Author: Editor

Looking ahead to September… we will not be meeting on Labor Day, the 2nd. Our only meeting in September will be September 16th.

———————————————————————————————-

This has been an unusual summer for my family and me. Without going into too much detail in this space, let me just say that that I’m happy to say that things are looking up. With all the activity I’ve had little time for radio, or the PRC for that matter.

As we learned at the previous meeting, several members have tales of woe in the aftermath of the July 5th flooding storm that left my basement quite soaked. Fortunately we didn’t suffer any major losses. We’re now dried out thanks to the fine work of the Service Master team. After their work I back -filled three tons of top soil against the foundation to make up for long settled soil. Then I discovered a backed up gutter downspout, and opened a neighbor’s leaf-blocked back yard storm drain that was allowing her water to flow onto our back yard. While I still get an uneasy feeling when I notice dark clouds gathering, I’m comfortable that ever bit of my recent efforts will pay off. For now our basement is DRY. It has occurred to me that perhaps my calling should have been as a civil engineer. I certainly can see the benefit of such work.

Hamfests

I haven’t been able to enjoy any hamfests this summer and I understand the DX Engineering ‘fest was a very successful event. With that in mind, we’ll have some personal reports about the activity at our next meeting on August 19th.

The “right way” to do Hamfests

Have you ever attended a hamfest and then spent several hours afterward only to realize that you returned without the “goodies” you needed? How did that happen? We all know there are a lot of distractions at hamfests that make it easy for us to get side tracked. I’ve become convinced that hamfesting successfully, whether as a shopper or as a vendor requires skill! At Monday’s meeting I’d like to hear your suggestions for successfully doing a hamfest, as a shopper or as a vendor. As a bonus, I’m certain that those skills are transferable to other similar situations.

Those strange tones

While enjoying the recent coverage of the anniversary of the moon landing and listening to the thrilling two way conversations between the astronauts and Houston Control I asked myself for the first time, “What are those strange tones we hear during the transmissions?” My research led me to an interesting finding. The tones are called Quindar Tones and they served a major communication function.

With a spinning earth it would have been impossible to maintain constant radio communication with the astronauts from a single fixed location in Houston, Texas. The solution was to have a network of receiving stations and transmitters around the globe. Each station had phone line connection to Houston Control. At any given time one of those sites would have a direct signal to the astronauts. Now here is where the Quindar tones come in. When the astronauts pressed their PTT (push to talk) the Quindar tone from the space craft was picked up by a receiving station and their audio was fed, by phone line, to Houston! Houston’s response went back to space by first traveling back to the receiving station on the same phone line!

For more specifics, I suggest you go to www.wikipedia.com https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Quindar_tones

---

Hal Rogers, K8CMD PRC President

Field Day a Perfect Success

In many respects, this year’s Field Day was a perfect success. We had some challenges with the G5RV antenna mast up but thanks to member experience the crew was able to overcome the issues. Soon, we were on our way to filling out our coverage map… and, most importantly, having fun. We were all surprised at how crowded the bands were and that propagation was quite good.

We enjoyed visits from a number of visitors who were all pleased to “get the tour” of our station. Many thanks to Mike Pardue, N8WHB and family who provided a fabulous dinner tent and a tasty grilled burger meal. Mike Marganski, KE8HBK surprised us with delicious Polish sausage. Then this writer treated all to an energizing Sunday pancake and maple syrup breakfast, and left over Polish sausage. No one goes hungry at our Field Days!

If you took photos from the event, please forward them to us so we can share them.

Join us at our July 1st meeting We’ll have a complete report on the results of the event and critique our efforts, asking “what worked, what didn’t and hearing members suggestions about what we could do to make next year’s event better. In addition we’ll discuss some upcoming events that you might want to participate in.

