[AReU] <---- Report of our November 2007 meeting experience

[Ron Youvan]

There were about 10 or 12 at this months meeting.

   I explained the idea and origination of the AReU club to the new members/visitors.  We 
talked about learning and operating "cw" and some other operational subjects.
   I showed my used (broke and partly disassembled) 85 Amp car alternator that I wish to 
(some day) connect to a 1 hp B&S (edger) engine that I have to make a "motor-generator 
set" that could supply at least 10 Amps for battery charging during remote operations and 
during power failures.
   I live in downtown Plant City and after hurricane Francis went past us (30 miles away) 
my house was without power for a week.  I have purchased an emergency generator for my 
home since then, a 5.8 kW (with a 9.8 kW peak starting capability) which when run every 4 
hours will preserver the refrigerator's contents and keep the hot water warm, but to run 
it 100% of the time would consume a huge supply of precious gasoline.  (currently at over 
$3 per gallon, no power is required for municipal water, even by the city)
   Such a DC only "motor-generator set" would allow long term HAM radio operation with 12 
Volt lights and I maintain a B/W TV set that operates on 12 to 15 Volts dc for news and 
weather while consuming much less of that precious gasoline.  (charging storage batteries 
also)  I do not have a budget to buy one of those nice little Honda generators with an 
inverter in it.  (they throttle up and down to provide only the needed energy while 
maintaining a nice 60 Hz output)

   Fred K4NWW asked if anyone else can hear a "tone and a high noise level" on 28.367 or 
28.368 mHz., cable leakage is suspected.  Terry WA4BYK asked of anyone else can hear 
beeping on 28.360 mHz.  If you can hear such, replying to this would be a good way to 
report your findings, don't forget to show your location and antenna reception pattern if 
not omni.

   Terry (and Bobbie I suppose) set up a "free table" and many added some books and/or 
stuff to their collection, including me.  Thank you very much Terry. (and Bobbie I suppose)

   A 6 meter AM net was discussed, no reference to any other club was mentioned.  There is 
some interest, I lack only an outside antenna to be on the air with at least 3 watts of 
carrier power.
(using my 10 Watt TenTec transverter)
   Since our primary "meeting room key carrier" was away in Virgina, we discussed the 
possibility of a second key carrier.  (preferably a member of the church)  Repairing 
on/working on sick computers was mentioned.  It is OK, we just aren't a room full of IT 
gurus most of the time, we can test the basic things like power supplies and stuff.
   For the first time in a long time, I did not take any pictures at this meeting.  I am 
sure I left out a few dozen items, but I think everyone had a very nice time.
-- 
   Ron


-- 
    Ron  KA4INM - Please pay your taxes promptly our
                  illegal aliens need the free benefits!