June 2002 Ground Wave

JUNE MEETING…

The next meeting is scheduled for Thursday June 13^th at 7pm in the cafeteria of BAMC in Menominee. The meeting will be preceded by an exam session beginning around 5:15pm. Some tentative agenda items include...Field day planning and setup procedures...repeater discussion and efforts to correct the wind noise problem...review of the NWS weather tour in Green Bay...Dayton highlights...and any other business that may come up.

FIELD DAY…

"Old Time Field Day 2002" will be held June 22^nd and 23^rd in the mosquito infested boonies of Menominee County. Jim Mans AA9PB and crew will be in charge of setting up the field day area. Those wishing to camp may do so. Don't forget your Off, Yard Guard and whatever else you use to fend off those pests!

We are planning a potluck supper for Saturday night. Anyone planning to participate in the potluck should contact Lynne N8OSK to let her know what they plan to take as their item to share with the group. Please be sure whatever you plan to take is in ample supply to feed a hungry crew! Telephone 906-863-3573 or SeadogMax@Yahoo.com for communication.

Anyone wishing to camp, may do so, and may let Jim know. People planning to spend the entire weekend, should plan to take along their own food and beverages, as well as their item to share at the Saturday night potluck.

Also, Jim is looking for a screen tent or tents to be used for the weekend. If you have one or more available, please let Jim know. Telephone 715-789-2587 or AA9PB@Cybrzn.com. Tents are needed from Friday night through take down on Sunday.

Those who will be taking an old radio or piece of gear should let Jim know so he can provide the proper support equipment.

Any questions regarding set up or camping should be directed to Jim, questions regarding the potluck should be directed to Lynne.

Hope we have a terrific turn out for what should be a fun filled food errrrr, field day weekend.

DEADLINE FOR CAMPING AND POTLUCK RESERVATIONS IS MONDAY, JUNE 17^th!!

Anyone wishing to drop in to operate may do so at any time. No reservation required! Stay for an hour, stay for a day!

If any of you have a friend or relative interested in learning more about amateur radio, take them along! This is a perfect opportunity to learn more about operating!

Directions to the Field Day site were published in last month’s Ground Wave (see the web site www.w8pif.com). A map is also included with this issue.

MAP WITH DIRECTIONS TO THE 2002 W8PIF FIELD DAY SITE

JUNE FISH FRY PLANNED…

Lynne, N8OSK and Tom, N8LHB recently enjoyed a Friday Fish Fry at the Menominee American Legion on First Street and were so impressed, Lynne booked the club for a June fish fry. The date is June 14th. Social hour will be at 6:00, we will order from their menu and eat closer to 7:00. For those who don't want fish, they have steaks, chicken, burgers, etc., so everyone should find something they like, PLUS they have desert - such as pie. Reservations are due no later than Sunday, June 9^th on the Sunday net.

NET SETS NEW RECORD FOR CHECK INS…

The June 2nd net lasted an hour and a half, and brought in 33 check ins - an all time record. The previous record was 31 set several years ago. Thanks for KB9TPC for tying the record, and to KB9NTN for breaking it. N9KI, the BAWA call brought the total to 33. One of the calls checking in was a newcomer to Peshtigo, N9OWD. Welcome to the area, Dan, and we'll look forward to hearing from you on a regular basis. Ed, KG8CX, thanks to all whose call signs appeared in his log on this history making evening.

NEW MEMBER…

We welcome Robert Quick, WB9JTN, of Marinette as our newest club member. Bob signed up after attending the May meeting. That brings our membership total up to 58.

BAWA WINS WISCONSIN QSO PARTY PLAQUE…

The Bay Area Wireless Association has been declared the winner of the club competition in the 2002 Wisconsin QSO Party. After winning the multi transmitter class last year, Jeff, KE9S thought a good goal this year would be the winning the club competition. Several multi-operator stations along with numerous single-operator efforts resulted in over 627,000 total points, and the coveted plaque. Congratulations to all who worked very hard to make BAWA the top club in the state QSO party.

NWS WEATHER TOUR EXCITING AND INFORMATIVE…

Eighteen members, spouses, and children visited the Green Bay weather office on May 11.

