THE
Meetings and Nets:
1st, 3rd, 5th Wednesdays:
On-the-air Net at 8:30pm on 147.225+ PL156.7 (no tone required during nets)
2nd Wednesday:
Informal/Social Meeting at 7:30pm - Dinosaurs Restaurant; U.S. Route 1 at Contee Road, Laurel
4th Wednesday:
Monthly Meeting at 7:30pm - The Woman's Club of Laurel, 384 Main Street, Laurel
Nightly:
Informal Net/Rag-Chew from 10-11pm on 147.540
Laurel Amateur Radio Club, Inc.
P.O. Box 3039
Laurel, MD 20709-3039
Next Meeting:
Wednesday, April 23, 1997
The Woman's Club of Laurel
384 Main Street
Laurel, Maryland
Topics: Stealth Antennas, Montpelier,
Main Street
Officers:
President: Mark Doore N3NTQ 301-572-2385 mark.s.doore@bell-atl.com
Vice-President: Roger Davis W3LM 301-776-6961 rldavis2@juno.com
Secretary: John Menard N3GXA 301-725-1641
Treasurer: Patty Menard N3OYN 301-725-1641
Other LARC Positions and Contacts:
Immediate Past President: Jim Cross WI3N 301-725-6829 jcross3@juno.com
Membership: Patty Menard N3OYN 301-725-1641
FAR Representative: Joe Seaslely KA3UZI 301-725-5822
FAR Representative: Dan Blasberg KA8YPY 202-667-5780 dan.blasberg@junoi.com
Laurel VEC: Bob Busch WB3KXJ 301-317-7819 rbusch@erols.com
LARC VE Testing: John Creel WB3GXW 301-572-5124 creewb3gxw@aol.com
AutoCall Reporter: Jim Cross WI3N 301-725-6829 jcross3@juno.com
Membership: Patty Menard N3OYN 301-725-1641
T-MARC/D-MARC Rep: Kevin Arber W3DAD 301-725-0038 aa0005@mail.pratt.lib.md.us
Public Information Officer: Pud Reaver W3YD 301-498-6293 preaver@erols.com
Youth Programs: Mark Doore N3NTQ 301-572-2385 mark.s.doore@bell-atl.com
Education and Training: Pud Reaver W3YD 301-498-6293 preaver@erols.com
Technical Specialist: Kevin Arber W3DAD 301-725-0038 aa0005@mail.pratt.lib.md.us
Emergency Operations: Mike Moseley WB3HUP 301-317-8546 wb3hup@aol.com
Club Emergency Station: Mike Moseley WB3HUP 301-317-8546 wb3hup@aol.com
Official Bulletin Station: Pud Reaver W3YD 301-498-6293 preaver@erols.com
Official Relay Station: Pud Reaver
W3YD 301-498-6293 preaver@erols.com
LARC Special Interest Groups and
Mentors:
Trying something new here,
thoughts???
Antennas
ATV
Contesting
Packet/APRS
QRP Scott Rosenfeld NF3I 301-549-1022 ham@w3eax.umd.edu
Repeaters
Satellite/EME
ARRL Field Organization:
Atlantic Division Director: Kay Craige WT3P 610-993-9623 wt3p@arrl.org
Atlantic Division Vice Director: Bernie Fuller N3EFN 814-763-1529 w3efn@arrl.org
MD/DC Section Manager: Bill Howard WB3V 410-551-6775 wb3v@erols.com
Affiliated Club Coordinator: Tony Young
WA3YLO 301-262-1917 tonny@juno.com
Thanks to those
who complimented Mark and I on the New Feedback format. At least
this month I have a pretty good idea what things will look like.
I have limited access to the Internet, so I haven't looked for
the on-line version yet. I may not do so for a long time. Mark
has scanned in some photographs for the draft version, and these
may appear in the final. We have wanted to publish higher quality
photos for some time. Joe/NA3T was one of our best contributors,
and he liked to use pictures, but the quality of a xeroxed photo
print degrades very quickly. One of the advantages of being editor
is that I got to see the color originals of things like the Algonquin
dish antenna. I have always felt that the Feedback is the primary
source of LARC information for many members, so if we can show
a few shots of our activities, like Field Day, it will give a
better idea to our friends who just can't make it to these things.
