April 2009 Letter from the Prez

Last month while I was writing this column -- several inches of snow was predicted. In reviewing other articles, I noticed that in the April 2008 column I wrote about Spring and how it was time to get outside and do some antenna work. Minnesota is always known to be fickle with the weather. It appeared that Spring seemed to have a foothold (but now it’s snowing and cold again). This in-between weather is not popular with any of us. This reminds me of my brother’s comment to me about global warming -- “forget my grandkids, I’m cold now!” I know many of you can relate to that statement. As an interesting footnote, he lives near the beach in California. They think a refrigerator is cold.

The balloon team will be launching its capsule into near space on April 4 weather permitting. A lot of work has gone into this project and I hope to have a story to publish to tell you all about our success.

It is official -- WE ARE GETTING A NEW REPEATER! If you were at the last meeting, you know that George KCØWOA offered use of his property. We are in the process of getting a quote from Radio City on the necessary items. The coverage plots are looking very promising from this location. If everything works out, we will be putting up a tower on the property, too. Look for updates and please get on and try it out when we have it functioning. It is anticipated to be up and running near the end of April. If for some reason it does not work at this location, we are evaluating other locations with the option of using the equipment for special events. We do not anticipate any issues that would make the new location not work. Work has been progressing on the Excel stack and it is possible that location may be used again if the interference issue is resolved.

I’ve been asked if we are going to have another Show-N-Tell in the parking lot after the May meeting. The answer to those types of questions is always…it is up to you, the members of SARA. If want a Show-N-Tell after the May meeting, let your board members know and we will get it scheduled.

This month’s meeting presentation will be on the emergency 800MHz system by Frank Karnauskas N1UW. Will it work when we need it? If you’re interested in emergency communications and what is up with the 800MHz system, then you will want to see this presentation. Frank is encouraging us to bring our questions, rumors overheard, and opinions for an open discussion of this public safety radio technology.