October 1997

President’s Message 

At our September General Meeting, we reviewed and adopted an updated Mission Statement, Goals and Activities which targets areas where the club will be concentrating its resources (time and money) over the next year. An abbreviated version (without activities) is being published in this month’s FEEDBACK for the benefit of those members who didn't pick up draft copies at the last two general and board meetings so that EVERY WARC MEMBER knows the direction in which our club is heading. A complete copy (with activities) can be obtained at club meetings, from club officers or from the club’s WEB site. Although we will be reviewing our goals "formally" on an annual basis, anyone who has any questions or comments about club activities and policies can raise them at our 
monthly Board and General meetings or mention them to a Board member. It’s important to the club leadership to know whether we are meeting the expectations of those who belong to WARC. 

 

We are grateful to WARC members Joe (N3EMA) Bagnick (Amateur Satellites and Computer Tracking), Al (WI3Z) Konschak (Amateur Radio Resources on the Internet/ WEB TV Demonstration), Steve (KA3ZLY) Larson (VHF Packet Radio) and Marty (NR3Z) Squicciarini (QRP / CW) for bringing in their equipment and expertise for our September 4 General Meeting. The workshop gave WARC members a chance to sample some operating modes and resources of the hobby that they may not have had a chance to see yet...and hopefully, will encourage more of us to expand our own involvement in ham radio. Club Vice President Hank Hamarman (N3NID) is interested in getting feedback on the format and content of last month’s program, as well as receiving ideas for future programs. Drop him an e-mail (bunnies@itw.com), call him on the phone (610-287-4891) or pass along your thoughts at a board or general meeting. 

A special WARC thank you goes out to Mark Kempisty (N3GNW) and all his helpers who made the club’s annual family picnic on September 7 a great success. Because of the great attendance, we "almost" ran out of food this year!!! Not to worry, Mark has agreed to chair Picnic’98 and promises to anticipate an even larger crowd next year. There seems to be some interest in considering other locations for Picnic’98 and whether to have another "low impact" fox hunt (thank you Hugh (N3SOQ) and Bob (KA3VKU) and all participants for your collective efforts). We’ll have a brief discussion at our October 2 meeting- so make your thoughts known about what (if anything) you’d like to see done differently for next year’s WARC picnic. 

Although the WREC will not be holding it’s Halloween Fun Run and Turkey Trot Road Rally this year, the next few months will provide opportunities for members to participate in public service communication activities (October 12 Special Equestrians Trail Ride, October 18 Craven Hall 5 K Run, November 27 Newtown Thanksgiving Day Run). Members are also encouraged to participate in contesting (October 18/19 PA QSO Party and January 17/18 VHF Sweepstakes), social events (October 26 Bike Ride and December 4 Holiday Party), an "invitational" fox hunt (October 12, 1997 sponsored by our friends at the Delaware Valley Radio Association- who won OUR fox hunt!!) and routine club activities (meetings, nets, classes, club station night, etc.). Lot’s of opportunities to participate in our diverse hobby we call HAM RADIO with your fellow WARC members. 

de Bill , K3MFI 

 

1997 MID-ATLANTIC STATES VHF CONFERENCE 

On Saturday October 4, from 9:00 AM until 9:00 PM, THE MT. AIRY VHF RADIO CLUB ("PACK RATS") will present THE 1997 MID-ATLANTIC STATES VHF CONFERENCE at the Benjamin Wilson Senior Center. Registration is $18 per person at the door, which includes an admission ticket for HAMARAMA being held the following day. For additional information contact: John Sortor, KB3XG, 1214 N Trooper Road, Norristown, PA 19403 or e-mail at johnkb3xg@aol.com or call 610-878-5674. 

 

Future Meetings 

1997 

October: Tower Safety! 

Before you climb that tower, before you go up on the roof to check those antennas, and before you stand too close to that transmitter, take a minute and attend the October 2nd WARC meeting and listen to our speakers Steve (KA3ZLY) talk about Fall Protection devices and George (KA3WXV) talk about RF energy precautions! 

November: ARRL Night. Kay Craigie will update us on the latest and greatest news from the league. 

December: Dinner! Doug and Bernie make us all well fed! Bring your family to this traditional annual 
event! 

 
1998 

January: VHF Weak Signal Work ... Phil Miguelez, WA3NUF, of the Pack Rats will give a timely talk on VHF weak signal work. Just in time for the VHF Sweeps! 

