It was a difficult decision to cancel the Fall QR Picnic, but with the aftermath of Hurricane Marie headed in our direction, it seemed a good decision.  My regrets to all who were disappointed by the last minute change of plans.

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Cleveland Hamfest

It was good to see many of you at the Cleveland Hamfest. The weather was perfect and the sales and socializing was spirited. Congrats to all who found good deals or won prizes.  With no hoopla, the entry fee for attendants and flea market vendors was reduced this year by a dollar.

Thanks to Chuck, K8CVM for the photo of Tom Southam, W8WLI in his PRC jacket. That jacket has some history on it.

Time for me to grumble. 

I’ve always enjoyed the Mobile Check-In. Hearing all the eager hams heading for the Hamfest fires me up and puts me in the running for hourly prize drawings.  I understand that for the past few years the Hamfest Association’s repeater has been out of commission so they operate in simplex mode using the their repeater output frequency. Total confusion for everyone, some newbies, some traveling from a distance who might actually need “talk-in” driving instructions or info on which gate to use.  Imagine the hassle of discovering while driving that you need to recall how to manually enter a simplex frequency in order to check-in.

The Hamfest Association needs to remember that attendees are customers and that kind of confusion is NOT good customer service! You shouldn’t have to start the your hamfest event with frustration.

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It’s Homebrew Show and Tell night!

Our October 1st meeting will be another fun evening for you to how off a favorite homebrew project or kit that you’ve built.  It makes no difference how big or small it is, or how sophisticated your item. Bring it and share it!

We’ll also be discussing ideas for projects that could excite and motivate young people, perhaps inspiring them to join the ranks of amateur radio.

In addition, Tom Bedocs, K8DMM, who gave us his excellent program on oscilloscopes and promised part 2, has additional video and information to share of the topic, time permitting

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Hal Rogers, K8CMD

President, Communications Director

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2nd Annual QRPicnic !!

If you participated in last year’s fall picnic you know the fun of combining a cook out and playing radio!  This year we’ll again take advantage of this wonderful time of year to  set up QRP/portable stations.  Antennas must be free standing and not attached to any park structures or trees. While battery operation is preferred, there are power outlets in the shelter but be sure to bring an extension cord.

As for the picnic: Our September picnic has always been popular. Mark your calendar for Monday, September 17th (a revised date). The regularly scheduled meeting has been canceled.  Instead, we will picnic (and play radio) at Day Park, gathering from 5pm.

Talk up the picnic among friends and on the nets and let’s have fun. The location will be the Day park pavilion we’ve used for several years.  See directions below.

Of course, our QRPicnic is open to everyone. However an RSVP is requested. Please write parmaradioclub@gmail.com and let us know if you plan to attend. If you can serve as Grill Master to start the fire your help would be appreciated. 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.  Even 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 west of Tri-C.  We will gather about 5:00 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 play ground and park sign, which is Sesquicentennial Drive. At this time there is no road sign.  We’ll be in the large shelter called the Pavilion, behind the swimming pool. 

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Have a pleasant and safe Labor Day.

Hal Rogers, K8CMD President, Communications Director