Our turkey gobbler was heard exclaiming, “Più alberi abbraccianti per me. Queste schegge danneggiate!” * as he celebrated Arbor Day and practiced for International Marconi Day tomorrow. So our President Jim W4JTP called the meeting to order at 7:35 pm.
ATTENDANCE: 46
NEW VISITORS:
Ray Anderson KJ4CNN, who just got his Technician and General license last month. Congratulations!
ANNOUNCEMENTS:
1. Jim AG4MA once again announced our upcoming QRP To The Field event to be held tomorrow, April 26, in Glyndon Park. This is a low-power CW event. Jim said that he’d like someone to be out in the park by 8:00 am to secure the pavilion. And, that he’d like to be on the air by 9:00 am. Rain is forecasted, but hopes are that the weatherman is wrong because there is no rain date for this event! However, there is food. Lots and lots of food!
2. Tom K4TCM announced that our upcoming Fox Hunt activity is set for May 10 in Nottoway Park beginning around 11:00 am. There will be four to eight 30 mw CW transmitters that send ID’s for 30 seconds. (The transmitters were made by a few members who volunteered.) A couple of the transmitters are going to be hard to find. After the hunt we will eat lunch. Just like with all our events, there will be food. Lots and lots of food! There is no rain date for this event; so, don’t do any rain dances!
3. Rick N6CY read a brief statement from an article regarding Field Day. He then presented a display with photos of Burke Lake Park to show possible antenna locations. His goal is to have no interference between the different station rigs; and, to also pick the right radios to use in the field. He then stated that our club in the past has done very well in this competition being in the upper tenth percentile.
He still needs volunteers for set-up and takedown, help with food and Band Captains for the 40 CW and non-40 CW Stations.
4. Steve N5SK announced that the Field Day items that members ordered came in. So, during the break Pete K6BFA passed them out.
5. Mike AE4R announced a “Home Brew CW Transmitter or Transciever Challenge” that the club will be having this year. The objective is to make a piece of equipment that is useable for code practice and contacts. Any VWS member or family member can participate. The contest ends on July 10, 2009 (the first July meeting next year). Mike then passed out a sheet giving further details and information. He also said that he hopes to get publicity for the club by having the successful transmitters appear in an article for the 2009 “Leading Edge” publication, and perhaps submit an article (with photos) to the QST magazine. There will be 3 judges (not yet declared), and all entrants will receive a certificate, and the winners will be rewarded prizes (to be determined). If you are interested, please get in touch with Mike AE4R.
6. John AF4PD announced that they would be measuring the signal strength from the remote base to the VHF repeater soon.
7. Jim (Our President) W4JTP pointed out that there is a table in the corner with a few more books from Len’s estate. Members are free to take what they want and put whatever their conscience says in the donation jar. He also said that Len KG6ZR ‘s house has been sold.
8. Dave K2VX asked how member Mike K3MT was doing from his recent angioplasty and bypass heart surgery. Mike AE4R said that he received an email from him two days ago and he is making slow progress. Talking is difficult for him, so he asks that no one call. But, members are welcome to e-mail him.
9. Pete (our Treasurer) KG4OJT had no new announcements since our last meeting.
PRESENTATION:
While Pete KG4OJT was setting up the video equipment for our presentation, Mike AE4R asked members to share about any transmitters that they have made in the past.
Once the equipment was ready, he then presented a 1993 DVD titled "Ham Radio Horizons,” that the club recently purchased from CQ magazine. This was intended to help promote amateur radio to the general public that didn’t know much about it. It verified that not much really has changed in the 15 years since this was produced. It was fun, informative and also contained a bit of cheesy humor with animated cartoon pigs. Since this video is club-owned, it can be lent to any member for their use.
REFRESHMENTS:
Steve N5SK brought hot dogs and other munchies. Once again, many thanks!
The meeting was adjourned at 9:30 pm.
* Translation of turkey gobbler: “No more hugging trees for me. These splinters hurt.”
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