Watt's New
The Watt's New articles serve to keep you abreast of what has been going on around the C.A.R.L.A. Network. Feel free to browse our archive of past Watt's New articles as well.
On this page:
Echo-IRLP node OOS.
Last updated on March 11, 2010 by The C.A.R.L.A. Team | Permalink
The CARLA Echo-IRLP node has been temporarily taken off line so we can re-purpose that port on the controller for testing of the 900Mhz repeater. We hope to have it re-integrated within a few days.
2009 in review...what's new for 2010
Last updated on March 11, 2010 by The C.A.R.L.A. Team | Permalink
2009 In review:
Sit back
It's that time again..for support
Last updated on March 11, 2010 by The C.A.R.L.A. Team | Permalink
It's that time of the year when we get on our knees and start groveling for any financial assistance and/or benevolent donations for the cause.
We know it's hard to believe but we were turned down once again for federal bailout and TARP funds in 2009. We keep trying to be irresponsible with our investments while going deeper in debt and rampant growth but it's just not enough for us to qualify.
So, we are forced to put forth the tin cup and ask for any jingling that may rain unto us.
In all seriousness, our expenses and investment in equipment and supplies has gotten larger as each year passes. It exceeds what a lot of commercial operators would spend on their systems that make them money and it exceeds what we are able to keep pace with. It is way too much for us to maintain at the current level and that doesn't even begin to touch the travel related expenses we incur with every trip or the yearly administrative and overhead costs, all of which as an aggregate we have to pay for out of pocket.
This last year a few people have been quite generous with their time, skills, monetary donations, available resources and new & used equipment donations. It all helps to offset the enormous investment we make each year in keeping up with not only all the maintenance and upgrades but all of the new builds & expansions, equipment purchases and recurring monthly expenses. We strive to keep this network as one of the most reliable and viable ones out there for those times that it is really needed in a pinch. We don't require a "membership fee" to use CARLA and it has always been an OPEN system and we will continue to keep it that way but it isn't easy to do and that's where any help we can seek out is sincerely appreciated.
We realize there are no requirements to help defray any of the operating costs or capitol investments we incur each year and we're okay with that. But, if you do like what we have in place and enjoy using it or just want to know you'll have it in your hip pocket to use when needed, please consider helping us out in any way you see fit. Some folks have always been there to help on one project or another or make a donation or allow us use of their resources or purchase/donate new & used equipment for us and that is terrific. You know who you are and we can't thank you enough for what you have done. There probably is no one quite as dedicated as the principals of this network but some select few individuals have come in a very close second. But, we know there are more of you out there that are willing or would like to help us in one fashion or another and just need a nudge or reminder that this is the season for our pledge drive. If you are unable to do anything at this time we understand. If you are able to later that's great but keep in mind we are not requiring it of anyone, but rather this is a chance for us to solicit the help of those that can and want to help out. First and foremost please feel free to continue using the system and hopefully enjoy what all it has to offer.
This year we have plans for many new endeavors on the horizon. We hope you can be a part of it in one way or another and enjoy all that it will offer. Feel free to contact us if you have any questions, suggestions or ideas.
If you know of anyone that uses the system or would like to support it feel free to forward this on to them. There are plenty of people that utilize CARLA in some form or fashion but aren't part of this reflector.
We look forward to another successful year in 2010.
Thanks again.
The CARLA Team
CARLA 3 LINK OOS
Last updated on February 3, 2010 by The C.A.R.L.A. Team | Permalink
Although the equipment at CARLA 3's site is working fine, the hub transmitter at CARLA 6's site is OOS rendering the path to/from CARLA 3 Out of Service. This also affects the back-up link to CARLA 13 if the primary link to 13 from the network were to fail.
A trip was made to the site recently by a radio tech and amateur to do a preliminary assesment for us. There is several feet of snow and a snow cat is required to gain access. We'll need to wait for an another opportunity to go up.
Link to OC is OOS
Last updated on February 3, 2010 by The C.A.R.L.A. Team | Permalink
The link to the OC (Oregon Connection) is currently OOS due to a link radio failure at their Mt. Bradley site which is the connection point for both networks.
We can connect to that site but not go any further north. They can connect to their next site north of that but not further south.
We'll pass on any updates as we become aware of them.
No ETR as of yet.
C.A.R.L.A. 3/6/10 Restored to Service
Last updated on January 16, 2010 by The C.A.R.L.A. Team | Permalink
C.A.R.L.A. 3, 6, and 10 were restored to full service on Saturday, Jan 16th, thanks to the hard work of two separate field teams.
