volume 58 issue number 2 february 2020page 1 the reading radio lub was established march 10th, 1921...
TRANSCRIPT
Page 1
The Reading Radio Club Was Established March 10th, 1921 , ARRL Affiliated February 17, 1922
A Monthly Publication of the Reading Radio Club Scott (KC3PCS) & Lori Scheirer, Editors ([email protected])
Volume 58 Issue Number 2 February 2020
Inside the February 2020 edition of
The RRC Bulletin:
Front Page 1
Meetings / BOD / Officers 2
Web Page & Facebook / Spring Breakfast 3
HB 37 4
Prez Says 5
Simplex Net & Pagoda Net / 3/7/10 Initiative 6
Editor’s Remarks 7
Meeting on the Air / VE Exams 89
Ron’s Ravings / Fox Hole 9
Meeting Highlights & Photos 10-12
John Flickinger, SK 13-14
50 Years Ago 15-17
Repeaters & Nets 18
For Sale / Wanted / Free 19
Membership Statistics 20
Calendar of Events 21
About The Bulletin 22
W3BN W3CCH
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Next Board Meeting: Tues, February 11th, 2020 at 7:30 PM
Next General Meeting: Fri, February 14th, 2020 at 7:30 PM
Topic: Amateur Radio Newsline with Paul Braun
Location: Berks County Agricultural Center
To find the Berks County Agricultural Center, 1238 COUNTY WELFARE ROAD, LEESPORT, PA 19533 (Bern Township). Go north on Route 183 out of Reading, pass the Reading Regional Airport, continue about a mile to the traffic light controlled exit intersection and take a LEFT at "W. LEESPORT RD" (A CVS is on the northwest corner). Pass the "BERN EVANGELICAL LUTHERAN CHURCH" on your right. Then take the RIGHT at the next "STOP" sign (County Welfare Road). Go about a mile; the Berks County Agricultural Center is on your LEFT. Use the entrance at the REAR of the building.
2020 RRC OFFICERS = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = =
PRESIDENT Chris Schlegel, K3ADA [email protected] (20) VICE PREZ Ron Waszk, K3RJW [email protected] (20) SECRETARY Harry Hoffman, W3VBY [email protected] (22) TREASURER Nate Rosenthal, N2ADD NateØ[email protected] (20)
2020 RRC AT-LARGE BOARD MEMBERS = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = =
Art Becker, KB3LDI [email protected] (21) Jason Potter, K3WDF [email protected] (21) Joe Pietruszynski, AC3DI [email protected] (21) John Engle, AB3SR [email protected] (22) Scott Scheirer, KC3PCS [email protected] (22) The two-digit number, in brackets, to the right of the BOD member's email address, is the year that their term ends on December 31. (A normal 3-year term runs from Jan. 1 to Dec. 31, three years later). The four officers of the RRC are elected from the BOD by the NINE board members at the annual RRC Board of Directors Reorganization Meeting held in January of each year. Please note that ALL nine BOD members have voting power.
Please note: The Board of Director Minutes are available online at https://www.qsl.net/w3bn/BOD.html
or in written form by request.
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WEB PAGE OF THE READING RADIO CLUB = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = =
Dave Schearer, K3BN - The RRC Web Master
www.readingradioclub.org
or
just Google W3BN
http://www.facebook.com/RRCW3BN maintained by Chris Schlegel, K3ADA
UNITED STATES POSTAL SERVICE MAIL (USPS) = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = =
Send ALL USPS Mail pertaining to the Reading Radio Club to the OFFICIAL, and long term,
(Since Oct. 1986), Reading Radio Club mailing address:
ATTENTION TO ** READING RADIO CLUB INC
PO BOX 13777 READING PA 19612-3777
** = Officer, title, or name of the person or persons to whom your correspondence is specifically addressed.
The date of the 2020 RRC Spring Breakfast is Saturday, April 4 at 9 a.m.
Location is the Heidelberg Family Restaurant, Robesonia, PA.
CU,
Jim, W3ITH
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The Pennsylvania House has produced and adopted a Bill (House Bill 37) that must now go to the Pennsylvania Senate for further deliberation. The Bill is an act aimed at enforcing hands-free cellphone operation while on the road. The spirit of the Bill is to make our roads safer, to which we can all agree. Unfortunately, in the deliberations in the House, certain wording has been removed that exempts FCC licensed amateur radio operators. If you further extend the stipulations of the Bill as it stands today, it also makes illegal the use of Citizen's Band Radio and General Mobile Radio Service in private moving vehicles. If this Bill is passed in the Senate as worded, the Amateur Radio community will be in violation of section 3316 of the law simply by performing their actions of public service. What was once legal will soon be made illegal in the Commonwealth.