Alternative energy demonstration

Recently I was introduced to an engine design that I had never heard of. This fascinating invention has absolutely no fuel requirement, yet it’s been used to power autos, boats, and other vehicles. In fact, it’s not an internal combustion engine. At the July 1st meeting we’ll have a short program from Bill Nye “The Science Guy” on the topic, then an actual machine will be demonstrated.

---

Hal Rogers, K8CMD Communications Director, President

CW is 175 years old and going strong

I’ve never regretted that when I was introduced to amateur radio in 1961, Morse Code was a requirement. I never questioned it. As a kid I thought Morse Code was the language of fighter pilots, soldiers, and hams everywhere! CW quickly became my go to mode, especially when the bands are noisy or “just not working.”

I think you’ll enjoy this informative article by Eddie King, PhD on The Conversation and in the Washington Post.

The first message sent by Morse code’s dots and dashes across a long distance traveled from Washington, D.C., to Baltimore on Friday, May 24, 1844 – 175 years ago. It signaled the first time in human history that complex thoughts could be communicated at long distances almost instantaneously. Until then, people had to have face-to-face conversations; send coded messages through drums, smoke signals and semaphore systems; or read printed words.

Thanks to Samuel F.B. Morse, (Samuel Finley Breese Morse, ed.) communication changed rapidly, and has been changing ever faster since. He invented the electric telegraph in 1832. It took six more years for him to standardize a code for communicating over telegraph wires. In 1843, Congress gave him US$30,000 to string wires between the nation’s capital and nearby Baltimore. When the line was completed, he conducted a public demonstration of long-distance communication.

Morse wasn’t the only one working to develop a means of communicating over the telegraph, but his is the one that has survived. The wires, magnets and keys used in the initial demonstration have given way to smartphones’ on-screen keyboards, but Morse code has remained fundamentally the same, and is still – perhaps surprisingly – relevant in the 21st century. Although I have learned, and relearned, it many times as a Boy Scout, an amateur radio operator and a pilot, I continue to admire it and strive to master it.

Easy sending

Morse’s key insight in constructing the code was considering how frequently each letter is used in English. The most commonly used letters have shorter symbols: “E,” which appears most often, is signified by a single “dot.” By contrast, “Z,” the least used letter in English, was signified by the much longer and more complex “dot-dot-dot (pause) dot.”

In 1865, the International Telecommunications Union changed the codeto account for different character frequencies in other languages. There have been other tweaks since, but “E” is still “dot,” though “Z” is now “dash-dash-dot-dot.”

The reference to letter frequency makes for extremely efficient communications: Simple words with common letters can be transmitted very quickly. Longer words can still be sent, but they take more time.

Going wireless

The communications system that Morse code was designed for – analogue connections over metal wires that carried a lot of interference and needed a clear on-off type signal to be heard – has evolved significantly.

The first big change came just a few decades after Morse’s demonstration. In the late 19th century, Guglielmo Marconi invented radio-telegraph equipment, which could send Morse code over radio waves, rather than wires.

The shipping industry loved this new way to communicate with ships at sea, either from ship to ship or to shore-based stations. By 1910, U.S. law required many passenger ships in U.S. waters to carry wireless sets for sending and receiving messages.

After the Titanic sank in 1912, an international agreement required some ships to assign a person to listen for radio distress signals at all times. That same agreement designated “SOS” – “dot-dot-dot dash-dash-dash dot-dot-dot” – as the international distress signal, not as an abbreviation for anything but because it was a simple pattern that was easy to remember and transmit. The Coast Guard discontinued monitoring in 1995. The requirement that ships monitor for distress signals was removed in 1999, though the U.S. Navy still teaches at least some sailors to read, send and receive Morse code.

See Eddie King, PhD’s complete article at https://theconversation.com/simply-elegant-morse-code-marks-175-years-and-counting-117069

Field Day 2019 is coming soon

Field Day is June 22-23th this year and once again we’ll be at Top O’ the Ledges in the Hinckley Reservation of the Cleveland Metroparks. Set up time will be 10 am on June 23rd with operation beginning at 2 pm. At our previous meeting we made a good start at working out our plans to insure another great event. Join us on the 17th to finalize the plans.

