Date of Visit: Saturday, September 13, 2025
Location: Adams Hill, at the extreme western end of Shuswap Lake
Repeater: VE7AHR – 147.140 MHz (+600 kHz offset)
Elevation: 1031 m (3382 ft)

Purpose of Visit

Routine inspection and maintenance of the VE7AHR club repeater.

Team Members

The maintenance team consisted of:
Phil VE7BPH, Robin VE7HMN, Mike VE7LOG, Gary VE7GSZ, and Peter J. VE7PAE

Travel Summary

Transportation to the site was provided by two vehicles: Robin’s and Gary’s.
Departure from Salmon Arm occurred at 10:00 AM, with a brief stop in Sorrento. Arrival at the repeater site was at approximately 11:45 AM. The access road was dry, with intermittent dust due to sections composed of fine silt.

Maintenance Tasks Completed

✅ Check battery Voltages and connections
✅ Check solar charging system and solar panels
✅ Check the Comshell for vandalism or damage
✅ Check VHF and UHF output and SWR
✅ Test repeater functionality and ensure the time is set correctly
✅ Remove any garbage from the site

Inspection Findings

• Interior Condition: The repeater’s internal components were in excellent condition, with no changes since the previous inspection. All measurements confirmed proper operation.
• Antenna Status: One antenna showed slight deformation, likely due to physical interference, but remains operational.
• Coaxial Cable: Damage was observed on the 400-series coaxial cable. The outer sheath of the existing RG-8 cable appears to have partially melted and split at the bend near the lower connection, likely due to heat exposure during the recent forest fire. Although performance has not yet been affected, preventive replacement is advised. See the recommendation section.
• Grounding Connectors: One of the two grounding connectors was detached and has been reinstalled.
• Guy Wire Tension: One visibly loose guy wire was tightened using a turnbuckle.

Return Summary

The team departed the site at approximately 1:30 PM and returned to Salmon Arm by 3:00 PM.

Recommendations for Future Visits

To ensure continued safety and efficiency during future maintenance trips, the following items should be brought along:

• Lock lubricant – to maintain and prevent seizing of padlocks and enclosure access points.
• Safety harness and lanyard – for team members working inside or around the repeater structure, especially considering the elevated and exposed location of the site.
• Ladder and replacement coaxial cable – required to repair the damaged 400-series cable. The repair will require approximately 10 feet of LMR-400 cable, two N-male crimp connectors, and self-vulcanizing tape for sealing the connections