| What have you done for me lately? From Tim Berry ..Sign Up For E Mails Direct............ Posted: 13 Jul 2008 06:01 PM CDT
What have you done for me lately?
If you are unfamiliar with repeater operation, you might think that repeaters are "plug and play," or that you put one on the air that all of the work is done. Not so. A repeater owner or trustee will spend countless hours testing his repeater for coverage, proper tuning, and audio. And this of course doesn't count, heaven forbid, if it goes off the air.
Sometimes, I just pay "social calls" at the sites where my repeaters are, but more often than not, I usually give the repeater a full check up when I visit a site. What parameters would one check on his repeater to make sure it is functioning at its full capacity? Well, here's some parameters; I'll try to give each one of these some discussion in the future. On the receiver side: Sensitivity, selectivity, modulation acceptance bandwidth, carrier frequency, IF frequency, audio-output symmetry. On the transmitter side: Power output, spectral purity, deviation, carrier frequency, modulation symmetry. Particular to repeater operation: desensitization ("desense"), repeat audio level, time-out timer, hang timer, and effective sensitivity. It is not necessary to check all of these parameters every time you go to the site, but all of these have some bearing on how well a repeater operates.
So…Why the title of this article? What have I done (for you, the repeater user) lately? Well, this past Saturday, I spent almost all of the day working on the 146.73 repeater. I am getting it fully ready for its trip home to English Mountain. I am really looking forward to having 146.73 back on the air at English Mountain, where it was for over 25 years. I hope Sam (WB4HAP, from whose estate I bought the repeater after he became a silent key) would be proud. Saturday, the repeater was fitted with a control receiver, DTMF decoder, two new fans to cool the transmitter PA, a new rack-mounted electrical strip, and new duplexer cables. The control receiver had some issues, but those were all repaired and the repeater is now fully ready for its homeward trip. I'll be working on an installation date (hopefully) next week.
Today, Sunday, July 13th, I spent a couple of hours at the 145.17 repeater site in South Knoxville. The repeater had no repeat audio, and even though it was on the air, it was basically useless; so, I visited that site and gave the repeater a good tune-up. Here's hoping it works for a while to come.
So, even there was no hamfest or field-day type event this weekend, it was a busy ham radio weekend. I hope you enjoy the "fruits of my labors!" Check Out The Link Below For Tim's Blog !!! Thank You MOE !! http://wb4gbi.blogspot.com/2008/07/what-have-you-done-for-me-lately.html EMP The Rest Of The Story..... Click The Link Below http://www.geocities.com/CapeCanaveral/5971/emp.html RACK Blog Page ....Click Below http://www.w4bbb.blogspot.com/ The Rockwell Collins Club.. .... http://rockwellcollinsclubs.com/
Redneck Time ...... From A Ham Operater Thanks ,We Have Passed It On ... We have enjoyed the redneck jokes for years. It's time to take a reflective look at the core beliefs of a culture that values home, family, country and God. If I had to stand before a dozen terrorists who threaten my life, I'd choose a half dozen or so rednecks to back me up. Tire irons, squirrel guns and grit -- that's what rednecks are made of. I hope I am one of those. If you feel the same, pass this on to your red neck friends. Ya'll know who ya' are. From Kansas City FOX 4 News 2 Die In Tower Mishap,, Comming Soon !! THE RAT PACK E MAIL CHAT !! Fox Hunt !!! Click Below To Learn More !! |
Spring is here and the ticks will soon be showing their heads. Here is a
good way to get them off you, your children, or your pets. Give it a try.
Please forward to anyone with children... or hunters or dogs, or anyone
who even steps outside in summer!!
A School Nurse has written the info below -- good enough to share -- And
it really works!!
I had a pediatrician tell me what she believes is the best way to remove
a tick. This is great, because it works in those places where it's some
times difficult to get to with tweezers: between toes, in the middle of a
head full of dark hair, etc.
Apply a glob of liquid soap to a cotton ball. Cover the tick with the
soap-soaked cotton ball and swab it for a few seconds (15-20), the tick
will come out on its own and be stuck to the cotton ball when you lift it
away. This technique has worked every time I've used it (and that
was frequently), and it's much less traumatic for the patient and easier
for me.
Unless someone is allergic to soap, I can't see that this would be
damaging in any way. I even had my doctor's wife call me for advice
because she had one stuck to her back and she couldn't reach it with
tweezers. She used this method and immediately called me back to say,
'It worked!'
Please pass on. Everyone needs this helpful hint.
