For many reasons, it’s a pleasure to put February behind us. The weather hasn’t been terrible but it certainly hasn’t been very predictable, has it? Personally, I’ve had a string of things that just stopped working: computers, a snowblower, refrigerator. To quote my late father-in-law/ philosopher, “The more you got, the more you got to break.” So right, Chet. So right.
Speaking of computers, I just got a message on this laptop that Windows 10 wants to do an update. So I better hurry. I also read a few weeks ago that Microsoft is rolling out a major update to Windows 10. I don’t think this is it, but we’ll see. Major updates always give me the heebee jeebees, if that’s the expression, ever since I tried to install Windows 10 on an old Windows 7 laptop. The system froze and never could be used again there on out. It became the proverbial “brick.” So wish me luck.
Thanks to Rich Nagel, W8KU for bringing us a great “show and tell.” Rich has been working on a neat little HF QRP transceiver kit. Rich explained that the kit includes a preassembled board and all you have to do is find a housing and wire up all the connective components. Rich fabricated his box from PC board material. The kit, a uBix V.5 was purchased from hfsignals.com .
The next best thing to homebrewing is seeing someone else’s handiwork. This little rig is typical of Rich’s high quality work.
March 2nd meeting. Our recent meeting had a disappointing low attendance, most likely because of the threat of snow flakes, cold and darkness. So the scheduled program will be presented following a brief business meeting. I have some very informative videos on HF propagation. Even if you think you have a good understanding of what makes HF propagation work, I guarantee you’ll learn a thing or two because science has been making significant discoveries in recent years. It’s no secret that band conditions have been less than desirable. Oh sure, there have been good days, but most people say it takes some work. Why is that? Is there hope for anything better. Will there ever be a return of the “good ole days?” We thought it was time to look to the experts a and that’s what we’ll do. So don’t miss it. And if that isn’t enough, Ken Osicki, K8OAE is bringing donuts and said he doesn’t want to take any home!
March 16th meeting. At this meeting we’ll learn about one of the most valuable features on HF receivers- filters. What are filters? What do they do and how do you use them effectively? I would say that with today’s band conditions filters are invaluable. Which makes it extremely important to know how to set them up for optimum receiving. Do you have experience you can share on this topic? We need your input. So join us on the 16th.
Coorespondence
It’s always enjoyable to hear from past members or hams who once lived in the area. We recently received the following from a former Parma resident:
Hal, I grew up in Parma and met my wife of 50+ years. Am now living in Kansas since 1977. I’d like to make an HF contact if possible with a member. I would really like to visit with some of your members. I work mostly HF on 80 and 40 meters. These are best for me at night and 80 is probably best. I also work phone and no CW or RTTY at the present time. If some member would like to call me to arrange a frequency and time to meet that might be a good starting point. Most any evening I am available for contacts. I have spoken to hams in the Cleveland area so it is possible to make contact at night. I also would like to make contact with your members during your Earth Day event as I saw in your newsletter. I am in Kansas so there is a one hour time difference here (Central Time). Thanks so much and hopefully we can make some contacts. — Dale Stelz 73s ! KC0DVV
(In the interest of privacy, I don’t give out personal phone numbers. Just contact me for Dale’s number. Hal)
PRC Celebrates 8th Annual Earth Day
On April 18th, 10 am to 4 pm, the Parma Radio Club will conduct its 8th annual Earth Day Celebration at Stearns Farm. The special event is open to the public and will feature a variety of interactive educational displays including HF and VHF amateur radio stations, an interactive learning set of morse code keys, and electronic circuit building sets especially geared to youth. Brief explainer programs will show How Solar Panel Systems Create Electrical Power and Help Save the Earth and How World Wide Radio Communication is Only Possible Thanks to Our Friend the Sun.
This year will be Earth Day’s 50th anniversary. The event, celebrated around the world in hundreds of countries by millions of people, seeks to remind us all the importance of being good stewards of our precious planet and its resources.
QST Special Event Announcement:
In the middle of writing this post, Windows ignored my suggested time to do the update and took control. The update ran through the night but all looks good and, so far, is working well.
Hal Rogers, K8CMD President