April 2nd

China’s Tiangong-1 due to crash and burn on April 1st Tiangong-1, a Chinese space lab could plummet back to earth as early as Saturday, authorities say, in a fiery end to one of the country’s highest profile space projects. The 40-foot long Tiangong-1 or “Heavenly Palace,” is expected to re-enter the Earth’s atmosphere between March … Continue reading “April 2nd”

China’s Tiangong-1 due to crash and burn on April 1st

Tiangong-1, a Chinese space lab could plummet back to earth as early as Saturday, authorities say, in a fiery end to one of the country’s highest profile space projects.
The 40-foot long Tiangong-1 or “Heavenly Palace,” is expected to re-enter the Earth’s atmosphere between March 31 and April 1, according to the latest update from the European Space Agency.
The China Manned Space Engineering Office places the date of reentry a little later, between April 1 and April 2. Earlier estimates put the date as late as April 4. (CNN)

Ed. You can follow the final moments of Tiangong-1, a bus sized abandoned space station, on www.space.com and www.n2yo.com. 


Earth Day special event day approaches

Our 6th annual Earth Day special event operation is approaching quickly.  This year the event will be on Saturday, April 21st. Operation will be on HF and Ken Osicki, K8OAE will be tracking satellites communications.  This event gives PRC members a wonderful opportunity to communicate with fellow hams and renew our mutual appreciation for our wonderful planet. be operating entirely on power from the sun.

At our Monday, April 2nd meeting we’ll discuss all the basics of our operation including gear, antennas and more. We’ve been confronted with some major changes from our past events, including our station location and availability of solar panel. Please plan to be on hand to contribute your ideas.


Have a wonderful Easter holiday.


Hal Rogers, K8CMD President, Communications Director

Mar 19 mtg

Happy St. Patrick’s Day! Perhaps it was a veiled effort to “think Spring” but we took the opportunity at the recent meeting to discuss various methods of hanging wire antennas from our favorite antenna support – trees. While it seems like a simple task, there’s no shortage of failed attempt stories. To avoid duplicating past … Continue reading “Mar 19 mtg”

Happy St. Patrick’s Day!


Hal cleverly shows how trees move in the wind.

Perhaps it was a veiled effort to “think Spring” but we took the opportunity at the recent meeting to discuss various methods of hanging wire antennas from our favorite antenna support – trees. While it seems like a simple task, there’s no shortage of failed attempt stories. To avoid duplicating past errors we first discussed safety issues then proven methods such as slingshots, potato launchers even drones. We also covered methods to run support ropes and counter balance devices such as bungi cords and weights.

Rich and Jim demo the bungi tensioner.
Tom checks out Hal’s modified slingshot.

 

 

 

Gary tests the drone approach to antenna hanging.  Hey, this could work!

Mikes new workbench!

Vice President Mike Marganski, KE8HBK, has shown himself to be quite a wood worker with this beautiful new production. The bench is constructed of standard 2×4 shaved down to make the bench surface nice and flat.  The well-designed sturdy bench was then finished with a clear protective coat.  Mike says he plans to use the new bench for his test equipment.

 


March 19th meeting

Following a brief business meeting on March 19th we’ll work on finalizing the 2018 program schedule. Thanks to all who have assisted with the project.  Afterward, it we’ll make plans for our Earth Day special event operation at Stearns Farm.


2018 ‘Breeze Shooters’ Hamfest is gearing up

The ‘Breeze Shooters’ will once again be having their Hamfest on June 2 and June 3, 2018 – This will be our 64th Annual Event. This year we are again pleased to have been chosen to host the ARRL – WPA Section Convention. Presenters from the ARRL will be there. As in the years past, we are offering to the local radio clubs in Pennsylvania,Ohio,Maryland,New York,District of Columbia and West Virginia: (2)- Free Admission Tickets to our Hamfest at our newest location: The BIG Butler Fairgrounds, on US Rt. 422 in Prospect,PA (north of Pittsburgh) These can be given as a ‘drawing prize’ at your April or May, 2018 club meeting. This is one way we advertise our Hamfest and welcome members from other clubs to attend. OFFER IS LIMITED TO (2) Tickets per club and request must be received by April 30, 2018.

