May 9th, 2008 - US Amateur Radio Direction Finding Championships 2006
Notes Posted By Sheila Clarke on May 10th, 2008
The Vienna Wireless Society
Friday, May 9, 2008
Our turkey gobbler apparently flew the coop? Or he was off celebrating “International Migratory Bird Day” one day early. Or, he was off visiting his mom for Mother’s Day this Sunday. Whatever… Our President Jim W4JTP called the meeting to order by banging a broomstick on the ceiling at 7:35 pm.
ATTENDANCE: 44
NEW VISITORS:
Paul Kozar KI4WLB
Chuck McKinley KG4GFX
Eric Tapp – No Call
ANNOUNCEMENTS:
1. Jim AG4MA and Tom K4TCM together announced that our upcoming Fox Hunt activity is good to go tomorrow in Nottoway Park beginning at 11:30 am. There will be four 30 mw CW transmitters (a few members made) that send ID’s for 30 seconds. Each transmitter will be in a different direction. 12:30 pm is lunch, which will be BBQ baby back ribs, hot dogs and various other goodies. This is the first time our club has done this. So, it is not a contest but just an experimental and fun learning activity.
2. Rick N6CY, our Field Day Boss, once again put up his display with photos of Burke Lake Park to show possible antenna locations. He says that the only job that still needs to be filled is for CW Captain for 80-20-10 meters. He then stated who the other station captains are.
The club will provide one generator and Ray K2HYD is providing another generator. Field Day is June 28-29 at Burke Lake Park. Keeping in the spirit of the event, Rick proudly wore his official 2008 ARRL Field Day T-shirt!
All information about this event is provided on our Website via the link on the left that says “Field Day.”
3. Pete K6BFA announced that two members still need to pick up their Field Day items.
4. Jim W4JTP mentioned that next weekend is the Dayton Hamfest Convention.
5. Mike AE4R then asked members who were planning to attend to try to find the “most unusual” item, person, or whatever to share with the club at our next meeting on May 23rd. He then said that the video for our next meeting would be a Tour of the 2007 Dayton Hamvention (33 minutes) followed by a discussion in order to let members who attended the 2008 hamvention share their experiences.
6. Tom N4ZPT announced that him and Ben KF4KJQ would be doing a Balloon presentation at the Dayton Hamfest.
The Manassas Hamfest on June 8 needs volunteers too.
Tom then announced the following public service activities that were coming up that also need volunteers:
(a) Massanutten Mountain Trails Bike Ride – May 17
(b) Marine Corp. Historic Half Marathon – May 18
(c) Bike MS – May 18
(d) Cure de Tour – June 8 (Willy Williams KC0GNH Contact)
7. Corky AF4PM reported that the Boy Scout presentation he did on Monday, May 5 went very well. The scouts also participated in our club’s Monday Night 2m Net by getting on the air and asking questions to other members who were also on air. He said that a few of the scouts were interested in getting their Ham licenses. And, that the entire troop was interested in coming out to Field Day. The parents who were at the meeting said that they had a lot of fun; and, also learnt a lot about Amateur Radio too.
8. Dave K2VX announced a new “Coffee Net” that is open to anyone interested in CW. It meets every morning at 9:00 am on 28.100 mhz. They will transmit at whatever speed you wish, from one word a minute to one word every five minutes! Ha!
9. Charlie KI4ATZ announced that he brought a bunch of 9v batteries for members.
10. Mike AE4R re-announced his “Home Brew CW Transmitter or Transceiver 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, contact Mike AE4R.
PRESENTATION:
Because the club is having its own DF Fox Hunt tomorrow,
Tom N4ZPT brought a DVD about the US ARDF (Amateur Radio Direction Finding) Championships held April 7-9, 2006 in Raleigh, NC to view. The film was made by ARVN (Amateur Radio Video News) and narrated by Gary Pierce KN4AQ. Several participants (from all over the world) were filmed as they participated in the contest. They also showed various types of antennas the contestants either purchased or made. We saw the thrill of victory and the agony of defeat! (I’d say more, the agony of defeat.)
After the 36-minute video ended, a few members shared some stories and had a bit of a discussion.
For further information on DF, visit http://www.homingin.com
REFRESHMENTS:
Steve N5SK brought hot dogs and other munchies. Once again, many thanks!
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