[SMCARA] 64

[Clarke, Tom AIR4.0P NATOPS]

Hi Gang,

Well, as of this morning, the interference issue on the repeater seems
to have gone away. It pretty much had to be from a ham rig, rather than
a runaway TV preamp (yes, we've had that happen!) or a signal generator
left on, since it takes a PL to bring up the repeater.

Larry in LTown was able to hear a strong signal on the input 146.04, as
was Pete in LP.  I picked up relatively weak signal on my HT in the
office on base. Didn't hear it at home in Wildewood, so the guess is
that the signal was generally West of the site. It was a fairly robust
signal as neither Pete, Boz or myself could override with control inputs
to shut it down. Note to self: enable the UHF control link!

Listening to the signal being repeated didn't provide any clues.  Some
background noise, possibly voices or TV could be heard but not
recognized. This usually means that someone's HT PTT got activated by a
cushion or other item (yes, even your "bum" can activate the PTT!). If
it was a base station, a book or something on the mic PTT could do it
too. A long time ago, I was driving to work and managed to sit on my
microphone in the car. Results were predictable! 

Pete and I are going to the site today for a little PM, including
tightening up the coax connectors to try to get rid of that annoying
desense crackle that shows up during the Tuesday net. As the temperature
gets colder, the connectors may loosen, and it doesn't take a lot to
desense the receiver.

What can the rest of the users do?  Obviously, don't sit on your
microphone, and turn the HT off when not in use.  Simple stuff. If your
radio is equipped with a transmit timeout feature, please set it to a
couple of minutes.  That will limit the duration of the jam, and maybe
save your finals from burning up!

73 de Tom/W4OKW