August MORG

[TigerDan]

So, it's maybe time to start thinking about the next MORG as it's less than two weeks away. I had a prior commitment in Washington (state) at the Rennaissance fair there, but as it's now been cancelled it looks as though I have that weekend free so I might be able to make it down to Hollister to practice for the Gold Lake trip. Anybody else plan to be there? Seems like a lot of folks have some new parts and mods to try out on their rigs...:D

[NCLR101]

I'm there man, I am in the menlo park area, do you meet anywhere first then head down or just meet up at the ranger hovel?

Thommy

[TigerDan]

I've only been there once Thommy, but I don't think there's any set meeting-up protocol. We can wait for others to respond and as the day gets closer firm up some meeting-up plans.

Since it's such a long drive for me I'll probably plan on camping, either Friday or Sat. night.

[PCRover]

Here (http://nclrclub.org/index.php?option=com_jcalpro&Itemid=162&extmode=view&extid=18) is the generic MORG info.

Here (http://nclrclub.org/index.php?option=com_attend_events&task=view&id=12) is where you can register for the MORG.

[monty]

i'm thinkin about it Dan.

[Disco2Guy]

I'm there again. The past couple of times I've stopped at Robert's Market (http://maps.google.com/maps?f=q&hl=en&geocode=&q=robert's+market,+woodside,+ca&ie=UTF8&ll=37.427638,-122.255087&spn=0.023379,0.035534&t=h&z=15) in Woodside around 7:30, grab some breakfast and lunch, and head out around 8:00.

[esteban]

I'll go! I'm leaving for a week in Yosemite, but that's not till monday. I live in Los Gatos, so if you guys are headed down 85 I'll caravan down with y'all. Someone PM me and I'll give you my cell #. What time do you guys think you'll be headed by the 85/17 intersection?

Steve

[TigerDan]

I'm there again. The past couple of times I've stopped at Robert's Market (http://maps.google.com/maps?f=q&hl=en&geocode=&q=robert's+market,+woodside,+ca&ie=UTF8&ll=37.427638,-122.255087&spn=0.023379,0.035534&t=h&z=15) in Woodside around 7:30, grab some breakfast and lunch, and head out around 8:00.

Is that the new spot, as opposed to the Safeway in SF where we first met up? Are you going down 280 now?

[Disco2Guy]

Dan-
Yeah, seems be more people can meet there since it's a little further south. Did you get your cb up and running?

Thommy-
Did you get your cb installed yet? The MORG is always a good time to test it out.

Steve-
If we (whoever meets at Robert's) can leave right around 8:00, we should be coming around 85/17 a little before 8:30. You have a cb also right? I have your number in my phone, but will pm you to confirm. We can give you a call when we head out of Woodside.

[esteban]

Dan-
Yeah, seems be more people can meet there since it's a little further south. Did you get your cb up and running?

Thommy-
Did you get your cb installed yet? The MORG is always a good time to test it out.

Steve-
If we (whoever meets at Robert's) can leave right around 8:00, we should be coming around 85/17 a little before 8:30. You have a cb also right? I have your number in my phone, but will pm you to confirm. We can give you a call when we head out of Woodside.

I already responded to your PM, and yes I have CB.

[TigerDan]

I have a new CB, a Cobra 75 WX ST along with a Firestick antenna. Worked okay for the Blue Lakes trip (though not great), but I hooked it up to my new SWR meter yesterday and got some strange readings...(sigh) More work required I guess...

[PCRover]

Some info here (http://www.firestik.com/Tech_Docs/swr-trblshoot.htm).


HIGH SWR TROUBLESHOOTING
For Standard Firestik Antenna Installations (not applicable to no-ground-plane installations)

Compliments of Firestik® Antenna Company Technical Support Team

Copyright © 1996 Firestik® Antenna Company

The following list shows the most probable causes of high SWR in order from the most common causes to the least common causes. If experiencing SWR problems, check each of the following conditions in the order shown until problem has been uncovered.

Shorted Stud Mount
Disconnect coaxial cable at antenna mount. Test continuity from mount to antenna coupling nut. There should NOT be any continuity. If shorted, reposition or replace insulators and retest.

