Wednesday, May 17, 2017

Schedule for calling the Emporia Amateur Radio 2-meter Net








25-May-17 AD0TV William Wolcott
01-Jun-17 KE0LKR Rusty Lidzy
08-Jun-17 AD0SF David Claridge
15-Jun-17 KS1ERS Dean Binns

22-Jun-17 KE0LKR Rusty Lidzy
29-Jun-17 KS1ERS Dean Binns
06-Jul-17 AD0SF David Claridge
13-Jul-17 KE0LKR Rusty Lidzy

Wednesday, January 25, 2017

January 2017 Meeting

January 21, 2017 EARS Meeting Minutes

CALL TO ORDER: Tim, K0EMP, called the meeting to order at 9:03 am. We had 21 members present, no visitors.

MEETING MINUTES: David Claridge, AD0SF, gave a summary of the November 19, 2016 meeting minutes. Larry, N0YNN moved to approve the minutes as presented, William, AD0TV, seconded, passed unanimously.

TREASURER’S REPORT: David, AD0SF, presented the Treasurer’s report.  William, AD0TV, moved to approve, Larry, N0YNN, seconded, report approved unanimously.

COMPONENT CORNER: Jim, WX0U, provided a short recap on a previous presentation on voltage dividers, OHMs Law, and using transistors as switches.  He then discussed use of transistors as audio amplifiers (Class A) and how overdriving them leads to signal distortion or clipping. This lead to a brief discussion on how this messes up a signal, such as causing intermod issues and mic gain issues.

ANNOUNCEMENTS AND REPORTS:
Tim, K0EMP, presented a short summary of the Dec 31, 2016 Executive Meeting. David, AD0SF, took an action to make sure our EARS Annual Report is sent to ARRL and a copy sent to George Phoenix, KD0RII. (From the Dec 31, 2016 Exec Meeting Minutes, noted K0EMP sent the annual report to Lonnie, W0NXS, on Jan 1 and Lonnie sent it to ARRL on Jan 3. Also noted Lonnie updated our EARS membership information on our ARRL club page on Jan 3.).
ACTION: Send copy of Annual Report to George, KD0RII.

Builder Corner presentation:
1.      George, KD0RII, presented two items. One was a very fashionable leather bag he was using as a small go bag complete with two HTs and associated equipment.  The other item was a small Chinese coupler unit he purchased off EBAY for $16. It has two leads with 2 pin connectors (Baofeng style) used to connect two HTs together to make a repeater.  He also had an audio connector cable several feet long to connect to one of the leads then to one of the HTs, to get more antenna separation between the HTs.

The Thursday Night Net signup sheet was passed around.
DATE
CALL SIGN
NAME
26-Jan-17
ADØTV
William Wolcott
02-Feb-17
KCØUVH
Linda Wolcott
09-Feb-17
KS1ERS
Dean Binns
16-Feb-17


23-Feb-17
ADØTV
William Wolcott
02-Mar-17
KCØUVH
Linda Wolcott
09-Mar-17
KS1ERS
Dean Binns
16-Mar-17
ADØSF
David Claridge
23-Mar-17
ADØTV
William Wolcott
30-Mar-17
KS1ERS
Dean Binns
06-Apr-17
KEØLKR
Rusty Lidzy
13-Apr-17


Tim, K0EMP, announced the tentative dates selected for the 2017 VE Testing sessions, Feb 18 at 1300, May 6th at 0900, Sept 12 at 1900 and Dec 1 at 1900.  Larry, N0YNN, suggested we try and put on a Ham Cram for the Extra Class this year.  Tim explained that such an effort would be very lengthy and difficult to put on due to the size of the question pool and difficulty of the material and that we have not had much interest in doing this in the past. GEORGE, KD0RII, also mentioned the Extra class that the Topeka club puts on in January.

CONTINUING DISCUSSION AND ACTIVITY ITEMS:

Trailer Committee Update:  Tim, K0EMP, announced the trailer build is on hold due to weather. It is time to renew the trailer tags and we are waiting on insurance information from our insurer.