Hal Rogers, K8CMD President, Communications Director

Field Day, June 22-23, 2019

Undoubtedly, ARRL Field Day is the most popular amateur radio event of the year. Somebody sure had a great idea years ago! Field Day offers something for everyone starting with emergency preparedness training, then setting up a power source and antennas, radio gear, camping, picnicking, an operating table, operating all kinds of gear for a variety of modes. Then there’s the social aspect providing a wonderful opportunity to get to know fellow hams and club members in a very different setting than a club meeting. Field Day truly is a fabulous part of our hobby.

Some members might not be aware that VP Mike Marganski, KE8HBK actually began work on this year’s event last year securing our FD site permit. Thanks to Mike, we’ll again be operating at Top O’ Ledges in the Hinckley Reservation of the Cleveland Metroparks.

So, now it’s time for us all to begin the fun stuff of making sure all aspects of the event are covered by someone. You know, all the details that can be easily overlooked – like tools, food, water, tents, lighting, bug spray, etc., etc. So join us Monday, June 3rd and help us make this another memorable Field Day.

— Hal Rogers, K8CMD President

Hamvention 2019 Wrap Up

If you attended the 2019 Hamvention in Xenia we want to hear your report on this growing national ham event. What did you find most exciting? Most memorable? Did you attend any forums? Which forums were most helpful? Did you see any celebrities? Did you enjoy the flea market? What did you buy? What do you think will be your most memorable moments?

Laptop spacebar issue — resolved!

If you’ve been following these posts, you might recall my report of a unique problem I began to experience with my laptop, my computer of choice for writing this post. Literally, out of nowhere, my Asus laptop spacebar developed a fluky problem. It did not work! Imagine writing without a spacebar. I scoured the internet for a solution. Nothing but false leads. Finally, I discovered that the spacebar would work IF I held one of the shift keys while I clicked the spacebar. It was a step in the right direction, but still not very convenient.

I got lucky! At a recent family gathering I mentioned to Dan, my son-in-law, my Asus’ very odd spacebar issue. Dan, who is an IT professional, eats and breathes computers and is really motivated to resolve issues like this. After a thorough trouble-shooting session, Dan made a tremendously discovery and was able to correct the aggravating problem. Since this could easily happen to you on any computer, I’ll share Dan’s very helpful discovery at our next meeting.

Morse Code is alive and well

• 

At our last meeting, following a demo of my new steak knife key, we had a short CW session. It was fun. Let’s do it again.

In these days of poor HF propagation, many hams worldwide have taken to learning and practicing CW. If you’d like to pick up this wonderful skill, join us for some no stress fun. We’re only three letters in and you’ll catch up in a hurry.

Those who know me well, are aware that I can become emotionally attached to things, especially things I toiled on for a while, like the Steak Knife Key. But, in her best interest, I’m saying good bye to my little key. Earlier this year, ARRL’s QST magazine issued a call for submissions to their 2019 CW Key Competition. It was an extremely difficult decision, but I finally decided to send her to ARRL Headquarters in Hartford, CT. Of course, they promise to return the paddle after judging. But still there’s the anxiety of sending your little one off on a worldly adventure. Hopefully the trip will be safe and she will have many good stories to share about QSO’ing with numerous bright and shiny keys. And, certainly, she’ll have developed life long friends. So, I’ll give her your 73 and 88.

—————————————————————-

Hal Rogers, K8CMD President, Communications Director

Antenna season has arrived!

Our May 6th meeting will be a good opportunity to develop your plans for a new antenna or ways to improve or fix an old one. Particularly wire antennas. They’re priced right and easy to buy or build. Numerous designs have been developed over the years. What’s the for best you? We’ll also be taking a look baluns and see how easy it is to make your own.

