HIDARG - PHOTOS  Adventures in Repeater Land

Again thanks to Chris Novara K7TVL who helped get our system optimized. Antenna has been fixed on Glass (Fixed by K7TWR, ADCG7, KE7GYB) I did want to note that we used almost 2 gallons of distilled water to top off the batteries on Glass and the two on Burns Butte. The electrolyte was very low, below the plates in all batteries. This is not a good thing, and shows us that our batt's most likely will need to be replaced soon. Research is underway for an ideal solution. We know the cause, and now some work to get if fixed before the snows fly.

Finally after a very bumpy ride where Mike seemed to accurately find every rock and dip in the dirt road on the way up. The road in was in very terrible condition. Finally at the site. Our very modest little site shares space with the TV translators for most of the Portland TV Stations beaming their info to Burns and Lakeview.

A view of our antenna.. no it is not the large dishes.. it's that tiny BENT THING!!!! at the top right of the building. We had some winter damage from ice weight. Our Burns link antenna is pointing almost straight down, and our Pine Mt. link is pointing straight up. Our VHF stick is in vertical polarization mode. Must be why I had to hold my HT sideways when using Glass Butte ... hi hi...

Another view of the UHF link antennas and the VHF stick. We need to get this fixed ASAP. Any volunteers! I am not sure my internal organs will handle another ride to the top. Maybe a couple of dirt bikes or 4 wheeler would be ideal. As a note we did pass 3 bikes and a four wheel rig on the way down from the site.

Chris (kneeling) explains to Bill (left) and Mike (right) how his equipment does it's magic to the system and allows him to optimize the audio and RF signals. Chris really knows his stuff, and again we should all thank him for taking time out from his busy schedule to come out and help our group. Chris being a "Valley" person you know.....and used to the damp and mold, has a tough time with the awesome heat, and dryness of our wonderful high desert. His tolerance for the dust is very low, and we need to gather up a donation to get him a dust mask for the next time he comes over. It is the least we can do for his work and expertise to help our system to stay at a high level of performance.

Another boring view of the bent antenna.... actually these views should help the next work party to decide the best fix to apply when the time comes. Again any one out there like to volunteer.... hopefully the road will be in better condition next time... but... I really doubt it.

Chris K7TVL explains how with just an HT and a screwdriver he is able to bring the system to it's best performance. It's not the size of the screwdriver that is important, but how you hold it.

"Looking GOOD!!!!" I think we have it!!!!  Mike you can do your stuff.

Once the system is optimized, Mike can save all the data to his PC, and in the event of future issues, will be able to quickly get things working again.

Now OFF to Burns Butte. Our little shack. Note the very old steel building to the right. I used to hike to the top of Burns Butte when I was a kid, and I remember this thing actually being in use. Not sure for what at the time, but it's been there for over 50years. Maybe we can do something with it. Porta Potty maybe.... a few touches with a blow torch, and some creative welding. Any volunteers...???

Chris recovering from another attack of  sneezing from all that High Desert Dust. He needs to build up a tolerance to that stuff if he expects to help out in the future. Note Bill hiding behind the rack, not sure what he is doing back there, maybe stirring up some dust. I should mention that Bill was very helpful on this trip, he and Chris spent most of the time talking about radio stuff, and their adventures at various repeater sites.

The Lone Solar Panel,,,,, it's lonely at the top. Hey give me a break... we still have more to show you, as soon as we get back from Stephenson on Sunday. Actually I noticed that this panel was not hooked up.

Removal of the bent antenna....K7TWR on top doing the work. THANKS!! Tower Guy!!.

Another shot ..K7TWR on top doing the work. DOUBLE THANKS!! Tower Guy!!.

Another shot KE7GYB helping out..TRIPLE THANKS!! Mike, John & Tower Guy!!.