Kaufman County Amateur Radio Emergency Service, Inc.

Repeater Development
Our current repeater project is to get the 2 meter repeater completely bought and one the air.  As most of you know, we have a coordinated fequency which is listed on the main repeater page.  As we get this repeater online, we plan to add more on 220 and 440, but for now, the 2 meter is the most important one.

We are raising funds to by a complete system that is ready to go when we get it.  The only thing that we will need to add right away is the tower for it to sit on, unless we are able to work out a deal on a local tower that we wish to use, but there is only on other problem that we need to address to go along with the repeater.  How to power it?
Windmill1.jpg
LPARC Windmill and Repeater


Yes, there is commercial power that we will be using once we intially get the system online.  But after see some information about another group, Loma Prieta (CA) Amateur Radio Club, the plans for this repeater have been expanded some to be able to power it using both the wind and sun.

LPARC had an article in the November Issue of QST about their project, called Sun, Wind Energize Club Repeater by Austin Lesea - AB6VU.  Chris Hodgdon - KE5IGO, has also been in contact with Mr. Lesea and obtained more information about the repeater setup that will allow for the development of our own system.

Utilizing an Air-X 500 W wind turbine, called a windmill from Southwest Windpower and a single 80 W, 12 V solar panel, it would be possible to create a repeater that can provide its own power for 24/7 operation.  By adding batteries to collect and store power, the system is able to maintain its operation when there is little sun or wind. 

The LPARC group developed their power system for less than $900, including donated materials, wire, switches, breakers and batteries.  Using the information provided by them and some of our own research, we feel that their is a good chance that we can develop our system for under $1000.00.  We are hoping to develop our unit to be able to maintain all the repeater equipment that we place online, that way, we can avoid the charges that we would be giving the electric company.  Though it might cost some money up front for this, it will be well spent and allow us to have funds to use for other purposes.

As we build and develop our system, we will be creating a story about it and maybe we will be able to get it into QST.  If you are interested in helping us develop our repeater and make this a great system, please feel free to use one of our donation options and send a donation today.  Everyon penny that we get helps.
Last Updated ( Tuesday, 15 May 2007 )
 
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