Matthew KK4FEM passed the Extra Exam before the December Meeting and Christmas party. Also, Steven Routt, now KK4VRS passed the Technician Exam. Congratulations to both of you guys. Job well done. Steve was so excited to tell his friends he left before we could get his picture. Steve, your excitement is understood. You are welcome back any time.
Several club members manned the LARC booth over the two days of the show including Rich, Randy, Peggy, Ernie, Jim Stewart, Ren, Gabby, and Ansel. Stats collected during the two days follow:
Friday
Member Visitors Contacts given
Sign-ins Sign-ins information
16 30 68
Saturday
Members Visitors Contacts given
Sign-ins Sign-ins information
21 40 91
Totals
Members Visitors Contacts given
Sign-ins Sign-ins information
37 70 139
Handouts describing the club and its activities were offered to all. Many were surprised to learn that our club featured regular monthly presentations and provided Laurel Testing at no charge.
Yes, Christmas is just around the corner. That means the annual Christmas Party. This year, as last, it will be held at the club's meeting place. Here are some of the details:
Date: December 2nd 2013
Time: 6:00 PM
Cost: $9.00 per person
Bring a desert or salad
See Ernie for reservations. Please contact Ernie as soon as possible, if you intend to come. He needs this information for the caterer in order to insure everyone gets fed.
No one could be prouder. New to the hobby, Peggy N4PEG moved quickly from Tech to Extra in one year, honing her radio skills along the way. She is shown here with President Patrick O'Neil holding her award. Peggy earned First Place North America Rookie-Low Power SSB 10 meters category in the 2013 World Wide WPX Contest. She ranked 14 th in the world for points earned. Now that's some achievement. As of this month, Peggy will be the clubs new VE Coordinator.
Having a time of their imaginary lives, the gang finds itself in San Francisco. Shown left to right are Randy our VP Elect, KK4QAU, our new Tech, Peter KK4UZY, Peggy N4PEG, Ron KK4OGM, and Jimmy KG4QGB.
It took a few days longer, due to an unfortunate government shutdown, but now Mike Shreve has been recognized by the FCC as KK4UGD. Welcome to the hobby Mike.
From left to right, RandyAE4RW, Peggy N4PEG, Mike KK4UGD, and Ernie KG4YNI.
Left to right we have Peggy N4PEG, Louis Pacheco KK4TSH, Hank Herring KK4TSG, John McDowell KK4TSI, Chet AB4XK,and George KI4NBE. Congratulations Louis, Hank, and John.
Happy Birthday Bob!
A big Happy Birthday to Bob, K2EUH. That image on the cake
was real. No foolin’, or should I say, no PhotoShoppin’. The fact that it was
made from ice cream made it doubly cool. Much credit goes to wife Pat KJ4AFB who
really knows how to keep a secret, and through a surprise party.
Radio Navigation
The main speaker of the evening, Andrew KK4KIC, both entertained and informed with his in-depth knowledge of radio navitation. His presentation follows. Double click for a larger image.
On Saturday
August thirteenth, Don held the first of his ham radio seminars designed to
encourage FAA staff members to become ham radio operators. The first event was
held at the QB building on the Sun and Fun Campus here in Lakeland. Several
club members attended this event to support Don in his efforts to encourage
more to join the hobby.
Don is seen here chatting with several of the participants after the program. From left to right, George Bartuska, Don, Romona Young, and Obie Young.
Several Brethren made the presentation of a 60-year Masonic Service Pin to Donald Jeerings on the sixteenth of August, 2013. We would like to congratulate Don and his lovely wife Norma for this exceptional milestone to Don’s Masonic career!
August’s meeting covered quite a bit of ground. The club got
its first look at the video created by PGTV of our field day activities. You can
see this video again by clicking below. The main speaker for the evening was
Chet Carruth AB4XK. Chet repeated his field day presentation on soldering
connectors to coax. Consistent with his style, his presentation was both
through and entertaining. The first part of Chet’s presentation consisted of a
series of how-to slides. You can review these in the slide show below. The
second part was a live demonstration. Through the aid of a video camera we were
all able to see Chet actually perform the steps he described in his slide
presentation.
Prior to the meeting six tested and either passed or
upgraded to the next license level. We will start with them first.
Pictured left to right we are Ernie KG4YNI, Ringo Breton
KG4DUF, son Rowan Breton, Stacy Breton KG4IRN, Bert KG2G, and George KI4NBE.
