PRC mtg June 20

It’s Field Day Week, and let’s talk digital modes At our June  20th business meeting we’ll confirm and wrap up details of our Field Day planning.  This is primarily to benefit those members who were not able to attend the previous planning meeting.  Afterward, the mic will be turned over to Bill Squires, N8WS for … Continue reading “PRC mtg June 20”

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It’s Field Day Week, and let’s talk digital modes

At our June  20th business meeting we’ll confirm and wrap up details of our Field Day planning.  This is primarily to benefit those members who were not able to attend the previous planning meeting. 

Afterward, the mic will be turned over to Bill Squires, N8WS for a discussion Bill’s called “How I do the digital modes.”  If you’re looking at “going digital” be sure to be at the meeting to get all your questions answered.


PRC New Press Release to Promote Field Day

Vice President Jeff Ronay, KF8CQ has prepared a new press release promoting PRC’s Field Day activity and inviting. Jeff will be distributing the release to several print and broadcast media. It will also be available for handout at Field Day.  Feel free to read and share it.  This document is worth 100 FD points.

Field Day Media Publicity 2016_PR


Ohio Governor John Kasich Proclaims June 25 & 26th Amateur Radio Operators’ Appreciation Day

For the full proclamation click on the link: gov-proclamation


 

Field Day Site

 

Top O' Ledges, Hinckley Reservation of Cleveland Metroparks The PRC Field Day operation is along the entrance road.
Top O’ Ledges, Hinckley Reservation of Cleveland Metroparks
The PRC Field Day operation is along the entrance road.

Printable copy of this attractive map suitable for framing.


PRC has a new flag

Tom, AC8EH has been developing new skills at the library. Yes, at the library, many of which now have 3-D printers and sewing machines. My knowledge is limited at this point but I do know that Tom created a spectacularly beautiful flag for the club that will be flown at Field Day from our antenna support mast.  The flag will be shown for the very first time at the June 20th meeting.


Program suggestions?

The PRC has been long known for it’s quality technical programs and interesting topics.  The fact is that often our program topics are the direct result of a member suggestion.  Is there a topic you’d like discussed?   We have open slots in our program schedule and would like to hear your suggestions.  Send us your ideas or bring them to the June 20th meeting.


Looking ahead…

 This past winter  Mark Huber, NO8J offered to present a program on powder coating.  Powder coating provides a very attractive, professional, durable coating to your metal project box. Formerly a technique that was only done in an industrial setting, now powder coating can be achieved by the hobbyist.  The program, which will include a demonstration requires a small oven — and an outdoor setting.  Mark will present his demo in July at a Woodchuck Radio Club meeting. We’ll keep you posted as the date approaches.


Do you have a favorite tool? Why?

One of my favorite books is an old Sears and Roebuck reprinted catalog. I’ve had it since I was a kid. I could snuggle up with that big book and a flashlight under my blanket and be off in another world. Page after page, there were hundreds of strange tools for every imaginable job around a shop or farm. Some might say I missed my calling and should have worked in hardware stores.

On a recent net I asked participants to share with the group their favorite hand tool and why it’s a favorite.  I’ve brought up this topic before and always enjoy the discussions that ensue.   In a future post I’ll share all the comments from fellow members but before I do– if you haven’t shared your favorite, please do so it can be included.


Hal Rogers, K8CMD

President, Communications Director

 

PRC mtg June 6th

ARRL Field Day 2016 is coming It’s difficult to believe that we are only weeks away from ARRL Field Day, June 25-26.  I always look forward to Field Day because it’s always a terrific learning experience as well as great fun.  Keep in mind, that if you belong to more than one club, you don’t … Continue reading “PRC mtg June 6th”

John, KD8QMU on 6m
2015 ARRL Field Day, John, KD8QMU on 6m

ARRL Field Day 2016

is coming

It’s difficult to believe that we are only weeks away from ARRL Field Day, June 25-26.  I always look forward to Field Day because it’s always a terrific learning experience as well as great fun.  Keep in mind, that if you belong to more than one club, you don’t have to restrict your presence to just one.  Spread yourself around!

Our June 6th meeting will be our ONLY opportunity to work through our check lists and be certain every critical detail is covered. Please be present for this meeting and volunteer your assistance or make suggestions so we can have another great Field Day.  Pulling off an event such as Field Day requires considerable planning and commitment. Commitment means raising your hand for things that need to be done.  Organizers need to know, for example, that you will be on hand at the agreed upon time to help set up,  or to take a turn in operating the station, logging, or other activity.

A few small tasks by each of us will ensure a Field Day you can be proud of.

 


Looking ahead….

On June 20th Bill Squires, N8WS will present an introduction to the amateur digital modes.  Come prepared to ask the questions, because Bill is the guy with the answers. And he has the logbook to prove it.

 


 

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Participants in this years Earth Day event will recall that, as in the past years, getting antenna coax into the Stearns cabin meant propping a door open. Not only does that allow entrance of insects and other critters, it can also result in sliced coax. Parma Area Historical Society management has been very helpful and invited us to do whatever we needed to resolve the issue. So I wanted to follow up on the offer once we had a good solution. So I took it to the experts.

On a recent ten meter net, I raised this technical question for discussion. The photo on the left shows the results of our productive net.  While several good ideas surfaced, Bob, KA8WQL stood out. He suggested using a standard inexpensive spring-loaded electrical cover, available in most home improvement electrical departments.  Also on the net, Mark, KB8RST offered to contribute the covers and the installation. Such an offer!  The Historical Society management loved the idea. It met all their requirements, too.

Using a hole saw, Mark cut a 1-1/4″ hole in the 3/4″ wall. Applying silicone chalk for an extra measure of weather and critter protection, he attached the weatherproof cover. A great solution and a quick and easy installation. Two coax ports were installed. Thanks, guys!

While at the cabin, Mark and I installed a projection screen that was formerly used by the PRC. The heavy duty screen was a gift several years ago to the PRC from Bob, KA8WQL.  After learning that the PAHS had a nee20160528_120544smld for a large screen, the offer was made.  Originally on a tripod, it now hangs from the a cabin joist and is available for use by not only the PAHS but many other groups. I have been surprised to learn how many groups use the cabin.  I’m sure it will serve everyone quite well. 

I should add that while Mark and I did our thing, we also received assistance in the form of moral support from a resident feline who had apparently spent the night prowling.

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A big congratulations to

Tom Southam

Tom recently upgraded to extra class.  As a very appropriate gift to himself, Tom turned in his old call of KA8WLI and now sports W8WLI. This new call fits Tom well and already flows without a hesitation.  Congrats, Tom!

 


Hal Rogers, K8CMD

President, Communications Director