[PVRCNC] PVRCNC-East May meeting summary

[NX9T at aol.com]

PVRCNC-East May Meeting Notes
 
We had another strong turnout and an excellent program during our May  
gathering. The meetings’ agenda is outlined below.  The 14 in attendance  were: 
W0UCE, Jack; N4CW, Bert; K4CIA, Bill; NX9T, Jeff; N4TL, Tom; W4KAZ, Keith;  K4QPL, 
Jim; K1ZW, Larry; NT4D, Jay; NT4Q, Jerry; K4CZ, Barry;  K2AV, Guy;  AD4L, 
Pete; and AE4MN, Paul.
 
K4QPL welcomed the group and outlined the evenings agenda.   NX9T  thanked 
N4CW for stepping in to help out with coordinating our presence at the  Raleigh 
hamfest. A big “thank you” also goes out to all who helped share the  cost of 
the hamfest tables.  W0UCE conducted the regular “Paper  Contest.”  This 
month was another “Sprint” and W4KAZ snuck in to snatch the  victory from many 
hopefuls!  Keith took him a very handy AC circuit  tester.
 
Jack, W0UCE, and Guy, K2AV presented a very interesting and informative  
program entitled, “Working the Weak Ones, Part II” They presented information on  
the importance of low noise receiving antennas, especially for 80 and  160m.  
We all left with ideas and even a few plans for action!
 
The program schedule for June: Show and Tell (Bring some radio item to  
show...anything goes!)
 
NOTE: Official “programs” will be suspended for July and August.  This  will 
allow for more casual social time, rag chews over dinner, and hopefully be  
more “vacation/summer stuff” friendly.  Regular programming will resume in  
September to kick off the fall contest season! 
 
Member Reports:
 
N4CW: Bert’s contesting efforts have been limited lately but he’s excited  
about going to Dayton!  He will be on for the WPX in a few weeks as  well.
 
K4CZ: Barry, has operated in several smaller QRP contests recently and has  
been chasing DX.  His DXCC count is now up to 169.  K4QPL will be  showing up 
at Barry’s QTH this weekend to dig holes for the tower with his  Kubota.  The 
big news is that at the Raleigh hamfest, Barry placed 1rst in  the QBH (send 
with both hips) CW contest.  He really had that hula hoop  swing’in!  Barry’s 
11 year old daughter, KI4GUO (Jordan), placed 3rd in  that QBH (Great job 
Jordan!!!) and is planning on working toward her General  license this summer.

K1ZW: Larry has been working digital modes  lately but had to do a complete 
computer rebuild to “get’er done.”  In the  process, he straightened out his 
USB port issue.  Larry told us about how  his antenna line launcher is working 
FB...shoots up to 200' high.  Larry  also told the group about his 
tower/antenna hinge that intrigued many of  us.  He’s planning to travel to Dayton with 
his XYL..

K4CIA:  Bill gleefully described working the recent VU4 expedition on 30m for 
a new  one.  New ones for “Dr. DX” don’t come around very often.  Bill is  
heading up to Dayton as well.
 
NX9T: Jeff has gotten his 160m inverted L up and asked for some modeling  
assistance concerning adding a 80m wire to the same radials/feed.  Jeff  also 
worked the VU4 on both modes, is heading up to Dayton, and plans to make  some 
noise in the WPX.
 
 
K4QPL: Jim described how at the Raleigh hamfest he placed 2nd in the QBH  
contest, and 2nd in the QLF contest.  PVRC’s own N2NFG took 1rst!.   Jim 
indicated that due to several operators not being able to make it for a  larger M2 
effort, that N4AF will likely be operating single op during WPX.   Jim also plans 
to operate SO2R from his QTH.  They are hoping that by  taking a “sabbatical”
 from the M2 category, that another PVRC group will be in  the position to 
step in and grab some paper!
 
N4TL: Tom worked the VU4 on both modes and has been busy chasing band  
countries.  He plans to operate during the WPX.
 
W4KAZ: Keith has not been able to be on the air much lately but has been  
helping NT4Q with tower preparation.  He will be another PVRC warrior  charging 
up to Dayton. 

W0UCE: Jack reported that he continues to  rebuild after multiple lightening 
strikes. He took another hit on 4/22, but  fortunately only lost a keyer.  
Lucky for Jack, he has a host of CW related  accessories! Jack spoke of some 
incredible conditions the other day on 15 and  20m.  He’s having a lot of fun with 
his new TS-480.
 
NT4D:Jay has been helping Jerry, NT4Q, out with tower preparations.
 
NT4Q: Jerry is looking forward to getting his tower up finished.  He  
currently has approximately 35 feet in the air.  He’s also been remodeling  his shack 
and is planning to put a TA-36 up on the tower soon.
 
K2AV: Guy has been working on new antenna designs for N4AF.  Since  last 
months’ meeting on Software Defined Radios, he’s been giving this option  some 
thought.
 
AD4L: Pete continues to work on his SDR box and has been stymied by a cold  
solder joint on a board.  He is also working on an error detection code  
project and plans to operated during WPX.
 
AE4MN: Paul described his new high power Ten Tec antenna tuner and how he  is 
quite pleased with it thus far.  He told the group an interesting and  
amusing story about a fellow who claimed to have invented the first wireless  
telephones.  Paul is really enjoying his new PROIII.


Reports via Email:
 
KA1ARB: Rob advised that work commitments are hindering his ability to  
attend meetings but he looks forward to being with us again   Rob  sends his 
greetings and advises that he, and buddy WB1ADR, had a great time  operating in the 
ARRL DX SSB from New Hampshire.  Their score is holding up  for a top 10 
finish in the MS category (right behind our brethren from  W4WS).  
 
NOTE: Rob is seeking a AB-577 “rocket launcher.”  If anyone has one  for 
sale, please contact Rob, KA1ARB.
 

We look forward to another great gathering in June.  Don’t miss  out...mark 
your calendars now for June 1rst.  
 
73,
jeff nx9t