AUXComm Training:  Tim,K0EMP, asked William, AD0TV, to provide comments on the class, he gave a nice summary of what we did, the class prerequisites and the forms we used, and we had a brief discussion of how Lonnie, W0NXS, had incorporated some of the training and forms into the Race for the Chase event.  Larry, N0YNN, mentioned it would be a good idea for us to put on an emergency drill to get interested club members up to speed on what to do and how. Tim agreed that was a good idea and that he would talk with Mike, KC0NFG, about it as that needs to be coordinated through ARES.

Immediate Past President: Tim,K0EMP, announced this position was approved and that Dwight, KD0OIX, is our current Immediate Past President.

Repeater Committee Update:  Tim, K0EMP, announced there was no update to report at this time. David, AD0SF, added that we were still wanting another member or two to join the committee.  During the meeting, Jim, WX0U, made contact with Brian, KC0BS, and asked for his input on a new controller for the 985 repeater. Brian said the SCOM 7330 controller for about $495 is the best one in his opinion, and is the one being used in several KLINK repeaters now.  Brian also agreed to assist in installation if we got one.  Decision tabled at this time so we can turn the information over to the committee for discussion and evaluation.  It was noted that the discussed price is well below our budget allotment of $750 for a new controller.

Social Media Committee Update:  Dean, KS1ERS, committee chairman, stated that the committee had a short meeting before the eyeball meeting, and that our Facebook page is going well.  Dean and David, AD0SF, are both keeping an eye on member requests and posts to limit new member additions to only those in EARS or that are licensed or pursuing a license, and to delete any questionable posts.  George, KD0RII, continues doing a great job keeping up the EARS webpage.




ADDITIONAL DISCUSSIONS/NEW BUSINESS.

Dwight, KD0OIX, passed around the QSL cards we received for KOV. He also showed a QSL card he created for our club to use for field day contacts, stated that he has loaded all our QSL contacts on LOTW (Logbook Of The World), and that he has reserved KOV for 2017 for us.

Nomination of Club Officers:
President, Tim East, K0EMP, and Dean Binns, KS1ERS
Vice President, David Claridge, AD0SF
Secretary/Treasurer, Dwight Moore, KD0OIX, and Dean Binns, KS1ERS

Gravel Ride for Maisie’s Pride:  David, AD0SF, gave a short summary of what the ride is, where and when, and the Manhattan Jeep Club requesting our help with communication (they use CBs which have poor performance in the hills).  David and Tim, K0EMP, are interested in helping. David will contact David Dinsmore of the jeep club to get more details following their next meeting and will present that at our next meeting to see if we have enough interest to support the event.

2017 Ears Club Potential Events/Activities:  Tim, K0EMP, presented the list of events/activities generated from the executive committee meeting making particular note of VE test dates and main events such as DK200, Lunar Kanza, et.

2 Meter SSB Net:  David, AD0SF, presented a new net Sean Lynch, KD0WUF, is proposing, it will be a 2 meter SSB net, probably on 144.255 and probably on Saturdays at 1900. He is interested in also a second day during the week and is asking for interest and suggestions.  William, AD0TV, Linda, KC0UVH, Tim, K0EMP, George, KD0RII and David, AD0SF, were interested in participating. Short discussion on antenna orientation needs for this and need to have a radio with 2M SSB capability.

Sale Items from Larry, N0YNN:  Larry announced he is now engaged and needing to raise some cash. He has tower sections, a quad band base antenna, a Pyramid PX-39XL power supply and miscellaneous non-radio items for sale.

PRESENTATION: Tim, K0EMP, showed a YouTube video on a Knight Ocean Hopper transceiver, a WWII British spy radio (Paraset). He then presented the QRP kit radio he built, the Bayou Jumper Transceiver by the Four State QRP Group and based on that original Paraset design, and including the actual completed radio, instructions, schematics, and audio clips of him tuning in several stations on it. Total cost of the completed kit was around $100 and puts out 7 watts.
 

The meeting was adjourned at 10:58.  

