[MarinTeams] On-Air Communications Test

[Bill Smith]

The DART Radio team conducted a radio test Monday evening 08/13/07 using
repeaters and simplex frequencies.  The test was well attended and a
surprising success.

Stations participating:

Vicki KI6IYN   West San Rafael
Steve KI6JAT Dominican
John KI6IYK  Bel Marin Keys, Novato
Irwin KI6IYU Terra Linda
Bill AB6MT  Downtown San Rafael
Dan W6NFF  Northern San Rafael

All stations were able to make contact through K6BW repeater at Hamilton and
K6GWE repeater on Big Rock.  We also tested the 440.55 repeater but although
Dan and Irwin were heard well, they reported weak and unreadable signals
from the repeater.  John was unable to access the 440.55 repeater.

We then tried the simplex frequency 145.28.  Bill used a rooftop antenna and
a 50 watt transceiver and was surprisingly heard by all stations.  However,
he was only able to copy Vicki and Steve.  As most stations are equipped
with handheld 5 watt transceivers, the difference in communications is
easily explained.  However, if stations were to equip themselves with higher
power transceivers and rooftop antennas, it appears possible to make
extended communications without the need for repeaters.

All in all the test was very positive.  A big thank you to all stations who
participated!

73 de Bill, AB6MT
hbco2 at sbcglobal.net