On Saturday 19-4-25 Norbert VK5MQ, Tom VK5NFT and John VK5DJ travelled to The Bluff between Millicent and Mt Gambier to continue the development of the VK5RMG site.
The low voltage distribution had been temporarily wired to enable operation of the site. Norbert’s aim was to achieve a system of sub mains and increased wire size to minimise voltage drop now that the site was powered by our 800W solar system.
Tom was able to assist Norbert while John supervised from the chair and maintained discipline 🙂
Power distribution was completed to our two electricians’ satisfaction. The solar inverter, battery and related parts formed the main components of the power supply and branching from this were the two sub mains – one going to the two metre linked system and the other to the UHF C4FM/FM repeater cabinet. All three cabinets and units were fitted with circuit breakers to enable individual cabinet and repeater isolation from the battery.
The solar charge (voltage and current) to the battery, may be monitored remotely through the Internet. Because the equipment supplies are fed directly from the battery our remote system does not show the load voltage and current. This can be approximated by knowing that for a fully charged battery the charge current approximates the load current. Current indications suggest that maximum voltage drop in the fully transmitting state is <0.2V due to the heavy cable in use.
Norbert installed an N-type connector to the link antenna to Naracoorte while Tom installed a dry powder extinguisher. Thanks Norbert and Tom, jobs well done.
In the near future Peter and Nick will replace the link antenna at Naracoorte and we should then have the Willalooka/Naracoorte branch working again.

In the coming weeks we will install a low voltage detector (not shown). Its purpose it to determine if battery volts have become dangerously low and if so turn on the battery charger (see 4 meters in right hand cabinet). On current evidence this may be required mid winter only. In addition, the temporary link antenna to Naracoorte will be replaced with a more sturdy yagi.
