[AReU] Repeater Problems

[Tony Stone]

Sorry for the absence of the repeater for the Monday night net yesterday.
I didn't get into town until about 5:00 pm today and just a short time after
that Mike (KB4JHU) called to discuss the problem.

After talking to Mike I scarfed up a bunch of tools and the required
paperwork and went to the repeater site.

After checking all the external signals and finding nothing wrong I
proceeded
to check the parameters in the various control areas. There are 6 areas
devoted to control of various repeater functions. In zone one I found a
bit set that told the controller to look for a pre programmed DTMF
sequence before the transmitter could be keyed up. This bit is not
normally set and will inhibit operation of the transmitter. After resetting
this bit to zero the repeater resumed normal operation. This was
accomplished at approximately 7:00 PM.

I also replaced the fuses in the auto patch and found that the last
lightning strike apparently damaged the phone line input circuit.
I don't have the time nor the parts to repair this now. After the Dayton
Hamvention I will get the parts together and repair the controller.
The poor controller has lasted longer than I had ever hoped. It takes
a terrible beating from the ground differential voltage generated with
the tower takes a direct hit. I have replaced the input resistors two times
and then added fuses which I have replaced dozens of times in the
last several years.

I can't let this note go by without reminding everyone of Field Day.
It's getting closer and we need to start planning in earnest. We still have
not got together to check the antennas that we will be using but we still
have several weekends left.

Start thinking about how you can participate in this wonderful event.

73

Tony