[CALV-AUXCOMM] Station at the Calvert Health Department Checks OK

[Shawn Donley]

All,

This afternoon I dropped by the Calvert health department to check our radio setup.  All the equipment is working fine.  I successfully sent some Winlink packet messages using KB3FWW-10 direct on 145.070 and KA3POX-10 via the K3CAL-1 digipeater on 145.750.  Voice comm checked on the CARA 440 repeater, Davidsonville 147.105, the 447.075 link system node and some others.

John at the health department provided a second laptop with an actual RS-232 port but upgraded to Windows 10.  Latest versions of Winlink Express and Simple Terminal were loaded, configured and tested.  The older Windows 7 laptop was also updated to the latest version of Winlink Express but lacks a RS-232 port so a USB to RS-232 dongle is required (one was not available so I used mine).

The only annoying anomaly noted was occasional very strong digital QRM on 145.070 MHz (the KB3FWW-10 gateway frequency).   The source of this QRM is unknown but isn't from an amateur service.  I do not hear at at my QTH 2 miles away to the NW so it must be local or towards the south of the health department.

At this time we have not received any requests to activate for any agencies.  Should the situation change I'll let you know via this reflector or the telephone tree if necessary.

Stay safe and wash your hands frequently.

N3AE
Calvert EC