Application For Redneck Driver's License
Last name: ________________ First name: (Check appropriate box)
[_] Billy-Bob [_] Bobby-Sue [_] Billy-Joe [_] Bobby-Jo
[_] Billy-Ray [_] Bobby-Ann [_] Billy-Sue [_] Bobby-Lee
[_] Billy-Mae [_] Bobby-Ellen
[_] Billy-Jack [_] Bobby-Beth Ann Sue Age: ____ (if unsure, guess)
Sex: ____ M _____ F _____ Not sure
Shoe Size: ____ Left ____ Right
Occupation:
[_] Farmer [_] Mechanic [_] Hair Dresser [_] Waitress
[_] Unemployed [_] Dirty Politician
Spouse's Name: __________________________
2nd Spouse's Name: __________________________
3rd Spouse's Name: __________________________
Spell S-P-O-U-S-E
Relationship with spouse: [_] Sister [_] Aunt
[_] Brother [_] Uncle [_] Mother [_] Son
[_] Father [_] Daughter [_] Cousin [_] Pet
Number of children living in household:___
Number of children living in shed: ___
Number of children that are yours: ___
Mother's Name: _______________________
Father's Name: _______________________(If not sure, leave blank)
Education: 1 2 3 4 (Circle highest grade completed)
Vehicles you own and where you keep them:
___ Total number of vehicles you own
___ Number of vehicles that still crank
___ Number of vehicles in front yard
___ Number of vehicles in back yard
___ Number of vehicles on cement blocks
Firearms you own and where you keep them:
____ truck ____ kitchen
____ bedroom ____ bathroom ____ shed
Model and year of your pickup: _____________ 196_
Do you have a gun rack? [_] Yes [_] No; If no, please explain:
Newspapers/magazines you subscribe to:
[_] The National Enquirer [_] The Globe
[_] TV Guide [_] Soap Opera Digest
[_] Rifle and Shotgun [_] Armed and Ready!
___ Number of times you've seen a UFO
___ Number of times you've seen Elvis
____Number of times you've seen Elvis in a UFO
How often do you bathe:
[_] Weekly [_] Monthly [_] Not Applicable
How many teeth?___
Color of teeth:
[_] Yellow [_] Brownish-Yellow
[_] Brown [_] Black [_] N/A
Brand of chewing tobacco you prefer:
[_] Red-Man
How far is your home from a paved road?
[_] 1 mile [_] 2 miles
[_] What's a paved road?
The year is 1908.
One hundred years ago.
What a difference a century makes!
Here are some statistics for the Year 1908 :
************ ********* ********* ******
The average life expectancy was 47 years.
Only 14 percent of the homes had a bathtub.
Only 8 percent of the homes had a telephone.
There were only 8,000 cars and only 144 miles of paved roads.
The maximum speed limit in most cities was 10 mph.
The tallest structure in the world was the Eiffel Tower!
The average wage in 1908 was 22 cents per hour.
The average worker made between $200 and $400 per year .
A competent accountant could expect to earn $2000 per year,
A dentist $2,500 per year, a veterinarian between $1,500 and $4,000 per year, and a mechanical engineer about $5,000 per year.
More than 95 percent of all births took place at HOME .
Ninety percent of all doctors had NO COLLEGE EDUCATION!
Instead, they attended so-called medical schools, many of which
Were condemned in the press AND the government as "substandard. "
Sugar cost four cents a pound..
Eggs were fourteen cents a dozen.
Coffee was fifteen cents a pound.
Most women only washed their hair once a month, and used
Borax or egg yolks for shampoo.
Canada passed a law that prohibited poor people from
Entering into their country for any reason.
Five leading causes of death were:
1. Pneumonia and influenza
2. Tuberculosis
3. Diarrhea
4. Heart disease
5. Stroke
The American flag had 45 stars.
The population of Las Vegas , Nevada , was only 30!!!!
Crossword puzzles, canned beer, and ice tea
Hadn't been invented yet.
There was no Mother's Day or Father's Day.
Two out of every 10 adults couldn't read or write.
Only 6 percent of all Americans had graduated from high school.
Marijuana, heroin, and morphine were all available over the counter at the local corner drugstores. Back then pharmacists said, "Heroin clears the complexion, gives buoyancy to the mind, regulates the stomach and bowels, and is, in fact, a perfect guardian of health." ( Shocking? DUH! )
Eighteen percent of households had at least
One full-time servant or domestic help.
There were about 230 reported murders in the ENTIRE ! U.S.A. !
And organized Barbershop didn't exist
Now I forwarded this from someone else without typing
It (all) myself, and sent it to you and others all over Canada & U.S.A
Possibly the world, in a matter of seconds!