HERE IS A COPY OF THE BILL AS ADOPTED BY THE HOUSE. While it may be safe to assume the Pennsylvania Senate will correct this, it would be more prudent to reach out to your Pennsylavania Senator and voice your concern. Click here to find your State Senator and be heard. Encourage your Senators to discuss and revise this House Bill 37 such that those working with two-way radios (paramedics, amateur radio operators, general mobile radio service, etc.) are exempt while using their two-way radio devices in the performance of their duties.
Please note: George Miller, W3GWM, our ARRL EPA Section Manager has stepped in on this and shall be devoting legal attention from the ARRL to our House and Senate. While this is encouraging to see, I don’t believe the radio community should relax their efforts in reaching out to their respective Senators.
Please also note: Philadelphia Senator Farnese is introducing an amendment to the bill to exempt amateur radio mobile use from the bill. Please reach out to your PA House and Senate representatives to show your support for the amendment.
—- Daniel Boone, KB3ZMB, Red Rose Repeater Association Webmaster. (Edited by Scott Scheirer, KC3PCS)
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It's another one of those months when I'm not very creative about what I should be
writing, so I'll just give a brief update on upcoming meetings.
Thanks to Ron's help, we may have a "Stop the Bleed" presentation in the near future.
For those who have not heard of it, it's a national awareness program to help the
average Joe/Jane learn how to control bleeding injuries. Death due to exsanguination
can happen in mere minutes, and with minor training can be preventable. I had the
opportunity to eavesdrop on a presentation for Deka's emergency responders and was
surprised at the new tourniquet protocols. Things have changed significantly since
some of us have had any first aid training. The, now prescribed, tourniquet usage is
just one example. The higher probability for hams, as emergency support, to be
exposed to this type injury was a motivator to try and get a presenter for us.
I would like to mention the RRC MOTA committee. Rich, Jim, Art, and Dave have been
doing a wonderful job of keeping the MOTA going and on the air. Rest assured, every
Friday night at 8pm that we do not have a monthly meeting, these gentleman put time
and effort into bringing our listeners news and announcements relating to our club and
Amateur Radio. Thank you gentleman, for keeping us up to date and continuing to
volunteer your time!
As for the "poor man's spectrum analyzer", things have been on hold for a bit while I
try to get readjusted to full duty at work. So far, I've learned quite a bit about cheap
Chinese purchases. Rest assured, the presentation is still on it's way. Now, how do I
get that tiny little pin soldered to the center conductor on a SMA male connector…
73,
Chris, K3ADA
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THREE SEVEN TEN 2 METER ACTIVITY INITIATIVE
= = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = ========= By: Rich Ahrens, W3WJC (09/29/2018) (updated 1/27/2019)
You do not need to be IDing on repeaters over a period of a few weeks before you conclude that most repeaters throughout the United States are underused. You ID your station. . . . .“This is KA3XYZ listening on 91” and no one returns to your call ID –
IT MAY BE THAT NO ONE IS LISTENING. Here is an idea that MAY, MIGHT, COULD stimulate some conversation (QSOs) on the Reading Radio Club 146.910 MHz repeater. We might call it the “Three, Seven, Ten” gathering or maybe “T S T” for short. The thought is to turn on your 2-Meter transceiver at 3:00 p.m., 7:00 p.m., and 10:00 p.m. Identify your station and see if anyone comes back and wants to shoot the breeze. No net control, just some informal Ham Radio conversation. Let us try this and see if we can pep up activity on the Reading Radio Club, W3BN, 146.910 MHz repeater. The CTCSS is 131.8 Hz.
Catch up with Jim, N3PRJ, he is usually on the 3:00 p.m. session. Thanks Jim for being a regular on the RRC 146.910 MHz repeater.
I am trying to start something NEW at least for quite a few of us...A SIMPLEX NET.
A few years ago, according to Rich and a few members, there was a morning net where a lot of us retired hams would get together to jab.
