Andrew (WX4AMS) will be accepting orders for shirts
and hats at the upcoming meeting on Feb. 1. Those wanting T-shirts
screen printed or polos embroidered will need to bring the shirts to the
meeting. If you can’t make it this month, orders will also be accepted
at the March meeting. Payments (in cash) at the time of your order are
appreciated.

All things considered the Club’s participation in our first National Parks On The Air event was a success. Apparently regulations by state vary, and in Florida, Hams are not counted as an endangered species.

Thanks to good old Ham ingenuity the day was saved by utilizing vehicle mounted antennas, in combination with some creative cabling between them. The good news is, in spite of the chilly reception, and the very windy and chilly weather, we all had a great day.

Brenda and Rich Hold up the NPOTA signage, while trusty dog Squirt poses for the camera.

Peggy and Brenda watch as the Antenna’s go up.

 Rich wraps himself in the NPOTA banner to protect himself from the chill in the air, as Mike makes secures the mast that will hold his inverted V.

Matthew makes some last minute adjustments to his antenna.

George hit the ground running. He was first to be wired and ready to go.

And then, we met the park ranger.

She was polite, but firm. No erections in the park without a permit. This was a real disappointment. Everything had to come down. In keeping with tradition, we followed Ham Radio’s Rule #2. “When all else fails, have a picnic.”

Around the table in clockwise direction we have Mike, Matthew, Peggy, Rich, and Brenda. Bill is holding the camera. George and George opted to call it a day when they learned they could not set up.

During lunch, the group formulated a plan that was both within park rules, and afforded them the opportunity to make some contacts. They moved to a different section of the park, and were able to share one mobile antenna by connecting it via coax to a second. A creative solution that allowed everyone to play.

They say, in life, it is not the difficulties you face, but the way you deal with them that reveals what you are made of. We braved the wind, cold, and even chilly reception, and still had a great time. Oh, and well over a hundred contacts!

Our club will be participating in National Parks On The Air or NPOA. The following information will fill you in on the details. If you can be present, that will be great. If you can’t, you can at least be present on the air. This is somewhat of a first for our club. Matthew has done a great job organizing this event. Let’s show him the support his effort deserves.

Click on the image to expand, or the link below to download a PDF of the flyer.

Click Here For Flyer

Future Big Wheels In Amateur Radio

Congratulations, Ray, Donald, and Steven; all new Technicians.
Left to right Richard, Ray KM4QBS, Peggy, Ron, Donald KM4QBR, Steven KM4QBT, and Kevin.

About To Embark On A Voyage Across The Airwaves

Left to right Glenn, Mike KK4PFA a new General, Peggy, and Al.

Thank You Bob For All Your Service

Field Day Is Just Around The, Around The, Around the corner!

Fred reviewed results from last year. We did good. In true Boston fashion, you ‘kont’ be too rich, too thin, or prepare for field day too soon! 🙂

National Pars On The Air NPOTA

Matthew discussed the upcoming trip by club members on the 23 and 24 of January to Big Cyprus National Preserve. Contact him if you would like to join the group.

The 45th Alafia River Rendezvous

This year, Stephanie is director of the Alifia River Rendezvous. All club members are invited to join her on the 22 and 23 of January. Contact her for a free pass.

Moma’s Little Baby May Love Shortnin Bread, 
             But Don Prefers Raspberry Pi

 

Don exposed us to the wonders of the Raspberry Pi as well as an interesting application of the Arduino, in combination with an X-bee wireless radio transceiver.

Click Here For More Images

 Our Youngest Member

Click Here For More Images          

Once again, our Christmas dinner will be catered by Jimbos. 
It will be held on the first Monday of the month,  December 7th.
The location will be the same location as our meetings. 
Dinner will start at 6:00 PM.

Please let Richard know that you are coming, and the number in your party, so that he can order sufficient food. You can pay at the door, but you must let him know in advance so that he can order enough vittles to go round. 

You can call him, or email him, or contact him on the radio, but let him know. 

        Phone: 813-240-5614
       Email: n4ess@tampabay.rr.com
       Radio: N4ESS

Finally, in keeping with tradition I have hauled out our Martha Stewart inspired Christmas wreath. 

Mildred V. Kennedy (1/11/1934 – 11/11/2015) 81, of Zephyrhills passed away November 11, 2015. She was born January 11, 1934 in Zephyrhills to Felton and Maud (Hancock) Hill. Mrs. Kennedy was a longtime employee of Progressive Insurance Company. She is survived by a son, Richard Kennedy (Peggy) of Zephyrhills; grandson, Richard Kennedy II (Melinda) of Riverview, FL; two great grandsons, Richard Kennedy III and Josh Manning; great granddaughter, Shelby Manning; one brother, James Ira Hill (Cindy) of Shallote, NC; brother-in-law, Jim Kennedy (Lyndall) of Live Oak, FL; many nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her husband Reuben Kennedy and a son, David Kennedy.

The family will receive friends from 12:00 – 1:00 pm Saturday, November 14, at Whitfield Funeral Home. Funeral Services will take place 1:00 pm at the funeral home.

Click on the image to see all photos of this event.

hamfestt1

The Florida Gulf Coast Amat eur Radio Council Presents:
ARRL West Central Florida Convention Second Largest Hamfest in Florida
Location: Agricultural Center Strawberry Festival Grounds,
              2508 W. Oak Avenue Pl ant City, FL 33563
Date:       December 11-12, 2015
Times:     Friday, 1PM to 6PM—Saturday, 8AM to 4PM
Talk-in:   145.410 -, PL 131.8

For up-to-date information visit www.TampaBayHamfest.org

LARC contact person for this event is Don Jeerings. See Don for advanced ticket sales.

The Hamcation 2016 will be February 12, 13, and 14. 
The contact person for Hamcation is Bill Johnson. See bill for advanced ticket purchases, $13 each. Admission at the door will be $15.