[HCARC] Latest Status On "Getting Ron Vivian on the Air"

[Gary and Arlene Johnson]

First, thanks to all who have been involved and have offered help and parts:

1.  Ron apparently doesn't qualify for the automatic upgrade to his Tech license as apparently his first license was a General and the Guberment requires that he at one time in the past prior to 1987 held a Tech License.  Never mind the logic that at that time the Tech Test and the General Test were one and the same - Code speed was all that determined your grade if you passed the test.  Go figure - it's the Guberment!!  MORAL TO THE STORY - DON'T LET YOUR LICENSE LAPSE - EVER!!!  Ron was an EXTRA before his strokes and his license lapsed - he has passed the Tech License exam recently.

2.  Ron's wife has her General and with her a Control Operator he can get on the General Class Freqs using her Call.  Problem solved for now.

3.  Ron's radio is a very very capable radio - ICOM IC-775.  He is missing the Mic, but Bill Tynan has generously offered an unused 8 pin Icom Mic.

4.  Dale Gaudier is going to help build an Off-center, Broad banded dipole for Ron to use.  I have the wire,insulators, coax and UHF fittings.  We are looking for a 4:1 balun and I am watching one on Ebay for him.  If you have an old unwanted one please let me know.

5.  I am also watching an older Alinco Dual Band HT to get him on 2 meters.  It needs a new battery, but that is doable.  If anyone has something that is better for his use please let me know.

Gary J
N5BAA
HCARC Secretary 2013