[NLRS] NLRS Antennas and picnic (LONG)

[Donn Baker WA2VOI]

For a number of years, we've held a summer antenna picnic in July.  Last
year (2006) we decided to forgo it because of our involvement with the
CSVHFS conference.  Well, we're getting back on track this year !

Saturday, July 14th is the day for our annual do.  The 14th is ALSO the day
of the monthly breakfast, so there is a touch of "either/or," but this
hasn't been a problem in the past.

We'll get together at 9AM in Mounds Park in St Paul and do 1.3 GHz and up
antennas.  Tune/match 10GHz feed horns (an maybe 5.7GHz if there are any).
About 12 noon move to the top of the hill and grill a dog or burger or two.
 Maybe test some equipment over to the Capitol overlook, or down the river
valley, or beyond.  Make plans for the August and September weekends of the
10GHz Contest, or maybe even Rovemania.  

So far we've had requests for:
ANTENNAS
902
3.4GHz
5.7GHz
10GHz
24GHz

FEED HORNS
10GHz adjust
3.4 measure

If you've got something else, PLEASE let us know ahead of time.  

In fact, it may be a GOOD IDEA TO POST TO THE REFLECTOR that you're
planning on making it.

Mounds Park is on the east side of St Paul on Mounds Blvd.  We meet for the
range activities along the flat area below the hill.  You can't miss us.
The picnic and operations are usually at the top of the hill under the old
Aero Beacon (and the trees).  There's a good look over the valley to the
Capital Overlook for some "test the equipment" shots, or even down the
river valley for the same.

>From the west, use I-94 to the Mounds Blvd exit (Exit 242D). (Left exit!)
At the top of the ramp, turn right (south) and keep going to the park.  (Be
careful not to turn back on to I-94 !  You have to bear right as you cross
over I-94.)

>From the east, also use I-94 and exit onto Mounds Blvd (exit 243).  Going
up the ramp, stay to the left.  At the top, turn left (south) and keep
going to the park. (Be careful not to turn back on to I-94 !  You have to
bear right as you cross over I-94.)

>From the southeast on US10, go to I-94 and follow the directions for coming
from the east.

>From the south on US52 (Lafayette Rd), go all the way to the traffic light,
and turn right (east) onto MN 5 (7th street).  Go east the 1/2 mi to US 61
-- Mounds Blvd -- and turn right (south) and keep going to the park.  (Be
careful not to turn on to I-94 !  You have to bear right as you cross over
I-94.)

Once you get into the park, go to the large flat area just below the hill.
We're usually right across from Wilshire Place.  If you go up the hill,
you're too far !  Someone will be on 146.46 to help if you get lost.

Picnic is bring your own.  We'll have a grill and a table or two, but
chairs are scarce... bring'em if ya' got'em. (Or anything else to sit on.)
Usually, lunch is about 12 noon... that gives us time to set up, do the
antennas, tear down and move to the top of the hill.  You don't have to be
there for the antenna stuff to make it to lunch.  Or stay for lunch after
the antennas for that matter.

WEATHER !
Usually, its hot and sticky, with the sun out.  Bring a hat and sunscreen:
you will need them.

IF ITS RAINING SATURDAY MORNING, PLANS WILL HAVE TO CHANGE.
1) An all night rain or it looks like an all-day rain, or even all-morning
rain, IS A SCRUB ! 	Neither I nor the equipment like getting wet !! I'd
suggest going to the usual Breakfast at 	the Old Country Buffet in
Richfield. (Corner of Nicollet and 66th.) Try raising someone on 	146.46 to
see what's happening.

2) If its a passing shower, or light rain that looks as if it will be over
"soon," then we'll try 	to get stuff done later.  We'll play it as it
comes.  Maybe we'll end up scrubbing the 	antennas and just have a
picnic... it'll depend on the weather.

Comments are welcome.

73 Donn
WA2VOI/0  EN35ja