Watt's New - Past Articles
The Watt's New articles serve to keep you abreast of what has been going on around the C.A.R.L.A. Network. Feel free to browse our archive of past Watt's New articles as well.
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Break in the link path between CARLA 4 & 29
Last updated on June 12, 2024 by The C.A.R.L.A. Team | This article is Archived | Permalink
We seem to have a break in the link path somewhere between CARLA 4 & 29.
We're unable to ping systems south of Carla 4. Crews are trying to isolate the problem.
Systems 4 is back online
Last updated on April 18, 2023 by The C.A.R.L.A. Team | This article is Archived | Permalink
System 4 has been brought back online by the installation of a temporary generator while PG&E
continues
to investigate the power outage at the site which appears to be somewhere underground.
This also means that systems 29, 30, and 31, which depend on system 4 are once again connected to
the network.
CARLA 9 & 21 issues
Last updated on March 27, 2023 by The C.A.R.L.A. Team | This article is Archived | Permalink
Currently, CARLA 9 has a low output power scenario and CARLA 21 is completely OOS post storm action.
No ETR's for either one yet.
System 32 OOS
Last updated on March 20, 2023 by The C.A.R.L.A. Team | This article is Archived | Permalink
Site power is out at System 32 and batteries have been depleted.
The system is not responding and appears to be offline.
CARLA 18 TX back on the air
Last updated on March 17, 2023 by The C.A.R.L.A. Team | This article is Archived | Permalink
CARLA 18 (Topaz Lake, NV.) is back on the air after a subsequent power outage and restore caused the
system to reset and start behaving correctly. One of the few times where a power outage turned out to
be a 'good thing'.
Original posting 3/5/23:
CARLA 18 (Topaz Lake, NV.) has a stuck transmitter that is on the air. It likely happened during a
recent power glitch. It is currently OOS (Out Of Service) and there is no ETR yet due to extensive
snow at the site.
CARLA 6 & 36 back on the air after repairs
Last updated on February 5, 2023 by The C.A.R.L.A. Team | This article is Archived | Permalink
CARLA 6 & 36 are back on the air after the site crew was able to fight its way through mounds of
snow and make repairs.
Now that we’ve has a few sunny days after the January storms, the solar panels have had time put a
good charge on the
site batteries.
Here is the original post before repairs:
CARLA 6 & 36 have been down for a while and its been determined that the batteries were so depleted
from lack of sun
that they blew the fuse when trying to do a bulk charge and power the repeaters concurrently.
Attempts are being made
to access the site which has several feet of snow on it. No easy feat and it will require hiking the
last mile or so. We'll let
you know as we get more info.
Carla 9 back on the air after cyclone storm
Last updated on January 13, 2023 by The C.A.R.L.A. Team | This article is Archived | Permalink
UPDATE-
CARLA 9 is back on the air after its tower and several others were twisted and dropped from some
freak,
tornado like winds. It may not be exactly the same as it was but seems to be doing a good job so
far.
The original posting:
The weather has taken its toll on Carla. System 9 is off the air due to the recent rains and cyclone
storm.
The tower that the main antenna was mounted on has fallen, destroying not only the tower but several
antennas and coax. Full damage assessment is underway thus a repair time is unknown and still TBD.
On the positive side, the site power is also out which probably saved the PA from transmitting into
the dirt.
^^^ Carla 9 Tower ^^^
Vaca hub issues
Last updated on September 30, 2022 by The C.A.R.L.A. Team | This article is Archived | Permalink
There seems to be multiple power issues at
the Mt. Vaca Hub site on the commercial
power side (PG&E) and generator/transfer
switch.
Currently we are on battery back up and
CARLA 16 is down. PLEASE keep traffic to a
minimum. ETR is EOD Friday.
Thanks
Internet connection down at Vaca Hub site
Last updated on July 22, 2022 by The C.A.R.L.A. Team | This article is Archived | Permalink
We've lost the internet connection at the Vaca hub site. Currently this affects the links to CARLA 7,
14, 20, 18 (and Nevada hub/sites) & LVRA connection. if this looks like it will be drawn out, we'll
work on reverting to RF back-up links to most of these sites. No ETR as of yet.
CARLA & KD6VEN save the day
Last updated on April 14, 2022 by The C.A.R.L.A. Team | This article is Archived | Permalink
Greg, KD6VEN answered a call for help over the air on CARLA and coordinated an airlift for an injured
biker in Shasta County. Dave, KL7DJ used CARLA from the scene while Greg relayed and coordinated the
REACH air transport via a phone call from the Bay Area. Find the ARRL article at the following link:
http://www.arrl.org/arrlletter?issue=2022-04-14
CARLA 9 is Off the air.
Last updated on March 14, 2022 by The C.A.R.L.A. Team | This article is Archived | Permalink
Site is being decommissioned. We are looking for a replacement in the meantime. No further info at
this time. This was a very short notice issue that came up.
System 27 OOS
Last updated on January 7, 2022 by The C.A.R.L.A. Team | This article is Archived | Permalink
Site power is out at System 27 and batteries have been depleted.
The system is not responding and appears to be offline.
Carla 10 Main TX is OOS
Last updated on December 14, 2021 by The C.A.R.L.A. Team | This article is Archived | Permalink
The main repeater TX at 10 in the Santa Cruz Hills is off the air. The main RX and link are working
but you won’t hear anything coming back to you when you unkey.
Update:
Repairs have been scheduled for Saturday May 14th.
System 17 is off the network
Last updated on December 8, 2021 by The C.A.R.L.A. Team | This article is Archived | Permalink
After reports of issues with the link at 17, tests were performed that indicate the link radio at 17
is intermittent. It could be a
path issue or a radio/antenna issue. System 17 may occasionally be isolated from the rest of the Carla
network.
No ETA on repairs yet.
System 15 which is normally connected to the Carla network via 17 has been rerouted direct to the Main
hub.
CARLA 14 is down
Last updated on November 28, 2021 by The C.A.R.L.A. Team | This article is Archived | Permalink
It appears the transmitter on CARLA 14 is down. The likely culprit is the P.A. We are trying to
schedule a rush trip up before any storms come in. ETR 1 week
PSPS Event 10/11-10/12
Last updated on October 10, 2021 by The C.A.R.L.A. Team | This article is Archived | Permalink
Due to high wind possibilities, PG&E PSPS (Public Safety Power Shutoff) events are planned
for 23 counties in CA on Oct. 11th and Oct. 12th.
Please listen for “On Battery” announcements from repeaters that are likely to be affected
by these planned power outages and limit talk times to help preserve battery usage during this time.
We have also created a one second “long tone” which will activate when CARLA is in
power conservation mode due to multiple repeaters on battery backup.
You’ll hear this tone when you unkey as a reminder to keep it short.
Thanks,
CARLA
CARLA 8 & 13 updates
Last updated on August 29, 2021 by The C.A.R.L.A. Team | This article is Archived | Permalink
CARLA 8 is on generator power as of 11am Sunday 8/29/21.
CARLA 13 was paid a visit by a RRFT team on Saturday to effect repairs on the hub transmitter, SB
link antenna as well as fire mitigation around the property.
Current updates
Last updated on August 6, 2021 by The C.A.R.L.A. Team | This article is Archived | Permalink
We've lost the IP connection at our Vaca
Hub and reverted CARLA 7,14 & 18/hub to RF
back up in
the interim. the LVRA connection is down
currently. ETR is sometime this weekend.
CARLA 24, 18, 8 work
Last updated on August 1, 2021 by The C.A.R.L.A. Team | This article is Archived | Permalink
-CARLA 24 is back on the air after repairs were effected to the TX VCO. We also found a bent link
antenna that was likely hit from falling ice and that was replaced as well as a fan issue.
-CARLA 18 required a visit to transition power from one generator to another as well as a couple of
other modifications and updates needed to be performed on the Allstar IP link port. Power lines are
still down in the area due to the Tamarack fire and we expect to remain on generator power for a
few more weeks.
-CARLA 8 had its link courtesy tone adjusted so it should respond like expected now when keying up
with the link pl.
NETWORK FIRE UPDATE
Last updated on July 28, 2021 by The C.A.R.L.A. Team | This article is Archived | Permalink
BOTH CARLA 27 (Quincy, CA) and CARLA 18 (Topaz Lake, NV) are on stable generator back-up power
now. We can lift the restricted mode we were in and thank everyone for their cooperation and
understanding. Both sites were in the middle of their respective fire zones (Dixie and Tamarack
fires) and both sites experienced some burn over on their respective mountain tops. We tried hard
to keep both sites on the air by asking users to greatly limit transmit times to keep battery run
time up in case the sites were needed for local comms. Fire crews worked hard to keep all the
comm sites from burning for which we are very grateful.
Network Fire Update
Last updated on July 26, 2021 by The C.A.R.L.A. Team | This article is Archived | Permalink
FIRE UPDATE: CARLA 27 is on generator
power and survived the mountain burning
over. | CARLA 18 is going on day 7 of
battery operation and also survived a burn
over. Generator connection is scheduled
for this Wednesday.
A tentative trip to CARLA 24's site to
repair the TX issue is slated for this
Saturday.
Thanks to everyone for their cooperation
through all this.
Network experiencing constant key-ups
Last updated on March 28, 2021 by The C.A.R.L.A. Team | This article is Archived | Permalink
We are experiencing a scenario where the network is keying constantly with cycling key-ups after it
gets hot from long conversations. We are trying to troubleshoot while this happens which may
include taking systems off-link to isolate the problem. If it stops, DO NOT KEY UP as it will start
the cycle over again. Sorry for the inconvenience.
CARLA 30 link off-line
Last updated on March 4, 2021 by The C.A.R.L.A. Team | This article is Archived | Permalink
CARLA 30 is a Solar site and is experiencing battery fatigue. We have decided to turn off the link
PL for now so the tx time is greatly decreased and hopefully saves some battery reserves. We may
have to take further action to minimize current draw at the site including SoCal link disconnects.
PLEASE keep you traffic short on the system. Thanks.
Ongoing Power Outages
Last updated on January 19, 2021 by The C.A.R.L.A. Team | This article is Archived | Permalink
Due to high winds and PG&E PSPS's the network is experiencing multiple power outages with some
sites on battery and/or generator power. CARLA 32 is currently off-line dues to a possible brownout
(low voltage) condition which also affects the link to CARLA 33.
CARLA 14 OOS
Last updated on December 1, 2020 by The C.A.R.L.A. Team | This article is Archived | Permalink
The CARLA 14 (Cisco Butte) Transmitter appears to be dead. The RX is still working.
A recon will be scheduled when possible, weather permitting. No ETR as of yet.
Activities for this Saturday the 24th of October
Last updated on October 23, 2020 by The C.A.R.L.A. Team | This article is Archived | Permalink
This Saturday October 24, there may be traffic on
the network from participating Nevada ARES
groups for a statewide SET. Please keep
conversations brief with plenty of pauses in
between and
yield to any traffic trying to conduct their test.
There is no set start/end time as this is a
specific part of the exercise.
CARLA 25 will have multiple RRFT’s (Rapid Response
Field Teams) converging on the site Saturday
to finish the final phase of the reinstallation and
upgrade of the entire system post destruction
from the CARR Fire in late 2018. Amongst other
things, we hope to get the local PL operating,
replace a disabled NB TX link radio and replace the
rest of the temp coax runs that were put in
place last year. The system will be off the air for
a portion of the day but traffic is still
being re-routed through CARLA 20 & 13 for the rest
of the region.
Thanks.
-The CARLA TEAM
Multiple 'events' happening
Last updated on October 14, 2020 by The C.A.R.L.A. Team | This article is Archived | Permalink
Starting this evening through Friday, we may experience some PG&E PSPS power shutdowns at select
sites throughout Northern California. Please be cognizant of this and any “on-batteryâ€
announcements which infers we need to keep the network idle to preserve battery reserves in case
of an emergency and/or priority traffic.
Tomorrow morning, Thursday the 15th, the system might be used for “The Great California Shakeoutâ€
to link with the PAPA system in SoCal to support an exercise between continuing care retirement
communities/facilities in SoCal and NorCal. This should take place between 9am-11am and may be
shorter than that. Please yield to any traffic connected with the event.
Saturday, There will be an exercise involving CalDART on the network between 9-12 Noon. Again,
please yield to any traffic connected with this event.
Thank You.
The CARLA TEAM
More sites on back-up power
Last updated on September 8, 2020 by The C.A.R.L.A. Team | This article is Archived | Permalink
During the early morning hours of Tuesday, CARLA
13, 14 & 20 were added to the back-up power status
list. As far as we know, the following sites are
currently on back-up power status (battery or
generator):
13, 14, 16 & Vaca Hub, 17, 20,25 & 27
Please refrain from using the network unless
absolutely needed. Thanks.
PSPS Events started
Last updated on September 7, 2020 by The C.A.R.L.A. Team | This article is Archived | Permalink
PG&E PSPS events have started for 22
counties in CA. CARLA 25 has been on
battery power since 5pm Monday and CARLA
27 may be on generator. More likely to
happen. Please maintain conservation mode
and limit talk times. Thanks.
PSPS Events started
Last updated on September 7, 2020 by The C.A.R.L.A. Team | This article is Archived | Permalink
PG&E PSPS events have started for 22
counties in CA. CARLA 25 has been on
battery power since 5pm Monday and CARLA
27 may be on generator. More likely to
happen. Please maintain conservation mode
and limit talk times. Thanks.
ARES-Red Cross utilizes CARLA for regional exercise
Last updated on September 1, 2020 by The C.A.R.L.A. Team | This article is Archived | Permalink
Local/Nationwide Red Cross Drill: Initial Reports
Indicate Success
The widely promoted Local/Regional/National ARES-
Red Cross Exercise was conducted on May 30,
with initial reports now coming in that are
indicating widespread participation and interest.
Locally-organized ARES exercises in 28 states
across the country simulated emergency conditions
and commercial power interruptions while working
with their local Red Cross chapters to handle
simulated shelter message traffic. The messages
were entered into the Winlink (or Fldigi)
system in the ARC-213 message format. CDC COVID-19
protocols were observed. Designated regional
or state message hubs across the country received
the messages from the local nets and passed
them to a simulated Red Cross national authority,
via the Winlink email system.
Members of the ARRL Sacramento Valley and San
Joaquin Valley Sections participated with the
California Gold Country Region Red Cross and 32
operators from throughout northern California
were involved. The operators sent 35 voice messages
using the California Amateur Radio Linking
Association (CARLA) network, and 66 digital
messages using both HF and VHF gateways, to a
simulated Red Cross Operations Center. With current
pandemic events in mind, the operators were
emailed the messages to be sent to the operations
center.
Amateur Radio Liaison Jim Piper, N6MED, of the
American Red Cross thanked all operators that
assisted. Piper stated that many important lessons
were learned, and that the Red Cross will be
putting some changes into effect immediately. --
Michael Joseph, KK6ZGB, Sacramento Valley
Section ARRL Public Information Officer
VACA HUB & CARLA 16 on generator
Last updated on August 25, 2020 by The C.A.R.L.A. Team | This article is Archived | Permalink
This weekend a trailer mount generator was dropped
at the Mt. Vaca site and all technologies have
been transitioned to the generator. We are no
longer on battery power.
Expect on-battery conditions @ VACA HUB
Last updated on August 21, 2020 by The C.A.R.L.A. Team | This article is Archived | Permalink
Expect intermittent on-battery conditions from the Mt. Vaca hub & CARLA 16 into the foreseeable
future due to temporary generator and need for refueling/servicing. Please keep traffic to a bare
minimum for those that need to use the network during these extreme conditions. Thanks
Mt. Vaca HUB is Back Online
Last updated on August 20, 2020 by The C.A.R.L.A. Team | This article is Archived | Permalink
Thursday, a Rapid Response Field Team (RRFT) was able to make it to the Carla Hub at Mt. Vaca and
get a portable
generator setup and running. Also some batteries were added and solar panels attached to aid in
battery charging,
should a forest fire, lightening strike, or rolling blackout strike the Carla Hub in the future.
**Original Article**
The Mt. Vaca Hub has depleted its battery back-up supply. We are sourcing a back-up solution and
hope to have something in place and back on-line within 24 hours or less.
Mt. Vaca Hub on battery
Last updated on August 18, 2020 by The C.A.R.L.A. Team | This article is Archived | Permalink
The Mt. Vaca hub & CARLA 16 are on battery power since 8-18-20 @ 5:45PM. The Allstar hub is also
offline but most sites have been re-connected with back-up RF links. power lines are burned down
as well. No ETR of commercial power as of yet.
Mt. Vaca Hub antenna maintenance this Saturday
Last updated on July 23, 2020 by The C.A.R.L.A. Team | This article is Archived | Permalink
We will be taking the primary Mt. Vaca hub off-line for a couple of hours this Saturday in the
late morning/early afternoon while we perform some antenna maintenance. This will have a major
effect on linking all of the network together and only allow certain segments to talk to each
other while the majority of the regions and repeaters will be isolated. We’ll make announcements
over the air both pre and post interruption of service. Besides not hearing any inbound network
traffic the only other clue may be the lack of the extra courtesy tone ‘beep’ that you may hear
after keying up with the link PL. That is created from the hub keying up and coming back through
all of the repeaters. All the repeaters should continue to work for the most part but with limited
or no linking capabilities depending on where you might be in the system. We will try and keep the
downtime to a minimum in case of any need for network wide communication that may arise.
Carla 27 is back On the Air
Last updated on July 12, 2020 by The C.A.R.L.A. Team | This article is Archived | Permalink
Saturday, a Rapid Response Field Team (RRFT) was able to make it to CARLA 27’s site and spent
the
entire day replacing a coax run, re-racking the repeater system, and making a few minor
improvements to the
system and site. A subsequent trip was made on Wednesday to replace an unexpected dead link
radio.
Thanks to all that helped. Service in the area is now restored to normal.
Link Southbound towards SoCal innop.
Last updated on June 16, 2020 by The C.A.R.L.A. Team | This article is Archived | Permalink
The SB RX link from the Vaca hub towards Southern CA. is experiencing issues at CARLA 19's site.
No network traffic is passing to 19,4,29,30 & 31 from the Vaca hub. We will try and rectify it
this week.
CARLA 13 back On the Air
Last updated on June 15, 2020 by The C.A.R.L.A. Team | This article is Archived | Permalink
Sunday, a Rapid Response Field Team (RRFT) was able
to make it to CARLA 13’s site and spent the
entire day & evening replacing all coax runs and
making other improvements and upgrades to the
system and site/compound. Thanks to all that helped
and service in the area is now restored to
normal.
Carla 29 Link PL fixed
Last updated on June 8, 2020 by The C.A.R.L.A. Team | This article is Archived | Permalink
There have been recent problems with the link PL going intermittent at Carla site 29 in San Luis
Obisbo
due to wiring issues. The Carla Parts Dept has handed off a connector to Steve, KC6WRD, in SLO and
it has been installed at the site. The link PL has been fixed and should now be solid.
CARLA 13 & Hub OOS & Red Cross network use
Last updated on May 28, 2020 by The C.A.R.L.A. Team | This article is Archived | Permalink
In the last couple of weeks the CARLA 13 (Shasta Lake) site has been vandalized and all our
coax was stolen.
This is the second time in about a year that we have been victim to copper thieves at this
site. It houses the CARLA 13 repeater and Shasta Hub system. All our coax has been cut and
stolen along with other site users. The thieves breached the fence by cutting a hole in it and
climbed the tower to remove as much coax as possible in order to get mere pennies per pound
while creating a hole in the region for coverage and linking. CARLA 20 is currently on an
Allstar IP back-up link and CARLA 25 is currently the end of the line going north towards
Shasta county. It costs us hundreds of dollars to replace all the equipment plus all the time
and travel costs involved to get a crew to the 8+ hour round trip site. We were trying to
schedule a trip this Saturday but it looks like weather will not be in our favor and we’ll
likely have to reschedule. ETR is hopefully within a couple weeks.
Also, the Sacramento Valley/Gold Country region of the American Red Cross has asked to use
CARLA for any voice traffic while they conduct an exercise this Saturday morning May 30th from
09:00 to 12:00. Please yield the system to them and keep traffic clear if possible until after
that time. Your cooperation is appreciated!
CARLA 13 OOS
Last updated on May 21, 2020 by The C.A.R.L.A. Team | This article is Archived | Permalink
The CARLA 13 (Shasta Lake repeater and Shasta Hub) system is completely off air and not
responding. A recon is scheduled soon. No ETR as of yet.
Reno Site 21 is back on the air
Last updated on March 28, 2020 by The C.A.R.L.A. Team | This article is Archived | Permalink
Site power has been restored at 21 and the system is now back online.
Original Message:
System 21 in the Reno area is currently offline. Site power is out and batteries have finally
depleted.
It appears that a fuse (or circuit breaker) on a telephone pole that feeds the site has blown.
No ETA of when the power company will respond.
Another Club contributes to CARLA
Last updated on January 13, 2020 by The C.A.R.L.A. Team | This article is Archived | Permalink
The Coastside ARC graciously contributed $1,000. to
CARLA towards the rebuilding and replacement
of the CARLA 25 (Redding, CA.) system which burned
up in the 2018 Carr fire. They followed the
lead of the Mt. Diablo ARC who did the same thing.
We at CARLA are very grateful for their
generous donation and appreciate the gesture more
than we can express.
Thank you again!
Recent repairs & re-integration of sites
Last updated on November 26, 2019 by The C.A.R.L.A. Team | This article is Archived | Permalink
CARLA 25, 4 & 14 have all seen repairs and re-
integration recently and more...
CARLA 25, Redding was re-integrated into the
network over the last few weeks during several
extended site visits. We were able to get it re-
built and installed with all new & different
equipment since everything was ruined during the
CARR fire in 2018. We are probably 80%
finished but simply ran out of time and resources
to finish it all off. A third trip will be
needed next year when the snow and roads are clear.
However, it is ON THE AIR (Link PL only)
with new batteries and a new generator at the site
to boot. It is also serving as the relay
site to connect the Shasta Hub back into the
network. We will maintain the Allstar link located
at the CARLA 20 site and be able to switch between
either source as needs dictate. A BIG THANKS
goes out to several RRFTs that included individuals
from the Redding area, Bay Area, Central
Valley and SoCal. It has been burning in (NO pun
intended) for the last few weeks and seems to
be stable. This is also the site that MDARC
contributed funds towards the cost of replacing one
of the new repeaters at the site. Thank You again
MDARC!
CARLA 4, Greenfield and CARLA 14, Cisco Grove had a
myriad of power supplies, surge protectors,
battery chargers and power conditioners installed
this last Sunday by two different RRFTs.
CARLA 14 had finally gone off the air after close
to a week or so from depleted batteries and
CARLA 4 was running on battery power with a battery
charger only for the past few weeks.
CARLA 22, Hawthorne, NV. is still running on
battery power only with a charger. There was a
snafu with the new power supply order that has
delayed delivery. It has already snowed and more
is expected so it will need to wait for a snowcat
ride up at some point and hopefully be stable
until then. Batteries were installed this year (as
was a brand new power supply last year!) All
three sites were victims of power grid issues that
damaged our equipment and happens fairly
reguarly, unfortunately.
NOTE: Each one of these sites has cost us a LOT of
money just in replacement equipment, let
alone all the other ancillary costs involved. That
doesn't even take into consideration all the
time volunteered and personal expenses incurred by
the individuals themselves. No one is paid
for their time, there is no grant or foundation
money and no one has put CARLA in their will
(that we know of anyway). 90 percent of all
expenditures come directly out of pocket by just a
few individuals and the rest is from intermittent
donations. Every year the cost of keeping
CARLA alive and maintained gets higher and higher
and we don't get to raise prices in
conjunction with cost of living increases. As most
of you know, we don't charge ANYTHING to use
or rely on the system. So, on that note, we ALWAYS
appreciate any donations and support that
you or anyone else you know of is willing to make.
Thank You!
-The CARLA Team
CARLA 25 Back on the Air
Last updated on November 20, 2019 by The C.A.R.L.A. Team | This article is Archived | Permalink
Its with great pleasure that we're able to announce
the re-integration of CARLA 25 (Redding) back
into the network. It's been over a year since the
site and all the equipment was burnt during the
Carr fire in Shasta County. It's taken a lot of
time, resources, equipment and funds to put
together a new system and a few trips to the site
to get it operational. It is currently not
operating with a local PL (Link only) and there is
more tower work to finish but its in good
operating condition just in time for the snows to
keep us from getting to the site this season. A
BIG thanks goes out to all those that were involved
with helping to make this happen including
members from the Northern, Central Valley and SoCAL
Rapid Response Teams that made several long
trips to and from the site to get the new system on
the air. This was just in time for the most
recent PG&E PSPS event besides.
A BIG THANKS to our supporters!
Last updated on September 20, 2019 by The C.A.R.L.A. Team | This article is Archived | Permalink
The Founders and Core team at CARLA would like to
take a moment to throw out a BIG THANK YOU to MDARC
(Mt. Diablo Amateur Radio Club) and some
individuals (you know who you are) who contributed
funds this year to CARLA. Whether it was for
ongoing maintenance and operations or to help
recover after a devastating loss of System 25 in
the Carr fire last year, it is all very much
appreciated and goes a long way to help us not only
rebuild but continue providing reliable coverage
throughout areas of California and NW Nevada. As
most of you know, CARLA is not a membership
supported system. It is funded almost entirely by
the core team (past and present) and a few users
and supporters of the system. We thank all of you
for your continued support!
CARLA 27 Tower being rebuilt
Last updated on August 18, 2019 by The C.A.R.L.A. Team | This article is Archived | Permalink
The tower has been removed and will be re-built.
ETR is sometime in late October.
CARLA 28 to be removed from service
Last updated on August 10, 2019 by The C.A.R.L.A. Team | This article is Archived | Permalink
We regret to inform everyone that in aprox. 1 week
(weekend of August 17th) the CARLA 28 System
is slated to removed from service at it's current
location above Dunsmuir, CA. The commissioning
of this system at its current location was a joint
powers initiative between the Oregon
Connection and CARLA a few years ago. It was the
first and only system of that kind which was
put together with resources from both groups for
use on the CARLA network while linking with the
OC.
Over the last year circumstances have changed and
we've been asked to make room for other
endeavors so hence the scheduled decommissioning of
System 28. We appreciate the opportunity as
have the users and different groups/organizations
that relied on CARLA coverage from the
McCloud/Mt. Shasta/Weed/Yreka areas north towards
the Oregon Border. If we are able to secure a
different site or scenario we will let everyone
know and if you're aware of anything please
contact us directly.
We're sorry for the inconvenience and loss of
coverage this will create for some, We're also
very aware the timing of this is not good with fire
season in effect but it is what it is as
they say.
The CARLA Team
CARLA 4 entire site on battery back-up
Last updated on June 22, 2019 by The C.A.R.L.A. Team | This article is Archived | Permalink
The CARLA 4 repeater and North/Southbound links are on battery back-up as of 6/20/19. The battery
charger does not seem to be charging the batteries and the power supply died a few months back. A
recent broken PGE power pole took out power to the site and may have caused damage to our
equipment
as a result. ETR 1 week or less.
