Author Archives: Orange County Radio Amateurs, INC

February 12th Meeting – The Program is You!

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Our next monthly meeting will be held 7:00pm Monday at the Efland Baha’i Center.

The program is…You! I believe our club is at a crossroads, times and situations have changed since the founding of the club over 25 years ago. At our recent board meeting, concerns were raised that the long-term core membership is aging out, some of us have worked hard over many years and want to avoid burn-out. The greatest concern perhaps, is assuring a succession of the club to newer generations of hams, and the passing on of the club’s knowledge base and technical ability to keep the repeaters running, and to keep a pool of trained communicators available for public service and emergencies in our area. We don’t want to see a malaise and decline set in, but want the club to be fun and vibrant.

So let’s have a serious discussion, we want to hear from you what can be done to revitalize the club. Are changes needed? What can we do to build a technical pool? What engaging, fun things can we get into?

We already have Field Day, probably the single biggest group project we engage in (with the DFMA).
Can we get teams for other contests as well?
What hands-on “clinics” would you like?
What presentations would you like best?

It is your club, tell us what you like about it, what is not working, what you would want to see done.

73,

Dave, W4SAR

Hams & Eggs at Virlie’s

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An octet of hungry hams conclaved at Virlie’s in Pittsboro for the last breakfast gathering of the year this past Saturday morning.

John, KX4P, brought in a broken main frequency dial digital encoder for the group’s examination. It was from a Collins KWM-380 from the 1979-83 era that he recently repaired.

Dave, W4INN, determined to get on the air one way or another, is toying with the idea of just running anantenna wire out the window. Dave likes bees because he likes honey. His daughter-in-law gave him a whole jug of the stuff for Christmas.

Terry, KK4JGT, agrees. He has four hives now and a gardener neighbor who gives him produce in appreciation for his quadrupled yields since Terry became a beekeeper. With perhaps the best eyes in the group, he made several good observations regarding the shapes and orientation of the slots in the rotating disk assembly of John’s encoder.

Nick, KA1HPM, described working back-in-the-day with, and the workings of, the coordinateograph, a beautiful machine which is basically a highly precise Etch-a-Sketch. He is still puzzling out his mysterious loss of power on FT8.

Roy, WA2JLW, commented on the Bouvet Island DXpedition as well as CW and digital operations. He is now getting out of his back yard on 160 with his improved antenna which sports a pair of 30 foot radials.

John, KK4VUR, reports that Elon Musk’s SpaceX will attempt to put a car into heliocentric orbit on its next test launch. Maybe a Tesla? John confessed that he has been listening to HF on his SDR. (Ah, the HF siren beckons.)

Bill, N8BR, suggested that John try a vertical antenna for his HF SWLing. Bill is bracing for Bouvet.

Herb, N4HA, kept busy trying to remember what was being said so he could compose this. Thanks to KX4P for mnemonic assistance and the photo.

We hope you will join us in the new year for some stimulating conversation, friendship, and breakfast. We still meet around 8:30 AM.

Happy New Year to all.

and thanks to Herb, N4HA and John, KX4P for the always interesting reports and photo.


					

		
		
	


				
					
	

		

						
OCRA members and Club contribute to Bouvet DXpedition

			
						

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With the interest expressed by OCRA members to provide some level of contribution toward the upcoming Bouvet Island DXpedition, OCRA facilitated member donations and provided a matching contribution up to a $200 maximum.


Member donations came  to a total of $210 plus the club $200 matching donation for a total of $410 donated to Bouvet Island DXpedition. The individual donors are (from the largest to the smallest were:


    

  • 

      

    • N8BR
      • 

    • NC4CX
      • 

    • KJ4UZU
      • 

    • W4BOH
      • 

    • KR4UB
      • 

    • KA1HPM
      • 

    • W4KIL
      • 

    • KA5JUJ
      • 

    

    • 



From Bob K4UEE Bouvet DXpedition:

We depart for Bouvet in under two weeks now, and the excitement level among the 20 team members is very high. Thank you for your financial help in making this historic DXpedition happen.

