Volume XVIII Issue 2 Editor: Howard; KC2OJO February 2011 · Page 2 Published by the Larkfield...
Transcript of Volume XVIII Issue 2 Editor: Howard; KC2OJO February 2011 · Page 2 Published by the Larkfield...
QSX February 2011 Published by the Larkfield Amateur Radio Club Page 1
February 2011
Volume XVIII Issue 2
Editor: Howard; KC2OJO
Our next meeting is Thursday, February 10th. Items scheduled for a
vote include the budget for 2011 and reapproving or modifying the
budgeted antenna work scheduled for the .210 repeater. In addition
there will be a discussion of increasing the club’s income via changes
to the dues schedule, raising the cost for the mailed hardcopy of QSX
and other forms of revenue raising that may be brought up by the
members present.
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For member enjoyment and to raise an additional $190 per year we
have had coffee and donuts available at our monthly meetings at $1
for each. The money for this ($19/meeting) has been donated by
K2TVN, KC2OJO and KC2RKK. We need 5 more volunteers to
keep this going for the rest of this year. Please help!
It’s time to renew your membership for 2011. The dues schedule is
unchanged for 2011 and is printed on page 8, the cover page. Re-
newal forms will be available at the next meeting so that members
can update any changes to their mailing address, license or email ad-
dress. If you don’t wish to make any changes to your membership
status you may write your call sign on your check, make it out to
LARC and mail it to:
Larkfield Amateur Radio Club
P.O. Box 1450
Huntington, NY 11743
PLEASE GET YOUR DUES IN BEFORE FEBRUARY 28!
Page 2 Published by the Larkfield Amateur Radio Club February 2011
January 13th Membership Meeting
The January 13th General Meeting started with
the Pledge of Allegiance at 7:40 PM, immedi-
ately following the Executive Board Meeting .
The meeting was chaired by Gary K2TVN.
Following the Pledge of Allegiance, nomina-
tions were held for the election of the empty
spot (6th Director) on the Executive Board. Ed
KC2E was nominated and elected. Ed has
been and is the club's main contact with the
Town Of Huntington for arranging for the
monthly meeting room, arranging for the bi-
monthly VE meetings at Town Hall and for
arranging other events that come to the club
through the town. Steve N2PQJ agreed to as-
sist Ed with future arrangements.
Roger W2GLE gave the Treasurer's report and
indicated that the club was still running at a
slightly negative cash flow. A budget is being
prepared by the Executive Board for presenta-
tion to the members at the next meeting.
Howard KC2OJO gave the Secretary's report
and the QSX and Website reports. He stated
that there were no minutes from December
since there was no meeting on December 9th;
that night was devoted to the Holiday Party.
The QSX monthly newsletters for December
and January were put up onto the Larkfield
Reflector on November 24th and December
23, respectively, and mailed by Rich
KA2LHK shortly thereafter. He went on to
thank Mike W2SWR for his continuing help
and for his activity on behalf of the club and
again, reminded the members that fresh mate-
rial was needed for both QSX and for the
club's web site. Bob AC2AZ suggested hav-
ing a “station of the month” feature which re-
ceived a favorable response from the members
present. It was indicated that all material for
QSX had to be submitted at least five days be-
fore the publication date. Upon a suggestion
from the floor it was agreed that copies of
QSX would be sent to Mike Lisenco N2YBB
the head of the ARRL NLI section.
Other than for a brief several hour interruption
of the website there had been no problems
with either the Larkfield Reflector or the web-
site during the reporting period.
Bruno KC2ESI gave the Repeater report.
The .210 repeater was doing well and the .075
had been up but unfortunately then went down
again. It seems to be intermittently suffering
from several problems including inter-mod,
transmitter spurs and possibly receiver audio
dropouts. Bruno, Richard WA2WNY, and
Jack K2JX are working on the problems.
Bruno reminded the club that proceeding with
the addition of a new antenna for the .210 re-
peater will require a new vote because we
have passed into a new calendar year. Re-
peater usage was also discussed. The mem-
bers discussed ways of increasing usage of
our .210 repeater to solve the problem of long
periods of time within any week that are com-
pletely absent of any traffic.
Ed KC2E gave the VE Report. Two hams
passed their exams at the December VE ses-
sion and it was announced that the next ses-
sion would be at the Huntington Town Hall on
February 12th.
The Field Day report was given by Fred
K2LDC. There was no formal report as Fred
and Pat WS2A had not had a chance to get to-
gether before the meeting.
Larry N2BKJ gave the membership report.
One proposed new member, John Aguis
KC2ZOA, had his name presented for a vote
at the February meeting.
Continued on facing page
QSX February 2011 Published by the Larkfield Amateur Radio Club Page 3
Continued from previous page
Fred KC2LDC gave the Nightimers report.
There were generally 4-9 hams present at
Panera's at the Tuesday night 6PM meetings.
Several members commented on the interest-
ing technical aspects of the recent meetings
including use of a tube tester, programming of
a low cost Chinese HT, troubleshooting of an
old Heathkit HF transceiver, etc.
Howard KC2OJO gave the Daytimers report.
