 2x aluminium filters
RX sensitivity is now 1uV
RX Frequency spot-on
TX Frequency spot-on
TX Power is 8W after fitler
Re-align rejects on TX filter too
Tails required:
BNC to PL259 300mm - filter to tube
PL259 to N-type Male 700mm - tube to repeater
|
|
2002
|
|
14 December 2001
|
Cradock
|
ZS2AAW
|
Maintenance Run
UHF Link:
TX frequency 5kHz low
TX Power OK @ 5W
Antenna VSWR BAD at 3:1
Water in 7/8 connector outside
Battery levels OK
VHF Repeater filters lined up
Packet filters lined up
TX power 3W out of filter
VHF Antennas all OK < 1.5:1
|
|
12 December 2001
|
Various
|
ZS2AAW
|
Maintenance Run
Northbank:
Coax clamps fitted
Check link specs & adjust
Ant VSWR 1.2:1
TX Power 2W
no RX frequency check (no 10.7 osc)
Colesberg:
Dismantle meterbox & remove to Noupoort
Move link to cabinet inside Eskom AUX room
Re-route heliax & make up RG214 tail piece
Fit coax clamps on tower
12V DC trip switch fitted - power is from Exicom
link
Re-jumper to IDF
Checks:
VSWR 2.2:1 - BAD
TX Power set to 5W (was 3W)
No RX frequency check (no 10.7 osc)
Noupoort:
PSU Burnt out
Solar regulator faulty
Colesberg link TX faulty (no output)
Re-fit Cradock link
Check Renosterberg link & nett
frequencies
AC Cable required - 35m @ 1.5mm2
|
|
12 May 2001
|
Lady's Slipper
|
ZS2AAW
|
Sectional pole hold-down bolts
flats are 38mm
Stud dia 25.4 (1")
10 turns pitch = 32mm
Antenna checks:
UHF Packet backbone yagi 1.7:1
UHF Link colinear 2.5:1 - BAD
VHF RX colinear 1.2:1
VHF TX folded dipole 1.2:1
VHF Repetaer is
now 4W after filter
144.625 re-notched
145.700 re-notched
Pass cavity retuned for min VSWR
Pass filters also retuned for min VSWR
Need:
2x stay pegs & concrete mix
Nuts, wood screws, perspex, door hook
|
|
2001
|
|
13 July 2000
|
Colesberg
|
ZS2AAW
|
TX o/p 3W
Set frequency on (was -300Hz)
RX Netted
Squelch set to 0.5uV (was ~0.7)
DC PSU ex Spence fitted (solar site
outside, panels stolen)
Charges at 4A
|
|
2000
|