Newsletter – Page 10 – Manhattan Area Amateur Radio Society

The Society newsletter, usually carrying the previous meeting’s minutes inside it.

Published

1 January 2001

Last touched

Newsletter, January 2001

Monthly Newsletter

Dedicated to the Advancement of Amateur Radio January, 2001

THE PRESIDENT’S CORNER

Brian Carter, KCØDWX

On December 9th MAARS held its annual Christmas party. Members who attended were treated to good conversation and good food as well as a gift exchange. Fred and Nadine Stueve hosted the party at their house and we very much appreciate their allowing us to use their house.

For our January meeting it looks as though we will watch part of a recent program on Tesla. If you haven’t seen this program there were certainly some interesting things to learn. It is about 2 hours long so we may view it in parts, we will see how everyone feels at the meeting. We have also been discussing the purchase of a new repeater. If we have more information on the subject we will present it at the meeting.

I feel we need a few ideas or volunteers to present upcoming meeting programs. If you have any ideas let one of the officers know.

For the past several years Chuck Carter (AAØRI) has been kind enough to type up our club newsletter. Thank you, Chuck. It is now time to find a new person to create this newsletter. The officers and other members usually send the information to you via e-mail and then you will create the newsletter. The details can be worked out depending on the individual’s schedule.

The January meeting will be Friday January, 12 at 7:30 P.M. We will also meet at the Sirloin Stockade between 5:00 and 5:30 for dinner and conversation. I hope to see you all there.

73,
Brian Carter
KCØDWX

SECRETARY’S MINUTES

Francis Sable, WØEVJ

MAARS meeting 11-10-2000: The monthly MAARS meeting is opened @7:30 P.M. by Brian, President. The minutes of the previous meeting are approved by the members present.

There is discussion about the Christmas party scheduled for Dec. 9th at 6:30 P.M. at Fred and Nadine’s house. Bring a dinner dish or alternately a money donation. Also bring a $5 gift if wishing to participate in a gift exchange.

Nadine, KØUHF, presents a new Mouser catalog and also a catalog of amateur radio towers and accessories by Glen Marten Engineering.

There is discussion about mounting the HF R-7000 antenna on the Red Cross building. Coax cable, a short mast and guy lines will be needed. Brian also announces that the MAARS generator was recently started for a test run.

Chuck, AAØRI, announces an offer of a new repeater unit to cost about $1,100 (about 40% off regular price) with a 50-watt power output and a better receiver. Chuck suggests that we purchase the new repeater. We currently have about $1,396 in the MAARS treasury.

Norm, NØJCC, moves to make up a committee to consider the purchase of a new repeater, to be made up of 4 officers and Chuck. The opinions of members would be solicited. Motion was seconded by Bob, KBØZWK. We have possibly 30 days to make a decision.

Nadine advocates changing the style of the newsletter advertising page. A motion is made to contact advertisers.

Norm, NØJCC, of the officer’s nominating committee, conducted the annual nomination and election of MAARS officers. The previous year’s officers were all re-nominated. These are: Brian, KCØDWX, president; Bob, KBØZWK, vice-president; Nadine, KØUHF, treasurer and Francis, WØEVJ, secretary. There were no further nominations from the members present. The nominations for each office were each voted on by voice vote and all were re-elected.

A request is made in writing and signed by 5 members for a special meeting to discuss the purchase of a new repeater unit on Dec. 9, 2000. All members should be solicited for their opinions on this purchase. The present insurance cost to MAARS is about $400 yearly for liability and equipment.

Brian announces a request for someone to take over production of the MAARS newsletter. The meeting is adjourned by Brian.

NORM’S NOTES

Norm Dillman, NØJCC

Dave Soldan, NØIN, being selected as a Fellow of the Institute of Electrical and Electrical Engineers. I forget the exact citation but it has to do with his contribution to engineering education. He’s very active on several national committee’s. (See below).

I enjoyed the HF contacts with Francis, Brian and Myron on our December trip to Florida. We had dry roads and good weather all the way. A few days earlier or later or a different route would have been a different story. It will be awhile before I get up permanent antennas, but it will happen. I keep the mobile rig in the car for now and often check in on 14.300 MHz when I’m running errands. It’s been coooool here and we left tooooo many sweat shirts and coats back in Kansas.

Later, 73 Norm

MANHATTAN – David. L Soldan, Kansas State University professor and head of the department of electrical and computer engineering, has been named a Fellow of the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers, Inc., for contributions to and leadership in engineering education. The Institute’s Grade of Fellow is conferred by its board of directors upon a person of outstanding and extraordinary qualifications and experience in the organ-ization and designated fields. The person must have made important individual contributions to one or more of these fields. “I am honored to receive this award and grateful to all of the people who have supported me during my career,” Soldan said, ” I hope to be able to return that support to others who are getting started in the profession.”

Soldan received his bachelor’s, master’s and doctoral degrees from Kansas State University in 1969, 1976 and 1980, respectively. Before coming to K-State in 1989, he had been on the faculty at Oklahoma State University, and worked in industry for the NCR Corporation, ETO, Inc., Motorola and Collins Radio Company. Soldan also is serving as secretary-treasurer of the National Electrical Engineering Department Heads Association. “This a wonderful recognition for a very hard-working department head, ” Dean of the College of Engineering Terry King said. “He has devoted himself tirelessly to advancing engineering at K-State and around the nation. The entire college congratulates him on this achievement.”

TREASURER’S REPORT

Nadine Stueve, KØUHF December 2000

Total Cash Available, 12/01/00		$ 1,396.05
Receipts:
Bumper Sticker	1.00
Dues	135.00
Total Receipts		+ 136.00
Expenditures:
Telephone	47.38
Total Expenditures		– 47.38
Cash on Hand, 12/31/00	20.00
Checking Account Balance, 12/31/00	174.44
Savings Account Balance, 12/31/00	1290.23
Balance on Hand, 12/31/00		$ 1,484.67

Dues will be due by Oct. 31 and are: regular membership $20, full-time student $10, family $30. Please complete the following when renewing your membership, even if you did so last year. Return to the Treasurer, at a meeting or to MAARS, P. O. Box 613, Manhattan, KS 66505-0613.

ARRL DUES

If you would like to become a member of or renew your membership in the American Radio Relay League and receive the monthly issue of QST, your treasurer has a form you may use to apply. If renewing, just bring along your notice of renewal to the club meeting. The club is allowed to retain $5 of each new member’s dues and $2 of each full member who is renewing. Since the club retains the dues, it is necessary for you to write your check to MAARS, and then the treasurer writes a check to ARRL for the amount minus the $5 or $2.

MAARS DUES

NAME _______________________________________ CALLSIGN ____________

MAILING ADDRESS____________________________________ DATE _____________

CITY _______________________________ STATE _____ ZIP CODE _____________

TELEPHONE # (____)_______________ E-MAIL ADDRESS _______________________

FOR FAMILY MEMBERSHIP:

NAME _______________________________________ CALLSIGN ____________

CHECK THE FOLLOWING WHICH APPLY:

____ ARRL member ____ It is alright to list my e-mail address on the homepage.

It is alright to list my address and telephone number for distribution only to our members. ____

How do you prefer to receive your newsletter?

____ e-mail ____ U.S. mail ____ both

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Download Adobe Acrobat Reader.

Published

1 November 2000

Last touched

Newsletter, November 2000

Monthly Newsletter

Dedicated to the Advancement of Amateur Radio November, 2000

THE PRESIDENT’S CORNER

Brian Carter, KCØDWX

I would like to thank Erik Buehler for his demonstration of HF predicting software. I was surprised to see how the software worked as well as to hear how long ago some of the data used for the predictions was gathered.

It’s hard to believe that it has been almost a year since I was asked to run for president of MAARS. I’d like to say that I have truly had a good time over the last year and have enjoyed being an officer in the club.

The November meeting will be November 10, 2000 at 7:30 P.M. and will be the annual elections. I hope a great number of you turn out in order to cast your vote for the person you want in each office. Nominations will be made by the nominating committee but are also welcome from the floor.

Francis Sable (WØEVJ), has made the needed repairs on the antenna donated to the club by the Soldans. While it isn’t up at the time of my writing this, I hope we will have made some progress before the actual meeting. If you hear some of us on the air talking about it or making plans to work on it, feel free to join in, we can always use more help and suggestions. We should also consider QSL cards for the club station. This is a topic that has come up in the past and we seemed to have dropped it, however if we are going to have an HF radio in operation at the station I’m sure we will have requests for cards. (We already have. Ed.) Your thoughts and opinions are appreciated.

The club would also like to find a person or persons interested in publishing our newsletter. We have had Charles Carter (AAØRI) in this position for several years but due to his schedule he will not be able to continue working up the newsletter. We appreciate the time and effort you have put into the newsletter Chuck.

As usual everyone is welcome to join the club for dinner at the Sirloin Stockade in Manhattan between 5:00 and 5:30 for dinner. The club meeting will start at 7:30P.M. November 10 at the Red Cross building at 2601 Anderson, Manhattan, KS. Hope to see you there. 73,
Brian Carter
KCØDWX

SECRETARY’S MINUTES

Francis Sable, WØEVJ

The October 13, 2000 meeting was opened by Brian, KCØDWX, at 7:30 P.M. and he introduced the guest speaker, Erik Buehler, who works for Rockwell-Collins, and is presently at KSU. Erik gave a demonstration of the HF propagation software he has developed. His HF propagation software is called “Propman”. Some actual examples of radio propagation possibilities between specified locations at specified times was demonstrated. It is expected that this will be available for purchase soon.

Steve, K1TNT, is present and offers a desk type microphone for sale to MAARS for $50 for use with the TS-830S HF transceiver. After discussion, it is voted to try the microphone in operation on the TS-830 and to purchase it on the condition that it operates OK. Fred, KØTCS, agrees to test it on the TS-830 radio and Nadine, KØUHF, will send payment to Steve if operation is satisfactory.

There is discussion about the Cushcraft R-6000 HF antenna that was donated by David Soldan, NØIN, and repaired by Francis, WØEVJ. It is mentioned that some items may have to be purchased for mounting the antenna on the Red Cross Building. These items include guyline, a 1 1/2″ diameter mast, and coax cable. Nadine mentions that there is in effect $20 remaining from the purchase of the TS-830 transceiver which cost MAARS $180 rather than $200 that was voted for it.