Saturday, November 19, 2016

November 2016 Meeting

Emporia Amateur Radio Society
Science Hall 156, ESU
19 November 2016
FINAL

1.    Call to Order – Tim, KØEMP called the meeting to order at 9:00 AM with 11 members in attendance.  A short YouTube video was shown on “HAMMING” Vintage.
2.     Meeting Minutes – Tim, KØEMP - The 15 October 2016 meeting minutes were reviewed and approved with no changes.
3.     Treasurer’s Report – Tim, KØEMP, reviewed the treasurer’s report which was approved with no changes.
4.      Component Corner – Jim, WXØU, discussed line loss through coax and the differences in SWR at different frequencies and how that can become significant.  Tim, KØEMP, discussed the best way to measure how we are actually getting out is through the use of an RF field meter.
5.      Announcements and Reports Tim, KØEMP
·         Executive Committee Meeting Update – None - No EC meeting in November
·         Builder’s Corner (Show & Tell) – George, KDØRII, showed a voice equalizer that he uses to help equalize strong and soft voices on UHF/VHF speech.
·   Calling the Thursday Night Net Sign-up sheet was passed with the results as follows (UPDATE: additional volunteers solicited during the VE Testing Session on Dec 3) - Thank you to KS1ERS, Dean, for picking up the unassigned net on Dec 1st.  
DATE
CALL SIGN
NAME
24-Nov-16
ADØTV
William Wolcott
01-Dec-16
KS1ERS
Dean Binns
08-Dec-16
KCØUVH
Linda Wolcott
15-Dec-16
ADØSF
David Claridge
22-Dec-16
KØEMP
Tim East
29-Dec-16
ADØTV
William Wolcott
05-Jan-17


12-Jan-17


19-Jan-17



·         Next VE Exam Session – Tim, KØEMP Saturday, 3 Dec 2016 @ 6:00 PM
o   UPDATE: VEs volunteers assisting with this testing session were:
§  ADØSF – David Claridge
§  ADØTV – William Wolcott
§  KØEMP – Tim East
§  KCØUVH – Linda Wolcott
§  WØNXS – Lonnie Worthington
o   Additional assistance from KS1ERS – Dean Binns
6.         Continuing discussion and activity items
·         Trailer Committee Update – Tim, KØEMP Review of current trailer build status
·         E.A.R.S. Club Logo License Plates – Tim, KØEMP – Several plates were picked up at the eyeball meeting with only 2 outstanding plates remaining which will be available for pick up during the Christmas party on Dec. 16th.
·         KØV Veteran’s Day Special Event (KØV) Dwight, KDØOIX - Review
·         Veteran’s Day Parade – Dwight, KDØOIX – Float entry cancelled
·         AUXComm Training – Tim, KØEMP 10 – 11 December
o   Originally scheduled for Hays, KS – has been moved to Olathe, KS (Johnson County Administration Building Room 200)
·       Immediate Past Presidents Position – Tim, KØEMP – discussion was had a vote to amend the by-laws to include the Immediate Past Presidents Position on the Executive Committee pass unanimously.  Amendments to the constitution and bylaws have been submitted to the Executive Committee to include the Immediate Past Presidents Position.
·        Repeater Committee Update – Tim, KØEMP – No update to report at this time
o   Current committee members – additional committee members requested
§  ADØTV – William Wolcott
§  KCØUVH – Linda Wolcott
§  WØNXS – Lonnie Worthington

·      Social Media Committee Update – A brief meeting was held with KS1ERS, Dean, suggested as chair but will be finalized once ADØSF is able to attend a Social Media Committee meeting.
o   Current committee members
§  ADØSF – David Claridge
§  KDØOIX – Dwight Moore
§  KS1ERS – Dean Binns (in charge of EARS Facebook page)
§  KDØRII – George Phoenix (in charge of EARS website)
7.      Additional Discussions / New Business
·         Club Christmas Party – Tim, KØEMP – Discussion was had regarding the upcoming Christmas Party.
Location: Pizza Ranch (3000 W 18th Ave.)
Date:   Friday, December 16th
Time:  6:00 – 6:30 Social Time
            6:30 – 6:40 Presentation
            6:40 – 8:30 Dinner
Cost:   $ 9.98 per person (+tax)*
*Club will pick up the gratuity