Try to imagine what it may be like in another 100 years.
WB6FZH "GO KIT INFO"
72HR EMERGENCY DEPLOYMENT KIT
Build Your Own Kit!
List of Ham Radio Emergency Items
References - Food - Radio and Personal ItemsTHIS LIST IS A PRODUCT OF MANY OTHER LISTS- Ideas have been stolen from everyone, everywhere...thanks!
This list was developed to give a starting point that the user can develop his or her own list if items from. TWO THOUGHTS...
First-You can not be of any help to anyone if you are not well prepared and in reasonable health. Be sure to have what you need to sustain yourself (food, water, medicine, etc.) so others will not have to take care of you.
Second- You need to have your equipment and supplies in readiness ahead of time at specific location. If there is an item that you need elsewhere that is part of your kit, place a note (easily seen) on the outside of the kit so you or another you can retrieve it. Keep an inventory inside the container itself.
Finally..Consider the containers you use for your supplies, can you carry them? Can you put wheels on them? Iis it waterproof or resistant? Is it clearly marked? Can you sit on it when it is empty?. Can you mount the equipment into it or on it? Should you build a shelf-like framework that fits inside the container? Would your antenna fit inside large PVC Pipe with removable end caps? Where is your Duct Tape? Do you have light to see at night? Can you provide battery power to others while not disabling your set-up? How do you plan to recharge your batteries? Did you hide some of your favorite candy, gum, healthbar, snack,etc. inside one of your equipment boxes in addition to your food supply? Do you have a plastic tarp to cover you and the equipment? Is your equipment and supplies marked with your name? Good Luck!
WB6FZH's Suggested Items for Radio Operators During Emergencies
- IDENTIFICATION and DOCUMENTATION
- Original Driver's License or ID Card Issued by State Government
- FCC Amateur Radio License (Copy OK)
- ID CARD of Specific Group (ARES, AREC, REACT, Etc.)
- If your ID Cards do not have your home address on it, have Utility Bill, Insurance Bill, etc. that shows your home address (you may need it to gain access to your home).
- Optional: Photo of your family and yourself
- Personal Address Book w/radio contacts
- Small Binder with Important Information
- Net Frequencies and Functions (Keep it Current)
- Simplex Frequencies and Functions
- Plans for Repeater Failures (Simplex on Ouptut? Alt Simplex)
- Outline for Net Operation and Traffic Handling
- Packet Frequencies and Identifiers (Digipeat Set-ups,etc)
- Whatever materials you need to do your best work.
- Blank Paper that fits this binder
- Consider Plastic Page Protectors for some references
- Detail Map of your area, Map of nearby area
- Note: Separate VHF/UHF and HF complete inventories
- VHF/UHF Radio, HF Radio (Per your requirements)
- Microphone, Headphones,Earphone, "Y" adapter for 2nd Headphones
- OPTIONAL: Additional Headset with microphone
- POWER SUPPLIES- High Current Batteries(GEL/NICAD/ALK), Power Suppy, DC charger, DC Cords Extra Batteries & Spare Fuses (Make list of REQ)
- DC Power Center- Cable to Main Battery meets connectors for muliple connections (Scanner, TNC, VHF, UHF, HF, Light, etc)
- VHF/UHF ANTENNA- Portable and Fixed Portable (for each band used or dualband)-
- HF ANTENNA- Fixed Portable (G5RV,etc), Mobile Antenna w/Counterpoise & support
- HF Antenna Support- Hanging, Hook,Poly Rope,Duct Tape, Counterpoise
- COAXIAL CABLE ADAPTORS- Barrell Adaptor, PL259 to BNC, Adaptors as required for your set-up, surveyors tape to mark cables.
- MFJ or similar ANTENNA TUNER/SWITCH w/cable
- LOW PASS FILTER- 1KW or 100W w/cable
- CLIP-ON GROUNDPLANE "Tigertail" 21" w/Aligator Clip
- "Mini-Mag" Flashlight with spare bulb and batteries
- Pocket Knife with built-in Tools or small tool kit.
- Cash, Coin and Credit Card info.(8 quarters,20 dimes, $10,$5,5-$1)
- Bandaids,Coff-Drops,Towelettes,Tape,Sunscreen,Misc Pills.in Small Container
- SWR/Wattmeter to monitor RF output and antenna condition w/connector cable
- DC ADAPTORs for Polarized standard power connectors with fused wires, Molex, Voltage Adaptors, Etc.
- MONITOR RADIOS- AM/FM/SW?, SCANNER(WX and Public Safety), CB/FRS and Perhaps HT to liason Frequency.
