[PVRCNC] PVRCNC-East November Meeting Notes

[NX9T at aol.com]

PVRCNC-East November Meeting Notes

Our November meeting was reserved for a special celebration....The 10th 
anniversary of the birth of the NC Chapter of the PVRC.  During that time, the NC 
chapter has grown, matured, and welcomed many new contesters into the fold.  
Now there even exists two geographical groups within PVRCNC...East and West!  
Our guest of honor and founder of the chapter, Howie (N4AF), made the trip to 
Raleigh from his QTH out east.  We had one of our strongest turnouts in recent 
history, enjoyed a wonderful time of remembrances, saw some excellent pictures 
depicting many of us a "few" years younger, and were quizzed with another 
challenging "Paper Contest."  The 21 in attendance were: W0UCE, Jack; K4CIA, Bill; 
NX9T, Jeff; N4TL, Tom; W4KAZ, Keith; K4QPL, Jim; K1ZW, Larry; NT4D, Jay;  
K2AV, Guy; AD4L, Pete; KE4GY, Frank; N1LN, Bruce; N1YXU, Laurie; AL4T, Brad; 
W4MY, Marty; KC4HDI, Chris; N4AF, Howie; KA1ARB, Rob; N2NFJ, Bob; N4YDU, Nate; and 
N4PY, Carl.

K4QPL welcomed the group and outlined the evenings agenda.   W0UCE conducted 
the regular "Paper Contest."  This month was another "Sprint" and involved 
answering questions about our  chapter "Big Gun- aka N4AF."  Howie of course won 
but there was a 6 entry tie for second and, surely out of an act of pity, NX9T 
was awarded the victory and took home the multi-role pack of black tape. 

Pete, AD4L presented an array of recollections from group members concerning 
N4AF, operating at his station, and the many who credit Howie with influencing 
their contesting career.  Jim, K4QPL, presented a Certificate of Appreciation 
to Howie as a way to recognize the many contributions Howie has made to PVRC 
in general, and more specifically, to  PVRCNC.



Member Reports:

N4AF: Howie remarked on how it does his heart good to see how the chapter has 
grown over the years.  At home, he has been working on antennas and preparing 
for SS and CQWWCW.

K1ZW: Larry worked 250 Q's during the CQWW and has been adding to his antenna 
farm.  The most recent additions include multiple verticals.

K4CIA: Bill is contemplating a QRP SSCW effort.  Otherwise, most of his time 
has been spent dxing.

NX9T: Jeff played in the CQWW to the tune of over 700 Q's and will be on for 
the Sweeps..some CW and more aggressively for SSB.

KE4GY: Frank listened in some during the CQWW and reports that his station is 
working well these days.

N1LN: Bruce is ramping up for a 24 hour effort in SSCW.  He has been working 
on various antenna and rotator installations issues. Plans to do a "multi" 
with N1YSU during SSB Sweeps.

N1YXU: Laurie reported that she and OM N1LN have been working on an Emergency 
Communications presentation for another group of which they are members.  She 
hopes to be on the air during the SS SSB.

AL4T: Brad tuned into the CQWW for an hour or so and plans to be on for SS.  
He has been working on a K9AY RX loop and other antennas.  He reportedly 
"burned up" a tribe of USB ports recently!

N2NFG: Bob stated that his last serious operating was during the CQP.  He 
does plan to be on for SS and some RTTY tests.

N4YDU: Nate operated during the CQWW and plans to be on in the SS.

N4PY: Carl has been doing some Dxing with his Orion as well as enjoying his 
new QTH in the NC Mountains!

W4MY: Marty is pleased to announce that his tower has been completed.  It is 
now sporting a C3 and XM240.  These antennas led to a fun time during the 
CQWW.

KC4HDI: Chris, XYL of W4MY, reported that she has been assisting Marty with 
his tower projects.

K4QPL: Jim has been preparing for the SS and intends to go at it hard!  He 
did miss the CQWW but has been getting his new Orion all set up and ready to go.

N4TL: Tom worked around 300 Q's in the CQWW and plans to be on in both modes 
for SS.

W4KAZ: Keith played some in the CQWW but has been busy with projects around 
the house (note: and putting together our great SS page on the PVRCNC webpage).

W0UCE: Jack happily reported "no lightening strikes" for the month of 
October!  He is putting up a new dipole for SS and has been enjoying his new key.

NT4D:Jay indicated that his tower has been repaired and his antennas (big'ns) 
are back up.

K2AV: Guy is also preparing for SS.  He has installed N1MM, made final 
coaxial connections, and is putting up a new "K2AV Special" for 40m.

AD4L: Pete has been busy with school, his new hobby (motorcycle racing), and 
helping Howie with some antenna work  He plans to be on for the SS.

KA1ARB: Rob is getting ready for SS by adding wire beams for 40m.  He is 
planning on putting together a Multi-Op for SS SSB.

EMAIL REPORTS:

K4TMC: Henry will be operating during the SS SSB.

K4CZ: Barry continues to work on his tower/antenna and reports that his 
station is working great.  He was on for the CQWW and will be on during the Sweeps.

Our annual plea for contributions for the costs associated with the web page 
and other smaller expenses was made.  To the credit of our group, the need was 
met (exceeded) by the end of the meeting!

We ended with a SS Rally Cry and a plan to personally contact members who 
haven't been around recently in order to encourage them to join in on the fun 
with SS.


We look forward to another great gathering in December.  Don't miss 
out...mark your calendars now for December 7th and join us for dinner and a chance to 
fill us in on your SS (CW and SSB) and CQWW CW adventures!  

73,
jeff nx9t