[HCARC] Fw: Need help understing Repeater option comments by Dennis KF5STP and Harvey K5HV

Tue Oct 15 19:03:47 EDT 2013

Eddie mis-addressed it only to me and it is for all.

Gary J
N6BAA 
HCARC Secretary 2013

HCARC,

All I was asking at the last meeting is there a way to make a "Plan B".
That is: can we find a way to get "RF" in/out of Kerrville if we have
another 1999 event - where everything but radio was un-usable.

Mostly due to an NWS event this last spring where there was no way
to get severe WX reports in/out of Kerrville.  Kerrville is way too big a
population to ignore.  

I'm certainly OK with a lesser approach other than NVIS, BUT!
If only one NVIS station can relay to the repeater for me, that's
just fine!

Other ways might be looked into, such as APRS (IM) or tests to
another repeater such as the 444.450 (Lee's idea).  

I'm willing to build some NVIS data stations, one for Kerrville for 
testing - see my email from yesterday.  I have receivers working
right now that can stream audio on an "intranet" (HSMM) or 
internet.  I have 4 un-built SDR transceiver kits just waiting for
this project.

Just seems to me (a non-member) that there should be other options
we have yet to explore.  Seriously doubt this is in any "Charter", 
yet needs to be done.

--eddie kd5wdq // NWS: wx5ewx

On Tue, Oct 15, 2013 at 5:22 PM, Gary Johnson N5BAA <qltfnish at omniglobal.net> wrote:

  "Board and Engineering committee" ?? Just looked at the Kerrhams website and while I do find an Executive Board (minus AC4CA who I understand has resigned from the board - he served his time and should be thanked for doing so), I don't find an Engineering Committee anywhere and if anyone cares to ask our President, there is likely little chance of finding people willing to serve.  Heck at the last meeting Terry could only find one volunteer to be on the nominating committee for next years officers.  Out of 30+ attendees at the meeting Terry could only get 13 responses to a poll he passed around.  What makes us so sure that enough people care one way or another to plan a change of site for the repeater??  Volunteers have not been beating the doors down lately!!

  Second,  is there a requirement in our charter to support NWS or do we do that because we have been able to??  I am not trying to be confrontational in this, but what is our charter??  If we change our charter then we should reevaluate the funding (i.e. Dues).  The following is what we are supposed to do according to Kerrhams.org::

  "The purposes of the Club shall include:
  A. Provide a sociable environment for its members at meetings and elsewhere.
  B. Increase the knowledge of radio and related subjects among its members through technical programs and discussions
  C. Encourage and assist those who are not currently licensed amateurs to obtain licenses
  D. Provide communication assistance as needed during emergencies in conjunction with public service organizations including the Hill Country Chapter of the American Red Cross
  E. Project a favorable image regarding Amateur Radio to the general public"

  I guess D is the catch all to support whatever "public service organization" needs help.  Be careful, a lot of organizations may want to fall into this catagory.

  Gary J
  N5BAA
  HCARC Secretary 2013

  ----- Original Message ----- From: "Lee Besing" <lee at besing.com>
  To: "Hill Country Amateur Radio Club" <hcarc at mailman.qth.net>
  Sent: Tuesday, October 15, 2013 2:21 PM
  Subject: Re: [HCARC] Need help understing Repeater option comments by Dennis KF5STP and Harvey K5HV

    From my past experience with SARO in San Antonio, working to replace the heluax & antenna on the (former) 147.14 Canyon Lake repeater, some engineering / cost factors could include:

    Unless there is a pre-existing feedline / heliax & suitable antenna on the proposed new site, the club would need to obtain the availability of an acceptable licensed / bonded tower climber crew to install new feedline / heliax & a new antenna.

    That implies paying for the labor of such tower climber crew, if the tower lease holder won't let some agile hams with proper safety gear do the work.

    That also implies the club would need to purchase (or get donated) suitable feedline / heliax, connectors, mounting hardware, paint (to match tower per FCC / FAA regulations), and antenna(s) to mount on tower. With current copper costs, low loss feedline is quite expensive.

    And it probably implies the need to re-coordinate the frequency with the Texas VHF-FN Society (shouldn't be a big deal, just paperwork filed with them).

    The SARO Canyon Lake 147.14 repeater project (at 600+ ft) died due to the cost of an acceptable (to the tower leasing company) tower climbing crew. With the spread of LTE installations by major cellular carriers, tower crews are able to charge premium rates because they are so busy.

    SARO was quoted $8,000 on their last bid. REACT had offered to donate the heliax & GVARC had offered to donate the mounting hardware. But the requirements for a professional tower crew killed it, due to that single expense factor.

    Either way, the cost factors alone should initiate a feasibility study by the club's board & engineering committee to determine the probable costs associated with such project & if the club can handle those costs. (I.e. raise the funds or have sufficient resources already on hand.)

    The hosting cost at the proposed new site is quite reasonable and the availability of emergency backup power is a bonus. But those are minor factors in the decision to relocate or not.

    Certainly I think the general membership ought to be informed of the option, but without knowing the total bottom line cost to the club up front, no reasonable decision could be made.

    Just my unsolicited 2 cents worth....

    I don't think anyone is particularly against the concept of trying to improve the coverage area & reach of the current  repeater. It has great coverage now. But if it can be improved to the point of enabling a stronger signal as far as the NWS office in New Braunfels, that would be a desirable end result in my book.

    Lee Besing, N5NTG
    210-771-7075 ( voice/text)
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