[NLRS] Midwest Division Convention, Cedar Rapids, IA August 5-7

[Fred Spinner]

Well, I know you guys there in the Great White North aren't in the Midwest division, but many of you are close enough that our high quality, inexpensive ham radio event could be a rather nice weekend getaway.

http://convention2011.cvarc.rf.org/
 
So I'd like to personally invite the Northern Lights group to attend our little convention in Cedar Rapids.  You know we always put on a good show down here!
 
The convention will be held at:  
 
Clarion Hotel & Convention Center - Cedar Rapids, Iowa
525 33rd Avenue S.W.
Cedar Rapids, Iowa 52404
 
Request the “ARRL Midwest Convention” rate of $90/night by Tommorrow, July 22
Reservations: 877-949-2992 Fax: 319-362-1420

After the 22nd, I'd still ask for the rate, who knows?  The area is "hotel row" and there are plenty of options.
 
On Friday August 5th, we have an educational, hands-on tutorial on getting stated with the TI OMAP processor based BeagleBoard (Rev C) and BeagleBoard XM for Amateur Radio uses.  It's the intent of a group of mostly Collins ARC guys to eventually evolve this board into a SDR but many other projects (such as D-RATS/APRS gateways, portable HF digital mode units, etc.) have also been contemplated and input on this project will be welcome.  The fee is $10 for this if you are registered for the convention also, $20 if not.
 
On August 6th we have a plethora of interesting speakers in an "operating" and "techincal" track.  There is also a Youth forum (12 and under is free for the convention).  In addition, Ed Hare W1RFI and Kay Craigie N3KN ARRL President will be attending.  Kay will be the banquet speaker.  Since this is an ARRL convention an official "Wouff Hong" ceremony will also take place.  This is a grand opportunity to become a part of this "official" fraternity!  The list of speakers is on the schedule page, http://convention2011.cvarc.rf.org/schedule.html

I will also personally be the master of the kit building session that includes a cute little PIC based keyer that would work wonderfully in a Rover (AA0ZZ design) and a 40m NM0S (locally designed) HamCan two transistor regenerative 1/2 to 1 W PEP output transceiver.  Yes, I know 40m is basically DC but it looks like a fun toy nonetheless.  WA0ITP of 4SQRP fame and K0NEB the "kit building" columnist for CW magazine are scheduled to attend and have stated their intention on assisting me if needed.  The kits are suitable for beginners and I will NOT let you fail building one.
 
Then if you are smart enough to stay the night at the Clarion, you can attend one of the region's best hamfests on Sunday August 7th (which is an annual event even on non-convention years)... Cedar Valley ARC "Summerfest" near the hotel at:

Teamster’s Hall
5000 J Street SW
Cedar Rapids, IA 52404

Which is about 1 mile from the convention.

I'd sweeten up the pot and say I'd be on 10 GHz for you.. but I don't think I'd get it together by then with my other responsibilities!  :O)

Anyway, All in all it could be a very fun weekend for you guys for a reasonable 200 mile drive.  Please come if you can.


Fred Spinner, W0FMS