Our March meeting, featuring Chris
Imlay/W3KD, was extremely well attended. There were quite a few
new members who I think felt welcome, and I would daresay the
evening was quite a success. It appears we have 17 new members
since our mailing to local hams. So, if you think you're seeing
a lot of new faces at the meeting, you probably are, and I encourage
you to say hello and introduce yourself. I would also like to
point out that with all this sort of activity, Patty and I have
been very busy at the meetings and just can't talk to all the
people we should, so please let us know if you have fallen between
the paperwork cracks somewhere. (After all, Kevin/W3DAD only had
to remind me about 10 times to straighten out those Sweepstakes
pins.)
I hope you're getting into the habit
of posting the Calendar of Events somewhere conspicuous, (perhaps
on the front of a major kitchen appliance). This month, we have
the updated Membership Roster for 1997. Make sure you save that
thing so you can refer to it throughout the months. I still make
use of these things from several years back, believe it or not.
Take notice of the Thank You note sent to Norm/K3QDC. He received this from yet another happy customer of the Laurel VEC, and it's very nice. These notes are a not uncommon, but all our long time VEs deserve a pat on the back once in a while. Also be sure to read Kevin's excellent as always article on antennas before you leave for the meeting. If you don't have time, just bring your trusty Feedback to the meeting.
WB4ARC Dan Clark Laurel (North) danielclark@msn.com
NV3C John Riehl Laurel (Ashford) realman@smart.net
WA9DLD Len Sandelli Burtonsville bigonton@erols.com
W3FUO Hugh O'Donnell Beltsville hugh.b.odonnell.1@gsfc.nasa.gov
N3GJF Lorn Hinish Rocky Gorge
NF3I Scott Rosenfeld Burtonsville ham@w3eax.umd.edu
N3MXZ Chris Rosenfeld Burtonsville pooka@w3eax.umd.edu
N3PZQ Rick Rekus Laurel (North)
N3RWJ Mary Rekus Laurel (North)
(assoc) Christine Doore Calverton christine.doore@juno.com
(assoc) Stephen Doore Calverton stephen.doore@juno.com
3 KB3YR Dick Chabot
9 W3FUO Hugh O'Donnell
26 WA4AVU Don Downs
27 N3GJ Lorn Hinish
3 KB3BCG Edward McNaney
10 WB3HZI Henry Noll
14 K3MHZ Bill Clark
14 KU3Z Joe Grzesik
18 N3NYF Tom Freeman
23 WA9DLD Len Sandelli
25 N3NYM Paul Raeder
26 N3LDJ Jim Washington
26 WA3YLO Tony Young
30 W3PYZ Frank Alling
first year: 1917, last year: 1964
Did we miss anyone?
Laurel Amateur Radio Club
c/o Patty Menard/N3OYN
905 Montrose Avenue
Laurel, Maryland 20707-3835
As Howard/K3IOG would say, "Busy,
Busy, Busy!"
First of all, let me apologize to our
new members. I had intended to send a welcome letter and copy
of the bylaws to all of you. I hope you will let me get away
with giving you a big WELCOME here! I've had the pleasure to
meet several of you, and hope to meet the rest of you soon. From
the information on the membership applications it looks like you
have a broad range of interests and skills. I hope you will not
be shy, jump in ask for help or lend a hand. We can always use
some new ideas.
You should find a copy of the club bylaws
enclosed. I am sending them to everyone since I did not get them
out to the new members and suspect some of the other members haven't
seen them either, now everyone should be covered. As I write
this I don't know how good the copy will come out. We wanted
to get a full Feedback out, the bylaws, and the membership list
without incurring too much of a postage cost. The reduced copy
is either a scanned or cut/paste version. I scanned the bylaws
through my OCR software but decided not give out an altered document.
Going through I found a couple typos which we should probably
correct this year. So, go ahead and read them through, and bring
up any suggestions for changes at one of the next meetings.
As you will see mentioned later, the
club has picked a 70cm simplex frequency to hang our hats on.
Our first official use of the channel will probably be at the
Main Street Festival. In the past we have used two 2-meter frequencies,
one for general use and one specifically for parade coordination.