CARLA 13 & Shasta Hub repairs
Last updated on March 30, 2019 by The C.A.R.L.A. Team | This article is Archived | Permalink
CARLA 13 (Shasta Lake), the Shasta Hub and other
links are back in service after repairs were
made to all damaged coax from recent vandalism at
the site. This not only brings CARLA 13 back
on-line but also re-connects CARLA 28, 20 & 13 with
each other and the rest of the network.
CARLA 25 is still off-line from the 2018 Carr fire
and is slated for re-building this coming
summer. A BIG Thank You the the greater Shasta area
RRFT (Rapid Response Field Team) that
converged at the site to make all this happen
Saturday as well as previous trips to assess
damage and make temporary repairs. We were also
able to repair two other customer's coax on site
while there. It was a very long day (and night) but
the nice weather helped offset that.
All the extensive damage, mounting costs, many man-
hours and extended down time incurred by
every one at the site was caused by one or more
people trying to steal copper for mere pennies
on the dollar without any regard to their actions.
We've had some creative suggestions for
dealing with any future offenders and appreciate
all of them. Unfortunately, most of them would
probably incur liability on our or the landlord's
part but were certainly worth briefly
entertaining!
CARLA 13 OOS
Last updated on March 22, 2019 by The C.A.R.L.A. Team | This article is Archived | Permalink
CARLA 13 (Lake Shasta & Shasta Hub) is completely off line and out of service. Copper thieves cut
ALL coaxes on the tower and stole some waveguide as well. Storms and conditions hindered access to
assess the situation until recently. ALL coax runs will need to be replaced. ETR April 2019
CARLA 35 (VHF) TX OOS
Last updated on March 21, 2019 by The C.A.R.L.A. Team | This article is Archived | Permalink
The VHF PA at CARLA 35 has died and is putting out
very little power. The RX is still working.
There is no ETR on this.
CARLA 27 Link path impaired
Last updated on March 13, 2019 by The C.A.R.L.A. Team | This article is Archived | Permalink
The tower at 27's site is leaning and therefore the link path is impaired and not connected
to/from the hub. The repeater will remain isolated or have periodically noisy link path. NO ETR as
of yet.
Fish Rock Bike Event - Saturday March 9th
Last updated on March 9, 2019 by The C.A.R.L.A. Team | This article is Archived | Permalink
Saturday, March 9th Systems 3 and 26 will be in use for the Fish Rock Bike Event.
These Carla repeaters will be under net control for the race from 6AM until 6PM Saturday
and will be disconnected from the Carla Network during this time.
Please refrain from using System 3 and System 26 for normal traffic during the special event.
For more info on the event, go to href="https://www.bikemonkey.net/fishrock">https://www.bikemonkey.net/fishrock
NO AUDIO on VACA Hub/Network
Last updated on March 4, 2019 by The C.A.R.L.A. Team | This article is Archived | Permalink
It appears the (RLC DSP-404) repeater controller at CARLA 16/Vaca Hub is NOT passing audio through
it to the rest of the network. This is affecting the ENTIRE NETWORK. Certain segments of the
network will pass audio through each other as in the case of RF-linked relay sites and any ALLstar
connected sites but in general, all anyone will hear is a dead carrier. ETA for a site visit is
sometime this this afternoon.
Shasta region back on-line/ On battery back-up
Last updated on February 16, 2019 by The C.A.R.L.A. Team | This article is Archived | Permalink
After a week of storms and power outages the power to the cellular and back-haul facilities
that serves the area feeding CARLA 20 was restored around 9am Saturday morning (2/16/19). This
is where we have the temporary VoIP/RoIP connection via Allstar located to back-feed the Shasta
region Hub since the relay at CARLA 25's site burnt down in 2018 due to the Carr fire.
All the CARLA systems in the Shasta area have remained on the air during this time despite
being on battery power but were isolated from the rest of the network until this morning. The
region still has a LOT of outages and people without power or communications so we're asking
that everyone please keep your traffic very brief and only as needed so we can leave the other
systems on-line as long as possible if people need to use them.
Thank you for your cooperation and assistance letting others know who are not on this email
group.
CARLA 7 upgrade work
Last updated on January 1, 2019 by The C.A.R.L.A. Team | This article is Archived | Permalink
CARLA 7 was visited today and some improvements were implemented.
A new link was installed utilizing an Allstar connection back to the Mt. Vaca Hub. This will be
the new default link which should offer much cleaner communications to/from the rest of the
network. The original RF link will remain in place and be used as back-up if the Allstar link
were
to fail.
The repeater controller had some firmware and other upgrades implemented as well as some remote
DC
voltage sensing capabilities installed.
CARLA 12 back in service
Last updated on December 31, 2018 by The C.A.R.L.A. Team | This article is Archived | Permalink
A trip was made to CARLA 12's site above Pleasanton, CA. and the repeater PA was repaired on site.
Depleted batteries were removed and are planned to be replaced this week along with another
controller upgrade and remote DC voltage sensors to be installed.
Another friend and supporter of CARLA, SK
Last updated on December 30, 2018 by The C.A.R.L.A. Team | This article is Archived | Permalink
It’s with a heavy heart that we convey the news of yet another passing of a good friend and
supporter of CARLA; Dan Dufficy, KH8AF. Dan knew and touched a lot of people over the span of his
life on this planet and always had a sharp sense of humor, often making fun of those amateur
operators that took themselves a little too seriously. He would occasionally intertie with us
from
his system adding a few more boops, beeps & gleeks to the mess just to confuse people. He will be
sorely missed.
CQ-DX Dan.
Link to Southland re-established
Last updated on December 30, 2018 by The C.A.R.L.A. Team | This article is Archived | Permalink
A four person contingency from several RRFT's (Rapid Response Field Team) made it to CARLA 4's
site above Greenfield, CA. Saturday to make repairs to the southbound link feeding CARLA 29, 30
&31 that failed a couple of weeks prior causing only NB traffic to pass from Southern CA.
Additionally, Controller firmware updates were made as well as some remote voltage logic inputs
installed to check various DC voltages at the site. Some tower work was also performed. The
primary power supply that was inserting ac hum into audio paths was finally replaced too. However,
something went south with the replacement power supply so we had to de-install it and revert to
battery back-up power with the battery charger keeping things on-line.
Another trip is in store to replace the power supply, yet again...
CARLA 26 Geyserville - Service Has Been Restored
Last updated on December 27, 2018 by The C.A.R.L.A. Team | This article is Archived | Permalink
CARLA team members visited Site 26 Geyserville on 12/26/2018 and were able to restore it to full
functionality
Southbound Link TX at 4 is OOS
Last updated on December 10, 2018 by The C.A.R.L.A. Team | This article is Archived | Permalink
The link TX radio at Vaquero is not passing audio Southbound to SLO so all repeaters South of
Vaquero
are not hearing any audio from the rest of the CARLA system. Audio Northbound is ok so the system
will hear traffic from SLO/Bakersfield/LA but they will not hear traffic coming from North of
Vaquero.
CARLA 32 OTA
Last updated on October 13, 2018 by The C.A.R.L.A. Team | This article is Archived | Permalink
Our San Mateo coast (not so) Rapid Response Field Team was finally able to get CARLA 32's PA back
on the air... 4 mos after the initial failure and just in time for Winter. They had to borrow a
neighbor's commercial utility truck that could take all the brush encroaching on the narrow road
to the top. A BIG thanks goes out to both of them! GTW!
CARLA 22 On the Air
Last updated on August 31, 2018 by The C.A.R.L.A. Team | This article is Archived | Permalink
Update-
The main power supply and the battery charger were both replaced at 22's site. The batteries don't
appear to be taking a charge so they have been taken offline. But System 22 is back online once
again.
Original post:
CARLA 22 is off the air with no connectivity via link or locally. We suspect the battery charger
failed and batteries disconnected from a Low Voltage state. The site had been running on battery
power for several months due to the power supply dying. No ETR as of yet; we've been a bit busy
trying to get Redding area coverage re-established.
Shasta region coverage re-established
Last updated on August 5, 2018 by The C.A.R.L.A. Team | This article is Archived | Permalink
Despite the recent hits we took at CARLA 20 & 25 during the Carr Fire, there is some good news
to report. We are pleased to announce that CARLA 20 (Burney) has been re-built, back on the air
with coverage for the greater Redding/Burney area and is linked back into the rest of network.
A brand new repeater was installed along with a new controller, complete overhaul of the power
plant/distro and installation of an Allstar Node and cellular backhaul link to the Primary Mt.
Vaca hub. This is turn has re-routed and re-established connectivity to the Shasta hub at CARLA
13's site and CARLA 28.
Several people were involved with the procurement, programming, preparation, building, last
minute rush, travelling, installation, testing and troubleshooting of the same to pull
everything together and get things in place to make all this happen in less than a week!
A special thanks goes out to Chris Novara, AB7BS (from the Oregon Connection) who scrambled for
several days to help get all the Allstar and Raspberry Pi Node equipment built with some custom
enhancements, programmed, tested and overnighted to us in time for our Saturday installation
target date, which turned out to be a grueling 20 hour day!
CARLA 25 (Redding) is still OOS from fire damage and there is no update as far as an ETR is
concerned. We expect that it will be off the air for a while and access to the site is
restricted since the Carr fire is still very active and on the move.
We still have some adjustments to make remotely and the IP link via the cell network may not be
what we would consider three 9's (99.9% reliability) but it's better than the alternative.
This was a TEAM effort to make this happen and is very much appreciated!
CARLA 25, 20 OOS & Shasta Hub isolated
Last updated on July 30, 2018 by The C.A.R.L.A. Team | This article is Archived | Permalink
The Carr fire in the Redding area breached the Mountain Top where CARLA 25 is located and it's
off the air. Damage assessments have not been made yet but we're preparing for the worst case
scenario. This was a key site in that it is not only a repeater site for the area but also a
North/South relay site to the Shasta region hub located at CARLA 13.
Additionally, after making a trip to the area and repairing CARLA 20 this Sunday, it failed to
come back up while doing a battery fail-over revert test. It was a complete wasted trip and the
third one in the last several months.
To add insult to injury the Shasta Hub is now isolated from the rest of the network. The only
system that is still -linked- into the rest of the network that will have some coverage in the
area is CARLA 36. CARLA 13 & 28 are still operational but isolated from the network.
We are going to try and install a Allstar cellular ip based link solution at CARLA 20's site
and see if we can't get it and the Shasta hub linked back into the rest of the system while
CARLA 25's site remains off the air.
CARLA 25 OOS and link to Shasta Hub
Last updated on July 27, 2018 by The C.A.R.L.A. Team | This article is Archived | Permalink
System 20 is Back Online
Last updated on June 25, 2018 by The C.A.R.L.A. Team | This article is Archived | Permalink
The main transmitter at System 20 had a loud hum due to a faulty internal power supply on the
main transmitter.
It has been repaired and is now working normally.
The original posts:
The main transmitter at System 20 has a rather loud hum mixed with normal traffic audio.
We are currently looking into the cause. No ETA on repairs yet.
Update-
The main transmitter at System 20 developed a rather loud hum mixed with normal traffic audio.
A subsequent visit revealed this to be a workbench repair so the main transmitter has been
brought
to the Carla Lab for R&R. No ETA on when it will be back online.
Alternate repeaters you may be able to work to access the Carla system in that area:
System 25
System 13
System 6
System 36
Oregon is Back!
Last updated on June 16, 2018 by The C.A.R.L.A. Team | This article is Archived | Permalink
Carla is once again connected to the Oregon Connection's network of repeaters. This is a full time
connection
allowing communications throughout Oregon, particularly along the I-5 corridor. To see Oregon's
coverage, go to:
https://www.oregonconnection.net
Carla 32 is OOS
Last updated on June 15, 2018 by The C.A.R.L.A. Team | This article is Archived | Permalink
Carla 32's main transmitter has a problem and is keying for an instant before shutting down
when someone attempts to use it. No ETA on repairs yet.
Link traffic from North to South at 30/31 OK
Last updated on June 15, 2018 by The C.A.R.L.A. Team | This article is Archived | Permalink
There is an intermittent problem with the SOUTHBOUND LINK traffic getting to CARLA 30/31 from the
North. Northbound Link traffic is working the entire length reverse path however. This is an
intermittent problem that we are trying to isolate. NO ETR as of yet.
UPDATE- The issue has been fixed. It was discovered that the RX link radio's cable had been pulled
out.
Speculation is that a large rodent may have visited the nice warm radio and knocked the cable
loose.
The cable has been secured and the link to 30/31 is now working.
PAVE PAWS and its effect on the C.A.R.L.A. Network
Last updated on June 6, 2018 by The C.A.R.L.A. Team | This article is Archived | Permalink
Yeah, what ever happened to PAVE PAWS? Did it fix itself...?
Below are some links that we gathered from other sources and files that may be of further interest in explaining the PAVE-PAWS system, the intentions of the DoD/ARRL/FCC, and other related issues.
http://www.fas.org/spp/military/program/track/pavepaws.htm
http://www.spacewar.com/reports/Raytheon_Helps_Ballistic_Missile_Intercept_In_Space_999.html
https://www.carlaradio.net/media/wattsnew/pavepaws_arrl_letter.pdf
EchoLink/IRLP Node Down
Last updated on May 3, 2018 by The C.A.R.L.A. Team | This article is Archived | Permalink
The EchoIRLP Node for Carla has been taken offline to facilitate bringing the Nevada Hub back
online.
This is a temporary fix until we can repair the underlying issue with the link to/from the Nevada
side of the system.
CARLA 32 & 33 issues Resolved
Last updated on April 4, 2018 by The C.A.R.L.A. Team | This article is Archived | Permalink
After a power outage a couple of nights ago that affected the San Mateo coastal area, CARLA 32
reverted to commercial power from battery back up but with a serious hum/buzz that is affecting
the links into and out of the site (to/from the VACA Hub & CARLA 33) and degrading the local
repeater operation. Until the road to the site is able to dry out we will not be able to safely
visit it by 4WD. We'll try and post more info once we have it.
Update: The system was checked out and all looked ok so power was cycled and all is
operating normally once again.
Frank Miller, WA6BTH(SK)
Last updated on January 27, 2018 by The C.A.R.L.A. Team | This article is Archived | Permalink
It’s with a heavy heart that we announce the passing of another friend and early supporter of
CARLA. Frank Miller, WA6BTH(SK) passed away in his sleep just recently. Frank was one of the
original founders and driving forces behind the Gorilla Radio System in the San Francisco Bay
Area from the 70’s, 80’s and 90’s. Due to the generosity and kindness of Frank and a few other
supporters, CARLA is proud to have several of those systems/frequencies in our network.
Periodically, you may hear an “Ahhhhhhh†on the system. That was a common greeting over the air
from the original GRS crew and others that still perpetuates today. If Frank could find an old
Micor compa-station, a few cans, dented piece of coax and a rebuilt antenna, he’d have himself
a repeater on the air! He was famous for having a lot of energy and some Gorilla looking
installations over the years but that never stopped him from having fun with radio, cars and
other hobbies. Before he retired to Somerset CA, he had been the Chief Comm Technician at San
Mateo County communications division.
Here’s a BIG AHHHHHH to you ChiefTech, you will be missed Frank.
CARLA 14 reserved for SAR excercise
Last updated on October 5, 2017 by The C.A.R.L.A. Team | This article is Archived | Permalink
CARLA 14 will be taken off network starting on Friday October 6th from 17:00 hours to Saturday
October 7th around 20:00 hours. It is reserved for a Placer County SAR training exercise in the
Sierra's. Please refrain from using system 14 during this time. Thanks.
RESTORED: Primary HUB & CARLA 16 on BATTERY BACK-UP
Last updated on October 2, 2017 by The C.A.R.L.A. Team | This article is Archived | Permalink
UPDATE: Commercial power has been restored.
The Mt. VACA HUB & CARLA 16 are on currently on Battery Back-up with reduced capacity.
PLEASE refrain from using the network until this issue is resolved. ETR is EOD Tuesday 10/3/17.
Mt. VACA HUB & CARLA 16 will be down Sunday, Oct 1st
Last updated on September 30, 2017 by The C.A.R.L.A. Team | This article is Archived | Permalink
The Mt. Vaca Hub and CARLA 16 will be down for several hours on Sunday 10/1/2017 for
some maintenance and upgrade work.
This is the main hub for the Carla system so all main links will be offline during this outage.
This means that most of the Carla repeaters will be effectively unlinked during this time and
will be in "standalone" mode.
The Nevada hub (systems 18, 21, 22, 23, 24 and system 8) will still be linked to each other
but not to the rest of the Carla system.
The Shasta hub (systems 13, 20, 25, 28) will still be linked to each other
but not to the rest of the Carla system.
Systems 19, 4, 29, 30, and 31 will still be linked to each other
but not to the rest of the Carla system.
The system should be returned to normal service by 6:00PM (1800hrs) (01:00UTC).
Solar panels replaced @ CARLA 6/36
Last updated on July 15, 2017 by The C.A.R.L.A. Team | This article is Archived | Permalink
This afternoon a crew was able to replace a couple of solar PV panels that were smashed from
winter
storms at CARLA 6/36's site. A storm tore a microwave dish ice shield off the tower and onto the
panels and some antennas. Both CARLA 6 and 36 have been going off line for days at a time from a
lack of enough panels to keep the power plant fully charged. At some point we hope to add some
more
to the array but for now were hoping it will be enough to get us through the rest of summer/fall.
A
BIG thanks goes out to the team that headed up there for the initial recon trip a couple of months
ago and today for the actual replacement.
CARLA 21 (RENO) Antenna replaced
Last updated on July 15, 2017 by The C.A.R.L.A. Team | This article is Archived | Permalink
This morning a crew from the greater Reno area made it to the site and swapped out the damaged
antenna with a new replacement. This has been a while in the making trying to procure an antenna,
transporting it to a couple of locations for deployment, trying to access the site while roads
were
still full of snow and finally making it today for removal of the damaged one and installation of
the new one.
A BIG thanks goes out to all the individuals that had a part in making this happen and getting
CARLA 21 back on the air in full operation. The antenna should have a different pattern now
favoring the I-80 corridor.
The CARLA Team.
Mt. VACA Hub is impaired
Last updated on June 26, 2017 by The C.A.R.L.A. Team | This article is Archived | Permalink
Within the last few hours we seem to be experiencing a problem with the primary Mt. Vaca hub.
Symptoms are pointing towards an antenna/feedline issue but this is still very preliminary. This
will affect most networked/link traffic including connecting to/from other hubs/regions. Sites
that were operating prior to this should still be operational including CARLA 16 co-located at
the same location and sites that are connected to their respective satellite hubs (Shasta &
Nevada). Some segments of the network will still have repeaters link to each other by virtue of
relay sites but when they hand off to/from the Vaca hub is where the break will occur.
As luck would have it, we had a crew at the alternate Mt. Vaca site, this weekend doing more
prep work for the new hub installation but there were no issues with the current hub and our
crystal ball did not predict this happening. This is a fine example of why we are spending so
much time, energy, money and resources to put in a secondary hub on the same mountain top to cut
over to remotely if we were to experience a critical failure.
ETR should be by end of Thursday (if not sooner).
The CARLA Team.
Carla System 18 is OOS
Last updated on June 24, 2017 by The C.A.R.L.A. Team | This article is Archived | Permalink
The main repeater at 18 is down. No ETA on repairs.
This site continues to function correctly as a link between California and Nevada.
SB link to CARLA 30/31 innop. NB only traffic.
Last updated on June 14, 2017 by The C.A.R.L.A. Team | This article is Archived | Permalink
We seem to have a break in the southbound link that connects CARLA 30 & 31 to the rest of the
network. We need to further troubleshoot the problem to confirm if the problem is at CARLA 29 or
30's site.
Recent CARLA updates and items of interest
Last updated on June 1, 2017 by The C.A.R.L.A. Team | This article is Archived | Permalink
There’s been a lot going on so far this year, a lot of which has been in the background and
without much fanfare. We also suffered a lot of damage at multiple sites from the heavy 2016-
2017 winter storms. At a number of high level sites the snow turned to ice and the winds
whipped
up to 100+++ mph gusts which in turn made a recipe for disaster. That equated to falling ice
and
broken tower hardware/components which in turn meant broken antennas as well as lots of
commercial power outages and other disabled equipment. We had people making multiple trips
going
to sites to try and make repairs in the dead of winter and there are still some sites that are
in need of visits. We figured it would be a bad winter but we weren’t expecting to make up for
a
few years of light winters all at once.
So far, we are aware of a broken repeater antenna (suspended sideways) at CARLA 21’s site and a
broken solar array, antennas and wind generator at CARLA 6’s site which is causing it to limp
along. CARLA 8’s repeater PA is still out of service and it as well as CARLA 9’s batteries
would
not engage during the winter outages. Those are just some of the lingering issues we’ll try and
address this summer along with a number of smaller ones and the ones that were already
addressed
were numerous as well. We can only do so much with the limited resources and funds we have so
some repairs and upgrades will have to wait.
We made a lot of progress recently on the southern end of the network and this serves as the
Official Announcement of two additional sites:
CARLA 30 (Bakersfield/Cuyama)
                     and
CARLA 31 (Los Angeles/Southland)
These two systems were known to some that tried using them the past couple of years during
numerous
testing phases and repairs but remained a work in progress and we wanted to wait before pulling
the trigger on announcing them until we had their operation(s) a bit more stabilized. A very
select few people have committed hundreds of hours and thousands of dollars to making these two
systems a reality and getting them to work on the network. That included not only the
procuring,
designing and building of the systems (and modifications to connecting systems) but also, just
two months ago, a complete and unexpected de-commissioning of CARLA 31 and then rebuilding it
brand new and moving to an alternate building/location on the same mountain top in Southern
California. An extraordinary amount of time, energy, hours, driving, testing, repairs,
upgrades,
patience, negotiations and money was expended to make all this happen. A BIG THANK YOU goes out
to those select individuals who made it happen. They know who they are and we are very
appreciative of their hard work, dedication and generosity.
That being said, there is still more work to be done at CARLA 31’s site with the pending
completion of the new tower. We should be able to move antennas onto it sometime this summer.
We
are currently on a temporary structure with less than ideal circumstances but we felt the
moment
had come to call it good enough for prime time and integrate them both into the mix. This also
means CARLA’s coverage has increased to include border to border to border coverage. When you
consider the footprint of the Oregon Connection’s network, between the two systems there is
coverage from the southern portion of Washington State through a large portion of Oregon and
California (Northern and Southern) to the Mexican border as well as a large portion of North-
Western Nevada. We still have some more expansion and improvement projects on the books that
may
see the light of day sometime this year if things go well.
As you can probably imagine, it takes a lot of personal time and funds to keep a network of
this
size up and running not to mention expanding, upgrading and constant repairs. That is why we’ve
also established a GoFundMe campaign as yet
another avenue to
make it easier for some people to send a donation if they feel compelled to help out. We don’t
have membership dues,
fundraiser events, auctions or other sources of income. 95% of the operating and capitol
funding comes from
just a select number of people and few generous site sponsors but it’s still nowhere near
enough
to sustain this level of service. Please consider supporting CARLA so we can continue to make
it
a reliable means of communications, When All Else Fails. We started with a nominal goal for
the year
but trust us, it doesn’t stop there.
Speaking of the CARLA website, we hope to get the interactive map back up and running this
year.
It’s been stuck in a non-operative state for an extended period and in the meantime the network
has grown so we need to get it back up and working. It was a highlight for many people when
they
went to use it in the past.
If you haven’t checked out the Usage Guidelines or PL and Courtesy Tones pages of the website
yet, please familiarize yourself with them. There has been an influx of new operators over the
years, as well as regulars, that have never looked at that material and could stand to have a
better experience and understanding of certain repeater/network operations once they do.
Lastly, we’re still on track for doing a complete overhaul and building of a new hub for our
primary Mt. Vaca location which we hope to have completed this summer. A lot of prep work has
gone into it including antenna/tower work, equipment procurement, etc... Once we have all
parties available to continue the design and build process we’ll push forward with it.
Unfortunately, there have been numerous diversions to deal with which has slowed progress. Our
goal has been to have dual hubs on the same mountain top but in different buildings/sites for
redundancy and have the ability to cut over remotely if needed. That plan may be in jeopardy
now
due to imminent changes with the site we’re currently in. Worse case, we’ll have a new hub but
only one. This is still a work in progress.
This was a brief summary of just some items that may be of interest to a few of you. There’s a
lot more that’s gone on which we won’t bore you with but please realize it is a near full time
job keeping CARLA up and running not only for your usage but especially so for when it’s really
needed.
Thanks.
The CARLA Team
Pocket Guide PDF has been updated
Last updated on May 21, 2017 by The C.A.R.L.A. Team | This article is Archived | Permalink
The Travel/Pocket Guide pdf has been updated recently with the latest changes and updates. This is
as of: 5-21-2017. It should match the website's home page line up as well.
CARLA 29 PL's back to normal operation
Last updated on May 11, 2017 by The C.A.R.L.A. Team | This article is Archived | Permalink
The PL's on CARLA 29 (San Luis Obispo) are back to normal operating mode.
CARLA 8 TX OOS
Last updated on April 7, 2017 by The C.A.R.L.A. Team | This article is Archived | Permalink
CARLA 8's transmitter is OOS. A snow cat ride to the site is the only way to access at this point.
We have No ETR at this point.
CARLA 10 Back On-Line
Last updated on March 31, 2017 by The C.A.R.L.A. Team | This article is Archived | Permalink
The main transmitter/receiver unit at Carla 10 has been replaced with a new setup. This site is now
back in service. Audio has been aligned and there is no buzz on the signal as in the past.
CARLA 29 PLs Swapped
Last updated on March 24, 2017 by The C.A.R.L.A. Team | This article is Archived | Permalink
The PL functions at Carla 29 in San Luis Obisbo have been swapped.
Now the 100.0PL is the LINK PL and it is working just fine and hearing/talking
to the rest of the network. The 162.2PL is the LOCAL PL but it is dead, no activity.
Looks like we have a dead 162.2PL board or associated hardware. Repairs TBD.
CARLA 23 Back on link
Last updated on March 14, 2017 by The C.A.R.L.A. Team | This article is Archived | Permalink
Today a couple of our Tahoe RRFT members made the trek to the top of Slide Mt. (nearly 10,000' ASL)
to CARLA
23's site via chair lift and hiking in ice and snow to assess and repair the link antenna
situation. It
turns out a guy wire from an adjacent tower broke loose during one of the bad storms this winter
and wrapped
it self around the link Yagi antenna. Then, it worked itself back and forth over time until it cut
through
the main boom and shorted the internal center feed. A temporary antenna has been put in its place
until we
can get up there with a new replacement sometime later this summer when all the snow melts. A BIG
thanks
goes out to the Rapid response Field Team for making this happen!
CARLA 13/Shasta Hub back on network
Last updated on February 26, 2017 by The C.A.R.L.A. Team | This article is Archived | Permalink
Repairs were made to CARLA 13's NB Link RX on Saturday 2/25/17.
The Shasta Ring/Hub are back on network.
CARLA 23-On Air locally. Link OOS. We suspect link antenna is
broken or iced up. No ETR.
