March 2009 Letter from the Prez

As I sit here and write this article, the news is predicting several inches of snow. While many of you would be happy to not see the white stuff again, there is a group of us who love all the seasons we experience here in Minnesota! This weather will find some of us taking the opportunity to playing in the white stuff and others will take the time to get on the radio and work some DX. It allows something for everybody. A few of our members have been working K5D Desecheo. (Some have even gotten through the pile ups on the first or second call!) We even have SARA members who have started email chains about where they are on the bands and how to get though the pile ups.

The balloon team is getting ready to launch a capsule with the U of M. We will be using APRS to track the balloon. Members are preparing their equipment for tracking a balloon to over 85,000’. This is a fun activity and provides an opportunity to practice coordinating a mobile event. It allows us a chance to get outdoors and enjoy the Minnesota weather. We get to traverse some of the more remote areas and there always seems to be an adventure. This is a great opportunity for those who prefer to get outside with their radios instead of chasing DX from the comfort their homes. That’s what makes this hobby great, there’s something for everyone.

Since we are talking about APRS; we have Jerry NØMR and Keith AGØH presenting this month on APRS, Packet, and Pactor. If you want to learn about these modes or how to track the balloon from your home station, you will want to attend this presentation. Jerry and Keith will give a short presentation describing APRS, Packet, and Pactor. Then we will go into a workshop. Bring your 2m radio, TNC, and laptop. They will help you get software installed and configured to get you going on these modes. I’m on APRS but I want to learn a new mode called WinLink radio email system. I know Jerry has been working on an easy to follow set of instructions to help get you started.

You may want to consider getting your radioham email address if you have not done so already. It can help you receive amateur radio news and messages from fellow SARA members. This is an easy way to send messages to your friends by just knowing their call sign

If you were at the last meeting, you heard me talk about the possibility of a new repeater location. We have had three members offer their property as a possible location. One of these is an excellent location for a repeater. I’m currently working on negotiating the details and hope to make an announcement at the March meeting. The Board and I are very excited about the possible new location. Make sure you are at the March meeting to hear what we have planned for the SARA repeater.