February: Club Auction! Bring your piggybank and your "stuff!" Make a contribution both in cash and goodies for the club. 

March: Home-brew night! March right in, show it off, take home a prize! 
 

UPCOMING WARC PUBLIC SERVICE EVENTS: 

 Craven Hall 5 K Run 

Saturday October 18, 1997 at 9:00 am to 12:00 PM. We need at least 10 operators to staff this event. Please contact George Brechmann N3HBT by e-mail at george-n3hbt@ juno.com or at 443-5656 or sign up at the October 2 General meeting. 

'73, George N3HBT 

 

Trail Ride to Benefit Special Equestrians 

October 12, 1997 - 2nd Annual Trivial Pursuit Trail Ride to Benefit Special Equestrians. Help is needed by hams at checkpoints to report the scores of the riders. This event is not unlike a "fun run" or "10k race"; and, you will be in beautiful Nockamixon State Park at a great time of the year. Help support this special cause. Contact Bob Wood, N3ZIM to sign up at 945-4499 

 

Club to Elect Two Directors In January 

In accordance with the club’s constitution, the membership will elect two Directors who will serve one year terms on WARC’s Board at the January 8 General Meeting. If interested, contact nominating committee members Steve (KA3ZLY) OR Marty (NR3Z). Ballots will be in January’98 FEEDBACK; nominations will also be taken from the floor at the January 8 meeting. 

 

WARMINSTER AMATEUR RADIO CLUB CLUB GOALS - (Revised 9/4/97) 

MISSION STATEMENT: The Warminster Amateur Radio Club familiarizes its members with the many aspects of amateur radio and encourages its members to use their communication and technical skills by participating in activities that increase favorable awareness of amateur radio in the general 
community. 

Major Goals 

1. Enhance the technical and operating skills of its members 

2. Increase awareness of the amateur radio service in the general community 

3. Encourage licensing of new hams and facilitate upgrading for existing hams 

4. Support youth participation in amateur radio 

5. Develop emergency preparedness skills 

6. Provide timely information to the membership about club activities and matters of general amateur 
radio interest 

7. Encourage a fiscally sound club 

8. Provide opportunities for club members (and families) to socialize 

 

FAMILY BICYCLE RIDE 

On Sunday, October 26, the club will sponsor a bicycle ride along the banks of the Pennsylvania and Delaware & Raritan Canals to enjoy the beautiful Fall foliage. We’ll start promptly at 11 AM from the canal at the entrance of Washington Crossing State Park (Pennsylvania side- just south of Rt. 32, River Road) on Route 532 and proceed up the Pennsylvania side, stop in the New Hope/Lambertville area at a moderately priced restaurant to purchase lunch, cross over the Delaware River on the New Hope/Lambertville Bridge, and proceed on the New Jersey side down the Delaware & Raritan Canal, crossing back into "three land" over the Washington Crossing Bridge. 
The ground is level and well compacted (Mountain Bikes are NOT required), the pace will be leisurely (we won’t leave anyone behind), you can pack a lunch (instead of purchasing it) and we should finish up around 2 PM. We’ll try to come up with a contingency plan to pick up those who don’t want to do the entire (estimated) ten miles of biking and walking (across the two bridges). If you are interested in participating, sign up at the October 2 meeting or contact Bill Gorodetzer (K3MFI) at 968-2504 or wgoro@voicenet.com 

 

UPDATED MEMBERSHIP LISTING 

Available at the October 2 General Meeting- please check for accuracy and give additions and corrections to Membership Chairperson Don McCunney (KA3N) or reach him by e-mail dmmccunney@njaost.ml.com or by telephone (215) 364-7891. If you have a new or updated e-mail address, please let him know. 

 

BATTERY BAGS 

Will be delivered at the October 2 General meeting to those who previously reserved them. Unless you make other arrangements, "reservations" will not be honored past the October 2 General Meeting. Some additional "green bags" (which include 2.3 ah battery, charger and cigarette adapter and fused plug) are available for $15. Contact Stu Simon (N2QBU) at (215) 345- 9295 if interested. 

 

FOX HUNT Sponsored by DVRA 

On October 12, 1997, the Delaware Valley Radio Association (W2ZQ) will sponsor a hidden transmitter hunt in the West Trenton area. All interested foxhunters are welcome. Time to be set! 