·      Ham Cram in 2017Tim, KØEMP – Discussion was had regarding holding a HAM Cram in 2017 with no strong opinion either way but the club members present were generally for holding one.
8.      Presentation – No presentation
9.      Adjournment

* As a reminder there will not be the usual monthly 3rd Saturday eyeball meeting in December. *


Saturday, October 15, 2016

October 2016 Meeting

Emporia Amateur Radio Society
Science Hall 156, ESU
15 October 2016
DRAFT – For Review

1.  Call to Order – Lonnie, WØNXS, called the meeting to order at 9:00 am and there were 13 members present.
2.  Meeting Minutes – Lonnie, WØNXS asked if there were any corrections, revisions, or additions to the 17 September meeting minutes that had been emailed to the members prior to the meeting.  No corrections or additions were presented by the membership.  Larry, NØYNN, made a motion to approve the minutes as previously distributed.  Jack, WØFRU, and Belinda, KEØCJU, both seconded the motion.  Minutes were approved unanimously.
 
3.  Treasurer’s Report – Lonnie, WØNXS, presented the Treasurer’s report. 
4.  Component Corner – No Component Corner for the October meeting.
5.  Announcements and Reports
·   Executive Committee Meeting Update - Lonnie, WØNXS, provided an overview of the discussion topics from the 13 October Executive Committee.
·        Builder’s Corner (Show & Tell) – No “show & tell” items were presented.
·        Calling the Thursday Night Net - Sign-up sheet was passed with the results as follows:  
DATE
CALL SIGN
NAME
20-Oct-16
ADØTV
William Wolcott
27-Oct-16
KS1ERS
Dean Binns
03-Nov-16
KCØUVH
Linda Wolcott
10-Nov-16
KS1ERS
Dean Binns
17-Nov-16
KS1ERS
Dean Binns
24-Nov-16
ADØTV
William Wolcott
·         Next VE Exam Session – Lonnie, WØNXS Saturday, 3 Dec 2016 @ 6:00 PM
o   VEs volunteers that have offered to assist with this testing session are as follows:
§  ADØSF – David Claridge
§  ADØTV – William Wolcott
§  KØEMP – Tim East
§  KCØUVH – Linda Wolcott
§  KDØRII – George Phoenix
§  WØFRU – Jack Sensintaffar
§  WØNXS – Lonnie Worthington
6.         Continuing discussion and activity items
·     Race the Chase – Lonnie, WØNXS, provided a review of 24 September event
o   Participating operators/volunteers:
§  Mobile Gator #1: April Haraughty – KEØJFX
§  Mobile Gator #2: Larry Jeck – NØYNN
§  Mobile Gator #3: David Claridge – ADØSF
§  Medical Aid Station: William Wolcott – ADØTV & Linda Wolcott – KCØUVH
§  Net Control:  Lonnie Worthington – WØNXS
·     Wade’s Ride – Lonnie, WØNXS, provided a review of 8 October event
o   Participating operators/volunteers:
§  Motorcycle Route Stop #1 (Reading): Mike Pate – KCØNFG
§  Motorcycle Route Stop #2 (Hartford): Larry Jeck – NØYNN & April Haraughty – KEØJFX
§  Motorcycle Route Stop #3 (Madison): Pat McClelland, Tiffany, & Ava (via cell)
§  Motorcycle Route Stop #4 (Olpe): William Wolcott – ADØTV & Linda Wolcott – KCØUVH
§  Net Control / Bicycle Stop #1 (Rd 180 & Rd A):  Lonnie Worthington - WØNXS
§  Bicycle Route Stop #2 (Rd 290 & Rd Z):  Dean Binns – KS1ERS
§  Bicycle Route Stop #3 (Rd 200 & Rd C):  Marla Worthington (via cell)