WELL this I hope to be a little different in that it will be a SIMPLEX meeting, and during a time that the majority of us will be available. The repeater will not be used with ONE exception. It will be the backup to announce the simplex meeting and on what frequency. We hope to use our Fox frequency of 146.550, or to open it up to travelers,146.520. Of course if the traveler is NOT a member, then they do not count on the Pagoda award paper.
I hope to go every other month with a SIMPLEX NET that will be run sort of like the HF nets you hear. The next month will be a FOX HUNT. The NEW NET will NOT contain Newsline, or any other long winded reports. IT WILL BE a short "CONTACT" session to see who you can reach to say HI AND get credit for one or more of your recorded call signs for the Pagoda award.
One last thought is… Maybe a few of the hams, can break off and try using HF to talk direct for testing their equipment and getting a contact that way.
That’s all, I am still looking for other ideas that we may incorporate into this endeavor. So don't be afraid to make suggestions and mail them to me, send a text , or even call me. My information is on the roster. but my e-mail is [email protected].
Thanks all. Stay tuned for more info on this,
RON 73
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Wow did January fly by. Between the kids sports (Bowling, Wrestling), and work, we’ve barely had time to get on
the air. I I did manage to get a bit of work done on my 71’ wire antenna. I got it raised up above the fence and ground that
my auto-tuner can tune it on 80 meters. We were driving down the road and saw the coolest van. It had multiple antennas
including what we assume to be a microwave antenna. After conferring with another ham, we believe we know who it was
and I’m hoping in the future to see the inside of the van. This past weekend was the VHF/UHF Contest.
There are so many different types of hams out there. Some hams just like vhf/uhf. Some prefer to stay on HF.
Some just listen. I even know one ham who relies on ham radio to keep in touch with people (it’s his chosen form of
communication).
One of the events I’d like to see our club participate in, AS A CLUB, is winter field day. While it’s already come and
gone for 2020, we could try to get a group together for 2021. Winter Field day is unique in that it’s colder out, the signals
react differently. It’s also fun to get together more often. We need to get more members out to meetings and events. Your
Board of Directors is hard at work getting entertainment / presenters for our meetings. Let’s show our appreciation by
coming to the meetings. Engaging whenever we can.
Be sure to bring your friends to the meetings. We have some great entertainment planned. AR Newsline and how
it’s done this month. We have a presentation on space coming up, a presentation on stopping the bleed as well. There will
be some activities done at meetings this year as well. Let’s make 2020 a Banner Year!!!
Another thing to mention. I know they mention this on the MOTA and at EVERY meeting. TESTING!!! If you want to
get your license or upgrade, let us know. If you have a special need, such as needing it read to you, or maybe a quiet room
with just the examiners, PLEASE, PLEASE let us know. We can accommodate you. Don’t let fear or anything else stop you
from trying. Once you’ve gotten that license, or upgrade, get on the air. We’re all willing to help. We are working on getting
a class together as well.
Let’s make this OUR Reading Radio Club. We can do this by comradery, having fun, elmering, and just participating.
As Ron always says, feel free to contact any board member. Our emails are listed on page 2. You’re also welcome to text or
call me at 610-507-8624 if you have questions and I’ll help where I can.
One last I thing, get on the repeater. I have my HT on most days and I barely hear any activity. There is a crew of 4
of us who get on the repeater during the week between 6 and 6:30 am. (im usually monitoring from 5 am till 6:15 in the car).
Let’s make our repeater one of the most active in the area. If your mic shy, send a text and we’ll include you into our QSO’s in
the morning. Ron has talked about a simplex MOTA. This is a way to get you on the air as well. The 3/7/10 Initiative (and
I’ve mentioned this many times), is a great way to get on the air. Throw out your call sign. Make new friends and start a
round table QSO. Trust me, it gets easier with time.
Happy February and let’s hope the groundhog doesn’t see his shadow.
73
Scott & Lori
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Are you looking to take your amateur radio test? Looking to upgrade? If we get enough
interest, we can set up a test session before a meeting. Please contact Harry Hoffman
Tel: 610-678-8976 or email: [email protected].
Don’t forget we have a test session scheduled in June at Field Day.
