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