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February , 2008 minutes
Wow! What a great turnout at the meeting tonight
and there wasn’t even refreshments!There were a total of 19 present
including one visitor who is interested in becoming a ham radio
operator. The first part of the meeting included the financial report
and much discussion about the local 147.105 repeater.
The second week of February our repeater as well as
the 91.5 WFHU radio station suffered extensive damage from a direct
lightening strike at the tower site. President Joe Loucka (AG4QC) told
of the damage to the repeater and controller. After the repeater was
out of service Mike Burkhead (K4TC), EMA Director put the backup
repeater on the air. Unfortunately, due to the outstanding performance
of the main repeater over the last 4-5 years the backup repeater has
been sitting up long enough to develop “groans”. Currently it is also
in the shop for some “tweaking” to see if this will get us back on the
air until a permanent solution can be found.
Joe has begun repairs on the controller and it was
voted to spend up to $100 to get the controller repaired. Several
options were discussed to get the repeater up and going or the
possibility of purchasing a newer repeater. Ron Means (W5DAT) is
getting prices and information that he will share at the next meeting.
Meanwhile we will all meet on simplex channel of 147.105. Joe is
“piecing” together some parts in hopes to have a temporary solution up
within the next couple of weeks and hopefully the backup repeater will
be up and going by next week.
While the backup repeater has limited coverage it
is a great asset to have during the event of severe weather or local
emergencies in Chester County. It was agreed that we will have more
discussion and a better idea of cost for repairs or possibly newer
equipment at the next meeting on March 20, 2008.
The program tonight was a great presentation on the
history of radio by Ray Eaton (KI4LPT). Ray was the station manager of
91.5 at Freed Hardeman University from 1983 – 1999. During this time he
developed a wonderful hobby of collecting and restoring classic radios.
He shared with us a book by Signor Marconi – Magic Box. This appears to
be an interesting book for all that enjoys radio hobbies. According to
Ray’s research “wireless” intention was for military and maritime ship
to shore communications. Now wireless is in every household in some
form or fashion. From microwave ovens to cellphones to wireless
internet, we have indeed come a long way.
But the joy of radio is still deep in the hearts of
many people especially “ham” radio operators. In spite of new
technology, the thrill of taking a box full of parts and making a
transmitter and receiver still takes hold. Yes, it is true you can
easily buy a radio already built that will work and there is nothing
wrong with that. But don’t let convenience steal your hobby and passion
for discovering “old” ways to construct a “magic box” that you can still
talk around the world if band conditions are favorably.
Ray showed us examples of several audio tubes,
homemade radios (circa 1923), magazines for radio crafts, flyers and
promotional items for radio schools, as well as early commercially built
radios. All in attendance went away with an old memory renewed from
their “younger” days or a new understanding for the “younger” in
attendance.
Ray will continue next meeting with a tour of his
office on campus at Freed Hardeman University where we will explore more
interesting aspects related to the history of radio. Hope to see you all
there!
Louise (AG4BD)
Secretary
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