CARLA 22-Broken Link antenna has been repaired. System back
online.
CARLA 21-Broken primary antenna. Expect reduced coverage until we
can access. No ETR.
CARLA 10-Main Transmitter is down. No ETR.
Updated: Network Storm(s) status for February 2017
Last updated on February 25, 2017 by The C.A.R.L.A. Team | This article is Archived | Permalink
As of Friday February 17, 2017 here are the following major issues we're aware of:
NO Northbound Traffic from Network to Shasta Hub/sites (13,20,28). SB traffic ok.
CARLA 25 is operational. No ETR as of yet.
CARLA 23-On Air locally. Link OOS. We suspect link antenna is
broken or iced up. No ETR.
CARLA 22-On air locally. Link antenna broken. No ETR.
CARLA 21-Broken primary antenna. Expect reduced coverage until we
can access. No ETR.
CARLA 10-Main Transmitter is down. No ETR.
Network Storm Status for February 2017
Last updated on February 10, 2017 by The C.A.R.L.A. Team | This article is Archived | Permalink
CARLA 8-OOS as of 22:00 2/9/17 due to failure of commercial power & battery back-up. ETR 48Hrs
CARLA 23-On Air locally. Link OOS. We suspect link antenna is broken or iced up. No ETR
CARLA 21-Broken primary repeater antenna. Expect reduced coverage until we can access. No ETR
CARLA 22-On air locally. Link antenna broken. No ETR
Latest network updates for January 2017
Last updated on January 22, 2017 by The C.A.R.L.A. Team | This article is Archived | Permalink
As of 6:00pm January 22, 2017 we are aware of the following storm related issues on the CARLA
network:
CARLA 8-Back in service. Batteries depleted so intermittant
outages possible.
CARLA 13-Back on AC power as of 6pm.
CARLA 21-Back in service, broken primary repeater antenna. Expect
reduced coverage.
CARLA 22-On air locally. Link antenna broken. ETR ~1-2 weeks
As of 09:00 January 22, 2017 we are aware of the following storm related issues on the CARLA
network:
CARLA 8- OOS/Out Of Service. Battery Back-up innop. No ETR.
CARLA 13- On Battery Back-Up again as of ~4am 1-22-17. No ETR.
CARLA 21-Back in service with broken primary repeater antenna. Expect reduced coverage.
CARLA 22-On air locally. Link antenna broken. ETR ~1-2 weeks.
------------------
As of January 15, 2017 we are aware of the following storm related issues on the CARLA network:
CARLA 8- On Air/Back in service. Restored around 4pm Jan 14th.
CARLA 21-OOS/Out Of Service. Battery back-up reserves seem to have been exhausted prematurely.
CARLA 22-On air locally with Battery Back-up but link seems to be down. Massive ice build up on
towers/antennas. Power only restoral ETR ~24-48 hrs. No ETR on link issue.
------------------
As of January 14, 2017 we are aware of the following storm related issues on the CARLA network:
CARLA 8- OOS/Out Of Service for several days. Battery back up not working. expired ETR(s).
CARLA 21- On Battery Back-Up power since evening of 1/13/17. No ETR.
CARLA 22- On air locally but link seems to be down. Not ETR.
Network update(s) from recent storms
Last updated on January 15, 2017 by The C.A.R.L.A. Team | This article is Archived | Permalink
As of January 15, 2017 we are aware of the following storm related issues on the CARLA network:
CARLA 8- On Air/Back in service. Restored around 4pm Jan 14th.
CARLA 21-OOS/Out Of Service. Battery back-up reserves seem to have been exhausted prematurely.
CARLA 22-On air locally with Battery Back-up but link seems to be down. Massive ice build up on
towers/antennas. Power only restoral ETR ~24-48 hrs. No ETR on link issue.
------------------
As of January 14, 2017 we are aware of the following storm related issues on the CARLA network:
CARLA 8- OOS/Out Of Service for several days. Battery back up not working. expired ETR(s).
CARLA 21- On Battery Back-Up power since evening of 1/13/17. No ETR.
CARLA 22- On air locally but link seems to be down. Not ETR.
Network update(s) from recent storms
Last updated on January 14, 2017 by The C.A.R.L.A. Team | This article is Archived | Permalink
As of January 14, 2017 we are aware of the following storm related issues on the CARLA network:
CARLA 8- OOS/Out Of Service for several days. Battery back up not working. expired ETR(s).
CARLA 21- On Battery Back-Up power since evening of 1/13/17. No ETR.
CARLA 22- On air locally but link seems to be down. Not ETR.
Carla 8 and Carla 22 not responding
Last updated on January 10, 2017 by The C.A.R.L.A. Team | This article is Archived | Permalink
UPDATE- Carla 8 in South Lake Tahoe is back online after a storm related power
outage.
Carla 22 in Hawthorn NV is not answering when polled via the link.
There appears to be an issue with the link radio at this site.
The main transmitter is up and working but no system traffic is passing to or from this system.
Repairs are TBD. No ETA yet.
CARLA System 9 Main Link Not TX to Hub
Last updated on November 24, 2016 by The C.A.R.L.A. Team | This article is Archived | Permalink
The main link radio at CARLA system 9 is
intermittent on transmit.
We are monitoring and diagnosing the
issue No ETR.
CARLA 28 Updates
Last updated on November 3, 2016 by The C.A.R.L.A. Team | This article is Archived | Permalink
There were a few updates & improvements made to CARLA 28 this last weekend.
One that we eluded to was the Local PL change which did take place. It is now 107.2Hz.
The antenna system went to a split design with improved filtering and an RX preamp was also put in
line to improve receiver sensitivity.
So far the reports have been very positive from key locations in the Redding, Shasta and Yreka
areas.
Thanks again to the Oregon Connection for all their assistance and hard work to make this project
happen!
(New) CARLA 28 On The Air
Last updated on October 23, 2016 by The C.A.R.L.A. Team | This article is Archived | Permalink
We are pleased to announce that CARLA 28 has been re-built from the ground up and resides in a
new
location adjacent to Mt. Shasta, just above Dunsmuir, CA. The frequency and PL’s remain the same
for now (but the local PL may change soon). It’s new home is on Mt. Bradley which used to be one
of
the Oregon Connection’s California sites at 5555’.
In fact, this was a joint effort between the OC-G2 (Second Generation) and CARLA principals to
re-
establish CARLA service in the Siskiyou County area and in a better location (700’ higher) that
sees more than it did at the original McCloud site. This will also compliment hand off coverage
between the two networks.
We want to extend a special Thank You to the OC-G2 for their assistance and multiple resources
extended to CARLA to make this happen and help us bring reliable service to the greater Mt.
Shasta
and Siskiyou County area.
There are a few more improvements to be done in the coming week weather permitting. We may also
change the LOCAL PL to something different due to overlap with CARLA 14 in certain parts of the
North Sacramento Valley. We’ll make a separate announcement for that when it happens.
The original CARLA 28 system was decommissioned the following day and will be retrofitted for
it’s
next home sometime next year.
Multiple site visits, repairs and upgrades
Last updated on September 4, 2016 by The C.A.R.L.A. Team | This article is Archived | Permalink
Over the last month or so there have been several site visits performed which included multiple
repairs and projects that were completed. The following is a brief run-down of what’s been done
so far:
CARLA 13/Shasta Lake-New SCom 7330 repeater controller replaced the existing Link-Comm DSP-404
controller. The issue was causing the hub port to become inoperative cutting off CARLA 20 & 28
from the network.
CARLA 9/Modesto-repaired intermittent DC power connection causing repeater to go off the air
intermittently.
CARLA 17/Sonora- A New link route and equipment package was added. This allows us to route
CARLA 15/Fresno through CARLA 17 to the Mt. Vaca hub and greatly improve the link signal
reliability. An LVD was installed, battery plant tested and a new software upgrade was
performed on the repeater controller. There is now an extra link hop in the path to/from CARLA
15 but the trade-off seems worth it so far.
We will also be able to switch between this primary link path for CARLA 15 or the old one as a
back-up if needed.
The CARLA Team
CARLA 9 Back On-Line
Last updated on August 18, 2016 by The C.A.R.L.A. Team | This article is Archived | Permalink
The Carla Field Task Force just completed a return trip to CARLA 9's site in Modesto and repaired
an intermittent power connector that had been causing the repeater to go off the air at times.
It appears to be operating reliably once again.
CARLA 22 back on-line & CARLA 18 repaired
Last updated on August 9, 2016 by The C.A.R.L.A. Team | This article is Archived | Permalink
We are very pleased to announce that CARLA 22, Hawthorne NV, has been successfully re-
integrated into the network from a new location on the same 10k+' mountain top.
The Site Development Team spent two days deconstructing, moving and re-installing/integrating
the equipment and antennas in its new home. The new location is about 40-50' lower and set back
to the East than the previous one so we're not sure exactly how coverage will change but at
least we can continue to offer substantially similar service for the region.
We had one year of a five year agreement still left to stay where we were until we were
recently told the building was being sold and we had to vacate. This created a last minute
scramble on our part to pull this off.
A BIG thanks goes out to those individuals who made the sacrifice to go and tackle this project
and procure a new site for the greater good of the network and those that rely on it. It was
truly a TEAM effort both from individuals in/near town and those that made the 600 mile/12 hour
round trip to the site and endured all the challenges including (but not limited to)
significant road hazards, blown tires, intense UV rays and long days with low oxygen levels!
A third day was spent at CARLA 18's site to repair issues with low power output and should be
back to normal operation.
The CARLA Team
CARLA 22 OOS
Last updated on August 7, 2016 by The C.A.R.L.A. Team | This article is Archived | Permalink
It has come to our attention in the past few weeks that we will have to vacate the building
we’re
in for CARLA 22 on Corey Peak, above Hawthorne NV. From our understanding, the building is
being
sold and everyone has to vacate. We are planning to pull the equipment this Sunday and may put
it
in storage locally so we don’t have to haul it all the way back to the Bay Area.
There have been some attempts to secure another location on the mountain top on our behalf but
nothing has come to fruition as of yet and we’re forced to take it off the air this coming
weekend.
We know there will be a large hole in coverage without system 22 in place and some
groups/agencies that rely on it for back-up emcomm use will not have it at their disposal.
If we get any further information we’ll try to pass it on. If anyone has some leads on a new
building we could put it in please do the same.
Thanks and sorry for the inconvenience.
Oregon Connection Offline
Last updated on July 24, 2016 by The C.A.R.L.A. Team | This article is Archived | Permalink
Due to intermittent port issues on the controller that handles the OCG2 Oregon traffic a mutual
decision
was made to disconnect the CARLA <--> OCG2 connection until the controller can be upgraded.
There are several steps involved in this process so a timeframe for completion has not yet been
determined.
It will be down for the foreseeable future.
-The Carla Team
CARLA 9 OOS and another friend of CARLA SK
Last updated on July 11, 2016 by The C.A.R.L.A. Team | This article is Archived | Permalink
We seem to have lost the main repeater at CARLA 9's site (Modesto) after a few weeks of
intermittent operation and suspect a DC power connection problem. A tentative dispatch to the
site is being scheduled for this coming weekend 7/16/16.
Update 7/18/16- A site visit on 7/16/16 to fix the intermittent issue found no obvious
solution to the issue. Some clean-up and reseating of connectors, etc. was performed in the
hope of resolving the issue. The transmitter is back in operation but intermittently goes
offline for a period of time. Troubleshooting is ongoing.
Speaking of CARLA 9, it came to our attention a few days ago that back in November of 2015 we
lost a very good friend and supporter of CARLA. This was the first we heard of it and we were
truly shocked and saddened by the news. Darren Nunes, K6RDJ actually invited us into the
original CARLA 9 site on Mt. Oso near Modesto, CA. many years ago. He helped us with the
installation and integration of that system along with CARLA 17's system when we installed it
above Sonora, CA. We also helped him on many occasion with his systems up there as well. He
helped us out with a lot of other things including plenty of testing and trips to the site for
us to troubleshoot something. He was always great company to be around.
We owe Darren a debt of gratitude and will miss his generosity and pleasant, funny and great
personality. Darren had a broadcast quality voice and we were going to have him record some
stuff for us on the controllers to fill in some of the holes in their vocabulary. Too bad we
missed that opportunity. His QRZ page displays a picture of the CARLA 17 installation crew at
the time (a few years back) He was the one on the far right. That picture is also on the CARLA
photo gallery with another one of him on the tower. Darren lived in Turlock CA. and had been
married only a week and was in his early 40's when he became a SK.
Rest in Peace RDJ, we'll miss you man!
The CARLA Team
Issues with Shasta Hub RX
Last updated on July 11, 2016 by The C.A.R.L.A. Team | This article is Archived | Permalink
We are experiencing an issue with the controller at CARLA 13, specifically on the Shasta Hub port.
This in turn is causing intermittent RX on any system tied to that port which at the moment is CARLA
20 & 28. we are able to reset the controller periodically which sometimes restores operation for a
short period. A complete replacement and upgrade of the site controller has been approved but there
is no ETR as of yet.
Carla 26 Local PL Fixed
Last updated on June 7, 2016 by The C.A.R.L.A. Team | This article is Archived | Permalink
Recently a crew made it to CARLA 26's site to continue troubleshooting on the interference and desense
issue
it was experiencing. We were able to relocate the primary antenna away from suspected offending
antennas
and get it in the clear for a better view along the Hwy 101 corridor in the area.
In turn, we also re-enabled the local PL to see if it will behave better now. If you're within earshot
and notice
any changes (for the better or worse) please let us know. Thanks.
Repairs made to SB link from NorCal to Central Coast & SoCal
Last updated on May 29, 2016 by The C.A.R.L.A. Team | This article is Archived | Permalink
As of this last Saturday May 28, 2016, The Southbound TX link radio at CARLA 19 that feeds CARLA
4,29,30 & 31 was replaced and appears to be operating normally. The problem was causing low power
fluctuations (dropped link carrier) and excessive noise on the SB link. Work was also performed at
CARLA 29, 30 & 4 to re-align audio paths and perform a PM at each site. CARLA 31 is due to be
visited the first part of June 2016 to work on the receiver sensitivity and re-align audio paths.
CARLA 30 and 31 have not been fully commissioned/integrated into the CARLA network yet as they are
still a work in progress. We do hope to officially announce them sometime this summer (2016).
Carla 26 Local PL Disabled
Last updated on May 4, 2016 by The C.A.R.L.A. Team | This article is Archived | Permalink
The local PL for Carla 26 has been disabled due to its constantly falsing itself and bring up the
transmitter.
Repairs tbd.
The link PL is still functioning normally.
CARLA 6/36 OOS
Last updated on March 30, 2016 by The C.A.R.L.A. Team | This article is Archived | Permalink
Sometime in the last 24 hours CARLA 6 & 36 went off the air. We suspect a controller related
issue but, as always, we never know until we get on site. The site is also full of snow and
likely not accessible without a snow cat or helicopter and right now neither are in the budget so
expect a prolonged ETR.
CARLA 14, 20 & 25 will help to fill in some of the coverage but not all.
Sorry for the inconvenience.
The CARLA Team.
CARLA 32 back on commercial power
Last updated on March 17, 2016 by The C.A.R.L.A. Team | This article is Archived | Permalink
CARLA 32, Pacifica; Commercial power has been restored and is back on-line. Actually, the power
was restored a couple of days ago but the power supply was still OOS and reporting on battery
back-up power.
The San Mateo Coast RRFT responded to the site today and put in a temporary p.s. in place of
the damaged one. Luckily, the new battery charger (which was also replaced after the last power
outage) was still running and keeping the batteries charged. Otherwise, we would have probably
lost battery reserves within another day or so.
We are still actively working on finishing the design and procuring a new solar system for the
site which we hope to have installed sometime in the next few weeks.
Thank You.
The CARLA Team
CARLA 25 On battery back-up
Last updated on March 14, 2016 by The C.A.R.L.A. Team | This article is Archived | Permalink
CARLA 25, Redding is on battery back-up operation. There is no ETR as of yet.
CARLA 32 is still on battery at this time as well as was CARLA 8 late last night (until the batteries stopped working for some reason) and then was OOS until 11:45am this morning.
Please help us conserve battery reserves until these sites get back on commercial power.
Thank You!
The CARLA Team
CARLA 32 on extended battery power
Last updated on March 12, 2016 by The C.A.R.L.A. Team | This article is Archived | Permalink
CARLA 32, Pacifica is on battery power as of Saturday morning 3/12/16 and is not expected to be restored for several days due to restricted access issues from the storm(s).Please refrain from tying up the network and keep conversations very short so we can keep the system on-line during these storms if it is needed.
Thank You for your cooperation.
The CARLA Team
Carla 27 Local PL Disabled
Last updated on March 7, 2016 by The C.A.R.L.A. Team | This article is Archived | Permalink
The local PL for Carla 27 has been disabled due to its constantly falsing itself and affecting
link traffic on that repeater.
Repairs will require a trip to the site once El Nino has subsided and the snow melts.
The link PL is still functioning normally.
Welcome back the Oregon Connection
Last updated on February 25, 2016 by The C.A.R.L.A. Team | This article is Archived | Permalink
The Oregon Connection (Gen 2.0)
Some of you may remember the Oregon Connection or OC for short from several years ago. We
established a reciprocal link between the OC & CARLA with a connection point in the Mt. Shasta
area that linked the two networks together via an RF link.
Several years ago the OC was superseded by a new and different network called the Peak Radio
Association or PRA for short. Interest in the OC diminished while the PRA was developed and
built out, finally dwindling to just a few unlinked sites left on the air.
One of the owners of the OC and CARLA revisited the possibility of starting a new link with each
other that would connect a few select repeaters in Oregon with the CARLA network. That soon
turned into a renewed interest on the part of some of the remaining owners of the Oregon
Connection in rebuilding the OC to what is now called the Oregon Connection Gen 2.0 or OCG2 for
short.
We’ve approached this new endeavor a little differently by establishing a dedicated RoIP (Radio
over IP) point to point link between the two groups. That should greatly reduce the amount of
key-up delay that each daisy-chained repeater required to connect from one end of the OC network
to the other created and then back down into and throughout the CARLA network. It also does not
rely on a reflector or 3rd party server for the connection. The OCG2 is also rebuilding with
newer Kenwood repeaters and implementing 100% DCS instead of CTCSS (PL) on all sites for a more
pleasant experience, free of the numerous squelch tails that used to be heard. The total number
of sites will be streamlined and much less than what was in the legacy network.
Since the OCG2 is essentially being built as a new UHF network from the ground up, it is
expected to be quieter and will adopt most of CARLA’s operating policies, procedures and
guidelines for a smooth integration of the two systems.
We are initially expecting to leave the two systems connected full time unless either side sees
a need to disconnect temporarily for whatever reason and expect most of the traffic will be
generated from CARLA. We do ask everyone to please adhere to all CARLA operating guidelines to
keep everyone’s experience an enjoyable one. Keeping conversations short and allowing time for
courtesy tones to be heard so others can access the system if needed is greatly appreciated.
CARLA remains dedicated to providing a reliable back-up source of emergency communications to
select organizations and groups throughout the region.
The initial rollout of the first four repeaters is already in effect with a total of ~10 slated
for the first phase. Coverage will include most all of the Interstate 5 corridor from the
Longview Washington area to the Oregon-California border. CARLA is still actively pursuing
establishing coverage beyond the Shasta/McCloud area up to the Yreka area this year as well
which should dovetail nicely with the OCG2’s coverage.
Speaking of coverage, their IT team has cracked the ‘code’ so to speak and completely re-did
their coverage map to work with Google maps. This has been a daunting task and (re)started by a
couple of people from our side but the OCG2 guys were able to devote a very significant amount
of time on it until they were able to get it working for their PRA website and then soon for the
OCG2 site. They are willing to share what they’ve learned with us so we can get our interactive
coverage map working again after all these years of being broken.
You can find some more information and track progress for the OCG2 project on their website at:
http://www.oregonconnection.net/ This too is a work in progress.
Here is a list of the major players/principals involved with the OCG2 in case you hear them and
are curious who these new voices are in addition to wanting to say hello. Of course, there will
be other new voices and call signs that you may hear as well.
-Chris, AB7BS, co-owner/founder
-William, K7THO co-owner/Tower climber/IT
-Johnny, WA6RHK co-owner
-Carl, W7EXH co-owner
-Jeremy, NS7R Tower climber/IT
Please be patient with us during the testing and vetting process as new repeaters are brought on
line and other adjustments are made to the link and interoperability of both networks. Please
try and give our neighbors from up north a warm welcome if you hear them on the air.
Thank you!
CARLA 32 OOS & 33 OFF NETWORK
Last updated on January 31, 2016 by The C.A.R.L.A. Team | This article is Archived | Permalink
Batteries have been exhausted at CARLA 32
and subsequently we have lost the link to
CARLA 33 as well. ETR is sometime the
first week of February.
*** We are also soliciting donations
towards a new solar array & charge
controller to integrate at the site as a
back-up to the back-up. Please contact us
if you're able to help. Thank! ***
CARLA 32 on extended battery power
Last updated on January 23, 2016 by The C.A.R.L.A. Team | This article is Archived | Permalink
The commercial power lines and transformer at the site suffered damage and are being worked on. However, heavy rains make the road impassable at times and hence an extended delay in making repairs. The site has been running on back-up battery power for nearly a week now. We anticipate an ETR of mid week sometime around January 27/28th time frame.
We have taken the repeater off-line from the primary hub/network to conserve battery power. It is still linked to CARLA 33 up the coast since traffic is typically very light from that direction.
PL change to CARLA 16 and upgrade to VACA HUB
Last updated on January 10, 2016 by The C.A.R.L.A. Team | This article is Archived | Permalink
We decided to make a PL change to CARLA 16 (440.750, Vacaville) today. This is usually done as
a last resort due to all of the changes that have to be made on everyone's part. The receiver
has been plagued by a mix that includes a 100Hz component. That in turn has been triggering the
Local PL as well as breaking squelch with bursts of noise.
The new LOCAL PL is now 107.2Hz and that is also what the repeater now encodes on its output.
We will monitor for the next week or so to make sure this new PL will work. If anyone notices
problems with it falsing please let us know. If no issues come up, we will run with it.
Unfortunately, the interference is still on the input intermittently so weak signals may suffer
because of it.
The website and other information mediums will be updated soon.
Work was also performed at the VACA Hub system. Changes include swapping out of the primary
power supply in an effort to eliminate the intermittent buzz that could be heard across the
link. The Battery plant was also upgraded with more capacity for longer run time during power
outages.
THE CARLA Team
CARLA 4 upgrades
Last updated on October 27, 2015 by The C.A.R.L.A. Team | This article is Archived | Permalink
The battery plant was expanded and now has close to double the original capacity. An LVD was
also
installed and the repeater controller firmware was upgraded and re-programmed to allow us access
to
the latest features and improvements. ALL audio levels were also re-aligned which improved the
s/n
ratio and overall volume level/intelligibility across that entire segment of the network both
Northbound and Southbound. Some tower work and general preparedness for winter storms was also
initiated.
This site is in the middle of the path between the Bay Area and the Southland and we wanted to
make
sure it did not become the weak link during a power outage.
Finally, a lot of time was expended trying to get an avian drop in visitor to take the same back
door
to exit the building as the one it came in through so we could go home. That helped to make a
long 16
hour day of it all. Maybe next time we need to bring a fake Cat and Owl to the site(s) so we can
leave the doors open.
Carla Pocket Guide Updated
Last updated on October 7, 2015 by The C.A.R.L.A. Team | This article is Archived | Permalink
For those who have been inquiring about the Carla Pocket Guide, it has been updated on the website
and now has all current Carla repeaters, frequencies, locations and PLs listed in an easy-to-print
4X6 card to throw in your vehicle's glove box for easy reference. To view and download it, go to:
http://www.carlaradio.net/thesystem/printable_system_list.pdf
Don't forget to refresh your browser cache so you don't get the old version!
More site visits this weekend
Last updated on October 4, 2015 by The C.A.R.L.A. Team | This article is Archived | Permalink
This weekend two different RRFT's rolled to CARLA 9 (Modesto) and CARLA 13 (Shasta Lake) to make
repairs and preparations for winter.
CARLA 9's intermittent tx/rx issue seems to have been repaired for now. An intermittent Molex
connector is the suspect. we are monitoring and checking the system regularly since the recent
visit.
CARLA 13's visit was a much longer one (20 hours portal to portal) and involved replacing and
increasing the entire battery plant, installing a new LVD and replacing a blown battery charger
with
a newer 30A version. There was a lot of other work done on site and the tower for the site
owner.
CARLA 13 has been switched over to the RF back-up full time since the T1 channel we were on has
been
decommissioned.
The CARLA Team
Recent work on the CARLA Network
Last updated on September 27, 2015 by The C.A.R.L.A. Team | This article is Archived | Permalink
The last several weeks have seen various teams branch off to multiple sites for repairs,
upgrades
and hardening of systems in preparation for a forecast rough winter.
Some of the sites that have been visited (or need to) and work performed include:
CARLA 8- New battery plant installed and tested.
CARLA 21- Investigate multi-day power outage and compromised circuit breaker to bldg. Service
battery plant.
CARLA 20- (2x separate trips) Install new battery plant and related equipment, perform a PM,
replace
P.S., perform misc. repairs, install secondary link antenna.
CARLA 25- (2x separate trips) Install new battery plant and related equipment, perform a PM,
repair
link antenna, repeater controller f/w upgrade & additional programming, test out back-up RF link
between CARLA 16 and CARLA 13 for full time service, testing of possible future link paths to
other
sites.
CARLA 6/36- Install new battery plant and related equipment, perform a PM, repair main antenna,
assess and performed repairs needed to bldg.
CARLA 9- Site visit is slated in the next couple of weeks to t/s main repeater that is OOS.
CARLA 32- Site visit needed to prepare for winter and test battery plant.
CARLA 13- Upgrade battery plant, perform PM, prepare for winter.
As always, stay tuned for more news and information.
The CARLA Team
CARLA 9 main Transmit/Receive is OOS.
Last updated on September 26, 2015 by The C.A.R.L.A. Team | This article is Archived | Permalink
The main repeater at CARLA 9 is down. No TX activity, no RX activity. Repair time TBD.
Loss from the recent Butte Fire
Last updated on September 13, 2015 by The C.A.R.L.A. Team | This article is Archived | Permalink
We have some very sad news to report from the Butte Fire in
Calaveras County.
One of CARLA's MAJOR supporters including the reason for our
rapid expansion and a very good friend, John LaRue, experienced
a devastating and very personal loss from the Butte Fire near
Mt. Ranch.
Some of you may know of the JKL Museum of Telephony or even had
the pleasure of touring it. If you have, you know what a "WOW,
THAT'S SO COOL" experience it was and how you probably shared
that 'wow factor' with anyone you tried to describe it too.
Preliminary information is that the Museum burned to the ground
along with a beautiful home and several other buildings,
warehouse, vehicles and so much more. There was even a theater
that was added a few years ago and so many hard to replace, one
of a kind, nostalgic and refurbished items throughout the
existence and history of Telephony in this country.