73, Bob-K4UEE


and…. OCRA’s logo is now on the Bouvet DXpedition website as a supporter


Further details regarding contributions, news and updates on the expedition can be found at https://www.bouvetdx.org/

					

		
		
	


				
					
	

		

						
OCRA member Tucker, W4FS and Sam, KI4TRG of Raleigh receive QCWA Scholarships

			
						

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In the December 2017 issue of the QCWA Journal, it was announced that Tucker McGuire, W4FS of Efland, and Sam Brewer, KI4TRG of Raleigh, received QCWA 2017 Scholarships.  Tucker W4FS is a junior at the University of North Carolina – Greensboro pursuing a career in information technology with a focus on data analytics.  Sam KI4TRG is a sophomore at the University of North Carolina – Asheville pursuing a degree in Mechatronics, a combination of mechanical and electrical engineering.

					

		
		
	


				
					
	

		

						
January Meeting Location Change

			
						

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Hello All, The renovations to the EOC have impacted the room in which we have held our monthly meetings. The room has been reduced to 18 seats, with cubicles on each side. Some of those cubicles are open, so in theory up to 30 may be able to participate.


After discussion with the board, we decided that this does not allow enough space for our monthly meetings, as sometimes we have more than 30 participants. The January meeting will be at the Orange County Baha’i Center in Efland, which has been used for a couple of exam sessions and for one membership meeting. Click the “Directions” link on the right for a Map.


The Fellowship Hall of the Baha’i Center can comfortably accommodate more than 60 people. There is a 55″ flat screen TV available for presentations. A kitchen is available so we can even lay on coffee and tea if so desired. I contacted the Baha’i Assembly, and since they know that the club’s mission is public service, they will allow usage of the center at no charge.


I proposed that we hold our next membership meeting at the Baha’i Center on January 8. Besides the elections, the membership can vote on whether they wish to continue holding the meetings at that location through November.


The Orange County Baha’i Center is located at 119 Maple Street, Efland ,NC 27243.


From Interstate 40/85, take Exit 160, turn north onto Mt. Willing Road. Go 0.3 miles, to the railroad crossing, and turn right onto Forrest Ave after go cross the tracks. Take the third left which is Maple St. Go past the church building and park in the gravel lot on the left. Enter through the church, go down the hallway to the left to the Fellowship Hall.


From Highway 70- Maple St is just west of the Efland Ruritan Club. Turn right onto Maple St, enter the gravel lot on the right.


One last- We are maintaining a toehold at the EOC, the exam sessions held on the 2nd Saturdays of the even-numbered months will continue to be held there.


73,


Dave Snyder, W4SAR

					

		
		
	


				
					
	

		

						
Herb, N4HA wins Third Prize in the ARRL 2017 Antenna Design Competition for his 20M Two-Element Wire “IV” Beam

			
						

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A week ago, at the Pittsboro Virlie’s Grill ham’s breakfast, Herb Allred, N4HA, mentioned he had entered an antenna design competition and been awarded 3rd place. We all congratulated him.


Nick, KA1HPM, found Herb’s name in the latest issue of QST. What he discovered was that Herb had placed 3rd in the 2017 ARRL Antenna Design Competition for “80 through 10 Meter” antennas ! His design was for “A 20-Meter Two-Element Wire ‘IV’ Beam.”


See QST, November 2017, page 45.


This is a significant accomplishment with a cash award and possibility of publication !


Congratulation Herb!

					

		
		
	


				
					
	

		

						
Virlies August 5th Ham Breakfast in Pittsboro, Eggs, Chickens and Bridges

			
						

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Been a while since I’ve joined the Pittsboro gang at Virlie’s Grill instead of the usual trip to the Egg & I in Chapel Hill on NC 54 East for my Saturday morning breakfast HAM activity .  Time to get off autopilot and venture to some of the other favorite places hams are known to congregate on Saturday mornings.


After suitable and effective arm twisting by Nick, KA1HPM,  I found myself heading down the delightful back roads, passing scenic farm land and places like the Chicken Bridge (there’s a story to that name)  for breakfast and splendid conversation with KX4P, John, WA2JLW, Roy, N8BR, Bill, KK4JGT, Terry, N4HA, Herb, and Nick, KA1HPM. It made for a very pleasant journey and morning.


The food at Virlies is always delightful and the staff very accommodating.  I mean where else when asking our waitress to take a group photo, would she take time to find something to stand on (can’t say what…that might be an OSHA violation) and take this wonderful picture from high above..


After having two delightful eggs for breakfast, chicken seemed to stick on my mind, or was it driving over the Chicken Bridge, which I had not done for some time.  Knowing the inquisitive mind hams have, strict ham breakfast protocol now requires explanation of the aforesaid bridge name. If you missed it, back up to above aforesaid link.


