The first thing that happened this morning occurred about 1am when the transmitter ‘called’ me that an ‘event’ had occurred. Since I could still hear it broadcasting I decided that it must have cutback on power due to arcing on the antenna arc gaps. I dialed in the code to return it to full power, but could not verify that it had happened. In the morning and at the office, we were able to download the logs and found that a cutback had taken place at that time and that full power was restored shortly thereafter. So did it do it itself or was it my phone call? Don’t know for sure.

After devotions this morning, I went with Ivan, a Bonairean worker, to the site and using a four wheel drive vehicle drove to each of the four towers to clean and paint with black paint the four arc gaps to see if it helps reduce the number of bugs from swarming around them. While there I noticed that there were thousands of little bugs flying around the white walls of the antenna hut next to the tower. I am wondering if the wall next to the tower was painted a darker color whether that also might help. The bugs would hopefully then be attracted away from the tower to the other white walls and roof. Might be worth a try?!

Just thinking — the arc gaps are usually brass and set a specific distance apart to arc over at a voltage just higher than normal operating voltage. I would think that painting the gap would provide a layer of ‘insulation’ on both sides of the gap and effectively increase the arc over voltage. By how much, I do not know, but something to consider!

We had an unusual opportunity in the afternoon. Amado and Sue Felix own Achie-Tours and provide tours especially for the cruise ships that stop in Bonaire. Yesterday Sue called Virginia and said that they had a couple of vacant seats on one of there better tours and asked if we would like to go. So from about noon we went on a three plus hour tour. It was very nice. Amado worked for TWR back in about 1967 and Sue came from the U.S. to help TWR short term the summer of 1969, while Larry was also serving his second short term stint on Bonaire. Amado and Sue were married in 1971 and are heavily involved in many business ventures on Bonaire. They have been a big help to TWR all through the years.

Our swim this evening was very short, as there was a huge crowd at the beach and lots of partying. Privacy was none existent and we did not feel that it was prudent to leave our belongings out of our reach (although the things of value, a cell phone and our keys were hidden from view). Especially while the transmitter is on the air from 5:30 pm to 8:30, I must be available to receive and act on any call to the cell phone from the transmitter.

After several late evenings, we turned in early.