[TCFMC] New 76 repeater on the way, we need to research a new controller.

[TArimond at aol.com]

For anyone who is interested, we are organizing a technical committee  with 
the new web site system.  I have posted a new forum item about a new  
controller.  We are looking for all members to contribute anything you care  to.  
The specs I have placed on the Forum are just a brief idea set.   Such as 
Echo Station or like ilk.  All ideas will be considered.  If  you are 
interested in working on the new system, please e-mail me  directly.  I will create 
a list and we can go from there.  One of the  first items is that this 
repeater does not have the power supply that allows  automatic charging and 
switching to a 12 V battery.  Anyone who would like  to research where one might 
be obtained will be greatly appreciated.  There  is a Motorola standard 
supply that has this function built in may be available  on the Internet some 
place.
 
For those who are wondering about the old repeater.  Roger has done a  
great job of keeping the present system running.  We are concerned that the  day 
may come when Roger is unable to keep things working for whatever  reason.  
He has built spare parts that are ready to go at any time.   So we are sure 
things will work as normal while working on the new  machine.  It is also 
assumed the new machine will require some debugging  and the old machine will 
have to carry the load during these times.  We  just want to be ready for 
the inevitable.
 
The club appreciates all the members input on this project and whatever  
help you can offer.  The new machine will be coming with a complete  manual.  
I can scan any pages of function areas you would like to work  on.  We 
should be able to split the projects up and hopefully get it all  done in three 
months.
 
We could use someone checking up on DSL service that would be available at  
the Interchange (forgot the new name) building and the vendor should have  
special pricing for a non-profit.  Qwest used to have this service at about  
$15.00 USD per month.  If someone could check on that it would be a great  
help.  Someone may even know of a wireless digital service that would work  
into a laptop that may provide the service we need.  256 Kb/s is probably  
enough for our needs.
 
Thank you all for your support of the club.  Your Board of Directors  and 
others are still working very hard to keep this club in the A+ bracket of  
the Metro.  We are still working with St. Louis Park for a new permanent  club 
station with 24/7 access at one of the new fire stations they are  
building.  Possibly in 2012 or slightly later.
 
 
Thanks again for all your support, 73,
 

Tim Arimond  DE N0BYH
V. 952-593-9641