On 23/24 July the Motorola repeater was damaged in a storm. It is suspected that the repeater was damaged by static from lightning.

On 26 July Jan ZS1VDV and Paul ZS1V investigated and found the repeater damaged. The repeater and duplexer was removed. The antenna SWR (1:1.03) was checked.

In the following weeks a new install was planned:

• a backup repeater serviced by Verstay (ZS1VDV, ZS1V)
• correct length coax acquired (ZS1VDV, ZS1YT)
• duplexer tuned (ZS1VDV, ZS1V)
• circulator tuned (ZS1VDV)
• power supply connector replaced (ZS1V)

The morning of 31 August started at 06:00 with the last few tests of the configuration. Backed all equipment and tools. Left for site around 07:30

Repacked all into 4×4 vehicle at ZS1DDK.

On site around 10:00

Installed duplexer (Decibel Products 6 can). It was tuned to -2.04 dB insertion loss on RX, -2.5 dB insertion loss on TX, and -115 dB isolation between RX and TX). Next was the installation of the rack mount power supply (13.82 V) and Vertex VXR 9000 (sensitivity set to 0.25 uV) repeater.

SWR was rechecked between repeater and circulator, circulator and duplexer as well as after duplexer, all was found to be perfect flat (1:1.05). The power output after the duplexer is 14W.

A few test contacts was made to confirm all working.

Packed all equipment and boxes and returned home at around 11:30

A quick lunch sponsored by ZS1DDK was enjoyed at Peddlers on the Bend.