The 2009 Holiday Party was a great success. Food was plentiful and everyone seemed to be in good spirits. Fortunately, there were plenty of tables available; the food and drink completely filled three sizable tables.

The October 8th meeting will feature a “show and tell” at which members can bring in items they have built — related to amateur radio or anything else they think the group would be interested in. If the item is too big or too small to show it you can bring in one or more large photographs or digital images. You will have an opportunity to describe what you did, why you did it, and how you did it.

A computer and a projector (courtesy of Neil KC2TAF) will be available for displaying images or slides in all of the common formats including PowerPoint (ppt), jpg, gif, bmp, etc. Stan N2YKT has volunteered to take pictures at the event.

Every field day is unique. This time however, our “in the neighborhood” back yard operation was based on a Thursday decision, when our club’s Field Day plans fell through. Think “emergency activation” without knowing when or how many of the notified/invited fellow hams would arrive to help. On Friday, I sent out a press release and an email invitation to Pat Biancaniello, an elected member of the Smithtown NY Town Council. This was our pre-Field Day preparation as we started our Saturday morning set-up.

After a firm 48 hour charge as per the directions for first use, I hooked up my new Duracell HD600 Powerpack to my IC706MKII and gave it a test run. I spent the early afternoon sending CQ on 20 meters ssb voice using 100 watts threw my Buddypole. Band conditions were terrible which was good for the longevity test of the powerpack ( more transmitting and less receiving). Bottom line, I was worried about wearing the powerpack out with my long winded CQ's. Instead,...

Based on the May 2008 QST article by Milton Davis, AI6MD, I built a schematic that combines the great features of the Kenwood TM-D700A with The Smart beacon format of the Byonics, Tniytrak III(+). Check it out here in PDF Format.

GOALS:
1. To be able to run my heating system and some lights for a minimum of 5 days or longer during a prolonged power outage.
2. The above assumes that Keyspan is still providing natural gas. As a backup, a generator is supplied that will be tri fuel (natural gas, propane & regular gas). The generator will provide topping off of batteries so nighttime operation will remain quite. If Keyspan is providing gas then during the day the generator can provide additional power. If Keyspan is not providing gas, then the generator will be powered by two large propane tanks and the house will be heated with high efficiency (so they say) electric heaters.
3. To “be green” and save some money (after the 6-7 year calculated pay back). With the price of oil going up as fast as it is- it might be sooner rather than later.

Goals:
1. Provide 12 Volt battery backup for the shack.
2. Automatic switchover when power is lost.
3. Unit must be portable.
4. Must automatically charge batteries.

ARES RACES GO KIT

In this month’s QST (May 2008 pg 62 &63) there is an article on “The Highly Versatile Orange Box”. I coincidentally just finished a similar “Go-Box”.

Goals:
1. HF & VHF communications multiband
2. Light weight- under 25 LBS
3. Self contained- water resistant.
4. Aux 12 V power output.
5. Separate battery box.
6. Power supply w 110 volt source- either generator or battery w inverter.

APRS is a great addition to the hobby. It is also a very good tool for positioning in a communications activity like a marathon or for emergency communications.

...........Click Here for more(.pdf)

By WB2LUA, Dr. John A. Allocca -- The Smith-Victor 10 foot aluminum light stand extends to 10 feet high and weighs only 3 pounds. It collapses to 32” and easily fits into a 36” light stand case. The top section has a diameter of 5/8”, which is suitable for most mounting clamps....