Brian announces the need to form a nominating committee who shall prepare and submit in the newsletter a list of one or more nominations for each office preceding the annual election of officers meeting which will be on Friday, November 10 this year. Norm, NØJCC, and Chad, NØZMG, are selected to serve as the nominating committee.

The annual Christmas party is brought up by Brian and the date is decided to be on December 9th. Further details will be decided at the November meeting.

There is discussion about the purchase of a motor-generator by Kermit, KBØEEF, and others present.

Nadine announces a case of unauthorized radio operation on the ten meter amateur band in the Garden City Area. The unauthorized call sign being used was K5WMC and the name “Charley”. He is believed to be operating at various truck stops and so may be operating in different locations.

Nadine also announces a special sale of ARRL Antenna Handbooks at reduced prices.

Jon, NØRYQ, announces an upcoming lecture to be presented in Pasley Hall on October 17 about attempts to locate the Amelia Earhart crash location that occured in 1937 somewhere in the Pacific ocean, by analizing various radio reports that took place during the flight.

MAARS Members are reminded that the annual election of officiers will be at the next meeting on Friday, November 10, 2000.

CALHOUN’S CORNER

Myron Calhoun, WØPBV

THE ORANGE GENERATOR

During last month’s MAARS meeting there was some discussion about how Riley County’s Emergency Management department gave MAARS a two KW generator (“the Orange Generator”) because (as I remember the statement) “it was in such bad shape that Riley County didn’t want it!”

I’d like to make two clarifications:

1) Emergency Management did NOT **GIVE** the Orange Generator to MAARS, for properly-run government departments can not **GIVE** stuff purchased with tax dollars to every Tom, Dick, or Mary who asks for something. Instead, because the County had recently acquired TWO really-nice BRAND-NEW FIVE KW generators and COMPLETE SPARE-PART KITS, the Orange Generator was placed into our care and keeping for emergency-preparedness uses for the indefinite future. But, technically, it still belongs to Riley County, and if/when we ever decide we don’t want it, we should (at least offer) to return it to them.

2) Instead of “giving away junk”, Riley County spent $42.55 to put it in good working condition and to equip it for use at the Red Cross building (where we thought we’d be able to store it until we learned otherwise) before “giving” it to us. In particular, they purchased and Henry Bachman (KAØSWM) and I installed some engine parts, bolts, exhaust gaskets, new fuel hose and shut-off valve, a special “I’m generating” light bulb, and heavy-duty casters so even wimps like me could move it around.

It is unfortunate that we cannot store “our” generator at the Red Cross building, so we could crank and run it at least once a month. I recently purchased a brand-new little commercial generator to replace a home-brew one whose 30-year-old engine was becoming “difficult” –to say the least– to start. Its instructions say I should crank it at least once a week and let it run for a while. Needless to say, I don’t remember to start it that often, and sometimes I have to pull its starter cord many times to get it going.

NOMINATING COMMITTEE

Chad Carter, NØZMG and Norm Dillman, NØJCC

The nominating committee has visited with prospective candidates for the four elected offices for MAARS. All four present officers have agreed to run again. We appreciate the great job they’ve been doing and are happy that they are willing to continue. Nominations for additional candidates will be open until just before the elections at the November 10 meeting.

If you have suggestions or questions for the nominating committee contact Chad Carter, NØZMG or Norm Dillman, NØJCC.

Nominees:
President, Brian Carter (KCØDWX)
Vice President, Bob Bartholic (KBØZWK)
Secretary, Francis Sable (WØEVJ)
Treasurer, Nadine Stueve (KØUHF)

SIMULATED EMERGENCY TEST

Francis Sable, WØEVJ

A simulated emergency communications test was carried out on Wednesday Oct. 25, 2000, in Pottawatomie and some nearby counties, starting at about 7:30 P.M. The primary Net Control station was at the Emergency Control Office in Westmoreland with Paul Schliffke, NØUZN, as Net Control. Acting as assistant control and relay stations in Pott. County were Beverly, NØRKO, Kenny Grant, KBØRPV, and Francis, WØEVJ. The test was initiated and planned by Kenny, ARRL Emergency Coordinator for Pottawatomie and Jackson Counties.

The simulated emergency for the exercise was a severe winter ice storm with heavy ice accumulations on highways and roads and electric power and telephone outages due to downed lines.

The frequencies used were 444.325 MHz on the PAWS repeater, 146.715 MHz on the Seneca repeater, 146.775 MHz on the Holton repeater and 146.55 MHz simplex. Beverly, NØRKO, acted as a relay station between the PAWS repeater and the Seneca repeater in Nemaha County and the Holton repeater in Jackson County. Daryl, KCØEYU, and Carrol, KCØHFE, Iowa Point, KS from Doniphan County. Brown County was represented by Wayne, KBØAMY, from Horton. Also checking in was Bill, WØERT, Eldon, NØVXS, Seneca. Checking in on the Holton repeater were Bruce, KCØEWG, at Meriden in Jefferson County, Jim, KØYLB, Daryl, KCØATQ, and Christie, KCØHPH, located near Mayetta in Jackson County. Daryl, KCØATQ, also checked in on 146.55 simplex to Francis, WØEVJ, in Pott. County. Checking in from Riley county was Brian, KCØDWX, at Manhattan. Those operating in Pott. county were Paul, NØUZN, Beverly, NØRKO, Kenny, KBØRPV, Nina, KCØBBH, Kermit, KBØEEF, Marcella, KBØOHB, Charley, NØWIG, and Francis, WØEVJ.

During the exercise we had communications links to 7 counties in Kansas and to Tecumseh, Nebraska by relaying through several repeaters and simplex stations.

Some stations operated on battery or motor-generator power for this exercise.

Kenny Grant, E.C., and Paul Schliffke, Net Control, were pleased with the operation and thanked all who participated.

TREASURER’S REPORT

Nadine Stueve, KØUHF October 2000

Total Cash Available, 10/01/00		$ 1,138.65
Receipts:
Dues	330.00
Total Receipts		+ 330.00
Expenditures:
Microphone	50.00
Telephone	22.60
Total Expenditures		– 72.60
Cash on Hand, 10/31/00	140.00
Checking Account Balance, 10/31/00	311.82
Savings Account Balance, 10/31/00	944.23
Balance on Hand, 10/31/00		$ 1,396.05
This will be your last newsletter if you do not pay your dues. Regular membership is $20, Family membership $30, and Full-time student is $10. There will be no newsletter for December – just the party invitation. The next newsletter will be out about the first of January.

Dues will be due by Oct. 31 and are: regular membership $20, full-time student $10, family $30. Please complete the following when renewing your membership, even if you did so last year. Return to the Treasurer, at a meeting or to MAARS, P. O. Box 613, Manhattan, KS 66505-0613.

ARRL DUES

MAARS DUES

NAME _______________________________________ CALLSIGN ____________

MAILING ADDRESS____________________________________ DATE _____________

CITY _______________________________ STATE _____ ZIP CODE _____________

TELEPHONE # (____)_______________ E-MAIL ADDRESS _______________________

FOR FAMILY MEMBERSHIP:

NAME _______________________________________ CALLSIGN ____________

CHECK THE FOLLOWING WHICH APPLY:

____ ARRL member ____ It is alright to list my e-mail address on the homepage.

It is alright to list my address and telephone number for distribution only to our members. ____

How do you prefer to receive your newsletter?

____ e-mail ____ U.S. mail ____ both

Print a PDF file copy of the above form. (Adobe Acrobat Reader required to view and print)
Download Adobe Acrobat Reader.

Published

1 October 2000

Last touched

Newsletter, October 2000

Monthly Newsletter

Dedicated to the Advancement of Amateur Radio October, 2000

THE PRESIDENT’S CORNER

Brian Carter, KCØDWX

MAARS held its annual picnic on September 10. It was great to see everyone that made it and we missed those who were unable to attend. We even had a couple of guests. The group even sang happy birthday to a few members who had birthdays that weekend. Thanks goes to Chad, NØZMG, and Norm, NØJCC for the items brought to the auction. Also thank you to Cindy for being the “volunteer” auctioneer. I’m sure those of you who knew her when we first joined the club would not have imagined it. However, I imagine most of us have never paid quite so much for a ‘thingy’.

I’d like to take a couple of lines to say thank you to Tracy Tipping, NØOEY, for his time spent as the WARN (Weather Amateur Radio Network) Coordinator. I’ve had a great time working with him in the WARN group and would like to wish him luck in the future as he moves out of state. He’s spent a lot of his time making the group what it is today.

Our October meeting will feature Erik Buehler. Erik is a student at KSU and is also working for Rockwell Collins. He has been working on software to predict HF propagation and has offered to show us a consumer version of the software he has been working on.

October is also the next to the last formal meeting of the year, which means we need a nominating committee to volunteer to find officer candidates for the coming year. Our election of officers will be at the November meeting. Please step forward for the committee or you may be picked by random dart tossing. If you’re lucky we will put names on a dart board. Also if you feel you are interested in an office please get with the committee to express your interests. It is also time to start thinking about the Christmas party. I will have a sign up sheet for persons wanting to be involved in planning for this as will.

As usual everyone is welcome to join the club for dinner at the Sirloin Stockade in Manhattan between 5:00 and 5:30 for dinner. The actual club meeting will start at 7:30P.M. October 13 at the Red Cross building at 2601 Anderson, Manhattan, KS. Hope to see you both places .

73,
Brian Carter
KCØDWX

SECRETARY’S MINUTES

Francis Sable, WØEVJ

Instead of the monthly MAARS meeting , we had our annual picnic on Sunday, September 10, starting at 4:00 P.M. It was held at the shelter in the Keats city park. The main event was the auction of various radio and electronic items that had been donated. The bidding was not vigorous, but what was received from the sales was turned over to our treasurer to be added to the MAARS bank account. Cindy Carter served as the able auctioneer. The number in attendance was approximately 24.

CELEBRITIES AMONG US

At the Kansas Ham Convention in Salina, August 27, Norman Dillman, NØJCC, was presented with the “Kansas Amateur of the year” title. The selection for this award by the Kansas-Nebraska Radio Club Inc. is made by a committee of past “Kansas Amateur of the year” recipients. The presentation was made by Wendell Willson, WØTQ, Concordia, at the convention.