Pictured left to right we have Ernie KG4YNI, Frank Fernandez
KK4TBK, Kenneth Hayes Jr, KK4TBL, Bert KG2G, Joe Duquette KK4TBJ, and George
KI4NBE.Not pictured was Jennifer Wright KK4TBO.
Last, but not least, we would like to thank all those who
generously donated food to VISTE. Gabby KK4ASD is seen here next to this months
donations, which will be much appreciated.
Here is a humorous musical production to honor of field day. I hope you find it both humorous, and entertaining. Here is the link Field Day Musical Tribute
Reminder about the Monday, July 1st
Meeting Agenda: Jimbo's BBQ including club provided
dessert Field day images by Bill and Rich Start
Time: 6:00 PM Quilt drawing: 7:00 PM
If you have not yet purchased tickets for this event you can still
contact Ernie at 660-4635, and pay at the door. The deadline for contacting him is Friday, June 28th. However,
do contact Ernie if you plan to attend!
Sam Reck, N4PS. He donated a "a homebuilt" station
to the Club. Sam is down sizing into a new living arrangement and he does not
have the room available for antennas. We thank Sam for his thoughtfulness in
donating his station to the Club. Sam will remain an
active ham via remote stations on the Internet.
The station was at Field Day along with other acquired equipment.
Preparation for the event is almost
complete. Your Board will
be meeting tonight to finalize all of the
details.
Remember, we will be having our Family Appreciation Dinner
at
6pm on Saturday (at the Field Day site). Please remember
to bring a covered
dish to share and YOUR OWN DRINKS.
The Field Day
Celebration Dinner will be at 6pm on July 1st before
our July meeting at the
Church. This event is $9 per person and will
be catered by Jimbo's BBQ. Ernie
MUST have the money by the
end of Field Day on Sunday, June 23rd.
We
also will be administering the amateur radio test on Sunday at 9am.
Left to right, Al W4ZSC, Jimmy KG4QGB, Ernie KG4YNI, Geoffrey KK4RRX, Patrick KI4CDY, and George KI4NBE. Jimmy has moved on up to Extra. Geoffrey to Tech, then General in one sitting. Outstanding!
Left to right, George KI4NBE, Jack KK4RRW, Seth Norman KK4SDY, and Al W4ZSC. Both Jack and Seth earned their Technicians License. Congratulations.
A big happy birthday to Glen Culler. Pictured here left to right are Glen W4JGC, devoted XYL Lois, Peggy N4PEG, and Rich N4ESS. That is the USS United States on the table, reminding us that the Culler's have an ocean cruise in their future. Safe and happy voyage!
Field day is just around the corner and this year, as in previous years, it will be a fun time.
First, the stations: there will be four this year. They are:
CW on
15, 40, and possibly 20 meters
CW and
phone on 10 meters and 80 meters
Phone
and possibly CW on 20 meters
Phone on
15 and 40 meters
If you would like to practice logging before the event, you
can download the software we will be using. It will be good for only thirty
entries, but that should be enough practice for you to get the hang of what is
involved. Download your copy at http://www.n3fjp.com/ You are encouraged to
become familiar with it before field day.
If you are going to help with setup, plan to be there at the
crack of dawn, Saturday, (6:00AM or so). Tear down will be Sunday, noonish. In
between there will be lunch and supper on Saturday, and Breakfast on Sunday.
Peggy hugging Judson, KJ4IDH, after he told her that she passed her Extra
Class license examination on Saturday, 6/1/2013. Peggy hugging Roger KI4YQT to her right and Mike KK4LEO to her left.
The test was offered by the LWRA Club at the Winter Haven Red Cross
building. Three people passed examinations this morning. Two were newcomers to
the hobby. Each passed their Technicians Class test. Peggy passed her Extra
Class test. When asked why she didn't wait until the club meeting on Monday, she said "I was ready, and waiting would have driven me crazy."
Picutured left to right, Al W4ZSC, Billy WW1WDP, Ernie KG4YNI, George K0EKD, Patrick KI4CDY, Randy KK4QAU, and George KI4NBE.
Two new Generals!
Pictured left to right Patrick, Jim KG4QQB, Bill KK4QAT, and Al.
Two new Techs!
