Post date: Jan 9, 2009 10:33:11 AM
The tropo operation from V5 has run into a few problems. We are hoping to have the station operational Friday evening, January 9.
A major setback occurred yesterday evening when the tower to support the 2m tropo antennas broke while being raised. The winch cable snapped, dropping to tower onto its trailer, and the 2m and 6m into the ground. Fortunatley the tower was only 1m up when thecable snapped, and nobody was injured.
We are working to repair the antenna today, and the winch cable should be replaced by Saturday. We hope to either repair the big M2 19XXX today or build up two 11-element yagis. The rope ladder yagi whould be up tonight as well. We can aslo use the EME antenna after moonset in the mornings.
Wind is going to be an issue over the weekend. with 40 knowt winds expected. The site is very exposed, jutting out into the Atlantic Ocean.
Internet access from the site has been difficult, but is still being worked on.
Power was also an issue initially. We had been told that full AC poweer was available, but in fact they only have solar power. The site owners arranbged a 6.5 kW generator for us.
Please monitor 144.250o MHz for V5/N7BHC. We will be operational on JT65B, transmitting in the first period. Without Internet access, most operations will be without skeds.
Please watch this site for more infromation as we are able to link in.