47 Members And Eight Visitors!

The first LARC picnic of the year was a resounding success. Everything was great! Great location, Circle Bar B, great weather, complements of a higher authority, great food, complements to some great cooks, and great conversation, the stuff hams are made of. Left to Right, our VP and program director Patrick KI4CDY, Ernie, Club President KG4YNI, and our club Treasurer, Marvin KI4CDZ. If I missed taking your picture, and I am sure I missed some of you, I will do my best catch you having fun next time. Click here for more pictures Bill KI4ZMV

Radio Picnic Details Finalized

Mark your calendars
Date: Saturday, March 26th 2011, park opens at daybreak
Location: Circle B Bar reserve
Directions: click here
Food: club will supply ribs, dogs, burgers and buns. Each family will bring a dish to pass, and what ever they want to drink. The club will supply paper plates, plastic ware and condiments for the burgers and dogs.
Activities: Come early, play radio, eat about noon. Bring your Go-kit, bring your QRP rig, bring your binoculars, bring your bikes, or just bring yourself, and plan to have a great time!
Chat with Patrick and Gary about the upcoming programs in the months of April and May which will focus on a kit building for newbies. Pros will be expected to mentor those less familiar with kits, parts, and soldering irons. More to follow at a later time.

Promoting The Hobby

Mike KT2T extols the benefits of the J-pole antenna to an interested passerby. Secretary Bob WA4YFN is in the background taking copious notes for the club on his laptop.

Ren KG4BAS, son Ansel KJ4ZRU, and daughter Gabby KK4ASD pose before the QRP radios each has built. Ham Radio is an excellent learning opportunity for both young and old alike. Having a supportive dad helps too.

April's Meeting-Intro To Kit Building

These days when it comes to radio gear we are more likely to try it, buy it, add batteries or plug it in, and maybe even read the instructions that came with it. There was a time when things were different, except possibly for the ultra rich. These days it is often cheaper and better to buy most equipment factory made, but the tradition lives on. Homebrew is still alive and as intoxicating as ever. During April's meeting Gary will present a project for the beginner that will be completed during May's meeting. It is directed at the newbie, but the more experienced are expected to help those less familiar with the various techniques for loosing components and burning yourself with a soldering iron. The project will be a kit, cost $10 dollars, which can be paid either at the March 27th picnic or at the April meeting. I can tell you first hand that the kit is worth the price, having spent more than $10 for only half the components I needed to mock up this project from parts I had on hand.
So what is the project? Briefly, it is an astable multivibrator driving two LEDs and a 555 timer to produce both flashing lights and wailing sounds. Everything you need to complete the project is included. You supply the soldering iron. Those who have one are asked to bring it, even if they will not be building the kit themselves.
OK so you are not convinced. Here is the breadboard version of the circuit you will be building. Yours will function the same, but will look much more professional. A work of art.

Still like to learn more. The complete plans, including parts, theory, and soldering tips is available by clicking here.

Kathleen Area Historical Society Picnic

Date: March 19th, 8:00 AM to 2:00 PM
Location: 8950 Campbell Rd, Lakeland (Across from Bethel Baptist Church)
Directions:

Plan to attend this fun event. There will be lots of food, entertainment, and be sure to drop by the LARC booth and visit with club members who will be demonstrating their craft throughout the day.

Lakeland Police Department Open House

The Lakeland Police Department will be hosting an open house for the community on March 19, 2011, from 10:00 am to 2:00 pm, at the main station located at 219 N Massachusetts Avenue in Lakeland. This event is free to the public and drinks and refreshments will be served. One of the exhibits will be feature the Lakeland Amateur Radio Club demonstrating ham radio in action.

Dynamic Duo on DX

It was clear from the intensity of their presentations that Bob K2EUH and Glen W4JGC are serious about DX. Each shared their enthusiasm and substantial knowledge on the subject. Anyone who has presented knows the kind of work that goes into putting on a successful presentation like this. Kudos to the duo! Let them know how much you appreciate their effort next time you see them.

Two New Hams, One New Ham Family!

We are happy to announce two new hams in the fold. Mike and Gabby passed the Technician test with flying colors. They both studied hard, and it paid off.

In order, left to right, Ernie KG4YNI, Gabby, Mike, and Bill KJ4IAI.
We hope to see more of Mike in the future and encourage both Gabby and Mike to go on for their General. And, if any of you hams out there have some ideas for stealth antennas, please share them with Mike next time you see him.

Now they are a family of hams. Left to right: Ren KG4BAS, Gabby, and brother Ansel KJ4ZRU. It was only a short time ago that Ansel got his Technician’s License. Now the race is on to see which one will get their General first.

Bear hugs are in order, or should I say ham hugs. Amateur radio operators are an extended family, and it doesn’t hurt to show this from time to time.

Ernie is seen here congratulating Ren, dad and fellow board member for the encouragement and support he gave to son Ansel and daughter Gabby.

And finally, Gabby and brother Ansel share a moment. Are they discussing strategy for moving up to General? I see some friendly competition in the future.

Also present, VE Bill KI4ZMV.

Coming Soon, Radio Picnic

Set aside the date, March 26th for a radio picnic. This year we will meet at the Circle B-Bar Reserve. Click here for directions.
Stay tuned, more information to follow.