[South Florida DX Association] South Florida DX Association Club Repeater

[Bill Marx]

After much effort by Club Members, and Special efforts this past week by Pete N8PR and Chris VE3NGW the repeater is working very
very well.

The harness on the antenna was handled a month or so ago as I noted in the past. This past week Chris received the cabling and
connectors for the duplexors he ordered. Pete and Chris spent several hours tuning and trying various arrangements. Chris has the
"cans" tuned perfectly and things are working well. The amplifier wasn't up to standards so some more experimenting has taken place
and more amplifier work will occur.

On my trip up and back from the Ft Pierce Hamfest this weekend I made note of some Milemarkers.

On the way up I was able to turn it on and be heard on I-95 at Blue Heron Blvd in Northern West Palm Beach. It is working
consistently up to about Belvedere or Southern Blvd on I-95.

On the way back on the Turnpike, I heard it partially at Milemarker 115 or about PGA Blvd. I was able to turn it on and be heard at
the 103 Milemarker( Okeechobee Blvd), and it was consistent  at the 100 Milemarker for 2 way. The Hospital where the repeater is
located (Oakland Park Blvd at the Turnpike) is between the 60 and 61 Milemarker. Call it the 61, so that means it has a range of
approximately 40 miles. Not bad for low power 20 watts we are running currently. Perhaps this week we will have the amplifier inline
and will be able to extend that range even more.

So get on the air and use it. 147.33 +600. Join the large number on there now and say hi.

The current DX we have been spotting and calling in are the H40 Temotu and H44 Solomons. Along with the TZ6 Mali group. Get that 2
meter rig out of the closet and hook it up. Either in your car or at the house and chase the DX with us or just say hello..

Dont forget the meeting at The Dauer Automobile Museum on September 3rd.

Bill Marx W2CQ