It’s Solder Time

Before kit building commenced there were several announcements. Steve KD4MBH gave an update on the status of the Emergency Operations Center, EOC, located at the Lakeland Police Department. We might be able to make the ham radio equipment at this facility available for one weekly LARC net each month. This would demonstrate amateur radio capability in case of an emergency, as well as insure that we are operational at all times.

LARC board member Tom KJ4WFS circulated a questionnaire seeking to uncover club interest in contesting. This information might inspire a future presentation, and perhaps an additional special interest group. The club already has two of these, the SloPok Net dedicated to CW, and QRP Kit Building. (See the menu bar to the right.)

Fred made a pitch for field day, prefaced by Ernie’s overarching view of the purpose of Field Day. He noted that the goal of Field Day was primarily to raise awareness with the public of the kind of support ham radio operators can supply in the event of an emergency, and secondarily, to make contacts. We have other venues for picnics, so this year food will be everyone’s personal responsibility. Bring your own.

If you missed the meeting, yet wish to participate in field day exercises either by supplying equipment or signing up for a operation slot, email Fred K1DU at K1DU@aol.com . There will be plenty to do, and I am sure Fred will welcome your support. Field day is a big event, and a complex undertaking. Many hands make the work light. So plan to volunteer.

Rip reported that the March of Dimes Walk was a great success. He had more than enough ham volunteers to fill the positions along the route. He thanked all who participated.

Lastly, Ren KG4BAS invited all interested in QRP to an outing of the Central Florida QRP Group West. The event will take place Saturday, May 14, starting at 9:00 AM, at Lake Parker Park, Bring your QRP rig and join in, or just bring your self. Bring a picnic lunch if you plan to stay a while.

The remainder of the meeting was devoted to kit building. Some completed their projects at this time. No small feat considering all the activity in the room. It takes incredible concentration to work under such adverse conditions, a trait not lacking in most hams. Those who didn’t quite finish at the meeting will complete their projects at home.

Judging from the activity in the room, everyone had a good time, and in spite of a few frustrating moments and a burnt finger or two, the soldering project was an outstanding success. Kudos to the board, especially to Patrick KI4CDY for driving this project, and to Gary KS4JI for presenting the project overview last month, and his guidance this month.


Caught deep in concentration, Laura NO4OO and Mike KT2T work or their kits. I was told that both were first time kit builders, and I know for a fact that both completed their project before they left.

Also caught in deep concentration, Charley KI4CRI.

Volunteer To Support The Walk

There are still slots available for the March Of Dimes Walk Scheduled for this Saturday. Please contact Rip or simply show at:
March Of Dimes Walk
Date: Saturday, April 30, 2011
Location: First Presbyterian Church on Lake Hollingsworth
Arrange to be there for assignments by: 7:30 AM
The event should be over by 10:30 AM.
Hams will need an HT, or possibly a mobile rig. Please contact Rip at aa4ht@tampabay.rr.com to volunteer.

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Know anyone who would like to take classes leading up to a ham radio license? Click here for more information.

But Wait, There’s More!

If you thought the kit’s flashing lights and siren were a bit to fast for a realistic Euro Police Vehicle you were right. As Ren and son Ansel pointed out, you always have to Read The Instructions. Guess I didn’t. Had I, I would have noticed that they directed me to remove two resistors I so carefully soldered in place, and to replace them with two resistors twice their values. This in turn doubled the RC time constants controlling the flash rate, effectively cutting it in half. See and hear for yourself.

It Works!


The kits are in, and ready to be distributed at next month’s meeting. Fortunately, I was able to get one in advance, in order to present it on the blog. Here are a few things to think about before next months meeting.
1. Take your time. Under excellent working conditions it took me 1 hour and 45 minutes to complete the kit. You will probably have to complete yours at home.
2. Come prepared with soldering iron, magnifier, extension cord, something to protect the table, and any other tools you think you might need, like needle nose pliers, wire stripper, wire cutter and tweezers.
3. Follow the assembly instructions, checking off after installation of each part.
4. Be especially careful when choosing resistors from the card. They are all identified, but it is still easy to pick the wrong one. Check the color code, or use an ohmmeter to be absolutely sure.

