NE-FL D-STAR System

The Journal of the North East Florida D-Star Repeater Network

Archive for July, 2010

New Section Emergency Coordinator

Jul 23

Posted by mikelee in Flagler ARES Admin, Volusia ARES Admin | No Comments

For General Distribution
From Paul K. Eakin
ARRL Section Manager
Northern Florida Section
23-July-2010

“Good afternoon all,

This is a bitter sweet announcement concerning a change in the NFL SEC position.

Long time SEC, Joe Bushel, has asked me for two years to find a replacement so he could retire. Actually when I was running for office, he stated he was leaving when I took office.

Then sometime later he said, “You know what, I’m going to hang in there with you.” Over the last two years we have all worked together and have had some good results. He is still with me and a great friendship has developed along with a professional work team system.

Joe has some items on the plate he has given up on or let slip by, and new items jumping on the plate that he needs to manage. He also has a new motor home which he is getting ready to travel in.

With this being said, don’t count Joe out of the picture. He has agreed to help out if needed and will have some assigned duties that he will keep.

Ron Mettler, WB4GHU, ASM and past STM will step up to the position of NFL SEC.  His appointment date will be August 1st, 2010. Ron has been very active in the section for many years, holding many positions and contributing in many ways. He along with Joe has been my right hand man and has helped reshape the section in the last two years. One of Ron’s attributes is that he wants the job.

Ron vacated the position of STM, and Don Duckett, N9NM, will once again step into this position. Don is a favorite in the traffic world and has qualities that will benefit the traffic handling folks. He too wants the position which is a big help. Don takes over on August 1st , 2010.

Joe, W2DWR, will remain as an Assistant Section Manager and will be appointed as DEC of the Suwannee District, and will be a consultant, mentor and assistant (ASEC) to Ron. Joe will jump in if for some reason Ron isn’t available or we have two or more incidents in the section at the same time. These appointments will be effective on August 1st, 2010.

I am proud to say thank you Joe for your help and mentoring and thank you for wanting to stay involved in the program. One of the nice things coming out of being SM is having you as a friend and fellow team member.

Enjoy retirement and your support and thank you for the friendship.

73

Paul L. Eakin, KJ4G@arrl.org

NFL SM

850-591-0442

NNNN

TD Bonnie – Advisory #6

Jul 23

Posted by mikelee in Tropical Cyclones | No Comments

000

WTNT33 KNHC 232032
TCPAT3
BULLETIN
TROPICAL DEPRESSION BONNIE ADVISORY NUMBER   6
NWS TPC/NATIONAL HURRICANE CENTER MIAMI FL     AL032010
500 PM EDT FRI JUL 23 2010

...BONNIE WEAKENS TO A TROPICAL DEPRESSION...

SUMMARY OF 500 PM EDT...2100 UTC...INFORMATION
----------------------------------------------
LOCATION...26.2N 81.9W
ABOUT 485 MI...780 KM ESE OF THE MOUTH OF THE MISSISSIPPI RIVER
ABOUT 35 MI...55 KM S OF FT. MYERS FLORIDA
MAXIMUM SUSTAINED WINDS...35 MPH...55 KM/HR
PRESENT MOVEMENT...WNW OR 300 DEGREES AT 18 MPH...30 KM/HR
MINIMUM CENTRAL PRESSURE...1009 MB...29.80 INCHES

WATCHES AND WARNINGS
--------------------
CHANGES WITH THIS ADVISORY...

THE TROPICAL STORM WARNING FOR THE WEST COAST OF FLORIDA AND THE
TROPICAL STORM WATCH FOR LAKE OKEECHOBEE HAVE BEEN DISCONTINUED.

SUMMARY OF WATCHES AND WARNINGS IN EFFECT...

A TROPICAL STORM WARNING IS IN EFFECT FOR...
* DESTIN FLORIDA TO MORGAN CITY LOUISIANA...INCLUDING LAKE
PONTCHARTRAIN

FOR STORM INFORMATION SPECIFIC TO YOUR AREA INCLUDING POSSIBLE
INLAND WATCHES AND WARNINGS...PLEASE MONITOR PRODUCTS ISSUED BY
YOUR LOCAL NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE FORECAST OFFICE. 

DISCUSSION AND 48-HOUR OUTLOOK
------------------------------
AT 500 PM EDT...2100 UTC...THE CENTER OF TROPICAL DEPRESSION BONNIE
WAS LOCATED NEAR LATITUDE 26.2 NORTH...LONGITUDE 81.9 WEST. THE
DEPRESSION IS MOVING TOWARD THE WEST-NORTHWEST NEAR 18 MPH...30
KM/HR. THIS GENERAL TRACK WITH A DECREASE IN FORWARD SPEED IS
EXPECTED DURING THE NEXT TWO DAYS. BONNIE IS EXPECTED TO MOVE OVER
THE EASTERN GULF OF MEXICO TONIGHT AND SATURDAY AND REACH THE
NORTHERN GULF COAST LATE SATURDAY.

