[TowerTalk] (fwd) [CQ-Contest] VY1JA Tech Help Request.

[Guy Olinger, K2AV]

I have forwarded this to TowerTalk, as this seems to be the hotbed of such subjects. Please respond directly to j.allen@yec.yk.ca   

VY1JA is a huge asset to the contesting community. Anything that keeps him on the air will be appreciated by many.

Guy.

On Wed, 31 May 2000 10:20:22 -0700, "J.Allen" <j.allen@yec.yk.ca> wrote:

>
>Clear DayTo All,
>
>Antenna fixing season is here.  At VY1JA, the tower will come down and be
>moved.  During the process, the 5 antenna switching relays at the top of the
>tower need to be replaced.   These relays allow me to use one feedline and
>have several  antennas on the tower.
>
>The existing relays did not work as expected.  They have a tendency to work
>well on high power but to act as a poor connection to low current signals.
>This is a common problem in industrial applications and gold plated contacts
>normally fix this.  The relays used have gold plated contacts but were
>unsuitable for some other reason which I will discover when the tower comes
>down.
>
>Does anyone have SOLID technical background in specifying relays for antenna
>service and an understanding of the effects of our low temperatures, high
>winds, and icing?
>
>I must make sure that the next set of relays I put in will last more than a
>few months and that they will not fail during the cold contest season.  As
>it is, I have to make sure that the AR-22 rotator under the tribander is
>aiming right so that when it freezes up I can still work SS.
>
>Next winter, I MUST be able to switch to the low bands.  I am thankful that
>the tribander's relay has continued to work well.
>
>All I am looking for is technical information.. What relays are right and
>where do I get them?
>
>J., VY1JA
>
>
>--
>CQ-Contest on WWW:        http://www.contesting.com/_cq-contest/
>Administrative requests:  cq-contest-REQUEST@contesting.com
>

73, Guy
k2av@contesting.com
Apex, NC, USA

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