- Programming Information and Manual for your radios. List of the information programmed into the radio if RESET required.
- Spare 2mtr HT (AA battery Type)pre-programmed,w/tiger tail, 1/2 wave ant,w/case & acc.
- Pocket Card w/ Frequency/Channel information
- VHF "Brick" Amplifier w/cable to HT w/spare adaptors
- DC Extension power cable (10-15') to AMP, w/LG Aligator Clips, Molex, Power Pole,etc connectors
- Spare Fuses for Amplifier and other accessories
- 1/4 wave or 5/8 wave magnetic mount antenna with adaptors to BNC,SMA,PL-259
- Wall Chargers for HTs
- Gell Cell 12 volt Batteries for AMP & ACC, w/connectors and Cigarette Lighter Jack
- Extra 1/2 wave 2mtr antenna for HT
- Extra AA Alkaline or Lithium Batteries (also AC fast-charger w/batteries)
- Dozen Cable Ties, misc types.
- Pencils,pens,erasers,markers,pen-knife,paper,binder,white-out,Carbon Paper,plastic Envelope
- Flashlight- 3- "D"Cell type(spare batteries/lamp), Lantern w/batteries/Lamp
- Compass and ability to use it.
- Misc.Personal Items- W/case: Safety Items, First Aid,Sun glasses,Spare reading Glasses,Matches,Tweezers, Insect repellant,Kleenex,SunBlock,Sewing Kit,adhesive tape,Gause Pads 6- 4",handi-wipes,
- ARES Field Manual, and other refrences as required.
- MARS Members- appropriate references (report format,net procedures,refrences,etc.)
- FRS Radio- one or two w/batteries w/plan to contact family, local FRS Plan,etc
- ARES/MARS VEST- Safety Vest (reflector Tape),etc.
- Spare Glasses in Hard Case
- Zippered See-Through Case for misc. items
- Pens, Pencils, Erasers (White-out?)
- Water-Resistant container for your papers
- Message Forms (Help List if required)
- Log Book (wear wrist watch, or have clock nearby)
- Clip Board with Paper (3 ring binder type best)
- Spiral Notebook (Organization, Name and Callsign on Book)
- Computer Disc with duplicate programs used, and Important information for display.
- Notebook Computer if required, 100% paper back-up
- Assorted Wire Ends w/Crimp Tool for extending or repairing wires
- Roll of speaker wire and Power Wire
- 6" Diagonal Cutters
- 6" Needle Nose Pliers
- Wire Crimper/Cutter/Stripper
- Roll of UL Black Plastic Tape
- Roll of Duct Tape
- Screw Drivers- Standard and Phillips
- Locking Pliers & Vice Grips
- Wrenches and Drivers
- Regular Pliers
- Hex Wrench,Spline Wrench,Square-Drive
- Wrench Suitable to turn off Gas Valve (8" Adjustable Crescent Wrench)
- BAG of connectors,plugs,jumpers,Coax Crimp-type Connectors,etc.
- Volt Ohm Meter & spare battery
- 12VDC Soldering Iron and solder
- Flashlight with spare bulb and batteries
- Case or Zippered Bag to store tools
- Inventory List of Contents of All Bags/Cases
- PRY BAR
- Claw Hammer, Assortment of Nails
- Assortment of Hooks, Eyes, Screws, Nuts, Bolts, and stiff wire.
- Tool Box Saw or Hack Saw with spare blades
- Folding Shovel
- Plastic Bags (HD Garbage..Small and Large) Clear or Black
- Folding Tarps (1 small, 1 medium)
- 50' of Hemp Rope (3/8 min) Poly OK if no hemp
- 50' of Poly Twine
- Siphon and container to transfer Gasoline or Kerosene
- Axe or Hatchet
- Jumper Cables for Car (Extra Long Best, in Bag because of acid)
- Road Flares
- Lanterns and Stove of Coleman type, with spare fuel, mantle and burner jet.
- 2 to 5 Gallons of Gasoline in Approved container with spout.
- Fire Extinguisher (ABC 3 to 10 lb)
- AC Generator (W/12V DC) with spares and fuel
- 2- 50 3wire Grounded AC Extension Cords 1-#12GA, 1#16GA
- Binoculars- Opera Glasses
- Roll of Paper Towels, TP (in plastic Bag) and 10 cotton Shop Rags
- Whistle on lanyard (signal mirror?) ID CARD ON LANYARD?
- Personal Medications (in adaquate supply with written descripton
/ Prescription Copy of drug and size tab,etc.) - Extra Prescription Glasses and hearing aid batteries
- First Aid Kit (See Red Cross List for Recommended Contents)
- Snacks (High Energy, etc.)