Fred Stueve, KØTCS, has written a foreword for a new nationally published book titled Walking Away from the Third Reich by Claus W. Sellier. Sellier was a former German Army Recuit in WW2 and was later taken prisoner of war by the U.S. Army. After the war he emigrated to the U.S. and California. Fred and Sellier became acquainted and shared wartime experiences. As a result Sellier requested Fred to do the foreword for the book he was writing about these WW2 events. Fred participated in the action in Germany as a member of the U.S. Army 20th Armored Division during WW2. This should be a very interesting book, especially for WW2 scholars.

SILENT KEY

Yukon, the gentle, friendly guide-dog for Dona-Rose, NØZKX, died August 31, of medical conditions. He had served as a seeing-eye guide for about 10 years to Dona-Rose, and a faithful companion to her and Fred, WBØSUD. He was also known to some as “K9DOG”.

He is sadly missed.

NORM’S NOTES

Norm Dillman, NØJCC

I want to thank everyone who nominated me as Kansas Amateur of the Year. I was impressed that so many people knew I had won and kept it a secret until the State Convention in Salina on August 27. The hams that I know who won the award earlier were rewarded for individual efforts as longtime net managers, traffic handlers, etc. Looking back at the last ten years that I’ve been a Kansas Ham it’s clear that my award was for the hard work of many area hams. I was often the first contacted for help with communications for charity races, endurance horse races, boy scout merit badge jamborees, field days, classes, open houses, special event stations, weather spotting, solar car races, and so on. But it was all of you who joined the project when needed. There were always hard workers who stepped forward to offer their time, equipment and expertise….again and again; hams from the campus, the Manhattan area, especially from “Pot” county. Several times hams helped from the Topeka area and even further away for the Endurance Horse Races. This award really belongs to all of you who were there to help when needed and are still the first to step forward. You’ve given Ham Radio in this area a good reputation and the respect of people who know what we can do. Keep up the good work and THANKS for everything you’ve done.

TREASURER’S REPORT

Nadine Stueve, KØUHF September 2000

Total Cash Available, 9/01/00		$ 1,168.71
Receipts:
Interest – Savings Account	8.49
Auction	43.20
Total Receipts		+ 51.69
Expenditures:
Newsletter – Postage	33.00
Copying	25.95
Pre-Paid Long Distance	.37
Telephone	22.43
Total Expenditures		– 81.75
Cash on Hand, 9/30/00	20.00
Checking Account Balance, 9/30/00	74.42
Savings Account Balance, 9/30/00	1,044.23
Balance on Hand, 9/30/00		$ 1,138.65

Dues will be due by Oct. 31 and are: regular membership $20, full-time student $10, family $30. Please complete the following when renewing your membership, even if you did so last year. Return to the Treasurer, at a meeting or to MAARS, P. O. Box 613, Manhattan, KS 66505-0613.

ARRL DUES

MAARS DUES

NAME _______________________________________ CALLSIGN ____________

MAILING ADDRESS____________________________________ DATE _____________

CITY _______________________________ STATE _____ ZIP CODE _____________

TELEPHONE # (____)_______________ E-MAIL ADDRESS _______________________

FOR FAMILY MEMBERSHIP:

NAME _______________________________________ CALLSIGN ____________

CHECK THE FOLLOWING WHICH APPLY:

____ ARRL member ____ It is alright to list my e-mail address on the homepage.

It is alright to list my address and telephone number for distribution only to our members. ____

How do you prefer to receive your newsletter?

____ e-mail ____ U.S. mail ____ both

Print a PDF file copy of the above form. (Adobe Acrobat Reader required to view and print)
Download Adobe Acrobat Reader.

Published

1 September 2000

Last touched

Newsletter, September 2000

Monthly Newsletter

Dedicated to the Advancement of Amateur Radio September, 2000

THE PRESIDENT’S CORNER

Brian Carter, KCØDWX

The MAARS September meeting is coming up. It’s time for our annual picnic. The picnic will be taking the place of our normal meeting for September. Hopefully, the weather will be at least a little bit cooler by then. The picnic will be held at the park in Keats on September 10 at 4:00 P.M. The club will provide charcoal, water, iced tea and coffee. Please bring a dish to share with others and whatever meat (main dish) you and your guests would like to have. Your families and friends are all welcome.

Last month Chad Carter, NØZMG, brought in his ATV equipment as well as slow scan. It was pretty interesting to actually see the ATV setup and working. As for the slow scan I’ve not quite managed to get the program I have to work through the use of the microphone even though it is claimed that it will.

I’d also like to take the opportunity to congratulate Norm Dillman, NØJCC, for his recent selection as Kansas Amateur of the Year. I think we all can appreciate the amount of time he has spent helping others in the amateur radio hobby as well as else where.

Last for the month I’d like to apologize for an article I put in last month’s newsletter. It discussed 2 meter meteor scatter. I found out later that the author had written the article about 6 years before and during that time has attempted to make contacts on 2 meters through meteor scatter with only 2 “possible” contacts. It was still fun for myself to play with the idea and I did still run my TNC some but not what I would have done. I’ve been bit by the reliability of information on the Internet, which is funny because I’m always warning people that “anyone” can put something on the net, but that doesn’t mean the information is accurate. I had found this article on a discussion group and didn’t check it out enough before passing it on. I hope nobody got out their dusty TNC to try this, and if you did, give APRS a try.

Hope to see you at the picnic and until then
73,
Brian Carter
KCØDWX

SECRETARY’S MINUTES

Francis Sable, WØEVJ

The MAARS meeting for August 11, 2000 began at 7:30 P.M. with a demonstration of amateur television (ATV) and also a demonstration of slow-scan picture transmission on an amateur HF frequency, 14.230 MHz. This demonstration was done by Chad, NØZMG, using his own equipment.

After the ATV demonstration, Brian, KCØDWX, opened the formal meeting. Present at the meeting was Barry “BJ” WØBJH, to announce an upcoming special event station operation. The station will be operating from the Hollenberg Pony Express Station about 15 miles WNW of Marysville, KS, on Sunday, August 27, from 10:00 A.M. to 4:00 P.M. The callsign will be KØASA. Some frequencies will be 7.125 and 14.040 MHz (CW); also, 2m frequencies of 146.52 (simplex), 147.285 (Marysville), and 147.06 (Greenleaf). WBØCNK plans to have a 40m station set up at the Convention Center in Salina. Guest operators may use this station to work KØASA using their own callsign and get a nice certificate of the special event.

There is a discussion about an antenna that is reported to be available from the Soldans, a Cushcraft R-6000. Francis, WØEVJ, will look into picking up the antenna and repairing it for MAARS use.

Nadine reports that the Newsletters were out slightly late and will be passed out at this meeting, instead of mailing them.

Bob, KBØZWK, reports knowing a ham who is knowledgeable about repeater linking and might be willing to give a presentation about this subject to us. It is decided that Bob will contact him and find out if this can be done for October meeting.

Francis, WØEVJ, announces that the next VE examination session for September in Wamego is cancelled due to professional duties requiring the examination coordinator, AAØRI, to be out of town at that time.

The annual MAARS picnic will be next month on Sunday, September 10, starting at 4:00 P.M. at the Keats Park. Bring a dish to share. A charcoal grill and drinks will be provided. An auction of various radio and electronic equipment will be held at the picnic. Talk-in information will be available on the MAARS 2m repeater.

Norm, NØJCC, announces an upcoming ham radio speaker at KSU on August 16. John Spencer, K7KF, will tell about past big DX/Contest stations in the Kansas City area. See the August Newsletter for further details.

The Salina State Convention and Hamfest will be on Sunday, August 27. There will be VE examinations starting at 9:00 A.M. It is expected that there will be events of special interest to Manhattan area hams.

Mike, NØPVU, announces a Perseids meteor watch party for the night of August 12 – 13. Meeting was adjourned by Brian, KCØDWX, President. Welcome Barry “BJ”, WØBJH, a new MAARS member. Attendance at the meeting was 17. We thank Nadine, KØUHF, for snacks provided at the meeting.

TREASURER’S REPORT

Nadine Stueve, KØUHF August 2000

Total Cash Available, 8/01/00		$ 1,185.83
Receipts:
dues	3.33
ARRL dues	32.35
Total Receipts		+ 35.68
Expenditures:
ARRL dues	30.35
telephone	22.38
prepaid long-distance	.07
Total Expenditures		– 52.80
Cash on Hand, 8/28/00	20.00
Checking Account Balance, 8/28/00	112.97
Savings Account Balance, 8/28/00	1,035.74
Balance on Hand, 8/28/00		$ 1,168.71

Dues will be due by Oct. 31 and are: regular membership $20, full-time student $10, family $30. Please complete the following when renewing your membership, even if you did so last year. Return to the Treasurer, at a meeting or to MAARS, P. O. Box 613, Manhattan, KS 66505-0613.

ARRL DUES

MAARS DUES

NAME _______________________________________ CALLSIGN ____________

MAILING ADDRESS____________________________________ DATE _____________

CITY _______________________________ STATE _____ ZIP CODE _____________

TELEPHONE # (____)_______________ E-MAIL ADDRESS _______________________

FOR FAMILY MEMBERSHIP:

NAME _______________________________________ CALLSIGN ____________

CHECK THE FOLLOWING WHICH APPLY:

____ ARRL member ____ It is alright to list my e-mail address on the homepage.

It is alright to list my address and telephone number for distribution only to our members. ____

How do you prefer to receive your newsletter?

____ e-mail ____ U.S. mail ____ both

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Published

1 August 2000

Last touched

Newsletter, August 2000

Monthly Newsletter

Dedicated to the Advancement of Amateur Radio August, 2000

THE PRESIDENT’S CORNER

Brian Carter, KCØDWX

There are dozens of things you can do with amateur radio. The month of August presents us with a good opportunity to try meteor scatter. The Perseid meteor shower peaks on August 12-13. I have read that experimenting with meteor scatter is as easy as tuning around on a normal radio receiver. Supposedly you can occasionally, if you are lucky, hear a distant station suddenly come in and then slowly fade back out.