(Editor: Be the first to request tickets and they’re yours.)


Contributor needed

With the hamfest season just ahead we’re looking for a someone to contribute a list of the 2018 events for publishing on this site.  Please contact me if you wish to help.


FM2M2– Ohio 2 Meter FM Simplex Squares Contest

 Sponsored by The Cuyahoga Fall Amateur Radio Club

A contest for all hams in Ohio!

●     All you need is a 2M FM HT or mobile radio and a simple antenna to compete for prizes and certificates; yes even a cheap HT will do.

●     The contest is 10 hours total, two 5 hour windows each on April 7th & 8th 2018.

●     Use 2 Meter FM Simplex communication to contact as many other stations and grid squares in Ohio as possible.

●     Anyone sending in a log with at least one valid contact is eligible to win prizes, but the more contacts you make the better your odds of winning. There will also be certificates for leaders in a variety of categories.

●     Full details and rules can be found at http://tiny.cc/fmsq


Hal Rogers, K8CMD

President, Communications Director

Mar 5th mtg

The PRC, Celebrating 70 years and going strong thanks to good members like you Join the PRC for Earth Day 2018 The PRC will kick off Earth Day 2018, with our 6th annual special event station, on Saturday April 21st at Stearns Farm.  While actual Earth Day is on Sunday, we couldn’t wait. So please … Continue reading “Mar 5th mtg”

The PRC, Celebrating 70 years and going strong

thanks to good members like you


Join the PRC for Earth Day 2018

The PRC will kick off Earth Day 2018, with our 6th annual special event station, on Saturday April 21st at Stearns Farm.  While actual Earth Day is on Sunday, we couldn’t wait. So please make plans to join us as we warm up the HF bands. We’ll have more information as the date approaches.  Check the April QST Special Event page.

 


Thanks to VP Mike Marganski, KE8HBK and all who participated at the past meeting. Your suggestions for upcoming programs are extremely helpful. It’s the very best way to insure that our club meets your unique needs and interests.

Time to think about hanging that new antenna

This time of year don’t have to listen long on the ham bands before someone mentions the antenna they want to put up “when the weather breaks”. It’s no wonder the March QST is always dedicated to that popular topic.  One particular article caught my eye in which a couple of hams describe their high tech method of hanging a wire antenna in a tree. I’ve heard the idea mentioned by wishful dreamers, but these guys actually used a drone!

At our Monday meeting we’ll talk about the drone approach and see how practical it really is. Like most adventures, there are some things to consider before taking the first step. Then we ‘ll review more down to earth methods that have served us well.  If you’ve not hung your first antenna or have experiences (or cautions) to share, you’ll enjoy this meeting.

We’ll have a couple of informative videos, an actual drone system for you to see as well as the home made antenna launcher I’ve used with success. If you have a tool to show or discuss, please pitch in.


“Your license has expired.”

Those are quite scary words that you can avoid by belonging to ARRL.  It happened to me once and I always regretted the lapse.  Fortunately, I discovered the oversight while I was still in the grace period.  With the 10 year license term it’s easy to let the expiration date slip by.  My license was due to expire May 2018 and that’s why it’s been boldly noted on every calendar I have. I was surprisingly pleased to receive a letter from ARRL of the upcoming event — a wonderful benefit from ARRL and they make it easy to renew your license. They include a form for you to complete and then forward it to the FCC.

While it was a major thrill to receive that first license in June of 1961, it was a pleasant surprise to receive an email and printable Official Copy of my renewed license. This one expires in 2028.  I must make a note.


Hal Rogers K8CMD, President, Communications Director