This has caused some de-sense problems that should be alleviated
by moving the parade frequency to 440. If you don't have a 440
HT, I might suggest that you stop by Radio Shack and check out
the HTX-404. They are being discontinued and are on sale for
$179.95 though April 26. I have one and have been very pleased
with it. Joe/N3TZA and Phil/K3MEG had made special arrangements
with two different Radio Shack stores to get an additional 10-20%
off for a group purchase. Both of these deals fell through on
their subsequent visits. Thanks for your efforts guys! And don't
forget about John/WB3GXW's 444.250+ PL156.7 repeater or the repeater
at MRC (442.500+ as I recall).
If you didn't make it to the March meeting,
you missed a good one. Chris' discussion about antenna restrictions
was of particular interest to me since I moved to HOA-land last
Fall. I just received from my HOA a copy of the proposed changes
to the antenna covenants that cover my home QTH . The 'Antenna'
section used to be just one line: No outdoor antennas are
permitted. The section is now a full page, but the first
sentence is: Satellite dishes less than 1 meter in diameter
and antennas are permitted. While it goes on to explain all
the approval procedures, there is no language about the antennas
having to be receive-only or TV-only. Maybe there is some hope
here.
I had the opportunity to attend a Foundation
for Amateur Radio (FAR) meeting last week, this is a fine group
of hams. I had previously thought the organization's primary
function was the scholarship program, but they actually are a
resource for a much broader range of amateur projects. If you
have ideas for projects that are not club specific, but would
enhance the amateur service on broader basis, please let Joe/KA3UZI,
Dan/KA8YPY, or one of the LARC directors know. FAR may be able
to help fund such projects. Tony/WA3YLO of FAR also runs the
Widows Program, which sells equipment of Silent Keys - I'll try
to get some more information out on this so you can add it your
list of shopping resources.
I almost have something that resembles
a shack now. I ran into this thing called APRS which has revived
my interest in packet radio. I found myself going through my
computer graveyard and piecing together a couple of computer systems
to get online again. Anyway, you will find out much more about
APRS at our May meeting when Bob Bruninga/WB4APR, the creator
of APRS comes to speak. Maybe we can even track him to to the
club house, I assume that 'Bob's Van' on my map is WB4APR. I'm
also hoping to have at least one APRS station and tracker setup
at Field Day. I guess part of my interest in APRS is that it
is something that kids might think is cool and get them interested
in ham radio. Or, maybe it's just for older and slower kids,
like me.
Speaking of youth, that is where I am trying to expend much of my effort this year. We have two big public opportunities to hit them: Field Day and JOTA. I'm trying to get the word out to the schools, scout groups, and
other youth groups about our Field Day. This is an excellent opportunity to showcase the many aspects of amateur radio. I'm hoping all of you will really pitch in to make our Field Day a good PR event. Please let Jim/WI3N, Dick/N3MJA, or myself know of any ideas you have for presentations or demonstrations at FD.
We are looking to introduce and promote amateur radio to youth through the following avenues:
We need members to develop programs for each of these areas, participate in teaching portions of the programs, and generally provide support and help wherever possible.
Field Day, June 28-29, will be our first opportunity to try out some of our ideas. We would like to have some interesting presentations and demonstrations that show-off the many facets of ham radio.
Please contact Mark/N3NTQ, Dick/N3MJA, or Jim/WI3N of you have ideas or can help out in any of these areas.
I also want to utilize the OASIS program
this Fall to introduce youth to amateur radio. The OASIS program
runs on Thursday evenings from 6:30-8:30pm at Eisenhower Middle
School. Each session runs about 4 weeks. This program provides
tutoring and special-interest classes to school-age children.
We'll need to start soon to layout a program that should include
videos, talks, and demonstrations. We might want to look at the
requirements for the Boy Scout Radio Merit Badge and cover much
of that material in the classes. This would be a way to get a
good set of prospects for the class and get them prepared for
JOTA at the same time. ARRL has some good materials that we can
use to get the creative juices flowing.
I've probably missed some things, but it's almost 4am on Friday now, so guess I should sign. See you at the meeting, Montpelier, or Main Street. Oh, bring any good show-n-tell stuff, particularly related to Stealth Antennas, to the meeting this Wednesday.
73, de Mark/N3NTQ
A hobby is cheaper than a shrink.