The information on an attempt I found on the Internet for 2-meter meteor scatter work will be included in this months newsletter. Look for “NATIONWIDE 2 METER METEOR SHOWER TEST — 11-15 AUGUST”. It looks like setting up and attempting to make a contact would be fairly easy to do and it might be fun if an actual contact was made.

Sunday, August 27 will be the state convention hamfest in Salina. There is sure to be a number of people from the Manhattan area going to the event so be sure to check with other people and take more people per car. (Unless you need a lot of space for the goodies you plan on buying.)

For our August meeting, Chad Carter (NØZMG) will be demonstrating some of the ATV work we have recently heard him talk about (and that isn’t “All Terrain Vehicle”). During the business portion of the meeting Dale Feldhausen will fill us in on his visit with the Boy Scouts to discuss MAARS involvement in the K-State Merit Badge Fair. The meeting will be August 11, 7:30 P.M., at the Red Cross building at 2601 Anderson. We look forward to seeing you all there as well as at the Sirloin Stockade at around 5:00 P.M. Until then 73, Brian, KCØDWX

NATIONWIDE 2 METER METEOR SHOWER TEST — AUG. 11-15

The August QST Packet Perspective column by Stan Horzepa pondered a plan to test 2-meter meteor scatter. LETS DO IT! Amateurs nationwide are hereby encouraged to participate in the Perseids Meteor Shower which will peak on 13 Aug. Although 6 meters is far better than 2 meters for meteor scatter work, everyone has a 2-meter radio and we can make up in numbers what is lacking in performance. All you need is a TNC, and preferably high power and a beam. The objective is to see how many grid square (DX) packets you receive over the 4-day event.

Here is the plan: Stations in the four quadrants of the country will alternately transmit for 15 seconds. Stations will transmit the shortest possible meaningful packet formed by placing their 6 digit grid square in the UNPROTO TO callsign field. e.g., W3ADO>FM18SX: The suggested frequency is the ARRL experimental packet frequency of 145.79. BE SURE THIS FREQUENCY IS NOT OTHERWISE ASSIGNED IN YOUR AREA. EVEN so, you can still monitor!

STEP-BY-STEP SET UP PROCEDURES:

Point your beam toward a major population area about 500 to 1000 miles away in one of the three other USA quadrants. If there is another 2m local station, coordinate your beam headings so that you are not both hitting the same azimuth and receiver target area.

Enter your grid square into your TNT using the following command:
cmd: UNPROTO FM18SX (If you cannot estimate the last 2 digits, use AA) Notice that there is NO VIA DIGIPEATER used!

ATTENDED OPERATION: Enter the converse mode (cmd: CONV) and then each time you hit your carriage return key, you will send a packet. Hit 20 CRs and you will send a bundle of 20 grid square packets. Synchronize your clock with WWV and transmit as many CRs you can in the following schedule:
North East stations transmit between 00 to 14 seconds
South East …       15 to 29 seconds
South West …       30 to 44 seconds
North West …       45 to 59 seconds

UNATTENDED OPERATION: This will probably be the most successful:
a) Set your BEACON TEXT to ^HP where H and P are single characters:
H is beam heading divided by 10 and expressed by the digits 0 to 9 and then A through Z. 9 = 90, A = 100, B = 110, C = 120… Z = 350.
P is the square root of your power %10 1 = 10,40,3 = 90…9 = 810
b) Set your BEACON to EVERY 1. This is not in accordance with the scheduled 15 second cycle, but it is better than nothing if you are operating un-attended.

Alternatively, run the APRS program version 71b or later, which has an automated mode for meteor scatter and will plot all received packets on the map. Also, in many areas, 145.79 is already being used for APRS.

Read the APRS METEOR.txt file.

EXPECTATIONS: Meteor scatter paths are VERY specific between the transmitter and the receiver, typically any single event will only be heard by receivers within about a 20 mile footprint. This is why everyone can transmit at the same time in the same area, preferably pointing their beams in slightly different directions. As long as there is about 50 miles between identical TRANSMITTING stations, their signals will NOT probably hit the same receivers at the same times.

W¯RPK and K1HTV did make a successful 2 meter packet contact in 1984 over about a 1000 mile path, but it took 2.5 hours of constant packets. Hopefully by having hundreds of transmitters, and hundreds of receivers, we can improve the statistics. The best time for meteors is in the early mornings from 0400 to 0800 LOCAL time. But it is not much worse the rest of the day…

REPORTS: Since you will possibly see packets that no one else will see, send all gridsquare reports (Only those known to be greater than 250 miles distant) to me and I will compile the data. Be SURE to include your grid square!

Bob Bruninga, WB4APR@KA3RFE.MD or bruninga@greatlakes.nadn.navy.mil (preferred)

P.S. The Naval Academy 40 foot dish (Annapolis, MD) will beam toward Florida on the 11th, Atlanta on the 12th, the Midwest on the 13th. Dunno about the final 2 days yet. Expected ranges are only about 550 miles, though, because the elevation cannot get down below 10 degrees. The range to Atlanta and Indianapolis are about perfect for that… 73,
Brian Carter
KCØDWX

SECRETARY’S MINUTES

Francis Sable, WØEVJ

Before the formal meeting, July 14, 2000, Kermit, KBØEEF, delivered the pre-cut plywood pieces of a shelf assembly to the radio room at the Red Cross building. With assistance from some other members, he completed it by fastening the pieces with screws.

The formal meeting was started by Brian, KCØDWX, at 7:30 P.M. An announcement was made by Nadine, KØUHF, that she had received an email from a Lannie Robins, AC5WG, Texas, directed to the Manhattan amateur group and requesting that we consider assisting Jerold Murray, age 7, Manhattan, in preparing for an amateur radio license. He is reportedly interested in doing this. After some discussion it was decided that we could do this, although he seemed young at age 7 to be motivated and capable of meeting the requirements. His father’s name is Scott Murray.

We have a discussion of Field Day contacts made and scoring points. The number of contacts were: 118 on 20 m, 11 on 15 m, and 3 on 10 m for a total of 132 on CW. The phone contacts were: 1 on 2 m, 31 on 6 m, 45 on 10 m, 56 on 15 m, and 92 0n 40 m. This is a total of 357 contacts. after applying the x2 multiplier for CW contacts we have 489 points. Then applying the x2 multiplier for all transmitters under 150 watts output, we have 978 points. After adding 500 bonus points for 5 of the bonus point categories we participated in , we claim a total of 1478 scored points. Our Field Day summary sheet and supporting information have been sent to ARRL.

Brian announces that MAARS has been offered for sale a Kenwood HF transceiver model TS-830S which was bought by Paul, NØUZN, at an estate sale. The price to MAARS is $200. There follows discussion about the transceiver and about the necessity to erect antennas to use with it. Chuck, AAØRI, reports that the radio looks like new in appearance although about 15 years old. He also said that there seemed to be no microphone with it. Chuck makes a motion that MAARS purchase the radio as offered. Mike, NØPVU, seconds the motion. Members present vote to approve this purchase.

Henry, KAØSWM, reports that there may be available an HF vertical antenna , a Cushcraft R-6000, that has been damaged by a wind storm , but probably can be repaired. It was decided that this be investigated as a possible antenna for use at the Red Cross building.

There is lengthy discussion led by Brian about participating in the annual Boy Scouts of America radio merit badge classes and examines to qualify for the merit badge. They have been in the past conducted at KSU by some of the KSU engineering staff assisted by MAARS members. The general opinion of MAARS members who have participated in this event is that there has been poor coordination between the Scout organization and the group conducting it. Also some of the Scout merit badge applicants are poorly prepared and may not have completed the requisite home work. It is recommended that if we agree to continue this annual event that we first communicate with the appropriate regional Scout leaders, (Coronado Area Council), and suggest that prospective radio merit badge recipients prepare more adequately with the assistance of radio merit badge councelors local to their particular communities or areas. MAARS volunteers for assisting with the merit badge program signed up as a committee to further study and plan for it. Meeting adjourned by Brian. The attendance for this meeting was 14. Thanks to Dona Rose, NØZKX, for providing the home-baked cookie snacks.

TREASURER’S REPORT

Nadine Stueve, KØUHF July 2000

Total Cash Available, 7/01/00		$ 1,496.81
Receipts:
interest – savings account	11.77
Total Receipts		+ 11.77
Expenditures:
radio room shelf	45.00
HF radio	180.00
telephone	22.75
Field Day Porta-Potty	75.00
Total Expenditures		– 322.75
Cash on Hand, 7/31/00	20.00
Checking Account Balance, 7/31/00	130.09
Savings Account Balance, 7/31/00	1,035.74
Balance on Hand, 7/31/00		$ 1,185.83

Dues will be due by Oct. 31 and are: regular membership $20, full-time student $10, family $30. Please complete the following when renewing your membership, even if you did so last year. Return to the Treasurer, at a meeting or to MAARS, P. O. Box 613, Manhattan, KS 66505-0613.

ARRL DUES

MAARS DUES

NAME _______________________________________ CALLSIGN ____________

MAILING ADDRESS____________________________________ DATE _____________

CITY _______________________________ STATE _____ ZIP CODE _____________

TELEPHONE # (____)_______________ E-MAIL ADDRESS _______________________

FOR FAMILY MEMBERSHIP:

NAME _______________________________________ CALLSIGN ____________

CHECK THE FOLLOWING WHICH APPLY:

____ ARRL member ____ It is alright to list my e-mail address on the homepage.

It is alright to list my address and telephone number for distribution only to our members. ____

How do you prefer to receive your newsletter?

____ e-mail ____ U.S. mail ____ both

Print a PDF file copy of the above form. (Adobe Acrobat Reader required to view and print)
Download Adobe Acrobat Reader.

Published

1 July 2000

Last touched

Newsletter, July 2000

Monthly Newsletter

Dedicated to the Advancement of Amateur Radio July, 2000

THE PRESIDENT’S CORNER

Brian Carter, KCØDWX

Field Day was a success. The day started at about 9:00 A.M. with setup of campers and equipment. Power was supplied by Fred and Nadine Stueve through use of “Little Jeffrey”. The generator ran basically non-stop for the event. Kermit Fairbanks brought his communication van and mobile tower. Camping trailers were supplied by Charles and Grace Ann Carter, and Mike Moore. We all appreciated the shade and air conditioning.

