As you may have noticed the website is looking a little different… Well thats because our new Vice President Jeboriah sheets has been making some changes to the website, bringing it new life and keeping it updated to bring all the exciting news about the PRC and events!

A huge thanks goes out to PRC member Tony Lutzo (KE8TFH) for designing 2 amazing new logos for the club! He is a graphic designer and was inspired to create this logo when seeing the changes to the website. Which logo do you like? Make sure to let Jeb (KE8YPP) know.

Upcoming February 27th — Elmer Night

Our January meeting was well attended. Lots of hot, delicious pizza, and great conversation. It’s always fun to put a face to the friendly voice you’ve talked to on the radio. Many thanks to President Dale Wood who provided a variety of delicious pizza, refreshments, and a Baofeng UV-5R door prize. Although the “optics” were awkward, the winner was extremely surprised and I am enjoying it immensely.

Treasurer Tom Pechnik AC8EH was kept quite busy accepting dues from current and new members. If you haven’t renewed your membership, please do so using the application on this site. You can mail it to the Tom or take care of business at the February meeting.

Our next meeting is February 27^th and we hope you’ll join us. We’re calling our meeting “Elmer Night”. In a sense it will be a continuation of last month’s socializing. At this meeting we want to nail down some program topics you’d like us to pursue during the upcoming year. In the process, you’ll learn about the fascinating and varied interests of our assembled group and you’ll also learn who Elmer is.

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Compliments ARRL.ORG

The First Amateur Radio Station on the Moon, JS1YMG, is Now Transmitting

2/02/2024

The Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA) successfully landed their Smart Lander for Investigating Moon (SLIM) on January 19, 2024. Just before touchdown, SLIM released two small lunar surface probes, LEV-1 and LEV-2.

LEV-2 collects data while moving on the lunar surface, and LEV-1 receives the data.

The JAXA Ham Radio Club (JHRC), JQ1ZVI, secured amateur radio license JS1YMG for LEV-1, which has been transmitting Morse code on 437.41 MHz since January 19. The probe uses a 1 W UHF antenna with circular polarization and is transmitting “matters related to amateur business.”

Radio amateurs have been busy analyzing JS1YMG’s signal, with Daniel Estévez’s, EA4GPZ, blog introducing the method and extraction results for demodulating Morse code from the signal, as well as extracting the code string.

It’s unclear how long signals will be heard. JAXA has said that SLIM was not designed to survive a lunar night, which lasts about 14 days, and is due to return in a few days.

SLIM was launched on September 6, 2023, and landed on January 19, 2024, with the mission of analyzing the composition of rocks to aid research about the origin of the moon. SLIM’s landing made Japan the fifth country to achieve a soft touchdown on the moon. The landing was achieved with exceptional precision — within 180 feet of its targeted touchdown location.

Nets? Why Net?

The net continues to be a wonderful way to meet fellow members and polish radio communication skills. It’s painless and fun. When you’re ready, go another step and take the Net Control chair. It’s easy to do, and experienced NCOs will show you how they do it at a meeting or over the air. Wondering what you’d say on the net? A simple script is available on this site. Or write parmaradioclub@gmail.com and tell them you’re interested.

Our newest NCO is President Dale Wood KE8WZQ. While at this time he’s only had 2 or 3 nets under his belt, he sounds like he’s done it for years.

Tom Southam, W8WLI, brings a tremendous amount of experience to the job and is always ready to help a newcomer take the NCO helm. We all know that it’s more fun than you can imagine.

As we approach the new year with anticipation, the PRC Board wants to wish you a wonderful 2024!Some announcements: 

Meetings

Meetings will now be one per month, on the 4th Tuesday, 7 pm at Busch Community Room, Ridge Rd., Parma. 

Nets

FM nets will be Tuesday at 9 pm on the KB8WLW 145.410 repeater (and its linked repeaters) with the exception of the 4th Tuesday, when we meet in person.

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Our first meeting of the year is January 23rd at 7pm.
We’re going to kick off the year with Pizza and a fun social evening. There’ll be a variety of pizza types to choose from, as well as soft drinks and coffee.  However, we suggest you pack your own (non-alcohol) drink 

if you have a particular preference. 

As if meeting members face to face isn’t enough, you could win a door prize! Everyone will be given a ticket that could win them a gleaming new

Make a note now to join us and feel free to bring a friend!

Baofeng UV-5R Two Way Dual Band FM handheld radio, 144-148/420-450Mhz

We’ll are accepting 2024 dues.  

To keep the PRC strong we need your continued support. Many thanks to those members who have already submitted their 2024 dues.  To re-up at the next meeting, please bring a check or the exact cash. To make it quick and easy, have a completed application.  If you cannot attend, submit your dues through the mail to the Treasurer’s address on the application.  A new application is required each year since your info might have changed.

