PCARS (K8BF)

October 2023 newsletter inputs needed, please.

September is flying past, and that means it is time for gathering inputs for the October issue of the PCARS newsletter – The RADIOGRAM!

Inputs for the October 2023 issue of The RADIOGRAM are due on Friday September 29th at 8pm. (as always – the last Friday of the month).

Help keep the newsletter interesting to all by sending in your article for the PCARS newsletter. And, don’t forget the in-focus, large format photos as well!!!
Let all of PCARS know what projects or ham operations are keeping you busy.

It would be very much appreciated if you send your inputs in prior to the deadline.
Send your inputs and in-focus photos to kb8uuz@gmail.com
Looking forward to hearing from you soon.

Take Care & 73,
Tom, KB8UUZ
PCARS Newsletter Editor

That will be this Thursday – September 28th. Plan on doors opening around 6:00 PM and we’ll close up between 9:30 – 10:00 PM. I’m declaring this PCARS “Mini-Fest” night. If you’ve got a few things you would like to move on to a new home, bring them along and set them up on a table – we’ve got the Radio Room, the “social” room, and Bay 3, so we can accommodate several sellers (Just don’t bring too much). Even if you don’t have stuff to sell, stuff a few dollars $$$ in your pockets and come on over and check it out – you might find just what you were looking for!

I’ll be bringing along all the fixings for root beer floats just in case you need a snack! Hope to see you there.

73,

Tom WB8LCD

Hello PCARS Contesters & DXers:

Just a friendly reminder that we will be holding our DX/Contesting Special Interest Group meeting tomorrow evening, Tuesday, September 26, at 7PM at PCARS World HQ.

Our main topic will be the upcoming California QSO Party that takes place on October 7th and 8th. We will discuss and make plans on how we will set up the operating positions. Those who will want to operate, it would be helpful to let me know by emailing to me at chuckw8pt@gmail.com.

I hope to see many of you there or attending by ZOOM.

Event: DX/Contesting Special Interest Group meeting
Topic: California QSO Party
Time: September 26th at 07:00 PM Eastern Time (US and Canada)

Join Zoom Meeting
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/85790426465?pwd=YVBTUnhMaXVwNTN5amxsQnU0RnhDdz09

Meeting ID: 857 9042 6465
Passcode: PCARS2022

73 – Chuck W8PT

Net Night for this month will occur on Thursday 9/28! Next week…..
more details to follow.

73,
Tom wb8lcd

The next meeting of the PCARS Antenna Special Interest Group will be held on Tuesday, September 19, 2023 at 7:00 PM. We will be in-person at the PCARS club site and on Zoom.

Join Zoom Meeting
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/87220356586?pwd=czgvLzRPcjVBT2hPSkVIZU1VaU84Zz09
Meeting ID: 872 2035 6586
Passcode: PCARS2022

The Antenna SIG meetings are open to all PCARS members and guests. All ham radio operators or anyone interested in Amateur Radio are also welcome to attend.
We will be discussing all aspects of antenna design, construction, test equipment, and experimentation. Everyone is welcome to join the discussion and talk about their antennas.

Bob N8QE

Just a friendly reminder that PCARS dues for 2024 must be paid by November 30th. The fee schedule is shown below:

Regular Member $25
Associate Member $25
Senior Member (65+) $20
Family Member $15

We have lots of “Big Fun” planned for 2024 so we know you won’t want to miss out on anything.

You can pay your dues in three ways:

1. Use the PayPal button at https://www.portcars.org/wp/membership/ and email an updated membership form to treasurer@portcars.org.
2. Pay at a monthly meetings held in October and November
3. Pay using a check made out to PCARS sent to Portage County Amateur Radio Service Inc., 705 Oakwood St., Box 12, Ravenna, OH 44266. Please include an updated membership form with your check.

Remember, this needs to be done no later than November 30th or you will lose your membership number and be subject to the $5 initiation fee when you rejoin.

The renewal emails will stop when our records show you have paid your 2024 dues.

If you received this email and you have already paid your 2024 dues, please email treasurer@portcars.org so we can correct our records.

We are all looking forward to a great 2024.

What: Support Your Parks Weekend

When: October 21, 2023

Time: 10 am – 4 pm

Where: Punderson State Park Pavilion K-1985

Address: 11755 Kinsman Rd, Newbury Township, OH 44065

Pavilion Location: Across from Marina FQ6Q+JCF Burton, Ohio (drop that in Google and it’ll give you the exact pin)

Come out and help K8BF activate Punderson State Park. Whether you’re a seasoned POTA activator, this is your first attempt, or you want to learn more about portable operations this will be a fun gathering. There are several trees to hang your antenna, and there is plenty of open grass if you have a vertical or mast you’d like to put up. The parking lot is right next to the pavilion. 

The food for the day hasn’t been finalized, but we haven’t had any complaints about the meals yet! There is power available but the number of outlets is limited. Grab your radio and antenna, and take 44 north to 87 west. Turn left into the campground. Follow signs toward the marina and the pavilion is on the left across the street. Look for us to be set up there having BIG FUN!

It would be helpful to know who’s coming, so please RSVP to bmercer@eutonian.com. Feel free to reach out with any questions you have as well. 

Looking forward to seeing you there!

Brandon KE8ARB

Although the EchoLink computer is up and running, we now have a router issue that must be addressed. Today we will start replacing the router supporting all computers at the club site including Echolink. This means that EchoLink will not be available until this replacement is completed.

I will send out a QST when this work is completed.

Jim, AC8NT

On Saturday, September 30th at 9 AM we will be having a build day focused on using Arduino microcomputers. Many ham radio projects use a programmed Arduino as a component. Most of the published projects have software already written. The builder needs to know how to make minor software modifications to the program (As an example, adding your call sign or QTH) and load the software into the microcomputer. That is what this build is all about.

A kit will be available containing an Arduino Nano, programming cable, small prototyping board, digital display, and jumper wires. The cost of the kit is $20. As part of the build, we will be assembling a small project; making a few modifications to the supplied software; and downloading the software into the Nano. It should be fun.

I need to know by this Friday, September 15^th if you would like to attend. This will provide the time to receive components and collect the kits. If interested, send an email to AC8NT@j3solutions.com.

Jim, AC8NT