[CTSARA] Fwd: GFARA Meeting November 5th, 2014

[Jon Perelstein]

---------- Forwarded message ----------
From: Drummond Grinalds <drummond.grinalds at gmail.com>
Date: Fri, Oct 24, 2014 at 7:01 PM
Subject: GFARA Meeting November 5th, 2014


Dear Fellow Hams:

Please join us on Wednesday, November 5th at 7:30 pm at the Fairfield Fire
Training Center as we explore topics relating to microprocessors and their
application within amateur radio.

Inexpensive (almost free) and readily available microprocessors are being
used by many hams for amateur radio projects.  As an example, Raspberry
Pi's can be used to construct a very low cost SignaLink equivalent digital
interface, alerting systems for on-air activities and remote control
applications,

Jeff KB1MZL, Vice President of GFARA, has prepared an interesting program
for us.  He will begin by describing microprocessors in general terms
including a brief history of computing and machine control and then
surveying the wide array of microprocessor choices readily available not
only to designers and engineers but also to hobbyists.

Jeff will then use a detailed examination of the Parallax
Propeller microprocessor to show how it can be the foundation of a simple
frequency counter project.

This program is an excellent opportunity to bring kids (both young and old)
interested in computer programming as microprocessors represent the link
between software and ham radio.

CERT members will enjoy this opportunity to see how to expand amateur radio
applications using a little imagination, microprocessors and software.


73,

Drum
K1RDG

P.S.  Our US House Representative, Rep. Jim Himes, has not yet declared
himself a co-sponsor of HR-4969, the Amateur Radio Parity Act.  This
resolution is a ham-friendly initiative designed to help us get metal in
the air.  Even if you don't live in a restricted area, people who want to
QSO with you do and one day you might find yourself in a different QTH and
limited to long QSO's with a dummy load if this measure is not passed.
Convincing Rep. Himes  to join as a co-sponsor of HR-4969  is an important
thing we can do now to help push this along its way to law.  Check out
arrl.org and look at the link "HR-4969" next to the "What's Popular"
section.  It shows how easy it is to write our Congressman Jim Himes to
encourage him to act.  It seems the closer we are to an election the better
the RST with DC.  Expect much QSB and QRM as we move through the month of
November.