2011 Technical Year in Review
This year has been a busy year for the club’s technical group. Mostly in the background, we have been working on issues that needed to be addressed. An assessment of the AON Center noise floor and coverage issues resulted in a move of the 440 system. Speaking of 440, the club purchased a Quantar capable of analog and P25 digital modes. The Worth 2 meter package was completely rebuilt along with some long needed assessment and repairs to Worth 220. The Barrington site was repaired and a grounding assessment performed. Agreement with the Schaumburg site owners was reached to re-install equipment that is currently under construction. Waukegan site assessed requiring major upgrades in the spring, a temporary site is up. Ten meter receive package installed at temporary site in the western suburbs. A site inventory with asset tagging is 87% complete. Echolink is back up on 2 meters.
2012 will also be a busy year. In the spring, we will review the Downers Grove site. A major over haul for D-STAR and engineering improvements for 440 are planned. Along with the completion of the 10 meter transmit link. Six meters has new package which will bring the power levels back to normal and the end of the impolite ID’er. The 2 meter transmitter package at AON center is schedules for upgrade (with board approval to spend the funds), a long overdue assessment of the antenna for 2 meters at AON. Upgrades to the echolink audio and an evaluation of IP based control systems for the systems with smart phone capabilities.
All of the accomplishments of 2011 are due to the hard work of the volunteer technical staff. Without their help we could not have completed as much as we did. We are always looking for some help. If you are interested in the techie stuff or helping with equipment moves, send an email to WA9ORC@att.net . I look forward to accomplishing a great many of the projects in 2012.
DE N9AWQ
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Due to the high noise levels at the AON center making the UHF repeater unusable beyond a 10 mile radius, the system has been moved to a test location for a 30 day evaluation. Reports indicate a more consistent coverage in the Chicagoland area. We did this move at a cost of $15 for parts. There is a problem with the duplexer that needs to be addressed. If the site proves effective, the coax with be replaced and better grounding will be performed. Long term, as finances allow, the antenna will also be upgraded.
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NEW CFMC 440 MHZ REPEATER INSTALLED !!!!
THE BOARD AND ITS MEMBERS ARE VERY EXCITED AND PROUD TO HAVE THE LATEST AND GREATEST 440 MHZ REPEATER, " THE MOTOROLA QUANTAR ". THIS SYSTEM, INCASE MANY OF YOU DONT KNOW, DOES DIGITAL MODE APCO P-25 AND ANALOG MODE.
IT IS HIGHLY RECCOMMENDED THAT ANYONE USING THE 440 MACHINE IN ANALOG MODE SHOULD HAVE THERE "DECODE" FUNCTION ACTIVATED ON PL TONE 114.8 ON ALL RADIO'S.
CLICK ON THE LINK BELOW FOR THE OPERATING RULES
http://www.chicagofmclub.org/clubinfo/repeaters.html
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