We know what it's like to pour all your heart, time, money and
resources into something special and yet even if we lost all of
CARLA today, it would pale in comparison to the loss that was
experienced from this fire including all the dozens of other
homes that have been overrun in the last few days.
In fact, it's very possible we lost a 900 MHz repeater that was
installed a few years ago in Calaveras County but never
integrated into the rest of the network yet. With all the fires
going on and still to come, it will truly be miraculous if we
don't suffer a loss somewhere amongst all the systems currently
in place.
Those of us who are part of CARLA would like to offer our
heartfelt thoughts and condolences to John, his family and the
many friends and supporters who were all part of the museum's
birth and existence. We are ready to help and assist in any way
we can with recovery and/or possible rebuilding efforts.
If you want to look at some of the now only memories of the
museum, here is the address to the website:
www.jklmuseum.com
Tom, N6MVT
...and the rest of the CARLA Team.
Link to/from Nevada Ring is OOS.
Last updated on August 26, 2015 by The C.A.R.L.A. Team | This article is Archived | Permalink
There is a problem with the link between
the Nevada Ring and the rest of the
system.
The backup-link is also down. As a
result, systems 18, 21, 22, 23, and 24
are isolated
from the rest of the Carla system. No ETA
on repairs at this time.
[UPDATE] CARLA 27 OOS, RRFT Dispatched [REPAIRED]
Last updated on August 21, 2015 by The C.A.R.L.A. Team | This article is Archived | Permalink
A couple of months ago CARLA 27 (Quincy) experienced a power supply problem and the newly formed
Plumas County; Quincy contingency of the Rapid Response Field Team was dispatched to check out the
problem. A temporary workaround was implemented where the system was left to run on batteries and the
battery charger. We turned off the "On Battery Announcement" even though it was technically running
on batteries and it was working fine until we had a chance to go up with replacement parts.
Well, as luck would have it the other day/week it apparently went off the air and has not returned.
This time the (original) RRFT from the CARLA Lab division will attempt a trip to the site this
weekend to get it back on the air with a truck load of parts, replacement equipment and test gear.
New batteries and LVD will also be installed along with a PM performed on the system.
If all goes well it will be back on the air by the end of Saturday.
UPDATE: CARLA 27 was restored to normal service by the end of Saturday and had new batteries and an LVD installed. A PM was performed and ALL audio paths were adjusted. Thanks again to the Quincy RRFT for assisting!
Recent changes/upgrades and reminder about fire season
Last updated on August 6, 2015 by The C.A.R.L.A. Team | This article is Archived | Permalink
This last week/end we made it to CARLA 9's site (Modesto) for some long, overdue work. This was
the
next to the last site that needed a new repeater controller replacement to match the majority of
others in the network plus a new battery plant upgrade and replacement. CARLA 33 (Gualala) is
now
the last controller in need of a swap out. A new LVD (Low Voltage Disconnect) & DC circuit
breaker
were also installed to protect the batteries that were put in service. Other PM work was
performed
and needed firmware upgrades and adjustments were made.
CARLA 2 (San Francisco) was also visited for a routine PM and a new LVD was installed for the
battery plant. Some adjustments and programming changes were made in order to use CARLA 2 and
CARLA
32 linked together, off the network for local area use/needs since they compliment each other's
coverage of the greater San Francisco, San Mateo and Marin coastal areas so well.
Some of you may have noticed new announcements from a few repeaters as they ID over the network
recently. We are testing this on some key sites to see how it plays out. The response so far has
been very positive and it seems to help people recognize from what area/region a particular
repeater
was initiated from. For those few individuals who have built and maintain the CARLA network, it
is
natural for us to know what number corresponds to what site but for the majority of users, they
have
no idea what number is coming from what area and this seems to help them figure that out as well
as
make it a bit more interesting to listen to. We will likely add some more into the mix as we are
able and the controller's vocabulary allow.
Lastly, you would have to be living under a rock and/or entirely off the grid to not know we are
in
the middle of fire season in the western part of the country right now. This is just a friendly
reminder to everyone to be aware that different departments, organizations, groups, individuals,
etc... rely on CARLA for auxiliary communications during times of need and are often monitoring
the
system in the background at various locations, incidents command sites and EOC's for possible
traffic and relay's. Please keep this in mind when you engage in a conversation and don't drag
things on for long periods of time, tailgate people, quick key or tie up the network needlessly.
It
is here for people to enjoy as well as have available for those critical times that people need
it,
which is CARLA's first and foremost mission.
Stay tuned for more news, information and updates this summer/fall.
Thanks.
CARLA 27, Quincy is OOS
Last updated on June 22, 2015 by The C.A.R.L.A. Team | This article is Archived | Permalink
CARLA 27, Quincy is Out Of Service currently. We are trying to troubleshoot remotely. No ETR as of
yet.
YOUR help needed to find some QRM
Last updated on June 17, 2015 by The C.A.R.L.A. Team | This article is Archived | Permalink
It’s been asked of us to post this request to listen for a station that may be causing interference
to the 146.805- KA6GWY repeater located above Eldorado County and is used for communications on the
Rubicon Trail as well as other SAR functions in the area.
It is suspected that an Echolink station may be using the repeater’s link frequency of 439.700 and
doesn’t realize they are causing problems.
It is possible the offending station is in or around the Central Valley possibly near the
Stockton/Sonora areas.
If you are able to listen and catch any information such as callsign(s), names, etc… please pass it
on either here or via the contact page on the website and we will forward to the repeater Trustee.
Thanks in advance for your help!
The CARLA Team
CARLA 33 OOS
Last updated on May 28, 2015 by The C.A.R.L.A. Team | This article is Archived | Permalink
The replacement PA for CARLA 33 was exhibiting some issues and the repeater had to be taken off line
until it can be revisited again for assessment and/or repairs.
Update: 6-15-15; replacement PA has problems and had to be taken out of service again.
ETR is now set for ~mid July.
2015 Tour de Nevada (the sequel)
Last updated on May 21, 2015 by The C.A.R.L.A. Team | This article is Archived | Permalink
UPDATE to the info below:
Another long, 3 day weekend was spent hitting most of the same sites including the ones we were
unable to make it to last time. ALL the remaining work and projects were completed and are ready
to
go. Sites that have had various projects, upgrades and maintenance performed on them were: 8,
14,
21, 22, 23 & 24. A special THANKS to everyone who participated!
Around the first of this month a contingency of 5 people from various RRFT's, broken out in two
groups and spent anywhere from 1 to 4 days touring as many sites on the Nevada ring as possible.
Here is a brief rundown:
CARLA 14, Cisco Butte: Was on battery back-up for the week prior to the visit due to a power
incident. The power supply and battery charger were both non-responsive and the link radio was
starting to become intermittent due to the low voltage condition. Temp repairs were made on the
PS
and a new 30A smart charger was installed. A return trip is needed to effect permanent repairs
and
transfer everything into a new cabinet.
CARLA 8, Lake Tahoe: A trip was attempted... We made it about 80% of the way up until the
white
stuff on the ground was too deep to circumvent. A return trip is needed to install an LVD,
overhaul
the battery plant, replace batteries and do a PM.
CARLA 18, Topaz Lake: An all day trip was made to do a number of things including replacing
the
entire battery back-up plant with nearly 600Ah of back up power, installed an LVD, integrated
the
original 4W E&M voice channel back to CARLA 5, cut it over from the RF back-up link, performed a
PM
and other duties.
CARLA 21, Reno: A trip was made to this site to check on battery condition and perform a
PM.
CARLA 23, Tahoe/Reno: A trip was attempted to this site but the snow was too deep and slippery
on
the initial steep incline. We will need to return to the site to overhaul the battery back-up
plant,
install an LVD, swap out a PA for the main repeater TX and perform a PM.
CARLA 22, Hawthorne: An all day trip was made to this site to replace batteries, install an
LVD
and remove the secondary link package. The battery charger was blown upon arrival so a new one
has
been ordered and a return trip will be scheduled soon to replace it and remove a spare link
antenna.
4 out of the 6 sites will require yet another trip. A big thank goes out to the various people
who
helped on this endeavor. It was non-stop and rather exhausting.
There is plenty more to come this year. Stay tuned.
The CARLA Team
CARLA 12 Link PL not working
Last updated on April 21, 2015 by The C.A.R.L.A. Team | This article is Archived | Permalink
CARLA 12 (Pleasanton) Link Pl is currently not working. ETR Friday 4-24-15.
CARLA 26 in local mode only
Last updated on April 21, 2015 by The C.A.R.L.A. Team | This article is Archived | Permalink
CARLA 26 (Geyserville) has been taken off network until we can get to the site and troubleshoot the
falsing issue. Tentative ETR Saturday 4-25-15.
Network reserved for Red Cross exercise Thursday
Last updated on April 15, 2015 by The C.A.R.L.A. Team | This article is Archived | Permalink
Different agencies participating in a Red Cross shelter exercise this Thursday (4-16-15) in the
greater Central Valley may need to use different systems on the network.
CARLA is being reserved as a back-up communications resource for the event. We ask that anyone
hearing traffic, whether on the local or link PL, to please yield to their use and try not to tie up
the network otherwise.
Thank you.
The CARLA Team
CARLA 33 LINK OOS; Local mode only
Last updated on April 3, 2015 by The C.A.R.L.A. Team | This article is Archived | Permalink
The PA on the repeater for CARLA 33 has died and was pulled for repair. ETR ~2 weeks.
A stand alone repeater has been put in it's place in the interim.
CARLA 18 & WE NEED YOUR SUPPORT!
Last updated on March 17, 2015 by The C.A.R.L.A. Team | This article is Archived | Permalink
PLEASE READ BELOW:
Power was restored a short time ago at CARLA 18. Apparently, it had been out since 4am or earlier
this morning and the power company found a blown fuse on one of the legs as suspected.
All linked systems on the Nevada Hub have checked in okay.
Looks like we will need to do an overhaul of the back-up battery plant at the site including new
batteries, LVD & a high capacity charger. This is one of those critical infrastructure sites in the
CARLA network.
This will cost us in the neighborhood of $1,000+ and that is on top of several other sites that are
currently in the same boat. This is nothing new for us and these types of expenditures and capitol
outlay happen on a monthly basis, mostly in the background, without most people even being aware.
Our last outreach for support netted something around <$100! Yes, that was $100, not $1,000 or
$10,000. That's pretty dismal in anyone's book. There has been a handful of people that have carried
>95% of the operating costs and capitol expenditures for CARLA each and every year but that can not
be sustained at this rate if we are to remain one of the premiere, Go-To Emcomm Systems supporting
Nor Cal & Western Nevada with reliable communications.
WE NEED YOUR FINANCIAL SUPPORT in order to continue to maintain, repair, build-out, replace and keep
this network running. The size vs contribution ratio gap for such a large network keeps increasing
and we will simply be forced to stop supporting all of it on our own unless something drastically
changes.
We realize NO ONE is required to pay any dues, membership fees, donate their time, equipment,
expertise and/or other resources but a few still do, year after year. Unfortunately, it's just not
enough to sustain a non-membership supported type of network such as the size of CARLA. This is the
cold, hard reality of it all.
So, if you want to continue to enjoy CARLA and appreciate what it offers to so many communities
around us, please consider ways to support it and get the word out.
Thanks.
The CARLA Team
CARLA 18 & HUB OOS
Last updated on March 17, 2015 by The C.A.R.L.A. Team | This article is Archived | Permalink
There's an apparent loss of commercial power on one of the 3 legs at CARLA 18's site affecting the
repeater & Hub. Batteries seem to be depleted as well.
This will affect CARLA 18, 21, 22, 23 & 24 from talking to each other and communication into or out
of
the region. CARLA 8 remains tied to the Mt. VACA Hub @ CARLA 16.
CARLA 32 On Battery
Last updated on March 9, 2015 by The C.A.R.L.A. Team | This article is Archived | Permalink
CARLA 32 (Pacifica) has been on battery since Saturday morning March 7th, 2015.
We will take it OFF NETWORK to prolong back-up reserves.
No ETR as of yet.
CARLA 32 On Battery
Last updated on March 9, 2015 by The C.A.R.L.A. Team | This article is Archived | Permalink
CARLA 32 (Pacifica) has been on battery since Saturday morning March 7th, 2015.
We will take it OFF NETWORK to prolong back-up reserves.
No ETR as of yet.
CARLA 32 On Battery
Last updated on March 9, 2015 by The C.A.R.L.A. Team | This article is Archived | Permalink
CARLA 32 (Pacifica) has been on battery since Saturday March 7 morning. No ETR as of yet.
CARLA 28 in service once again
Last updated on March 4, 2015 by The C.A.R.L.A. Team | This article is Archived | Permalink
CARLA 28 (Mc Cloud) which has been off the air since it was decommissioned in September of 2014 is
now
back on the air in a new home about 30 miles east of the last site along Highway 89 between Mc Cloud
&
Burney, CA. Even though it's technically now in the outskirts of Burney we're going to leave it
labeled as Mc Cloud for simplicity and programming sake. It has a different coverage pattern than the
old site which favors more of the 89 corridor eastward and into Burney. The link path to CARLA 13 is
also not as good as it used to be. We may be able to improve that a little but for now there will
likely be some path noise on the link.
We were not able to make any more drive tests than what we did so if anyone wants to take a drive to
the East and North East to check out coverage please let us know.
CARLA 24 OOS
Last updated on March 4, 2015 by The C.A.R.L.A. Team | This article is Archived | Permalink
CARLA 24 is OOS. A repair crew is scheduled to dispatch out on the weekend of March 7/8.
CARLA 12 Transmit issues
Last updated on February 12, 2015 by The C.A.R.L.A. Team | This article is Archived | Permalink
The main transmitter at CARLA 12 is currently offline and will require some on site
troubleshooting. No ETR as of yet.
The link is still up and functional so if you use the link PL on 12 you will be coming out on the
entire Carla system but when you unkey there will be no response from 12's main TX.
CARLA 11 degraded service
Last updated on February 7, 2015 by The C.A.R.L.A. Team | This article is Archived | Permalink
The tower housing CARLA 11's main & link antennas has collapsed in recent storm(s). Modified service
is be in effect until repairs can be made.
Main Carla Hub is Out Of Service
Last updated on January 1, 2015 by The C.A.R.L.A. Team | This article is Archived | Permalink
Carla Main Hub is OOS
The RX at the main Carla Hub went down sometime on January 1st. So much for a Happy New Year...
Preliminary diagnostics show that the receiver has gone offline. This means MOST of the
Central California & SF Bay Area systems are NOT able to LINK to each other at this time as well as
to/from other hub rings in the network.
Link paths & Hubs that are still working include:
-All machines on the Shasta ring will talk to each other via CARLA 13's hub.
-All machines on the Nevada ring will talk to each other via CARLA 18's hub.
-CARLA 33 & 32 will talk to each other.
-CARLA 3 & 26 will talk to each other.
-CARLA 4 & 19 will talk to each other.
-The Shasta & Nevada rings are isolated and will not talk to each other.
Repair crews should be headed to the site within the next 48 hours.
Disruptive storm coming
Last updated on December 10, 2014 by The C.A.R.L.A. Team | This article is Archived | Permalink
As most of you have probably heard by now there is a major storm approaching from the west which is
expected to hit land later this evening (Wednesday) and run through Thursday into Friday. There are
very high winds and large amounts of rainfall expected to hit in a relatively short period of time.
Since CARLA’s primary purpose is to provide a back-up communications resource for different
agencies, departments & support groups we ask that everyone please be cognizant of the need to keep
your conversations to a minimum and leave the network available for use by those that need to
monitor and rely on it.
Some local, regional and state EOC’s (Emergency Operating Centers) will be monitoring various CARLA
repeaters (in addition to many other channels) during their activations and the less non-critical
radio traffic to distract them the better.
Expect that there will be numerous power outages some of which will undoubtedly affect a few of our
sites subsequently effecting back-up battery and/or generator operation. Again, it is imperative
that everyone remains aware of this and not tie up the network or power reserves. It has also been
observed that one of solar sites (CARLA 6/36) has been going off line sometime at night and
restoring in the late morning.
Some people may not get this message or see the website and will be unaware of what’s going on. If
you come across a situation like this on the air, please politely let them know of our wishes.
Thanks for your cooperation and stay safe.
What's all the Buzzzz about?
Last updated on October 17, 2014 by The C.A.R.L.A. Team | This article is Archived | Permalink
What’s all the latest buzzzz about?
In the recent days there has been some obnoxious and disruptive buzzing/hash noise heard on the
network. In fact, it has been heard on quite a few repeaters, links and transmissions throughout the
420-450 MHz Amateur bands in and around the greater Sacramento & San Francisco Bay Area (and
beyond). It’s been determined that the signal is most likely coming from the direction of Beale Air
Force Base located near Marysville, CA. in the Northern Sacramento Valley.
This is different and much more disruptive that the ‘normal’ PAVE PAWS radar clicking/popping noise
we’re used to hearing. It sounds like a different type of wide-band radar often used on planes and
ships except that it does not appear to be sweeping but rather constant and strong. When this noise
is present it’s usually overpowering and will quite often make conversations inaudible and/or
unusable. It affects both repeaters and link radios that are within range of the ‘radar’ signal and
then it can be extended throughout the entire network by repeating the noise via the link back-bone.
This can also affect other systems in different bands that use the link portion of the UHF band to
connect repeaters and other communications. Some CARLA systems should work much better if used in
the local mode and if they are far enough away from the source. Unfortunately, CARLA’s primary hub
(and many link paths) are in direct line of site to Beale AFB and therefore will suffer the worst of
all.
So far, the noise has been intermittent as far as duration and time of day. It seems to have started
during the latter part of Fleet Week and was first assumed to be a ship that was docked and left
their radar on like has happened in past years. However, several people have been able to DF the
signal towards BAFB and this is very disconcerting to many of us with sizable infrastructure that
relies on the UHF band for communications.
As soon as we hear any more significant information regarding this issue we will try to pass it on.
CARLA 28 OOS
Last updated on September 27, 2014 by The C.A.R.L.A. Team | This article is Archived | Permalink
CARLA 28 (443.475+, McCloud, CA.) is Out Of Service due to a planned removal with possible re-
location.
CARLA 13 & 36 might be accessed in some locations where 28 once covered.
There is no ETR as of yet.
We apologize for the inconvenience.
KR6G (SK)
Last updated on September 25, 2014 by The C.A.R.L.A. Team | This article is Archived | Permalink
It’s with a heavy heart that we announce the passing of one of our friends and supporters, Alex KR6G
from Quincy.
Alex was our very first contact on System 27 even before we announced the commissioning of the system
or left the site the first day! He found us by chance and dialed up the PL and gave us a warm welcome
as he did with everyone he met and/or came in contact with on the radio. Alex made many friends over
the years with his kind, gracious and helpful personality. He also helped many a young Ham into the
hobby including several from his family.
We would like to extend our sincerest condolences to his family and friends.
He was the “Voice of Quincy†to us and will be truly missed on the airwaves as well as in person.
CARLA 26 Back on the air
Last updated on July 3, 2014 by The C.A.R.L.A. Team | This article is Archived | Permalink
CARLA 26 (443.475, Geyserville) The repeater power amp was replaced as well as more battery reserve
and a LVD installed.
CARLA 32 Reserved this Saturday
Last updated on June 25, 2014 by The C.A.R.L.A. Team | This article is Archived | Permalink
CARLA 32 will be reserved for local use only during the Devil's Slide event on the San Mateo Coast.
CARLA 32 Reserved this Saturday
Last updated on June 25, 2014 by The C.A.R.L.A. Team | This article is Archived | Permalink
CARTLA 32 will be reserved for local use only during the Devil's Slide event on the San Mateo Coast.
CARLA 29 back in operation
Last updated on June 24, 2014 by The C.A.R.L.A. Team | This article is Archived | Permalink
The primary repeater receiver at CARLA 29 (443.500+, San Luis Obispo) was replaced over the weekend
and road tested with favorable results. In fact, it was determined that it can be used (along with
CARLA 15), in the very tiny, yet famous town of Parkfield, CA. You just need to make sure you're
sitting or standing very still when transmitting or your signal may flutter from, well you know...
We are very appreciative of the individual(s) who donated the replacement receiver and procured it
for us for the MTR 2000 repeater at the site. They know who they are!
CARLA 26 Transmit Issue
Last updated on June 14, 2014 by The C.A.R.L.A. Team | This article is Archived | Permalink
The main transmitter at Carla 26 has lost its output power. It has been removed for repairs.
This repeater links 3 into the Carla system and is still performing that function at this time.
No ETR on the main transmitter yet.
Internet connectivity restored at System 5
Last updated on June 1, 2014 by The C.A.R.L.A. Team | This article is Archived | Permalink
The internet connectivity at the East Bay Hills site has been restored.
Both EchoIRLP Node 1 and the Shasta Link are now working again.
The Shasta ring repeaters can once again communicate with the rest of the Carla system.
Carla 4 back on A/C
Last updated on May 25, 2014 by The C.A.R.L.A. Team | This article is Archived | Permalink
A recent site power outage took out the power supply at the Carla 4 site.
The power supply at Carla 4 has been replaced and the site is now back on full A/C power.
VACA HUB is Out Of Service
Last updated on May 23, 2014 by The C.A.R.L.A. Team | This article is Archived | Permalink
VACA HUB is Out Of Service
The Mt. Vaca Hub controller is OOS (Out Of Service). This means MOST of the Central California & SF Bay Area systems are NOT able to LINK to each other at this time as well as to/from other hub rings in the network.
Link paths & Hubs that are still working include:
-All machines on the Shasta ring will talk to each other via CARLA 13's hub.
-All machines on the Nevada ring will talk to each other via CARLA 18's hub.
-CARLA 33 & 32 will talk to each other.
-CARLA 3 & 26 will talk to each other.
-CARLA 4 & 19 will talk to each other.
-The Shasta & Nevada rings are isolated and will not talk to each other.
More updates as they become available.
CARLA 26 On Battery Back-Up
Last updated on April 2, 2014 by The C.A.R.L.A. Team | This article is Archived | Permalink
CARLA 26 (Geyser Peak) is currently on battery back up. The generator failed to start and PG&E is
still trying to find the problem.
Interactive Map Issues
Last updated on March 21, 2014 by The C.A.R.L.A. Team | This article is Archived | Permalink
Due to some changes by Google and their Map site, the CARLA Interactive Map is not functioning as
it should. We are working to resolve the problem but it has been a very slow process.
CARLA 32 Repairs
Last updated on March 10, 2014 by The C.A.R.L.A. Team | This article is Archived | Permalink
This last weekend another trip was made to CARLA 32’s site to finish up several loose ends and work
on the interference issue that was causing noise on the network and NB Link. We believe the problem
has been rectified and everything is working at peak performance. All links have been normalized.
Pictures have also been posted on the CARLA Website Picture Gallery at:
http://www.carlaradio.net/community/pictures/gallery/
CARLA 29 Receive Issue
Last updated on February 26, 2014 by The C.A.R.L.A. Team | This article is Archived | Permalink
Carla 29 is not responding to either local or link PL so users in the San Luis Obisbo area will not
be able to talk into it.
It is still transmitting incoming link traffic so users in the area can still monitor the Carla
system. No ETR yet.
CARLA 21 OOS
Last updated on February 18, 2014 by The C.A.R.L.A. Team | This article is Archived | Permalink
The AC power to the site went off and the system has been on battery backup for several days.
The main and link transmitters have been turned off until a site visit can determine the issue and
get the site site power restored.
Addendum- Site power has been restored but the battery charger has fried. A new charger is on order
and will be replaced soon.
System 32 added to the CARLA Network
Last updated on January 23, 2014 by The C.A.R.L.A. Team | This article is Archived | Permalink
We are pleased to announce the latest addition to CARLA for 2014.
System 32 located on the San Mateo coast above Pacifica on Montara Mountain.
Frequency & PL information:
440.725+
Local PL: 114.8Hz
Link PL: 167.9Hz
System 32 now offers solid coverage in many coastal towns of San Mateo County as well as much needed
coverage into western and southern parts of San Francisco/surrounding areas and into Marin County
along the coast up through Pt. Reyes National Seashore and parts north into Sonoma County.
There is also some coverage in the Monterey Bay Area as well as the San Francisco Bay Area.
CARLA 32 along with 10, 29, 33 & 3 help to bring coverage to many parts of the Northern California
coastline. These areas can easily get cut off during natural disasters and severe weather and these
systems will help to keep communications working into and out of those regions.
This site is also a new relay point for CARLA 33 to access the rest of the network. The previous
path from CARLA 3 to 33 would suffer from fading at times due to non line-of-sight between the two
sites. Now the link path is much more solid, despite being 100+ miles long, and eventually we will
create a ring using the original link path (CARLA 33 <-> 3 <-> 26 <-> 16) as a back-up in case the
new path were to fail for some reason.
We will also have the ability to link CARLA 32 with CARLA 2 and/or 33 exclusively and off the rest
of the network for special events and situations.
Be sure to check the system out from the San Mateo coastline just in time for the Mavericks
Invitational surfing competition.
CARLA 7 back on the Network
Last updated on October 29, 2013 by The C.A.R.L.A. Team | This article is Archived | Permalink
CARLA 7 (San Jose, Low level) is back on the network. It was having issues due to its PL Detect being
stuck active causing it to behave as if it was in COR only mode, which allowed its TX to blip with any
garbage on the COR line.
CARLA 7 taken OFF Network
Last updated on October 26, 2013 by The C.A.R.L.A. Team | This article is Archived | Permalink
CARLA 7 (San Jose, Low level) has been taken off the network until we can determine why it keeps
falsing out the link. ETR/Update will next week sometime (last week of October).
CARLA 7 taken OFF Network
Last updated on October 26, 2013 by The C.A.R.L.A. Team | This article is Archived | Permalink
CARLA 7 (San Jose, Low level) has been taken off the network until we can determine why it keeps
falsing out the link. ETR/Update will next week sometime (last week of October).
CARLA 2 Main link is repaired
Last updated on October 26, 2013 by The C.A.R.L.A. Team | This article is Archived | Permalink
The main link at CARLA 2 has been repaired. CARLA 2 is once again part of the network.
CARLA 21 On the Air
Last updated on October 21, 2013 by The C.A.R.L.A. Team | This article is Archived | Permalink
We are pleased to announce the re-commissioning of CARLA 21 (440.750+) in Reno.
This repeater has been off the air for almost 1.5 years and we finally ended up moving it to a new
site on Lower Peavine Peak. The new site is at 8,000’ which is about 2,500’ higher than the previous
site on Red Peak.
Coverage is similar to the previous site but additionally it sees a longer way out Interstate 80 both
to the West & East. There is some shadowing directly below the peak in the Sun Valley area and in
building penetration may not be as good in some places as it was and yet better in other spots.
A big thanks goes out to all parties involved with making this happen with such short notice and
getting it installed before the snows hit.
CARLA 14 On Battery back-up
Last updated on August 24, 2013 by The C.A.R.L.A. Team | This article is Archived | Permalink
CARLA 14, Cisco Grove, is on battery back as of 09:30 Saturday August 24th. PG&E was performing some
work on the lines and may have tripped the main breaker. ETR: possibly Monday, 8-26-2013
CARLA 12 Issues
Last updated on August 20, 2013 by The C.A.R.L.A. Team | This article is Archived | Permalink
CARLA 12 (Pleasanton) is still experiencing issues with the main receiver and both PLs.