After exhaustive research and effort of typing “Chicken Bridge” in Google and pressing the “Enter” key, I learned not only more about the history of the name but also that the bridge itself was used as a target for mock bombing runs in the 70’s and into the early ’80s.


I already knew, or more correctly should say had heard these runs, fearing loss of the roof on the house or worse and, also had heard about terrain following radar for low level flight and hoped that stuff kept terra-firma (and QTH) well protected from said flying objects as they passed directly overhead.  The QTH is north of the bridge as the crow flies, or perhaps I should say as the A-4 Skyhawk or an F-4 Phantoms of the era flew. Somewhere around here in my extensive collection of detritus, I still have the sectional aeronautical chart I obtained to learn more about this whole business.  There it was on the chart… the red line emanating from Cherry Point, complete with warning to airmen to check the NOTAMs (NOtice To All airMen) for when the area would be in use, right over the house and down to the Chicken Bridge.


Did you hear about?… no that will have to wait till the next breakfast! Everything of interest is covered with lots of camaraderie to be had.


Come on out!


Dan, KR4UB

					

		
		
	


				
					
	

		

						
Geezerfest at Virlie’s, goings on, on going adventures

			
						

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This Saturday, five diehards, defying the infernal temperatures, met for the weekly Saturday morning ham breakfast at Virlie’s restaurant in Pittsboro.


John, KX4P, who has rebuilt a homebrew crystal-controlled AM transmitter, described his impressive feat of raising the frequency of an FT-243 crystal by hand grinding the quartz crystal with some VERY fine sandpaper, raising the frequency about 20 KHz. It took him only 18 tries to sneak up on it.


Bill, N8BR, has been cutting firewood, probably training for a transcendental antenna effort.


Roy, WA2JLW, remarked that his Vibroplex paddle needs occasional adjustment. Obviously a case of hypermorse activity. He also observed that 4 out of five of the breakfast attendees were 75 years old. His birthday is Sunday.


Nick, KA1HPM, the youngster of the group at only 73, brought a show-and-tell of an adapter for his headset/ mic to his radio. Nice job. He does a lot of that.


Herb, N4HA, reminisced about a sideswiper key he built as a young ham from a hacksaw blade. Thank goodness for iambic paddles.


Where are the youngbloods? Please join us and inspire us every Saturday morning.


posted by KR4UB for Herb N4HA

					

		
		
	


				
					
	

				
					
	

		

						
NC4KW Team wins 2017 NC QSO Party Club/In-State/Mixed Mode Award

			
						

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The NC4KW team (Jim KG4NEL, Bruce N1LN, Laurie N1YXU, Howie WA4PSC, and Sarah KM4WHL) won the NC QSO party for our division. Not only that, our team recorded the highest EVER score for the NC QSO party. Sarah commented “This was my first contest and I felt lucky and pretty intimidated to be part of such an experienced group. It was a blast! I have definitely caught the contesting bug.”


The placque shown above was presented to the team by Dwayne, N4MIO at the May 8th OCRA Club meeting.

					

		
		
	


				
					
	

				
					
	

		

						
Upcoming Public Service Events April 2nd & 22nd – Volunteers needed – 442.150 repeater to used

			
						

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Supporting public service events is an excellent way to make Amateur Radio visible to the community, support worthy charitable causes and to hone your field operating skills.  The two events OCRA provides course communications for each year are:


    

  1. The Not So Normal Run on Sunday April 02 in Carrboro with about 400 runners expected.  This will be our second year participating in the NSN Run.  The course has changed this year, being simplified to a single 6.55 mile loop that is run 1, 2 or 3 times depending on the event.  We haven’t identified where we will be located along the course yet, but will probably need 5-6 volunteers.  The event web site is:  http://notsonormalrun.itsyourrace.com/event.aspx?id=6757
    2. 

  2. Tar Heel 10 Miler Run on Saturday, April 22 is a large event with over 6,500 runners usually.  The course and our positions are the same as last year, so we need 7-8 volunteers.  The event web site is:  http://tarheel10miler.com/
    3. 



I’ll provide more info soon, along with requests to sign up for course positions.  These are fun events and are good first-time public service events for newer hams, as well as useful training for ARES volunteers.


Reserve the dates on your calendars if you are interested.  Feel free to contact me if you have questions.


Steve, W3AHL Orange County ARES/AUXCOMM EC


for W3AHL, Dan KR4UB

					

		
		
	


				
					
	

		

						
OCRA 442.150 Repeater to be used for the April 1st, 2017 Spring Fling Bike Event

			
						

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Permission has been requested and granted for use of the OCRA 442.150 repeater to provide communications support for the Spring Fling Bike Event on Saturday April 1st, 2017.


