Aug. 12, 2003
AMATEUR RADIO COMMUNICATIONS TRAILER
HF - VHF - UHF - TELEVISION
By Lee R. Kelly K6ZVA
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This trailer is specially designed and build as a one man quick response
communications unit. Although a RACES/ARES command center was of
primary importance, all regular amateur radio modes and activities are
accomodated. Up to three operators can be comfortably seated.
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The highly organized equipment area and hidden cabling provide a safe
and efficient operating environment. This arrangement also allows for
quick operational training.
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Basic living needs are met for extended periods including amicrowave
oven, refrigerator, water storage, basin and porta-poti. A storage
cabinet is available. Sleeping facilities would normally be within
the towing vehicle.
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Power Sources
All power supplied to the unit is processed in a steel cabinet installed
against the forward bulkhead. The master switch located in this cabinet
is key locked to prevent un-authorized use. A 125 Ah deep cycle battery
is within the main 13.8 Vdc source. It is maintained from 117Vac
external power with a 10 Amp automatic charger.
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A 1000 Watt AC inverter provides power for several regulated DC
supplies. This arrangement insures constant regulated power for
the HR and ATV transcievers as well as AC lighting and electircal
outlets suring full mobile operations. Fast switching occurs
during loss of external power.
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GENERAC 4500 Watt 117 VAC Generator. 12 Volt DC 15 Amps.
Transported on board.
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Communications Equipment
IBM 760EL - Laptop Computer.
Magellan MAP410 - GPS.
Rigblaster - PSK, SSTV, etc.
Kantronics KPC 3 Plus - TNC
Yaesu FT 847 - This unit allows for all ham modes. See specs.
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23cm Tuner (for NCR 1300 Downconverter)
8 Amp regulate power supply for TC70-20
FRG 9600 Scanner.
PC Electronics TD 70-20 ATV Transceiver
Radio Shack HTX-252 2M Transciever
5 Inch Color ATV Video Monitor
Vidoe Source Selection Switch
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Ambico Video Title Writer
20 A regulated power supply for FT-847
Radio Shack HTX-420 HT
Pelco - P/T Controller for Roof Cam
Roof Camera Power Switch, Mast rotator control.
HP 720C Printer
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Microwave Oven
13 Inch Sansui ATV Monitor / Video Selector
Power Source Cabinet
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Behind the removable cable covers.
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Power Distribution Panel
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Paralell Port Switch and 20 A power supply. Normaly hidden behind
a false wall.
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Roof Camera
A Panasonic Color Camera is housed in a Cohu environmental tubular case.
A Fujinon -TV-Z 1:1.8/16-160 10*16 lens with full control of zoom, focus
and iris as well as the Pelco tilt and pan are opperated by the Pelco
control unit inside. The Tilt/Pan is a Pelco 24CVAC ourdorr unit.
The Panasonic camera was installed in place of the original BW camera.
This high quality equipment was obtained sirplus from the Idaho National
Energy and Eingineering Laboratory. (INEEL)
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Interior transport of the camera and tilt/pan head.
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Interior Camera
For transmitting crew and inside operations shots, a Panasonic Color
camera with wide angle lens is used. ALl video transmitted and
processed by the Sansui TV can be recorded on it's internal VHS tape.
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Video Source Selection
The Sansui AC/DC TV has all channels, baseband input and output on
RCA jacks. All video is output this way. All are selected with the
remote. When TV channels are selected, the Hat Cam is on Channel 10.
The TC70-20 70cm output or the output of the 1253.125 MHz. downconverter
are on channel 3.
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When Line Input is selected on the Sansui TV, the Video Switch box selects
(C1) the Roof Cam, (C2) Inside Cam or Camcorder cable. The video output
is cabled to the Video Title Writer then thru the Snappy.jpg image capture
device, (for SSTV) then to the audio and video inputs of the TC70-20.
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Antennas
The criteria for choosing the various antennas was the requirement that
all must be stored neatly within an assigned interior space. Each was
researched for optimal performance. For the FT-847, the 40M to 70cm
ATS screwdriveer was selected. With the use of a diplexer, a more
effective 2M, 70cm Diamond X50 is used. When 75M -80M operation is
necessary, two Hustler resonator types are on standby. ALl entenna and
camera jacks are located on the left or street side of the trailer roof.
All are readily accessible from the fender step or included stepladder.
The rotor operated telescoping mast collapses flush with the roof and
when fully extended reaches to about 27 feet. Other antennas are 1/4 wave
ground plane types for 2M - 70cm scanner and the 2M HTX 252 transciever.
The Magellan GPS uses a roof mounted patchtype antenna. TV antennas are
the 27 element 1253MHz Loop Yagi, and 7 element 70 cm Yagi.
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Antenna Storage
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The Trailer
When the first thought of constructing a communication unit with a definite
budget in mind, an RV, Motor Home and a Trailer were considered. With
both the original cost and maintenance as well as storage and size, the
RV and Motor Home were ruled out. A local trailer manufacturer was chosen
for a custom size and layout.
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A limited garage door height set the clearance and a practical length for
towing in small spaces set the dimensions. The vertical clearance is 93
inches. Width is 96 inches outside wheel to wheel. The interior is 6ft
wide, 6ft high and 10ft long. The order stated the need for a side door,
a rear door, a roof vent using the above dimensions. It is constructed
using 1 inch square steel tubes in the cage. The interior is covered
with painted 3/16 inch paneling. The 15 inch wheels and axels are on
torsion bar suspension. Installed later was 1 inc styrofoam inside roof
insulation. The interior cabin work was created from the purchase of a
large Sauder cabinet. It was modified to provide all the necessary material
for all finished surfaces.
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Interior Special Features
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Hiding the antenna cables.
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Overall interior shot looking forward.
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The cables hiding behind the equipment.
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More Interior Shots
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Some Exterior Shots
Air conditioner open.
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Air conditioner closed.
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A RACES Emergency Site
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Yes, I made it all by myself.
Lee R. Kelly K6ZVA
Barbara G. Kelly KD7JKC
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