What’s with the new look?

The short story is that some of the software we’ve been using to create our web site is no longer supported.  We had noticed for a while that some features just didn’t work right. The realization caused us to scurry around and find a replacement. Our new look might not be a the ultimate look look but we think it will work for us.  I’d appreciate any comments, pro or con. If you have questions or problems, please write us.

I suggest you browse around the site and become familiar with the new look. All the content we had before is still on the site, although it might display differently,

Some links have been fixed. For example, we now have a working photo album page. Under “Pages” you will find “Albums”, a link that will take you to a page that will eventually list all the albums on the site. At this time, only recent albums are listed.  We also have a working Programs link. So check it out.

Thanks to Bill Squires, N8WS, for a fine presentation at the past meeting on “Working Amateur Satellites”. We had a great turnout and a very involved audience.   To pursue the topic further, attendees requested more links to ham videos.  Bill suggests to all interested that, due to the variety of content available, it would be better for you to go to YouTube.com and search with key words like  “Amateur Radio Satellites” or “ham satellites”.

More meeting photos from Ken Osicki, K8OAE are posted under “Albums”.

What we learned from Earth Day 2017

Following a brief business meeting on May 15th, we’ll look back at our Earth Day event. It’s always good to review an event to see what we learned and what might be done to improve the other events.  I have some thoughts and would like to hear yours. Since we’re heading toward one of biggest events of our year, Field Day, we should consider this a prep for Field Day 2017.

When is Field Day?  It’s always the last full weekend in June.  So, this year it’s June 24 and 25th. Make plans to be there!

Hal Rogers, K8CMD

President, Communications Director

Earth Day: a Fun Success

Our 5^th Earth Day Special Event couldn’t have been better. As expected, the day started cool but it warmed nicely. We operated SSB on 40 and 20 meters and Ken Osicki, K8OAE was successful with his VHF/UHF satellite station. Promotion of the event paid off with several curious visitors who were interested in various aspects of our operation including John Wendling, KD8QMU’s solar power system.

As usual, the system did a super job even under some overcast conditions. Many thanks to the Parma Area Historical Society and the staff of Stearns Homestead for making the busy cabin available. Thanks to Renee and Anita of Parma Historical Society for providing photos and a video we will share at a meeting. Unfortunately, as common, not all participants were available at picture time.

One of our contacts was a special thrill.  When we learned that an Indiana group, Clay County Auxcom, was also celebrating Earth Day, we suggested that we attempt to connect with.  That turned our to be an easy QSO as operator Kevin had a 59 signal at the cabin.

QSL cards have started to come in and we’ll have a full report on the event with more photos in future posts.

Amateur Satellites

At our next meeting, May 1st, Bill Squires, N8WS will present a timely program I’ll call “Finding and Working Amateur Satellites”.   We learned from Ken during Earth Day, that a major part of the success in working satellites is knowing where they are in the sky and when you can expect them.  Bill will also introduce us to the digipeater aboard the International Space Station. Bill has many years experience chasing these “amateur radio birds” and will fill us in with his entertaining program.

Hal Rogers, K8CMD

President, Communications Director

Many thanks to Mark Moro for his excellent presentation at the previous meeting. Mark gave us some solid advice on grounding our stations to protect against lightening damage.

We also enjoyed a presentation from Jim Bis, N8FND who demonstrated the Flex System new QRP transceiver.  There’s were many good comments on both presentations.

Our April 17th meeting will be our final opportunity to discuss plans for our 5th Annual Earth Day Special event operation at Stearns Homestead on April 22nd. We’ll discuss all the necessary details to ensure a smooth event. You might have seen the W8PRC listing in the April & May QST as well as in the Ohio Section Journal.  In the May QST we were the first item!  In addition, a press release was been sent to the Parma Sun Post and area youth groups.

Click here to view the press release: Earth Day Special Event.

In keeping with our Earth Day commitment, thanks to John, KD8QMU we’ll be operating once again entirely on power from “Ol’ Sol”.  We will attempt to QSO with another a group in Indiana that is also celebrating Earth Day.

I guess you could think of this event as a mini-field day, with the exception that we’ll be operating in the comfort of the Stearns Homestead Cabin.  We will need lots of help, so plan to participate. The plan is to start setting up antennas about 8:30 am.