If you’d like to discuss anything sooner or have a question, please email me. 

73 and I’m looking forward to meeting you. 

Dale Wood,  KE8WZQ President

dalewoodus@yahoo.com

The PRC has been very fortunate to have had donated web site hosting for several years by member Chuck Mehoznek, K8CVM. Chuck informed us that the availabiliy must end at year’s end. We’re grateful for Chuck’s offering over this period and are now exploring alternatives to keep you informed. Any suggestions will be appreciated.

Members will be updated on the nets and by email. Non members should request “eminders” by sending an email request to: parmaradioclub@gmail.com

Dues Due

It’s that time to ask that you to financially support your club. Dues remain the same. Please use the application that is on this site. It can be mailed or brought to a meeting. Remember, we now meet only on the 1st Monday of each month.

Thank you SO MUCH for your support.

December 6th meeting

Following a brief business meeting and announcement of our new officers, we will have a presentation from Ron Hollas, K8RJH on a most popular topic-

Digital Voice Modes

Do you want to learn more about Digital Voice Modes (DVMs) and HotSpots?

Be sure to attend the PRC’s December 6th. Ron’s informative program will include an overview of DVMs, HotSpots, and what you need to participate in this rapidly growing aspect of amateur radio. With just an HT, a HotSpot, and a Wi-Fi or mobile Internet connection, you can speak to the world. Ron covers the basics, some of the nomenclature, resources, and will hold a live demonstration of MMDVM so you can see and hear how it all works. And, he’ll also provide information on additional resources to help you get started in this popular aspect of our hobby.

See you there! Monday, December 6, 7:30 pm at Busch Community Room, Ridge Road, Parma, Ohio.

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After a detailed presentation to the Board and attending members, President Hal Rogers, K8CMD commended the Net Control Operators for their fine work and helping to make the club grow in this very difficult time. He personally recognized NCOs Dave Semanik K8WRS, Tom Southam W8WLI, Dan Mikelson KD8ZJP, and John Malloy KA8VTV. Further he recognized Dave for organizing the NCO team.

After a discussion about possible reasons for light attendance at meetings, VP Mike Marganski KE8HBK suggested that we survey the membership on several topics so that the board can learn what members expect from their club and we can better meet their needs. Mike is developing the questions and the survey will be released soon.

It was agreed that the club must continue to present quality programs as well as work to inspire new and prospective hams. It was agreed to subscribe to a new statewide online amateur license training program developed by the Cuyahoga Falls Amateur Radio Club and headed by Anthony Luscre, K8ZT. We’ll talk more about the program at future meetings and posts.

In keeping with the practices of many clubs the Board voted to reduce meetings to one per month, that being on the 1st Monday. The revised schedule will begin immediately.

Have you ever thought you’d like to learn more about how to be a Net Control Operator? Truth is, there’s not just one way to maintain order on a net. But Dave Semanik, K8WRS has been doing nets for many years and has some great tips to share with novices and experienced hams and will be presenting his program Monday, October 4th at Busch Community Room. Don’t miss it.

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Another fun hamfest is coming:

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See you all at our next meeting: October 4th at Busch Community Room on Ridge Rd.

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Our next meeting is an important Board meeting and it will be packed with a number of critical topics for discussion and decision. As always, your opinions will be appreciated on all issues. Essentially, every aspect of our clubs operation and existence will be considered.

Until further notice, all indoor events attendees will be required to wear a mask.

Cleveland Hamfest returns !!

The Cleveland Hamfest & Computer Show returns September 26 at the Cuyahoga County Fairgrounds. It’s a long-awaited experience for many. Several of our newer members have yet to experience their first ever hamfest.

Attendees of previous Hamfests were mailed a flier from the Hamfest Association of Cleveland. If you haven’t received a flier, click the link below for a double-sided printable PDF that includes a map, as well as the list of fabulous drawing prizes and info about the mobile check-in frequencies.

You can add yourself to the Hamfest Association mailing list by going to their link below.

In addition to three main prizes, there will be hourly drawings. You’re also encouraged to use the mobile check-in while enroute and get your call sign on a drawing list. Pass the mic around so everyone can get a chance at a mobile check-in goodie. Then scan the board during the event for your call sign. The check-in frequencies will be the same as our net frequency: 145.410- (PL 110.9) and 442.225+ (131.8)

Special features: Walk-in Volunteer Licensing Exams at NOON. See important details on the flier. FORUMS: 10 am Intro to FT8 and FT4 11 am Internet Linking with AllStarLink

• Cleveland Hamfest 2-page printable flier PDF.
• Hamfest Association of Cleveland www.hac.org

Front side of the 2 page flier–

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Next Crew to ISS to be Entirely Amateur

Four radio amateurs will head to the International Space Station (ISS) aboard a commercial flight, thanks to Amateur Radio on the International Space Station www.arrl.org

For information about Amateur Radio on the International Space Station, read here (ARISS).