MAXIMUM SUSTAINED WINDS HAVE DECREASE TO NEAR 35 MPH...55
KM/HR...WITH HIGHER GUSTS. BONNIE COULD REGAIN TROPICAL STORM
STRENGTH WHEN IT MOVES OVER THE GULF OF MEXICO.

ESTIMATED MINIMUM CENTRAL PRESSURE IS 1009 MB...29.80 INCHES.

HAZARDS AFFECTING LAND
----------------------
WIND...WINDS WILL CONTINUE TO DECREASE IN SOUTH FLORIDA WHILE
TROPICAL STORM FORCE WINDS MAINLY IN SQUALLS WILL LIKELY BEGIN
ALONG PORTIONS OF THE NORTHERN GULF COAST WITHIN THE WARNING AREA
ON SATURDAY.

RAINFALL...BONNIE IS EXPECTED TO PRODUCE TOTAL RAINFALL
ACCUMULATIONS OF 1 TO 3 INCHES OVER PORTIONS OF SOUTHEASTERN
LOUISIANA...SOUTHERN ALABAMA...SOUTHERN MISSISSIPPI...AND THE FAR
WESTERN FLORIDA PANHANDLE...WITH POSSIBLE ISOLATED MAXIMUM AMOUNTS
OF 5 INCHES. ADDITIONAL RAINFALL AMOUNTS OF 1 TO 2 INCHES ARE
POSSIBLE OVER CENTRAL AND SOUTH FLORIDA THROUGH THIS EVENING.

STORM SURGE WILL RAISE WATER LEVELS BY AS MUCH AS 3 TO 5 FEET ABOVE
GROUND LEVEL ALONG THE IMMEDIATE COAST NEAR AND TO THE RIGHT OF
WHERE THE CENTER MAKES LANDFALL ON THE NORTHERN GULF COAST.

NEXT ADVISORY
-------------
NEXT INTERMEDIATE ADVISORY...800 PM EDT.
NEXT COMPLETE ADVISORY...1100 PM EDT.

$$
FORECASTER AVILA/ROBERTS

TS Bonnie – Advisory #5

Jul 23

Posted by mikelee in Tropical Cyclones | No Comments 

000
WTNT83 KNHC 231452
TCVAT3

BONNIE WATCH/WARNING BREAKPOINTS/ADVISORY NUMBER 5
NWS TPC/NATIONAL HURRICANE CENTER MIAMI FL AL032010
1100 AM EDT FRI JUL 23 2010

.TROPICAL STORM BONNIE

ALZ061-062-063-064-FLZ001-002-003-004-005-006-LAZ038-040-056-058-
059-060-061-062-063-064-065-066-067-068-069-070-MSZ080-081-082-
232100-
/O.CAN.KNHC.TR.A.1003.000000T0000Z-000000T0000Z/
/O.NEW.KNHC.TR.W.1003.100723T1500Z-000000T0000Z/
1100 AM EDT FRI JUL 23 2010

MORGAN-CITY-LA                      29.48N 91.29W
DESTIN-FL                           30.39N 86.50W

$$

FLZ061-062-065-069-075-172-173-174-232100-
/O.CON.KNHC.TR.W.1003.000000T0000Z-000000T0000Z/
1100 AM EDT FRI JUL 23 2010

ENGLEWOOD-FL                        26.94N 82.37W
DEERFIELD-BEACH-FL                  26.32N 80.07W

$$

FLZ168-232100-
/O.CON.KNHC.TR.A.1003.000000T0000Z-000000T0000Z/
1100 AM EDT FRI JUL 23 2010

BOCA-RATON-FL                       26.36N 80.07W
JUPITER-INLET-FL                    26.95N 80.06W

$$

FLZ076-077-078-232100-
/O.CON.KNHC.TR.W.1003.000000T0000Z-000000T0000Z/
1100 AM EDT FRI JUL 23 2010

DRY-TORTUGAS-FL                     24.66N 82.86W
OCEAN-REEF-FL                       25.33N 80.26W

$$

ATTN...WFO...LIX...KEY...TBW...MOB...MFL...

TS Bonnie – Advisory #4

Jul 23

Posted by mikelee in Tropical Cyclones | No Comments 

000
WTNT83 KNHC 230902
TCVAT3

BONNIE WATCH/WARNING BREAKPOINTS/ADVISORY NUMBER 4
NWS TPC/NATIONAL HURRICANE CENTER MIAMI FL AL032010
500 AM EDT FRI JUL 23 2010

.TROPICAL STORM BONNIE

FLZ061-062-065-069-075-172-173-174-231500-
/O.CON.KNHC.TR.W.1003.000000T0000Z-000000T0000Z/
500 AM EDT FRI JUL 23 2010

ENGLEWOOD-FL                        26.94N 82.37W
DEERFIELD-BEACH-FL                  26.32N 80.07W

$$

ALZ061-062-063-064-FLZ001-002-003-004-005-006-LAZ038-040-056-058-
059-060-061-062-063-064-065-066-067-068-069-070-MSZ080-081-082-
231500-
/O.NEW.KNHC.TR.A.1003.100723T0900Z-000000T0000Z/
500 AM EDT FRI JUL 23 2010