Digital Mobile Radio

Aside from the trivia that digital mobile radio is referred to as DMR, what I know about the mode could fill a bottle cap.  I’ve heard that the audio quality is quite good and I’ve listened to digital communications on an area repeater. However listening on analog equipment doesn’t really give it justice.  A recent article by ARRL Ohio Section Manager Scott Yonally, N8SY was timely. Scott said:

“There’s been a lot of activity in the growth of Digital Mobile Radio (DMR) in Ohio lately. Particularily with the Tytera MD-380/390 hand-helds. These little HT’s are inexpensive (~$100) and gives everyone the ability to get involved with Digital Radio today.

I also want to mention that there is a very good selection of hand-helds and mobiles from Connect Systems that are also inexpensive and work very well on the DMR systems.  Connect Systems

There’s a lot of questions that have arisen from all of this technology. I have gathered up some of the basic reading for the “newbie” as well as the “old timer” in DMR to explain what it is, and how it works for the user. I also strongly advise the “newbie” to go to any one of the “DMR – 101″ classes that are popping up all over Ohio. The folks that are conducting these classes have dedicated a lot of time and talent into helping YOU learn about this really fascinating mode. Take advantage of their experience.”

Would you be interested in a DMR-101 class? Just let me know.

Here’s a link to Scott’s complete article with many helpful links.   DMR

 By the way, you might also like to subscribe to Scott’s well written, informative newsletter. Just go to ARRL Ohio Section Manager.

Hal Rogers, K8CMD

President, Communications Director

I couldn’t have been more surprised (and pleased) with the turnout for our recent meeting on EZ ways to learn Morse Code.  True, when we discussed program ideas for this year Learning CW scored highly.  The attendance really supported the suspicion that many members have a slow burning desire to learn this wonderfully simple mode. For a variety of reasons many hams are looking to “stretch” their skills and experience something new.  I hope you found the information and tips provided is helpful and are beginning to expand your skills one character at time.

The immediate future, at least, is CW.  Have you listened to the HF bands lately? We are definitely at solar minimum.  Give CW a chance and you’ll never regret it.

By the way, a very helpful site for HF operators is www.bandconditions.com. Check it out. The site is updated every 30 seconds and shows indicator meters for the 160 through 15 meter bands that indicate the present band conditions. Dig into the site and the algorithm behind it is explained.  The site was moved to a new server recently so you’ll be redirected to the new location.

Going into April we can be certain that more storms are in our immediate future.

And with those events we can be sure to see the sky flashing a lot. Lighting is one of my greatest concerns and I hope it is for you, as well. As one member pointed out some time ago, “Our antennas are designed to capture electrical energy and bring it into our home. In an electrical storm, that’s exactly what they do.”  So some good advice might be to avoid operating when storms are imminent and keep your gear disconnected when you’re not using it. Hearing a surprise rumble, I’ve gotten up in the middle of the night to check to see if I remembered to disconnect my antennas.

At our April 3rd meeting, area building inspector Mark Moro, WJ8WM will give us a presentation on this critical topic of protecting your life, family, home, and equipment from the dangers of LIGHTNING. Importantly, we will not only learn about the problem, but how to prevent lightening damage.

Also at the April 3rd meeting Jim Bis, N8FND will demonstrate his new Flex-1500 software defined radio transciever.  This QRP HF+6 transceiver from FlexRadio Systems has been getting rave reviews.  Come and see this on-air demonstration!

Hal Rogers, K8CMD President, Communications Director

Many thanks to Rich Nagle, W8KU for his informative presentation this month on WSPR, Weak Signal Propagation Report. Rich took the mystery out of this exciting new format with his demonstration using a his home made magnetic loop. Thanks to Ken Osicki, K8OAE for providing photos.

The April QST has several articles that deal with this fascinating new mode.

Our own brand of March madness…

During the big power outage on March 8th, our home was one of the 45,000 in the area effected. It became a 3 day outage requiring a constant gas generator to run electric heaters and lights, a kerosene heater and the gas kitchen oven. All that while my wife and I dealt with various stages of the flu.  After the power returned the washing machine quit! Yes, it’s been a miserable March but it’s getting better.