(although the XYL probably sees it differently)
Sunday, May 4 Montpelier Spring Festival
We need to get out there at about 8am, details to be discussed at the April meeting. Please let Roger/W3LM know if you can help out.
Saturday, May 10 Main Street Festival
We need folks from 6am to 5pm. Most our work is from 6am until about 10am. The parade will start at 9am this year. Please let Pud/W3YD or Howard/K3IOG know if you can help out, even for part of the day. Further discussion at April meeting.
Saturday, June 7 Laurel 5K Run/Walk
Will need 12-15 operators, a few at 6am and the rest by 7:30am. Stay tuned for further details. Mark/N3NTQ is the coordinator.
At our March meeting, Chris Imlay, W3KD,
provided some hope for amateurs living in antenna restricted areas.
For those amateurs interested in UHF and above there is light
at the end of the tunnel. From VHF on down, problems may remain
for some time to come. On the other hand, in certain circumstances
low profile antennas may be called for even if no antenna restrictions
apply. Or, if you have obtained an exception, you may not want
to give your amateur station a high profile for other reasons.
In any case, some of the ideas below, while not new, may help
in accommodating your particular situation.
In preparing these articles I usually
outline the article first. This is usually an easy task and it
keeps me from straying off the subject, however, I had some difficulty
with stealth antennas. I could not easily determine a set of
major paragraphs. I finally used, yard, deck and indoor antennas
as the major headings, but could have opted for HF, VHF/UHF or
e, tubing or some other classification. In any case, there
is no clear dividing line between the classifications, and what
can be used on the deck may be equally useful in the yard or indoors.
Yard Antennas:
If you have even a small yard, you may
be able to have an effective HF antenna for communication out
to 300 to 500 miles on the lower bands. An antenna close to,
or even on or under the ground, can provide effective communications
using NVIS (Near-Vertical Incidence Skywave). An article by Ed
Wirtz, W7JGM appearing in the ARRL Antenna Compendium #5, on his
results is worth reading. Ed used 100 feet of wire, lying on-the-ground,
fed against a copper ground rod and used an antenna tuner with
his NVIS setup. The wire need not be in a straight line, but
can conform to your particular yard layout. Wire laying on top
of the ground may not be convenient. In that case a slit can
be cut in the grass and the wire laid in the slit. Soon the grass
will cover the slit over and it will not be noticeable. If your
neighborhood allows radio controlled dog fences, which employ
buried wire, then they should not object to the buried NVIS antenna.
If your yard is fenced with a wooden
fencing, then a wire can follow the fence. There is no need to
create a center-fed dipole, however, remember that the wire will
have high and low voltage points existing along them and you will
likely find it easier to feed it at a low voltage point (1/4 wavelength,
3/4 wavelength, etc.) rather than at a high voltage point. In
this case, since the wire is above ground and accessible to others,
caution should be used that someone does not inadvertently come
in contact with the wire while you are transmitting. Using insulated
wire would be prudent.
Vertical antennas can be very effective
over the HF band if installed over a ground plane or counterpoise.
If a tower is out of the question, but a small structure is permissible,
then a commercial antenna such as the Cushcraft R7, Butternut
HF6 or a GAP vertical could be erected. These antennas are under
30 feet high and can be anchored easily to a 6-foot fence post.
They are visible, however they are unobtrusive. I have used
verticals for all my HF operating for many years with good results.
Another option is a mobile whip. This may be especially effective
if operation is on the upper HF bands and the whip can be mounted
several feet above ground. For a stealth antenna experiment,
I mounted a whip antenna at the top of a 6-foot fence post and
ran a counterpoise consisting of two radials under the antenna.
I was able to work many stations, including African and European
DX, with this antenna over the late February and March time period.
Deck Antennas:
A mobile whip can be mounted on a deck railing as easily as on a fence. A C-clamp can be used to hold a mount tight if screws are not permitted. For better concealment, mount the base of the antenna at floor level. The difference in height will make little difference in overall performance. VHF and UHF vertical antennas designed for mobile use will also work well if placed on a deck. Magnetic mounts can be placed on metal tables, or a short counterpoise used. There is no need to use the traditional four radials as only two are necessary; even one may
work. Make the radials equal length,
then adjust the antenna length for best SWR. If you have difficulty
getting the SWR under 2:1, unbalance the counterpoise. Shorten
one of the radial wires by folding it back upon itself until the
SWR is lowest. This will likely result in some radiation off
the counterpoise; but we are not interested in a clean pattern,
just getting some RF into the ether.
