On October 1, 2005 History was made as we participated in our First Annual Titan Missile Site Special Event. If you weren’t there, you missed a great time and lunch. Over 140 contacts were made using the 3 element beam and the disk cone. The disk cone was actually outperforming the beam; who said that older isn’t better? We have been invited back for this event next year and have permission to use the disk cone anytime we want. Thanks Gene (W0KAD) and all who participated for a great time.
The meeting was called to order by our President, Gene, W0KAD, at 7:00 PM.
We had one new member present, Bruce Roberts, KB0IQ.
Other new members include Pete Asplund, KB7JCD, Lorraine Asplund, N7SNA, Dick Halmes, K6OCW, and Sig Friedman.
Welcome to all our new members.
Carolyn, AB7KC, gave the Treasurer’s report. We have $1,573.93 in the Repeater Fund, $3,541.60 in the General Fund for a total of $5,115.53.
Each Meeting a World Radio Magazine will be given as a door prize.
The Radio Club room has been cleaned and polished. The Linear Amp is in operation and the place looks great. Come down and operate the station but remember to wear your SAV badge when in the building. If you need one, see Lloyd or Carolyn.
Bob, AD7FQ, has organized a picnic to be held on Oct. 20th at Madera Canyon.
It was voted on and approved to continue to email the Newsletter. For those who don’t have email or want a hard copy, it will also be printed. If you are getting the newsletter by email and want a printed copy mailed to you, please contact Carolyn. Most of our members have email so this saves us a lot of postage plus events can quickly be sent to you.
As mentioned in the above article, our special event day was highly successful with over 140 contacts made.
Bill, AA0TF, will run a ground test for communications on 28.600 on Oct. 14th. Results at next meeting or via email. Bill also is our Geo Cache person and has trained many new members. Get in and join the fun. He has hidden 5 caches with a $20 Prize for those finding them and then qualifying for a drawing to then be awarded at the weekly breakfast.
The two meter (Ice Cream Net) is thriving and Kelly’s is staying open after hours so we can all enjoy.
Lloyd, N7GV, is in charge of our Nominating Committee for Officers for the coming year. Bill, AA0TF, and George, AD7DH, will assist him. The Continental School is back in operation and another successful year is in the making. Anyone who desires ham classes please contact Lloyd.
You are reminded that you can donate up to $300 to the school radio club and deduct it from your State Taxes. A letter will be sent to all explaining this program.
John Mitchell, AC7JM, is a pro contest person and is going to set up our club station for the ARRL Phone Sweepstakes to be held the 3rd weekend in November. See Ray, W2RS, or Gene, W0KAD, for more information. We need operators.
Gene stated that our beam is really OLD and needs updating as it is technologically out of date. Ray, W2RS, gave a presentation on a new proposed beam called the Stepper, which is state of the art. It tunes itself and even rotates automatically to the desired signal. The total cost including installation will be around $1800. It was voted on and approved so we will soon have the best.
Our guest speaker was Brian Ewenson who is the Director of Education and Programs at the Pima Air and Space Museum. If you missed this presentation, you missed one of the best we have had. He works with children teaching them to embrace all aspects of space including ham radio communication with the Shuttle and Space Station. He is very involved with NASA and his presentation on our Space Program kept everyone’s attention. He was so informative that we didn’t want him to stop. If anyone thinks an Astronauts life in space is glamorous, think again. Our hats off to those brave people who endure in order to bring us new revelations in science, medicine, etc. For more information, visit the Museum and log onto www.W5RRR.org for ham frequencies and other important information.
The meeting was adjourned at 8:40 PM and was followed by a mini-swap meet.
“On the air” is practice time for amateurs in case an emergency occurs as the following story dramatically demonstrates.
In a letter to Carl, KA5NNR, from Lou Smith, N7KSB, a series of events unfolded on Feb 11, 2000.
Lou and his friend Rick were hang gliding that day in the Mustang Range east of Sonoita. The air became unusually rough, Rick and I had 2 meters strapped to our chest, so I told Rick I was in a very high sink area. At 20 to 30 feet I was jerked on my back and the whole mess fell like a rock. I landed on my back and I knew it was broken. I bounced back into the air and landed on my chest. After a severe fall, I knew there would be internal bleeding, so I wanted help quickly. I contacted Carl, KA5NNR and W3JNE through the W7JPI repeater. I had trouble speaking and could only get my antenna 2 to 3 inches off the ground. Carl relayed the information to his wife, Elma, and she called 911. In the meantime Rick arrived at the scene and had a strobe that made it easier for the helicopter to spot them. The helicopter arrived in 20 minutes to air vac Lou out. I understand that if this quick response hadn’t occurred, Lou would not be with us. After 10 days in the hospital, 6 hours of surgery, and 4 ½ months in a back brace with lots of physical therapy, Lou says he is almost good as new. Lou and his wife meet with Carl and Elma to this day for an eyeball QSO.
Great job Carl. That is what Amateur Radio is all about. You only need one instance like that to make it all worth while and Carl has had 3.
If you have any human-interest stories, please contact yours truly Ted, W7DMT. Our readers would enjoy hearing what you have to say.
Our Picnic was a great success with 30 people and one dog attending. The setting at Madera Canyon was perfect as was the food and conversation. Thanks to all who participated, our cook, Gene, W0KAD, and all those who brought all that delicious food. A special thanks to Bob, AD7FQ, and Linda, AD7FP, for organizing the event.
Dobson Mesa Hamfest - December 3rd
Mesa Community College (Rd just north US 60)
Sponsored by Superstition Amateur Radio Club
Start 6:00 A.M. - ARCA Meeting 11:00 A.M.
NOVEMBER 9, 2005
Our Guest speaker will be TSgt George Vasquez talking on Compass Call Comm (radio) systems.
Christmas Banquet
December 14, 2005
Grill on the Greens
5:00PM Social Hour
6:00PM Dinner
Once again the White Elephant Parade on Sat. Oct. 29th was a huge success. It was bigger and better than ever.
Thanks to all who participated; Gene, W0KAD, Ted, W7DMT, Jerry, K8YVU, Roger, K5IP, Lloyd, N7GV, Phil, KE7COW, Don, KB0NN, Ann, W7IRL, Bob, KE7CCS, George, AD7DH, Mike, K2BN, Ron, AD7FV, George, KE7EUM, Jim, KE7AUN, Alice, KJ7ZI, Ray W2RS, and Carl KA5NNR who was listening at his home QTH along with Ray to make sure we did things right. Thanks again to all and I hope I didn’t leave anyone out.
It’s called the Missing Lynk System. By calling CQ on 145.775 simplex in Tucson, it automatically puts you on the N7JND Echolink RF Gateway. There’s an official website being developed for the Missing Lynk system that will be available on www.n7jnd.com which is an official website designed for Echolink users in Arizona. All Arizona Missing Lynk frequencies will be posted on the site. Don’t forget to promote Ham Radio and give this new system a try. Chris, N7JND.