OPS-2 Workstation

OPS-2 with the PSK-31 program running on the left side screen. Photo was taken on Field Day 2011 running N3FJP's Field Day software.

Desktop Workstation:

This operator position has three 20" liquid crystal display (LCD) monitors for multi-tasking. The center screen displays the main logging program input screen, the right hand screen shows which frequency band and mode each operator position has selected. One of the other positions in this operation includes the extra station set up in a motor home in the parking lot next the building. Operators can avoid being on the same band as another operator at this location by viewing the screen. The screen to the far left is a "main screen" used as an internet screen for general purpose use, such as opening software programs. For example, the N3FJP logging software opens in the left screen. Once the N3FJG logging software is open, a left click and a drag can move it to another screen, or it can be left to remain on the main screen. This makes logging and simultaneously using two or three other software programs easier while performing emergency communications as compared to shrinking/minimizing the window down and bringing it back up hunting for the information needed. The screens can be set up by the operator to provide the information they need according to the operation being supported.

The desktop computers and radio power supplies are on a shelf below the desk. They are connected to the HF radios, VHF radios, and Terminal Node Controllers (TNCs). The computers interface with the radios to perform radio control, radio programming options, HF radio digital mode communications and packet radio data communications.

For Emergency Communications, the main program, N3FJP Emergency Manager 1.0, is normally displayed on the center screen. The served agency's feed from the WebEOC database can be displayed overhead (future upgrade) and/or on the right side screen. In addition, the left monitor screen can display an Automatic Packet Reporting System (APRS) map, with zoom in and zoom out capability, showing for example, operator locations, road closures, and hazmat situations with plume models.

HF System:

The main HF radio on OPS-2 is a 200 watt 160 through 10 meter Yaesu FT-1000D using a multi-band fan dipole at over 40 feet above the ground. A homebrew sound card interface (W7JI) is used for digital modes and during contesting programs for transmitting pre-recorded voice calls.

The OPS-2 HF radio has a minimum of two antenna feed lines available. The FT-1000D has one main antenna input and a two position/port antenna switch is located on the desk to the right of the radio. Antenna port 1 provides connection to the multi-band fan dipole. Antenna port 2 is accessible at the tower in the ground level auxiliary four port box. The box can be used to connect to experimental antennas or to a vertical antenna near the tower.

Due to a donation of a newer radio at OPS-1, the YAESU FT-1000 Mark V will replace the Yaesu FT-1000 as part of the ARECC upgrading and swapping equipment around.

VHF/UHF System:

The VHF/UHF station is now equipped with a Kenwood TM-D700A for 144 & 70 cm (440) analog FM.

The OPS-2 position will be upgraded with an Alinco DR-235 25 watt 220 MHz FM and data transceiver for local voice nets and data operations.