[W2CRA] 375 Status

[Bill Powell]

On this afternoon's commute home, Ed, N3MSK mentioned that he had heard a lot of activity on 015,  which was unusual.  
When I got clear of college hill in Morristown I tried, and failed to bring up 375 and told Ed I'd go up and see what was up after dinner. Just west of Sommerville, on 202, I tried but couldn't bring up 444.85  either which hinted that there might be a common problem like power failing to the building.
After dinner and on the way "up" I managed to key up both 375 and 444.85 but both were weak.
On arrival I discovered that we might have yet another roof leak or that we have a battery problem: the Henry amp shipping carton was wet and broken down (it's now outsude in a heap) and the floor was mostly covered with a yellowish powder - NOT a good sign.
The 12V (actually 13V) battery buss was down to 9.75 volts - not good at all. Either all 3 power supplies died or we had a shorted cell.
I managed to raise Wes, N2VEK on 450 (THANKS Wes!) and agreed to meet him up there in an hour while I changed and bought a mess of baking soda - just in case.
Tuens out that all 3 power supplies were shot.
Fortunately, we had 2 spares of which one worked so we're up on one normal supply and the Astron backup.
Currently we're back up on both 375 and 444.85 but, till the battery plant comes back up to 13V (it was 12.7 when we left) and 375 might not be putting out all 400 watts.  HGive it a day or two as we'll have to monitor the battery float voltage and make sure it doesn't rise above 13.2 but is at least 13.
Bottom line:  Wes is going to see if any of the supplies are repairable or if a higher amperage supply is available.  Otherwise we're going to have to come up with a power supply capable of 100A continuous duty.  I have some candidates I'm researching.

Q&A at the next meeting,
Bill - WB1GOT