At VHF and above, antennas come down
in size to the point where you may be able to use a tripod mounted
Yagi. The Cushcraft 11-element 70 cm yagi is only 56 inches long.
If you have a clear view to the North and South many QSOs would
be possible during contests and some casual operation would be
successful. Combination antennas for 70 cm and 2 m can be constructed
on the same boom.
Deck mounted antennas will work well
for satellite operation, provided the satellite is not blocked
from your view. For the Phase II satellites (RS-10/11, 12/13,
15, 16, FO-20 and 29, and the Microsat digital satellites) vertical
J-pole antennas work well for close-in passes. Combination 70
cm and 2 m J-pole antennas can be mounted as a collinear unit
as described in the ARRL Handbook, 1994, page 23-27. Total length
is only 61 inches. A dual band indoor J-pole with receive preamplifier
is described in the January/February issue of the AMSAT Journal.
Yagis or other gain antennas may be needed for low horizon passes.
Yagi antennas will have to be repositioned as the satellite changes
its position in the sky. However, at the beginning and end of
the pass, the azimuth angle change is relatively small permitting
full attention to be given to making QSOs. At L and S band the
antennas are very small and a dish can be used. An 18 inch dish
will provide about 16 dB (50% efficiency) of gain at 2 GHz. A
satellite operation with a 1.2 GHz uplink and a 2 GHz downlink
is being touted as the way to go for P3D. Both antennas could
be mounted on a camera tripod, pointed at the satellite and not
moved for long periods of time, thus permitting relaxed operation.
For local FM simplex, repeaters and
local packet BBS a minimum antenna is usually sufficient. Any
of the ideas above will work, however, a low profile 1/4 wavelength
antenna or a short mobile is sufficient. The J-pole made from
300 ohm TV feedline is useful if you would like to hang an antenna
from an overhead flower-pot hook. These antennas can also be
stapled or taped to an external wall, but may need some after
installation tuning.
Indoor Antennas:
If you happen to live in a multi-story
condo, then the ideal place for an indoor antenna is in the attic.
A dipole for 40 meters is slightly less than 70 feet long and
may be accommodated if the ends are bent or folded back on themselves.
Linear loading of the antenna is also a possibility, or loading
coils / traps can be used just as if the antenna were outdoors.
I have had many HF QSOs, including DX, with hams who were using
indoor antennas and only a 50 or 100 watt transmitter. During
the peak of the last sunspot cycle I was able to work many Japanese
stations on the 10 meter band who were using indoor antennas.
Attic antennas can be strung between corners of the attic or
stapled to the rafters. Because of the proximity to other objects
they will likely have to be pruned to resonance for the chosen
band. If your attic is situated such that the rafters are broadside
to Europe or another favorite direction, then a wire Yagi is possible
for the higher HF bands. The attic could also house VHF and UHF
antennas for local, terrestrial or satellite work and may be large
enough to rotate a small VHF Yagi.
Using indoor antennas in the living
space of the home may be more of a problem, however, a couple
of ideas come to mind. If your home has large glass patio doors,
then a VHF/UHF antenna can be taped on the glass. Conductive
tape is available for this purpose from HAMCO, A2, PO Box 25,
Woodland Park, CO 80866. A loaded-loop HF antenna, sometimes
disguised as a box fan, can be placed in a window. You may also
experiment at VHF and above with slot antennas using aluminum
foil pressed against window glass or as a slot in a metal screen.
Whatever you try, you should be successful enough to be encouraged to continue. Part of the fun of amateur radio is in experimentation with different ideas. Try some of your own.