Improper Type and Length of Coax
Single antenna installations require RG-58 type coax and dual antennas require the use of RG-59 type coax cables. We recommend 18 foot long coax leads from the radio to each antenna, especially on installations that are displaying high SWR problems.

Shorted Coaxial Cable
Disconnect coax at radio end. Test for continuity between center pin and threaded sleeve. There should NOT be any continuity. If shorted, repair and retest.

No Chassis Ground at Antenna Mount
Test for continuity between the antenna mount and the vehicle's common ground. There MUST be continuity. Repair and retest as required.

Open Coaxial Cable Center Lead
Disconnect coax at radio end. Test for continuity from center pin to antenna base. There MUST be continuity. If necessary, repair and retest.

Open Coaxial Cable Ground Shield
Disconnect coax at radio end. Test for continuity from the antenna mount to the coax connectors threaded sleeve at the radio end of the coax. There MUST be continuity. If necessary, repair and retest.

Improper Installation Location
Transmit antennas need free space around them if expected to perform properly. If more than 30% of the antennas overall length is parallel to the side of the vehicle and within twelve inches of that surface, SWR problems are probable, i.e. between truck cab and shell, corner of truck bed near cab, low mount position on motorhome, etc. Relocate the antenna to a position of performance (versus convenience or appearance) and retest.

Insufficient Ground Plane Available
Fiberglass, plastic and thin aluminum vehicle bodies lack the reflective characteristics needed for proper antenna performance. On some occasions, running a 12ga or heavier wire from the antenna mount to the vehicles chassis ground will be sufficient. Otherwise, a no-ground-plane antenna system may be required.

Low Quality Coax Cable
Delivering radio frequency to an antenna via poor quality coaxial cable is the equivalent of watering your lawn with a hose full of holes. The bitterness of low quality will linger long after the sweetness of low price is gone. Use high quality coax only.

Antenna Tuned Without Tip
If the antenna is tuned without the tip then put on after tuning is completed, the SWR will change when the tip is installed. All readings must be made with the antenna tip in place.

Defective SWR Meter
Some are made bad and others have been known to go bad. Try to confirm readings with a second meter.

Damaged Antenna
Aside from apparent damage that is visible from the antenna striking immovable solid objects, you can test for any internal damage by checking continuity from the antenna base to the tunable tip extender or end of wire. There MUST be continuity. If there is no continuity, the antenna must be repaired or replaced.

[RON CT110]

Dan the man - howdie!

That's cool you have the Cobra 75 WX ST. There are sev of us running the same unit!

And if you are planning to run CBs on your other vehicles, you can just install a Cobra power module on each rig, and share the same 75 WX ST unit (plug and play).

That's how I have it setup on my DII and CT110; each has a Cobra power module, and one Cobra 75 WX ST I can take from vehicle to vehicle.

Re: SWR, what was the reading on your meter? And I am sure you know this, closer to 1.0 or lower the number on the meter/reading is better!

Does your firestick antena have the tunable tip?

A slight change in your antenna, cable, and mount can make a measurable difference on the meter! Check it all out!


I have a new CB, a Cobra 75 WX ST along with a Firestick antenna. Worked okay for the Blue Lakes trip (though not great), but I hooked it up to my new SWR meter yesterday and got some strange readings...(sigh) More work required I guess...

[esteban]

Dan, can you bring your SWR meter? I've never checked mine, although it seemed to work well last time.


Steve

[wineryrover]

That's cool you have the Cobra 75 WX ST. There are sev of us running the same unit!

And if you are planning to run CBs on your other vehicles, you can just install a Cobra power module on each rig, and share the same 75 WX ST unit (plug and play).

That's how I have it setup on my DII and CT110; each has a Cobra power module, and one Cobra 75 WX ST I can take from vehicle to vehicle.



I run the same setup between the series and the d90 and it works great. The volume is a little low for use in the series because the series is so loud, but still I am happy with the overall setup.

[GriffSC]

i will miss the MORG. family camping weekend up hwy 1.

