[PVRCNC] PVRCNC-East August meeting summary

[NX9T at aol.com]

The PVRCNC-East crew managed to get together despite record setting heat and 
the many other obstacles often brought on by summer schedules.  The 10 folks 
who graced the meeting were: K4QPL, Jim; K4CIA, Bill; NT4D, Jay; WD8EBI, Debi; 
AD4L, Pete; NX9T, Jeff; W0UCE, Jack; K2AV, Guy; K1ZW, Larry; and AA4NC, Will.

While there was no official meeting agenda (intentionally to allow for 
social/QSO time), an announcement was made that we need a program for September!  
Anyone interested in pulling a contest related program (lot's of freedom 
here...just contest related) please let Jack know as soon as possible.  We are 
needing to reschedule the previously planned program for September and will 
appreciate someone stepping up to fill the void.  Please consider helping out in this 
capacity.

Member reports:

K4QPL: Jim  advised that he tore down his station for FD and is still putting 
it back together!  He plans to operate during NAQP and WAE.

K4CIA: According to Bill, he has been focusing on staying cool and working 
some DX. Bill described how he monitors the cluster on one screen and the local 
weather doppler on another.  He is concerned that he lives too close to W0UCE 
(an established lightening magnet).

NT4D: Jay, accompanied by XYL Debi (WD8EBI), is working on tower and antenna 
repairs.  He hopes to play some in the NAQP and possibly the WAE.  

AD4L: Pete is worknig hard on the PVRCNC 10th anniversary project and 
enlisted others to lend a helping hand.  Projects were delegated to the willing.  
Pete also mentioned how he is adding new hobbies to his life (motorcycle road 
racing and starting to work on a PhD on Mathematics). He will be quite busy. 

NX9T: Jeff has been on the road with family (Michigan and Colorado).  
Accordingly, he has not been very active on the air other than to work a few 
DXexepditions. Jeff hopes to get in on the NAQPs and is looking forward to the fall 
season.

W0UCE: If you have any doubt about the potential of lightening damage, talk 
to Jack.  He announced that he will be hosting a "ground rod driving contest" 
at his QTH soon.  He is eagerly anticipating the upcoming 160m contest season.

K2AV: Guy attended the Cary hamfest and has been working on some 160 antenna 
modeling projects.  Sadly, we note that Guy spent last week in Kentucky 
attending the funeral of his father.  

K1ZW: Larry rebuilt his electric winch for his tower and has put up a huge 
432 yagi.  He hopes to receive the 30/40 m conversion kit for his SteppIR in 
time for the contes season.

AA4NC: Will has returned after a three week trip throughout Africa.  He spent 
FD in Florida at N4OX and had a great time.  He's excited about moving back 
to his home QTH in a few months and getting his antennas and shack functional.  



The Paper Contest was a matching game involving 26 contest/ham radio items.  
There was a 3 way tie between AA4NC, NT4D, and NX9T.  However, inasmuch as 
AA4NC turned his answer sheet in first (beat out AGAIN by the famous AA4NC/W4MR 
op!) he took home the prize...a very nice tape measure!  Great job Will!

Email/Other reports:

W4KAZ: Keith is visiting relatives in Louisana and plans to operate during 
NAQP.  Listen up for him as a /5.

W4MY: Marty is doing well but busy with work.  He is growing his tower and 
making numerous improvements on his station.

K4CZ: Barry has been busy this summer with family and work obligations.  
However, he has managed to pick up an amplifier, a new key, and some other 
accessories.  Barry reports that his tower is planned to go up within the next 30-60 
days.  

NT4Q: Jerry is at home rehabiliating his knee following surgery after a fall 
at work.  Hopefully, this condition won't slow him down much on the air!

K0BHC/AL4T: Brad was not able to make the meeting due to work obligations but 
advised us of his new callsign based on an Alaska address he maintains.  
However, he also mentioned that he has applied for a "4 land" call and will advise 
what it is when it is officially received.  Brad is working on a 40/80/160m 
wire antenna with approximately 30 elevated radials.

Thanks to all.  We look forward to seeing more and more of you all this fall 
as summer madness resides and the contest season kicks off.  

Please consider taking on the September meeting program.  It doesn't have to 
be anything fancy.  Please let Jack (W0UCE) or Jeff (NX9T) know of any 
interest or questions.

73 and see you next month!
jeff nx9t