Contacts were made on 6 meters by Chad Carter who took down his antennas at home to bring out to use for field day. Antennas were also provided by Kenny Grant, Pete Garfinkel, and Kermit Fairbanks. Radios were provided by Charles Carter, Kenny Grant, Bob Bartholic (although he’s going to give it to me), and Chad Carter.

Grace Ann Carter and Nadine Stueve kept us from starving by making a pizza run on Saturday evening, and Mike Moore provided us with pancake fixin’s which were cooked by Henry Bachman on Sunday morning.

For myself probably the neatest part of the event was watching Bob, KBØZWK, operate his new radio on 10 meters. I can certainly understand his excitement in operating his new rig for the first time. Thanks goes out to all who participated in any way at Field Day. Everyone played an important role and proved the resources we have to call on if needed.

MAARS next meeting will be July 14, 7:30 P.M., at the Red Cross building at 2601 Anderson. One of the main topics for discussion will be an HF radio that the club has the chance to purchase. Please be there to share your opinion. We also need to think about getting our station in good working order and getting it straightened out as we will be sharing the room with part of the Red Cross. We look forward to seeing you all there as well as at the Sirloin Stockade at around 5:00 P.M. Until then

73,
Brian Carter
KCØDWX

SECRETARY’S MINUTES

Francis Sable, WØEVJ

The monthly MAARS meeting was at the Red Cross building at 2601 Anderson Ave. , June 9, starting at 7:30 P.M. Henry, KAØSWM, displayed an old mobile 2m (tube type with dynamotors for B + power) transmitter-receiver radio with historical interest since it is reported to have been used in the 1966 devasting tornado that struck Topeka. At that time it belonged to the late William H. Dawes, WØIPV, who used it to communicate information about the tornado. Kermit, KBØEEF, agreed to take this radio and preserve it for possible future display at ham events or in a museum.

In other business, September 9 was selected for the annual MAARS picnic, to start at 4:00 P.M. Keats Park was selected as first choice for location. Pottawatomie State Lake was second choice.

There was discussion about the need for a shelf assembly for our radio operating room. Members voted to allow an expenditure of up $50 for this. Kermit, KBØEEF, agreed to obtain the materials and build the shelf assembly to the proper dimensions for the operating table.

Brian, KCØDWX, announced that we had received official approval to use the Konza lookout area for Field Day. There was further discussion about Field Day plans, who expected to participate, what equipment they could bring, etc. Meeting was adjourned. The attendance numbered 17 people.

FIELD DAY 2000
Francis Sable WØEVJ

MAARS again participated in the annual ARRL-sponsored Field Day contest. Field Day for MAARS started about 9:00 A.M. on Saturday, June 24, 2000, when members started arriving at the Konza lookout site. The first activity was to erect several antennas and their supporting towers or masts. Kermit, KBØEEF, brought his trailer mounted crank-up telescoping tower and a tri-band 3-element beam antenna. Several people worked to assemble the tri-band antenna and mount it on the tower. The tower was then cranked up on its trailer-mounted base and secured in place with guy wires and ground stakes. Kermit distinguished our Field Day site with a USA Flag displayed from the very top of the tower. Kermit also supplied a 5-band Cushcraft trap vertical antenna which was mounted at ground level. The coax cables from both the tri-band and the trap vertical were fed into the mobile trailer home supplied by Chuck, AAØRI .

Mike, NØPVU, brought a ten-meter beam antenna which was mounted on a mast supported in a stake receptacle of his pick-up truck, and held in position with guy wires. Mike also brought his camper trailer as an operating location.

Kenny, KBØRPV, brought a multi-band Butternut vertical antenna and an HF transceiver, and many handy tools.

Chad, NØZMG, brought a tower and mounted 3 VHF antennas, 6M, 2M and 70cm. He also brought a tent for an operating location and VHF transceivers. His radio operating power was supplied by a solar photovoltaic panel and 12-volt batteries. He made over 30 contacts on the 6-meter band.

Fred, KØTCS, again brought his 5 KW WW2 military type motor-generator which produced most of our electrical power. The smaller MAARS portable generator was also used. Fred and Nadine also brought an open tent which made a shaded visiting and lunch area.

Our Field Day entry classification was 3A. The “3” designated the maximum number of HF transimitters allowed to be operating at the same time. The “A” designated a group of three or more amateurs in a location specifically set up for Field Day and using electrical power independent of commercial sources.

Our group attempted some of the bonus points operating activites. KBØRPV prepared a formal message to our section manager Orlan Cook, WØOYH, giving our club name, number of participants, Field Day location in standard ARRL NTS format. However, we were not able to send it due to the poor conditions and high static level on the customary 3920 KHz frequency used for this purpose.

Another bonus (100 points) operating activity was to copy the ARRL Field Day bulletin sent over W1AW. WØEVJ and AAØRI were able to successfuly copy the bulletin on the 20m CW band.

Some of the group stayed at the Field Day site and continued operation into the night. These included AAØRI, KØTCS, KCØDWX and others. On Sunday morning we were served a good breakfast of hotcakes prepared by Henry, KAØSWM, and coffee by Nadine, KØUHF, and supplied by Mike, NØPVU .Some operation continued until about 10:30 A.M. , when we shut down the generator and began the take down of the antennas and equipment.

As of this writing the total number of contacts has not yet been compiled. The sign-in sheet shows we had at least 20 people participating and at least 10 visitors. The operating logging was done on computers supplied by Brian, KCØDWX, Mike, NØPVU, and Chuck, AAØRI. Several people also provided equipment, tools and supplies that have not been mentioned here by name. Due to a good operating site and good people participating, we had one of our most successful Field Days.

TREASURER’S REPORT

Nadine Stueve, KØUHF June 2000

Total Cash Available, 6/01/00		$ 1,618.15
Receipts:
anonymous donation	17.00
Total Receipts		+ 17.00
Expenditures:
newsletter – postage	33.00
newsletters copied (May and June)	17.92
telephone	59.57
Field Day	27.85
Total Expenditures		– 138.34
Cash on Hand, 6/30/00	37.00
Checking Account Balance, 6/30/00	35.84
Savings Account Balance, 6/30/00	1,423.97
Balance on Hand, 6/30/00		$ 1,496.81

Dues will be due by Oct. 31 and are: regular membership $20, full-time student $10, family $30. Please complete the following when renewing your membership, even if you did so last year. Return to the Treasurer, at a meeting or to MAARS, P. O. Box 613, Manhattan, KS 66505-0613.

ARRL DUES

MAARS DUES

NAME _______________________________________ CALLSIGN ____________

MAILING ADDRESS____________________________________ DATE _____________

CITY _______________________________ STATE _____ ZIP CODE _____________

TELEPHONE # (____)_______________ E-MAIL ADDRESS _______________________

FOR FAMILY MEMBERSHIP:

NAME _______________________________________ CALLSIGN ____________

CHECK THE FOLLOWING WHICH APPLY:

____ ARRL member ____ It is alright to list my e-mail address on the homepage.

It is alright to list my address and telephone number for distribution only to our members. ____

How do you prefer to receive your newsletter?

____ e-mail ____ U.S. mail ____ both

Print a PDF file copy of the above form. (Adobe Acrobat Reader required to view and print)
Download Adobe Acrobat Reader.

Published

1 June 2000

Last touched

Newsletter, June 2000

Monthly Newsletter

Dedicated to the Advancement of Amateur Radio June, 2000

THE PRESIDENT’S CORNER

Brian Carter, KCØDWX

Hello to all, hope you are ready for summer. Our meeting in May was another fairly informal meeting as we went out to the Konza Observation area to “go fly a kite”. Mike Moore,NØPVU displayed and flew for the club his quite large amateur radio kite. Hopefully we can use it on Field Day for flying an antenna.

On Tuesday Myron Calhoun,WØPBV coordinated with Riley county officials a mock emergency where he, Bob Bartholic, KBØZWK, Kevin Bradshaw, KCØDWV, and Henry Bachman, KAØSWM manned storm spotter stations as well as other emergency communications points for the Manhattan area. They were able to locate a couple of problem areas for communications in case of emergencies here in Manhattan and Riley County.

Our June meeting will be a bit more formal and should be back at our normal location of the Red Cross at 2601 W. Anderson, on June 9th at 7:30 P.M. The main topics of the meeting will be Field Day and our club picnic. We need to get a date and location set for the picnic. The location will more than likely be below the tubes at Tuttle Creek though several other locations were mentioned at the last meeting and should be discussed. They warranted looking into.

June 10th from 11 A.M. to 4 P.M. the Red Cross in Junction City will be holding a safety fair in the Park at J.C. WARN, Weather Amateur Radio Net, will be present and as I plan on being there I will also take some material for MAARS. If anyone else is interested in helping with this event please let me know. Any help is appreciated. Junction City is certainly in our area and I’ve even had someone from that area contact me in the last week in reference to our club.

Last but certainly not least…..please feel free to join us before the club meeting on the 9th of June, at the Sirloin Stockade here in Manhattan for the eating meeting. Many of us gather to eat what we shouldn’t and too much of it, but the conversation is good. We try to locate ourselves in the SW corner of the building. The Manhattan Sirloin Stockade is located near K-mart. Hope to see you all at the meeting and
73,
Brian Carter
KCØDWX

SECRETARY’S MINUTES

Francis Sable, WØEVJ

The MAARS meeting for May 12, 2000 was at the Konza lookout site about 3 miles south of Manhattan on 177 highway. An informal portion of the meeting began at 7:30 P.M. with a demonstration by Mike, NØPVU of his large home-made kite in flight. He is experimenting with the kite to learn the possibilites of using it to support an antenna for F.D. operation.

At the formal portion of the meeting it was moved and seconded to try to obtain the use of the lookout for Field Day. Members present voted for this.

There was discussion about where to have the annual picnic next September. It was suggested that one possible location would be a park near Keats. No decision was made.

There was further discussion of F.D. details. Some MAARS members volunteered the use of radios, a power generator, computers and other equipment for F.D.

After discussion of F.D. pins offered by ARRL at $5.00 to present to F.D. participants, it was voted negative. Meeting was adjourned.