Typical attendance at the Northport
McDonalds was 5-7 people at the Monday
morning 10 AM meetings.
Due to the difficulty in getting a full time Net
Control for the Monday night 8 PM Larkfield
InfoNet it was informally decided to change
the format to a Monday night Info-Chat with
no formal Net Control.
Feb 13th Executive Board Meeting
The meeting started at approximately 7:10
PM. As is presently customary, some of the
club membership sat at the Executive Board
table as observers.
Attending were Gary K2TVN, Fred K2LDC,
Steve N2PQJ, Roger W2GLE and Howard
KC2OJO.
Issues discussed were the 2011 Larkfield
Budget, repeater maintenance, the election of
a 6th Director and the availability of Larkfield
ARC QSL cards.
It was decided that Roger would submit a pre-
liminary budget to the Directors via Email and
that a final version would be worked out com-
municating via phone and the larkexec reflec-
tor. This budget would then be presented to
the members for approval at the February
General meeting. Issues related to the budget
were 1) Incorporating money for the
new .210 antenna, 2) providing more flexibil-
ity for funding repeater maintenance, and 3)
steps to fix the current negative cash flow.
The Executive Board meeting was closed at
approximately 7:40 PM.
Spooky Station
Too neat for any operating ham.
The room lights are usually out;
the chair is usually empty, but
voices come and go along with
some static. On the table is a
Kenwood TH-D7A(G) HT, a Mi-
rage B34 2 meter amplifier, a
Ten-Tec Omni VII HF Trans-
ceiver, 12 V Supply, a power me-
ter, Signalink Adapter, an old
IBM X-40 Notebook computer,
external hard drive, and switching
for 5 antennas plus 2 baluns. Continued on page 4
Page 4 Published by the Larkfield Amateur Radio Club February 2011
Continued from page 3
Spooky Station
Looks like someone works here! Lots of
stuff, but no radios; just a headphone, key-
board, display and computer paraphernalia.
However, everything needed to control the
HT and the HF transceiver in the shack is
in place. How does it all work?
The Omni VII, out of the box, can be con-
trolled via the Internet using Ethernet — no
computer needed at the radio!
The Kenwood TH-D7A(G) (not shown)
like all of Kenwood’s recent HTs can be
completely controlled via its PC program-
ming input. This ability is not advertised or
provided in their accessory software.
The screen shown is taken from the IBM
X-40 notebook computer in the shack. The
program running in the window on the left
takes button clicks and translates them into
commands that are sent from the com-
puter’s serial port into the HT’s PC input.
It’s written in Visual Basic. The window in
the middle of the desktop will be familiar
to many hams; it’s just Skype, the program
people all over the world use to communi-
cate with each other by voice via the Inter-
net and their PCs.
Skype is installed in both the computer in
the shack and in the computer in the remote
control area. The IBM X-40’s earphone
output is connected to the HT’s mic input
and the HT’s speaker output is connected to
the X-40s mic input. The two computers
are connected via the home network. Once
a Skype call is made between the two com-
puters the HT’s audio I/O comes from the
headset at the remote computer. Continued on page 6
QSX February 2011 Published by the Larkfield Amateur Radio Club Page 5
Long Island Hamfair & Electronics Show
Sunday, February 27, 2011
Large Indoor Location!
Levittown Hall
201 Levittown Parkway, Hicksville, NY 11801
Amateur Radio Equipment / CB Equipment / Computers / Ham Equipment Dealers
Television / ARRL Information / VHF Tune-up Clinic (Get your rig checked)
DXCC Card Checking
General Admission: $6.00* Doors open 9:00 AM
Free parking for all! Door Prizes!
Food/Refreshments available
Talk-in on W2VL 146.85 repeater
(136.5PL, negative ‘-’ shift)
There will be a VE Test Examination at 10:00 a.m.
Please be prompt and best of luck!
Test Fee is $15
Sellers: All spaces $20.00. Admission for each person, including the main vendor, is $6.00
each. Doors open at 9:00 AM for Buyers
Doors open at 7:00 AM for Sellers
(ends @ noon to 1 pm "ish")
Pre-Registration is highly suggested! Limited same day table sale;
Pre-Register to insure YOUR space(s)!
