Four Very Happy Faces!

Four tested, four passed! A happy day for everyone.



Starting at the top Ernie, KG4YNI, congratulates Aubrey KJ4ODY on his new General Class License.

Next, Al, K2RXD, congratulates Harry on passing the Technician Class Exam. Great work Harry. Be sure to join us on the net this coming Thursday and show off that new call sign.

Jim, AI4LE, and Al, K2RXD, congratulate Roger on passing the Extra exam. Roger, KI4YQT, no stranger to the club, has earned some EXTRA bragging rights. Good job!

Last but not least, Thom, KF4I, congratulates Pete, N2OCF, on passing the General Class License Exam. Despite some health issues, Pete never gave up, and his persistence and hard work paid off.

Other VE's present were Mike, KT2T, and Bill KI4ZMV.

Coming up, build a 20 meter for pennies.

Well, almost pennies. During February’s meeting we will describe a rather 20 meter antenna design that anyone can build. It consists of a simple wood base plate, some screws, some 14 gauge household wiring, and an SO235 connector. Oh, and a nearby tree would be nice.

The completed antenna is so stealthy we had to resort to some special imagery just so you can see it. Here is the prototype side view animation. You may want to paint yours green to make it even more stealthy.

Below is the base plate, also animated.

The Key Man

There are the keys to success, keys to the kingdom, keys to the city, keys to happiness, keys to riches, and even the key to the executives' men’s room. But, for Bert, KG2G, the key means only one thing, a tool to communicate using Morse code. Every ham has his thing, and clearly, Bert’s is collecting Morse code keys. Bert is pictured above with part of his collection. While Bert would agree that keys are things of beauty, he is quick to point out that he also uses them. Voice is great, but there is nothing quite like communicating the ole fashion way with Morse code.

For those reading this, who are not already licensed ham radio operators, I must point out that while sending and receiving code is still alive and well, it is no longer required to satisfy any Amateur Radio License. Code is a fun option, along with many other communication modes enjoyed by hams.

An Old Idea Turned On Its Side

Sooner or later every ham has to answer the question, "Now that I have my antenna up and coax or ladder line up to the house, how do I get it inside?" In some cases drilling through the wall is a good option. Every case is a little different. This is how KI4ZMV solved the problem. After noticing how some hams placed a passthrough board horizontally between the window sash, Bill decided to turn this idea on its side and use it with his lanai's sliding doors. Works great! Plenty of room for expansion, and the best part, it is practically invisible from the inside.