Email  correction concerning the repeater from Tim Duffy, K3LR…..


I just received the latest Carrier Wave which contained the minutes from the last meeting. I wish to set the record straight on several items that were misspoken at the January 2001 meeting.
It was reported that "The normal feedline loss of 0.6 dB is down 4.3 dB which is attenuating the repeater's output by half". This makes no sense.
I checked the feedline loss using the return loss measurement standards and found the loss of the feedline (including the antenna phasing harness) to be 0.6 dB greater than the manufacture's specifications. The decrease in signal strength of 0.6 dB (and receiving capability) would NEVER be noticed! It does point out the fact that the feedline and the antenna should be replaced as a matter of good engineering practice (it is 25 years old).
The current feedline is NOT attenuating the repeater's output by half!
"If the club gets CATV coax or Tyme coax the problem in signal loss will be half as bad as it is now". I recommend that the club stay AWAY from both of these solutions. They are poor at best for this application. The feedline must be replaced with new 7/8" high quality 50 ohm heliax to maintain optimum performance of the system.
"The repeater needs a CW IDer to ID 10 minutes after the repeater is in use". This is wrong, the repeater has an IDer already. Maybe this was some reference to the back haul links needed for remote receivers.
"Says that the repeater is "living on borrowed time"". This is absolutely, 100% false!!!
The Micor repeater is in fine shape. If we take good care of it, it will last another 25 years. It does need a new set of finals, but the transistors are available and the work can be done locally. The Micor receiver is still one of the best in the commercial business.
A small low power back up repeater is needed in case the Micor fails, but THAT is all!
I suggest that Barney give a detailed report at the next meeting. He was part of the repeater testing team.
I would be happy to discuss the current state of the repeater with anyone who has questions. I can be reached on email or at 866-1012 (local Sharpsville number).
I think the January minutes should be modified to reflect what really is going on with the repeater.
73,
Tim K3LR