[FSG-public] Repeater updates

[Bryan Fields]

We accomplished much today even with the wind gusting to 50 mph on the roof.

We didn't get the computer interfacing done just yet, but we did get all 5
repeaters terminated with 1/2 heliax from the lightning arrestors in the
shelter.  We installed 4 coax grounds bonding the coax to the "birdcage".  

Of most interest the group will be the improvements made to the 443.525 with
the addition of a preamplifier.  This is a receiver amplifier that sits post
the receiver side of the duplexer and improves the sensitivity of the
receiver.  We measured the receiver sensitivity before adding the pre-amp and
found it was -119.5 dBm for 12dB of signal/noise, which is quite good.  With
the pre-amp inline we measured the sensitivity as -126.5, and improvement of
about 7dB.  This is quite frankly amazing as the thermal noise in a 25 kHz
channel is -130 dBm, so we're 4db more than the noise for a usable signal. 

You will see this as much improved signals on HT's and lower power/further out
mobiles. 

We're ready once we get internet fiber in place for linking and installing the
data radios. 

Please get on and give it a try.

73's

-- 
Bryan Fields, W9CR
Florida Simulcast Group, Inc.