The faulty main link radio at C.A.R.L.A. 6 was replaced and other equipment repaired, and some programming tweaks were implemented. This has restored a more robust path to and from C.A.R.L.A. 3, which should mean much clearer audio between it and the rest of the network.
It was determined (as we expected) that the main cabinet fuse at C.A.R.L.A. 10 had blown. The fuse was replaced, and an impulse dampening device was installed, which hopefully will keep this from happening again in the future. Also, due to further PAVE PAWS issues, transmit power for the system was reduced further.
We would like to thank all our users again for bearing with us while we worked to solve these problems.
Nevada hub on back-up link to network
Last updated on January 12, 2010 by The C.A.R.L.A. Team | Permalink
The circuit connecting the Nevada hub to the rest of the network is experiencing some problems. This has caused the network to repeatedly key up with no audio.
We have bypassed that link and enabled the back-up RF link which uses CARLA 8 as an intermediate hop point.
We'll advise when things have normalized but it should be a seamless transition for the most part.
Echolink changes
Last updated on January 12, 2010 by The C.A.R.L.A. Team | Permalink
The primary Echolink node into the CARLA network had its callsign
changed to K6LNK/R.
The node number is still the same which is: 360571.
This change may cause some individual echolink connections to show
unavailable until the callsign is updated on those node clients.
CARLA 9 off line
Last updated on January 12, 2010 by The C.A.R.L.A. Team | Permalink
CARLA 9, Modesto will be off line for several weeks while we re-locate and re-build the system to our latest specs. The new location will be very similar. We may change the pattern a bit to reduce coverage towards BAFB & the Bay Area.
C.A.R.L.A. 3 back on the network
Last updated on January 9, 2010 by The C.A.R.L.A. Team | Permalink
C.A.R.L.A. 3's link to the rest of the network was restored this afternoon. Shortly, in fact, before the offshore quake near Eureka.
In any event, it is using the backup link at System 6's site to connect to the network via System 13 (System 6 itself is still down). This path has a tendency to be noisy, especially during the evening, night, and early morning. This link path also entails slightly more latency than the main RF link, so as always we ask our users to make sure that when they key up, they wait a second or two before speaking.
At this point, we don't anticipate a need for C.A.R.L.A. to be used to pass critical life & safety info in and out of the affected region, but since System 3 is a communications resource in the area, we ask that for the next couple of days our users be especially mindful of monitoring the system before transmitting, to avoid interrupting conversations, and to leave pauses so that priority or emergency traffic can be passed if necessary.
Issues with CARLA 3, 6 & 9
Last updated on January 8, 2010 by The C.A.R.L.A. Team | Permalink
The following systems have operational issues:
CARLA 3, Pt. Arena; Link to/from the network is down until we come up with a work around. The problem is actually at CARLA 6.
CARLA 6, Willows; The main RX is not passing audio out the repeater and the main network link RX is not working. This also affects the link into/out of CARLA 3. We are still trying to assess the full extent of the problem.
CARLA 9, Modesto; The system has been on battery power for several days now and we have taken it off line in order to keep enough power reserves until we are able to assess the full extent of the loss of commercial power.
CARLA 5 Work/Testing 11/21
Last updated on November 21, 2009 by The C.A.R.L.A. Team | Permalink
We'll be doing some work on the controller at CARLA 5 today. Thus, variously the system itself, or the link to Vaca or the link north may be down for brief periods. We will try and have as little downtime as possible, and thank you for your understanding.
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Update: The controller was upgraded sucessfully (knocks on wood) and everything is back up and running normally.
CARLA 22 Link restored
Last updated on November 11, 2009 by The C.A.R.L.A. Team | Permalink
After a 22 hour day, 13 of which included driving ~700 miles and making 3 pots of coffee on site, CARLA 22 is linked once again into the rest of the network.
Welcome back to our Hawthorne & Mammoth delegates.
Apparently, the site was also on battery power for several days during the last week while the link was down.
The main link antenna shooting to/from CARLA 18's site was bent down several degrees and either had an open or short internally. This was a very stout Telewave model but most likely suffered a heavy chunk of ice smacking it from above.
There were also firmware upgrades made to the controller (which went well) and subsequent re-programming (which didn't go so well) and suffice it to say, had a 'few snags'.