This March 20th we’ll have a presentation on one of my favorite modes, CW. With the approaching solar minimum, CW is going to be a great way to continue enjoyment of your hobby.  Even if you never engage in CW contacts, learning Morse code will expand your hobby in many ways. For example, you’ll be able to recognize the automatic IDs transmitted by repeaters, beacons, and commercial short wave stations.  I’m calling it “EZ Ways to Learn Morse code.” And it really can be much easier than some people think. It worked for me and I’ll share tricks that will serve you well.

Breeze Shooters Hamfest invitation

The ‘Breeze Shooters’will once again be having their Hamfest on June 4, 2017 – This will be our 63rd Annual Event. This year we are again pleased to have been chosen to host the ARRL – WPA Section Convention. Presenters from the ARRL will be there. As in the years past, we are offering to the local radio clubs in Pennsylvania,Ohio,Maryland,New York and West Virginia: (2)- Free Admission Tickets to our Hamfest at our newest location: The BIG Butler Fairgrounds, on US Rt. 422 in Prospect,PA (north of Pittsburgh) These can be given as a ‘drawing prize’ at your April or May, 2017 club meeting. This is one way we advertise our Hamfest and welcome members from other clubs to attend. The tickets will only be sent to the postal address that was provided to us from the ARRL (no execeptions) and can be only obtained by responding to this email from the account that it was addressed. * OFFER IS LIMITED TO (2) Tickets per club and request must be received by April 30, 2017 Please help spread the word about the Hamfest by downloading and displaying our Information Flyer at your club’s meeting location. See… http://www.breezeshooters.org 73’s and hope to see you there,

de The Breeze Shooters

(*We have requested our  2 free tickets for giveaway at the PRC.)

W8PRC 5th Annual Earth Day Special Event Station

This April 22nd PRC members will once again be on the air celebrating Earth Day. We’ll be in the comfort of the cabin at Stearns Homestead at the center of town.

Keeping with the spirit of the event, we’ll be operating our stations entirely on power from the sun.  This is a great opportunity to get out, work and socialize with fellow members and meet the public.  Last year we had the unique opportunity to pet the horses and share our cabin with newborn chicks! We’ll be making final details at the meetings.

Hal Rogers, K8CMD

Communications Director, President

It’s no secret…

You might have heard of a mode called “whisper”. Whisper actually stands for WSPR, short for “Weak Signal Propagation Reporter”. WSPR is a computer program used for weak-signal radio communication between amateur radio operators.  The program is designed for sending and receiving low-power transmissions to test propagation paths on the MF and HF bands.

  At our March 6th meeting Rich Nagel, W8KU will be giving an actual WSPR demonstration, using the special software and his homebuilt magnetic loop antenna. I think you’ll be amazed at how this system works.

2017 Programs announced

Thanks to those attending our last meeting, a vote was taken on the programs that had been suggested to date.  Topics that scored the highest will be pursued for our 2017 schedule.  Of course, programs are subject to change so it’s best to receive the e-minders, just in case there’s a last minute change. Download the program schedule here, a MS Word document. 2017 PRC Programs

Let’s Celebrate Earth Day 2017

PRC will members will celebrate our 5th annual Earth Day Special Event Operation, Saturday, April 22nd at Stearns Farm.  Keeping with the spirit of the event, we’ll be operating our stations entirely on power from the sun.  This is great opportunity to get out and work and socialize with fellow members and meet the public.  Last year we had the unique opportunity to pet the horses and share our cabin with newborn chicks! 

2017 Roster

to be published soon. Make sure your dues are paid to be on the roster and receive club information.

Hal Rogers, K8CMD

President, Communications Director

With the weather showing hopeful signs that winter will soon be behind us I’m hearing all the usual discussion of great antenna plans. Others are getting out and inspecting existing antennas to see how they’ve weathered. It’s all part this fun hobby. For sure the HF bands have been less than ideal, but when you’re having an antenna problem be sure to check everything before you assume it’s outdoor issue. Recently I thought my 40m delta loop was down or something terrible had happened to the coax.  I couldn’t hear a thing and the tuning was impossible. Then I checked the coax fittings on the tuner.  The tuner has connectors for 2 different antennas and I usually connect the loop to COAX 1. But this time I found I had connected it to COAX 2!  An “a ha” moment. I had been desperately trying to tune 40 with a 10 meter vertical- and it was never going to happen.  The lessen: check everything from rig out before you assume an antenna issue and  drag out the ladder. You could get lucky.

