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.

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.

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.

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.

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

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.

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.

These days when it comes to radio gear we are more likely to try it, buy it, add batteries or plug it in, and maybe even read the instructions that came with it. There was a time when things were different, except possibly for the ultra rich. These days it is often cheaper and better to buy most equipment factory made, but the tradition lives on. Homebrew is still alive and as intoxicating as ever. During April’s meeting Gary will present a project for the beginner that will be completed during May’s meeting. It is directed at the newbie, but the more experienced are expected to help those less familiar with the various techniques for loosing components and burning yourself with a soldering iron. The project will be a kit, cost $10 dollars, which can be paid either at the March 27th picnic or at the April meeting. I can tell you first hand that the kit is worth the price, having spent more than $10 for only half the components I needed to mock up this project from parts I had on hand.
So what is the project? Briefly, it is an astable multivibrator driving two LEDs and a 555 timer to produce both flashing lights and wailing sounds. Everything you need to complete the project is included. You supply the soldering iron. Those who have one are asked to bring it, even if they will not be building the kit themselves.
OK so you are not convinced. Here is the breadboard version of the circuit you will be building. Yours will function the same, but will look much more professional. A work of art.

Still like to learn more. The complete plans, including parts, theory, and soldering tips is available by clicking here.

Date: March 19th, 8:00 AM to 2:00 PM
Location: 8950 Campbell Rd, Lakeland (Across from Bethel Baptist Church)
Directions:

Plan to attend this fun event. There will be lots of food, entertainment, and be sure to drop by the LARC booth and visit with club members who will be demonstrating their craft throughout the day.

The Lakeland Police Department will be hosting an open house for the community on March 19, 2011, from 10:00 am to 2:00 pm, at the main station located at 219 N Massachusetts Avenue in Lakeland. This event is free to the public and drinks and refreshments will be served. One of the exhibits will be feature the Lakeland Amateur Radio Club demonstrating ham radio in action.