CARLA 22 link OOS.
Last updated on November 3, 2009 by The C.A.R.L.A. Team | Permalink
The main link at CARLA 22 into and out of the network is out of service at the moment. We will try and attempt a repair before the snows make it impossible to access via 4WD.
Link to Oregon back up
Last updated on October 26, 2009 by The C.A.R.L.A. Team | Permalink
The link between C.A.R.L.A. and the Oregon Connection has been re-established. We had controller issues on our end and the OC had site issues on their end but both sides have worked diligently to get our respective ends back up to par in time for winter. The link is not connected full time so if you want have it connected feel free to see if there is a control op available to turn it on. REMEMBER after keying up to leave an extra second or more before talking (in addition to what you already should be using on the C.A.R.L.A. network) so you won't get cut off due to the multiple links and sites involved to make it from one end to the other. Currently there is an automatic time out timer that will disconnect the link after ~45-60 minutes.
CARLA 5 off network this Sunday (10-25-09)
Last updated on October 23, 2009 by The C.A.R.L.A. Team | Permalink
CARLA 5 will be in LOCAL mode only this coming Sunday October 25th to provide communications for an event in Lafayette. It should be isolated for most of the morning and returned to normal use sometime in the early afternoon. Please give priority to traffic for the event until it's finished. Thank you.
Current storm conditions; Tuesday 10-13-09
Last updated on October 14, 2009 by The C.A.R.L.A. Team | Permalink
UPDATE; 10-14-09:
Commercial power has been restored to CARLA 13 & 11.
IP link from CARLA 13 has been re-established.
Back-up links and battery power systems worked as designed.
-----------------------------------------------------------
Due to severe storm conditions affecting the CARLA coverage areas, the following sites are affected:
CARLA 13- On Battery power and back-up RF link into the network (primary IP link is down).
CARLA 11- On Battery power
Systems being affected this coming weekend
Last updated on October 14, 2009 by The C.A.R.L.A. Team | Permalink
This is a heads up to let everyone know that several systems will be affected this weekend by upgrades and changes.
CARLA 6, 13 & 20 will be worked on during this Saturday & Sunday October 17&18.
The systems may be OOS (Out of Service) for relatively short periods of time as we make changes and upgrades primarily to the links and battery back-up system(s). This is part of an effort to finish high priority projects before the snows hit and also maintain a high reliability of service during the winter months.
Thanks.
Recent changes, upgrades and network status
Last updated on October 2, 2009 by The C.A.R.L.A. Team | Permalink
The website has undergone some improvements lately. Some changes are noticeable and some are for administrative use behind the scenes. Some noteworthy enhancements include:
-Updated the "At a glance" status section on the home page that shows the system(s) status but now also shows the hub & link status. This way you can see if there is a problem with the system or just the link and/or the hub that it is fed from.
-There are new colored "LED's" that show the additional states.
-On the interactive map there are new colors representing different types of link & back-up link paths plus their status.
-The printable pdf fold out version of the CARLA systems & PL list have been updated. It is designed to be laminated and used in a mobile and portable settings for quick reference. You can dowload it via the system page, or by clicking here (opens in a new window).
We are also developing a new real time status for the IRLP node that will reside on the website for quick status updates like the systems.
We would like to thank Peter, KG6SLY for all his hard work, time and dedication on developing new databases, functionality and enhancements to the CARLA website.
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We're testing a new Link PL courtesy tone on a few systems including CARLA 5 & 13. This is in an attempt to make it easier for people to identify and differentiate between the Local & Link tones while not making it too annoying or overbearing. It sounds like two quick DTMF type tones. The Local PL and inbound link courtesy tones will remain the same. We'll see if more people are able to pay attention to the tones and get on the "same page" with each other. Let us know what you think. As we replace repeater controllers in the network we will have more flexibility with what we can do with them.
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We also replaced the new IP capable repeater controllers at CARLA 5 and 13's site. The connection between the two sites has been re-established and we are testing them with the new firmware and memory repairs. This has been a very long, up hill and painful ordeal dealing with all the problems these units had. We are hopeful that we'll see better performance from these as time passes.
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We have been working on a new back-up RF link for connecting the systems on the Shasta hub and the Oregon Connection in case we lose our dedicated wireline link to them. We have another trip to make to CARLA 6 as well as CARLA 13 & 20 to make the final changes before the snows hit. All three of these sites required major changes to make all this happen. We recently made similar updates and changes to CARLA 8 & 18 to do the same for the Nevada hub.