[esteban]

i will miss the MORG. family camping weekend up hwy 1.

Ok. I'm definitely going now.:D

[TigerDan]

Well, poo...! It's not looking too good for this weekend. Drove the Rover to the Bay Area and back this past weekend and had to put 4 gallons of water through it to make the trip. Head gasket is well and truly shot now, and I don't think I have time to get it taken care of in time for the MORG so it looks like I'm out. Dang it all...:mad:

[Disco2Guy]

Aww that's too bad Dan. I'm sure you'll be much happier when you get that head gasket replaced though.

[Desertcrawler]

Still gotta unpack from Rubicon, but kids want to do a little wheeling on Saturday. I'll probably be there morning only, but can meet up for a convoy at Roberts -- leaving around 8am.

Anyone else gonna be there?

[Disco2Guy]

I'm still planning to meet there Chuck. Do you mind taking 85 to get to 101 so we can meet up with Steve? I have his number and will call him when we hit the 280/85 interchange.

[Disco12]

anyone have room for a shotgun camera man.

[codynt]

I'm up for coming down, probably can only be there in the morning though (leaving ~12:30-ish). Meet at Roberts at 8am?


Still gotta unpack from Rubicon, but kids want to do a little wheeling on Saturday. I'll probably be there morning only, but can meet up for a convoy at Roberts -- leaving around 8am.

Anyone else gonna be there?

[Desertcrawler]

Ok, lets plan on leaving Roberts around 8am.

I have room for a shotgun rider if someone wants to -- two kids in back though..

[Disco12]

where is roberts in Woodland

[codynt]

Actually, may or may not make it, depends on morning stuff.

[esteban]

MORG was good! Brenton and Chuck picked me up on the way down and we met a new member, Robert(#100) at the ranger station. While at the ranger station we ran into Gerald(?), who designs all the obstacles at the park, and he took us on a tour of a whole new obstacle course that is not yet opened. It was a pretty sweet setup, not just one obstacle like the current obstacle course but more like a trail. We then hooked up with another new member, John, and we took him to Jarrels curve, then did some trails and finally ended up at the usual obstacle course. Chuck proceeded to winch out two Heeps, er.... I mean Jeeps, and also winched John out of the tank trap. All in all a good day and no carnage(I'm not sure if Brentons tail light counts), and finally a BIG slurpee at the 7eleven in Hollister. See attached pics of the new obstacle course and Chucks various recoveries....

Steve

Well apparently my pics aren't uploading, sorry.

[Disco2Guy]

This was another great MORG. The sneak preview of the obstacle course was an awesome opportunity, especially with Jared(?) the park ranger leading the way in his white D2. Unlike last time, all the trucks trucks were D2's and Bob in his LR3. The new obstacle trail should be open in the next week or two.

Aside from the three pulls Steve mentioned, Chuck first winched his way over a section of logs in the new obstacle trail using RovrFlo as an anchor. I don't think my tail light counts as carnage because it still works:cool:. A couple zip ties work to hold it in the bumper for the mean time.

[Disco2Guy]

Here are some pics of the new obstacle area.

[Disco12]

Great pictures Brenton awesome wow.

the new course look like fun.

I would have came but I have no shocks in the rear.

Will my Dang OME N25L shocks get here!:D

Is it my eyes or Does Desertcrawler have new shoes

[Disco2Guy]

I finally got a shot of the Ranger's LR3

My friend Ryan snapping a pic of a deer (we missed a turkey just outside the park on the way in)

Add a caption time... This was Chuck's first Jeep extraction

[esteban]

Pics still not loading from my other computer. Sorry guys.

Steve

[Disco2Guy]

Instead of many shorter vids of everyone, I edited each person into their own vid this time around.

DesertCrawler (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KCR4IWjCyHg)
RovrFlo (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FGlVggP2uyg)
Steve (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Hd9xFmfirwA)
John (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=P150trolG3k)
Misc Trails (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-Rf1fSl90bU)
New Obstacle Area (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wN1NQ7K3GHg)

[esteban]

Sweet vids! I forgot about your rear bumper getting tweaked on that log. I guess there was carnage....