Repairs and Decommissions

The Van Buren 444.400 repeater has been repaired/replaced. Apparently after a storm, the repeater decided that it didn't want to transmit at any level of real power anymore, thus making the system unusable locally. From a receiver side and through the Allstarlink system, it seemed to be working fine so I had no idea the TX power was low until my site visit. I swapped it out this weekend with a working repeater and all is back to "normal" with that one. I don't see any lightning damage, so maybe the PA just decided to die. It happens, much to all of our dismay. I REALLY wish someone would have told me, as a couple of locals noticed it when I chatted with them. Maybe they don't know I have a website here. Maybe they didn't know how to contact me. Maybe they didn't care. Who knows. In hammy land, if something isn't working, tell the owner or trustee. I'm sure most repeater owners and trustees would LOVE to know if something isn't right as soon as possible so they can get to it and fix it. I have a CONTACT page here even for those of ya that might wanna help me. I would appreciate it. Contact LINK No harm, no foul; it's working now.

Likewise, this has been a rough spring with equipment damage. As much as we try to "ground properly", it seems that mother nature had other ideas. I have removed all the VARA-FM systems off my tower sites. Due to lack of use, constant issues with equipment, and the pursuit of better ideas, I no longer host VARA-FM anywhere. If it was ever needed, I could spin something up really quickly. I am, however, going to pursue AREDN data a little harder and see if we can get that going. They both have their perks and downsides but at this point, I find AREDN a bit more stable and usable, and has piqued my interest in experimentation. Go to my AREDN page HERE.

Lastly, APRS is back in NWA. I repurposed a VARA set to APRS in Springdale to fill a hole, and it seems to be working well for now. I see some other Digis coming back to the map also, so those of you working APRS will have something to use.

As always, I will try to update this blog and my site with new things as they happen and as I have time. I appeciate the support from many of you!