Stay tuned for more
CARLA 6 Upgrades completed
Last updated on September 20, 2009 by The C.A.R.L.A. Team | Permalink
This weekend we made the upgrades and changes to CARLA 6. It took about 10 hours on site with 4 people to complete most of the work. We had to deal with a broken PV panel most likely due to falling ice from the tower which slowed progress.
CARLA 3 is also connected via the new link and is sounding much better so far. See a specific post regarding this.
We had to change the Link PL on 6 to 167.9 Hz. Also see an additional post regarding this change.
On to the next project(s)
CARLA 3 Link changes
Last updated on September 20, 2009 by The C.A.R.L.A. Team | Permalink
After completing all the work at CARLA 6 we were able to visit CARLA 3's site (Pt. Arena) and make the appropriate changes there to swing the link over to a new path & frequency.
Preliminary tests were very promising and the link path sounded much better.
Two things to keep in mind:
-The link path now consists of an extra hop via CARLA 6 so a little additional time is required to allow for the extra link equipment to come up to speed when first keying up.
-Since we are routing through CARLA 6's site, which is 100% solar powered, it is imperative that you keep this in mind while talking in the evening hours or when there is little sun from thick clouds, storms, etc... We did make several changes at 6's site to adjust for this including 2 more batteries, lower powered link radios and additional solar panels but long, extended conversations to/from CARLA 3 via the link is not encouraged in non-sunny hours. Normal/average traffic is fine as well as LOCAL use on CARLA 3 since it is on commercial & battery back-up power.
Once the programming info for the new controller is compiled we will re-implement the battery conservation mode to both CARLA 6 & 3 links.
CARLA 6 LINK PL Change
Last updated on September 20, 2009 by The C.A.R.L.A. Team | Permalink
Recently we have been hearing some noise originating from CARLA 6 over the link with the 179.9 PL. Since we were there this weekend completing other projects we decided to change the LINK PL instead of risking problems during the winter months when the site becomes buried in snow or spending numerous hours/trips going to and from the site trying to DF the noise.
The new LINK PL is 167.9Hz. The LOCAL remains 114.8Hz.
We tried to time this just after KF6YXQ re-programmed his radio(s) from CARLA 8's recent PL changes. Actually, this was not anticipated but he doesn't need to know that...
CARLA 6 & 3 upgrades
Last updated on September 16, 2009 by The C.A.R.L.A. Team | Permalink
We have plans to upgrade CARLA 6 (Stonyford) this weekend which includes re-racking the equipment, installing a new controller and link radio, adding an additional link system for CARLA 3 (Pt. Arena) to improve the path from CARLA 3 into the rest of the network, adding another PV panel for the solar power system as well as other upgrades & improvements.
The work is planned for this Saturday. If all goes well and we have enough time (and energy) Sunday, we will try to make a trip to CARLA 3 to re-aim the link antenna and re-program the link radio. However, that will not be determined until Sunday morning.
Stay tuned.
Upgrades to CARLA 8 are completed
Last updated on September 14, 2009 by The C.A.R.L.A. Team | Permalink
The upgrades to CARLA 8 (Echo Summit) have been finished and are in effect.
This includes a new controller, link radio, back-up/alternate path link to/from the Nevada Ring and of course the anticipated (dreaded) LINK PL Change to 151.4Hz (from 179.9).
Remember that the LOCAL PL is still 127.3 Hz and the repeater always encodes 127.3 Hz.
CARLA 8
442.075+
127.3 LOCAL PL
151.4 LINK PL
Go program those radios and tell a friend who might need to know.
Thanks.
CARLA 8 Link PL changes to 151.4 Hz
Last updated on September 10, 2009 by The C.A.R.L.A. Team | Permalink
It has been a while since we had to change a PL and we know that a few of you need some more aggravation so we decided it was time once again to pull out the programming cables, laptops, manuals and patience and change one PL for CARLA 8.
The existing link PL is 179.9 Hz and the new link PL will most likely be 151.4 Hz barring any unforseen issues.
The reason for the change is that 179.9 is a third harmonic of 60 Hz and there is a lot of electrical noie at the site from a utility pole that not only causes issues to weak signals but falses the PL decoder for the link as well.
This can cause falsing under certain situations so since we need to go back up to tie up some loose ends, we will also make this change.
Thanks.