INFORMAL MAARS PICNIC, May 27, 2000

A get-together was at the Dillman residence on Saturday, May 27. Some of the group arrived about 5:00 P.M. and participated in a mobile fox hunt with Norm, NØJCC being the fox. A crossband setup for control of the fox’s transmissions was used. This enabled the fox hunters to call up a fox transmission whenever they desired (if they were within range of the WØQQQ 444.175 MHz repeater). The fox transmitted on 146.57 MHz. The fox may have been a smart one, since he was not caught, although Brian, KCØDWX and Pete, KD7GBG claim to have gotten close.

After the fox hunt Mike, NØPVU again flew his large home-made kite which may be used to support an antenna during Field Day on June 24 and 25. Then we had a delicious meal of hamburgers and hot dogs served by Norm and Phyllis with side dishes of salads and desserts brought by some of those attending.

Our special guest was Tom Phillips, KFØKR of Pueblo, CO. Tom was a former resident of this area, and was back in Manhattan this week for some commercial pilot training provided at the local air terminal.

Although they were unable to attend, we were also honoring Fred, KØTCS and Nadine, KØUHF for their 50th wedding anniversary and in appreciation of their many years of support and service to MAARS.

EMERGENCY DRILL

A simulated emergency drill was conducted on Tuesday, May 23 in Manhattan by civil authorities. Also participating were amateur operators Bob, KBØZWK, Myron, WØPBV, Kevin, KCØDWV, and Henry, KAØSWM. Myron reported that more volunteers would have expedited the amateur radio operation.

SILENT KEY

Carl E. Schafer “Rock”, WØEFZ, Topeka, died on Monday, May 22 at age 75 years. He had been in poor health for some time. Rock was an ATV enthusiast. He participated in some of the experimental balloon flights that were launched from Manhattan. He was especially interested in TV transmissions from the balloon. He was an employee of Santa Fe Railroad for many years.

EDITOR’S CORNER

Chuck Carter, AAØRI

BUY – SELL – SWAP

FOR SALE:

Heathkit Electronic Keyer $25 Alpha Delta lightning surge protected 4-position coax switches $50 Rohn 25G 4 10-ft. sections, top section, accessory shelf, base (home made), steel mast, two guy brackets (new $675) w/ 6 guy cables $275 Mosley Pro67B, big 7-element yagi, 40m (2 elements) through 10m $450 MFJ Pocket Morse Code Tutor, MFJ-418 $40 20-ft. Radio Shack push-up pole $10 other items next month

Contact Norm Dillman, NØJCC (785) 539-1039 or dillman@ksu.edu.

RAFFLE

Home-brew HF Amplifier (40m/80m) built long ago by Bill Schrenk, WØPAH. (Bill was advisor to KSUARC many years.) It uses a pair of 811A’s and has an internal 120-vac power supply. It was working when last used but may need some work now. Contributions will be split between MAARS and KSUARC. The amp may be seen at the KSØMAN club station in the Riley County Red Cross Building. Donations: 50 cents/chance or $5/15 chances. The winner will be selected at the MAARS Fall Picnic.

LOUSIANA QSO PARTY

Dear Amateur Radio Licensee or Club:

My name is Scott Dickson, and my call is W5WZ. I’m currently the Secretary/Treasurer for the Twin City Ham Club, W5EA, in Monroe, Louisiana. Our club is sponsoring the Louisiana QSO Party 2000. We are very excited, as the last Louisiana QSO Party was 20 years ago.

I acquired your email address from the ARRL website, where your address was listed as a contact for an amateur radio club.

We are making arrangements for announcements in QST, NCJ, CQ and other publications and web sites. But to be the most effective, we need for hams everywhere, both in the US and DX, to hear about the upcoming LAQP. This is where we would like to enlist your help.

You have access to many hams in your clubs. You know many hams across the country and around the world. Let them know about the Louisiana QSO Party. Mention it on your nets, in your club newsletters, and on your club’s web site of upcoming events.

The Louisiana QSO Party 2000 will be held on 30 September 2000. For full details and rules, see the Official LAQP web site.

The Official Louisiana QSO Party web site is http://www.tchams.org/users/contest/laqp.

General queries should be directed to the TCHC Contest Chairman at contest@tchams.org, to Scott Dickson, W5WZ@arrl.net or via US mail.

===================

TCHC Contest Committee
PO Box 1871
West Monroe, LA :71294

Thanks for taking your time to read this. Please help us promote our hobby by passing this information along to others.

73,
Scott, W5WZ

Look for the Louisiana QSO Party, 30 September 2000.

WICHITA AREA NETS

Sun.	3:00 P.M.	SSTV (VHF) Net	146.715 MHz
Sun.	3:30 P.M.	Air Capital 10-10 Net	28.775 MHz
Sun.	4:00 P.M.	SSTV (VHF) Net	146.820 MHz
Sun.	6:30 P.M.	Sedgwick Country RACES Net	146.940 MHz
Sun.	6:45 P.M.	Tec-Ni-Chat Net	146.940 MHz
Sun.	7:00 P.M.	ICUC Net	146.940 MHz
Sun.	8:00 P.M.	WARC Net	146.820 MHz
Sun.	8:00 P.M.	CCARC Satellite Net	145.190 MHz
Mon.	8:00 P.M.	Q & A Net	146.790 MHz
Mon.	8:00 P.M.	Kansas SWOT (USB) Net	144.250 MHz
Mon.	8:30 P.M.	Harvey County RACES Net	146.610 MHz
Mon.	9:00 P.M.	Cowley County Emerg. Net	145.190 MHz
Mon.	9:00 P.M.	ARES Net	146.820 MHz
Tue.	8:00 P.M.	BEARS Net	146.895 MHz
Tue.	8:00 P.M.	YL Net	146.790 MHz
Tue.	8:30 P.M.	Six Meter Net	50.130 MHz
Wed.	8:00 P.M.	CCARC On-Air Meeting	145.190 MHz
Wed.	8:00 P.M.	SC KS SWOT (USB)	144.215 MHz
Wed.	9:00 P.M.	QCWA Net	146.820 MHz
Thu.	8:00 P.M.	FM ROCK Net	145.370 MHz
Thu.	8:30 P.M.	23 Centimeter Net	1288.000 MHz
Sat.	8:00 P.M.	Saline Swap Tech Net	146.730 MHz

TREASURER’S REPORT

Nadine Stueve, KØUHF May 2000

Total Cash Available, 5/01/00		$ 1,622.19
Receipts:
none	0.00
Total Receipts		+ 0.00
Expenditures:
coffee	4.04
Total Expenditures		– 4.04
Cash on Hand, 5/31/00	20.00
Checking Account Balance, 5/31/00	174.18
Savings Account Balance, 5/31/00	1,423.97
Balance on Hand, 5/31/00		$ 1,618.15

Dues will be due by Oct. 31 and are: regular membership $20, full-time student $10, family $30. Please complete the following when renewing your membership, even if you did so last year. Return to the Treasurer, at a meeting or to MAARS, P. O. Box 613, Manhattan, KS 66505-0613.

ARRL DUES

MAARS DUES

NAME _______________________________________ CALLSIGN ____________

MAILING ADDRESS____________________________________ DATE _____________

CITY _______________________________ STATE _____ ZIP CODE _____________

TELEPHONE # (____)_______________ E-MAIL ADDRESS _______________________

FOR FAMILY MEMBERSHIP:

NAME _______________________________________ CALLSIGN ____________

CHECK THE FOLLOWING WHICH APPLY:

____ ARRL member ____ It is alright to list my e-mail address on the homepage.

It is alright to list my address and telephone number for distribution only to our members. ____

How do you prefer to receive your newsletter?

____ e-mail ____ U.S. mail ____ both

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Published

1 May 2000

Last touched

Newsletter, May 2000

Monthly Newsletter

Dedicated to the Advancement of Amateur Radio May, 2000

THE PRESIDENT’S CORNER

Brian Carter, KCØDWX

April was an exciting month for us. We started out with our April meeting at Dr. Gary Johnson’s lab where those who attended were treated to seeing a very impressive display. It was unfortunate that it ended with a bang and a puff of smoke. The members present decided, however, to replace the parts that had been damaged. A BIG thank you is at hand for Dr. Johnson’s demonstration.

I understand that this was perhaps the largest attendance for a MAARS meeting that anyone could remember, with over 60 people being present. I wish more of you had been there. A large number of students from K-state attended helping to give us such a large audience.

April 30th the Red Cross had an open house. MAARS participated in the event by setting up a 10-meter station and 2-meter station. We used our club’s dual band antenna donated by Lila, KAØDAT, for 2 meters and contacted the Topeka repeater with 25 watts. Henry Bachman, KAØSWM, provided the equipment for the event. Antenna setup was done several days in advance by Henry Bachman, Mike Moore, NØPVU, Charles Carter, AAØRI, Francis Sable, WØEVJ, Bob Bartholic, KBØZWK, and Brian Carter, KCØDWX.

Henry Bachman and Brian Carter worked the event with Charles Carter, Norm Dillman, NØJCC, Phyllis Dillman, NØMJB, Daryl Hasenbank, NØYHJ,and Pete Garfinkel, KD7GBG stopping by to help as well as provide good conversation. Other members participated by providing contacts on 2 meters. Henry’s grab and go kit got the most attention from people visiting the Red Cross.

May’s meeting does not have a scheduled program at this time and will be mostly a business meeting discussing field day location and our picnic as well as some other items. If you have something short you would like to arrange for the meeting contact Bob, KBØZWK on the air to discuss the idea.

Our May meeting will be held on Friday the 12th back at the normal location, the Red Cross building at 2601 West Anderson, Manhattan, KS. We hope to see you at the Sirloin Stockade as well to join in some conversation at the “over” eating meeting between 5 and 5:30 P.M.

SECRETARY’S MINUTES

Francis Sable, WØEVJ

The MAARS meeting on April 14, 2000 was held at Dr. Johnson’s private lab on McDowell Creek Road. Dr. Gary Johnson demonstrated the operation of his high voltage apparatus. The attendance was good with a count of 59 on the sign-in sheet. This included some of the Electronics Class at KSU conducted by Jon, NØRYQ. There were also other guests present.

