Signal Hill solar-powered repeater report and recommendations

The parially active repeater (PAR) discussed is the GTE Lenkurt 700C1 repeater. The 700C1 repeater is the first radio of its kind to operate in the 7/8 GHz frequency band. The 700C1's low power consumption makes it ideal to be powered by solar voltaic cells. A new PAR site costs substantially less to develop than a fully active repeater since less support equipment is needed, no a-c power has to be brought to the site, and the building can be as small as 6' x 6'. A prototype 700C1 solar powered repeater was installed to eventually replace the existing poor microwave path between Big Eddy Substation and Wasco Radio Station. The repeater's RF performance is better than BPA's original specifications. The solar panels did not generate power during the winter months, so additional solar panels were added in May 1982. The new microwave path between Wasco and Big Eddy, via Signal Hill, is a large improvement over the previous path, which was via a double passive repeater; noise levels were reduced and signal strength improved.