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Thanks to presenter and PRC Trustee, Tom Bedocs, K8DMM, the PRC had a excellent August 2nd meeting. Following our business meeting, Tom gave a very informative look back at the recent Field Day held by the North Coast Amateur Radio Club. Tom, who is also a member of the North Coast Club, set up the network logging that linked the clubs 5 QRP stations. Tom then explained the intricacies of the operations 5 separate antennas. What a neat setup! And after a few technical issues, the network worked perfectly. Nice job, Tom!

NO August 16 meeting.

We’re having a picnic!

Pavilion Picnic Shelter/ Day Park, Parma

The PRC will not be holding it’s regular meeting on the 16th. Instead, we’ll be enjoying a much awaited PICNIC, our first in 2 years.

Join us Monday, August 16th at Day Park, Pavilion (pictured above). The Pavilion is a spacious picnic benched shelter with 4 charcoal grills, electricity for appliances and restrooms. It’s located just behind the swimming pool and near a new bocce ball court (lawn bowling). Bring your bocce set if you’d like to play or introduce others to this popular past time.

The grill will be started at 5:30pm. Arrive around 6. Bring whatever you’d like to grill and your dinner and drink. If you have a dessert or other goodies you’d like to share, it’s appreciated, but never required.

Everyone is welcome. You never have to be a member to attend a PRC function.

We look forward to seeing everyone and meeting our new members.

Being an outdoor event, no masks are required but social distancing is suggested.

Directions

From the east, Pleasant Valley Road to Day Park entrance at Sesquicentennial Drive (across from Pleasant Valley Church). North on Sesquicentennial Drive, behind the pool. Pavilion is the large shelter on the right.

The group will gather at 6:00 pm.

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Ham gear for sale. The PRC has been informed of the availability of used amateur radio equipment. Proceeds from the sale will greatly benefit the family. See the For Sale page on this site.

We’ve always said that as soon as we can meet again face to face, we will.  If you’ve been following the pandemic news you know that Ohio is seeing a well-earned reduction in Covid 19 cases. This success is clearly the result of our diligent attention to the pandemic guidelines and the protection afforded by the vaccines.  After reviewing the current situation Governor Dewine recently announced that, with a few special exceptions, the State’s pandemic guidelines will end on June 2nd.

In celebration of our new freedom…

PRC members will be participating in the 2021 ARRL Field Day, June 26-27 at historic Stearns Homestead, the educational farm at the city’s center.  Many of you are familiar with this site as the location of our fun Earth Day celebrations for several years.

Needless to say, the smallest of events requires a large amount of PLANNING.  So, to kick off the event we’ll have a meeting this Sunday, May 30th at 7:30 PM on Zoom.  If you’ve never used Zoom and wish to attend, send me an email and let me know you want to attend. A prior to the meeting I’ll send you an invitation with a link that will take you directly to our Zoom meeting room.  If you don’t currently have the Zoom program, take a moment to download the application on your smart phone, PC or other device. The service is free. You can follow the link early to check out the simple interface. It’s fun to use and I regret that we haven’t used it until now. By the way, our meeting will last no longer than 40 minutes.

We’ll start the Zoom meeting by giving new members an overview of the intent of this popular radiosport.

While our nets are great fun, I really look forward to seeing you and can’t wait to meet our new members!  We’re hoping you’ve been vaccinated, but there’s still time to get your shot.

If anything good came out of this pandemic, it’s that we’ve learned a tremendous amount about the importance of personal protection and basic sanitation. Per state guidelines as of June 2, masking will not be required since we’re outdoors, but you’re certainly welcome to wear one. Hand sanitizer and wipes will be available, too.

Start now by letting us know you’d like to receive an invitation. Write to: parmaradioclub@gmail.com

73 and hope to see you Sunday

Hal Rogers, K8CMD                President

Mike Marganski, KE8HBK   Vice President
John Malloy, KA8VTV             Secretary
Tom Pechnik, AC8EH             Treasurer
Tom Bedocs, K8DMM            Trustee

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Hamfests are coming back!

We received a flier from the Monroe Hamfest and Computer Show in Monroe, Mi on Father’s Day, June 20th. For complete information check out http://www.mcrca.org

For a complete list of other area ham activities go to arrl-ohio.org

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This next story is a departure from the topic of ham radio, but maybe not. You never know what you’ll hear on the radio. The story has been on my mind since I caught a report on CBS 60 minutes. I believe we’ll hear much more in the months ahead.

On the May 16th broadcast of 60 Minutes, host Bill Whitaker opened the program with this chilling lead-in, “We have tackled many strange stories on 60 Minutes, but perhaps none like this. It’s the story of the U.S. government’s grudging acknowledgement unidentified areal phenomena- UAP more commonly known as UFOs.” I was rivited.