MORGAN-CITY-LA                      29.48N 91.29W
DESTIN-FL                           30.39N 86.50W

$$

FLZ168-231500-
/O.CON.KNHC.TR.A.1003.000000T0000Z-000000T0000Z/
500 AM EDT FRI JUL 23 2010

BOCA-RATON-FL                       26.36N 80.07W
JUPITER-INLET-FL                    26.95N 80.06W

$$

FLZ076-077-078-231500-
/O.CON.KNHC.TR.W.1003.000000T0000Z-000000T0000Z/
500 AM EDT FRI JUL 23 2010

DRY-TORTUGAS-FL                     24.66N 82.86W
OCEAN-REEF-FL                       25.33N 80.26W

$$

ATTN...WFO...LIX...KEY...TBW...MOB...MFL...

TS Bonnie – Advisory #4A

Jul 23

Posted by mikelee in Tropical Cyclones | No Comments 

ZCZC MIATCPAT3 ALL
TTAA00 KNHC DDHHMM
BULLETIN
TROPICAL STORM BONNIE INTERMEDIATE ADVISORY NUMBER   4A
NWS TPC/NATIONAL HURRICANE CENTER MIAMI FL   AL032010
800 AM EDT FRI JUL 23 2010

...BONNIE NEARING SOUTH FLORIDA...HEAVY SQUALLS APPROACHING...

SUMMARY OF 800 AM EDT...1200 UTC...INFORMATION
----------------------------------------------
LOCATION...24.7N 79.8W
ABOUT 80 MI...130 KM SSE OF MIAMI FLORIDA
ABOUT 75 MI...120 KM E OF MARATHON FLORIDA
MAXIMUM SUSTAINED WINDS...40 MPH...65 KM/HR
PRESENT MOVEMENT...WNW OR 295 DEGREES AT 19 MPH...31 KM/HR
MINIMUM CENTRAL PRESSURE...1008 MB...29.77 INCHES

WATCHES AND WARNINGS
--------------------
CHANGES WITH THIS ADVISORY...

NONE

SUMMARY OF WATCHES AND WARNINGS IN EFFECT...

A TROPICAL STORM WARNING IS IN EFFECT FOR...
* THE NORTHWESTERN BAHAMAS
* THE FLORIDA EAST COAST FROM DEERFIELD BEACH SOUTHWARD
INCLUDING THE ENTIRE FLORIDA KEYS AND FLORIDA BAY...AND ALONG THE
WEST COAST OF FLORIDA NORTHWARD TO ENGLEWOOD

A TROPICAL STORM WATCH IS IN EFFECT FOR...
* THE EAST COAST OF FLORIDA NORTH OF DEERFIELD BEACH TO JUPITER
INLET AND LAKE OKEECHOBEE
* THE NORTHERN GULF COAST FROM DESTIN FLORIDA TO MORGAN CITY
LOUISIANA

INTERESTS ELSEWHERE ALONG THE NORTHERN GULF COAST SHOULD MONITOR THE
PROGRESS OF BONNIE.

FOR STORM INFORMATION SPECIFIC TO YOUR AREA IN THE UNITED
STATES...INCLUDING POSSIBLE INLAND WATCHES AND WARNINGS...PLEASE
MONITOR PRODUCTS ISSUED BY YOUR LOCAL NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE
FORECAST OFFICE. FOR STORM INFORMATION SPECIFIC TO YOUR AREA OUTSIDE
UNITED STATES...PLEASE MONITOR PRODUCTS ISSUED BY YOUR NATIONAL
METEOROLOGICAL SERVICE.

DISCUSSION AND 48-HOUR OUTLOOK
------------------------------
AT 800 AM EDT...1200 UTC...THE CENTER OF TROPICAL STORM BONNIE WAS
LOCATED NEAR LATITUDE 24.7 NORTH...LONGITUDE 79.8 WEST. BONNIE IS
MOVING RAPIDLY TOWARD THE WEST-NORTHWEST NEAR 19 MPH...31 KM/HR.
THIS MOTION IS EXPECTED TO CONTINUE DURING THE NEXT DAY OR SO.  ON
THE FORECAST TRACK...BONNIE IS EXPECTED TO MOVE OVER THE SOUTHERN
FLORIDA PENINSULA LATER TODAY...AND MOVE OVER THE EASTERN GULF OF
MEXICO TONIGHT AND SATURDAY.  BONNIE IS FORECAST TO APPROACH THE
NORTHERN GULF COAST LATE SATURDAY OR EARLY SUNDAY.

MAXIMUM SUSTAINED WINDS REMAIN NEAR 40 MPH...65 KM/HR...WITH HIGHER
GUSTS...IN A SMALL AREA NORTH AND EAST OF THE CENTER. NO
SIGNIFICANT CHANGE IN STRENGTH IS EXPECTED BEFORE BONNIE MOVES OVER
SOUTH FLORIDA. HOWEVER...SOME SLIGHT STRENGTHENING IS POSSIBLE WHEN
THE CYCLONE MOVES OVER THE GULF OF MEXICO ON SATURDAY.

