I wonder if COCAMS/NWA can help with the logistics of handling the $$ for this?

Back when I was more active in COCAMS we set up a sub-account to work with the National Severe Weather Workshop (which has since been melded into the Tornado Summit and thus COCAMS not required to be in the loop any more).   Anyway they could possibly provide a sub-account and mechanism for paper trace for the NWC ham station maintenance without setting up a separate organization.

However, COCAMS has not been very active recently, might talk to John Ferree about their status.

SCARS might also fit the bill.

-Keith

From: Kim Elmore [mailto:[log in to unmask]]
Sent: Monday, December 5, 2016 4:26 PM
To: Lans Rothfusz - NOAA Federal <[log in to unmask]>; David Andra - NOAA Federal <[log in to unmask]>; [log in to unmask]; Russell Schneider <[log in to unmask]>; Laws, Peter C. <[log in to unmask]>
Cc: Doug Forsyth <[log in to unmask]>; [log in to unmask]; Ken Brown <[log in to unmask]>; OU Amateur Radio Club <[log in to unmask]>; Brewster, Keith A. <[log in to unmask]>; Forrest Mitchell <[log in to unmask]>
Subject: More Info on NWC Antenna and HF Radio

After a bit of sleuthing, I've learned a bit more about the antenna itself. I'm still awaiting time in my schedule to call Fluid Motion (makers of the SteppIR antenna) to learn specifics. However, in all likelihood, the rubber seals at the base of the fiberglass radomes that seals the joint between the radomes and the stepper motors and tapes, have deteriorated. These will all have to be replaced; they then need additional protection from the elements using heat-shrink tubing and copious application of UV-resistance electrical sealing tape (Scotch 33 or 88 tape) and UV-resistant ty-wraps.. It's possible that one or both of motor/tape units will need replacement at about $300 each. Assuming the worst, that's $600 for new parts and probably another $100 for new seals. One radome is lost and needs replacement, but I don't know what that will cost. These are not simply tubes because they contain a track in which the tapes run; I'll guess $150 but will have a more accurate figure soon.

If we choose to sell and replace this antenna with something else that covers the HF spectrum form 13-30 MHz, it would have to be a log periodic design. Tennadyne is a respected name and an antenna close to the characteristics of what we have will cost about $1100.

73,

Kim Elmore, N5OP
WX5NWC Trustee

--

Kim Elmore, Ph.D. (Adj. Assoc. Prof., OU School of Meteorology, CCM, PP SEL/MEL/Glider, N5OP, 2nd Class Radiotelegraph, GROL)
"In theory there is no difference between theory and practice. But, in practice, there is." – Attributed to many people; it’s so true that it doesn’t matter who said it.