Gene's Ham Radio Pages

Amarillo, Texas
The POTTER (Amarillo) node is currently operating from the KVII-TV transmitter site, located several miles north of Amarillo. Installation began with a journey over "The Road", NOT to be considered as all-weather access-- We caught it on a GOOD day!

We had a choice of two antennas... The large hardline (see below) went to the antenna which served the AMA node for many years, but developed some problems over time. While that antenna is considerably higher on the tower, we actually experienced somewhwat better results using the former Civil Air Patrol antenna, at only 250 feet and fed with the smaller hardline. It tested out with a 1.5 to 1 SWR at 145.01, in contrast to a 2.8 SWR reading on the higher antenna.

One of our "Porta-Nodes" will be used until a higher-power unit is installed. (The General Electric cabinet, donated to PCG by Brad, N5LUL, is empty right now-- We needed it in this case for a place to set POTTER.)

The antenna, a Comet GP-3 (see below) is mounted upside-down on the tower.

Our installation crew included Charlie, W5CEH, who provided transportation and test equipment; Dan, WA8YYE; and Gene, WA5ETK.

Right now POTTER will communicate with MOORE (Dumas), GRAY (Pampa), BOR (Borger), and ARMSTG (Wayside). NOTE: The ID string is currently incorrect-- It will be changed as soon as the higher power node is installed.
POTTER's previous location, the N5LTZ Monopole in north Amarillo, will be used for a redundant node and for covering HT PACKET units within the city.

Thanks for visiting!