Mark/N3NTQ
May 3 - KIARC/AARC Hamfest/Computerfest Electronics Fleamarket - Grasonville, MD, VFW Grounds
0800-1400, 0600 tailgate setup, Talk-in 146.940, 147.105, 146.430, Admission $4 Donation, Tailgating FREE to Licensed Hams,
Breakfast/Lunch Available, Indoor Spaces and Power Available - First-Come. More Info: WN3G: 410-643-1125, K3ORC
410-643-4675, Exit 43B Eastbound on Route 50, about 1 mile past the Kent Narrows Bridge, Exit 44 Westbound, VFW Ave
May 4 - Great Hagerstown Hamfest & Computer Show, Hagerstown Junior College
Talk-in 146.940-, 146.520 night before and day of event. Admission $5 for Adults, Children under 12 Free. Huge 44,000 sq. ft.
Arena with handicap accessibilitiy. For vendors, paid in advance tables $15 each. Breakfast and lunch available,. VE Exams at
9am by Mountain VEC, no charge, walk-ins accepted. Tailgating spaces $5 per space, plus admission ticket. Over $2000 I prizes,
hourly drawings starting at 9am, grand prize at 2pm. ARRL approved. More information call 301-791-3010 (phone/fax) or mail
reservations to ARA, PO box 52, Hagerstown, MD 21741. http://www.kis.net/kd3o/hamfest.htm, ww.fred.net/n3xjo/hamfest.html
May 16-18 - Dayton Hamvention, Dayton, OH
I don't think too much needs to be said about the largest HamFest of the year. http://www.hamvention.org/
Scott/NF3I may have a seat available if you need a ride.
May 25 - Maryland FM Association - Howard County Fairgrounds, Rt. 144, West Friendship, MD
8am-2:30pm - premises must be cleared by 5pm, TALK-IN on WA3DZD/R Repeater (146.16/146.76, 223.16/224.76, 449.0/444.0)
Plenty of good food and drink will be available. Supplied by the West Friendship 4H. Donation: $5, Tailgaters: $5 per space,
Table rentals (inside) Paid in advance$15, at Hamfest $20. Only paid reservations accepted. If you haven't paid, you don't have
a reservation. For advance reservations and information: Craig Rockenbauch, 429 Severnside Dr Severna Park, MD
21146, 410-987-6042, checks payable to MFMA, Inc. All proceeds will be used for Amateur Radio related purposes. Commercial
vendors must have proper tax/license certificates available. All items offered for sale must Amateur Radio related.
June 12-14 - Radioactivity 97 - Best Western Maryland Inn, Laurel, MD
This is the 4th year, sponsored by Mid-Atlantic Antique Radio Club (MAARC). $4 if register by May24 or $8 at the event, $10 for
each flea market space. Free coffee, doughnuts, and bagels and cream cheese will be available each morning at the outdoor
trader's mart where there is room for over 300 vendors. There is a full agenda of presentations, workshops and distinguished
speakers. Bring a broken radio for the Radio Repair clinic. There are activities for the entire family. Starts Thursday evening and
ends Saturday afternoon with the auction. E-mail Brian Belanger (bcbelanger@aol.com) or call (301) 258-0708.
http://www.radiohistory.org/ract97.htm
June 15 - Fredrick Amateur Radio Club, Fredrick County Fairgrounds, Fredrick, MD
8am - 3pm, Talk-in 146.52x, K3ERM 146.64- & 448.425-, 146.73-. Admission: $5 donation, Tailgating: $5 each + 1 admission,
6' Vendor Table Iinside): $10 each. Radios, Electronics, Computers, Giant Outdoor Flea Market, Rain or Shine, Indoor
Commercial Area. Advanced reservation of INSIDE tables encouraged: PRINT your Name, Address, Company Name, # of
Tables requested and payment to: FARC, PO Box 1260, Fredrick, MD 21702-0260 before 5/16. For more information call the
SOUND SOURCE @ 301-695-2633 code: 6393.
June 21/22? - Manchester, MD
July 27 - Baltimore Radio Amateur Television Society (BRATS), Timonium Fairgrounds
York Road off I-695, I-83, Accessible to the handicapped, Children under 12 Free. Free VE Exams at 9am only, check in at
8:30am, pre-registration required: 410-467-4634. Buildings open at 8am, Tables Available. For information, table reservations,
and VE exam pre-registration contact BRATS, PO Box 5915, Baltimore MD 21282, 410-467-4634 voice or fax,
http://www.smart.net/~brats, brats@smartnet.net
September 7 - F.A.R Fest '97, Montgomery County Agricultural Center (Fairgrounds), Gaithersburg, MD
Gates open 6am, Commercial Buildings open 8am, Admission: $5 Adults, Children under 12 Free. Talk-in 146.955-, 443.400+,
146.520. Tailgate $15 per 10 ft space plus one admission ticket. Special Drawing 11:45am, picture id required to claim prize.