Solve your problems with electronics.

Finding a problem is not difficult. Finding a solution, well that’s a challenge. There are few things more enjoyable than building a circuit that solves a problem. Some years ago I discovered a tremendous resource for electronic experimenters called Electronics for You. Electronics for you is loaded with thousands of small circuits for any problem imaginable as well as circuits just for fun. Most circuits are developed by electronic engineers and all are tested by the staff of EFY. Check them out at electronicsforu.com.

Earth Day ’19: Tremendous Success

Our 7th annual Earth Day Special Event activity was a phenomenal success and I’m not exaggerating. We had more visitors, more participants, more radio contacts, and more fun than ever. Many thanks to Anita Cook and Parma Historical Society, who maintains Stearns Farm for helping us to promote this year’s activities. Thanks to the Sun Papers for their coverage, online and in print. If you missed the article, check it out at
https://www.cleveland.com/community/2019/04/parma-radio-club-tunes-into-earth-day-event-at-stearns-homestead-sun-postings.html

And, of course, a huge thanks to all our members who helped make the event happen. We’ll have photos and more in future posts. At our next meeting, we’ll critique our efforts and discuss what we did that worked and what did that didn’t.

Digital Modes: how to start

Amateur digital modes are more popular than ever. Why? Many hams feel it’s the perfect answer to enjoying their hobby during this period of decreased sun spot activity. Getting into digital modes is really quite easy and doesn’t require much more equipment than you already have. At our April 15th meeting we’ll see a short program that addresses the topic clearly and concisely. The presenter also describes the most popular new digital mode, FT8 and helps you decide if it’s right for you.

They don’t make ’em like they used to

Recently I heard a UK ham describe an early RCA receiver he enjoyed for many years but finally had to find a new home for it because could no longer move it. I just had to learn more about this tremendous piece of early technology that helped to end WWII. I learned that many were systematically destroyed when the guns of war were finally silenced.

The story behind the AR-88 and other beautiful works of radio art is a read you’ll enjoy. Check out the Radio Boulevard pages of the Western Historic Radio Museum. Enjoy: https://www.radioblvd.com/ar88.htm

__________________________________________

Hal Rogers, K8CMD President

April 1st meeting – no fooler

Brave the “final” snow of the season and you’ll be rewarded at the April 1st meeting with an informative evening of friends plus an interesting program on a topic that forever intrigues – HF tuners. A tuner was my second homebrew project built under the supervision of a neighbor ham. We’ll address the age old question, “Do tuners really “tune?”  If you want to enjoy the HF bands, tuners are a must.  At this meeting we’ll see a couple of short but helpful videos on tuners, plus get hands on experience with some manual tuners.

PRC Earth Day – Special Event

Our 7th Earth Day Special Event is almost here.  Saturday, April 13th will soon be here and this promises to be the best ever!  At the April 1st meeting we’ll wrap up our planning so that it will go without a “hitch”, an appropriate word because this will be our 6th straight year at Stearns Homestead Historical Farm in downtown Parma.  We’d love for you to be with us but if that’s not possible please join us on the air to chat with one of our visitors. We’re expecting many young scouts to join us in the Stearn’s cabin. An exchange of greetings with you on the air could be the moment that inspires these youngster to join our amazing hobby. This year we’ll be operating on 2m, on the 145.410 repeater as well as 20 and 40 meters. And in keeping with the event, all transmitters be operating only on power from the “Ol Sol.” Share the above Earth Day 2019 flier with friends.
https://www.parmaradioclub.com/earth-day-2019/

Above photo: Ken Osicki, K8OAE demonstrates ham satellite communications at the 2015 event.

“All’s well that ends well.”

That old addage, certainly rang true at our last meeting when we arrived at our meeting room to find that the regular room was not available. We were supposed to be notified but unfortunately that didn’t happen. So we had to make a quick decision. Fortunately, the North Royalton Library came through and we were able to relocate to their beautifully equipped facility on Wallings Road.