TROPICAL STORM FORCE WINDS EXTEND OUTWARD UP TO 85 MILES...140 KM
MAINLY TO THE NORTH AND EAST OF THE CENTER..

LATEST MINIMUM CENTRAL PRESSURE REPORTED BY AN AIR FORCE PLANE WAS
1008 MB...29.77 INCHES.

HAZARDS AFFECTING LAND
----------------------
WIND...TROPICAL STORM CONDITIONS WILL CONTINUE OVER PORTIONS OF THE
NORTHWESTERN BAHAMAS THIS MORNING BUT SHOULD GRADUALLY DIMINISH
TODAY.  TROPICAL STORM FORCE WINDS MAINLY IN SQUALLS ARE EXPECTED
TO SPREAD OVER SOUTHERN FLORIDA AND PORTIONS OF THE KEYS IN THE
WARNING AREA LATER TODAY.

RAINFALL...BONNIE IS EXPECTED TO PRODUCE TOTAL RAIN ACCUMULATIONS OF
1 TO 3 INCHES OVER SOUTH FLORIDA...WITH POSSIBLE ISOLATED MAXIMUM
AMOUNTS OF 5 INCHES.  ADDITIONAL RAINFALL AMOUNTS OF 1 TO 2 INCHES
ARE POSSIBLE OVER THE NORTHWESTERN BAHAMAS.

STORM SURGE...STORM SURGE WILL RAISE WATER LEVELS BY AS MUCH AS 1 TO
2 FEET ABOVE GROUND LEVEL OVER PORTIONS OF THE NORTHWESTERN
BAHAMAS...THE FLORIDA KEYS...AND THE SOUTHERN FLORIDA PENINSULA.

TORNADOES...ISOLATED TORNADOES ARE POSSIBLE OVER EXTREME SOUTHERN
FLORIDA LATER TODAY.

NEXT ADVISORY
-------------
NEXT COMPLETE ADVISORY...1100 AM EDT.

$$
FORECASTER AVILA/ROBERTS

TS Bonnie – Advisory #3

Jul 23

Posted by mikelee in Tropical Cyclones | No Comments

000
WTNT33 KNHC 230242
TCPAT3
BULLETIN
TROPICAL STORM BONNIE ADVISORY NUMBER 3
NWS TPC/NATIONAL HURRICANE CENTER MIAMI FL AL032010
1100 PM EDT THU JUL 22 2010

…CENTER OF BONNIE APPROACHING THE NORTHWESTERN BAHAMAS…NEW
TROPICAL STORM WARNINGS FOR SOUTHERN FLORIDA…

SUMMARY OF 1100 PM EDT…0300 UTC…INFORMATION
———————————————–
LOCATION…23.4N 76.5W
ABOUT 125 MI…200 KM SSE OF NASSAU
ABOUT 285 MI…460 KM SE OF MIAMI FLORIDA
MAXIMUM SUSTAINED WINDS…40 MPH…65 KM/HR
PRESENT MOVEMENT…NW OR 305 DEGREES AT 14 MPH…22 KM/HR
MINIMUM CENTRAL PRESSURE…1007 MB…29.74 INCHES

WATCHES AND WARNINGS
——————–
CHANGES WITH THIS ADVISORY…

A TROPICAL STORM WARNING HAS BEEN ISSUED FOR THE EAST COAST OF
FLORIDA NORTH OF GOLDEN BEACH TO DEERFIELD BEACH.

A TROPICAL STORM WARNING HAS BEEN ISSUED FOR THE WEST COAST OF
FLORIDA NORTH OF BONITA BEACH TO ENGLEWOOD.

SUMMARY OF WATCHES AND WARNINGS IN EFFECT…

A TROPICAL STORM WARNING IS IN EFFECT FOR…
* CENTRAL AND NORTHWESTERN BAHAMAS
* FOR THE FLORIDA EAST COAST FROM DEERFIELD BEACH SOUTHWARD
INCLUDING THE ENTIRE FLORIDA KEYS AND FLORIDA BAY…AND ALONG THE
WEST COAST OF FLORIDA NORTHWARD TO ENGLEWOOD

A TROPICAL STORM WATCH IN IN EFFECT FOR…
* THE EAST COAST OF FLORIDA NORTH OF DEERFIELD BEACH TO JUPITER
INLET INCLUDING LAKE OKEECHOBEE

A TROPICAL STORM WARNING MEANS THAT TROPICAL STORM CONDITIONS ARE
EXPECTED SOMEWHERE WITHIN THE WARNING AREA WITHIN 36 HOURS.

A TROPICAL STORM WATCH MEANS THAT TROPICAL STORM CONDITIONS ARE
POSSIBLE WITHIN THE WATCH AREA.

INTEREST ALONG THE NORTHERN GULF COAST SHOULD MONITOR THE PROGRESS
OF BONNIE. WATCHES MAY BE REQUIRED FOR PORTIONS OF THE NORTHERN
GULF COAST ON FRIDAY.

