Here's the CHEW/N7CKJ-8 Packet Node in all it's glory. The station consists of a 35 watt Motorola Micor radio, MFJ 1270C packet TNC, Duracomm power supply (Astron RS-12A shown) and a TrippLite ISOBAR surge protector. The antenna is a Sinclair SRL-201 heavy duty ground plane unit. The control cable, from the radio, goes to a barrier strip where the TNC attaches. This allows the possiblity of swapping in a TNC of another manufacturer with a minimum of difficulty. It also gives access to all the audio and transmitter control signals to assist in routine troubleshooting and maintenance.
This station has been up since about 1994. It is the primary link into northern Stevens County from the Spokane, WA area. Most recently, this node has seen increased use with the WinLink mail delivery system. It operates on 145.09 MHz at 1200 baud and is open to all users.
Thanks go out to the owner of the site (49 Degrees North Ski Area) in which this equipment has resided operated for many years. If it weren't for their generosity, this project would never have as successful as it has been.