·       Heartland 100 – Lonnie, WØNXS, reviewed the 8 - 9 October 2016 ultra-marathon through the Flint Hills and encouraged others to participate in future Heartland 100 events as they could have used a few more amateur radio operators scheduled for the event.
·        Trailer Committee Update – Lonnie, WØNXS, reviewed the current trailer build status and the potential postponement of the trailer design review and next work day until next spring.
·      E.A.R.S. Club Logo License Plates – Lonnie, WØNXS, reminded the members to place their orders for the club logo decorative license plates by the end of the meeting as they will be ordered next week; however payment is not required until they are delivered.
·     KØV Veteran’s Day Special Event (KØV) – A sign-up sheet that Dwight, KDØOIX, provided was passed for operators to denote which days they would like to operate for the KØV, Veteran’s Day Special Event on 5 – 11 November.  Additional operators are needed to fill several time periods so please let Dwight, KDØOIX, know which days/time periods you would like to operate in addition to which band(s) and mode(s).  KØV can be operated from your QTH so you do not have to use the ESU “coop” if you would prefer to operate from your QTH.
·     Veteran’s Day Parade – Belinda, KEØCJU, and Bud, NØII, said that they met with Dwight, KDØOIX, last week and have arranged for the EARS club to have a float in the Veteran’s Day Parade to be held on Friday, 11 November. 
o   The plan is to use Dwight’s pickup and trailer with a similar display to a previous float with a small beam antenna/tower erected on the trailer with individuals acting like they are operating from the trailer with actual on-air operating occurring mobile from the pickup.  Linda and William offered to ride on the float during the parade on 11 Nov.
o   Volunteers are needed to assist with the assembly of the trailer float which is scheduled for 8 Nov at 10:00 AM with the location yet to be determined.  Please contact, Dwight, Belinda or Bud if you are interested in assisting with the float assembly/build process.
o   If anyone has a location and/or suggestion for a place to park the float trailer from 8 Nov until the parade on 11 Nov, please contact Dwight, Belinda or Bud.
·      AUXComm Training – Lonnie, WØNXS, discussed the upcoming AUXComm training in Hays, KS 10 – 11 December.  Anyone interested in participating can contact Lonnie for additional details or can find out more on the KS Train website by searching for “AUXCOMM” or “amateur radio”.
·      Immediate Past Presidents Position – Lonnie, WØNXS, led the discussion regarding having an additional position on the executive committee for the immediate past president of the club.  This potential change must be presented at two consecutive club meetings prior to vote for changing the by-laws for inclusion of the proposed position.
·    Repeater Committee Update – Lonnie, WØNXS, discussed that the repeater committee is currently comprised of William, ADØTV; Linda, KCØUVH and Lonnie, WØNXS, however additional committee members are requested so if you are interested please contact one of the executive committee members.
·      Social Media Committee Update – The social media committee is currently David, ADØSF; Dwight KDØOIX; George, KDØRII and Dean, KS1ERS.  The committee will most likely hold their first meeting and select a committee chair after Thanksgiving.
·   Public Information Officer – Lonnie, WØNXS, discussed the determination of the Exec Committee during the last EC meeting to have Tim East, KØEMP, be the club’s official PIO through the end of the current office terms.

7.      Additional Discussions / New Business
·      Club Christmas Party – Discussion was had regarding the club Christmas Party which will be held on a yet to be determined date in December.  Additional suggestions/recommendations for catering were requested.  Two suggestions, in addition to Bobby D’s BBQ, were Coaches and Casa Ramos with Jason, KØSSZ, stating that they had a function held at the Trophy Room (upstairs of Casa Romas) and the Fiesta Platters worked out very well.

·       Ham Cram in 2017 – Lonnie, WØNXS, requested input from the club members in attendance on the interest in having a Ham Cram in 2017 for Tech and General licensing.  Larry, NØYNN, stated that he thought there were 5-6 that participated last time.  Subject was tabled for follow-up and additional discussion during the November eyeball meeting.

8.      Presentation – No presentation during the October meeting.

9.      Adjournment – The meeting adjourned at 10:00 AM.