We had a discussion at our meetings of how to solve this, currently, cables are just run through the roof which means adding new wires isn’t easy. It was suggested to run conduit through the roof from the radio room so we can easily push through new cables as we need.
Conduit is simply a plastic pipe, just like a stormwater pipe, only a bit thicker. It is mainly used to protect cables that are placed inside but it also has the added benefit that you can easily route another cable through as required (Given you have a full run from one end to the other).
Initial plans had 2 possible routes through the roof to achieve the goal. The plan is to have 3 separate runs from the radio room:
Radio room to server room (Allows access to green tower).
Radio room to outside kitchen – 2 runs for the number of cables (Allows access to the large tower outside near the shed).
Radio Room to the verandah (Access to the Satellite tracker).
We will be using 50mm diameter conduit with plenty of large sweeps, glue and brackets to hold everything in place.
As conduit is a pipe that allows easy access for cables, it also allows easy access for bugs/pets/animals. So on the outside of the kitchen and the verandah there will be lockable weatherproof metal enclosures with cable glands.
Prework started on 26/12/2020 to cut a large opening to the Besser block wall above the kitchen. A SDS tool was used cutting holes around to make a pattern then a chisel bit was used to remove the core. Inside there was a surprise…Newspapers! And lots of them! Dated 11th April 1985. All in very good condition too considering they have been stuck inside a brick for 35 years!
Removing the inside gave access to the other side of the brick. Once through we could see light at the end of the tunnel! To the radio room of course. We have a perfect run to get over to the top of the workshop where a sweep will be installed to direct the piping to the radio room
The fun is over for the day, The holes are covered up with tape, parts are on order more to happen on Wednesday.
Wednesday 30th Dec 2020, Jamie VK4XD and Gab VK4GAB picked up the parts nice and early from the supplier and got to work installing. The routes are planned and ready to go, time to lift the roof and start fitting.
Drew VK4ZXI got to work testing the controller, we have movement! But as always not 100% correct. The cables were the wrong way around. 50/50 chance to get it wrong and we did, plus we will need to turn the antennas around. Other than that it’s ready to work!