Contact DVRA Activities Director Art Erick (A2AZ0) at (609)883-3915 or acelog@voicenet.com for more information. (Note- these guys and gals participated in our fox hunt workshop and and found the fox first at our WARC’s fox hunt on July 20- let's see if we can reciprocate and beat them 
this time. 

 

Kay Craigie WT3P 
5 Faggs Manor Lane 
Paoli, PA 19301 
wt3p@msn.com 

August 22, 1997 

Dear Fellow Amateur, 

This fall, ARRL members in the Atlantic Division will have the opportunity to vote for Director for the 1998-99 term. I am running for re-election and would appreciate the support of hams in your area. 

In the past two years, Vice Director Bernie Fuller N3EFN and I have worked together as an active responsive team to stay in touch with members and provide the caliber of leadership our Division deserves. An elected ARRL official for the past 11 years, I have the experience and familiarity with the future range of issues that an effective Director needs. Here are some of the highlights of my recent record: 

     Rules enforcement: Served on the Ad Hoc Enforcement Committee, which developed  ARRL's current proposal to bring the worst malicious interference offenders before FCC Administrative Law Judges. 

     Integrity in license testing: Participated in the Executive Committee's study of ways to end abuse of the Morse code medical exemption ("code waiver") by people who receive exemptions they don't deserve. This is cheating, it insults truly-disabled people, and it has to stop. 

     Financial stability: Introduced successful Board motion to add professional-quality fund-raising to ARRL's regular financial strategy. Many wealthy Amateurs credit ham radio with starting them on the path to success and would donate generously for worthwhile projects. Other non-profit organizations such as colleges and universities have regular donation programs ... ARRL can do it, too. 

     Field Organization volunteer programs: Helped initiate surveys of Section Managers and other Field Organization volunteers so their input can influence policy-making. Under my chairmanship, the Volunteer Resources Committee tasked ARRL HQ staff with improving ballot-security procedures for Section Manager elections and updated Official Emergency Station appointment guidelines. I confer annually with the Division's 7 Section Managers. 

     Travel to events: Visited dozens of hamfests and club meetings each year to answer  questions and hear what members want to say. 

     Information services: Started Internet listservers for license test, hamfest, and general information bulletins, plus a World Wide Web home page based in the Division and linked to ARRLWeb. 

     Voted to keep CW requirement for HF privileges: A strong majority of ARRL members, indeed a majority of all hams in the USA, want the HF code requirement to continue. I oppose radical expansion of the HF phone bands that would virtually     squeeze CW operations to death. 

     Executive Committee member My fellow Directors showed their confidence by electing me to the 1997 Executive committee. This committee is entrusted with overseeing     ARRL policy matters in between meetings of the full Board. 

     Outstanding Vice Director Recommended appointment of Bernie Fuller N3EFN to complete my unexpired term as Vice Director. Bernie is an energetic, creative teammate who has contributed a lot of good ideas and expertise. He endorses my bid for re-election. 

I have ample time to devote to serving you and enjoy the enthusiastic support of my family, OM Carter N3AO and daughter Jenny KA3WVD. Please encourage ARRL members in your area to exercise their right to vote. It makes a difference for all of us. '73. 

 

PA QSO Party 

Once again it's time for the great state of Pennsylvania to host the best QSO party and you are invited. You don't have to rent a tux or buy a hostess gift. All you have to do is find a radio and join the fun. 

The contest is over the Columbus Day Weekend of October 11 and 12. The hours are 1600Z October 11 to 0500Z October 12 and 1300Z to 2200Z October 12. Unlike most other contests you can get some sleep at night and even spend some time with the family. The objective of the QSO Party is for stations in PA to work everyone else in the world. In reality most of the time stations in PA work other stations in PA plus our neighboring states. Which is good since the scoring is based on how many QSOs and the number of multipliers. Them multipliers are the counties of PA (67), sections of the ARRL (70), the Canadian Provinces (13) and one DX station for a grand total of 151. FYI - No one has ever completed a "Clean Sweep" for all 151 multipliers. You could be the first. The exchange is simple. It's just a sequential serial number plus your county if you're in PA or serial number plus your ARRL section. 