FOR STORM INFORMATION SPECIFIC TO YOUR AREA IN THE UNITED
STATES…INCLUDING POSSIBLE INLAND WATCHES AND WARNINGS…PLEASE
MONITOR PRODUCTS ISSUED BY YOUR LOCAL NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE
FORECAST OFFICE. FOR STORM INFORMATION SPECIFIC TO YOUR AREA OUTSIDE
UNITED STATES…PLEASE MONITOR PRODUCTS ISSUED BY YOUR NATIONAL
METEOROLOGICAL SERVICE.

DISCUSSION AND 48-HOUR OUTLOOK
——————————
AT 1100 PM EDT…0300 UTC…THE CENTER OF TROPICAL STORM BONNIE WAS
LOCATED NEAR LATITUDE 23.4 NORTH…LONGITUDE 76.5 WEST. BONNIE IS
MOVING TOWARD THE NORTHWEST NEAR 14 MPH…22 KM/HR. A TURN TOWARD
THE WEST-NORTHWEST AND A FASTER FORWARD SPEED ARE FORECAST ON
FRIDAY. ON THE FORECAST TRACK…THE CENTER OF BONNIE IS EXPECTED
TO PASS NEAR OR OVER THE FLORIDA KEYS AND THE SOUTHERN FLORIDA
PENINSULA ON FRIDAY…AND MOVE INTO THE EASTERN GULF OF MEXICO
FRIDAY NIGHT AND SATURDAY.

MAXIMUM SUSTAINED WINDS ARE NEAR 40 MPH…65 KM/HR…WITH HIGHER
GUSTS. SLOW STRENGTHENING IS POSSIBLE DURING THE NEXT 48 HOURS.

TROPICAL STORM FORCE WINDS EXTEND OUTWARD UP TO 45 MILES…75 KM
MAINLY TO THE NORTHEAST OF THE CENTER.

ESTIMATED MINIMUM CENTRAL PRESSURE IS 1007 MB…29.74 INCHES.

HAZARDS AFFECTING LAND
———————-
WIND…TROPICAL STORM CONDITIONS WILL SPREAD OVER THE CENTRAL AND
NORTHWESTERN BAHAMAS TONIGHT AND FRIDAY. WEATHER CONDITIONS WILL
BEGIN TO DETERIORATE ON THE FLORIDA COAST AND FLORIDA KEYS WITHIN
THE WARNING AREA EARLY FRIDAY MORNING.

RAINFALL…BONNIE IS EXPECTED TO PRODUCE TOTAL RAIN ACCUMULATIONS OF
2 TO 4 INCHES OVER SOUTH FLORIDA…WITH POSSIBLE ISOLATED MAXIMUM
AMOUNTS OF 6 INCHES. RAINFALL AMOUNTS OF 3 TO 5 INCHES ARE EXPECTED
OVER THE CENTRAL AND NORTHWEST BAHAMAS…WITH POSSIBLE ISOLATED
AMOUNTS OF 5 TO 7 INCHES.

STORM SURGE…STORM SURGE WILL RAISE WATER LEVELS BY AS MUCH AS 1 TO
2 FEET ABOVE GROUND LEVEL OVER PORTIONS OF THE BAHAMAS…THE FLORIDA
KEYS…AND THE SOUTHERN FLORIDA PENINSULA.

NEXT ADVISORY
————-
NEXT INTERMEDIATE ADVISORY…200 AM EDT.
NEXT COMPLETE ADVISORY…500 AM EDT.

$
FORECASTER BEVEN

Hotspot Board Construction – Observations

Jul 23

Posted by mikelee in D-Star Repeaters, DSTAR Projects | No Comments

I finished building one of the NQSMHS (Not Quite So Mini Hot Spot) cards last Thursday night. Overall, it took about 90 minutes when you exclude the detective work that I had to do, and subtract the time I took to document the construction process.

Here are a few observations for those of you who are thinking of building these (versus purchasing the assembled and tested version for an additional $30):

  • the kit is of very high quality – PC board is pristine, components are first rate. There is no skimping here from Mark.
  • The PIC chip is included and has the BootStrap Loader already programmed to the chip – you will need to purchase, download and load the firmware (www.dutch-star.eu) to this chip when construction is complete (cost is 10-Euros).
  • the board is all Thru-Hole construction and appears to have standard spacing for all components – placement of components is not difficult,
  • EXCEPT (okay, you knew this was coming)…..
  • the GMSK chip, which is an SMD (Surface Mount Device), which has VERY narrow pitch pin-spacing – so small that I had to get a new pair of reading glasses in order to insure that the pins were on the proper PC Board traces
  • Suggest getting a magnifying glass, or reading glasses like I did
  • Suggest tinning the PCD board traces with a VERY FINE TIP soldering iron (very low heat as well),
  • Suggest placing the GMSK chip on the pre-tinned traces, then just tacking one pin (lower right or left – your preference) in order to line-up the remaining pins, then
  • Suggest tacking the OPPOSITE corner and checking for pin alignment again.
  • Once all pins are aligned, simply re-heat the pre-tinned PC board traces, and the solder will flow to the SMD pins.
  • Do the above VERY CAREFULLY. If you don’t have the right tools (Magnifier, VERY fine soldering iron, and steady hands), ASK FOR HELP – otherwise you will destroy the chip.