These are the tools I used. Click the image to enlarge it.

Ladies and Gentlemen, Start Your Soldering Irons

Kit Building Prelim
Gary gave a rousing overview of the project scheduled for next month’s meeting. There is something for everyone here. For some it is brushing up on old skills, for others a first time experience, and for many, it is a chance to help others develop the skills needed for successful kit building. Last count, nearly twenty members have signed up for the kits. For more details you can download the instructions in advance. Click here for instructions
Kit builders and Elmers, we need soldering irons, power cords, and a scrap of something to protect the tables from damage.

March Of Dimes Walk
Rip AA4HT made a plea for assistance at March Of Dimes Walk
Date: Saturday, April 30, 2011
Location: First Presbyterian Church on Lake Hollingsworth
Arrange to be there for assignments by: 7:30 AM
The event should be over by 10:30 AM.
Hams will need an HT, or possibly a mobile rig. Please contact Rip at aa4ht@tampabay.rr.com to volunteer.

Field Day
Finally, Fred K1DU spoke about the upcoming field day. His message was clear. It is all about points. This is why we will be using the same antenna we have always used, the delta loop. Please check the Web Site for information on this design. This is why the number of stations will be fewer than last year. The fewer the stations, the less chance for interference, especially between CW and phone. This is why QRP will be limited only to contacts by solar power until the max of 100 points is met, and then it will be shut down. Fred will speak again at a later time to ask for volunteers to set up, take down, prepare food, clean up, and any other support activities needed on this day.

Check out the number of days until and directions to field day on the right side of this blog.

Information regarding support for the bike event coming.

New Extra, General and Tech!

Congratulations go out to Robert Stevens, KF6ENO, who earned his Extra ticket today. Robert is seen here being congratulated by Ernie KG4YNI and Bill KJ4IAI. Bill Carter, far left, and David LaFave, far right, are in a fine mood after passing respectively the General and Tech licence exams. Bill deserves additional kudos for getting a perfect score on both exams. We don’t see that happen very often. Good work Bill.

47 Members And Eight Visitors!

The first LARC picnic of the year was a resounding success. Everything was great! Great location, Circle Bar B, great weather, complements of a higher authority, great food, complements to some great cooks, and great conversation, the stuff hams are made of. Left to Right, our VP and program director Patrick KI4CDY, Ernie, Club President KG4YNI, and our club Treasurer, Marvin KI4CDZ. If I missed taking your picture, and I am sure I missed some of you, I will do my best catch you having fun next time. Click here for more pictures Bill KI4ZMV

Radio Picnic Details Finalized

Mark your calendars
Date: Saturday, March 26th 2011, park opens at daybreak
Location: Circle B Bar reserve
Directions: click here
Food: club will supply ribs, dogs, burgers and buns. Each family will bring a dish to pass, and what ever they want to drink. The club will supply paper plates, plastic ware and condiments for the burgers and dogs.
Activities: Come early, play radio, eat about noon. Bring your Go-kit, bring your QRP rig, bring your binoculars, bring your bikes, or just bring yourself, and plan to have a great time!
Chat with Patrick and Gary about the upcoming programs in the months of April and May which will focus on a kit building for newbies. Pros will be expected to mentor those less familiar with kits, parts, and soldering irons. More to follow at a later time.

Promoting The Hobby

Mike KT2T extols the benefits of the J-pole antenna to an interested passerby. Secretary Bob WA4YFN is in the background taking copious notes for the club on his laptop.

Ren KG4BAS, son Ansel KJ4ZRU, and daughter Gabby KK4ASD pose before the QRP radios each has built. Ham Radio is an excellent learning opportunity for both young and old alike. Having a supportive dad helps too.