- Liquid Refreshment- Water, Soda, Juice (No Alcohol)
- Throat Lozenges (Cough Drops,etc)
- Headache Medicine (Aspirin,etc)
- Water Resistant Windbreaker/ Jacket
- Hat and Sunglasses and sunscreen (if required)
- Hankerchief
- Space Blanket, Plastic Drop Cloth,
- Spare Keys to your vehicle
- Back-up Credit Cards,Cash,Coin,PhotoCopy of Radio ID, DL, etc
- 3 day supply of water (canteens, etc. transportable)
- Cooler with 3 day supply of food (w/prep.supplies etc)
- Camp or Military Style "Mess" Kit, and cleaning suppies
- Expanded First Aid Kit
- Foul Weather Gear, Poncho, Rain Hat, Regular Hat
- Sleeping Bag or Blanket/Pillow w/2 slips, (sit on it too)
- Toilet Articles (Over-night type kit) & TP supply
- Wind-up or Battery Alarm Clock
- Lantern or Flashlight with spare bulb and batteries
- Candles with waterproof matches
- Extra Underware and Socks
- Work Gloves
- Folding Chair with Name on It (antenna Base?)
- Electrical Tape, Duct Tape, Poly-Rope, Nylon twine
- FOOD ITEMS
- Water- personal carrier, bottled, canned, bagged,(washcloth in baggie)etc.
- Canned Soda- Ginger Ale, Coke, 7up,Fruit Juice,etc
- Canned: Soup,beans,Chili,Tuna,Ravioli,Tortias,Crackers,etc.
- Peanut Butter,Crackers,Jam/Jelly,Cheese Spread,Chicken/Ham Spread,hard Candy
- Large Zip Lock Bags, Roll of Foil, Napkins(in Baggie)
- Can opener,knife,spoon, fork, Vegetable scraper,beer can opener,2nd Spoon
- Napkins/Paper Towels
- Instant Coffee, Hot Chocloate Packs, Soup Packs, Tea Bags,
- Hard Candy, Protein Bars, Gum, Favorite Candy,
- Sterno Stove, Spare Sterno, Pellet Stove, Pan w/handle & Lid,W/Bar or Tablet Fuel
- MRE,dried Food, Dried Fruit, Powdered Milk, Lemonade,etc.
- Boxing and inventory for the above items.
- Roll of Antacid Tablets,Bismith Liquid,
- 6- Garbage Bag for Trash (45 GAL), Rain Poncho, cover radios, bedding
- Paper Towel Roll for Napkins/Clean-up.
OTHER EQUIPMENT TO BE CONSIDERED
- Plan with family where to meet or how to communicate after or during the emergency. Even Designate relative out of area to check in with to coordinate in worst case
- FRS Radios (2) for Family w/spare batteries (plan to use it)
- Phone Patch with proper Plugs/Jacks and Phone Interface Connections
- 12vdc High Current PS for 12V HF Radio Transceiver.
- Binder with Photocopied References of Value
- Sturdy Shoes and Protective Clothing
- Umbrella- Rain or Sun Shade (Antenna Support?)
- Golf Shirt, Pants, Belt,
- PAD / CUSHION for folding Chair
- Travel Alarm Clock,
- Portable radio with earphone and spare batteries
- Reading Book, Bible, pocket video game,
Consider your own simulation, take your equipment to another location, and set up your station, and see what you do not have... and write it down. Participate in Drills and Simulations if you can, and Join an Emergency Communications Group if you can (RACES, ARES, REACT, MARS ETC)
ARES "GO-KIT" LINKS
72HR DEPLOYMENT KIT INFO: Food, Antennas & Supplies- ARES "GO KIT"- Equipment & Supplies for Immediate Field Deployment,etc
- SUGGESTED FOOD LIST FOR "GO KIT"- Think about it ahead of time.
- EMERGENCY SUPPLIES IN GENERAL- Home, Vehicle, Personal
- TC ARES VHF /HF ANTENNAS-NVIS HF & VHF Beams, Jpoles,etc
- GO KIT SNACK LIST- Be sure to have Food/Snacks/Preparation items you like.
--
Rick Sawaya Sr N4JTQ &
Cathy Sawaya KI4YPO
2005 Spence Mountain Loop
Sevierville,TN 37876
865.429.2422
Monitor 145.470 & 444.300, 3.975, 14.250, 7.251
Member Of SCARS,ECARS,SSCC
OMISS,MWCC
Donations to the 145.470 send to:
Tim Berry
214 Echodale Rd
Knoxville TN 37920
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