Net control for the OCRA ARES 9:30am net on that day should use the abbreviated net protocol to facilitate any bike traffic needs to be passed during the net.


This is a 25, 50 and 100 mile bike event that requires SAGS, as well as hams assigned to Rest Stops. This is the first fund raising event of the season sponsored by TeamCBC and for the benefit of the National MS Society.


    

  • Location: Inside-Out Sports, 2002 Grisdale Ln., Cary, NC 27513
    • 

  • Ham Coordinator: John Stone (K3RHJ)
    • 

  • Website: TeamCBC
    • 



When contacted by Dan Sears, KD4AGQ regarding the event, he also passed the info along that changes are being made to the RARS website and that a new volunteer signup site is being used for this event at  http://zoneapex.net:8082


OCRA and DFMA members are encouraged to sign up for the event that will take place out of Cary into southern portions of Orange County.  Further information at the event can be found at the TeamCBC website.

					

		
		
	


				
					
	

		

						
OCRA Club Meeting – March 13, 2017

			
						

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Dan, KR4UB takes yet another photo with his cell phone and, having editor authority, posts it to the OCRA website within minutes.  Pictured on the lower right corner is Joel, KM4NOU, OCRA Secretary and webmaster giving a presentation of recent capabilities he has recently added to the OCRA website. This includes the change to the website to make the section you are currently viewing,  the home page.  The intent is for the site to become the place where OCRA members can communicate on more of a real time basis, for example Dave W4SAR’s “presidents message” and frequent updates on 2017 Field Day planning. Members who would like to contribute articles of interest to the membership are encouraged to contact Joel the OCRA Club Secretary.


The second part of the demo was of the membership listing page and how members can update their information, whether it be vanity call sign changes, contact information, ham radio interest areas, check their dues expiration date and as has been on the site for some time, the PayPal links for dues payment.  Joel demonstrated how members can obtain their private access secure link to update their information.


He also gave a glimpse of the back end that powers this capability, a site plug-in called “Participants Database”. This tool is very flexible and easy to adapt to however the club membership elects to use it in the future.


Dan, KR4UB pointed out that the site uses SSL or Secure Sockets Layer that encrypts data to and from the user, whether it be from their computer, cellphone, tablet or notepad to the website.  This is the same methodology used for financial transactions over the internet.

					

		
		
	


				
					
	

		

						
02/27/17 OCRA Board Meeting

			
						

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Photo of KK4BPH, Mike’s photography studio (note the back drops)  where the OCRA board meets.


Nice large screen TV for presentations, internet access for live demos and Mike generously provides coffee and some goodies to munch on.


Joel KM4NOU is demonstrating some new OCRA website features to the OCRA board under development.


Dan, KR4UB showing off (again!) how easy it is to post to the OCRA website from his Android phone.

					

		
		
	


				
					
	

		

						
Foggy Saturday Mornings in Pittsboro

			
						

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On a foggy Saturday morning this week, local hams dedicated to amateur radio and eating met at Verlie’s Restaurant in Pittsboro for the weekly RF download and a plate of eggs.


When the conversation turned to robots, Terry – KK4JGT, suggested a book he recently read called “We Are Legion”, wherein the main character signs up for cryogenic preservation, is subsequently killed in a car wreck and wakes up 200 years later with the dystopian occupation of being part of a computer.


John, KX4P, reports seeing a JT65 signal at three frequencies simultaneously on the waterfall display. He emailed the station who suggested that John update his software. Admitting that it was at least possibility, he tried to update but was thwarted by his Norton anti-virus.


Guy, KM4QLF (is that the best CW call you’ve heard, or what?), is contemplating putting up a multi-band fan dipole and asked what other breakfasteers were using for an antenna.


Bill, N8BR, has found a remote rig controller made in Sweden that does it all without a computer. He has also settled on the DXtreme logging software.


Nick, KA1HPM, showed photos of his new, neat and XYL-friendly home station.


Roy, WA2JLW, has recently recovered from a stomach bug and hasn’t been on the air much this week.


Pete, K4PHS, has moved and is much closer to the “Egg and I” breakfast, so he will be going there for his ham breakfast. We’ll miss him and hope he can come by sometime.


Herb, N4HA, was bedeviled by his inability to delete “599” from the N1MM logging software during the recent NA QSO Party contest.