Pictured left to right Ernie, Mike KK4RAJ, his wife Stephanie KK4RAH, and Patrick. Not pictured is James Comperchio KK4RAI. James had a perfect score on the test. We hope his absence from the photo has nothing to do with the local wildlife. :-)
From left to right, Joel KK4KNS, Randy KK4QAU, George KI4NBE, Ron KK4OGM, Patrick KI4CDY, Peggy N4PEG, and Travis W4WIL. A plethora of new Generals! Welcome. You are now at liberty to roam most of the HF bands. Hope to see you guys and gal at future meetings.
From left to right, Ernie KG4YNI, Harry KK4QAW,George KI4NBE, Patrick KI4CDY, and Bill KK4QAT. Welcome Harry and Bill to the wonderful institution of Ham Radio. You have entered the ranks of Ham. Your life will not be the same. Among other things, starting from this day forward you will be required to replace the term five bars with a precise S number.
Would You Buy A Bridge From This Man?
I believe most would. Chet had even the most technical of the group convinced that he was telling the truth. His antenna story is right up there with Google Nose. April Fools!!!
That bridge in the background is the Brooklyn Bridge, and it is for sale. Chet will entertain any reasonable offer. He looks forward to your call.
Highlights of Patrick's Presentation
qIn case you forgot, dues are due.
qPatrick passed around the plaque commemorating Bob’s
Scott’s gift to the club. It will be attached to the Kenwood 440 he so
generously donated, just before he became an SK.
qThere will be a picnic at Lake Parker April 20th.
Burgers and hots will be supplied, bring something to drink, and either a side
or desert. Activities will include a fox-hunt and some HF work utilizing the
donated Kenwood 440.
qThe March for Babies will be held on April 27th.
This is always a fun event, for a good cause. It is also a good excuse to get some exercise by providing radio support for this event. Contact
Patrick for more details and check your email for announcements.
qHurricane Expo will be held Jun 1, Lake Eva hall in
Haines City.
qJune 3rd the club will sponsor a Bring a
Friend Night. Each of us is asked to bring a friend. The evening's program
will be organized around what ham radio is all about. The main presenter will
be Fred.
qField Day is coming up. It will be June 22 and 23 this
year. Check the blog for details. As of today there are only 79 days to go.
qTo raise money for field day, Joan Haynes will create a
special Fourth of July Red White and Blue quilt to be auctioned off at a dollar
a chance starting next month. If you know anything about the value of quilts,
or the kind of workmanship that goes into them, you wont want to miss out on this great
opportunity. Good luck!
qFinally, July 1, Jimbo’s will cater another barbecue
for the club. Venue and food will be the same as Christmas. Please pay $9.00 per person in advance to
either Ernie or Patrick.
Highlights of Ernie's Presentation
Ernie shared a few enthusiastic words about his experience
on the SS American Victory, and suggested that some of us might want to visit her.
She is now a museum ship, located in Tampa, right behind the Aquarium. You can
get more information about tours and even a short cruse on this WWII vessel at http://www.americanvictory.org/
And now, transitioning from boats to boat anchors...
take it away, Phil.
It's A Jungle Out There
Who wouldn't e frightened by that tangled mess. Such a plethora of parts and wires!
All of us have been exposed to integrated circuitry, and assume its primary value is its ability to contain an extraordinary number of transistors in a very small space, but in fact, the most overlooked, and perhaps the greatest value of the integrated circuit is the elimination of external connecting wires. This comes at a price, however. As Phil pointed out in his talk, along with the good comes the bad. Unfortunately, newer rigs, while easier to manufacture and more powerful, are also more difficult, if not impossible to repair.
At the end of his presentation, Phil donated a plethora of parts to the club.
The Plethora
Some of us are collectors. (The terms pack rat and squirrel-like are perhaps too harsh.) Some of us are more self controlled than others when it comes attaching to stuff. And then, there are others who are not tempted, simply because we have no clue what it is. Even if you didn't find something of value, it was still fun to look. The true optimist knows there has to be a pony here somewhere. :-)
And just in case you need
a better explanation of plethora watch this short clip.
Several LARC members attended the Hudson Ham fest
Saturday. On arrival the temperature was 41 degrees, and it took it's time warming up. There
were deals to be found, and some did very well at their treasure hunts. Small but interesting. Peggy N4PEG.
Two club treasure hunters who made the trip were George and George.
HAINES CITY - Robert P.
Scott, of Haines City, Florida, passed away on March 9, 2013 at the age of 87
due to cancer. Bob was born on March 15, 1925 at Royal, Illinois, the son of
Virgil and Laura Scott and attended Ogden High School and graduated from the University of Illinois,
where he obtained a Bachelors Degree in Electrical Engineering in 1950. He was
a veteran of the U.S. Navy, serving in World War II.
