This will be a “a quick read” post. Like many of you, this wonderful weather has made it possible to get on with a number of pressing outdoor projects.
I want to thank Natalie the Director of Replay for Kids for a very enjoyable program this month. From conversations at the event and on the net, we all had a wonderful time busily adapting toys for handicapped children. I have a superb collection photos from Ken Osicki K8OAE along with video I took and am editing it for a later date. If you missed out on the event, another will be planned for later in the year.
Our April 18th meeting will be our only opportunity to discuss and finalize plans for the Earth Day Special Event on April 23rd at Stearns Farm. Hard to believe that this will be our 4th annual event in which we operate entirely on solar energy. This year, coincidentally, the Ohio section Emergency is hoping to expand the Section’s NVIS Antenna Day which also takes place on the 23rd. Scott Yonally, N8SY our ARRL Ohio Section Manager suggested that we try an NVIS antenna. So we’ve decided to “join the party” by using a quick and easy homemade NVIS antenna.
If you’re not familiar with this antenna, the acronym stands for Near Vertical Incident Scattering antenna. While several designs meet this purpose, a popular one is a short inverted vee dipole. The NVIS antenna directs the pattern vertically so that it reflects off the ionosphere and reflects downward. Similar to the broad, scattered illumination you get when you direct a flashlight onto the ceiling.
If you will be participating in any way at the event, particularly supplying equipment, we need to have your attendance at this meeting.
More information on the Ohio ARES event is on the ARRL site. Ohio SEC NVIS Day