After the demonstration the formal meeting was begun by Brian, KCØDWX. After some discussion about the up coming Field Day it was voted to give approval to a F.D. committee to select the F.D. site. It was decided that the annual MAARS picnic will be in September at the Outlet Park in the Tuttle Dam Area.

Jon Held, NØRYQ, on behalf of the group, thanked Dr. Johnson for the demonstration and made a motion to compensate him for the special transistors that were damaged during the demonstration for the amount of $80.00. Approval for this was voted by the members present.

Our snacks for our next regular MAARS meeting on Friday, May 12, 2000 will be provided courtesy of Cindy and Brian Carter.

Bruce Frahm, KØBJ, ARRL Midwest Division Vice-Director, was mentioned as a candidate for the annual Kansas Ham of the Year award. It was voted by MAARS to support his nomination.

The Red Cross open house event on Sunday, April 30 was announced. They have requested that some MAARS members be present to demonstrate radio communications ability. There will be a Red Cross damage assessment class on May 22 from 6:00 to 10:00 P.M. Those interested should contact Carol at 537-2180

John Blessing, NØYRL, requested assistance from volunteers for work on the KSUARC antenna installation the next morning Saturday, April 15. Meeting adjourned.

EDITOR’S CORNER

Chuck Carter, AAØRI

Norm, NØJCC, asked me if it would be all right to include ham related items for sale in the “Newsletter”. My feelings are that any member in good standing should be able to place non-commercial ads at no charge. What are your thoughts on this?

BUY – SELL – SWAP a Hamfest on paper.

FOR SALE:

45-foot steel tower, top section, base, accessory shelf with six guy cables $45. 440 MHz AEA Isopole vertical antenna $20 Alpha Delta lightning surge protected 4-position coax switches $50 Complete tower. 48 feet. Rohn 25G 4 10-ft. sections, top section, accessory shelf, base (home made) $235 Mosley Pro67B, big 7-element yagi, 40m (2 elements) through 10m $475 MFJ Pocket Morse Code Tutor, MFJ-418 $40 HF-Antenna, Cubical Quad; 5-band, 2 elements each. Lightning Bold. New wire for all bands $150 Six-element 440 MHz beam $15

Contact Norm Dillman, NØJCC (785) 539-1039 or dillman@ksu.edu.

CALHOUN’S CORNER

Myron Calhoun, WØPBV

Although it has NOTHING to do with the much-feared Y2K bug, a multi-jurisdiction “Year2K Disaster Drill” is scheduled (good weather permitting) for late afternoon on Tuesday, 23 May, 2000. While there may be some inter-jurisdiction cooperation, Geary, Pottawatomie, and Riley counties (and maybe Fort Riley?) are mostly developing their own “scenarios” to meet the needs of the various emergency-oriented agencies in each jurisdiction.

The overall scenario is that a simulated tornado will roll through Geary and Riley counties and on into Pottawatomie county. I don’t know any details about the Fort Riley or Geary county “tornado”, but I do know there will be simulated “hits”
   * near the Manhattan Airport,
   * on the KSU campus, to include some hazardous material, and
   *in the eastern part of Manhattan, in Pottawatomie county.

I also do not know how (or even if) amateur radio will be involved, but it would be a good idea for all “hams” to be like Boy Scouts and “Be Prepared”, so please mark 23 May, 2000 on your calendar as a day when you may be able to perform some civic duty.

Myron A. Calhoun, WØPBV
ARES EC for Clay, Geary, and Riley counties
RACES Radio Officer for Riley county

KANSAS SECTION – STATE-WIDE PUBLIC SERVICE NETS

Myron A. Calhoun
2001 Dunbar Road
Manhattan, Kansas 66502-3907

These nets move traffic state wide and in and out of the state:
06:45 AM	MWF	3920 KHz	Kansas Phone Net
07:00 AM	MTWTF	3920 KHz	Kansas Morning Net
Weather Net
08:00 AM	Sunday	3920 KHz	Kansas Phone Net
12:30 PM	MTWTFS	7253 KHz	Central States
Traffic Net
06:00 PM	MTWTF	3920 KHz	Kansas Weather Net
06:30 PM	MTWTF	3920 KHz	Kansas Sideband Net
07:00 PM	MTWTF	3610 KHz	Kansas CW Traffic Net
07:30 PM	M W F	3710 KHz	Kansas Slow-Speed CW
Traffic Net
10:00 PM	MTWTF	3610 KHz	Kansas CW Traffic Net

TREASURER’S REPORT

Nadine Stueve, KØUHF April 2000

Total Cash Available, 4/01/00		$ 2,210.51
Receipts:
ARRL Dues	87.00
Total Receipts		+ 87.00
Expenditures:
Telephone	56.37
Prepaid Phone Patch	.78
Newsletter – Printing	22.00
Postage	33.00
ARRL Dues	83.00
Refreshments	6.17
Transistors	80.00
Equipment Insurance	69.00
Liability Insurance	325.00
Total Expenditures		– 675.32
Cash on Hand, 4/30/00	20.00
Checking account balance, 4/30/00	178.22
Savings account balance, 4/30/00	1,423.97
Balance on Hand, 4/30/00		$ 1,622.19

Dues will be due by Oct. 31 and are: regular membership $20, full-time student $10, family $30. Please complete the following when renewing your membership, even if you did so last year. Return to the Treasurer, at a meeting or to MAARS, P. O. Box 613, Manhattan, KS 66505-0613.

ARRL DUES

MAARS DUES

NAME _______________________________________ CALLSIGN ____________

MAILING ADDRESS____________________________________ DATE _____________

CITY _______________________________ STATE _____ ZIP CODE _____________

TELEPHONE # (____)_______________ E-MAIL ADDRESS _______________________

FOR FAMILY MEMBERSHIP:

NAME _______________________________________ CALLSIGN ____________

CHECK THE FOLLOWING WHICH APPLY:

____ ARRL member ____ It is alright to list my e-mail address on the homepage.

It is alright to list my address and telephone number for distribution only to our members. ____

How do you prefer to receive your newsletter?

____ e-mail ____ U.S. mail ____ both

Print a PDF file copy of the above form. (Adobe Acrobat Reader required to view and print)
Download Adobe Acrobat Reader.

Published

1 April 2000

Last touched

Newsletter, April 2000

Monthly Newsletter

Dedicated to the Advancement of Amateur Radio April, 2000

THE PRESIDENT’S CORNER

Brian Carter, KCØDWX

Hello to all. I hope you are all getting chance to enjoy the nice weather we have been having.

We would like to thank Francis, WØEVJ for giving us some very good information during the last couple of MAARS meetings about bipolar transistors. I know I learned quite a bit myself. Thanks to Jon, NØRYQ, for the phrase about “letting the smoke out of them.” I had not heard that but I have already and will repeat it many times I’m sure.

Our April 14th meeting should be very exciting as we will be visiting Gary Johnson’s, KØHGJ, lab to see his very large Tesla coil, capable of producing a spark 2 to 3 feet long discharging into the air. If you are interested and have a camera with a bulb setting you may want to bring it along with a tripod. Also this is a large storage building so depending on weather it may be cool, and lawn chairs might be a good idea if you don’t want to stand for a long time. As with most meetings, please feel free to bring a guest along.

We will meet at Sirloin Stockade and travel out from there for those who don’t know where the lab is located (McDowell Creek Road). I would imagine we will leave Sirloin Stockade at 6:45 P.M. in order to get there and prepare for the show. We will also monitor the repeater for any late arrivals. Everyone is welcome to come to Sirloin Stockade around 5 or 5:30 P.M. for dinner. Many of us meet there ahead of time.

The MAARS business meeting will be very brief due to our location. It would be a good idea however to decide on Field Day and Picnic locations. We need to reserve these soon in order to assure we get the locations we want.

On Sunday April 30 from 10 A.M. to 3 P.M. the Red Cross will be having an open house. They have requested that MAARS also have some members there to represent ourselves, since we use their building and would be more than likely working closely together if there were a disaster. If you are interested please contact me on the radio or by e-mail brianc@kansas.net.

And last but not least I’d like to welcome two new members to the club. Pete Garfinkel, KD7GBG and Dale E. Feldhausen, WNØWWY. We look forward to seeing all of you on Friday, April 14th.

SECRETARY’S MINUTES

Francis Sable, WØEVJ

The monthly MAARS meeting began at 7:30 P.M. March 10. Francis Sable, WØEVJ, continued with a lecture and demonstrations on the subject of bipolar transistors.

This was followed by a business session. Chuck, AAØRI, reported his appraisal of repeater controllers. His opinion is that our present controller is a good choice. There is discussion about a recent incident of what seemed to be wireless telephone interference on the repeater.

Brian, KCØDWX, urges members to consider the up coming Field Day event, which is to be on June 24 and 25 this year and to submit their ideas for a possible F.D. site.

It is again announced that a beam antenna which was previously borrowed has been donated to MAARS. Kermit, KBØEEF, announced that he offered to buy a new antenna for Paul, NØUZN, but Paul refused the offer.

Jon, NØRYQ, discusses the portable gas tank for the MAARS portable motor-generator, and is looking for a suitable tank for same.

It is planned that our next monthly meeting will be at Gary Johnson’s, KØHGJ, private laboratory located about 9 miles southwest of Manhattan on Deep Creek Road. Gary is the author of a recently published book titled The Search for a New Energy Source. We expect to see demonstrations of very high voltage phenomena. This should be a very interesting program. The scheduled meeting time is 7:30 P.M. Friday, April 14.

It is announced by Nadine, KØUHF, that there will be an XYL dinner on Thursday March 16 at the Calico Inn in Riley. Nadine also discussed the Newsletter ads and what the ad fees should be in view of the fact that most members now receive the Newsletter by E-mail.

Chuck, AAØRI, announces upcoming ARRL sponsored VE exams to be held in Wamego on Saturday Mar.18 at 2:00 P.M. and processing of certificates of exam completion on Saturday, April 15.

Meeting is adjourned by Brian.

EDITOR’S CORNER

Chuck Carter, AAØRI

With the FCC-announced changes in Amateur licensing structure, VEs have been busy everywhere getting everyone eligible to upgrade ready for the April 15 changes.

