GB3GN Failure Update
Posted By GM1WKR On 31st October 2009
Introduction
It is Halloween and the gremlins have been having fun!
The bad news is that GB3GN suffered a logic failure today, it looks like the tone generator has finally given up the ghost and is probably not repairable. The repeater is still on air but pips and idents are sporadic at best. There is good news though, the upgrade process started today and significant progress was made.
Overhead feeder gantries have been installed and the 19 inch cabinets have been prepared. During this process GN was switched off for a short time and moved from the equipment room, the logic controller failed during this process. We did attempt to repair the logic on site but it looks unlikely that this logic board will be repairable.
The controller was built in 1978 and has provided 31 years of service. Rebuilding work will be continuing off site with the fabrication of battery trays, shelves and brackets for the cabinets before we return to site to complete the site preparations and build in all the rack components. After this we should be able to install the new Tait T800 radios and a replacement logic.
At the time of writing we are unsure if the current installation will be worth repairing. We do have a spare logic board from BA but it does require workshop time to prepare and a site visit to install. It is probably better to press ahead with preparations to get the new gear installed rather than wasting the time by making temporary repairs to friable and vintage equipment. Either way a site visit will be required once off-site work is complete.
We will update again during the week and hopefully have a better idea of what we will do to get GN running properly again.