Perhaps, it’s our amateur radio experiences that prepared us for last-minute adjustment but we made some quick phone calls and were able to find a replacement venue at North Royalton Library. How lucky we were that Branch Manager, Jeannie Cilenti was had a available meeting room. So the group packed up and headed south. Minutes later, presenter Bob Mueller, K8MD was set up in their very modern multimedia room delivering a wonderfully informative program on the Cuyahoga County Skywarn Program. Bob also brought his neat portable go kit, pictured below. Being well prepared for emergencies, Bob says he seldom travels without it.

• 

• 

——————————————————————————————

Earth Day is Coming

Hard to believe that we are just weeks away from our 7th annual Earth Day Special Event operation. We are once again happy to say that we’ll be hosted by Stearns Farm and operating in the cabin. This year we’re looking forward to visits from area scouts. VP Mike Marganski, KE8HBK has developed fliers that will soon be distributed.

Please help us make this event a success by participating at the event or making contact with our station on the air. Our young visitors will want to speak to you over the air. What a kick for them! Events like this can be a turning point that turns a casual observer into a lifetime amateur radio operator. Make a note of these details:

At our March 18th meeting we’ll iron out the details of our antennas and station setups and finalize what we’ll have on hand for public show and tell and demonstration. Please be with us and contribute suggestions.

I’ve been working on a code practice oscillator and will have it Monday to show. Aside from code practice sessions, these devices can be used to create tone modulated MCW (also called A2A). We’ll discuss discuss MCW and how you can use it to stay proficient on CW during today’s period of low propagation.

I have small circuit boards to share if you are willing to invest some time and a few parts to build your own CPO. There is one hitch. You have to promise to use your CPO to inspire someone else to learn Morse Code.

_____________________________

“Tell us something we don’t know.”

At a meeting early this year we initiated a fun thing called “Tell us something we don’t know” where attendees are invited share with others a new bit of technology information they recently learned and would like to share with the group. Several people mentioned they enjoyed that segment. At the coming meeting we’ll do it again.

PRC is looking for a new Treasurer

We knew it would happen. Golf season will soon be upon us and that will take much of Ken Osicki, our Treasurer’s time. We appreciate the service Ken has given us and need to appoint a replacement. If you can give us an assist, please volunteer for this position by the next meeting. Without a Treasurer, we stand to loose our sanction with ARRL! So the issue is a serious matter.
________________________________

Photos by Ken Osicki, K8OAE

Hal Rogers, K8CMD President, Communications Director

At our recent meeting we had a short presentation on the simple process of creating your personal web page on QRZ.COM. Some members started their page shortly after the meeting! At upcoming meetings we’ll admire your work. You might have some tips to share.

__________________________________________________

A unique gift!

Imagine my surprise when, while shopping at Heinen’s this week on Bagley Road in Middleburg Hts. , I spotted this rare “in store special”. The packaging suggests that Morse Code is the universal language of love. Good to know!

______________________________

At the Monday, March 4th meeting we’ll learn about two vital amateur programs serving area citizens- Cuyahoga County Amateur Radio Service and Cuyahoga County Skywarn. Mat Nickoson, KC8NZJ is our guest speaker and he’ll share lots of timely information as we approach the 2019 spring storm season. If you’re interested in being a part of the organization’s efforts, Mat will be happy let you know how you can get involved.

__________________________________

Winter Hamfest 2019 at LCCC

The Northern Ohio Amateur Radio Society Presents Winter Hamfest 2019 in the Spitzer Conference Center, Lorain County Community College, 1005 North Abbe Road Elyria, OH 41 deg 24′ 38.85″   82 deg 04′ 18″ South end of campus across from radio tower Sunday, March 3, 2019.

Doors open 8 AM to 12 noon. More information at www.noars.net/winter-hamfest/

___________________________________________________________

Hal Rogers, K8CMD President