If you’re not joining us, we hope you will soon. It’s every Saturday morning, around 8:30, at Verlie’s Restaurant in downtown Pittsboro.


/for Herb, N4HA … KR4UB Dan

					

		
		
	


				
					
	

		

						
January 9th 2017 Meeting Canceled due to Winter Storm

			
						

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Due to the winter storm affecting our area through the weekend, the Orange County EOC will be activating tonight , and at minimum will be active through Sunday. The monthly OCRA meeting, as well as the exam session has been cancelled. Elections for club officers and board members will be postponed until the February meeting.


I had contacted the EOC this morning, asking them to contact me as soon as possible if they believe the training room would be active use or on standby due to events. I received the response just a few minutes ago, and stated they felt it best that we make alternate arrangements as it is not clear when the EOC will stand down.I decided on a cancellation instead of a change in venue as travel conditions on Monday may still be unsettled


Thank you all for your understanding. Get the word out and stay safe.


/for Dave Snyder, W4SAR; by Dan, KR4UB

					

		
		
	


				
					
	

		

						
2016  Brrrr…. eakfast at Virlie’s

			
						

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Another delightful report on the Virlie’s goings on by Herb, N4HA


Despite the coldest temperatures of the season thus far, six hearty hams sated their hunger for eggs, coffee, and radio this Saturday morning at Virlie’s in Pittsboro.


Nick, KA1HPM, a newly ordained VEC, had to leave early to administer tests for some lucky amateurs-to-be. But not before relating a story of his being mistaken for Santa Claus by a young child in a store.


John, KX4P, is inching up on his digital DXCC goal at 96 confirmed. His quest to separate a length of 1 1/2″ copper pipe from its union with a union continues. A friend has offered the services of their tractor, winch, and a sturdy tree. Failing this, Nick will press his weedburner into service.


Terry, KK4JGT, continues to organize the Chatham County CERT program, despite its likening to herding cats.


Bill, N8BR, shared his knowledge of ice cream and old age. (The best ice cream is Graeter’s, coincidentally made in Cincinnati, Bill’s hometown. Also, don’t expect to live past 127; beyond that, the body falls completely apart.)


Roy, WA2JLW, extolled the empirical virtues of the G5RV antenna ( it works pretty good).


Herb, N4HA, has hit another snag in the postponement of the erection of his 30 meter switched Vee antenna due to the recent acquisition of some antenna wire and a crimp-on pl-259.

Now the only thing left is to put the darn thing up and see if it works.


note: please overlook any misspellings, incorrect statements and/or hyperbole. It’s hard enough remembering how old I am.

					

		
		
	


				
					
	

		

						
2016 OCRA Christmas Dinner – December 12th

			
						

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The OCRA Christmas Dinner Monday, December 12th will be $18.50 per person Paid at the door.  $18.00 if enough pre-register. If there is any change in price I will post after my next meeting with Kelly.


The location is the exchange club building in Hillsborough on Exchange Club Rd. The hall will be open at 6:00 pm with an expected serving time of 7:00pm. Going south in Hillsborough – to Sun Trust Bank (turn right). If going north – to Exxon Ctr turn left.  After turning on Orange Grove Rd, at the immediate right is Exchange Club Rd – turn right and in about 100 yards is the Exchange Club on the left.  If you have ever gone to the Sat morning gathering at Bojangles, the turn is the first stop light past Bojangles heading into Hillsborough. The other way in is to turn down the street that runs beside the Weaver Street  Grocery  parking lot (opposite side of the lot from the building) and proceed past the trestle to the Exchange Club on the right. Talk-in frequencies  145.450 & 147.225


Anyone needing more detailed directions may call me at 919-304-0796 or 919-455-3330


73 everyone,


Lad


This is a list of the items to date selected by the last number of votes:


Meats:


Salmon Broiled / Baked

Baked Ham

Roast Beef

Chicken Tenders


Vegetables:


Vegetarian Pinto Beans

New Potatoes

Cornwallis Yams

String Beans

Greens

Carrots

Vegetarian Lasagna


Salads:


House Salad

Beverages:


Iced Tea – Sweet and Unsweet

Water

Coffee


Desserts:


Apple Cobbler

Chocolate Chess Pie

Caramel  Iced Pound Cake

Peanut Butter Pie


Additions or substitutions are possible but I need early notice to let Kelly know. I also need to know if anyone needs any special dietary conditions or has food allergies.

