June Meeting

This month we are getting ready for Field Day. This year we would like everyone who comes out to the site to make at least a few contacts on any of the radios. We will be running one CW rig, two SSB rigs, and a VHF/UHF rig. John Meeks will also be in his regular spot working the satellites so be sure to check that out as well. As part of our program, I will be demonstrating the software we will be using for logging our contacts for Field Day. It is a really simple program to use, so I hope, by seeing it in action, you won't be intimidated by it. Most people who are new to Field Day and contesting may want to sit and help log while another operator makes a few contacts. After a few minutes you should be comfortable enough to make some contacts of your own.

After the demonstration, we will be holding a 2 meter contest to help familiarize people with the exchange that we use for Field Day. Be sure to bring an HT and maybe a set of headphones since we will be working in close proximity. If you don't have an HT, pair up with someone who does and help them log. The contest will only last about ten minutes. We will be using the FM simplex frequencies and each operator will use their own call. Everyone will be given an exchange to use that will be similar to one you may hear on the air during Field Day. The winner will receive a handsome certificate suitable for framing and hanging in your shack.

Since our July meeting isn't until the 17th we will also be doing some last minute preparations for our swap on July 14. We have done quite a few improvements on our repeater this year and need this year's swap to be successful. A big part of our income from the Swap comes from the 50/50 raffle so be sure to be at the June meeting and pick up a couple of books of tickets to sell.

Straits Area Amateur Radio Club
Petoskey High School
Room 106
Petoskey, MI. 49770

Minutes for May 15, 2007

President: Jack Felton KC8VXI Called Meeting to Order At 7:30pm.

Introduction of Members: 20 9 Guest.

Minutes of April meeting in Static. No correction. Motion to approve Herb KC8YLJ Seconded Jack KB8RJ. Motion Passed.

Treasurer report read by Annette KC8QII for absent Maxine KC8WXN, Saving $79.33, checking $1,032.00 Total of all accounts $1,111.33. Bills paid out since last meeting $168.00 Liability Insurance. Motion Tom WA8AA Seconded Cliff KC8NVI. Motion Passed.

Old Business Chuck Scott N8DNX has the repeater repaired. Repeater site needs to be cleaned up.

Chuck N8NXP told all in attendance that the CCECPSO trailer is almost ready for use. Possible it will be ready for Field Day.

Swap tickets are here and can be picked up tonight must record ticket numbers and how many books and name of person.

Cliff reported on Tables for July 14th Swap, Elmer's Ham Shack 5 tables, Webster 5 Tables. Bob KD8CYQ 1 table.

Field Day Tom WA8AA in charge of food for field day. Possible demo's at field day PSK 31 or maybe a Fox Hunt.

General class is coming to a close they will review on Wed. and test session will be set up.

July meeting will held at the repeater site for work bee on the grounds and also on the building.

Annual Picnic August 21st,Annette KC8QII sent letter to City of Petoskey for use of the Festival Pavilion for 4pm till 8pm. * Permission has been received for City of Petoskey to use the Pavilion. Food list will be at June meeting for sign up.

Morey W8FF, reported the Costal Crawl will be the First Sunday in August. He will need 6 people to help.

Tom Behler, KB8TKJ on behalf of the Michigander Bike Tour July 14-20 requested to use the 146.680 repeater as a back up source on the tour. Dirk, told him that would be no problem.

Elmer Questions; Herb KC8YLJ having a problem keeping the PL tone in his Radio. Reply by group could be an internal problem;

Motion to Close Bob KD8CYQ Seconded Jerry KC8FAR. Motion passed.

Program Jeff Morey WD8DX gave a Power Point demo on APRS. Which is a Radio to computer program, it keeps track of his driving, also gave him updated weather information and could be used for weather spotting. Can also do text messaging. For more in depth information go to his web site. WD8DX.com information on the Elmer Group he is starting is also posted.

Thank you Jeff for an interesting program.

 

Respectfully Submitted by Annette KC8QII

Cookie Report

Here is who will be bringing you treats for the next couple months at our club meeting. Just one other reason to attend.

June - Bill Dunstan

July - DeWayne Holmes

August - Picnic

SAARC VEC

Here is the schedule of our test sessions. Please contact KG8JK, our test liaison, at least one week prior to the test date if you are planning on attending. We have several new VE's around so if you are one of them and would like to participate in the test session, give me a call. We would love to have you.You can call 231-348-5043 or email kg8jk@qsl.net. To save wear and tear on our small group of ve's, we will cancel a test session if no one signs up

July 14* - October 6 - November 3

All sessions will be in room 106 of Petoskey High School at 10:00 am.
*12:30 after the Swap 

Remember to bring a photo ID, a copy of your license and, if applicable, a copy of your "Certificate of Successful Completion of Element" you received at your last session. You will also need $14, a pen and pencil, and a calculator if you think you'll need it.