We had a very good test session at Wamego March 18 with 11 candidates. Our very own Vice-Pres., Bob Bartholic, John Blessing, Daniel Soldan, and Mike Moore upgraded to General, Kenny upgraded to Advanced, and Henry upgraded to General at a hamfest in Kansas City. Norm also upgraded to Extra class at another hamfest in KC last Saturday. Others upgraded to General and Extra class at Saturday’s test session, so I think it was a big success. I had 8 VEs helping me: Frances, WØEVJ, Nadine, KØUHF, Fred, KØTCS, and Kermit, KBØEEF crewed the Novice/Tech exams. Todd, KØKAN, Greg, WQØP, Mike, KAØSMU, Herm, WVØR, and myself administered General – Extra class exams and CW tests.

CALHOUN’S CORNER

Myron Calhoun, WØPBV

Originally written by Dave Larton, N6JQJ, California State Auxiliary Communications Service Training Officer and Webmaster; introduction adapted by Myron Calhoun.

When volunteering, remember that the people you work for have a list of items that they expect from you. The following is condensed from a Basic Hostage Negotiations class taught in the San Francisco Bay Area by a former SWAT Commander with the Oakland, CA. Police Department. They apply very well as basics that every volunteer should keep in mind, especially when working for a higher authority:

Command Bill of Rights

Give me options. The more options I have as a commander, the more of an informed decision I will be able to make.

Don’t destroy my career. Give me options that follow the rules, policies or procedures of my department.

Promote dynamic tension. Play the devil’s advocate when giving me options. What will happen if I follow this idea? What might occur if I don’t follow the idea?

Look Intelligent. Bring the proper equipment. Be prepared. Act the role you are supposed to be playing.

Remember, people are watching all of us all the time.

Be prepared to train the boss. Many times, the commander is the least informed of the entire team, yet he has to make some of the most crucial decisions. Give the boss the background as generally as you can. Be neutral.

Keep me informed at all times. Don’t hold any information back, no matter how trivial; it could prove to be extremely important later on.

DON’T BREAK THE RULES! Should you elect to take a course of action that may potentially break the rules, let me know about it BEFORE you do it and get my OK! Remember Rules #2 and #3 above.

All volunteers benefit from adhering to these seven rules, because your supervisor is counting on you to follow them.

TREASURER’S REPORT

Nadine Stueve, KØUHF March 2000

Total Cash Available, 3/01/00		$ 2,281.15
Receipts:
Dues	23.34
Savings Account Interest	15.33
Total Receipts		38.67
Expenditures:
Post Office Box Rent	44.00
Coaxial Cable	45.00
Telephone	20.31
Total Expenditures		109.31
Cash on Hand, 3/31/00	20.00
Checking account balance, 3/31/00	16.54
Savings account balance, 3/31/00	2,173.97
Balance on Hand, 3/31/00		$ 2,210.51

Dues will be due by Oct. 31 and are: regular membership $20, full-time student $10, family $30. Please complete the following when renewing your membership, even if you did so last year. Return to the Treasurer, at a meeting or to MAARS, P. O. Box 613, Manhattan, KS 66505-0613.

ARRL DUES

MAARS DUES

NAME _______________________________________ CALLSIGN ____________

MAILING ADDRESS____________________________________ DATE _____________

CITY _______________________________ STATE _____ ZIP CODE _____________

TELEPHONE # (____)_______________ E-MAIL ADDRESS _______________________

FOR FAMILY MEMBERSHIP:

NAME _______________________________________ CALLSIGN ____________

CHECK THE FOLLOWING WHICH APPLY:

____ ARRL member ____ It is alright to list my e-mail address on the homepage.

It is alright to list my address and telephone number for distribution only to our members. ____

How do you prefer to receive your newsletter?

____ e-mail ____ U.S. mail ____ both

Print a PDF file copy of the above form. (Adobe Acrobat Reader required to view and print)
Download Adobe Acrobat Reader.

Published

1 March 2000

Last touched

Newsletter, March 2000

Monthly Newsletter

Dedicated to the Advancement of Amateur Radio March, 2000

THE PRESIDENT’S CORNER

Brian Carter, KCØDWX

February’s meeting for MAARS turned out to be very informal due to the low attendance. Most were unable to make it due to the poor weather conditions. Thank you to Francis (WØEVJ) for his talk on transistors.

For March we will meet on Friday, March 10 at 7:30 P.M. at the Red Cross Building, 2601 West Anderson, Manhattan, KS. You are welcome to attend the eating meeting at the Sirloin Stockade at 5 P.M.

For the meeting Francis will finish his talk on transistors in reference to the license exams. For the business meeting we need to talk seriously about Field Day. A location needs to be decided for the event. The following people have currently signed up to help in some way or another with Field Day: Fred Stueve, KØTCS, Mike Moore, NØPVU, Kermit Fairbanks, KBØEEF, Chad Carter, NØZMG, Daryl Hasenbank, NØYHJ, and Francis Sable,WØEVJ.

We also need to start thinking about when and where we want to have our Picnic. So far only one person has signed up for the Picnic committee. I’m sure Henry would appreciate some help so please sign up for it if you feel you can help.

Plans for our April meeting will also be on the agenda as we hope to make this our meeting to feature a trip to Gary Johnson’s lab where he generates some very impressive sparks. I’m sure most of you will be interested in this program. I will be in contact with him before our meeting to find out what our options will be for this meeting.

We look forward to seeing all of you on Friday.

SECRETARY’S MINUTES

Francis Sable, WØEVJ

The monthly MAARS meeting was called to order by Brian, KCØDWX, President at 7:30 P.M., Feb. 11, 2000. The meeting got underway with a lecture and demonstrations of bipolar transistor operation and theory by Francis, WØEVJ. Demonstrations were conducted with actual equipment and basic transistor circuits. This was centered on the transistor questions and answers in the ARRL license manuals as an aid to those planing to upgrade.

Attendance at the meeting was lower than usual due to snow and possible hazardous road conditions.

A short business session was held after the main program. There was a discussion about the return of a borrowed antenna. It was announced by Brian that the antenna has now been donated to MAARS. Meeting is adjourned.

TECH ARTICLE: “BIPOLAR JUNCTION TRANSISTOR TEST”

Francis Sable, WØEVJ

How to identify the polarity and emitter, base and collector leads of a bipolar transistor and test its integrity using only an ohmmeter and one additional clip-lead and a small resistor of about 50K to 100K ohms.

For test purposes, the bipolar junction transistor can be viewed as two PN junction diodes connected in series and back to back with the base lead connected to the common mid point. On the NPN transistor both the emitter and collector are connected to the N polarity end of each junction with the common P polarity ends connected to the base lead. The reverse polarities hold for the PNP transistor.

The ohmmeter range selected should be a mid range like about 1K or 10K on most multimeters. Determine the voltage polarity of the ohmmeter test leads and be sure that the maximum test current is low enough so as not to damage any transistor junctions that are to be tested. On many multimeters the polarity is positive on the black lead and negative on the red lead on the ohms function. You must know the correct polarity to correctly identify the polarity of the transistor under test. A maximum current of about 10 ma or less should be safe for all or most transistors. The low ohms range on many multimeters deliver much more than 10 ma to the tested device, so avoid the lowest ohms range. Also some digital multimeters use a very low ohmmeter test voltage which will not be high enough to cause conduction through the semiconductor junctions. the older type analog meters are recommended for this test.

The following is the test procedure:

1) Randomly select any two of the three leads of the transistor under test and connect the ohmmeter test leads. If the ohmmeter shows conduction this indicates that one of the two transistor leads is the base electrode. If there is no conduction, reverse the polarity to the same two transistor leads. If still no conduction this indicates that you have selected the emitter and collector leads and the remaining free transistor lead is the base electrode. Now transfer one of the two ohmmeter leads to the base lead. If you now show conduction, you now can know the polarity of the transistor (NPN or PNP). If there is conduction with the positive ohmmeter lead connected to the base lead, this is a NPN transistor. If conduction occurs with the negative ohmmeter lead connected to base lead, it is a PNP transistor.

To this point the polarity of the transistor has been determined and the base lead has been identified. There remains to identify the remaining two leads as to which is emitter and collector.

2) Connect the ohmmeter test leads to the two unknown (emitter and collector) transistor leads and connect the 50K to 100K resistor to the base lead and the other end of the resistor to the positive ohmmeter lead also, if the transistor is NPN type or to the negative ohmmeter lead if the transistor is the PNP type. Notice if there is now conduction,if not, reverse the two transistor leads,with the resistor leads connected to the base and the same ohmmeter lead as previously. The polarity position which shows conduction will indicate the collector lead is the one to which the resistor is also connected.

If these tests can be performed as described it indicates both junctions are good and the transistor will amplify. If the tests cannot be performed, this indicates one or both junctions are faulty. This test may not be valid for germanium transistors due to their high leakage currents.

TREASURER’S REPORT

Nadine Stueve, KØUHF February, 2000

Beginning Cash Balance, 2/01/00		$ 2,303.14
Receipts:		25.00
Expenditures:
Newsletter – printing (2 months)	21.12
Meeting Refreshments	5.88
Telephone	19.99
Total Expenditures		46.99
Total Cash Balance, 2/29/00		$ 2,281.15

Dues will be due by Oct. 31 and are: regular membership $20, full-time student $10, family $30. Please complete the following when renewing your membership, even if you did so last year. Return to the Treasurer, at a meeting or to MAARS, P. O. Box 613, Manhattan, KS 66505-0613.

ARRL DUES

MAARS DUES

NAME _______________________________________ CALLSIGN ____________

MAILING ADDRESS____________________________________ DATE _____________

CITY _______________________________ STATE _____ ZIP CODE _____________

TELEPHONE # (____)_______________ E-MAIL ADDRESS _______________________

FOR FAMILY MEMBERSHIP:

NAME _______________________________________ CALLSIGN ____________

CHECK THE FOLLOWING WHICH APPLY:

____ ARRL member ____ It is alright to list my e-mail address on the homepage.

It is alright to list my address and telephone number for distribution only to our members. ____

How do you prefer to receive your newsletter?

____ e-mail ____ U.S. mail ____ both

Print a PDF file copy of the above form. (Adobe Acrobat Reader required to view and print)
Download Adobe Acrobat Reader.