[Lowfer] W5JGV Grabbers down - network failure

[Ralph W5JGV]

> Ralph,
> 
> This would be a good time for me to tell you Thank You! for operating
> the grabbers.  I've really been enjoying watching my UWL at 185302 as
> it fades in and out.  I know none of this would be possible without
> some work and expense on your part and I just want you to know I
> appreciate it.
> 
> I know I speak for others when I say thank you to you for this, and
> thanks to the other grabber operators too.
> 
> 73
> Eric KD5UWL / WD2XFX

Thanks for your kind words, Eric.

I run the Grabbers because they are fun to watch, and I know they do help others in their quest for the Perfect Signal. <G>

As for the operating costs, they are time and electricity.  The time is not much, just kick-start a reluctant computer occasionally.  The electricity is for running the receiver, which is a HP-3586, and the computer that runs the grabber itself.  The HP uses the lion's share of the power, of course.  By using an old Sony laptop, I have reduced the power drain for the computer considerably as compared to the earlier  desktop computer.

As a rough calculation, I figure that running the 185 KHz Grabber costs me about $132.00 in electricity cost per year, or about 36 cents a day, which is not a lot to spend on an interesting hobby.  I did not include the cost of the internet link nor the power required for that part of the system, since it is always on for the rest of the family anyway.

73,

Ralph  W5JGV - WD2XSH/7