There are a few errors between the documentation and the PC Board – for example, the parts list was Version 1.1.3, while the schematics and the PC Board were for Version 1.1.4. Overall, virtually all the parts were as indicated in the V1.1.3 Parts list, with the following exceptions:

  • C42 on the Parts List goes to C17 on the PC board (0.1uf cap)
  • C99 on the Parts List goes to C16 on the PC board (0.1uf cap)
  • C43 on the Parts List goes to C18 on the PC Board (10uf electrolytic)
  • C44 on the Parts List goes to C19 on the PC Board (10uf electrolytic)
  • D40 on the Parts List goes to D1 on the PC Board (1N4004 in my kit)
  • R41 on the Parts List goes to R10 on the PC Board (10k)
  • R46 on the Parts List goes to R17 on the PC Board (27k)
  • R47 on the Parts List goes to R11 on the PC Board (27k)
  • Q1 provided in my kit was a 2N4124 (not listed as one of the options on the Parts List)
  • All other Parts were as described on the Parts List and correspond to identified positions on the PC Board
  • Reminder: all electrolytic caps should have their STRIP (negative) placed in the ROUND hole on the PC board (versus the square hole)
  • Reminder: all LED’s should have their SHORT lead placed in the ROUND hole on the PC Board.

So that you can assess whether you would like to attempt the project, I have included the build-documentation from the vendor in the file below:

NQSMHS-Schematic-V1.14_ver1

Above: the pins on the SMD are small

Above:  Yes – it’s VERY small – his one is PERFECTLY aligned

Above: Partially assembled – NOW you can see how small the SMD is..!!

Above: Completed PC board WITHOUT the GMSK/smd chip

Above: Slightly MISALIGNED chip

Above: Finished Hotspot board – ready to install

TD-3 becomes Tropical Storm Bonnie

Jul 22

Posted by mikelee in Tropical Cyclones | No Comments 

000
WTNT63 KNHC 222222
TCUAT3
TROPICAL STORM BONNIE TROPICAL CYCLONE UPDATE...CORRECTED
NWS TPC/NATIONAL HURRICANE CENTER MIAMI FL   AL032010
615 PM EDT THU JUL 22 2010

CORRECTED HEADER TO TROPICAL STORM BONNIE

...DEPRESSION BECOMES TROPICAL STORM BONNIE...

DATA FROM AN AIR FORCE HURRICANE HUNTER RECONNAISSANCE AIRCRAFT
DURING THE PAST HOUR INDICATE THAT SURFACE WINDS ASSOCIATED WITH
THE DEPRESSION HAVE INCREASED TO 40 MPH...65 KM/HR...AND THAT THE
DEPRESSION HAS BECOME A TROPICAL STORM.

SUMMARY OF 615 PM EDT...2215 UTC...INFORMATION
--------------------------------------------------
LOCATION...22.9N 75.4W
ABOUT 200 MI...320 KM SE OF NASSAU
ABOUT 415 MI...670 KM ESE OF KEY WEST FLORIDA
MAXIMUM SUSTAINED WINDS...40 MPH...65 KM/HR
PRESENT MOVEMENT...NW OR 315 DEGREES AT 14 MPH...22 KM/HR
MINIMUM CENTRAL PRESSURE...1005 MB...29.68 INCHES

$$
FORECASTER KIMBERLAIN/BEVEN

Tropical Depression #3, Advisory 2

Jul 22

Posted by mikelee in Tropical Cyclones | No Comments

000
WTNT33 KNHC 222031
TCPAT3
BULLETIN
TROPICAL DEPRESSION THREE ADVISORY NUMBER 2
NWS TPC/NATIONAL HURRICANE CENTER MIAMI FL AL032010
500 PM EDT THU JUL 22 2010

…AIR FORCE RECONNAISSANCE PLANE FINDS THAT THE TROPICAL DEPRESSION
HAS NOT STRENGTHENED…

SUMMARY OF 500 PM EDT…2100 UTC…INFORMATION
———————————————-
LOCATION…22.7N 75.4W
ABOUT 205 MI…325 KM SE OF NASSAU
ABOUT 425 MI…685 KM ESE OF KEY WEST FLORIDA
MAXIMUM SUSTAINED WINDS…35 MPH…55 KM/HR
PRESENT MOVEMENT…NW OR 310 DEGREES AT 14 MPH…22 KM/HR
MINIMUM CENTRAL PRESSURE…1006 MB…29.71 INCHES

WATCHES AND WARNINGS
——————–
CHANGES WITH THIS ADVISORY…

NONE

SUMMARY OF WATCHES AND WARNINGS IN EFFECT…

A TROPICAL STORM WARNING IS IN EFFECT FOR…
* CENTRAL AND NORTHWESTERN BAHAMAS
* FOR THE FLORIDA EAST COAST FROM GOLDEN BEACH SOUTHWARD INCLUDING
THE ENTIRE FLORIDA KEYS AND FLORIDA BAY…AND ALONG THE WEST COAST
OF FLORIDA NORTHWARD TO BONITA BEACH

A TROPICAL STORM WATCH IN IN EFFECT FOR…
* THE EAST COAST OF FLORIDA NORTH OF GOLDEN BEACH TO JUPITER INLET
INCLUDING LAKE OKEECHOBEE

A TROPICAL STORM WARNING MEANS THAT TROPICAL STORM CONDITIONS ARE
EXPECTED SOMEWHERE WITHIN THE WARNING AREA WITHIN 36 HOURS.