Echo-IRLP Node down
Last updated on September 2, 2009 by The C.A.R.L.A. Team | Permalink
We are taking down the Echo-IRLP Node for troubleshooting and repairs. The inbound audio is distorted and hard to understand. We will send an announcement when it is back up and operational. It may be a little while however whike we juggle it with all the other projects.
Thanks.
2 new systems for beta testing
Last updated on September 1, 2009 by The C.A.R.L.A. Team | Permalink
Recently we added two new systems for beta testing on the network.
The first is located in the Carson City area at 7,440 foot elevation (CARLA 24, 443.325+, 127.3 PL). It is currently in stand alone mode and not linked into the network. It covers the Carson Valley very well, most parts of Reno and East into Fallon and other areas. It can also be worked in some areas of the Lake Tahoe Basin.
The second system is located west of Redding at 6,200 foot elevation (CARLA 25, 444.325+, 100.0 PL). It is currently linked in full time to the network and was actually the southern most repeater of the Oregon Connection system. Since its original link was diverted to tie in the OC to CARLA, it has been isolated for several months. Since it is surrounded by other CARLA machines in the area (13, 20, 6) it made sense to integrate into our network and make more efficient use of it. We are considering upgrading it to a dual PL system with battery back-up and also use it as the back-up RF link site instead of CARLA 20\'s site. It covers the northern part of the valley very well around Redding, Anderson, Red Bluff, Corning, etc
C.A.R.L.A. May/June 2009 wrap up
Last updated on July 4, 2009 by The C.A.R.L.A. Team | Permalink
There is a lot that was accomplished in May & June of 2009 for C.A.R.L.A. Here is a wrap up of what happened in brief:
CARLA 3, Pt. Arena:
We replaced CARLA 3 with a permanent system and linked it in to the rest of the network. It now has a dual PL scheme, battery back up, new controller, better RX & TX gain and so on. One issue we have experienced is the fading link path at times. It may be just fine when using it or it may fade into the noise usually with hot temperatures. We are constantly listening to the path and will make some changes this year to try and improve it. For now, please be patient with it and say hello to the newly connected users in the Pt. Arena, Manchester and surrounding coastal towns. This was the last CARLA system to be linked in to the network.
CARLA 5, Oakland:
The new CARLA 5 system has been on the air for a few weeks now but has been experiencing some technical issues with the controller. It is the same model as the one at CARLA 13`s site and we do have a way to remotely reset this one as well. It seems this controller has been acting up multiple times a day and then maybe not again for a few days or a week. There is no pattern that we can pin it down to but the manufacturer is aware of issues with them and we have been patiently awaiting a fix.
CARLA 13, Shasta Lake:
We installed the new IP controller and RF link to the Oregon Connection, new antennas and did a lot of work getting everything working properly. Then the controller decided to lock up and we made another trip to install a remotely controlled power management black box to reset the controller when it goes wiggy.
CARLA 18, Topaz Lake, NV:
We replaced the RF hub that links in all of the Nevada sites and replaced a pre-amp that was damaged. This should help with audio and link path gains.
CARLA 20, Burney:
We found the reason for the repeater being off link. The link antenna was sheared off most likely due to a chunk of ice falling from the tower. Since this was an `extra` field trip, we did not have a spare Yagi to replace it with. In a pinch, we used a rubber duck antenna from the service monitor and it is still full quieting back to CARLA 13. When we go up to replace out the entire system we will bring a new Yagi antenna as well. This is the last of the machines that still has a single PL and temporary repeater.
CARLA 22, Hawthorne NV:
The system on Corey Peak has been replaced with a permanent system. It now has a dual PL scheme, battery back up, better RX & TX gain, new antennas, RF links, new controller and so on. To date this is our highest site at 10,300 feet and covers a wide area of Western-Central Nevada and Eastern California. Anyone travelling South on 395 towards Bishop and beyond is encouraged to check in and give us some feedback on drive tests. This site will require another trip to tie up loose ends that we ran out of time to finish.
CARLA 23, Reno/Lake Tahoe NV:
We tied up several loose ends on this system and moved the primary antenna a little higher along with a new coax run. We still need to make another trip to finish a few things as it turned out to be a Noon to Midnight day partly due to having to hike the last 500 feet to the site carrying all kinds of equipment and test gear and making several trips doing it. There was a deep snow drift that kept us from traversing the road and made for a real fun filled, oxygen depleting couple of hours hiking at nearly 10,000 feet.
Stay tuned for more to come.