Most of the activity will be on 40 meters. On SSB around 7.280 MHz and on CW 7.040-MHz. As a short refresher lets put up a dipole for 40 meters. The equation for the length of the antenna in feet is 468/f where f is the desired frequency in MHz. So a dipole cut for 7.280 MHz would be 64 ft. 3 in. long or each leg of the dipole would be about 32 ft. 1 in. First find two trees the right distance apart (see Steve, KA3ZLY for advice on getting the supports for the antenna into the trees). If that's not possible then find one tall tree or use part of you house. The XYL will love the additional wires tied to the chimney ;-). Don't worry if the dipole is not straight. You can bend it to accommodate the supports. The center insulator serves two proposes. One it separates the two legs of the dipole and it also holds the coax. If you don't have a fancy center conductor (like the ones in the magazines for about $30) you can make one out of plastic. Just get a piece of 1 in. diameter plastic dowels or PVC pipe and drill holes in both ends to hold the wire. Now strip about a foot off the end of a length of coax and separate the center conductor from the shield. Solder the shield to one leg of the dipole and the center conductor to the other end. Connect the other end of the coax to your rig and it should work. I say should because life is not perfect and may have to shorten or lengthen the legs of your dipole to get a good match at the rig. If you have a match box then use it. This will be more than enough antenna for the PA QSO Party. 

73/72 DE NR3Z 

 

WARC Seeks ‘98 Grange Fair Chairperson 

The Warminster Amateur Radio Club is seeking a chairperson for its participation at the 50th annual Middletown Grange Fair in August, 1998. The successful candidate will be responsible for coordinating the club’s message handling activities, seeing that updated display material about ham radio and the club is developed and selecting day captains who will oversee activities for each of the five days. This annual event attracts over 30,000 visitors and provides club members with annual training in message handling, an opportunity to increase the awareness of amateur radio in the general community, students for club sponsored licensing classes and prospective WARC members. Contact a Board member if you are interested in this challenging and important position. 

 

SOLAR UPDATE 

Solar sage Tad Cook, K7VVV, in Seattle, Washington, reports: Solar activity was off a bit this week after the fantastic rise during the recent period. The 90-day average of solar flux rose another two points this week to 79, and the flux on every day was above this running average. As of September 17 the daily flux has been above the running average continuously for 44 days. 

Geomagnetic activity was mostly stable this week, with the best day on September 17. Currently as this is written on early September 19 geomagnetic conditions have been unstable and even stormy, but this should stabilize over the next few days. 

Look for solar flux to dip as low as the 80s over the next few days, and then bounce back above 90 after September 25, above 100 after month's end, above 110 after October 6 and below 100 again after October 12. 

As we move into fall next week, look for better seasonal conditions. With the higher solar activity the upper HF bands should have better propagation. 

Sunspot numbers for September 11 through 17 were 98, 97, 85, 74, 61, 62 and 52 with a mean of 75.6. The 10.7-cm flux was 108.6, 109, 107.6, 102.5, 98, 95.4 and 93.1, with a mean of 102, and estimated planetary A indices were 9, 15, 10, 12, 16, 9, and 8, with a mean of 11.3. 

For Sale 

 

     Drake MN-2000 Antenna tuner with SWR/Power meter. Will handle full legal power. 
     $200 Firm 

     6JB6 tubes (the finals for the Drake T-4XB) $12 each 

     ICOM 2AT HT with BP-2 battery pack also DC converter for use with 12 volt power 
     source, BC-30 battery charger $150 OBO 

     Heath 2 meter Amp 2 in 10 out $15 OBO 

     Butternut Vertical 12AVQ-S 10-15-20 meters never used $100 OBO 

     Butternut Vertical l4AVQ/WB-S 10-40 meters. $ 150 OBO 

Contact Marty Squicciarini, NR3Z at (215) 393-1492 evening or (610) 354-4507 day. 

 
Amateur Radio Transceivers 

     Ten-Tec Corsair-II With 500 Khz Cw Xtal Filter 12/19/88 Model 561 S/N 2701 
     $1,304.00 

     Ten-Tec Argonaut- II 535 Microprocessor Transceiver 6/4/91 S/N 31A10121 
     $1,245.00 

     MFJ- 9030 30 Meter Transceiver 5/04/93 $ 179.95 

     Ten-Tec Omni VI Transceiver Model 563,With Ladder Filters 250 Hz And 500 Hz, 
     Serial #03a10225 $2,225.00 

 

Power Supplies 

     Ten-Tec Model 561 Power Supply For Corsair- II 12/19/88 S/N 1324 $215.00 

     Ten-Tec Model 937 Power Supply For Scout 9/03/93 $79.00 Now Used For  Argonaut-II 

