Host: Chuck – NA3CW
🔧 General Discussion Highlights

• Field Day Prep and Aftermath
  • Ron (WA3VEE) finalized logistics and hardware prep, including satellite gear on a resurrected ThinkPad.
  • Multiple operators discussed storm damage, downed trees, and power outages affecting setup.
  • KC3SQI shared tower work and parts sourcing from “Homeless Depot.”
  • KC3OOK and W3JAM swapped diagnostics on Diamond 510 antenna performance, discovering a likely detuning or water ingress.
• Storm Stories
  • WA3KFT experienced a 3-day blackout and sewage backup, relying on a generator intended for Field Day.
  • W1RC wrapped up his final week of work, looking forward to future ham time.
• Radio Activity
  • W3JAM is recovering from illness but active on Simplex and roundtable nets.
  • KD3AIS visited Harvey’s home to observe an impressive battery backup setup.
  • WA2JTS checked in for the first time and brought questions about a vintage AL-80 amp.
• Power Infrastructure Insights
  • Tim (KD3AIS) raised a great HF noise question about power pole transformers.
  • A deep dive followed into pole pigs, high voltage primaries, distribution layouts, and how/where noise originates (e.g., cracked insulators, lightning arrestors, arcing hardware).
  • WA3KFT, WA3VEE, KC3SQI, and NA3CW all contributed with technical and field experience.

❓ Technical Questions Addressed

1. Running Amplifiers Without ALC Feedback
   From W3JAM: Using a Ten-Tec Centurion amp without an ALC return.
   • Answers: Scope use is critical to avoid splatter, especially for AM operation. ALC loops react too late to prevent overdrive.
   • Consensus: Monitor drive level carefully; a scope is the best safeguard.
2. Proximity to Transformers and HF Noise
   From KD3AIS: Is it better to live near or far from a transformer?
   • Summary: Transformers rarely generate noise themselves; cracked insulators, lightning arrestors, and aging hardware cause the bulk of HF noise. Being close to a transformer may actually be better due to lower impedance and fewer neighbors injecting noise.
3. AL-80 Amp Showing Idle Plate Current
   From WA2JTS: Plate meter jumps to ~50 mA on power-up, even when idle.
   • Advice: Could be leaky relays or gas in the tube after years of inactivity. Recommendation: operate it to burn off potential gas buildup and allow the getter to work.

📍 Location Note

Field Day Location:
Lines Self Storage near the intersection of Route 100 & Route 401, next to the Jeep shop. Drive up the hill and follow signage to the hidden wooded operating site.