Consequently, the main transmitter has been disabled pending a site visit to troubleshoot the issues.
CARLA 12 & 36 updates
Last updated on August 14, 2013 by The C.A.R.L.A. Team | This article is Archived | Permalink
CARLA 12 (Pleasanton) has the Local PL option re-enabled. Some adjustments were made to mitigate the
problem that caused the temporary disabling of the local PL operation.
CARLA 36 (Willows/Stonyford) had some repairs and upgrades performed this last weekend including
improvements in filtering, receive sensitivity, reduction of noise from loose tower hardware, antenna
re-alignment, Link & Local courtesy tone operation, firmware upgrades and corrected controller
announcements over the link. Other minor repairs and adjustments were performed as well.
CARLA 12 Local Pl disabled
Last updated on August 6, 2013 by The C.A.R.L.A. Team | This article is Archived | Permalink
The Local PL operation on the repeater has been disabled until we can troubleshoot a desense/lock up
problem. ETR: by 8-11-13
CARLA 4 On Battery Back-up
Last updated on July 19, 2013 by The C.A.R.L.A. Team | This article is Archived | Permalink
CARLA 4 is on Battery back up as of Friday July 18 @ ~8am. Please keep traffic on the network to a
minimum and use local PL's whenever possible to conserve battery power. Thanks.
CARLA 2 Main link has been disabled
Last updated on July 9, 2013 by The C.A.R.L.A. Team | This article is Archived | Permalink
The main link for CARLA 2 has been disabled due to operational issues that was causing it to not go
through the main hub correctly and subsequently only being heard on nearby repeaters. A site visit is
being scheduled to effect repairs. ETR is 1-2 weeks.
CARLA 13 & Shasta area back on network
Last updated on July 4, 2013 by The C.A.R.L.A. Team | This article is Archived | Permalink
The controller at CARLA 13 (Shasta Lake) has been replaced.
The repeater is now operational as well as the Shasta area hub (which links CARLA 20, 25 & 28
together) and link to the Oregon Connection.
EchoIRLP is UP
Last updated on June 22, 2013 by The C.A.R.L.A. Team | This article is Archived | Permalink
The EchoIRLP Node 1 has been repaired and audio is now working both directions on both
Echolink and IRLP.
CARLA 18 transmitter issues
Last updated on June 18, 2013 by The C.A.R.L.A. Team | This article is Archived | Permalink
The transmitter power output has been intermittent recently and may drop to little or no output at
times. We are planning a site visit to make repairs soon however, no ETR as of yet.
CARLA 14 repairs and upgrades
Last updated on June 16, 2013 by The C.A.R.L.A. Team | This article is Archived | Permalink
This weekend CARLA 14 had the following improvements performed:
-Permanent mounting of Repeater antenna and re-running of transmission line on new tower extension.
-Replacement of older repeater controller with newer model (S-com 7330), re-programming and
enhancements enabled.
-Replacement of batteries with larger Amp-hour capacity.
-Re-routing onto 'preferred power' circuit with generator back-up.
This leaves only CARLA 9 & 33 as the last two systems in the entire network that are slated for
controller upgrades and improvements.
Shasta region outage
Last updated on June 16, 2013 by The C.A.R.L.A. Team | This article is Archived | Permalink
The controller at CARLA 13 (Shasta Lake) is OOS (Out Of Service) which in turn has caused an
interruption in service at CARLA 13 as well as the regional hub and the link to the Oregon
Connection.
We are currently trying to ascertain what equipment resources we have available to use as a
replacement and when that can be effected. There is no ETR as of yet.
Currently this is the state of things in the Shasta Region:
CARLA 13- OOS
SHASTA HUB- OOS
Link to OC- OOS
Link to CARLA Network- OOS
CARLA 20,25,28- Operational with stand alone/local repeater coverage ONLY
More details to follow as we get them.
Sorry for the inconvenience.
CARLA 2 reserved this Sunday
Last updated on May 16, 2013 by The C.A.R.L.A. Team | This article is Archived | Permalink
This coming Sunday, May 19th, CARLA 2 (442.075, San Francisco) will be reserved exclusively for use by the American Red Cross during the Bay to Breakers event. This will be the 102nd running of the race this year.
Please refrain from using CARLA 2 anytime on Sunday before 6pm as they will be running a support net for the event.
Thank you.
CARLA 20 Back On the Air
Last updated on May 13, 2013 by The C.A.R.L.A. Team | This article is Archived | Permalink
The main repeater antenna and heavy duty harware have been re-installed on the tower and tested. Coverage has been restored to the region.
CARLA 33 Off link
Last updated on May 1, 2013 by The C.A.R.L.A. Team | This article is Archived | Permalink
CARLA 33 is off the network backbone while
upgrades are made to the link path.
ETR is June 2013.
This should improve the signal quality of
the link path.
Thank you for your patience.
CARLA 20 OOS
Last updated on April 3, 2013 by The C.A.R.L.A. Team | This article is Archived | Permalink
The Main repeater antenna at CARLA 20 (Burney) has fallen off the tower due to the mounting pipe snapping from excessive wind and ice loading. We have shut off the transmitter but the receiver is still active. ETR: May 2013.
On Battery at System 4
Last updated on March 27, 2013 by The C.A.R.L.A. Team | This article is Archived | Permalink
A field team is being dispatched today to resolve the power issue at System 4. Until it is resolved, we ask that all users be conscientious of any traffic between the field team and the Network Operations Center, and to please yield the air. We appreciate your understanding and cooperation.
Sincerely,
The C.A.R.L.A. Team
Notice: CARLA 35 PL tones changed
Last updated on March 6, 2013 by The C.A.R.L.A. Team | This article is Archived | Permalink
Due to ongoing interference issues, CARLA has changed both of the PL tones associated with the CARLA 35 repeater. The new PL tones are listed below.
Link PL: 162.2
Local PL: 103.5 (also the output PL)
CARLA 18 On Battery back-up
Last updated on February 14, 2013 by The C.A.R.L.A. Team | This article is Archived | Permalink
CARLA 18 (Topaz Lake, NV.) is on battery back-up power since 2-13-13 at 9:45am. The Nevada RRFT is en-route to try and assess situation. Please keep all link traffic to a bare minimum.
Thanks.
CARLA 18 On Battery back-up
Last updated on February 14, 2013 by The C.A.R.L.A. Team | This article is Archived | Permalink
CARLA 18 (Topaz Lake, NV.) is on battery back-up power since 2-13-13 at 9:45am. The Nevada RRFT is en-route to try and assess situation. Please keep all link traffic to a bare minimum.
Thanks.
CARLA 23 back on network
Last updated on January 19, 2013 by The C.A.R.L.A. Team | This article is Archived | Permalink
The Nevada division of the RRFT (Rapid Response Field Team) made a trip to the very snowy and cold site for CARLA 23 (Reno/Tahoe) to assess the problem with the link. As suspected, the link antenna suffered a fatal blow and was so obliterated that the only thing left was the steel mounting base. A second trip was made to effect repairs that should sustain it for the rest of the winter until we can drive up there and make permanent repairs in the summer. We now have better (linked) coverage in the greater Reno/Sparks and Tahoe areas.
Shasta Ring back on-line, CARLA 6/36 as well
Last updated on December 23, 2012 by The C.A.R.L.A. Team | This article is Archived | Permalink
Power has been restored to CARLA 13's site and therefore the Shasta Ring is back on line with the rest of the network.
CARLA 6 & 36 are also back on line. Batteries have been charged enough from solar and/or wind generation to come back up to working voltage.
CARLA 6/36 OOS...
Last updated on December 23, 2012 by The C.A.R.L.A. Team | This article is Archived | Permalink
CARLA 6(UHF) & 36(VHF) [Willows] are Out Of Service from depleted battery reserves due to extended periods of little/no sunshine at this solar site.
Other systems have cycled on/off of back-up battery power during the current storms.
PLEASE BE COGNIZANT OF THE NEED TO KEEP IDLE TRAFFIC TO A MINIMUM DURING ADVERSE WEATHER CONDITIONS SO AS TO NOT DEPLETE BATTERY RESERVES FURTHER AND KEEP THE NETWORK AVAILABLE FOR CRITICAL COMMUNICATIONS AND VARIOUS AGENCIES/DEPARTMENTS THAT ARE MONITORING.
Thank You.
Link to/from Shasta Ring is OOS.
Last updated on December 21, 2012 by The C.A.R.L.A. Team | This article is Archived | Permalink
An extended power outage has exhausted back-up battery power feeding Telco/LAN facilities at CARLA 13. This has caused the associated Shasta Ring (CARLA 13,20,25,28 & OC Link) to become isolated from the rest of the network to the south.
As far as we know CARLA 13 and Hub are still on battery back-up power.
PG&E has no ETR as of 1pm on Friday 12-21-22.
PG&E has no ETR as of 9:30am on Sunday 12-23-22.
CARLA 23 (Reno/Tahoe) Link OOS
Last updated on December 4, 2012 by The C.A.R.L.A. Team | This article is Archived | Permalink
The link path to/from CARLA 23 (Reno/Tahoe) is severely degraded and will be shut off until an assessment and subsequent repairs can be effected. We suspect heavy ice/snow loading and winds may have caused a problem with the link antenna. Local operation remains in effect.
CARLA 21 (Reno) is currently still off the air.
The only (linked) system that will cover parts of Reno is CARLA 24 (Carson City).
CARLA 8 (Lake Tahoe/Meyers) is still up and will cover the Tahoe basin and is also currently acting as the back-up link site to the Nevada hub.
More details as they come in.
CARLA 14 Back On the Air
Last updated on November 15, 2012 by The C.A.R.L.A. Team | This article is Archived | Permalink
Today the tower crew was able to re-mount the primary repeater antenna for us just in time for the next snow storm to come through.
CARLA 14 OOS
Last updated on November 8, 2012 by The C.A.R.L.A. Team | This article is Archived | Permalink
CARLA 14 is Out Of Service due to the primary antenna being removed for tower modifications. Timing on this is unfortunate due to current snow falling and the potential for restricted access. There is no ETR as of yet but we will try to make restoral a priority since it is the only system that covers the 80 corridor through the Sierra's.
CARLA 35 Reserved Sunday Morning 10-28-12
Last updated on October 25, 2012 by The C.A.R.L.A. Team | This article is Archived | Permalink
CARLA 35, [146.850, 114.8] (East Bay Hills), will be taken off the network and used in LOCAL MODE ONLY for a race event in Lafayette this Sunday morning the 28th of October.
Approximate time frame is from 6am to 11am. During that period please refrain from using it unless it is urgent or you are participating in the net for the event.
Thank You.
CARLA 19 / 35 Reserved for Firetrails 50 Run Saturday Oct. 13th
Last updated on October 10, 2012 by The C.A.R.L.A. Team | This article is Archived | Permalink
This coming Saturday Oct 13th, CARLA 19 and CARLA 35 will be in use by the Dick Collins Firetrails 50 & Golden Hills Trail
Marathon event in the East Bay.
Please refrain from using CARLA 19 (443.325, Hayward) and CARLA 35 (146.850, Oakland) anytime on Saturday
before 9pm unless you are involved with their net/operations.
Thank you for your understanding.
CARLA 2 Reserved for Nike Marathon Sunday Oct. 14
Last updated on October 10, 2012 by The C.A.R.L.A. Team | This article is Archived | Permalink
This coming Sunday Oct 14th, CARLA 2 will be reserved exclusively for use by the American Red Cross during the Nike Marathon event in San Francisco.
Please refrain from using CARLA 2 (442.075, San Francisco) anytime on Sunday before 6pm unless you are involved with their net/operations. The system will have the Link PL disabled for Local operation only.
Thank you for your understanding.
CARLA 18 on Battery Backup Power
Last updated on September 21, 2012 by The C.A.R.L.A. Team | This article is Archived | Permalink
Due to a fire near the CARLA 18 site in The Lake Topaz Nevada area,
the grid power to the site has shut down. The CARLA 18 repeater
will likely be on battery power for a couple of days. Please use
the CARLA system mindfully during this time. -CARLA
CARLA 25 back on the air
Last updated on September 9, 2012 by The C.A.R.L.A. Team | This article is Archived | Permalink
After severe damage/destruction to all antennas from previous winters was noted, CARLA 25 was shut down during the summer and new antennas, coax, hardware, etc... were installed and the site is back up on the air.
It took a 5 man crew to complete the first phase of work which included removing all old antennas (what was left of them), their coax runs, hardware, etc... and then install brand new antennas on a different tower along with all new heavy duty mounting hardware and new 7/8" Heliax coax runs.
The second phase of this project will consist of finishing the painting of all coax runs & hardware (per NPS specs) and some link antenna alignments at both CARLA 25 & 13's sites. The link to CARLA 25 will also be "Re-homed" to the Shasta Hub where it will be part of the Shasta Ring of repeaters (13,20,25,28). It will also act as a back-up RF relay site connecting the Shasta Hub to the Vaca Hub in case we of a wireline failure to CARLA 13's Hub and give us the capability to swing it to either Hub for special applications.
It took a lot of planning, thousands of dollars in new equipment, a 5 man crew and a very long morning, day & evening on site in addition to at least an 8 hour roundtrip of driving for most people to get the system back up and operational in its current state.
Coverage is back up to par (with reduced power due to the PAVE PAWS/BAFB restrictions) and currently linked into the Vaca Hub until phase two of the project is completed.
A special "Thanks" goes out to all the individuals that helped make this happen!
Network noise identified & fix implemented
Last updated on September 9, 2012 by The C.A.R.L.A. Team | This article is Archived | Permalink
The CARLA network is in a diagnostic mode while we try and narrow down where some noise is coming from. Most systems will announce their system number over the link at the end of every key-up on the main repeater. This is a temporary troubleshooting mode which we hope to be able to turn off soon.
Update 2012-09-07: At this time we believe that the noise issue has been identified and a temporary fix applied. Therefore we have cleared the diag mode from the system, which means that the system number announcements will no longer be heard. The cooperation of all users of the system during this time has been appreciated.
CARLA 33 Link OOS
Last updated on September 3, 2012 by The C.A.R.L.A. Team | This article is Archived | Permalink
The main link at CARLA 33's site (Gualala) has been temporarily shut off while we figure out an audio path issue at CARLA 3's site (which feeds 33). This is the new dedicated link that was recently installed but is having a problem passing audio Southbound from CARLA 3 to 33. Once we figure out what the problem is we will advise.
Nevada ring on back-up link
Last updated on August 22, 2012 by The C.A.R.L.A. Team | This article is Archived | Permalink
Due to some problems on the new wireline circuit feeding the Nevada ring (at CARLA 18's site), there has been a lot of falsing of the PTT circuit which in turn was creating a lot of kerchunks on the entire Nevada ring (CARLA 18,21,22,23,24). We've bypassed the circuit and reverted to the back-up RF link in the interim. Please keep in mind there is some added delay on the back-up link so leave enough time after you key up before speaking so you don't cut off your first word(s). The local repeater at CARLA 18 may still experience the problem (kerchunks) but the rest of the ring should not.
Shasta Hub repaired
Last updated on July 29, 2012 by The C.A.R.L.A. Team | This article is Archived | Permalink
The RRFT (Rapid Response Field Team) has effected repairs to the Shasta Hub located at CARLA 13 today. The Hub RX link radio has been replaced along with a new fan unit. CARLA 20 & 28 are back on-line with the rest of the network.
Shasta Hub issues
Last updated on July 25, 2012 by The C.A.R.L.A. Team | This article is Archived | Permalink
The Shasta Hub is experiencing a link problem which is not allowing CARLA 20(Burney) and 28(McCLoud) to be heard on the rest of the network. Both those sites will work in local mode and can hear the network traffic but can not be heard on the link. No ETR as of yet.
Nevada Ring link circuit restored
Last updated on June 22, 2012 by The C.A.R.L.A. Team | This article is Archived | Permalink
The wireline backhaul circuit that the Nevada Hub was on in previous years has been restored. This is what connects the Nevada Ring to the rest of the network. We have switched off the back-up RF link and turned on the new wireline link. The audio is cleaner and the delays have been reduced. The RF back-up link will remain in standby mode in case the wireline circuit fails.
CARLA 14 (Cisco Butte) reserved this Friday & Sunday
Last updated on June 20, 2012 by The C.A.R.L.A. Team | This article is Archived | Permalink
CARLA 14 (443.4750+, Cisco Butte) will be reserved for an event this Friday and Sunday from 10am to 6pm. Please refrain from using the system if possible during those days and time frames if you hear local traffic.
Thanks.
Transmitter at 25 Shasta Bally down
Last updated on June 13, 2012 by The C.A.R.L.A. Team | This article is Archived | Permalink
The main transmitter at Carla's Redding site 25 has been turned off after it was discovered
on a recent trip to the area that it was weak and sputtering. It is still receiving and passing
traffic out to the system but nothing will come out the main at this time. Carla 25 will remain
in this state until a repair crew can get up there to assess/repair the system.
Users in the area are requested to use CARLA 13 or CARLA 20 in the meantime.
Shasta Hub repaired
Last updated on June 13, 2012 by The C.A.R.L.A. Team | This article is Archived | Permalink
Repairs have recently been made to the Shasta Hub transmitter located at CARLA 13. The Shasta area systems connected to the hub (CARLA 20, 28) are now receiving traffic from the rest of the network.
CARLA 2 Reserved this Sunday
Last updated on May 17, 2012 by The C.A.R.L.A. Team | This article is Archived | Permalink
This coming Sunday, May 20th, CARLA 2 (442.075, San Francisco) will be reserved exclusively for use by the American Red Cross during the Bay to Breakers event. This will be the 101st running of the race this year.
Please refrain from using CARLA 2 anytime on Sunday before 5pm as they will be running a support net for the event.
Thank you.
CARLA 35 (VHF) is off the air
Last updated on May 14, 2012 by The C.A.R.L.A. Team | This article is Archived | Permalink
CARLA's VHF system in the East Bay, System 35, is currently off the air. The VHF transmitter has been causing the UHF repeater at
the site to key itself. During the first attempt to troubleshoot this issue the duplexer and pass bottle were found to be out of tune
and were retuned. This helped the issue a great deal but it is still falsing the UHF. The field team will hopefully get back up to the
site soon and continue looking into the issue.
Primary Hub repaired
Last updated on May 13, 2012 by The C.A.R.L.A. Team | This article is Archived | Permalink
Today our Rapid Response Field Team was dispatched to the Primary Central California Hub site and effected repairs. The controller was replaced with a spare unit, re-programmed, firmware was updated, levels were adjusted and other functionality tested.
A big thanks goes to the RRFT for spending Mother's day on site to get us back up and the network fully operational again.
Primary Central California Hub problem.
Last updated on May 12, 2012 by The C.A.R.L.A. Team | This article is Archived | Permalink
The primary Central California Hub controller on Mt. Vaca is resetting itself and experiencing technical difficulties. This is affecting the entire network to some degree and will not allow communications to other regions or systems when it resets or is unavailable. The Nevada Ring Hub & Shasta Ring Hub are functioning and working within their respective areas but will not communicate elsewhere because of the primary hub problem. There is no ETR as of yet.
CARLA 21 OOS
Last updated on April 28, 2012 by The C.A.R.L.A. Team | This article is Archived | Permalink
The repeater is in the process of being relocated from one shelter to another at the site.
CARLA 8 Links are Operational
Last updated on March 10, 2012 by The C.A.R.L.A. Team | This article is Archived | Permalink
The backup link at CARLA 8, that serves as the link between the Nevada ring
and the rest of the system is back up and working. One of our Field Team members
was able to make a trip to CARLA 8's site and effect repairs. Two link radios needed to be replaced.
-CARLA
CARLA 24 back on air
Last updated on March 4, 2012 by The C.A.R.L.A. Team | This article is Archived | Permalink
One of our Field Team members was able to make a trip to CARLA 24's site on Saturday and effect repairs to get the system back on the air.
We are working on plans for a site visit to CARLA 8 in the near future to assess and hopefully make repairs there too.
Thanks.
Problems at 8 and 24
Last updated on March 2, 2012 by The C.A.R.L.A. Team | This article is Archived | Permalink
The transmitter at CARLA 24 appears to be down. We suspect a failed PA. A field repair team is scheduled to visit the site in the next few days and attempt to effect repairs.
The backup link at CARLA 8, that serves as the link between the Nevada ring and the rest of the system, appears also to be having a transmitter issue. Diagnostics are ongoing at this time.
2011: The Year in Review
Last updated on February 22, 2012 by The C.A.R.L.A. Team | This article is Archived | Permalink
2011 was another busy year for CARLA. As with most years there were many accomplishments both obvious and behind the scenes.
The following are highlights and some details of what happened in 2011.
New systems installed:
We saw the addition of three new systems to the CARLA network in 2011 including two on VHF.
Some of these sites required multiple trips to complete the installation and subsequent modifications and fine tuning. The two VHF
sites were much needed to fill in parts of the CARLA coverage area affected by Pave Paws on the 440 band.
They include the following:
CARLA 29 | San Luis Obisbo | 2,770' | 443.500+
CARLA 35 | Oakland/East Bay | 1,500' | 146.850-
CARLA 36 | Stonyford/Willows | 6,700' | 146.115+
System changes, modifications, projects:
-CARLA 4 had a major overhaul with a redesign to include a controller upgrade to an SCom 7330 to accommodate a second link for
a clean hop to/from the 29 site. This included adding link radios, second link antenna and another coax run up the tower.
-CARLA 6 (Snow Mt. Range/Stonyford-Willows) saw a VHF system installed and finalized at the site. There were several trips made
just for that installation and optimization. We have to co-channel with several other systems on the pair and several people had
(volunteered) to do quite a bit of drive testing all through the greater Sacramento Valley, Central Valley and Bay Area while we made
adjustments to the power and antenna pattern.
-CARLA 7 (San Jose) got a controller upgrade from the old SCom 7K to the newer SCom 7330 controller.
-CARLA 8 (S. Lake Tahoe) went off the air in the dead of winter and isolated the Nevada hub from the rest of the system as a result.
It took a one man field crew several hours to hike in and out on foot to effect repairs.
- CARLA 9 has been using a different link frequency than the rest of the system to link in, and in 2011 it had its link path upgraded
to use the system's main link pair.
- CARLA 10 (St. Cruz Mts.) got a controller upgrade from the old SCom 7K to the newer SCom 7330 controller. It also had some
work done on its power supply and main circuit breaker to make it more reliable.
-CARLA 12 got a controller upgrade to the S-Com 7330. Later in the year it got a major power supply and battery overhaul when a
surge blew a hole in the circuit board inside the power supply. The power supply was brought to the CARLA 'ICU' ward where
delicate surgery with a dremel and soldering iron brought it back to life. Gotta love those Astrons!
-Vaca HUB/16 had an issue with the RLC3 controller going into a reset loop often. As this was an intermittant issue it took several
trips to troubleshoot. We ended up swapping the controller with a DSP404 in order to put the RLC3 on the bench and T/S it. After
much testing/repair on the bench, the RLC3 was brought back up to the site and reinstalled.
-CARLA17 was brought back to the lab and fitted with a new MSF-5000 and upgraded to an SCom 7330 controller. Also, the battery
bank underwent a much needed rebuild from the ground up.
-CARLA 18 (Topaz Lake, NV) had a PA go bad and needed changing out.
-CARLA 20 (Burney) Needed its link antenna replaced AGAIN due to ice damage from the tower. That's two antenna replacements in
two years. On a separate trip the repeater underwent repairs after it went off the air.
-CARLA21 saw its battery charger burn up, requiring a trip to troubleshoot and a trip to replace it.
-CARLA 25 had a crew go to the site for pre-winter damage assessment where it was determined that the link antenna mast had
been tilted after being struck by falling ice from the tower above it. A subsequent repair trip was turned back just a few miles from
the mountaintop by fresh snowfall on the access road.
Website related changes, enhancements:
-More pictures added to the gallery.
-New system & site information published as they came on air.
-Back-end database and GUI improvements & enhancements
Other miscellaneous items:
-This year we have integrated the CARLA callsign K6LNK into most of the repeaters in the system.
-As always, we have a concurrent agenda to the steady maintenance, repairs and new build-outs which includes all kind of special
projects, system upgrades & overhaul, local site (land lord requested) improvements & projects, website updates, programming
enhancements, interference and performance issues needing investigation and resolution, finding a permanent resolution for the
performance issues with the DSP-404 controllers we have deployed, etc, etc, etc...
Future goals/sites:
-Our main goal for 2012 is to cut back on growing the system so that we may focus our time and energies on trimming down many
of the projects that have been piling up during the last couple of 'build out' years. As you can imagine, the list is quite large and it
does keep growing even though we work concurrently on several tasks each year, even while putting in new systems at new sites.
Even though we may be cutting back on new installs this year, it is possible that we will put one or two new sites on the air, possibly
in the Eastern parts of the California/Sierras, or parts of Nevada or the North Coast of California.
We are also working on our 900MHz system and integrating that into the rest of the network. We have experienced some technical
issues along the way but "we are aware of the problem and working on it".
We're two and half months into 2012 and have already been busy knocking out projects.
We'd like to thank those individuals who have made all the above possible during the year. There's only a handful of people
involved but the contribution and effect has always been enormous.
Reserved network traffic for this Thursday
Last updated on February 8, 2012 by The C.A.R.L.A. Team | This article is Archived | Permalink
The CARLA network may have some traffic for an exercise on Thursday between 12:00 & 17:00 hours. Please listen before using the system and try to keep conversations brief so as to keep the network available during the exercise.
Thank you in advance for your help.
CARLA 12 Is Operational
Last updated on February 5, 2012 by The C.A.R.L.A. Team | This article is Archived | Permalink
CARLA field personnel visited site 12 over the weekend and repaired a faulty power supply
as well as performed much needed battery maintenance. CARLA 12 is now operational.
CARLA 12 OOS
Last updated on February 4, 2012 by The C.A.R.L.A. Team | This article is Archived | Permalink
Difficulties were encountered with the temporary supply so the repeater is currently off the air. Repair is anticipated this weekend.
CARLA 8 & 29 Links are Operational
Last updated on January 28, 2012 by The C.A.R.L.A. Team | This article is Archived | Permalink
The main links for CARLA 8 (Lake Tahoe) & CARLA 29 (San Luis Obispo) are back in service.
CARLA 8 & 29 Links are OOS
Last updated on January 21, 2012 by The C.A.R.L.A. Team | This article is Archived | Permalink
The main links for CARLA 8 (Lake Tahoe) & CARLA 29 (San Luis Obispo) are down and Out of Service.
CARLA 8 is still operational and linked to the Nevada ring via the back-up RF link.
CARLA 29 is isolated but operational. The Northbound link traffic is actually working but inbound link traffic is not. The problem seems to be at CARLA 4's site.
No ETR as of yet. Further troubleshooting and isolating is ongoing.