Is it summer yet?

I’m looking forward to having more fun with CW QRP this summer. It’s a great kick to sit under the stars and work the world — or somebody. Last year I logged several states. Of course, everything is a learning experience and last year I learned that smart outdoor QRPers probably carry mosquito repellent. Those welts lasted for awhile.

If you’d like to give CW QRP a try, I just learned about a neat multi-band transceiver kit that sells for about 40 dollars! I’ll feature it in a future post.

I’ll be bringing my little 10 watt Yaesu FT-817 to the next meeting for show and tell.

We had good attendance at our first meeting of the year and we all learned a great deal about a variety of matters like solar eruptions that effect HF propagation and, in particular, DX.  If time permits, at a future meeting we’ll have a short program on some related issues.

At our February 20th meeting we will nail down the topics you would like covered in upcoming programs. The list for consideration has begun but there is room for your ideas. We hope you can join us, but if you can’t please email me with your suggestions.

Roster to be finalized March 1st

If your dues is not current you’ll not be listed on our roster. Of course, if you do not wish to be on the published roster, just let us know. We think the roster is a convenient tool to have on hand in the event a member wishes to notify you. So I hope you’ll take advantage of it.   Once the roster is published, the e-minder will only go to paid members or newly interested persons.

Time for another great hamming adventure

The chartered bus provided by CARS is a great way to travel in comfort to the Hamvention.  The world famous hamfest is at an all new venue this year in Xenia. This bus fills fast so reserve your seat now.

Thanks to Dwaine, K8ME for the 2017 Dayton Hamvention bus flier. It’s full color and suitable for framing!  Dayton Hamvention 2017 bus

Hal Rogers K8CMD, President

Communications Director

Happy 2017!

We hope you had a good holiday, as we did.  You might wonder why we decided to have no meetings in January. Well last year at this time nature blew some snowy,  treacherous weather at us, causing school/ Busch closings. With that in mind we decided it best to  give ourselves a winter break.  While the weather has not been as tough, for sure, I’m enjoying the break.

I’m publishing this e-minder early because it contains date sensitive information regarding Winter Field Day. 

We had a fun holiday party in December and have photos to prove from Ken Osicki and Larry Shimerka. They’re now posted at PRC Christmas 2016.

A Reminder…

Please remember to send or bring your dues to our treasurer.  We definitely need you and your support to have another great year.  You can take care of business at the meeting or through the mail. Please complete a new member application, which is on this site or click this link https://www.parmaradioclub.com/about-the-prc/membership-application/

What’s going on with the HF bands?

I had hoped that I could catch up on some 40 meters ragchewing and CW. Not so. The bands have been terrible, with a lot of noise and pathetic propagation. One evening I could hardly hear W1AW code practice. In the past they’ve pinned my meter.  I kept asking myself, “What the —- is going on? Who broke the bands?”  I decided it was time for me to revisit a topic I’ve mostly forgotten – HF propagation.  My research dug up great short videos that explain mysterious things like sunspots, sun flares, ionospheric layers and more. 

At the February 6th meeting you’ll see these informative videos and get a good look at where HF propagation is headed.  You’ll also learn about three powerful solar  phenomena that disrupt HF and VHF communications, sometimes causing catastrophic disruptions worldwide.  

At a recent breakfast with members and other hams I brought up the subject of program topics for this year.  (You see, I even work this job at breakfast.) Many good suggestions came up. We’ll discuss them at the next meeting along with your ideas.  Bring yourself to the February 6th meeting or send suggestions to me for our consideration.

Winter Field Day

That’s right.  Larry Shimerka, KC8VZZ says, “It’s kinda like Summer Field Day with snow. Don’t worry about the snow, it’s only cold water.” (Seriously, we do  Winter Field Day indoors.) The dates are Jan 28 &. 29, 2017.  It runs from 2 pm on the 28th thru 2 pm on the 29. Information about the event is available at https://www.winterfieldday.com/ .