All requests for advance table and space reservations, contact: Mary Morris/N4TCI, n4tci@erols.com, 703-971-9305
October 10-12 - 16th Annual ARRL and TAPR Digital Communications Conference, Baltimore, MD
Conference is an international forum for radio amateurs in digital communications, networking, and related technologies to meet,
publish their work, and present new ideas and techniques for discussion. Presenters and attendees will have the opportunity to
exchange ideas and learn about recent hardware and software advances, theories, experimental results, and practical
applications. The Digital Communications Conference is not just for the digital expert, but for digitally-orientated amateurs of all
levels of experience. http://www.tapr.org/tapr/html/dccconf.html
October 26 - Mason-Dixon, Westminster, MD
Carroll County ARC and Penn-Mar RC, George Johns, N3JKY, PO Box 763, Hanover, PA 17331, 717-633-6641
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19 Sat 9:00am Laurel VE Test Session 384 Main Street
19 Sat various Free CPR/First Aid Class Roosevelt High School
20 Sun 9am-3pm Penn-Del Hamfest '97 (Delaware State Convention) New Castle, DE
23 Wed 7:30pm LARC Monthly Meeting - "Stealth Antennas" 384 Main Street
24 Thu 7:30pm PG County ARES/RACES Meeting Central Ave.
26-27 Spring National Exam Weekend
30 Wed 8:30pm LARC Net 147.225+
3 Sat 8am-2pm KIARC/ARRC Hamfest/Computerfest Electronics Fleamarket Grasonville, MD
4 Sun 8am-6pm Montpelier Spring Festival Montpelier Mansion
4 Sun 8am Greater Hagerstown Hamfest & Computer Show (Antietam) Hagerstown, MD
7 Wed 8:30pm LARC Net 147.225+
10 Sat 6am-5pm Laurel Main Street Festival 384 Main Street
10 Sun 9am-9pm Cheese Hollow Cheese Festival Special Event Station (W3HAM)
13 Tue 9:00pm PG County ARES Net 145.350-
14 Wed 7:00pm LARC Social Meeting Dinosaurs Restaurant
14 Wed 8:00pm FAR Meeting Alexandria
16-18 Fri-Sun Dayton HamVention Dayton, OH
17 Sat 9:00am Laurel VE Test Session 384 Main Street
17 World Telecommunication Day
17 9am - 5/18 9am Military-to-Amateur Cross-Band Test
18 Digital Transmitting Test
21 Wed 8:30pm LARC Net 147.225+
22 Thu 7:30pm PG County ARES/RACES Meeting Central Ave.
24 Sat NCAC ARES Training Institute Bethesda/Rockville
25 Sun Maryland F.M Association HamFest West Friendship
28 Wed 7:30pm LARC Monthly Meeting - "APRS" with WB4APR 384 Main Street
31-1 Fri-Sun Rochester Hamfest (ARRL
Atlantic Division Convention) Rochester, NY
1 Sun Ole Virginia Hams Hamfest
4 Wed 8:30pm LARC Net 147.225+
7 Sat 7am-11am Laurel 5K Run/Walk Pallotti Day Care/HS
10 Tue 9:00pm PG County ARES/RACES Net 145.350-
11 Wed 7:00pm LARC Social Meeting Dinosaurs Restaurant
11 Wed 8:00pm FAR Meeting Takoma Park
12-14 Thu-Sat Radioactivity 97 Laurel Best Western
15 Sun LARC Father's Day Special Event WB3HUP's Shack
15 Sun Fredrick ARC Hamfest Fredrick, MD
17 Wed 8:30pm LARC Net 147.225+
21 Sat 9:00am Laurel VE Test Session 384 Main Street
21 or 22 Hamfest Manchester, MD
22-29 Amateur Radio Week
28 Wed 7:30pm LARC Monthly Meeting 384 Main Street
28-29 Sat-Sun LARC Field Day Panther Field