SAARC Area Nets

MONDAY
08:00 pm EST The Bill DeMay Memorial Two Meter Social Net
146.680- MHZ pl 110.9 - Net Control - Rotating

WEDNESDAY
08:00 pm EST The Chain - O - Lakes Net
147.280+ MHZ pl 103.5 - Net Control - Rotating

THURSDAY
01:00 Z Northern Michigan Amateur Radio Emergency Service Net
Primary net frequency 146.520 MHZ Secondary frequency 146.550 MHZ
Net Control - Jim Davis - KC8NTE 

SATURDAY
08:30 pm EST The Dip Net
146.680- MHZ pl 110.9 - Net Control - Cliff Rosebohm KC8NVI

DAILY
06:30 pm EST The Nothern Lower and Eastern Upper Pennisula Traffic Net
146.64- MHZ - Net Control - Marv DeWitt KC8MLD

22:00 UTC - The Michigan Upper Peninsula Net
3.921 MHZ - Net Control - Rotating - Pre-net at 21:30 UTC
Additional net on Sundays at 1700 UTC

 

Bill DeMay Memorial Net Controllers

Here are your net controllers for the Monday night net. So far we only have three net controllers to share the load. If you would like to be added into the list, just let any of the current controller know. I am sure they would be happy to have the help.
 

Field Day

This year should be a great year for Field Day. Each year we get a few more operators and all get a little more experience. As in previous years, we will be having a campout and potluck dinner on Friday night June 22. Everyone is encouraged to bring their tents and campers and of course their families. Bring what you want to throw on the grill and a dish to pass. We will be doing some set up on Friday and hope to get most of the stations ready so we can relax on Saturday before the contest starts. On Saturday the club will be providing burgers and dogs along with beverages to keep your energy up in between operating sessions. All are welcome to campout again on Saturday night as well and we will have hot coffee and a campfire to keep you warm.

The contest officially runs from 2:00 pm on Saturday to 2:00 pm on Sunday. Our stations will include two SSB stations, a CW station and a VHF/UHF station. Feel free to bring your family and help them get on the air. We would like everyone that comes to at least make one or two contacts. There will be plenty of experienced operators there who can help you so don't be shy. Most of us will try to keep the radios running if no one else is operating but we would love to have you get on the air. If you aren't sure what to do, we are happy to help get you going. Just ask.

For Sale

HG-54HD 54 Ft. Free Standing Crank-up tower without a base. I have all the other hardware.
Also I have a Sommer Mutliband Beam covering 10-12-15-17-20-30-40 meters. Asking $1500.00 for total for both items. Contact Jim KO8P at jim@racc2000.com

Gap Voyager DX vertical antenna. Covers 160, 80, 40, and 20. Includes base. $100. Cushcraft R-7 vertical antenna. Covers 7 bands: 10, 12, 15, 17, 20, 30, & 40 meters $150. Both in very good condition. Contact Jerry KC8FAR 347-1755.

Upcoming Hamfests

July 14 SAARC Swap and Shop. Petoskey High School cafeteria. Entry $5, tables $10 (includes on door ticket). 8:00 am to 12:00 pm. Testing at 12:30 in room 106 of the high school. Contact Cliff KC8NVI (231) 526-5645

July 28th UP Hamfest. Joseph Heiman University Center ( Building 9) at Bay de Noc Community College, Escanaba, MI. 9AM to 1 PM. Table $5.00, Admittance $5:00. Contact Richard Thompson, N8OYR 9560 Chaison N.5 Road Gladstone, Michigan 49837 Phone 906-428-2528. Talk in147.24 Repeater (107.2 Tone)

Directions to Field Day

Here's how to get to the Field Day site. Take Mitchell St. to Kalamazoo (4 way stop).Take Kalamazoo south past the 4 way stop at Jennings. Continue straight and Kalamazoo will make a 90 degree turn to the left and become Atkins Road. As you head out of town, take the first road to the right (McDougal Rd.). After the turn, take the next road to the left (Greenwood Rd). Follow Greenwood. It will make a 90 degree turn to the right. At the next intersection, Greenwood turns to the left. You need to continue straight (Brubaker). Take Brubaker to Krause Rd. Turn right on Krause. Follow Krause through the woods and up the hill. As you come out of the trees you will pass a cement building on your right. The entrance to the Field Day site is on the left just before the road enters the woods again. Jim KO8P will be cutting a patch of grass across from the main area for parking. Be sure to be careful walking around since there will be guy lines and coax all over. We should be monitoring the W8GQN repeater if you need assistance.

Click here for a printable map

MEMBERSHIP APPLICATION FOR SAARC Dues: Regular - $10.00 Student - $5.00 Family - $15.00 Associate - $4.00 Help support this great organization and repeater system. Thank You.   Name - Call Sign   Address   City/State/Zip   Phone Email Send to: Maxine Holmes KC8WXN 4047 Quarter Mile Rd. Harbor Springs, MI 49740 Make Checks Payable To: STRAITS AREA AMATEUR RADIO CLUB Regular______ Family_______ Student_____Associate______TOTAL______

  The SAARC Officers

73 KG8JK