Full Details at http://www.limarc.org/fest.html
Page 6 Published by the Larkfield Amateur Radio Club February 2011
Members of the Larkfield Amateur Radio
Club are invited to use the
W2RGM Repeater System: 2 meters
147.075 MHz out/147.675 MHz in
1.25 meters
224.560 MHz out 222.960 MHz in
70 centimeters
448.525 MHz out 443.525 MHz in
114.8 Hz PL These machines are linked cross band
also 448.500 MHz out 443.500 MHz in
448.475 MHz out 443.475 MHz in
The Larkfield Amateur Radio Club
Operates:
WR2ABA HUNTINGTON REPEATERS
2 meters
147.210 MHz out/147.810 MHz in
4z/136.5 Hz PL
Linked cross-band with
70 centimeters 448.675 MHz out/443.675 MHz in
114.8 Hz PL
W2LRC SMITHTOWN REPEATERS
2 meters 145.430 MHz out/144.830 MHz in
4z/136.5 Hz PL
1.25 meters 224.620 MHz out/223.020 MHz in
70 centimeters
448.425 MHz out/443.425 MHz in
These 3 repeaters are linked cross band
Packet Radio Assignment
WA2PNU (0-15) 145.070 BBS; FlexNet Gateway
WA2PNU-4 145.070 Local area PBBS
KC2COJ (0-15) 145.050 -4 = BBS
KC2COJ –4 144.050 BBS
NY2LI (0-7) 145.050 BBS=WA2PNU-4
NY2LI (8-12) 144.930 BBS=WA2PNU-4
Continued from page 4
The screen shown below is from the remote (controlling) computer. The program running in
the window on the right (and in the computer in the shack) is VNC. It’s a free program that
allows us to control the computer in the shack from this remote computer. When we click on
any button in the widow on the right we are actually clicking on that same button on the com-
puter in the shack. So, we can click on any of the buttons and control the HT. We can Trans-
mit, Receive, change frequency, channel, power or any other function; some functions are
changed via text
typed into the
“Other Code” box.
The window on the
left is running
N4PY’s Pegasus
program. It is con-
trolling the Omni
VII and is easier to
use than the radio’s
front panel! So
now, when you hear
KC2OJO on the air
you will know he’s
not in the shack!
QSX February 2011 Published by the Larkfield Amateur Radio Club Page 7
ARES/RACES NET
Attention to all members: The weekly ARES/RACES net is active, meeting every Monday evening at 1930
on 147.210. Check in with our net control, John Allocca WB2LUA, to learn of any ARES/RACES news and
to help maintain your proficiency in emergency communications procedures.
GOOD AND WELFARE Attention members: Our Good and Welfare Chairperson is Helene Lazarus (XYL of Arnie N2PLS). Please inform
her (499-2837) of news about club members so she may make submissions to this publication.
General Meetings January 13, 2011 June 9, 2011
February 10, 2011 September 8, 2011
March 10, 2011 October 13, 2011
April 14, 2011 November 10, 2011
May 12, 2011 December 8, 2011
Board Meeting January 13, 2011 June 9, 2011
February 10, 2011 September 8, 2011
March 10, 2011 October 13, 2011
April 14, 2011 November 10, 2011
May 12, 2011 December 8, 2011
The Larkfield Amateur Radio Club Affiliated with American Radio Relay League
Officers (one year terms) President Gary McDowell K2TVN (2011) Vice-President Chuck Hartley N2JIY (2011 Secretary Howard Stern KC2OJO (2011) Treasurer Roger Rapp W2GLE (2011)
General Directors (two year terms) Neil Harris KC2TAF (2011-2012) Pat McPartland WS2A (2011-2012) Steve Hines N2PQJ (2011-2012) Daniel Harris KC2TFS (2010-2011) Fred Kruger K2LDC (2010-2011) Ed Ebert KC2E (2010-2011) WA2PNU Station Trustee Roger Rapp W2GLE
WR2ABA Station Trustee Roger Rapp W2GLE
W2LRC Station Trustee Roger Rapp W2GLE
February LARC Birthdays
Call Name Birthday
K2OLO Paul Angerame 2/20
KC2KVT Deborah Cooperstein 2/27
KA2LHK Richard T Gong 2/18
KC2NRB Evan McPartland 2/21
KB2LYT William P. Oxer 2/10
KC2KSD Tim Shanahan 2/15
KC2JFU Arthur T. Zapke III 2/5
Boxer Court .210 Repeater is now Operational.
The repeaters have been relocated to a better location in Boxer Court and this
has given the club the opportunity to upgrade equipment and antennas. The
repeaters affected are the 2 meter repeater on 147.210 and the cross linked 70
centimeter repeater on 448.675. The WA2PNU packet antennas have been
moved and are being reinstalled. Updates will be on the Larkfield Reflector.
VE SESSION SATURDAY February 12th
HUNTINGTON TOWN HALL
100 MAIN ST., ROOM 114
WALK-Ins WELCOME Team Liaison is Ed KC2E. Contact is Stan N2YKT. Fee
is $15. All elements will be offered and exams start at
9:00AM.
Must have 2 forms of ID, one of which includes a photo. If
upgrading, bring an original and a copy of your license
and an original of any CSCEs.
The next Executive Board and General
meetings will be on Thursday, February
10th at 7:00PM and 7:30PM, respectively.
The weekly Larkfield InfoChat will be on
Mondays at 8:00 PM .
The InfoChat is on the Larkfield 147.210
repeater; +600kHz offset, 136.5 tone.
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Larkfield Amateur Radio Club, Inc.
Post Office Box 1450
Huntington, NY 11743
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2011 DUES SCHEDULE
Regular Membership: $25.00
Extra Family Member - Same Address: $6.25
Senior Membership, 65+: $18.75
Student Membership: $6.25
Living Outside Club’s Operating Sphere: $6.25
PLUS $5.00 TO GET QSX VIA U.S. MAIL
Make your check payable to:
Larkfield Amateur Radio Club Inc.
And Mail to:
Larkfield Amateur Radio Club Inc.
PO Box 1450
Huntington, NY 11743