					

		
		
	


				
					
	

		

						
Monday Night 10 Meter SSB Net (Nov 21, 2016

			
						

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From Bruce, N1LN… Tonight we had 15 check-ins.


Check-ins:


    

  1. KM4NOU – Joel: Joel’s son and family are in for the holidays and brought a few dogs.  Not much radio activity but did sit in as the Net Control for a Sunday morning net.
    2. 

  2. KA2DEW – Tad: His horizontal loop had an issue but the recent hurricane took it down so it was time to fix / replace everything.  The back yard looks very different now with all the trees gone.   The new antenna is an Alpha-Delta fan dipole with the 40/75 section being trapped.  Enjoyed the JARS Hamfest and bought a few things including a long boom 70cm antenna for only $40.00.
    3. 

  3. WA2ROC – Dick: Running the Collins KWM-2 tonight.  Just finished a QSO with some VA friends on 160 AM.  The 80 meter loop survived the recent wind and rain.  The 160 mtr rig is a Johnson Viking II and a Hallicrafters SX-101.  Not much else to report tonight.
    4. 

  4. W4BOH – Wilson: Also enjoyed the JARSfest this year.  Lots of good stuff for sale.  Good to hear everyone tonight and all the signals are stronger than usual.  Had an issue with the BOH mobile so the first attempt at the trip ended early and everyone went home for a replacement vehicle.  Time for a new water pump.  Work continues on the portable dipole.
    5. 

  5. KR4UB – Dan: Not much going on in the radio world this week.  Enjoyed The Egg and I and also the JARSfest.  His big purchase was about a $20.00 purchase of cable ties.  Got the wood stove going tonight.
    6. 

  6. KA5ETS – Doug: Have not been on much lately – was doing some 6 meter experimenting with Tad last night.  Conclusion – needs more elevation for his antenna.  Been working lots and also taking a few courses so not much free time.  Hope to have some time this weekend to get on the air some.
    7. 

  7. KZ1X – Steve: The only ham activity to report is a bit of a story – W8VR in Detroit had a QSO with Steve’s uncle when he (W8VR) was in his teens.  He is now in his 80s.  Steve will soon be having a QSO with him using the same rig that W8VR originally used.  The rigs were mostly homebrew with receivers of the same vintage.
    8. 

  8. KJ4UZU – Clint: This afternoon he was able to work the Central African Republic for a new country if it gets confirmed.   Had a good time at JARS.  Bob, W4RWC, made the trip up from Florida for the fest.  Bought another TS-2000 because it kind of followed him home.  Hope it will work well – it is in good shape.  Worked Australia this morning on JT65.
    9. 

  9. KU4GC – Dee: Did get Central African Republic confirmed from an earlier QSO for a new one.  Went to JARSfest and he and MK enjoyed themselves.   Missed seeing some of the local gang.  Helped get new tires on Lenore’s van due to a sidewall leak.  This morning a complete new set of tires were put on.  Still stuck at 80 Qs on 80 with a goal to increase the totals.
    10. 

  10. K0OUX – Vic: Not much new to report – no snow at the cabin.  His friends reported 4” of snow in Connecticut.  Enjoyed seeing many of the gang at JARS and was able to sell several things.
    11. 

  11. KF4PAB – Lenore: Nice to see many of the gang at JARS this weekend.  Bought a new rig for the base installation for UHF and VHF.  Not yet installed but it will soon be on the air.  Enjoyed eating at a Smithfield BBQ restaurant.
    12. 

  12. KM4MBG – Jack: Nice large net tonight.  Sorry to have missed Wilson but did see many from the BOH mobile party.  Gearing up for Thanksgiving on Thursday and will enjoy the cooking and also the eating.  Trying to squeeze five work days into 4.
    13. 

  13. NC4CX – Butch: Not yet done with the leaves – expect to be working on them for another month.  Did get TL8 in Central Africa today on 20 SSB.  Was able to get through in the third or fourth call.  That was just about all the ham radio but now up to 201 countries.
    14. 

  14. K2MZ – Duke: Good evening to all!  Have a combination of guilt and jealous due to no activity.  Been working on getting his airplanes in flying condition.
    15. 

  15. N1LN – Bruce: Net Control.  Enjoyed ARRL SS this weekend.  Also getting ready for CQWW-CW the weekend after Thanksgiving.
    16. 



__._,_.___


Posted by: “Bruce Meier” <bemeier@bellsouth.net>