CARLA 16 Operational
Last updated on January 15, 2012 by The C.A.R.L.A. Team | This article is Archived | Permalink
A field teams visited CARLA 16's site (Vacaville/Sacramento) today and worked on the PL issue along with a couple of other items that needed attention.
The dual PL operation has been restored (Local & Link) and the repeater is now working on a new antenna scheme.
We would appreciate any drive test reports from the field especially compared to what it was doing previously on the corner reflectors. In particular, we could use some data from the greater Sacramento area and north towards Marysville and in particular Beale Air Force Base. If someone wants to drive out to BAFB please contact us and we'll get you the area we have done a lot of our testing from for comparison.
Thanks,
The C.A.R.L.A. Team
Link audio repaired
Last updated on December 29, 2011 by The C.A.R.L.A. Team | This article is Archived | Permalink
A controller at the Primary Hub site on Mt. Vaca has been replaced and audio paths have been re-aligned so levels across the link back-bone should be back to normal.
CARLA 16 OOS
Last updated on December 29, 2011 by The C.A.R.L.A. Team | This article is Archived | Permalink
Repeater is out of service while controller issue is being addressed.
System 17 Transmitter failure (In Service)- Update #2
Last updated on December 4, 2011 by The C.A.R.L.A. Team | This article is Archived | Permalink
Second Update-
CARLA 17 (Sonora) has been restored to service by our field operations team today and upgraded with a new controller and a replacement 400Ah battery plant which it is running on right now as the power in some parts the greater Sonora area has been off for most of the week. PG&E crews are working in the area but there is no ETR yet for commercial power.
Update-
A trip to the site has revealed that the MSF-5000 has failed. We also discovered the batteries at the site need replacing.
The entire repeater cabinet and batteries have been removed from the site and will be rebuilt at the CARLA Labs.
Please note that CARLA 17 will be off-the-air for an extended period while the repeater is rebuilt.
----------------
Original Post:
We have had several reports from users in the area of System 17, Sonora, over the last few days, indicating a problem
hearing the system. Remote diagnostics indicate that the transmitter is completely offline. The receiver seems fine.
A repair team will be scheduled to further diagnose and correct the problem. We will post an update once the problem
is resolved.
Scheduled power outage at CARLA 14
Last updated on November 8, 2011 by The C.A.R.L.A. Team | This article is Archived | Permalink
There is a scheduled commercial PG&E power outage set for Thursday November 10 at the CARLA 14 (Cisco Grove) site. The system
should revert to battery back-up power and hold for the duration.
CARLA 5 reserved this Sunday
Last updated on October 27, 2011 by The C.A.R.L.A. Team | This article is Archived | Permalink
CARLA 5, East Bay Hills, will be taken off the backbone and used in local mode only for a race event in Lafayette this Sunday morning the 31st of October.
Approximate time frame is from 6am to 11am. During that period please refrain from using it unless it is urgent or you are participating in the net for the event.
Thanks.
VACA HUB is back In Service
Last updated on October 23, 2011 by The C.A.R.L.A. Team | This article is Archived | Permalink
The controller at CARLA's main link site in Vacaville has been replaced and is now back In Service.
All systems in the CARLA network are once again linked. Also, CARLA system 16 at Vaca is now back online.
VACA HUB is Out Of Service
Last updated on October 19, 2011 by The C.A.R.L.A. Team | This article is Archived | Permalink
VACA HUB is Out Of Service
The Mt. Vaca Hub controller is OOS (Out Of Service). This means MOST of the Central California & SF Bay Area systems are NOT able
to LINK to each other at this time as well as to/from other hub rings in the network.
Link paths & Hubs that are still working include:
-All machines on the Shasta ring will talk to each other via CARLA 13's hub AND CARLA 5.
-All machines on the Nevada ring will talk to each other via CARLA 18's hub AND CARLA 8.
-CARLA 5 is connected to the Shasta ring & the echo-IRLP node only.
-CARLA 3 & 26 will talk to each other.
-CARLA 4 & 19 will talk to each other.
-The Shasta & Nevada rings are isolated and will not talk to each other.
More updates as they become available.
CARLA 2 Reserved Sunday Oct 16, 2011
Last updated on October 12, 2011 by The C.A.R.L.A. Team | This article is Archived | Permalink
This coming Sunday, Oct 16th, CARLA 2 will be reserved exclusively for use by the American Red Cross during the Nike Marathon
event. Please refrain from using CARLA 2 (San Francisco) anytime on Sunday before 6pm unless you are involved with their
net/operations.
Thank you for your understanding.
Lee, N6MIV (SK)
Last updated on August 11, 2011 by Tom, N6MVT | This article is Archived | Permalink
It is with great sadness that we have to report that one of our avid users Lee, N6MIV passed away Wednesday night (Aug 10, 2011). He checked in regularly from "System 3 in Pt. Arena" as he used to announce. He was always monitoring and glad we brought not only the first UHF machine to the area but a wide area linked system as well. Communications into & out of the coastal areas can be critical during storms, road closures, power outages and other 'events' as facilities and resources are usually very limited and he appreciated we kept that vital link alive. Lee always promoted CARLA to the local area Hams since the time it first came on the air. We'll miss talking to you Lee and we'll certainly miss the "voice from Pt. Arena".
EchoIRLP Node 1 Upgraded
Last updated on July 1, 2011 by The C.A.R.L.A. Team | This article is Archived | Permalink
The EchoIRLP Node 1 server was replaced today with new hardware, which is faster as well as being much more power efficient. Additionally and as a result of the new hardware, the node software was upgraded to the latest version. Please drop us a line if you experience any problems with the new configuration.
System 18 Transmitter Repaired
Last updated on June 26, 2011 by The C.A.R.L.A. Team | This article is Archived | Permalink
The transmitter at System 18 has been repaired and is operating normally. Thanks to all who helped with the reporting and
diagnostics.
System 9 Maintenance & Upgrades
Last updated on June 19, 2011 by The C.A.R.L.A. Team | This article is Archived | Permalink
On Saturday, a C.A.R.L.A. field team visited System 9 at Mt. Oso and conducted upgrades and PM'd the system. A duplex link to the hub was installed, as well as a new link antenna. This should further increase signal/decrease noise on the link from 9 into the hub. It also is an interesting milestone for C.A.R.L.A., as 9 was the last machine on the network that used the original simplex linking scheme from the earliest days of the network.
Thanks to everyone that helped out, both at the site and also elsewhere on the network by assisting in audio and signal checks.
System 18 Transmitter Failure
Last updated on June 17, 2011 by The C.A.R.L.A. Team | This article is Archived | Permalink
We have had several reports from users in the area of System 18, Topaz, over the last few days, indicating a problem hearing the system. Remote diagnostics indicate that the transmitter is either partially or completely offline. The receiver and the Nevada hub both seem fine. A repair team will be dispatched shortly to further diagnose and correct the problem. We will post an update once the problem is resolved.
CARLA 36
Last updated on May 10, 2011 by The C.A.R.L.A. Team | This article is Archived | Permalink
We are pleased to announce the latest addition to CARLA.
System 36 located on the Snow Mt. Range above Stonyford/Willows, CA.
Frequency & PL information:
146.115+
Local PL: 123.0Hz
Link PL: 173.8Hz
CARLA 36 is located at the exact same site as CARLA 6. That is why we skipped a few numbers to make it easier to remember... 6 & 36.
It fills in where CARLA 6's coverage has fallen way short due to PAVE PAWS at Beale AFB. It too is on solar power & batteries and has an automatic shutdown feature to save battery power when there is inbound link traffic for more than 5 minutes but no locally generated activity.
However, since we are co-channeled with other VHF systems, we went to great pains to customize the pattern. It is only transmitting 5 watts into a directional antenna that favors the NW and creates a Null to the SW into the Sonora area. The receive is exceptionally sensitive compared to the transmitter which helps to hear low powered radios such as hand-helds. There will be some areas that you would normally expect it to work better from its location but again, this is due to the directional pattern and low power output.
This has been in the testing stages for 6 months and is the first of several VHF repeaters we are in the process of testing and implementing.
CARLA 2 reserved Sunday
Last updated on May 10, 2011 by The C.A.R.L.A. Team | This article is Archived | Permalink
This coming Sunday, May 15th, CARLA 2 will be reserved exclusively for use by the American Red Cross during the Bay to Breakers event. This will be the 100th running of the race this year.
Please refrain from using CARLA 2 (San Francisco) anytime on Sunday before 5pm.
CARLA is proud to have helped support the Red Cross during this event for many years now.
Thank you for your understanding.
System 29 on the air
Last updated on April 17, 2011 by The C.A.R.L.A. Team | This article is Archived | Permalink
We are pleased to announce the latest addition to CARLA.
System 29 located in San Luis Obispo, CA.
Frequency & PL information:
443.500+
Local PL: 100.0Hz
Link PL: 162.2Hz
CARLA 29 is located on Tassajero Peak along the Cuesta Ridge which is located to the west of the Cuesta Pass on Hwy 101. It overlooks San Luis Obispo and surrounding communities. This system has been several years in the making.
From the North along US-101 coverage starts at about Camp Roberts and continues south along the 101 corridor all the way to Santa Maria and just North of Los Alamos. It covers to the West along Hwy 1 from San Simeon to the North to parts of Lompoc & Vandenberg AFB to the South.
When visiting the greater San Luis Obispo area including Cal Poly, Paso Robles, Cambria, Hearst Castle, Pismo Beach, Morrow Bay, Avila Beach and much more, CARLA System 29 should provide ample coverage.
Additionally, several weeks ago a major upgrade at CARLA 4 was performed to allow for the back haul of link traffic from CARLA 29 into the rest of the network. Be aware that you will need to leave enough time for the links to open up from one end of the network to the other. For instance, from CARLA 29 (SLO) to CARLA 5 (Oakland) involves 4 hops. From CARLA 29 to CARLA 28 (Mt. Shasta) requires 6 hops.
A special thanks to all those who were involved with making this project happen.
VACA HUB is Out Of Service
Last updated on March 28, 2011 by The C.A.R.L.A. Team | This article is Archived | Permalink
The Mt. Vaca Hub controller is OOS (Out Of Service). This means MOST of the Central California & SF Bay Area systems are NOT able to LINK to each other at this time as well as to/from other hub rings in the network.
Link paths & Hubs that are still working include:
-All machines on the Shasta ring will talk to each other via CARLA 13's hub AND CARLA 5.
-All machines on the Nevada ring will talk to each other via CARLA 18's hub AND CARLA 8.
-CARLA 5 is connected to the Shasta ring & the echo-IRLP node only.
-CARLA 3 & 26 will talk to each other.
-CARLA 4 & 19 will talk to each other.
-The Shasta & Nevada rings are isolated and will not talk to each other.
We are putting together a replacement controller for installation on Tuesday (3/29).
More updates as they become available.
System 35, 146.850(-) repeater, added to CARLA
Last updated on March 13, 2011 by The C.A.R.L.A. Team | This article is Archived | Permalink
As some of you are aware we've recently made a change to the CARLA network by adding a VHF repeater to the Oakland Hills site.
The repeater is on 146.850(-) with a LOCAL PL of 114.8. The LINK PL will be 173.8Hz if you want to program your radios ahead of time.
If you are new to CARLA please take some time to read our usage guidelines on the website. The network can be a bit confusing and intimidating to first time users. The more you know how it works, the less problems you and others will have communicating on it.
Over the next few weeks & months we will make some improvements to the performance of the machine, add battery back-up power and integrate the dual PL scheme (LINK/LOCAL) like the rest of the systems in our network have.
Having this VHF repeater as part of CARLA will be a valuable asset to our ability to continue to offer a wide area emergency communications network of repeaters covering Northern California & parts of Nevada. It will also help to fill in some of the reduced coverage we have due to CARLA 5's changes for Pave Paws.
In the meantime, we will not make any official announcements or listing regarding the system until all the other pieces are in place and it's ready for "prime time".
We would like to especially thank Roger, WA6AFT to allow us opportunity to integrate this repeater into the CARLA network and his generosity. This move also helps to keep the system on the air and avoid permanently losing its previous home.
CARLA needs YOUR support!
Last updated on March 10, 2011 by The C.A.R.L.A. Team | This article is Archived | Permalink
It's that time of the year when we reach out to those benevolent individuals for any financial assistance and/or donations to help keep CARLA up and running.
Our expenses and investment in equipment and supplies keeps getting larger as each year passes. It is way too much for us to maintain at the current level. Each year we see maybe 5% of our total expenses donated from users in the form of financial support & new or surplus equipment donations. As great as that is and as much as we appreciate it, that still means we are footing 95% of the total expenses required to run, maintain & continue to build out this network. It may come as a surprise to some but, that equates to $10-20k out of pocket e-v-e-r-y year and we simply can not sustain this level of financial obligation without more help. This means the network may not grow as much, some systems may sit in a degraded state longer and there will be larger gaps between needed visits and improvements. It may even mean giving up some sites that are costing us more than we can afford to maintain for what they serve.
There are a few individuals who donate in other ways like use of a site, personal resources/equipment, skills, assistance on projects, etc... All of that helps greatly. You know who you are and we can't Thank You enough! Without the generous help and support from those people we'd be even "further in the hole" and unable to provide what we do now.
We strive to keep this network as one of the most reliable and viable ones out there for those times that it is really needed. We don't require a membership fee or dues to use CARLA and it has always been an OPEN system and we will continue to keep it that way but, it is not easy to do and that's where any financial help we can solicit will help to maintain that level of service that people have come to expect (within reason of course).
If you appreciate what we have in place and enjoy using it or just want to know it will be available to use when needed, please consider helping us out in any way you see fit. If you are unable to do anything at this time we understand. If you are able to later that's great but keep in mind we are not requiring it of anyone, but rather this is a chance for us to solicit the assistance of those that can and want to help out but could use that little nudge or reminder that we need your help.
There is a link to the support page at: http://www.carlaradio.net/support/ . There are "suggested" donation amounts which are completely arbitrary as some people offer more and some less. It's entirely up to you. Some people have found it easier to purchase a commonly used piece of equipment for us and donate it. That's worked out very well in the past.
This year we have plans for several new endeavors on the horizon. We hope you can be a part of it in one way or another and enjoy all that it will offer. Feel free to contact us if you have any questions, suggestions or ideas. There is a contact form on the website that can be used to get a hold of us at: http://www.carlaradio.net/aboutus/contact.php .
If you know of any friends or people that use the system or would like to support it please forward this on to them as there are plenty of individuals that utilize CARLA in some form or fashion but aren't part of the Yahoo Group reflector and don't realize they can help out.
Remember, "When all else fails...Amateur Radio"
We look forward to another successful year in 2011.
Thanks again.
The CARLA Team
Jeopardy of losing UHF bands
Last updated on February 25, 2011 by The C.A.R.L.A. Team | This article is Archived | Permalink
Recently there has been some chatter about a legislative bill (HR-607) that could cause the 420-440MHz band to be auctioned off to the commercial world. The ARRL is officially pulling the fire alarm to start a grass roots movement to ask as many people to send letters to their representative expressing opposition to the bill in its current form. Please read the ARRL message below for instructions on using a sample letter, whom to address it to and where to mail it. They strongly encourage, at minimum, a hand written letter vs a web-based post or e-mail due to the impact it has when tens of thousands of them are handed over all at once and will get delivered much quicker provided it is sent to the ARRL's PR office. However, it may be a good idea to contact your representative by electronic means in *addition to* a "snail mail" letter for a maximum effect.
As a heavy user of the band and considering all of the infrastructure we have in place and the detrimental effect it would have not just to CARLA but all systems out there that use the UHF band to link, including ones in other bands like 6m, 2m, 220, 900, 1.2G, etc... , we need your help to participate in this very important effort. There are also plenty of other operations that go on in the band besides links.
On behalf of CARLA and everything that we've built over the years and offer to the Amateur and emergency services community we ask that you participate in this grass roots movement to stop this bill and pass this along to as many people as you can think of, Amateurs or not.
Thank You!
----------------------------------------------------------------------
ARRL Grass Roots Legislative Program Request
Dear ARRL Member:
As you may have read, Rep. Peter King has introduced the "Broadband for First Responders Act of 2011" and the bill has been assigned HR 607. The story about the Bill's introduction can be found at http://www.arrl.org/news/spectrum-management-bill-threatens-amateur-frequencies.
The League supports spectrum for Public Safety need, but opposes HR 607 because of the inclusion of the 420-440 MHz spectrum as part of a spectrum swap.
ARRL President Kay Craigie, N3KN, has asked that the Divisions activate the Grass Roots Program by having our Members contact their local member of the House of Representatives asking them to oppose HR 607.
A sample letter can be found at http://www.arrl.org/sample-letters.
Your Representatives can be found at
http://www.arrl.org/contacting-your-congressional-representatives.
Because of delays in mail to Congress, you should send the letters, addressed to your representative, but mailed to the ARRL's Public Relations office, Chwat & Co. Chwat will sort the mail and distribute it directly to each Representative's office.
John Chwat
Chwat & Co.
625 Slaters Lane
Suite 103
Alexandria, VA 22314
Or by FAX 703-684-7594
It is imperative that the letters reach Congress as soon as possible.
Please read about the bill and the threat of our losing more frequencies for amateur use.
73,
Jettie Hill, W6RFF
Pacific Division Legislative Chair
Carla 13 on battery power
Last updated on February 15, 2011 by The C.A.R.L.A. Team | This article is Archived | Permalink
CARLA 13 has been on battery power since Tuesday morning. No details yet for an etr.
2010: The Year in Review
Last updated on February 14, 2011 by The C.A.R.L.A. Team | This article is Archived | Permalink
2010 was no exception when it came to having another busy year. Some accomplishments were in the forefront and obvious to those who follow CARLA's movements closely while even more were behind the scenes and not so obvious to users of the network.
The following are highlights and some details of what happened in 2010.
New systems installed:
We saw the addition of four new systems to the CARLA network in 2010!
Some of these sites required several trips to make it all happen and although each only represented by one line below, required well in excess of 100+ man-hours to prep, build, install, drive test and repair (in some cases)... yes, that's for each one.
They include the following:
CARLA 25 | Redding | 6,200' | 444.325+ | http://carlaradio.net/thesystem/systemdetail.php?sysid=25
CARLA 26 | Geyserville | 3,000' | 443.475+ | http://carlaradio.net/thesystem/systemdetail.php?sysid=26
CARLA 27 | Quincy | 7,220' | 440.725+ | http://carlaradio.net/thesystem/systemdetail.php?sysid=27
CARLA 28 | McCloud | 3,000' | 443.475+ | http://carlaradio.net/thesystem/systemdetail.php?sysid=28
System changes, modifications, projects:
(in no particular order)
- In addition to adding CARLA 26 (Geyserville) to the network it also serves as a relay point for CARLA 3 (Pt. Arena). So, one project was to visit CARLA 3's site and make all the appropriate changes and re-steer the link to CARLA 26's site. Although it added an extra hop point in the link path, it helped to improve the overall link path in general. There was also a prep for painting day that several of us attended in order to get the site ready for commercial customers. That was fun (Not).
- CARLA 10 (St. Cruz Mts.) saw the effects of PAVE PAWS when we had to replace the primary antenna on the tower and make it directional, favoring the SW direction. We also started the first phase of an overhaul project for the system in order to upgrade the equipment and move it into a larger cabinet.
-CARLA 6 (Snow Mt. Range/Stonyford-Willows) saw several trips to it during the year for a few projects. Some of those projects included removing and re-purposing the secondary link equipment from CARLA 13 and CARLA 3. We also added a new PV (solar) panel to the array to replace two that were cracked from falling ice. We thank the guys from the Oregon Connection with helping us to procure the panel for us to use. We also installed and started testing a VHF system at the same site. There were several trips made just for that installation and optimization. We have to co-channel with several other systems on the pair and several people had (volunteered) to do quite a bit of drive testing all through the greater Sacramento Valley, Central Valley and Bay Area while we made adjustments to the power and antenna pattern. This is still in testing mode and once things are finalized we will make the official announcement regarding it.
-CARLA 7 (San Jose) finally saw the interference from an uncoordinated ATV station in the link band cease operation which allowed us to re-mount and re-aim the link antenna which in turn greatly improved our link path and reliability. Over the past several years we have had to suffer with a poor link signal due changing weather conditions and interference attributed to the ATV operation and the measures we had to take to try and minimize its affect on us. We also started to work on the battery plant upgrade and plan to make some RF and audio improvements this year. Additionally, we installed a camera on the tower
for security.
-CARLA 8 (S. Lake Tahoe) saw a complete re-build and upgrade with a secondary back-up link installed (to CARLA 18's site) in order to connect the Nevada & California Hubs together in case of a circuit failure for the normal link.
-CARLA 19 (Hayward) had a rebuild of the rack along with new battery plant installed, new DC power distribution and other improvements.
-CARLA 13 (Shasta lake) had its primary link circuit changed out to an IP based solution utilizing the Link Comm DSP-404 controller with VoIP/RoIP capabilities.
-CARLA 18 (Topaz Lake, NV) Also had its primary link changed out to an IP based circuit. This one however, has been giving us some grief and we were able to switchover to the back-up RF link via CARLA 8's site in the meantime. This site also required a visit in December through snow & ice via snowmobile to deal with the problem.
-CARLA 20 (Burney) Needed its link antenna replaced due to ice damage from the tower. The primary antenna also suffered some damage from ice buildup and high winds.
-CARLA 15 (Coalinga) had a bad link radio replaced and controller firmware update performed.
-CARLA 12 (Pleasanton) required a replacement of the primary repeater's power amp and subsequently we took advantage of the down time to upgrade the controller to the S-Com 7330.
-CARLA 9 (Modesto) This system had to be dismantled and moved to a new location on the same Mt. Top. Everything was removed including rack, equipment, batteries, antennas, etc... and reinstalled just a few hundred feet away (that was a separate trip). It still needs be upgraded with a new controller, link system and battery plant. Another project for 2011.
-Vaca HUB We replaced some of the batteries that were getting old and not performing when in back-up operation. A new heavy duty charger is also needed to replace the failing one.
Website related changes, enhancements:
-Rolled out a new `contact/report a problem' page and form so people can do just that. Contact the admin staff and also report a problem via the website if they have no other means to let us know.
-More pictures added to the gallery.
-New system & site information published as they came on air.
-Back-room database and GUI improvements & enhancements
Other miscellaneous items:
-As always, we have a concurrent agenda to the steady maintenance, repairs and new build-outs which includes all kind of special projects, system upgrades & overhaul, local site (land lord requested) improvements & projects, website updates, programming enhancements, interference and performance issues needing investigation and resolution, finding a permanent resolution for the performance issues with the DSP-404 controllers we have deployed, etc, etc, etc...
Let's put it this way, the goals & project list for 2011 is currently 5 pages long and always dynamic in nature.
Future systems/sites:
-In 2011 we hope to accomplish the integration of a few more sites to expand our coverage into key areas that do not currently have access to the network and subsequently can not utilize our wide area linking capabilities during `significant events'. Some areas we are working on include the San Luis Obispo area, the Eastern parts California/Sierras, more parts of Nevada and some more of the North Coast of California. Some of these new sites have been in the hopper for a year or two but this year we are determined to make several of them happen.
We are also working on our 900MHz system and integrating that into the rest of the network. We have experienced some technical issues along the way but "we are aware of the problem and working on it".
So, that's all we can remember for 2010. We're two and half months into 2011 and have already been busy "getting to work".
We'd like to also thank those individuals who have made all the above possible during the year. There's only a handful of people involved but the contribution and effect has always been enormous.
Network 'Lock-Up' issue resolved
Last updated on February 13, 2011 by The C.A.R.L.A. Team | This article is Archived | Permalink
We've been testing it for a week now and feel confident our programming changes have fixed the lock-up (dead key) problem we have been experiencing on the network.
As some of you may remember, the problem started when we switched over to the back-up link at CARLA 8's site since we were having problems with the newly installed IP link to CARLA 18 (which serves as the Nevada Ring's Hub). Normally, CARLA 8 is a spoke off of the primary Vaca Hub. Currently it is acting as a relay between the Vaca Hub & Nevada Hub until we can thoroughly troubleshoot the IP circuit issue.
All that being said, the problem with the lock-up's seems to have ceased so we will now revert the time out timer from Nevada to California back to 3 minutes (from the current 1 minute temporary setting) and we don't have to deal with those annoying dead keys anymore.
Echolink audio restored
Last updated on February 5, 2011 by The C.A.R.L.A. Team | This article is Archived | Permalink
The inbound/outbound audio issues we were experiencing with the EchoIRLP node have been resolved, and the node is working normally on both IRLP and Echolink. As always, we thank everyone for their patience.
Controller resets at Mt. Vaca Hub
Last updated on February 4, 2011 by The C.A.R.L.A. Team | This article is Archived | Permalink
This week we have been experiencing resets of the repeater controller at the Mt. Vaca Hub site. Something, yet to be determined, is causing the controller to reset quite often which may manifest itself as kerchunks and/or controller reset messages. When it happens it is heard everywhere in the network.
As the saying goes "We're aware of the problem and we are working on it". In fact a trip was made this afternoon to start the troubleshooting process. So far it is indeterminate as to what exactly is causing the problem.
We are in the process of re-programming a replacement controller to swap out and see if that fixes the issue.
More to come.
Echolink audio issues
Last updated on December 18, 2010 by The C.A.R.L.A. Team | This article is Archived | Permalink
The inbound and outbound audio for the echolink connection is not working.
IRLP connections seem to be ok at this time.
Wireline link to Shasta is OOS-using back-up.
Last updated on December 11, 2010 by The C.A.R.L.A. Team | This article is Archived | Permalink
The CARLA 5 controller is having problems causing it to reset quite often. We disconnected it from the wireline link to Shasta which helped to settle it down. We have subsequently enabled the RF back-up link between Shasta and the rest of the network. This cross-connection switch is located at CARLA 25's site. Occasionally, there may be some noise on the path which could impair reception of southbound traffic. Once we get the problem repaired we will advise. Thanks.
CARLA 20 OOS
Last updated on December 8, 2010 by The C.A.R.L.A. Team | This article is Archived | Permalink
CARLA 20, Burney CA., is Out Of Service due to an antenna issue. The primary antenna's mount has failed and the antenna is currently horizontally polarized. No ETA on restoral.
CARLA 5 offline this Sunday
Last updated on October 29, 2010 by The C.A.R.L.A. Team | This article is Archived | Permalink
CARLA 5, East Bay Hills, will be taken off the backbone and used in local mode only for a race event in Lafayette this Sunday morning the 31st of October.
Approximate time frame is from 6am to 11am. During that period please refrain from using it unless it is urgent. The link will be off line so that option will not work.
Thanks.
Nevada connectivity & audio issues >>UPDATED
Last updated on October 29, 2010 by The C.A.R.L.A. Team | This article is Archived | Permalink
>> UPDATE << The Nevada ring is back on normal mode. The audio still has occasional issues and there are dead keys sometimes originating from the Nevada Hub (CARLA 18). we are still having issues with audio and signalling on the new IP circuit.
Recently we had to change the circuit design that feeds the Nevada ring (CARLA 18, 21, 22, 23, 24) from the rest of the network to an IP based connection.