Meteorologist Jeff Last demonstrates how NOAA forecasters use computer models to develop weather forecasts.

We were met by Jeff Last, the warning control meteorologist, and given an excellent and comprehensive presentation and tour of the facility. Highlights included the amateur radio station set up, the many computer stations, and the methods that forecasts are arrived at. If there is sufficient interest, another tour can be arranged later in the summer or fall, or perhaps again next spring.

W9YQ inspects the console for NOAA Weather Radio Broadcasts.

Following tour everyone enjoyed a full meal at the Old Country Buffet. More Photos of the tour can be found on the club website. ( www.w8pif.com )

444 REPEATER NOISE…

The 444 repeater developed a noise problem the weekend of June 1^st. The squelch would hang open when the machine was keyed. Ed, KG8CX, and Eric, KG9GH, visited the site and, with the help of Noel, K8NB via phone, adjusted the squelch control, but the problem returned the next day. Noel then had a chance to visit the site and believes he tracked down the problem to a noisy lightning arrestor on another feedline on the hospital roof. With permission, he replaced that lightning arrestor, and the problem disappeared, hopefully for good. As usual, thanks Noel, for your expert assistance with the repeaters.

WIND NOISE CONTINUES ON 147 REPEATER…

The 147.000 repeater continues to be plagued with wind static whenever greater than "gentle breezes" occur. We have had this for several years. We have been told by knowledgeable people that the repeater itself, the antenna, and the
feedline are fine and operating properly. The problem may lie elsewhere within the immediate vicinity. Hopefully we can get to the bottom of this as the effectiveness of the repeater is compromised during windy periods, of which we have had many occurrences lately. Skywarn operation during windy and stormy weather can and have been severely limited under these conditions. The overall coverage area is quite large, and everything works and sounds great when there is little or no wind. Many members have voiced their concerns about the this long standing problem, and are willing to assist in any way to bring this to a satisfactory conclusion, so we can all enjoy the full benefits of the club repeater in both normal amateur use and emergency conditions.

ABRAMS REPEATER IMPROVED…

The 146.835 repeater has increased its coverage area by raising the antenna to 75 feet. Signals are now much stronger in the M&M area, and elsewhere. The repeater is owned by Earl, KB9DSV, and is located on his property west of Abrams. The ham community appreciates Earl's investment in his machine, and are encouraged to use it whenever needed.

YO-YO PICNIC COMING SOON…

The Yo-Yo group, which holds its weekly net on the 145.470 Crivitz repeater is planning its first picnic at Holtwood park in Oconto, WI on June 29th, starting at 11am. It will be a bring your own food and beverage affair, and is open to ALL HAMS, not just those who check in to the Crivitz net. Many have already indicated their interest to attend. Contact John, KB9VXJ during the Yo-Yo net or on the 146.520 simplex frequency. The net is held each Sat. evening at 8pm on the 145.470 Crivitz repeater (pl of 107.2)

W9IXG REELECTED…

Don Michalski, W9IXG was recently reelected ARRL Wisconsin Section manager. Don was unopposed. KG8CX emailed Don congratulations on behalf of the club, and received the following reply…

Thank you, Ed. I look forward to another 2 year term and appreciate your support in promoting our wonderful hobby. I can't carry the banner alone so need all the help I can get! Your club has been a wonderful model for other clubs to emulate. I always enjoy visiting with you, et al. Hopefully, I'll have a chance to do that this next month when we are in the
area with the Northwoods tour-- http://www.bikenorthwoods.com/

FREE RADIOS…

Paul, WC9E reports he has several non working radios available for free. These were donated by Ken Exworthy. They are GE porta/mobile LB13480H, 2 way FM radios. Frequencies are 132-174 MZ. They appear to be 1970 vintage. Only 3 service manuals are available. Most are equipped with a hand mike. All of them need an antenna with a PL-259 connector. The price is right; they are free but I am sure , need some TLC. Several of the radios have already been spoken for by various club members. Paul will bring any remaining radios to the June meeting.

JUNE ANNIVERSARIES/BIRTHDAYS...

