Month: September 2016

Field Trip to the Innovation Center

On October 3rd we’ll be meeting at the Parma Snow Library, 2121 Rockside Road to receive a tour of the new Innovation Center. Innovation Center is home of a variety of “awesome” high tech machines such 3D printers and laser cutters.  The tour will be an overview of the machines capability, safety, etc. No actual demos will be given.

We will meet in the main lobby at 7:15 pm.  The tour, conducted by Matt Skvasik, Adult Services Supervisor, will begin promptly at 7:30pm. No one will be able to join once the tour is underway. These introductory sessions are required if anyone who intends to use the equipment in the future. To make this session count for qualifying just present your library card and a photo ID at the tour.

Here is a link to a brief article about the Innovation Center: www.cleveland.com

IMPORTANT: Please confirm with us immediately if you plan to attend. We’ve been asked to provide a  number attending ahead of time. This tour is open to the public, as well, so they need to know the size of the group. To confirm, write:  parmaradioclub@gmail.com

Pencil this in for November 7th

On November 7th Larry Shimerka, KC8VZZ and Mike Peters, KD8ZMN (inspired by a QST article on making a slot antenna) will talk about a project that’s planned to be made from a retired dish antenna. We’ll learn the principle of the slot antenna, used in VHF and UHF commercial designs.

PRC serves Raspberry Pi

On December 5th we will receive an enlightening presentation on this versatile, inexpensive, pocket sized computer.  Thinking about getting on the Raspberry Pi express?  You won’t be alone. Recently, Raspberry Pi sold its 10,000,000th product!   Stay tuned for details on this program.

In the mean time read about 10 clever uses for the device:  Make: 10 Raspberry Pi Projects

As always, our meetings, nets and events are open to everyone.   invite a friend.

Hal Rogers K8CMD

President/ Communications Director

Amateur Radio Parity Act makes progress

— but we’re not there yet!

A letter from ARRL:

Dear ARRL member,

I am writing to you today because we are at a crossroad in our efforts to obtain passage of The Amateur Radio Parity Act.

Our legislative efforts scored a major victory in our campaign when The Amateur Radio Parity Act, H.R. 1301, passed in the House of Representatives yesterday, September 12^th. The legislation now moves to the Senate, where we need every Senator to approve the bill.

You are one of over 730,000 licensed Amateur Radio Operators living in the United States. Many of you already live in deed-restricted communities, and that number grows daily.

NOW IS THE TIME FOR ALL HAMS TO GET INVOLVED IN THE PROCESS!

• If you want to have effective outdoor antennas but are not currently allowed to do so by your Home Owner’s Association, SEND THESE EMAILS TODAY!!

• If you already have outdoor antennas, but want to support your fellow hams, SEND THESE EMAILS TODAY!!

• If you want to preserve your ability to install effective outdoor antennas on property that you own, SEND THESE EMAILS TODAY!!

We need you to reach out to your Senators TODAY! Right away. Help us in the effort. Please go to this linked website and follow the prompts: https://arrl.rallycongress.net/ctas/urge-senate-to-support-amateur-radio-parity-act

Thank you.

73,

Rick

– – – – – – – – – – – – – – –

Rick Roderick, K5UR
President
ARRL, the national association for Amateur Radio^®

Light attendance but great times at September picnic

While not the best attended picnic we’ve ever had, it was enjoyed by all – all 6 of us.  The weather was excellent and many thanks go to Grill Master Larry, KC8VZZ who served up a roaring fire.

The event prompted this from Bill Squires, N8WS who wrote: A great time was had by all at the Parma, Woodchuck picnic. Larry performed his magic by waving his wand on the fire and poof we had a great fire to cook on. Great weather, good friends, plenty of food and door prizes were won by all.  Visitors from 3 counties had plenty of summer fun to talk about.  

 

 

Our next meeting is September 19th. We’ll have a short business meeting followed by a discussion of the common “longwire” antenna.

Hal Rogers, K8CMD

President, Communications Director

Have a Safe and enjoyable Labor Day.  Our next meeting is September 19th.  More on that later.  Most importantly…

 It’s picnic time!

Our September picnic has always been popular. The air is usually a little cooler and quite pleasant. Of course, I’m not a weather prognosticator.

Mark your calendar for Monday, September 12th. 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.

We are looking for a “Grill Master”.  The successful applicant must arrive early and secure the Pavillion as well as start the grill. If you can take this chore, pick up a bag of charcoal and bring your lighter fluid, matches and grill tools. Keep your receipt. The treasurer will reimburse you for your expenses. Let me know if you will be taking this task.  This is important. Without a Grill Master, plan to eat raw meat!

Pavilion at Day Park, Pleasant Valley Rd.

 
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. 

Splice like the big guys

It’s that time of the year when we can work on an antenna without suffering from the heat.  You might have a repair to make to a wire antenna.  If you’ve ever wondered what’s the best way to join two wires, you could do it like the big guys. These 3 photos will show NASA’s preferred method of joining wires:

Sometimes called the Western Union Slice, it’s also called the NASA splice. For the full story go to this link from Make Magazine  http://makezine.com/2012/02/28/how-to-splice-wire-to-nasa-standards/  For my purposes, it’s a bit of an overkill. I find two wraps on each side of the splice is adequate.

While you’re working with your antennas, take a few minutes to inspect your coax, then apply a bit of Armor All with a small cloth. This automotive vinyl protection product will help keep moisture out of coax skin and act as as a UV sun blocker, too.

Hal Rogers, K8CMD

President, Communications Director