This created an issue with the tx & rx audio quality on that connection. It basically sounds like a Nextel or cell phone going "digital" at times or just choppy. This problem needs further troubleshooting to remedy the issue.
More recently (Monday) there was a power outage at CARLA 5's site which also houses phone and data equipment and acts as our data hub, of which some circuits interface with the RF network at the site. Some of the digital cross connect equipment experienced a brownout and lost all the configuration files. This was ugly. Parts were replaced and the slow process of manually configuring all the ports and cross connect information from scratch started. They are not completely done and as a result we have lost the circuit feeding the Nevada ring temporarily.
In the interim we have cut over to the RF back-up path that connects CARLA 18 to the Vaca Hub via CARLA 8 as the hop point. The only issue with this is the added delay for another site in the path. An extra 1/2 to 1 second should be added as a beginning pause so traffic to & from Nevada doesn't get chopped off in the beginning of a sentence.
Once the permanent circuit to Nevada is re-established we will probably revert to that as long as the audio issue doesn't become intolerable. Hopefully that will happen this week.
We'll send updates as needed.
Thanks
CARLA 7 OOS
Last updated on October 25, 2010 by The C.A.R.L.A. Team | This article is Archived | Permalink
CARLA 7, San Jose, is Out of Service. The exact reason is unkown but we should find out more information in the next few days.
CARLA 28 on the air
Last updated on October 13, 2010 by The C.A.R.L.A. Team | This article is Archived | Permalink
CARLA 28, McCloud (443.475+ Local PL:100.0Hz, Link PL: 173.8Hz) has just been added and integrated into the network. The site is located between McCloud and Mt. Shasta City near the I-5 & Hwy 89 junction below Mt. Shasta. It helps to fill in some areas up there that CARLA 13 could not cover well.
It covers the I-5 corridor through most of the canyon including Lakehead, Castella, Dunsmuir and north into McCloud, Mt. Shasta City, Weed and Grenada. There are parts of Yreka that you can work it with a mobile or base but it is on the very outer fringe of coverage.
System 28 connects to the Shasta hub at #13's site and offers some redundant/overlapping coverage in certain areas. However, if one or the other systems were to fail the other would pick-up some of it.
CARLA 25 changes
Last updated on October 13, 2010 by The C.A.R.L.A. Team | This article is Archived | Permalink
CARLA system 25, (444.325+ Local PL:100Hz, Link PL:173.8Hz) has been completely rebuilt from the ground up and now conforms to our new installation standards including new controller, link radios, battery system, antennas, filtering & generator back-up power. The system was originally integrated into our network last year from the Oregon Connection. It used to be their southern most site.
The site covers the greater Redding area and south towards Corning and beyond. Although it is considered to be part of the 'Shasta Ring' it does not go through the Shasta hub. It ties directly to the Vaca hub which would offer some coverage if we were to lose our connection to the Shasta hub and the other systems running off of it. This site also acts as our back-up relay point between the Vaca hub and the Shasta hub in case we were to lose our normal connection to/from the Shasta systems. Unfortunately, the system has been reduced in power to help mitigate any signal getting to BAFB.
CARLA 27 added to the network
Last updated on July 22, 2010 by The C.A.R.L.A. Team | This article is Archived | Permalink
We are pleased to announce the latest system added to the CARLA network, #27 located above Quincy, California in Plumas County.
It offers excellent coverage in Quincy & East Quincy along with good coverage Westward along parts of Highway 70 and the Feather River and out Highway 89 through Crescent Mills, Taylorsville, Chester, Lake Almanor, Westwood and parts of Susanville.
It also covers parts East on Highway 70/89 past Clio, Graeagle, Calpine and out to Sierraville.
The Frequency & PL's are:
440.725+
Local PL:100.0
Link PL: 173.8
It ties directly into our primary hub on Mt. Vaca.
Thank you to those who helped pull this together and make it happen.
CARLA 10 OOS
Last updated on May 30, 2010 by The C.A.R.L.A. Team | This article is Archived | Permalink
Looks like CARLA 10 is off the air. Once someone is able to access the site and make repeairs we'll get an update.
CARLA 20 back on-line
Last updated on May 24, 2010 by The C.A.R.L.A. Team | This article is Archived | Permalink
CARLA 20 is back-online after severe winter storms took out the main antenna and link antenna. Repairs have been made and everything is now operational.
CARLA 15 Back on line
Last updated on May 22, 2010 by The C.A.R.L.A. Team | This article is Archived | Permalink
CARLA 15 (Coalinga) ahd the link radio replaced plus a controller firmware update and is back on line to the rest of the network.
C.A.R.L.A. Celebrates 25 Years
Last updated on May 15, 2010 by The C.A.R.L.A. Team | This article is Archived | Permalink
Twenty five years ago, C.A.R.L.A. set out to build an open and reliable emergency communications system. Today, thanks to the many years of dedicated service by all those that have made contributions of every possible type, that goal is realized.
With this anniversary comes an important milestone - the integration of the C.A.R.L.A. 26, which has brought the number of repeaters in the network up to twenty five. Although Skip isn't with us to celebrate, we know that he would be proud.
C.A.R.L.A. would like to extend its warmest thanks to everyone who has used and supported the system over the years. Without you, we couldn't have done it. Here's to another twenty-five!
CARLA 12 OOS
Last updated on May 15, 2010 by The C.A.R.L.A. Team | This article is Archived | Permalink
CARLA 12 OOS due to transmitter issue
CARLA 26 integrated into the network
Last updated on May 14, 2010 by The C.A.R.L.A. Team | This article is Archived | Permalink
We are pleased to announce that CARLA 26 (Geyserville) has been integrated into the network of repeaters. This system is located above the Alexander Valley overlooking the 101 corridor from Cloverdale south towards Petaluma. This includes Geyserville, Healdsburg, Windsor, Santa Rosa, Cotati & Rohnert Park. This adds much needed coverage to the North Bay area. There is some coverage in other areas to the North & East as well.
This site is also the new link hop for CARLA 3 and is much more reliable and easier to access in the winter.
The frequency & PL's are exactly the same as CARLA 18;
CARLA 26 K6LNK, Geyerville
443.475+
Local PL: 110.9
Link PL: 167.9
CARLA 20 OOS
Last updated on May 11, 2010 by The C.A.R.L.A. Team | This article is Archived | Permalink
CARLA 20 (Burney) is Out Of Service with no local or link service. An advance team is planning to go to the site to make a preliminary assesment this week. Depending on the outcome, we may be sending up techs to deal with the problem.
CARLA 3 back on link
Last updated on May 11, 2010 by The C.A.R.L.A. Team | This article is Archived | Permalink
CARLA 3's link into the rest of the network has been restablished through a new min-hub located near Geyserville. This new path should be much more reliable than the previous one and not only has battery back-up power but generator back-up as well. Welcome back to the North Central Coast users.
CARLA 19 Link is OOS
Last updated on April 26, 2010 by The C.A.R.L.A. Team | This article is Archived | Permalink
The link to/from CARLA 19 (Hayward) is currently down. We suspect an issue with the link radio itself, as the main repeater and also the link from 19 to CARLA 4 is operational. We will assess the situation and conduct repairs as soon as an onsite visit can be scheduled.
CARLA 15 Link is OOS
Last updated on April 20, 2010 by The C.A.R.L.A. Team | This article is Archived | Permalink
The link to/from CARLA 15 (Coalinga) is Out Of Service. It is unclear what the problem is but it affects both tx & rx on the link. The primary repeater is operational. It has been put on the list of things to repair.
CARLA 25 scheduled power outage
Last updated on April 14, 2010 by The C.A.R.L.A. Team | This article is Archived | Permalink
CARLA 25 is scheduled to be off the air this Friday the 16th of April for PG&E pole replacement.
The estimated time frame is from 8am to 4pm. The site does not currently have battery back-up so the repeater will be off the air.
It's that time again..for support
Last updated on March 11, 2010 by The C.A.R.L.A. Team | This article is Archived | Permalink
It's that time of the year when we get on our knees and start groveling for any financial assistance and/or benevolent donations for the cause.
We know it's hard to believe but we were turned down once again for federal bailout and TARP funds in 2009. We keep trying to be irresponsible with our investments while going deeper in debt and rampant growth but it's just not enough for us to qualify.
So, we are forced to put forth the tin cup and ask for any jingling that may rain unto us.
In all seriousness, our expenses and investment in equipment and supplies has gotten larger as each year passes. It exceeds what a lot of commercial operators would spend on their systems that make them money and it exceeds what we are able to keep pace with. It is way too much for us to maintain at the current level and that doesn't even begin to touch the travel related expenses we incur with every trip or the yearly administrative and overhead costs, all of which as an aggregate we have to pay for out of pocket.
This last year a few people have been quite generous with their time, skills, monetary donations, available resources and new & used equipment donations. It all helps to offset the enormous investment we make each year in keeping up with not only all the maintenance and upgrades but all of the new builds & expansions, equipment purchases and recurring monthly expenses. We strive to keep this network as one of the most reliable and viable ones out there for those times that it is really needed in a pinch. We don't require a "membership fee" to use CARLA and it has always been an OPEN system and we will continue to keep it that way but it isn't easy to do and that's where any help we can seek out is sincerely appreciated.
We realize there are no requirements to help defray any of the operating costs or capitol investments we incur each year and we're okay with that. But, if you do like what we have in place and enjoy using it or just want to know you'll have it in your hip pocket to use when needed, please consider helping us out in any way you see fit. Some folks have always been there to help on one project or another or make a donation or allow us use of their resources or purchase/donate new & used equipment for us and that is terrific. You know who you are and we can't thank you enough for what you have done. There probably is no one quite as dedicated as the principals of this network but some select few individuals have come in a very close second. But, we know there are more of you out there that are willing or would like to help us in one fashion or another and just need a nudge or reminder that this is the season for our pledge drive. If you are unable to do anything at this time we understand. If you are able to later that's great but keep in mind we are not requiring it of anyone, but rather this is a chance for us to solicit the help of those that can and want to help out. First and foremost please feel free to continue using the system and hopefully enjoy what all it has to offer.
This year we have plans for many new endeavors on the horizon. We hope you can be a part of it in one way or another and enjoy all that it will offer. Feel free to contact us if you have any questions, suggestions or ideas.
If you know of anyone that uses the system or would like to support it feel free to forward this on to them. There are plenty of people that utilize CARLA in some form or fashion but aren't part of this reflector.
We look forward to another successful year in 2010.
Thanks again.
The CARLA Team
2009 in review...what's new for 2010
Last updated on March 11, 2010 by The C.A.R.L.A. Team | This article is Archived | Permalink
2009 In review:
Sit back
Echo-IRLP node OOS.
Last updated on March 11, 2010 by The C.A.R.L.A. Team | This article is Archived | Permalink
The CARLA Echo-IRLP node has been temporarily taken off line so we can re-purpose that port on the controller for testing of the 900Mhz repeater. We hope to have it re-integrated within a few days.
Link to OC is OOS
Last updated on February 3, 2010 by The C.A.R.L.A. Team | This article is Archived | Permalink
The link to the OC (Oregon Connection) is currently OOS due to a link radio failure at their Mt. Bradley site which is the connection point for both networks.
We can connect to that site but not go any further north. They can connect to their next site north of that but not further south.
We'll pass on any updates as we become aware of them.
No ETR as of yet.
CARLA 3 LINK OOS
Last updated on February 3, 2010 by The C.A.R.L.A. Team | This article is Archived | Permalink
Although the equipment at CARLA 3's site is working fine, the hub transmitter at CARLA 6's site is OOS rendering the path to/from CARLA 3 Out of Service. This also affects the back-up link to CARLA 13 if the primary link to 13 from the network were to fail.
A trip was made to the site recently by a radio tech and amateur to do a preliminary assesment for us. There is several feet of snow and a snow cat is required to gain access. We'll need to wait for an another opportunity to go up.
C.A.R.L.A. 3/6/10 Restored to Service
Last updated on January 16, 2010 by The C.A.R.L.A. Team | This article is Archived | Permalink
C.A.R.L.A. 3, 6, and 10 were restored to full service on Saturday, Jan 16th, thanks to the hard work of two separate field teams.
The faulty main link radio at C.A.R.L.A. 6 was replaced and other equipment repaired, and some programming tweaks were implemented. This has restored a more robust path to and from C.A.R.L.A. 3, which should mean much clearer audio between it and the rest of the network.
It was determined (as we expected) that the main cabinet fuse at C.A.R.L.A. 10 had blown. The fuse was replaced, and an impulse dampening device was installed, which hopefully will keep this from happening again in the future. Also, due to further PAVE PAWS issues, transmit power for the system was reduced further.
We would like to thank all our users again for bearing with us while we worked to solve these problems.
CARLA 9 off line
Last updated on January 12, 2010 by The C.A.R.L.A. Team | This article is Archived | Permalink
CARLA 9, Modesto will be off line for several weeks while we re-locate and re-build the system to our latest specs. The new location will be very similar. We may change the pattern a bit to reduce coverage towards BAFB & the Bay Area.
Echolink changes
Last updated on January 12, 2010 by The C.A.R.L.A. Team | This article is Archived | Permalink
The primary Echolink node into the CARLA network had its callsign
changed to K6LNK/R.
The node number is still the same which is: 360571.
This change may cause some individual echolink connections to show
unavailable until the callsign is updated on those node clients.
Nevada hub on back-up link to network
Last updated on January 12, 2010 by The C.A.R.L.A. Team | This article is Archived | Permalink
The circuit connecting the Nevada hub to the rest of the network is experiencing some problems. This has caused the network to repeatedly key up with no audio.
We have bypassed that link and enabled the back-up RF link which uses CARLA 8 as an intermediate hop point.
We'll advise when things have normalized but it should be a seamless transition for the most part.
C.A.R.L.A. 3 back on the network
Last updated on January 9, 2010 by The C.A.R.L.A. Team | This article is Archived | Permalink
C.A.R.L.A. 3's link to the rest of the network was restored this afternoon. Shortly, in fact, before the offshore quake near Eureka.
In any event, it is using the backup link at System 6's site to connect to the network via System 13 (System 6 itself is still down). This path has a tendency to be noisy, especially during the evening, night, and early morning. This link path also entails slightly more latency than the main RF link, so as always we ask our users to make sure that when they key up, they wait a second or two before speaking.
At this point, we don't anticipate a need for C.A.R.L.A. to be used to pass critical life & safety info in and out of the affected region, but since System 3 is a communications resource in the area, we ask that for the next couple of days our users be especially mindful of monitoring the system before transmitting, to avoid interrupting conversations, and to leave pauses so that priority or emergency traffic can be passed if necessary.
Issues with CARLA 3, 6 & 9
Last updated on January 8, 2010 by The C.A.R.L.A. Team | This article is Archived | Permalink
The following systems have operational issues:
CARLA 3, Pt. Arena; Link to/from the network is down until we come up with a work around. The problem is actually at CARLA 6.
CARLA 6, Willows; The main RX is not passing audio out the repeater and the main network link RX is not working. This also affects the link into/out of CARLA 3. We are still trying to assess the full extent of the problem.
CARLA 9, Modesto; The system has been on battery power for several days now and we have taken it off line in order to keep enough power reserves until we are able to assess the full extent of the loss of commercial power.
CARLA 5 Work/Testing 11/21
Last updated on November 21, 2009 by The C.A.R.L.A. Team | This article is Archived | Permalink
We'll be doing some work on the controller at CARLA 5 today. Thus, variously the system itself, or the link to Vaca or the link north may be down for brief periods. We will try and have as little downtime as possible, and thank you for your understanding.
----
Update: The controller was upgraded sucessfully (knocks on wood) and everything is back up and running normally.
CARLA 22 Link restored
Last updated on November 11, 2009 by The C.A.R.L.A. Team | This article is Archived | Permalink
After a 22 hour day, 13 of which included driving ~700 miles and making 3 pots of coffee on site, CARLA 22 is linked once again into the rest of the network.
Welcome back to our Hawthorne & Mammoth delegates.
Apparently, the site was also on battery power for several days during the last week while the link was down.
The main link antenna shooting to/from CARLA 18's site was bent down several degrees and either had an open or short internally. This was a very stout Telewave model but most likely suffered a heavy chunk of ice smacking it from above.
There were also firmware upgrades made to the controller (which went well) and subsequent re-programming (which didn't go so well) and suffice it to say, had a 'few snags'.
CARLA 22 link OOS.
Last updated on November 3, 2009 by The C.A.R.L.A. Team | This article is Archived | Permalink
The main link at CARLA 22 into and out of the network is out of service at the moment. We will try and attempt a repair before the snows make it impossible to access via 4WD.
Link to Oregon back up
Last updated on October 26, 2009 by The C.A.R.L.A. Team | This article is Archived | Permalink
The link between C.A.R.L.A. and the Oregon Connection has been re-established. We had controller issues on our end and the OC had site issues on their end but both sides have worked diligently to get our respective ends back up to par in time for winter. The link is not connected full time so if you want have it connected feel free to see if there is a control op available to turn it on. REMEMBER after keying up to leave an extra second or more before talking (in addition to what you already should be using on the C.A.R.L.A. network) so you won't get cut off due to the multiple links and sites involved to make it from one end to the other. Currently there is an automatic time out timer that will disconnect the link after ~45-60 minutes.
CARLA 5 off network this Sunday (10-25-09)
Last updated on October 23, 2009 by The C.A.R.L.A. Team | This article is Archived | Permalink
CARLA 5 will be in LOCAL mode only this coming Sunday October 25th to provide communications for an event in Lafayette. It should be isolated for most of the morning and returned to normal use sometime in the early afternoon. Please give priority to traffic for the event until it's finished. Thank you.
Systems being affected this coming weekend
Last updated on October 14, 2009 by The C.A.R.L.A. Team | This article is Archived | Permalink
This is a heads up to let everyone know that several systems will be affected this weekend by upgrades and changes.
CARLA 6, 13 & 20 will be worked on during this Saturday & Sunday October 17&18.
The systems may be OOS (Out of Service) for relatively short periods of time as we make changes and upgrades primarily to the links and battery back-up system(s). This is part of an effort to finish high priority projects before the snows hit and also maintain a high reliability of service during the winter months.
Thanks.
Current storm conditions; Tuesday 10-13-09
Last updated on October 14, 2009 by The C.A.R.L.A. Team | This article is Archived | Permalink
UPDATE; 10-14-09:
Commercial power has been restored to CARLA 13 & 11.
IP link from CARLA 13 has been re-established.
Back-up links and battery power systems worked as designed.
-----------------------------------------------------------
Due to severe storm conditions affecting the CARLA coverage areas, the following sites are affected:
CARLA 13- On Battery power and back-up RF link into the network (primary IP link is down).
CARLA 11- On Battery power
Recent changes, upgrades and network status
Last updated on October 2, 2009 by The C.A.R.L.A. Team | This article is Archived | Permalink
The website has undergone some improvements lately. Some changes are noticeable and some are for administrative use behind the scenes. Some noteworthy enhancements include:
-Updated the "At a glance" status section on the home page that shows the system(s) status but now also shows the hub & link status. This way you can see if there is a problem with the system or just the link and/or the hub that it is fed from.
-There are new colored "LED's" that show the additional states.
-On the interactive map there are new colors representing different types of link & back-up link paths plus their status.
-The printable pdf fold out version of the CARLA systems & PL list have been updated. It is designed to be laminated and used in a mobile and portable settings for quick reference. You can dowload it via the system page, or by clicking here (opens in a new window).
We are also developing a new real time status for the IRLP node that will reside on the website for quick status updates like the systems.
We would like to thank Peter, KG6SLY for all his hard work, time and dedication on developing new databases, functionality and enhancements to the CARLA website.
--
We're testing a new Link PL courtesy tone on a few systems including CARLA 5 & 13. This is in an attempt to make it easier for people to identify and differentiate between the Local & Link tones while not making it too annoying or overbearing. It sounds like two quick DTMF type tones. The Local PL and inbound link courtesy tones will remain the same. We'll see if more people are able to pay attention to the tones and get on the "same page" with each other. Let us know what you think. As we replace repeater controllers in the network we will have more flexibility with what we can do with them.
--
We also replaced the new IP capable repeater controllers at CARLA 5 and 13's site. The connection between the two sites has been re-established and we are testing them with the new firmware and memory repairs. This has been a very long, up hill and painful ordeal dealing with all the problems these units had. We are hopeful that we'll see better performance from these as time passes.
--
We have been working on a new back-up RF link for connecting the systems on the Shasta hub and the Oregon Connection in case we lose our dedicated wireline link to them. We have another trip to make to CARLA 6 as well as CARLA 13 & 20 to make the final changes before the snows hit. All three of these sites required major changes to make all this happen. We recently made similar updates and changes to CARLA 8 & 18 to do the same for the Nevada hub.
Stay tuned for more
CARLA 6 LINK PL Change
Last updated on September 20, 2009 by The C.A.R.L.A. Team | This article is Archived | Permalink
Recently we have been hearing some noise originating from CARLA 6 over the link with the 179.9 PL. Since we were there this weekend completing other projects we decided to change the LINK PL instead of risking problems during the winter months when the site becomes buried in snow or spending numerous hours/trips going to and from the site trying to DF the noise.
The new LINK PL is 167.9Hz. The LOCAL remains 114.8Hz.
We tried to time this just after KF6YXQ re-programmed his radio(s) from CARLA 8's recent PL changes. Actually, this was not anticipated but he doesn't need to know that...
CARLA 3 Link changes
Last updated on September 20, 2009 by The C.A.R.L.A. Team | This article is Archived | Permalink
After completing all the work at CARLA 6 we were able to visit CARLA 3's site (Pt. Arena) and make the appropriate changes there to swing the link over to a new path & frequency.
Preliminary tests were very promising and the link path sounded much better.
Two things to keep in mind:
-The link path now consists of an extra hop via CARLA 6 so a little additional time is required to allow for the extra link equipment to come up to speed when first keying up.
-Since we are routing through CARLA 6's site, which is 100% solar powered, it is imperative that you keep this in mind while talking in the evening hours or when there is little sun from thick clouds, storms, etc... We did make several changes at 6's site to adjust for this including 2 more batteries, lower powered link radios and additional solar panels but long, extended conversations to/from CARLA 3 via the link is not encouraged in non-sunny hours. Normal/average traffic is fine as well as LOCAL use on CARLA 3 since it is on commercial & battery back-up power.
Once the programming info for the new controller is compiled we will re-implement the battery conservation mode to both CARLA 6 & 3 links.
CARLA 6 Upgrades completed
Last updated on September 20, 2009 by The C.A.R.L.A. Team | This article is Archived | Permalink
This weekend we made the upgrades and changes to CARLA 6. It took about 10 hours on site with 4 people to complete most of the work. We had to deal with a broken PV panel most likely due to falling ice from the tower which slowed progress.
CARLA 3 is also connected via the new link and is sounding much better so far. See a specific post regarding this.
We had to change the Link PL on 6 to 167.9 Hz. Also see an additional post regarding this change.
On to the next project(s)
CARLA 6 & 3 upgrades
Last updated on September 16, 2009 by The C.A.R.L.A. Team | This article is Archived | Permalink
We have plans to upgrade CARLA 6 (Stonyford) this weekend which includes re-racking the equipment, installing a new controller and link radio, adding an additional link system for CARLA 3 (Pt. Arena) to improve the path from CARLA 3 into the rest of the network, adding another PV panel for the solar power system as well as other upgrades & improvements.
The work is planned for this Saturday. If all goes well and we have enough time (and energy) Sunday, we will try to make a trip to CARLA 3 to re-aim the link antenna and re-program the link radio. However, that will not be determined until Sunday morning.
Stay tuned.
Upgrades to CARLA 8 are completed
Last updated on September 14, 2009 by The C.A.R.L.A. Team | This article is Archived | Permalink
The upgrades to CARLA 8 (Echo Summit) have been finished and are in effect.
This includes a new controller, link radio, back-up/alternate path link to/from the Nevada Ring and of course the anticipated (dreaded) LINK PL Change to 151.4Hz (from 179.9).
Remember that the LOCAL PL is still 127.3 Hz and the repeater always encodes 127.3 Hz.
CARLA 8
442.075+
127.3 LOCAL PL
151.4 LINK PL
Go program those radios and tell a friend who might need to know.
Thanks.
CARLA 8 Link PL changes to 151.4 Hz
Last updated on September 10, 2009 by The C.A.R.L.A. Team | This article is Archived | Permalink
It has been a while since we had to change a PL and we know that a few of you need some more aggravation so we decided it was time once again to pull out the programming cables, laptops, manuals and patience and change one PL for CARLA 8.
The existing link PL is 179.9 Hz and the new link PL will most likely be 151.4 Hz barring any unforseen issues.
The reason for the change is that 179.9 is a third harmonic of 60 Hz and there is a lot of electrical noie at the site from a utility pole that not only causes issues to weak signals but falses the PL decoder for the link as well.
This can cause falsing under certain situations so since we need to go back up to tie up some loose ends, we will also make this change.
Thanks.
CARLA 8 upgrades
Last updated on September 3, 2009 by The C.A.R.L.A. Team | This article is Archived | Permalink
The CARLA 8 system (442.075+, Lake Tahoe) will be off the air for upgrades this Saturday, September 5th.
We will be re-racking and upgrading the system with a new controller, new batteries, and a back-up RF link to CARLA 18 in case we lose connectivity to the Nevada hub. Expect the system to be down for most of the morning and day while we perform the work.
Other systems in the region (21,23,18) will still be up and operational with CARLA 23 being the only other system to cover the Tahoe basin.
Thanks for your patience during this upgrade.
Echo-IRLP Node down
Last updated on September 2, 2009 by The C.A.R.L.A. Team | This article is Archived | Permalink
We are taking down the Echo-IRLP Node for troubleshooting and repairs. The inbound audio is distorted and hard to understand. We will send an announcement when it is back up and operational. It may be a little while however whike we juggle it with all the other projects.
Thanks.
2 new systems for beta testing
Last updated on September 1, 2009 by The C.A.R.L.A. Team | This article is Archived | Permalink
Recently we added two new systems for beta testing on the network.
The first is located in the Carson City area at 7,440 foot elevation (CARLA 24, 443.325+, 127.3 PL). It is currently in stand alone mode and not linked into the network. It covers the Carson Valley very well, most parts of Reno and East into Fallon and other areas. It can also be worked in some areas of the Lake Tahoe Basin.
The second system is located west of Redding at 6,200 foot elevation (CARLA 25, 444.325+, 100.0 PL). It is currently linked in full time to the network and was actually the southern most repeater of the Oregon Connection system. Since its original link was diverted to tie in the OC to CARLA, it has been isolated for several months. Since it is surrounded by other CARLA machines in the area (13, 20, 6) it made sense to integrate into our network and make more efficient use of it. We are considering upgrading it to a dual PL system with battery back-up and also use it as the back-up RF link site instead of CARLA 20\'s site. It covers the northern part of the valley very well around Redding, Anderson, Red Bluff, Corning, etc
Network status
Last updated on July 25, 2009 by The C.A.R.L.A. Team | This article is Archived | Permalink
Over the last week or so the new controller at CARLA 5 Oakland/East Bay Hills (Link Comm DSP-404) has gotten progressively worse. We were attending to it daily, sometimes for hours at a time trying to revive it until it finally gave up and died a couple of days ago. It was headed for the cliff but we restrained ourselves especially for what they cost.