Watch the full story at https://www.cbsnews.com/news/ufo-military-intelligence-60-minutes-2021-05-16/ 

Let’s talk about it on the net. Have you ever seen a UFO or something you couldn’t explain? I have!

Field Day 2020

It wasn’t the kind of Field Day we were hoping for, was it? Looking back, we had no reason to think this Field Day would be any different from any other — the kind of Field Day where we discussed our plans, went through a checklist to be absolutely certain nothing was overlooked and then worked it through, lugging gear to the site, splashing on bug repellent and forming a team to raise antennas to the sky, unravel large rolls of coax, pitch a tent, hook up solar panels, batteries and radio gear and finally make the sweet noise of intermittent squaks, tones and even voices from distant people. Finally at 2 PM the gate is opened and the long awaited radio “sport” is on. Energized hams everywhere, it seems, are swapping reports from distant places.

It’s enough to make you starved, which is why a fantastic repast awaits the hungry group at the food tent just before night fall!

Well, hopefully we’ll do that next year.

Those of us who were able to participate in the event did so from the comfort of their homes, as did hundreds of other hams around the country. And, while it wasn’t what we all wanted, I believe we all had more fun than we expect. The member results have been reported to ARRL and will appear in the December QST.

Personnally, I’m looking forward to the next time I can operate under the stars.

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PRC Nets, a great place to stay in touch

The PRC TecNet has been a fun way to get together and share on technical and other topics. The new FM net is held the 1st and 3rd Mondays of the month on 145.410 mHz KB8WLW repeaters at 7:30 pm. The regular FM net meets each Tuesday at 9 PM on the same frequency.

On HF, join us on 28.460 mHz on the 10 meter band on USB every Thursday at 9 pm.

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Virtual Hamfest

Many of us miss the in-person gatherings of summer hamfests, but DX Engineering is not letting the virus stop them from continuing their successful events. This year’s DXE hamfest will be held online on the increasingly popular Zoom video platform. Check the fantastic line up of programs. And then there will be giveaways, too!

If you haven’t yet used Zoom. I suggest you download the app on your desktop, laptop, tablet or other device so that you can participate. You start by registering using the link below. Prior to the event you’ll be emailed an invitation to be admitted.

Mark Your Calendars for the DXE Virtual Hamfest and DX Academy

Join the Elmers at DX Engineering and a host of Ham Radio luminaries on Saturday, July 25, 2020, for the first DXE Virtual Hamfest and DX Academy—two online events combined into a full day of fun, learning, and drawings for DX Engineering gift cards.

Both events are free and open to all. Click here to register. Once signed up, you will receive a link to access the events in real-time on the Zoom webinar platform, or you can watch live on the DX Engineering YouTube channel.

The day kicks off with the DXE Virtual Hamfest, featuring presentations from top contributors to OnAllBands (DX Engineering’s blog site), and the latest news and answers to your questions about recent and upcoming products, including the RF-KIT RF2K-S Linear Amplifier (sold exclusively in North America by DX Engineering), the RT-4500HD Heavy-Duty Rotator, and the Ladder Line Surge Protector.

DXE Virtual Hamfest Schedule (times are EDT)

9 am:               Introduction by Tim Duffy, K3LR, CEO of DX Engineering
9:15 am:          DXE Product Discussion with Scott Jones, N3RA
9:30 am:          Ward Silver, N0AX, Radiosport: Training for Public Service
10 am:             DXE Product Discussion with Steve Hannah, KC8YSU
10:15 am:        Sean Kutzko, KX9X, Working Amateur Radio Satellites
10:45 am:        DXE Product Discussion with Tim Duffy, K3LR
11 am:             Anthony Luscre, K8ZT, Youth in Amateur Radio
11:30 am:        DXE Question and Answer, Wrap-up, and Drawing for a $1,000 DX Engineering Gift Card*

The afternoon will be all about improving your skills at making long-distance contacts. Sponsored by Icom America and DX Engineering, the first-ever online DX Academy brings together experts to share advice from their years of on-air experience.

DX Academy Schedule (times are EDT)

1 pm:               Introduction by Tim Duffy, K3LR
1:15 pm           Jerry Rosalius, WB9Z, Low Band Antennas for DXing
2:15 pm            Ray Novak, N9JA, Icom Product Showcase, IC-705
2:45 pm            Glenn Johnson, W0GJ, VP6R DXpedition to Pitcairn Island
3:45 pm            Valerie Hotzfeld, NV9L, Operating Tools and Ideas for Becoming a Better DXer
4:45 pm            Wrap-up and Drawing for a $1,000 DX Engineering Gift Card*

*To win, you must be registered and present on Zoom during the drawings.

Look for more information on Facebook and OnAllBands (a DXE blog) in the coming days.

From the site of DX Engineering. www.dxengineering.com

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