TecNet suspended
Effective December 8, the TecNet has been suspended. In other words, we might return with the concept at a later date. While we had some interest and good conversation there wasn’t enough regular participation to justify the net. It might have been the time (7:30 pm on Tuesday) or a myriad of other reasons, but we didn’t have the interest we had anticipated. If you have suggestions, please let us know. In the mean time enjoy the other club nets.
Dues time
I have to admit that I struggled with the thought that we were going to have to ask for your support after a year where we haven’t had many of our promised meetings. Then I realized that we still have our bills to pay for club insurance, web site services, etc. And with luck we’ll be out of this pandemic soon and return to meetings, Earth Day, Field Day and picnics. Your support is allows us to continue and will put us in good condition for the future. Thank you, in advance.
Please use the member application form on this site. It gives us the opportunity to keep your contact information current.
Mysterious RFI in Olmsted Falls
Like most, I love a good mystery. We recently received the following intriguing correspondence from Lon Dittrick, N8IWW:
Lon, N8IWW: Just finished putting up an end fed 1/2 wave dipole on my property in Olmsted Township after moving here a couple of years ago (want to get back on the air again) but am having difficulty with some annoying QRN which is present across multiple bands. I haven’t much experience with this and I’m looking for someone experienced with tracking this down. It occurs about every 9 seconds. Any help would be appreciated. 73.
Lon Dittrick, N8IWW.
Here’s Lon’s audio clip: https://www.parmaradioclub.com/valeside-ln-2/
PRC : Thanks for writing, Lonnie. Personally, I’ve not heard RFI like that. I understand that ARRL.org has on their site a page with RFI clips that can help you identify the origin. Is it on just one frequency, is it one or several bands, is it broadbanded? Is it 24-7, sporadic or or at specific times? If you can pick it up on a portable receiver I suggest you travel around the area to try to nail down a location. A directional antenna will also be helpful.
There are so many possible sources. Suspect everything: leaking TV cables, radar, high intensity lighting systems, marijuana grow lights, the list is endless. We have other members who have practical experience so I’ll post your letter and audio clip on our website. Suggest you visit our net tonight on the 145.410 2m repeater at 2 meter at 9pm and tell your story.
You’ll discover it, I’m sure, but it will take investigating. When you do discover the source, be sure to let us know so we’re ready for the next guy.
Then Lon responded:
Hi Hal, I was able to track it down to a Hendricks Dew Heater on my External Telescope pier which heats the objective lens of a telescope. I am not sure what is in the circuitry which produces this pattern, but that’s what it was. The heater was set to low. I turned it off and the RFI was gone. Turned it on and the RFI comes back. Lonnie. N8IWW
PRC: Success! Good work, Lon, in tracking down that irritating noise which could be generated within a low voltage power supply. You might try wrapping the low voltage power cord around an iron core or even a bolt, to act as an RF choke.
Universal Radio Announces Closing
11/25/2020 ARRL.ORG
Thanks to VP Mike Marganski, KE8HBK for this lead.
Ham Radio retailer Universal Radio, headquartered in Worthington, Ohio, is closing its store on November 30, although all existing orders will be filled, and the Universal Radio website will remain open to sell off “remaining stock, publications, and some select products.” Owners Fred Osterman, N8EKU, and Barbara Osterman, KC8VWI, are retiring.
“I am very fortunate to have been in the radio business for over 50 years, 13 at RadioShack and 37 at Universal Radio,” Fred Osterman said in a message of gratitude to its patrons. “We have met many wonderful people along the journey who have supported me personally as well as Universal Radio. It has been a privilege to have a continuous career in the fascinating field of radio since 1969.”
The new mailing address for Universal Radio is 752 N State St. Unit 222, Westerville, OH 43082, telephone (614) 866-4267. (This is not a storefront.)FacebookTwitterLinkedIn
From ARRL.ORG
Journalist Needed
Seriously, how about some help? We’d like to add more content to these posts. If you have an area of interest and can send a few lines that might interest our readers, send them our way. Possible suggestions: DX you’ve heard on the HF bands, or what you’ve been doing during the lock down, or your latest ham radio project. Give it some thought, then write me at parmaradioclub@gmail.com
73 Hal, K8CMD