Saturday we replaced it with a new S-Com 7330 which we are slowly integrating into all of the network replacing the aging but reliable S-Com 7K controllers.
This is a temporary solution until we get a replacement DSP-404. They acknowledge the problems and have supposedly been working on fixes but certainly not fast enough for our requirements.
Subsequently, this has cut off the Shasta Ring from the rest of the network meaning CARLA 13 & 20 are stand-alone and talking only to each other for now and our link to the Oregon Connection is disabled and only available through IRLP until the controller is replaced.
On another note, we have re-enabled the IRLP & EchoLink node for the time being as we have another controller to allow us enough ports to run everything.
C.A.R.L.A. May/June 2009 wrap up
Last updated on July 4, 2009 by The C.A.R.L.A. Team | This article is Archived | Permalink
There is a lot that was accomplished in May & June of 2009 for C.A.R.L.A. Here is a wrap up of what happened in brief:
CARLA 3, Pt. Arena:
We replaced CARLA 3 with a permanent system and linked it in to the rest of the network. It now has a dual PL scheme, battery back up, new controller, better RX & TX gain and so on. One issue we have experienced is the fading link path at times. It may be just fine when using it or it may fade into the noise usually with hot temperatures. We are constantly listening to the path and will make some changes this year to try and improve it. For now, please be patient with it and say hello to the newly connected users in the Pt. Arena, Manchester and surrounding coastal towns. This was the last CARLA system to be linked in to the network.
CARLA 5, Oakland:
The new CARLA 5 system has been on the air for a few weeks now but has been experiencing some technical issues with the controller. It is the same model as the one at CARLA 13`s site and we do have a way to remotely reset this one as well. It seems this controller has been acting up multiple times a day and then maybe not again for a few days or a week. There is no pattern that we can pin it down to but the manufacturer is aware of issues with them and we have been patiently awaiting a fix.
CARLA 13, Shasta Lake:
We installed the new IP controller and RF link to the Oregon Connection, new antennas and did a lot of work getting everything working properly. Then the controller decided to lock up and we made another trip to install a remotely controlled power management black box to reset the controller when it goes wiggy.
CARLA 18, Topaz Lake, NV:
We replaced the RF hub that links in all of the Nevada sites and replaced a pre-amp that was damaged. This should help with audio and link path gains.
CARLA 20, Burney:
We found the reason for the repeater being off link. The link antenna was sheared off most likely due to a chunk of ice falling from the tower. Since this was an `extra` field trip, we did not have a spare Yagi to replace it with. In a pinch, we used a rubber duck antenna from the service monitor and it is still full quieting back to CARLA 13. When we go up to replace out the entire system we will bring a new Yagi antenna as well. This is the last of the machines that still has a single PL and temporary repeater.
CARLA 22, Hawthorne NV:
The system on Corey Peak has been replaced with a permanent system. It now has a dual PL scheme, battery back up, better RX & TX gain, new antennas, RF links, new controller and so on. To date this is our highest site at 10,300 feet and covers a wide area of Western-Central Nevada and Eastern California. Anyone travelling South on 395 towards Bishop and beyond is encouraged to check in and give us some feedback on drive tests. This site will require another trip to tie up loose ends that we ran out of time to finish.
CARLA 23, Reno/Lake Tahoe NV:
We tied up several loose ends on this system and moved the primary antenna a little higher along with a new coax run. We still need to make another trip to finish a few things as it turned out to be a Noon to Midnight day partly due to having to hike the last 500 feet to the site carrying all kinds of equipment and test gear and making several trips doing it. There was a deep snow drift that kept us from traversing the road and made for a real fun filled, oxygen depleting couple of hours hiking at nearly 10,000 feet.
Stay tuned for more to come.
Oregon Connection testing completed
Last updated on May 8, 2009 by The C.A.R.L.A. Team | This article is Archived | Permalink
As some of you know we've been conducting some preliminary tests linking with the Oregon Connection via IRLP for the last couple of months. We recently completed our tests and have returned our respective networks to their normal status.
We are still moving forward with an integrated linking solution via RF between the two systems. We expect that will take place in roughly a month or so.
We realize that keeping both systems tied together on a full time basis doubles the traffic that either group is used to and limits the availability to use each respective network separately.
Once that link is in place we will conduct some more testing to see what the normal connection mode will be. More than likely it will be activated by command with an automatic disconnect based on activity timers.
Thank you for you patience during this trial test period. We'll keep everyone updated as more information becomes available.
Update on PAVE PAWS for April, 2009
Last updated on April 25, 2009 by The C.A.R.L.A. Team | This article is Archived | Permalink
It was purportedly about a year ago (April 2008) that the USAF performed another round of testing at Beale AFB. The results from those tests didn't come to the attention of most of the affected repeater owners/trustees until sometime in the 4th quarter of 2009. It was done by a phone call from a person in the FCC that was dealing with this issue since Riley Hollingsworth had retired. When you do the math that's 5-6 months later. As you can see the sense of urgency is just not there which tells us that we really aren't causing a serious or 'service affecting' problem to their radar system. It's thought by some that they are simply scraping the bottom of the barrel as it may be to find anything and everything they can pick up whether it's really causing them an issue or not and targeting those repeaters. The FCC is not giving official orders but rather informal phone calls or e-mails. None the less we have tried to cooperate and reduce power levels towards BAFB as requested but feedback from our efforts is never immediate or forthcoming.
When we received the results from their testing in April of 2008 it was apparent that there were still problems and inconsistencies with their data. We sent a letter to the ARRL to ask why we were getting different and inconsistent data from them. The answer(s) were numerous and basically said it is what it is and challenging it was not going to be a worthwhile effort unless it was just completely out of the realm of possibility.
Sometime in early April of 2009 the ARRL apparently gave NARCC the information needed to run the Longley-Rice propagation tests that they had been running in their lab based on information they perceived to be tolerable levels received at the radar site from repeaters in the region. The DoD and USAF will not make that information known to us even though you could figure it out with all the information found on-line and from their reduction requirements of individual systems. Regardless, we will work with NARCC to see if our systems will likely fall within the estimated tolerances to the radar system as each repeater comes up re-coordination. All that will do is give NARCC information to begin coordinating repeaters again with the knowledge that the DoD/USAF could come back with a different answer at any point.
As of the writing of this update the following C.A.R.L.A. systems have been targeted and their power and/or antenna (coverage) patterns have been modified either moderately or drastically.
- System 5
- System 6
- System 9
- System 11
- System 16
Essentially, coverage in and around the Northern & Central Sacramento Valley has been significantly reduced from all of these repeaters.
Spring 2009 Roundup
Last updated on April 17, 2009 by The C.A.R.L.A. Team | This article is Archived | Permalink
Plenty going on at C.A.R.L.A. as we thaw out from our winter slumber and begin ramping up for our spring/summer projects. We've recently added a Interactive Coverage Map of the C.A.R.L.A. system, updated the Support page with new information, an online form to allow users to sign up and more easily contribute donations, added a new photo gallery plus a completely revamped website.
We've also enterd into a linking agreement with the Oregon Connection to expand coverage into the State of Oregon http://www.oregonconnection.org/ and we are working on several system upgrade projects for this year.
As always, stay tuned!
C.A.R.L.A. links with the Oregon Connection
Last updated on March 12, 2009 by The C.A.R.L.A. Team | This article is Archived | Permalink
Posted to the C.A.R.L.A. Yahoo Group on 3/12/2009:
We are pleased to announce that C.A.R.L.A. is in preliminary testing stages for a reciprocal linking project between our network and the Oregon Connection system based in the state of Oregon.
We are currently performing some trial runs via IRLP to "test the waters" and make sure the two systems are compatible with each other and see how the two work together.
Based on that, we will be working towards a more permanent RF link solution between C.A.R.L.A. & the Oregon Connection that can be brought on or off line by command.
They also have a reciprocal link agreement with the Evergreen Intertie system in the state of Washington which is also commanded on line when needed.
The IRLP connection is only a temporary solution until the RF paths are established.
We are bringing two completely different yet very complementary systems together so things may sound a little different at first and there may be un-familiar call signs but we think the two will dovetail very well once any bugs are worked out. The Oregon Connection is very similar to how C.A.R.L.A. operates and they have a great bunch of people involved with their system. We are very excited to see all the possibilities and opportunities this venture can bring to both of our systems and our users.
Now more than ever, there is a need to be conscientious of leaving pauses after first keying up before speaking and gaps between courtesy tones so every word gets through and everyone gets a chance to talk. Occasionally, during conversations try and let everything drop for a bit in order to allow any timers to reset.
If there are any problems or questions, a control operator from one system or the other will be glad to help out or answer questions.
Please be sure to give our neighbors from the north a warm welcome if you hear them on the air.
About the Oregon Connection:
The Oregon Connection consists of 47 linked repeaters in the UHF (440Mhz) and VHF (144Mhz) bands. The system started in Medford, Oregon in 1999 as the Rogue Valley Linking Association working together with the Oregon Repeater Linking Group in the Northern portion of the state. In 2006, they joined forces dissolving the two separate group names and formed the "Oregon Connection". Their system is made up of 12 owners. Most are silent partners or branch off to cover a specific area off of the main North/South links that run along the Interstate-5 Freeway. Some of their coverage extends into the northern part of California and picks up coverage where we leave off.
They have always been an OPEN system available for any licensed user. They work with the American Red Cross Disaster Communications & Oregon Emergency Management. You can learn more about their system at: www.oregonconnection.org
PAVE PAWS and its effect on the C.A.R.L.A. Network
Last updated on February 27, 2009 by The C.A.R.L.A. Team | This article is Archived | Permalink
Some of you may already know what PAVE PAWS is and some may not. It is not a new running shoe or tracks left by a bear in the woods. Basically, it is a radar system that utilizes around 1,700, 325W transmitters and antennas in a phased array with spread spectrum technology and is used in the 420-450 UHF band by the USAF/Department of Defense. They use it to track incoming water based ICBM's and also track the space shuttle amongst other things. There are a couple of them working in the U.S. and one is at Beale AFB near Marysville, CA which is North of Sacramento and the other in the Cape Cod area in Massachusetts.
You might say to yourself, "Hey that's in the Amateur Radio band" and you would be correct. However, contrary to popular belief, we are NOT the primary user in that band but rather secondary to the military. That means we must not cause interference to them and can be ordered off the band by the FCC if they insist. Most people don't realize this and it hasn't been too much of an issue until recently. We do experience interference from their system generally in the form of random "popcorn" popping sound under someone's signal with mobiles that are less than fully saturating the repeater's receiver and various link paths. This is prevalent on certain repeaters that are in closer proximity to the source like C.A.R.L.A. 6 & 16 and lots of others in the greater Sacramento Valley area and beyond.
The DoD recently approached the FCC and ARRL regarding increasing interference to their receivers on the system and have targeted over 100 repeaters in the greater Sacramento Valley, San Joaquin Valley & Bay Area as "allegedly" being a potential source of interference. A person in the ARRL has been made the point person for us and the ARRL has been the single source for the DoD to work with in relations with the Amateur Radio community and interfacing with the FCC.
The ARRL has come up with an interim plan for ALL targeted repeaters to turn their power down to 5W. The max limit has always supposed to have been 50W within a 150 mile radius of certain included military bases like Beale AFB and is what C.A.R.L.A. repeaters have always abided by. There are other steps that the ARRL will do to try and test repeater signal strengths, coverage patterns, etc., and make further recommendations in conjunction with the DoD/USAF. Some systems may have to change antenna patterns, heights, power output, location or just simply cease operations permanently.
In certain circles there has been quite a bit of chatter going back and forth regarding the situation and especially, but not limited to:
- Why all of a sudden is there an issue after ~30 years of peaceful coexistence?
- Where did they get their source of information on repeaters as it seems to be way out of date?
- How have they determined which repeaters do make the list and which ones don't?
- What is their criteria for "interference" and what levels would be acceptable to them?
- What does the changing of their PAVE PAWS system contractor have to do with all this?
- Did they make changes to their system that would affect the alleged problems and how many millions were spent?
- Are there other sources of interference out there besides what they allege is coming from Amateurs?
- This problem has been going on for a few years so why are they doing something about it now?
- If the Amateurs could potentially cause them interference, what could a determined adversary do to them?
- 5W transmitter output does not create a level playing field for everyone when considering varying system gains & losses.
- Why haven't they targeted anything in the 420/430 sub bands?
- If it really and truly has been disruptive then why didn't they do something more severe, long ago?
The irony is that the repeaters they are messing with are the ones that would help in the aftermath of a real attack.
There are a whole lot more discussion topics and revealing insight to the issue that would at the very least open one's eyes just a bit more.
When asked questions to clarify certain things their answer has been that its "classified" When you look at some of the information they gathered (call sign, location and frequency) it doesn't all make sense and is full of holes. But again, "its classified".
The first deadline was June 15th 2007, for turning down the power. The DoD wants all interference to be gone by August 1. Will this happen? Who knows, especially when they won't be as forthcoming with information as we need them to be. It may not solve their problem and they may look deeper into the Amateur band or other sources for the "real" reason(s).
C.A.R.L.A. has complied with the requests from the ARRL that were sent via certified letter recently. This means that C.A.R.L.A. 6 & 9 have been lowered in power to 5W. For C.A.R.L.A. 9, it is a bigger drop in power than C.A.R.L.A. 6 which is already turned down well below 50W due to co-channel neighbors. What this means to the user is that the footprint will obviously not be as great and things will sound noisier than normal especially in marginal areas and non line of site situations. The repeater should still hear as well as it did (maybe better) and the transmitters should run cooler but it will certainly reduce the effective range of the systems. For those that are close to the repeaters you may not notice a thing except, perhaps its not full scale on the S-meter. By reducing the power from 50W to 5W it will effect about a 10db reduction in power which could equate to 1-2 s-units on a radio depending on various circumstances and relative signal strength, etc.
As things significantly change and affect C.A.R.L.A. we will try to update this page. We truly hope that these changes will show them that the Amateur Radio community is not the sole or primary cause for their problems but we're also not so naive as to think they'll be satisfied with these changes alone. All we can do is to wait and see what else happens and hope for the best.
Below are some links that we gathered from other sources and files that may be of further interest in explaining the PAVE-PAWS system, the intentions of the DoD/ARRL/FCC, and other related issues.
http://www.arrl.org/news/stories/2007/04/17/100/?nc=1
http://www.arrl.org/news/stories/2007/06/11/100/?nc=1
http://www.fas.org/spp/military/program/track/pavepaws.htm
http://www.fas.org/spp/starwars/program/eisnmddraft/uewr.pdf
http://www.rfidjournal.com/article/articleview/1847/1/1/
http://www.fcc.gov/oet/info/maps/us7/
http://www.defenseindustrydaily.com/2006/05/bae-gets-51m-to-maintain-bmews-pave-paws/index.php
http://www.aiaa.org/aerospace/images/articleimages/pdf/AA_Nov06_EOE.pdf
http://www.spacewar.com/reports/Raytheon_Helps_Ballistic_Missile_Intercept_In_Space_999.html
http://www.prnewswire.com/cgi-bin/micro_stories.pl?ACCT=742575&TICK=RTNB&STORY=/www/story/03-21-2006/0004324260&EDATE=Mar+21,+2006
http://www.prnewstoday.com/release.htm?cat=aerospace-defense&dat=20060901&rl=NEF01101092006-1
http://www.pcb007.com/anm/templates/article.aspx?articleid=13628&zoneid=68&v
Letter from the ARRL
Christmas 2008 Roundup
Last updated on December 15, 2008 by The C.A.R.L.A. Team | This article is Archived | Permalink
CARLA 23: The Carla 23 repeater came on the air in mid-August and is located at Slide Mt, Nevada. It is currently using the dual PL scheme with a link PL of 156.7 and a local PL of 127.3. Originally, it came up on the air on 443.325Mhz but the noise floor on that repeater pair at that location was unbearable and made the receiver nearly deaf. It was then moved to a repeater pair of 441.550Mhz TX/446.550Mhz RX and it hears much better now.
CARLA 21: The Carla 21 repeater came on the air at the end of July and is located near Reno, Nevada. It is currently using the dual PL scheme with a link PL of 156.7 and a local PL of 127.3. There was initially some problems with the link path back into the rest of the system but that has been cleaned up and reports are that its working great!
CARLA 13: For several months the Carla 13 repeater near Lake Shasta has had a link path to the system that was at best marginal and at worst non-existent. In July, this repeater was fully integrated into the network with a permanent repeater, new controller, dual PL scheme, battery back up and a new permanent link into the rest of the network that is both solid and reliable. The local PL is 114.8 and the link PL is 167.9.
CARLA 20: The Carla 20 repeater was replaced with a different beta test repeater in July to get it back on the air. It is now linked full time into the network via Carla 13's facilities. The full time link PL is 123.0 and there is currently no local-only PL.
CARLA 22: The Carla 22 repeater came on the air at the end of June and is located near Hawthorne, Nevada. It is currently using a PL of 127.3 and is linked full time into the rest of the system. There is no local PL at this time.
CARLA 18: The Carla 18 repeater has been fully integrated into the network with a permanent repeater, new controller, dual PL scheme, RX pre-amp, battery back up and a new permanent link into the rest of the network. The local PL is 110.9 and the link PL is 167.9.
CARLA 17: The Carla 17 repeater at Cedar Ridge has recently been upgraded to a full "CARLA Spec" system utilizing an SCom controller. Its now on-air with local and link PLs. The local PL is 103.5 and you might want to note that the link PL is 151.4 so as not to interfere with the Cisco Butte system's 156.7 link PL.
CARLA 19: The Carla 19 repeater in Hayward has recently been upgraded to a full "CARLA Spec" system utilizing an SCom controller. Its now on-air with local and link PLs. The local PL is 114.8 and the link PL is 173.8.
CARLA 15: The Carla 15 repeater has been fully integrated into the network with a permanent repeater, new controller, dual PL scheme, RX pre-amp, battery back up and a new permanent link into the rest of the network. The local PL is 114.8 and the link PL is 162.2.After the installation, we noticed falsing on the local PL which would take out any link audio making it impossible to hold a QSO through the system. We believe that tightening the notch on the rx pass cavity and possibly decreasing the rx sensitivity slightly will help. We have disabled the local PL until we can get back to the site to diagnose and fix the problem. So use the link PL on this repeater for now.
CARLA 16: We regret to announce we were required to make substantial changes in the power output & radiation pattern from the CARLA 16 (440.750/WA6BTH) repeater in Vacaville in mid February. Currently we have some corner reflectors pointing roughly South East and South West and have turned down the power even more to try and reduce the signal going towards Beale AFB and the PAVE-PAWS system as requested by the DoD.
CARLA 2: The Carla 2 repeater in San Francisco came to the end of an era on Oct 8, 2008 at the benefit of newer technology. This system has been on the air since the mid to late 70's with very little change from its original equipment. Until recently, it was an RC-85 controller running a Spectrum Communications repeater and an Icom-900 Remote Base. In October of 2008, the original radio equipment and controller were removed and replaced with a new Motorola Repeater (XPR-8300) and link radios and a new Scom 7330 controller. A new dual PL scheme has now been integrated to match other repeaters in the network. The new PL's are 100.0 Hz Local & 162.2 Link. Please note that RF Power is being kept lower than when it was originally installed years ago to reduce any issues to Beale AFB and co-channel system 12 in the Pleasanton/Dublin area. The last and final phase of the overhaul process will involve replacing the antennas, masts and mounting hardware.
CARLA 4: The Carla 4 repeater has been fully integrated into the network with a permanent repeater, new controller, dual PL scheme, RX pre-amp, battery back up and a new permanent link into the rest of the network. The local PL is 114.8 and the link PL is 167.9
How I Spent My Memorial Day Weekend - 2008
Last updated on June 1, 2007 by The C.A.R.L.A. Team | This article is Archived | Permalink
or
A Day in the Life of the C.A.R.L.A. Road Crew
"I now have first hand knowledge of how to build an igloo." - N6QOP
Well...It wasn't really that bad. But it wasn't that good. The day started out nice enough. We had breakfast at the Tahoe House Cafe and with coffee cups in hand we headed up the hill to repair the repeater. Now I should mention here that its about a 30 minute drive up the hill from the highway. But not today. Less than five minutes up the hill we came across the first of several patches of snow blocking the road. We tried driving the Tahoe across it but quickly dug a rut with two of the tires. Shovels out, we made pretty quick work of removing enough snow from around the tires to proceed on up the road.
A bit farther up the road we came upon the second mound of snow blocking our way. We worked on this one for about two and a half hours before finally taking a break for some (well deserved) lunch. We managed to regroup and blasted through the rest of this mound in thirty minutes.
We traveled quite a ways up the road before coming upon a third mound of snow. But as we started to dig, we noticed something different about this mound. It was semi-solid. Not solid enough to try driving over but solid enough to resist digging with shovels. So we got the ol' Binford 5000 chainsaw out and cut it into blocks.
We ended up with enough blocks of ice to make a small igloo... We managed to cut a path along one side big enough for the truck to pass in about forty five minutes.
Further on up the road, we ran into yet another patch of snow blocking our way. This time though, there was enough room to one side for us to drive around. Or so we thought. But the dirt was soft and the truck slid sideways just a little bit. Just enough to trap a fallen tree trunk between the tire and the exhaust pipe of the truck.
Moving the truck would have sheered the exhaust pipe clean off! SO... we got the chainsaw out once again, this time to cut some of the log out of the way. That did the trick. We were on our way once again.
With this last patch of snow behind us, we were now able to drive quite a distance towards the site. Eventually, as we had figured, we reached the snow line near the top and had to hike the last mile of road on foot. This would have been a nice afternoon hike...except for the mosquitos!! Swarms of mosquitos followed us every step of the way. And the person voted most likely to catch "west nile"... our very own N6- "Shorts" -MVT.
After several hours we finally arrived at the site. It took all of an hour to replace a bad PA on the main radio and C.A.R.L.A. 8 was back in business.The trip back down to civilization went pretty uneventful, except for one snow mound which needed about 5 minutes of shoveling to make it safe to pass. We made it back to the highway just as it got dark. All-in-all, it was a full days workout for the C.A.R.L.A. road crew.
"Snow - Nature's little Joke." - N6QOP
CARLA Comes Full Circle in 2006
Last updated on September 3, 2006 by The C.A.R.L.A. Team | This article is Archived | Permalink
C.A.R.L.A. has come full circle. If you read the first paragraph on the "About C.A.R.L.A." page, you'll see the following:
"C.A.R.L.A. ...was being developed in the early 80's and was revived due to the Coalinga earthquake that shook the area on May 2, 1983. Skip Hamer, N6IRF, and another Ham, Jack Ebury, W6IYY were engaged in conversation with each other about plans for C.A.R.L.A. via telephone between the S.F. Bay Area and Coalinga just before the earthquake struck."
On Labor Day of 2006, C.A.R.L.A. came full circle with the addition of the C.A.R.L.A. 15 system on Joaquin Ridge near the town of Coalinga. This system extends C.A.R.L.A.'s South coverage well past the Fresno area and into the Bakersfield area of central California.
And thats not all the news...
During the Labor Day weekend, 2 more repeaters came on the air in the C.A.R.L.A. network. C.A.R.L.A. 13 is located just north of Lake Shasta with great coverage of the lake and surrounding areas. Lastly, C.A.R.L.A. 14 is on the air just West of Truckee with coverage on the I-80 corridor from Truckee to almost Auburn.
The C.A.R.L.A. 13 and C.A.R.L.A. 15 repeaters are currently basic temporary repeaters with Link PL only. No local PL available yet. We are building up the complete permanent repeaters to full C.A.R.L.A. spec (full controllers, Link/Local PL, battery backup, etc.) to replace them as time permits.
And there's more...
In mid-November, 2 more repeaters came on the air in the C.A.R.L.A. network. C.A.R.L.A. 3, which has been looking for a home, is now on the air near Point Arena just West of Ukiah. Its currently standalone but we hope to link it in to the system eventually. And C.A.R.L.A. 7, which has been down for a short while, is now back on the air in the South Bay. And its now linked to the rest of the system!
And...
C.A.R.L.A. is now connected to the GRS Mt. Vaca Repeater on 440.750+ with a local PL of 100.0Hz and a link PL of 173.8Hz. If you're in the greater Sacramento Valley area, try C.A.R.L.A. 16 on Mt. Vaca.
Wait! There's more...
In mid-March, C.A.R.L.A. 17 was brought up on the air in the Sonora area. Its currently standalone but we expect to link it in to the system eventually. It provides good coverage in the hills around Sonora as well as great coverage from Sacramento to Merced in the valley. Shortly after that installation, C.A.R.L.A. 4 was moved from Fremont Peak to Greenfield. Its main coverage area is now the 101 corridor between Monterey and King City with additional coverage in the surronding areas. This system is currently standalone also but it will be linked into the system eventually as well.
And even more...
During the Memorial Day weekend, C.A.R.L.A. 18 came up on the air. This repeater is located near Topaz Lake in Nevada and covers Antelope Valley, Minden, Gardenerville, and can be heard in Reno. Its currently standalone but we expect to link it in to the system eventually.
CARLA meets Mrs. Doubtfire
Last updated on September 9, 2001 by The C.A.R.L.A. Team | This article is Archived | Permalink
 | While George Hincapie raced towards a first place finish at the 2001 San Francisco Grand Prix bicycle race last week, an alert ABC reporter covering the race spotted a local Marin County native who frequents bike racing events - Robin Williams. After interviewing Robin for several minutes live at the main grandstand, someone in the vicinity invited him to pick up a nearby mic and say hello to the checkpoint communications group for the race. A moment later, a voice was heard on the C.A.R.L.A. 2 repeater:
"Hello? Hello? Robin Williams here. Anybody got a 10-100 location out there?? I *really* gotta go now! Keep up the good work! This is Robin "Racer" Williams, over and out!" |  |
Another friend and supporter of CARLA, SK
Last updated on November 30, -0001 by The C.A.R.L.A. Team | This article is Archived | Permalink
It’s with a heavy heart that we convey the news of yet another passing of a good friend and
supporter of CARLA; Dan Dufficy, KH8AF. Dan knew and touched a lot of people over the span of his
life on this planet and always had a sharp sense of humor, often making fun of those amateur
operators that took themselves a little too seriously. He would occasionally intertie with us
from
his system adding a few more boops, beeps & gleeks to the mess just to confuse people. He will be
sorely missed.
CQ-DX Dan.
Another friend and supporter of CARLA, SK
Last updated on November 30, -0001 by The C.A.R.L.A. Team | This article is Archived | Permalink
It’s with a heavy heart that we convey the news of yet another passing of a good friend and
supporter of CARLA; Dan Dufficy, KH8AF. Dan knew and touched a lot of people over the span of his
life on this planet and always had a sharp sense of humor, often making fun of those amateur
operators that took themselves a little too seriously. He would occasionally intertie with us
from
his system adding a few more boops, beeps & gleeks to the mess just to confuse people. He will be
sorely missed.
CQ-DX Dan.