He was employed by CTS Corporation of Elkhart, Indiana for 30 years as an
electrical engineer, Plant Manager and Senior Vice President of International
Operations for the company.
Bob led an active life with varied interests. He was an Amateur Radio Operator
for over 60 years, as W9BCN, an instrument-rated pilot, a hunter, fisherman,
sports enthusiast, bridge player and golfer. Golf was his passion and
maintained a 12 or lower handicap into his late eighties.
Bob was preceded in death by his parents, sister Elizabeth, and wife Jean. He
is survived by his wife, Dolores (Williams) Scott, daughter Cheryl (Jim) Sharp,
grandson Andrew Sharp of Elkhart, Indiana and Adam (Esther) Sharp and great
grandson Samuel Sharp of Springdale, Ohio.
Bob was a member of the First Methodist Church of Lake Alfred. A celebration of
his life will be held at the First Methodist Church of Lake Alfred on Tuesday,
March 12, 2013 at 11:00 am. Memorial donations may be made to Good Shepherd
Hospice or the church.
There were 20 check-ins in all. As you can see from the map, they were dispersed throughout the city, and even reached as far as Zephyrhills. A special thank you to Julian for tabulating all the check-ins so we could present them on a map for all to see.
(Note: click on image for larger size, and click below to visit an interactive presentation.)
In life there is always good news and bad news. The bad news
is that our program had to be postponed for a month. The good news is that we
were entertained by the Rockmites, a famous fifties rock group. Just a little
fib. :-)
From left to right Bob N4BVO, Mike KK4PFA, Kent KK4OGN
,Patrick KI4CDY, Roberto KK4PEZ, Al W4ZSC. Bob made Extra, Mike and Roberto
Tech, and Kent General. Congratulations to all.
As you can see from the picture, the meeting was well
attended. Patrick made good use of the time by sharing plans for upcoming
events including the "March for Babies," a picnic, “bring a friend month," a dinner
meeting, and field day. Fred had some words to say about field day as well. Patrick asked how many would be interested in a Simplex Saturday event. Several in the room responded positively and in fact there will be a Simplex event this Saturday, 3/9/2013. The time will be 1500 Hrs. local, frequency 147.47 MHZ. A great opportunity for some of us to try out those Yagi antennas we have been building.
Last weekend there was a hamfest held in Zephyrhills which
several of our club attended. Peggy N4PEG won a Ham Test online subscription
for the Technician license which she is donating to the club. Might be a nice
door prize for “bring a friend” night.
The grand prize
winner was Jessie K9GTO. Jessie is a snow bird, and no stranger to the Tuesday
morning breakfast get togethers. He is the proud owner of brand new HT.
Congratulations Jessie!
Many thanks to Bob Scott W9BCN for his generous donation of equipment to the Lakeland Amateur Radio Club. It will be put to good use this coming field day.
It should be noted that Bob's daughter and her two sons also have amateur radio licenses.
There were three to test this month, and all passed with near perfect if not perfect scores. Shown in the photo below left to right are: Al W4ZSC, Kent Havens now KK4OGN, George KI4NBE, Steven Beckman, Ron Herring now KK4OGM, and Patrick KI4CDY. All passed the Tech, and Steve, went on to pass his General. Good job everyone!
Happy Birthday Charley
We love you!
It was a pleasure to help celebrate Charlie Gribble's birthday at the
meeting
If anyone in our Club deserves recognition, it would be Charlie. He took
an
idea last year and started our current, successful daily "Rag Chew".
Many
members, including myself, did not think that our members would be
interested
in a weekday net. I was wrong! Thanks to Charlie's persistence, we do
have
a successful net and our repeater is being used more frequently.
Again, thank you for your leadership in making a successful net. Norma and
you are wonderful people and may God continue to bless us with your
presence.
And by the way, Happy Birthday!!
Patrick
People are special, and birthdays too. When a very special guy has a birthday, we just have to make a fuss. And yes, there was another reason why this event was so special. For the first time in memory, Charley was speechless. :-) (Photo:Peggy KK4KYL)
Al would like everyone to know that there are plenty of diodes and toilet paper forms for winding coils left. Both free for the taking.
Finally, there are some things that happen at meetings that defy a really good explanation. In these cases you are welcome to make up your own captions.
