Palomar Amateur Radio Club STEM Experimentation Lab
The 2022/2023 PARC Modernization Project was led by Charles Ristorcelli NN3V (SK) and currently by Mark Raptis K6WTN. The project emphasizes updating the site assets with new digital and remote access and control capabilities. These will be used to improve access to the site's resources for members and to enhance public awareness and education of Amateur Radio. It was a multi-year effort by over a dozen volunteers that started with obtaining a grant from the ARRL to fund the effort. That grant effort was successful and the proposal was accepted by the ARRL in late 2022. The Grant funds were received in early 2023. The initial efforts through 2023 are just the start of the project. The Modernization Project is an ongoing Club project that will be maintained, improved and enhanced as time goes on.
The Modernization Project encompassed several efforts that would add enormous value to the existing repeater site on Palomar Mountain.
- Installing and integrating new internet and local network infrastructure for remote access to the site.
- Adding a new 75-ft tower topped by a large StepIR DB-18 Yagi antenna.
- Procuring, configuring and installing a Flex Radio Flex-6400 radio for remote operation.
- Procuring and building the remotely accessible STEM Experimentation Lab.
- Set up remote access and control of all existing repeaters on-site.
- Create and publish materials to foster education and familiarization by the local community.
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