Month: January 2016

“Replay for Kids” to present at next meeting

Ever think “I have these hands on skills and I wouldn’t mind putting them to use to help someone in a real valuable way”?  Well listen to this. Our upcoming meeting will be quite different.   The speaker will be Natalie Wardega, Director of Operations of an organization located in Medina called Replay for Kids.  Natalie will be telling us about this unique organization that serves our community in an amazing way.

Jeff Ronay KF8CQ, our vice president,  introduced us to this organization so we already know that they modify toys so then can be enjoyed by handicapped children.  Where do we fit in? There are many ways. For one, Its volunteers with hands-on skills (with hand tools and soldering irons) who are at the heart of their effort. Without volunteers Replay for Kids would be just a dream.

This meeting will be an introductory opportunity to learn more about Replay for Kids and see where we can be of most assistance to their effort. I hope you will be able to attend our meeting Monday, February 1st.

 www.replayforkids.org

Join the fun

“Winter Field Day” Jan 30-31

In our January 4th post we mentioned Winter Field Day.  The WoodChuck Club is particpating in WFD and you are invited to attend. From the Woodchuck ARC newsletter:

  “As others sit and watch the world go by the Woodchuck A.R.C. is joining the 2016 Winter Field Day event on Jan. 30^th at 12 noon.

 Join us at Dan’s at 4868 Summer Lane in Brooklyn, OH. The map to his place is attached. Just turn off Ridge Rd. as if you were going to Lowes and take that street (Northcliff) to the end, turn left and follow that street (Idlewood) to the end and turn right on (Kennedy), as the street seems to end just follow it to the left and you will be on (Summer LN.) which is Dan’s street. Look on the right side for antennas. 

 (Map, https://goo.gl/maps/QnLBfLWga452 ) close window on left, (click -) then drag map left until Summer Lane is on left of screen. You will see Lowes on right side. 

The Start time is 12 noon Jan. 30^th till noon on the 31^st and we will go until everyone wants to quit, this is a 24 hour event so we will go until we run out of operators.

 As with Field Day everyone is welcome you do not need a license to operate as we will always have Extra Class Control Operators there to allow anyone to operate.

You may also just wish to log on the computer or watch and learn, (then we will put you on the air) just kidding, do whatever you like.

 We count at least eight operators at this time and hope for more, so join us.”

Dan’s going to cook Chile, both hot and mild and there will be other food available, just bring your favorite beverage.

All details about WFD 2016 are at  http://www.winterfieldday.com.

Thanks to Mike KD8ZMN, Mark KB8RST and Dave Semanik, K8WRS for this information.

We never pass up an opportunity to share some technical information so at at the recent meeting I brought an antenna that was built by one of our members a few years ago.  It’s a very clever, easy to build design but I got a surprise when I opened it because it wasn’t what I expected. The original project was a 2 half wave 2 meter vertical built inside a PVC assembly, keeping it completely protected from the weather. It appears that this version was intended for the 70 cM band. We didn’t have an RF analyzer or GDO (grid dip oscillator) on hand to properly check it out. So now we have another project!

photos courtesy Ken Osicki, K8OAE

Hal Rogers, K8CMD,

Preident  & Communications Director

Here’s a riddle: What does the Parma School system have to do with Parma Radio Club?  Actually nothing.  However, when the Parma Schools are closed due to bad weather, meetings scheduled for that day will be cancelled.  That’s because the management of the Busch Community Rooms determined that widely published school closings are the best way to notify the public of their facility’s weather related closing. So when a meeting is planned and a school closing occurs, stay home and safe. We’ll reschedule the program. If the meeting room is closed for any other reason or we cancel a meeting, we will inform you via email.

Dues are Due

If your haven’t yet sent in your dues for 2016, please do that as soon as  possible.  We need your support. A convenient printable PDF form is on this site. You’ll notice the application form has been updated and includes the address of our new Treasurer, Jim Bis, N8FND.

  Good news for 2016 Dayton Hamvention goers

The CARS folks are again organizing an easy way to “do Dayton.”  Take the bus and leave the driving to them. Reserve your ultra-comfortable seat now.  A printable PDF flier containing all the details you need is at this link.  2016 Dayton Bus Trip Flier    Don’t wait. Seats fill fast.At

IDEAS… IDEAS… IDEAS … keep ’em coming

At our first meeting of the year we began discussions of various topics members would like to have covered in depth at future meetings.  Is there a topic you would like to see covered? Or one you’d  like to present? Sometimes you don’t have to look far to find a great program topic. Next time you find yourself researching a technical topic of any kind, or discovering something fascinating in a magazine, consider sharing your new found knowledge with fellow members. We need your ideas. Let us know so we can include them in our 2016 program line up.  At our January 18th  the brain storming continues.

Also at our next meeting, I’ll show you an easy-to-build half wave 2 meter antenna that is completely enclosed and out of the weather.  It was designed by a PRC member and several members built them as a fun construction project.  I’ve used one for 7 or 8 years and some have many more years experience without a hitch.

Do you have some equipment or a gadget you no longer need and want to find a new home for that treasure? Bring it along and we’ll have a fun drawing.

Equipment for sale

Dwaine Modock, K8ME has listed some fantastic deals that might be just what you need. Check it out on our Equipment for Sale page.

While you’re on the page, check out the listings from Bob Bassett, KE8UV. Many items are available.

Amateur Radio Parity Act

 Hal Rogers, K8CMD

President, Communications Director

1st meeting: an important one

Hope that you and your family had a good a good holiday. I know it’s cliche, but I’ll say, “I can’t believe it’s 2016 already.”  But, indeed it is and it’s time for us to lay out some program topics for the year.  I call this meeting “Design your Club” and would like to have your ideas for tech topics for the year. As you know, we’re all about increasing our technical knowledge. So if there’s a subject you feel comfortable sharing or would like us to bring in an expert, let’s discuss it.  This is a brainstorming session, so let’s have fun January 4th.

This is also the time to discuss club event ideas.  ARRL Field Day(June 25-26 this year),  is traditional and the Earth Day celebration is well-established, too.  This year we’ll celebrate on April 23rd. Would you like more operating events? How about Winter Field Day? Yes, there is one and this year it will be January 30-31st. See http://www.winterfieldday.com/ for information.  We can participate in WFD and it doesn’t have to be an outdoor operation!

So we have lots to talk about. See you at the meeting.

New NCO for the FM nets

After trying out the NCO seat and doing a fine job, our new Vice President, Jeff Ronay, KF8CQ will be taking the 2nd Tuesday FM Net Control Operator position.  Please welcome Jeff and join him on the net. Our net schedule and operators are listed under PAGES.

Our nets have been very popular and that’s because so many people contribute. If at some point you’d like to give the NCO position a try, just inform Jeff or one of the other NCOs. 

Dues is due

We all know that we can’t have a strong club without some basic ingredients: Good people, good conversation, and great events.  Unfortunately, everything we do requires funds: the web site you’re reading, the room we meet in,  the 2016 club insurance we just paid.  So we need your support by participating in the meetings and events and by contributing your dues. Please consider paying your dues as soon as possible. Honestly, it’s discouraging to have to remind members to send in their dues.  Did you know that our coffee and donuts (when we have them) are usually funded in part by contributions to the “kitty”?  We’re been very frugal with your club funds and some time ago decided to no longer mail reminders and application forms. Everything you need to be “current” is on this site.

Hal Rogers K8CMD

President/ Communications Director