PSK 31 is a relatively new amateur mode. Incredibly, in the space of one voice QSO, mode PSK 31 allows nearly ten digital conversations. Bandwidth economy is not the only amazing feature of this mode. Its ability to span large distances with relatively low power, 25 watts or fewer, is its other claim to fame.
Members of LARC look on as Glen and Judson demonstrate the mode.

Glen WB4KW is seen in the foreground to the right showing off the some of the many features of Ham Radio Deluxe, the preferred software for communicating in PSK31.

Glen was half of a two man team making the presentation. His partner Judson KJ4IDH can bee seen at the far end of the counter working a second PSK31 station. In the foreground, Charlie KI4CRI, wife Norma KI4HIM, and Fred K1DU look on.

A host of activities are in the works for this year starting with the Orlando HamCation this weekend (2012, 2, 8).

Listed below are several others, but to make sure you don’t miss an event, check the LARC calendar frequently. You can find a link to our calendar by clicking on the Menu Item labeled LARC Web Site.

Here are several other planned events:

February 23rd, 2012 Sky Warn Training at the Polk County EOC

February 25th, 2012 Disaster Preparedness Day for the Local 912 Project Group
If you are interested, there website is http://www.meetup.com/lakeland912/.

Saturday, March 10th, 2012 Open house at the Lakeland Police Department Let Patrick know if you can help out from 10am to 2pm.

Saturday, March 17th, 2012 The Heritage Day Festival in Kathleen The event runs
from 9am until 2pm. Setups can begin on the preceding Friday.

Saturday, March 31st, 2012 Our Club will be having A Special Event Station celebrating the 38th Annual Fly-In and Expo in Lakeland. If you have never operated a special event station where people are trying to contact you, it is definitely an experience! Location will be Lake Parker Park; further communications will follow.

Saturday, April 28th, 2012 The March of Dimes March for Babies More information to follow

If you can support any of the above events, please contact me (Patrick) at ki4cdy@arrl.net.

The first LARC picnic of the year is now history. We could not have asked for a better day, better food, and certainly, not better friends. You can see pictures taken during the picnic by clicking on the link below.

Oh, and there is accompaning music. Be patient, it may take a few seconds to load.

Click Here

Reserve the date, January 21st, 2012.

The Picnic will be at the Circle B Bar Reserve
on Winter Lake Road (SR 540).
Click Here For Directions

Time for the event will be from 8am until 2pm.

The Club will provide hamburgers, hot dogs, buns, and the condiments. We ask all who attend to bring a covered dish to share with the group.

At the picnic, our Club will demonstrate various modes of communications and a variety of antenna systems. All are welcome to bring any radio gear. We would especially like to get all of the technicians on the HF 10 meter band during the event.

This will be a great time to get to know your fellow hams.

Outgoing president, Ernie Haynes receives an award for job well done by new president Patrick O’Neal.

Marvin Johnson receives an award for his outstanding service and dedication to LARC as Treasurer.

Bill KJ4IAI and Ernie KG4YNI congratulate Anthony KJ4FWO on his successful completion of the Extra Exam.

Bill KG4IAI congratulates Kimbra French on her successful completion of the Technician exam, while Bill N2WFU congratulates a Mathew KK4FEM, a new General. No, these pictures were not taken at the beach. The setting was inspired by Bill KJ4IAI. Also in attendance was VE and club photog Bill KI4ZMV.

Click here for Christmas party pictures.
Turn your sound on, of you wish.

Once again, three more success stories. This month we are proud to announce one new Technician, and two upgrades to Extra.

Ernie KG4YNI is seen here congratulating Sarel on his passing the Technician exam. BTW, Sarel happens to be yet another computer programmer. Years ago, the Eastman Kodak company discovered that there seemed to be relationship between the hobby of electronics and the hobby of photography. Are we seeing a new trend these days with ham radio and software engineering? 🙂

Bill, KJ4IAI and Ernie KG4YNIcongratulate the two new Extras: Vincent KE4DYX to the right of Bill, and Timothy KK4DVI to the left of Ernie.

Congratulations all. You did good! Also present, Bill KI4ZMV.

We have three new ham Technicians in the fold. They are Jim Johnson, John Roberts, and Matthew Stevens. All did exceptionally well on the test, but Jim takes the prize for getting a perfect score.

Here are all three being congratulated by Bill KJ4IAI. Also present were Ernie KG4YNI and Bill KI4ZMV.

Congratulations John Roberts!

Congratulations Matthew Stevens!

As with all new hams, we invite you to drop by a meeting or two to get to know some of the other hams in the area.

The last day to pay for the Christmas Party will be at the November 7th, 2011 meeting. The price is $9.00 per person, no refunds. No money will be accepted at the Tuesday, December 6th, 2011 Christmas Party. This is a pre-paid event. Please bring the exact cash amount to the meeting. If you have any questions, contact Patrick.

We have been asked to try to increase our VISTE donations for the months of November and December. Please remember to bring a few goods to the meeting. The need this season is great, please try to help out our community.

Marvin and Bob Foxworth will be accepting our annual dues at the November meeting. Let’s try to get a head start on this.

If any member knows anyone who would like to take a weekend technician class, let Patrick know. There will be a local class during the weekend of November 5th and 6th, 2011.