Lightning sucks

As much as one tries to do the right thing, grounding and lightning protection sometimes is just a gamble at our levels. And with that gambling, we lost this time a bit.

Baxter site took some sort of hit and I lost a lot of gear. Managed to get the ham repeater, GMRS repeater and all the associated network equipment back up and running.

I did also lose the VARA-FM station there including the radio, computer and interfaces. That is still down until I can find and program a replacement computer. For the love of radio, so they say.

Furthermore, Brentwood 444.000 has decided it doesn't want to work properly anymore and needs to be replaced, as well as the VARA antenna that needs to be heaved up. I have the replacement repeater already, just needs a few things and will have that back on the air. Brentwood will be off for a week or 2 until we can get there to assess.

With all the needs and damage, I am going to take a little time and consider my next steps. I may move the system to a Winlink/BPQ blend for additional usage. BPQ, especially the Linux version, there will likely be more connectivity and capability. With the impending Windows 10 shut down that everyone's talking about, it would be a large investment for me to replace all these computers with Windows 11 systems as of now, where I could just reprogram my current stock to Linux. More information coming as I figure out paths and dig out of all the damage. I'm working on it!