BEECN SW Portland Repeater: Difference between revisions
From Portland NET Wiki
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# '''Do you have enough volunteers?''' It takes a minimum of three volunteers to stand up and take down the repeater kit (although, it takes only two to operate it). Two volunteers will set up the mast, and the third acts as a safety officer. | # '''Do you have enough volunteers?''' It takes a minimum of three volunteers to stand up and take down the repeater kit (although, it takes only two to operate it). Two volunteers will set up the mast, and the third acts as a safety officer. | ||
# '''Assess the deployment site.''' Is it safe to operate in the area? Are there any hazards present that could prevent volunteers from operating safely? | # '''Assess the deployment site.''' Is it safe to operate in the area? Are there any hazards present that could prevent volunteers from operating safely? | ||
# '''Personal protective equipment (PPE).''' Volunteers operating the repeater should wear weather appropriate clothing and watertight footwear. Having a hardhat is VERY important, particularly as the mast is assembled and raised. Gloves are important for avoiding pinch points on the mast segments. PBEM recommends wearing a reflective vest. | # '''Personal protective equipment (PPE).''' Volunteers operating the repeater should wear weather appropriate clothing and watertight footwear. Having a hardhat is VERY important, particularly as the mast is assembled and raised. Gloves are important for avoiding pinch points on the mast segments. PBEM recommends wearing a reflective vest.[[File:Clatoon Anemomenter.png|alt=This model of anemomenter is included in the mast bag to help measure wind speed.|thumb|400x400px|This model of anemomenter is included in the mast bag to help measure wind speed.]] | ||
# '''What is the wind doing?''' See table to the right. If winds are steadily blowing over 16 mph, volunteers must not attempt to assemble the mast. If the mast is up and winds pick up, the repeater crew should carefully disassemble the mast and demobilize until winds die down. | # '''What is the wind doing?''' See table to the right. If winds are steadily blowing over 16 mph, volunteers must not attempt to assemble the mast. If the mast is up and winds pick up, the repeater crew should carefully disassemble the mast and demobilize until winds die down. There is also a [https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0B7NB6RFH?ref=ppx_yo2ov_dt_b_fed_asin_title handheld anemometer] to measure wind speed included in the mast bag; see image to the right. | ||
# '''What's over our heads?''' The mast should be deployed in an open field, away from trees, and completely clear of power lines.<mark> '''CAUTION:''' '''assume all powerlines are energized, even after an earthquake. If the mast touches a power line, repeater operators will be severely injured or killed! Never push the mast upwards if you cannot see where it is going!'''</mark> | # '''What's over our heads?''' The mast should be deployed in an open field, away from trees, and completely clear of power lines.<mark> '''CAUTION:''' '''assume all powerlines are energized, even after an earthquake. If the mast touches a power line, repeater operators will be severely injured or killed! Never push the mast upwards if you cannot see where it is going!'''</mark> | ||
# '''Is the mast appropriately secured?''' The mast kit comes with stakes for the feet and [[wikipedia:Guy-wire|guy wires]]. Use them 100% of the time. This equipment helps keep the mast secure and steady. | # '''Is the mast appropriately secured?''' The mast kit comes with stakes for the feet and [[wikipedia:Guy-wire|guy wires]]. Use them 100% of the time. This equipment helps keep the mast secure and steady. | ||
