04.24.2020 KG4MRA Repeater restored via spare Quantar

Post date: Apr 25, 2020 4:10:28 PM

Friday April 24 at 1:30 PM the KG4MRA repeater returned to normal service and operation, after hardware swap out with spare Quantar, that was ready in the rack, and provisioned completely, as a cold standby. Station reports from various users near and far indicate the repeater and service is back to full capability for coverage. The Quantar taken out of service, will be tested and perhaps modified, to have it now become the spare for the repeater. That failing Quantar had been in continuous service for 4 years and 4 months, 24x7, with only 2 events during the period (the same carrier lock, no tone, no audio), which were cleared with simple remote power cycle reboot. Also on Friday, we attempted install of a APC 1500/900 Watt UPS, brand new, to supply the in service Quantar, and unfortunately on first application of power, the UPS display came up, and within a second, a significant "Pop" was heard, and the burned electronics smell happened. So it goes back for replacement, and we install later. The entire WTVR site has a massive diesel genset power backup, including the racks for the repeaters, so this APC UPS is just to handle any switching transients or main power line hits before they reach the Quantar.

Mike Owens K4RKO, a control operator for KG4MRA, who lives 2 blocks from the WTVR site, shut down the failing Quantar on Wednesday, and was onsite Friday for the restart of KG4MRA. Many thanks to Mike!

73's, Brewer W4MGA