You can participate from home or anywhere, of course. The Woodchucks have invited anyone interested in participating to join them.  Dan and Cece Rykena, KE8DCR and KE8DWH are again hosting the event in their home and you are invited.  Last year was much fun. The address is 4868 Summer Lane, Brooklyn. I will see  you there. I plan to operate CW this year!  Dan says he’ll be ready for visitors on Saturday at 9 am.

 10 meters: busy place on Thursday evenings

The Woodchuck 10 meter net is BACK on the Air Thursday nights at 8pm on 28.435 USB. 73 Frequency 28.435, 8pm, Thursday. Larry, KC8VZZ

Afterward at 9 pm, join the PRC net at 9 pm on 26.460.  We always have fascinating technical topics and plain old rag chewing. So join us!

Snowflakes

I thought you might enjoy this  article on the Russia amateur photographer who has discovered a simple way to view and photograph one of the truly beautiful aspects of nature that we never get to see.  The link is http://www.businessinsider.com/pictures-of-real-snowflakes-macro-2016-12

Hal Rogers K8CMD

President, Communications Director

Election Results

Club elections were held at the November 21st meeting. There were no new candidates willing to step up to run for the offices of President, Secretary and Treasurer so the current officers were unopposed. The office of Vice President will be filled temporarily. So the essential offices were decided by acclamation: President – Hal Rogers, K8CMD; Vice President – Larry Shimerka, KC8VZZ; Secretary – John Malloy,  KA8VTV; Treasurer – Jim Bis, N8FND.

The Vice President role is only temporarily being held by Larry Shimerka.  We are looking for a candidate. Without this seat the PRC will lose its club sanctioning with the ARRL.  Loss of Field Day will be detrimental but the most immediate impact will be the loss of ARRL Club Insurance, due to renew in February.

Holiday Party

Our Christmas party this year will be Monday, December 12th, 6 pm at Luna’s Restaurant, Pearl and Brookpark Roads.  Please confirm your attendance with Larry Shimerka, KC8VZZ — kc8vzz@yahoo.com. It is absolutely necessary that you confirm with Larry if you plan to attend. Larry must give a report to the restaurant owner so that he can have an adequate number of servers on hand. Even if you’re not certain you’ll attend, let Larry know the situation.

2017 Dues

Treasurer Jim Bis, N8FND will be accepting your 2017 dues at the upcoming meeting.  Please use the application form on this site listed under the heading Membership Application. Your membership and support is always appreciated.

 Fire Threatens Whipp’s Ledges in Hinckley Reservation

Whipps Ledges, in Hinckley Reservation of the Metroparks (the site we’ve used for several years for Field Day) fell victim of an extensive brush fire recently.   Multiple crews responded to the site. While it looks suspicious, authorities have  not described it as a case of arson. Full story and more photos at  Link to WEWS-TV 5 story.

December 5th program — Intro to the Raspberry Pi

Be sure to attend our December 5th meeting when Jeff Kopcak, K8JTK  be giving his popular presentation on the history of the amazing little Raspberry Pi computer. Jeff will explain how you can get started with the “Pi” and introduce us to projects that are geared to ham radio.  Jeff says, while a basic understanding of computer and tech terminology is helpful, “There is no programming or code in this presentation.”

Estate Equipment Available

If you’re looking for great gear, check the attached list of equipment from the estate of a former member. All the equipment is in excellent condition.  If you’re interested in any item contact the PRC and we will connect you with the spouse.  RM-sk available

Meetings schedule update

The PRC will not meet December 19th or in January. The first meeting in 2017 will be February 6th.

Hal Rogers, K8CMD

President, Communications Director

Do you have a slot antenna?

Chances are you do and don’t know it. At our November 21st meeting you’ll get a good introduction to this unusual antenna. We’ll watch a Bob Heil interview with John Portune, W6NBC author of a QST article in which he described a slot antenna that he built into a discarded satellite dish. The result — a very stealth 2 meter antenna. Then, Larry Shimerka, KC8VCC will show his slot antenna built from the article and he’ll check his work with an antenna analyzer.

Pi Anyone?