Month: July 2016

I haven’t read a lot of newsletters but I’ve seen far too many that start out with, “I can’t believe it’s ________ already.”  You fill in the month. It’s purely cliche writing and far over used.  But I will admit that I could have used it today. It seems that the summer is really flying by.  I hope yours is going well and and that you’re getting everything done you intended.

We’re still collecting photos from Field Day. If you have some on your camera please try to get them to me soon. We’ll be publishing them soon.

---

Let’s talk antennas

Summer is, of course, antenna time.  At the August 1st meeting we’ll have an open discussion of  various antenna designs and construction ideas. I’ve been working on a 10 meter experimental loop with a homemade balun and will be bringing the essentials for show and tell.  If you have an antenna project you can bring, please do. We’d love to see it. On a recent net the question as to whether painting an antenna is a good idea.  What do you think?

By the way, I’ve learned to call most of my antennas “experimental.” There are several reasons for this. First, it makes it sound like I’m a scientist and who would question science? Also it suggests t0 family and curious neighbors that it’s temporary and they won’t have to look at it forever. I don’t know if it buys me any extra time, but I think it discourages some comments like “What the hell is that?”

Bring yourself, ideas and show and tell items to the next meeting. You’ll be glad you did.

---

Powder Time

Thanks to Mark Huber, N8OJ for his recent demonstration of powder coating.  In his demo, Mark coated an old aluminum worklight shade from host Rich Balata, KD8KBO. Powder coating differs from paint in that the powder is not suspended in a solvent. In the powder coating process, the colored powder is electrostatically charged while being blown onto the work piece from a special gun. Then the item is heated in a 400 degree convection oven for 20 minutes. The work can be handled as soon as it cools.  The result is impressive appearance and very durable. Great for ham projects!

---

Hal Rogers, K8CMD

President, Communications Director

Technology: Friend or Foe?

Technology is indeed my friend– when it works.  Unfortunately my friend is not available. Some time late Wednesday July 13th or Thursday the phone line at my home went out.  That means my DSL also went on vacation. My neighbor was told there is a wide spread outage in Parma.  My report to ATT (to a disinterested automated man) indicated that the service would be back in operation on Saturday July 16th.  Well, that hasn’t happened yet, so this post is being written from the local McD’s where I just had a brief panic when I overheard that their order taking computer is down.

We like to think we could do without all the technology and that it might be better to just get back to the “simple life.”  I’m not so sure that would be a good idea. Since the internet outage I’ve seen neighbors I never knew I had. Some are even talking to each other and some teenagers discovered they had a back yard. Life is changing.

---

Everybody loves a picnic.

Thank you all who participated in the July picnic.  It’s always enjoyable. And what a wonderful day we had.  It was so good to see Laurie and Robin Schurdell!

Our next meeting will be July 18th. We’ll have a full report of Field Day 2016 to discuss. As is customary, we’ll take a moment to discuss some ideas that could make next year’s Field Day even better.

---

Take a Powder

Everyone’s invited to a demonstration of powder coating by Mark Huber, NO8J. Mark has shown samples of the powder coating work at the PRC, but an actual demonstration needs to be done outdoors.  Powder coating is a heat based process that results in a durable protective coating on metal. Powder coating is an inexpensive way to give your project an impressive, professional look.

The presentation will be Saturday July 23rd, 10am at the home of Rich Balata, KD8KBO:

11694 State Road, Parma.  As Rich likes to say he’s the “4th fireplug south of Wallings on State Road.”

Look for a sign on the west side of State for the Woodchuck Radio Club meetng.

---

 

Hal Rogers, K8CMD

President, Communications Director

“Another very enjoyable Field Day”

“Another very enjoyable Field Day” is the simplest way to describe our 2016 Field Day.  While the report is still being compiled, we can say this was one of our most successful Field Day events ever. The food was wonderful, thanks to Sharon and Mike Pardue, N8WHB.  We had an astounding 31 total participants, including operators and visitors! And this was our first opportunity to show off our new PRC flag made by Tom Pechnik, AC8EH.  The easy to read flag waved proudly above our FD site on the fiberglass antenna mask. Thanks, Tom, for your handiwork.  I’m sure the club will get many years service out of your beautiful work.

We operated on HF using the venerable old segmented dipole and on 6 meters with a 3 element portable beam. Both antennas were great choices for the occasion.

Many people took photos and when they’re all in we’ll post them here for you to enjoy.

---

 

 Picnic July 11th

Hope that you and your family have a good and safe Independence Day this July 4th. Of course, we will not have a meeting but next week we will have our 1st picnic.

Time to get out the picnic basket!  Our 1st club picnic will be Monday, July 11th. Talk it up among your friends and let’s have fun. The location will be the Day park pavilion we’ve used for several years.  See directions below. There’s road work being done on Pleasant Valley Road but there shouldn’t be any problem getting into the park.  

Of course, our picnic is open to everyone. The club will provide the fire.   Bring whatever you would like to cook on the grill and your refreshment. Alcohol is not permitted in the park. In the past, some folks have brought dessert and other snacks and dishes to share — which is always appreciated, but not required.  While rare, fast food wrappers have been seen at the picnics.  The Pavilion has electrical outlets that can be used for food warmers, coffee maker, lighting, etc.

The Pavilion shelter is behind the swimming pool at Day Park, just east of Tri-C.  We will gather about 5:30 pm and will try to listen to the 145.410 repeater in case you get lost.

We’re hoping that all of our new members will be there and give us all a chance to meet them in a totally different environment. It will be great fun! See you there.

 

 
Directions: From Ridge and Pleasant Valley, the location of our regular meetings, go West on Pleasant Valley Road past York Road.  You’ll pass the entrance to Cuyahoga Community College, then a U-shaped road that goes to  the park ball fields. Turn right (north) when at the park sign at  Sesquicentennial Drive.  We’ll be in the large shelter called the Pavilion, which is behind the swimming pool.  

---

FM net changes

Many thanks to Kelly Heidenreich, KE8AXL  for her service as NCO. Kelly, who did a wonderful job and is very personable on the air, as in person, has found it necessary to step down from the role.  We welcome Kelly back any time she is again available.  Not skipping a beat Mike Peters, KD8ZMN stepped up for the slot.  Mike, a regular on the 10 meter net as well as the FM nets will do a great job, I’m sure.  Please join Mike for his initial net, July 19th.

---

Recent QST back-issues appreciated

I’ve been contacted by a new ARRL member who would appreciate recent back issues of QST.  If you can help, please let me know or bring them to a meeting.

---

Hal Rogers, K8CMD

President, Communications Director