[AK-VHF] NET: Oct. 4, 9am, 144.200-SSB

[Edward R Cole]

At 11:49 PM 10/3/2014, Edward R Cole wrote:
>The net will start at 9am on 144.200 USB.
>
>Finally finished work on 927.5 and 1296 systems so was able to raise 
>the array this evenin:
>
>927.5 is running at 60w with low SWR into 33 element loop-yagi 
>(Vpol) and has a preamp.
>
>1296 excessive line loss limits drive to 2w so I am only getting 20w 
>to a 45 element loop-yagi (Vpol) and am using my WD5AGO eme 
>preamp.  1296 is questionable operation.  I may have to replace my 
>1-5/8 inch hardline next spring or run a better line for 900/1296.
>
>I tested 144-MHz power level at my tower-top relays and getting 
>predicted 82% of power from the shack.  This indicates that 70% will 
>reach antennas.  On 2m-SSB that is 119w at the antennas.
>
>73, Ed - KL7UW
>http://www.kl7uw.com
>     "Kits made by KL7UW"
>Dubus Mag business:
>     dubususa at gmail.com

Following stations checked in on 144.200:
AL7JK - S7
WL7AU - S6
KL7XJ - S6
KL6M - S9+

I was plagued by high local noise to S8 which made reception 
difficult.  It did drop of to S6 for short while.
When I discovered KL6M and KL7XJ were conversing on 223.50-FM, I 
switched up there to much better reception:
KL7XJ - S8
KL6M - S6
with a S4 noise floor

Then I tried 432.200-USB but hear KL6M talking with KL4E.  Apparently 
they were on 144.200 and the 28.200 IF was leaking thru.  Later 
attempt to work 432.200 I heard no one.

Unfortunately, I may have missed a few stations on 144.200 when on 
the other two bands - sri.  High 2m noise had rendered communications 
moot though I could hear some weak undecipherable signals from 
Anchorage apparently talking between themselves.

PS:  Later checking my 432.200 Rx with a test signal proved good and 
preamp did raise receiver noise when switched on?  Then I took my 
source outside to test whether the preamp was working and discovered 
the preamp coax from the tower had been disconnected, 
outside.  Plugging it in produced a good 6 s-unit rise in signal 
level.  Noise floor S3.

Note: I am ready to test both 927.5-FM (60w) or 1296.100-USB (20w).
I think 927.5 may work well with 18-element loop-yagi (18 dBi gain)
Line losses: 10-dB Tx and 30-dB Rx are hampering 1296


NEXT WEEK - 146.52 FM

73, Ed - KL7UW
http://www.kl7uw.com
     "Kits made by KL7UW"
Dubus Mag business:
     dubususa at gmail.com