A TROPICAL STORM WATCH MEANS THAT TROPICAL STORM CONDITIONS ARE
POSSIBLE WITHIN THE WATCH AREA…GENERALLY WITHIN 48 HOURS.

FOR STORM INFORMATION SPECIFIC TO YOUR AREA IN THE UNITED
STATES…INCLUDING POSSIBLE INLAND WATCHES AND WARNINGS…PLEASE
MONITOR PRODUCTS ISSUED BY YOUR LOCAL NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE
FORECAST OFFICE. FOR STORM INFORMATION SPECIFIC TO YOUR AREA OUTSIDE
UNITED STATES…PLEASE MONITOR PRODUCTS ISSUED BY YOUR NATIONAL
METEOROLOGICAL SERVICE.

DISCUSSION AND 48-HOUR OUTLOOK
——————————
AT 500 PM EDT…2100 UTC…THE CENTER OF TROPICAL DEPRESSION THREE
WAS LOCATED NEAR LATITUDE 22.7 NORTH…LONGITUDE 75.4 WEST. THE
DEPRESSION HAS BEEN MOVING TOWARD THE NORTHWEST NEAR 14 MPH…22
KM/HR. A TURN TO THE WEST-NORTHWEST WITH AN INCREASE IN FORWARD
SPEED IS EXPECTED TONIGHT AND FRIDAY.

DATA FROM A RECONNAISSANCE PLANE INDICATE THAT THE DEPRESSION HAS
NOT STRENGTHENED. MAXIMUM SUSTAINED WINDS REMAIN NEAR 35 MPH…55
KM/HR…WITH HIGHER GUSTS. SOME STRENGTHENING IS POSSIBLE AND THE
DEPRESSION COULD BECOME A TROPICAL STORM TONIGHT OR FRIDAY.

THE MINIMUM CENTRAL PRESSURE REPORTED BY AN AIR FORCE RECONNAISSANCE
PLANE WAS 1006 MB…29.71 INCHES.

HAZARDS AFFECTING LAND
———————-
WIND…TROPICAL STORM CONDITIONS WILL SPREAD OVER THE CENTRAL AND
NORTHWESTERN BAHAMAS TONIGHT AND FRIDAY. WEATHER CONDITIONS WILL
BEGIN TO DETERIORATE ON THE FLORIDA COAST AND FLORIDA KEYS WITHIN
THE WARNING AREA FRIDAY MORNING.

RAINFALL…THE DEPRESSION IS EXPECTED TO PRODUCE TOTAL RAIN
ACCUMULATIONS OF 2 TO 4 INCHES OVER SOUTH FLORIDA…WITH
POSSIBLE ISOLATED MAXIMUM AMOUNTS OF 5 TO 6 INCHES. RAINFALL
AMOUNTS OF 3 TO 5 INCHES ARE EXPECTED OVER THE CENTRAL AND
NORTHWEST BAHAMAS…WITH POSSIBLE ISOLATED AMOUNTS OF 5 TO 7
INCHES.

STORM SURGE…STORM SURGE WILL RAISE WATER LEVELS BY AS MUCH AS 1 TO
2 FEET ABOVE GROUND LEVEL OVER PORTIONS OF THE BAHAMAS AND THE
FLORIDA KEYS.

NEXT ADVISORY
————-
NEXT INTERMEDIATE ADVISORY…800 PM EDT.
NEXT COMPLETE ADVISORY…1100 PM EDT.

$
FORECASTER AVILA/ROBERTS

Tropical Depression #3, Advisory 1

Jul 22

Posted by mikelee in Tropical Cyclones | No Comments

000

WTNT33 KNHC 221459

TCPAT3

BULLETIN

TROPICAL DEPRESSION THREE ADVISORY NUMBER   1

NWS TPC/NATIONAL HURRICANE CENTER MIAMI FL     AL032010

1100 AM EDT THU JUL 22 2010

…TROPICAL DEPRESSION FORMS IN THE BAHAMAS…AIR FORCE

RECONNAISSANCE PLANE EN ROUTE…

SUMMARY OF 1100 AM EDT…1500 UTC…INFORMATION

———————————————–

LOCATION…21.9N 75.0W

ABOUT 265 MI…425 KM SE OF NASSAU

ABOUT 405 MI…655 KM ESE OF KEY LARGO FLORIDA

MAXIMUM SUSTAINED WINDS…35 MPH…55 KM/HR

PRESENT MOVEMENT…WNW OR 295 DEGREES AT 15 MPH…24 KM/HR

MINIMUM CENTRAL PRESSURE…1008 MB…29.77 INCHES

WATCHES AND WARNINGS

——————–

CHANGES WITH THIS ADVISORY…

THE GOVERNMENT OF THE BAHAMAS HAS ISSUED A TROPICAL STORM WARNING

FOR THE CENTRAL AND NORTHWESTERN BAHAMAS.