     Ten-Tec Model 935 Power Supply For Argonaut-II 8/12/92 3.2 Amperes $79.00 

     Radio Shack Micronta General Purpose 12v Power Supply $ 39.95 

 

Antenna Tuners 

     Ten-Tec Model 258 Large Antenna Tuner To Match Corsair-II 10/04/89 
     S/N23a10189 $315.00 

     Ten-Tec Model 227 Antenna Tuner 5/09/85 $85.00 

     Kenwood At-120 Antenna Tuner Used For Counterpoise $89.95 

     Kenwood At-120 Antenna Tuner (Carr Closeout Sale 6/30/87 $75.00 

     MFJ Model 931 Ground Tuner Used Balcony Portable 7/20/88 $79.95 

 

Keys And Electronic Keyers Etc. 

     Curtis Model K5 Electronic Keyer 12/7/81 $39.95 

     Curtis Model K5 Electronic Keyer 3/01/82 $39.95 

     Bencher Twin Lever Iambic Paddle Key 3/24/81 $95.90 

     Bencher Hand Key, Chrome 4/25/94 $79.95 

     Curtis Model K5 Hamfest Purchase $25.00 

     Army Model J-47 Handkey (Used) 3/05/87 $22.00 

     Army Model J-37 Handkey (Used) $22.00 

     Bencher Single Paddle With Chrome 8/14/95 $74.45 

     Vibroplex Paddle (Originally with 8044 Keyer) 4/13/95 Model EK-1 Now Used As 
     Brass Racer $151.50 

 

Miscellaneous Gear 

     Daiwa Model CN-410m Dual Wattmeter 11/7/84 $64.76 

     Comet Model CMX-2 Dual Wattmeter 3/30/94 $179.95 

     Ten-Tec Model 239 300 Watt Dummy Load 8/28/82 $26.00 

     MFJ 451 Morse Code Keyboard 12/23/92 $89.95 

     Ten-Tec Model 293 Mobile Mount For Argonaut-II $49.00 

     Radio Shack Field Strength & SWR Meter (Standby) $20.00 

     Kenwood Model HS-5 Headphones 12/19/86 $49.95 

     Lafayette Field Strength & SWR Meter $20.00 

     Ten-Tec Model 3180 80 Meter Mobile Antenna 7/10/86 $42.50 With 3101 Extra 
     Stinger 

     Ten-Tec Model 3140 40 Meter Mobile Antenna 8/25/86 $52.00 

     Comet Wattmeter Model CMX-2 3/30/94 $183.43 

     MFJ Morse Code Keyboard Model 452 Used With IBM AT-101 issued With 
     MFJ-451 7/27/95 $135.95 

 

Miscellaneous Electronic Equipment, Recorder, Hi-Fi Etc. 

     Lafayette F-786 High-Fidelity Stereo Headphones 1/4 Inch Plug 9/8/79 $37.00 

     Radio Shack Tape Recorder, Variable Speed Model VSC2001 6/01/90 $84.75 

     Radio Shack DX-350 Short Wave Portable Radio $63.55 

     Panasonic Model RQ-2735 Tape Recorder (Old, No Records) 

     MFJ Regenerative Short Wave (World Band Rcvr) 11/07/95 $85.95 

     Sony FM/AM Boom-Box Receiver, Model-CFS 1030 $74.19 

George Hinkel, WA3KSK; 215-699-1001 

 

Free To a Good Home 

     Audio Generator 

     Adjustable power supply 

     HV caps 

     HV power supply 

     RF bridge 

Rube Tyson, N3RT; 215-674-5054 

 

     Kenwood Xmitter TS180S 

     Kenwood VFO-180 

     Kenwood power supply PS-30 

     TEN-TEC century 21 Xmitter model 570 

     Cushcraft antenna 4BTV 

     Dummy load Heath 15 Cantenna 

     Straight keys (2) 

     Vibraplex key (Lafayette) 

     Microphone – Shure model 4441 

     MFJ-941 Versatuner II 

     Frequency meter DSI 3550 

     All manuals 

     PC boards, small w/ resistors, capacitors, diodes & transistors, approx. 200-300. 

     Tubes – Octals, loctals, some very old ones. 

     Misc. resistors, capacitors & switches 

     Hallicrafter S-38 RCVR 

                                Call for prices 

Philip McCallum 95 Hedge Road Levittown, Pa 19056 215-945-0981 

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