SARC APRS Trailer

On July 26th, 2025, in the morning hours, a technical visit was organized to the VE7QMR club repeater located on Queest Mountain. The SARC team — Robin VE7HMN, Hans VE7OHR, Wayne VA7VT, Peter VE7PAE, Dorn VE7HDU and the Vella team Jack VE7KIO, Corry and Ben — reached the site using several means of transportation. Weather conditions were favorable—sunny and dry—allowing for a swift approach. However, the access road to the repeater was mountainous, at times narrow enough for just one vehicle, and scattered with rocks and occasional potholes.

VE7PAE and VA7VT  in the background with VE7OHR.

The repeater site itself is positioned at the very summit of Queest Mountain, offering stunning panoramic views of the surrounding landscape. The area is rich with natural beauty—breathtaking scenery, dramatic vistas, and peaceful wilderness that truly stops you in your tracks. It’s not only a strategic spot for technical infrastructure but a place where one can pause and appreciate the sheer wonder of nature.

Around 11 a.m., the crew arrived and conducted several technical checks:

• Reset and tested the functionality of the APRS system
• Status of the APRS battery bank, which was topped up with distilled water to its recommended maximum level
• Inspection of the repeater equipment then testing of the repeater’s operation

VE7HMN working on the APRS equipment.

It was observed that the trailer housing the APRS system and solar panels continues to deteriorate in the harsh conditions on Queest Mountain. Therefore, precise measurements were taken of both the existing solar panels and the Vella Radio remote station cabin, whose roof may serve as a new mounting site for the club’s solar setup. The suggestion includes installing an additional support structure to ensure the ideal angle and tilt, especially necessary for harsh weather conditions like snow or hail, which

could potentially damage the solar cells.

After completing the inspection and maintenance successfully, around 3pm, the team returned safely to their homes. On the way back it started raining, which made the downhill ride a bit tricky. We extend our sincere thanks to the members for their dedication and effort!