A TROPICAL STORM WARNING HAS BEEN ISSUED FOR THE FLORIDA EAST COAST

FROM GOLDEN BEACH SOUTHWARD INCLUDING THE ENTIRE FLORIDA KEYS AND

FLORIDA BAY…AND ALONG THE WEST COAST OF FLORIDA NORTHWARD TO

BONITA BEACH.

A TROPICAL STORM WATCH HAS BEEN ISSUED FOR THE EAST COAST OF FLORIDA

FROM NORTH OF GOLDEN BEACH TO JUPITER INLET INCLUDING LAKE

OKEECHOBEE.

SUMMARY OF WATCHES AND WARNINGS IN EFFECT…

A TROPICAL STORM WARNING IS IN EFFECT FOR…

* CENTRAL AND NORTHWESTERN BAHAMAS

* FOR THE FLORIDA EAST COAST FROM GOLDEN BEACH SOUTHWARD INCLUDING

THE ENTIRE FLORIDA KEYS AND FLORIDA BAY…AND ALONG THE WEST COAST

OF FLORIDA NORTHWARD TO BONITA BEACH

A TROPICAL STORM WATCH IN IN EFFECT FOR…

* THE EAST COAST OF FLORIDA NORTH OF GOLDEN BEACH TO JUPITER INLET

INCLUDING LAKE OKEECHOBEE

A TROPICAL STORM WARNING MEANS THAT TROPICAL STORM CONDITIONS ARE

EXPECTED SOMEWHERE WITHIN THE WARNING AREA WITHIN 36 HOURS.

A TROPICAL STORM WATCH MEANS THAT TROPICAL STORM CONDITIONS ARE

POSSIBLE WITHIN THE WATCH AREA…GENERALLY WITHIN 48 HOURS.

FOR STORM INFORMATION SPECIFIC TO YOUR AREA IN THE UNITED

STATES…INCLUDING POSSIBLE INLAND WATCHES AND WARNINGS…PLEASE

MONITOR PRODUCTS ISSUED BY YOUR LOCAL NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE

FORECAST OFFICE. FOR STORM INFORMATION SPECIFIC TO YOUR AREA OUTSIDE

UNITED STATES…PLEASE MONITOR PRODUCTS ISSUED BY YOUR NATIONAL

METEOROLOGICAL SERVICE.

DISCUSSION AND 48-HOUR OUTLOOK

——————————

AT 1100 AM EDT…1500 UTC…THE CENTER OF NEWLY FORMED TROPICAL

DEPRESSION THREE WAS LOCATED NEAR LATITUDE 21.9 NORTH…LONGITUDE

75.0 WEST. THE DEPRESSION IS MOVING TOWARD THE WEST-NORTHWEST NEAR

15 MPH…24 KM/HR. THIS GENERAL MOTION WITH AN INCREASE IN FORWARD

SPEED IS EXPECTED DURING THE NEXT 48 HOURS.

MAXIMUM SUSTAINED WINDS ARE NEAR 35 MPH…55 KM/HR…WITH HIGHER

GUSTS.  THE DEPRESSION COULD BECOME A TROPICAL STORM LATER TODAY.

ESTIMATED MINIMUM CENTRAL PRESSURE IS 1008 MB…29.77 INCHES.

HAZARDS AFFECTING LAND

———————-

WIND…WINDS NEAR TROPICAL STORM FORCE ARE ALREADY AFFECTING

PORTIONS OF THE SOUTHEASTERN BAHAMAS. TROPICAL STORM CONDITIONS

WILL GRADUALLY SPREAD OVER THE CENTRAL AND NORTHWESTERN BAHAMAS

TONIGHT AND FRIDAY. WEATHER CONDITIONS WILL BEGIN TO DETERIORATE ON

THE FLORIDA COAST AND FLORIDA KEYS WITHIN THE WARNING AREA ON

FRIDAY.

RAINFALL…THE DEPRESSION IS EXPECTED TO PRODUCE TOTAL RAIN

ACCUMULATIONS OF OF 2 TO 4 INCHES OVER SOUTH FLORIDA…WITH

POSSIBLE ISOLATED MAXIMUM AMOUNTS OF 5 TO 6 INCHES.  RAINFALL

AMOUNTS OF 3 TO 5 INCHES ARE EXPECTED OVER THE CENTRAL AND

NORTHWEST BAHAMAS…WITH POSSIBLE ISOLATED AMOUNTS OF 5 TO 7

INCHES.

STORM SURGE…STORM SURGE WILL RAISE WATER LEVELS BY AS MUCH AS 1 TO

2 FEET ABOVE GROUND LEVEL OVER PORTIONS OF THE BAHAMAS AND THE

FLORIDA KEYS.

NEXT ADVISORY

————-

NEXT INTERMEDIATE ADVISORY…200 PM EDT.

NEXT COMPLETE ADVISORY…500 PM EDT.

$$

FORECASTER AVILA/ROBERTS