[GCARC] Remote Radio Antenna Status

[Christopher Prioli AD2CS]

Please be advised that, due to unusually high forecast winds over the next
few days, both the VHF "tower trailer" and the HF tower have been lowered
to their bottom limits, resulting in serious changes in the availability of
these antennas for on-air use.

On the HF side, amplifier use is prohibited whenever the antenna is at
less than its full height.  This means that the amplifier is currently
unavailable for any use at all.  In addition, the
160-meter loop wire is currently down and is draped across the Clubhouse
roof and then trails down to and lays across the ground in the parking
lot.  Be aware of this wire if you visit the Clubhouse.  The wire is marked
with sawhorses, but it is still a hazard despite these markings.  The HF
bands normally serviced by this antenna are unavailable for on-air use
during this stormy period.  This includes 160 meters, 80 meters, 60 meters,
30 meters, 17 meters, 12 meters, and 6 meters.

The bands serviced by the beam antennas, which include 40 meters, 20
meters, 15 meters, and 10 meters can be operated, *but at a reduced power
level of 50% of normal maximum power!*

Furthermore, due to the proximity of the beam antennas and the wire loop
and the likelihood of entanglement, the HF tower rotator system has also
been disabled.  The system is currently parked at a 47° position, enabling
possible communications to the European continent.

We will restore the system to its normal functionality as soon as possible
after passage of the storm front.  In light of the increased usage of the
HF remote radio in recent days, we are taking every precaution to protect
this system from storm damage which would inconvenience the users for a
much greater period than the relatively short inconvenience caused by these
tempoorary changes.

*All users of the remote radio systems should get into the habit of
checking the Clubhouse calendar immediately prior to logging onto the
remote system, so as to ascertain the current status of the antenna system
for the radio you intend to use.*

Thank you for your patience and understanding...

73 de

-- Chris   AD2CS
*GCARC VE Team Liaison*
*GCARC Education Committee Chair*
*GCARC Membership Committee Chair*
*Member, GCARC Board of Directors*
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Christopher P Prioli
648 W Holly Ave
Pitman, NJ  08071
1-856-689-6783
www.ad2cs.com