Congratulations to George and Barb Benoit on their June 19^thanniversary, and to Larry and Nancy Buchholz on their June 20^thanniversary.
Birthdays celebrated in June are: Larry N9OSF, 10^th... Tim Mellenthin, KB9ZKN, 13^th… Tom, K0SN, 26^th...Al KG9BI, 27^th. All of you enjoy your special days.

CREDITS…

Thanks to Peninsula Office Equipment of Menominee for printing the Ground Wave.

Thanks to Jim, KC8DOA for hosting the W8PIF Repeater on his tower.

MARINETTE AND MENOMINEE AMATEUR RADIO CLUB

MINUTES FOR MAY 9, 2002

The May 9, 2002 meeting was called to order at 7:05PM by President Jim K8IR. Introduction of guests at the meeting KB9DSV Earl and KB9GFX Dennis and everyone introduced themselves.

The minutes for the April meeting were approved as printed in the May issue of the Groundwave. Motion by Jim AA9PB and seconded by Bob AA9GZ All in favor.

The Treasurer's report for May 9, 2002 shows a balance of $323.22 in the checking account and $348.08 in the savings account for total assets of $671.30. Motion made by Dave NS9R and seconded by Larry N9OSF to approve the report. All in favor.

Ed KG8CX reported a hamfest will be held August 3, 2002 in Alpha, Michigan. Ed reported he has been in contact with Don Michalski concerning field day and also reported about the bike trip to Door County Don will be making. We are to send in pictures to Don for possible publishing in QST magazine.

Noel K8NB reported that both repeaters are up and operating fine at this time. John KC9AXH reported that a possible reason for the static and noise on the repeater at times may be do to a Wisconsin Public Service problem on their lines somewhere causing this problem. Jim KC8DOE reported this to KC9AXH. Jim feels the problem lies with Public Service and not with our antenna system. Remarks were made at the meeting to have KG9GH look into this and perhaps finding a solution to why this is occurring. This interference was noted before and Public Service did do some upgrading to solve the problems to other radio services. Jim K8IR reported on a windy night or day when this is occurring members of the club should go out checking out for the interference that may be causing the problem.

Ed reported for the net report that checkins have been running in the mid twenties for a average.

OLD BUSINESS:

The Michigan QSO Party took place and Jim K8IR presented a report on who and what took place during this contest. A lengthy discussion took place among the radio operators who participated in this contest.

NEW BUSINESS:

Ed reported that for the last Skywarn callup on April 18 twenty-one operators took part in this session from Marinette County.

Jeff KE9S reported for ARES news that he will be checking for some training for the group.

Jim K8IR reported 18 will be visiting the weather office in Green Bay Saturday morning May 11 for the tour.

VE testing will be taking place on June 13, 2002 prior to the meeting. At this time five will be testing.

Ed presented a discussion about ILINK and passed around CQ VHF Magazine with a article about this way of communications through the internet and repeaters. Numerous repeaters around the world are linked through this. Only a licensed ham can use it with the software.

It is another facet of amateur radio.

Field Day is coming up and this year vintage gear will be used and will be a fun for all event. More information and a site location map will be in the Groundwave for June 2002 and on the internet web site for the club. Various tube radios will be in operation.

Bob Quick WB9JTN was another guest to show up at the meeting

Motion made by Jim AA9PB to adjourn and seconded by Tom K0SN. All in favor. Meeting adjourned by Jim K8IR at 7:53PM.

Gary W Luthardt KG9AD Secretary

Attendance at the meeting:

Gary Luthardt     KG9AD
Jim Callow          K8IR
Lynne Rynish      N8OSK
Paul Drees          WC9E
Arde Nelson       KA9WAR
Jim Mans            AA9PB
Jake Mans
David Cunningham   NS9R
Jeff Rymer          KE9S
Larry Buchholz    N9OSF
Tom Hellem        K0SN
Bob Schrader     AA9GZ
Dwight Bosselman   W9YQ
Noel Beardsley      K8NB
Dennis Knutson     KB9GFX
Earl Indie           KB9DSV
Keith Tonn        N9PQV
John Goldschmidt   KC9AXH
George Benoit    N9UGG
Louis Parkansky    AA9JH
Ed Engleman        KG8CX
Steve Mellenthin   KB9ZKO
Bob Quick        WB9JTN