RRC MEETING ON THE AIR (RRCMOTA) = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = =
By: Rich Ahrens, W3WJC (01.18.2020) Check into the RRC MEETING ON THE AIR on the Friday evenings that we do not have an in-person meeting. The net on 146.910 MHz starts at 8:00 p.m. with the latest AMATEUR RADIO NEWSLINE REPORT from the West Coast. We then have an exchange of information that may be of interest to the members of the Reading Radio Club as well as those that are not RRC members. The last part of the net is a roll call where we usually have 21 to 44 stations check-in and test their FM analog equipment. The CTCSS is 131.8 Hz. (3B). The net has been in operation since January 22, 1994. On Friday January 31, 2020, we had session number 1102, Art Becker, KB3LDI, was the Net Control. The next RRCMOTA will be on Friday February 7, 2020, starting at 8:00 p.m. on the Reading Radio Club 146.910 MHz W3BN analog repeater.
Everyone, RRC Members and those that are not members, are invited to tune in and check into the
READING RADIO CLUB MEETING ON THE AIR = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = =
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OK EVERYONE, I have absolutely no business from the Vice Pres side of the house. I will be running the Meeting on Friday the 14th. Chris will be out of town, but I will run it the same way.
The fox hunt indoor is not coming along at all. I finally got the answer from Lincoln Park for the ball room there, It is free on weekdays ( NOT WEEKNIGHTS) but costs $60 an hour during the weekend. SO that’s out. I am still looking to anyone that can find an indoor large room to hold an indoor hunt, but after 5 weeks of asking, I only had one response and that was from Kermit. He hasn’t gotten back to me on anything yet. SO, just stand by for anything I hear.
I will schedule after I get a room.
Last but not least, I am working on the Simplex On The Air. I have the list of members now. I will be putting them on EXCEL to run the meeting, so I don't miss anyone. I am still looking forward to a Sunday afternoon. There will be NO Ham Nation. Just a bunch of guys trying out the simplex of their units to a net monitor. probably me. It will not be a JAB session, just a radio test simplex try. The guys can jab afterward to each other, and even change to different frequencies if they want. I will only be testing our frequency (146.550), the same one we use for our Fox Transmitter. I also believe I will be the Net ON MOUNT PENN. I will be trying my Go Box, which I will be showing at this coming meeting in February. I will run the net only the first time from Mount Penn. After that, I may just run it from home. This will be GREAT time to fill in your Pagoda Award paper work and receive a nice award to hang in your shack.
Thats all for now. See you at the meeting.
Ron K3RJW 73
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RRC MEETING HIGHLIGHTS JANUARY 10, 2020 **********************************************************************
By: RRC Secretary Harry Hoffman W3VBY.
The Friday evening January 10, 2020 RRC General Meeting was held at the Ag Center Main Auditorium. 1. Prior to 7:30 p.m. Jim Nicholas, W3ITH, and Rich Ahrens, W3WJC, were taking attendance and selling 50-50 tickets.
2. RRC President Chris Schlegel, K3ADA, called the meeting to order at 7:36 p.m. In attendance were 22 RRC members and 12 guests for a total of 34.
3. RRC President Chris Schlegel, K3ADA, led the group in the pledge to the American Flag. 4. The microphone was passed around and the RRC members and guests introduced themselves. The guests were: Bella Galiyano; Allen Hewitt, KC3EWJ; Elan Lift; Andrew Lutz, KC3LPN; Linda Martzall; Terry Martzall; Joe Morrissey; Herbert Moyer; Alex Nicholas; Lori Scheirer; Jonathan Weaver, KC3LNR; Sgt. Michael P. Wiley, KB3IFB (guest speaker); and “Jasper” (K4AJZ, Janine Galiyano’s service dog). 5. Jim Nicholas, W3ITH, announced April 4, 2020 as the tentative date for our next RRC Spring Breakfast. More information to follow. 6. Joe Pietruszynski, AC3DI, was presented with a Pagoda Award. Congratulations!. 7. RRC Vice President Ron Waszk, K3RJW, will schedule a “simplex meeting on-the-air” soon. 8. RRC Vice President Ron Waszk, K3RJW, would like to have several indoor Fox Hunts this winter, but has been unable to find a suitable indoor location. 9. Rich Ahrens, W3WJC, has one RRC hat for sale. He also announced that the tree that had fallen on the road to the repeater site has been removed.
(Meeting Highlights Continued on Next Page)
January 10th, 2020
Meeting Attendance: 34 (22 Members, 12 Guests, 1 Service Dog)
50/50 Winner: Lori Scheirer (XYL Scott, KC3PCS)
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(Meeting Highlights Continued From Last Page)
10. The newly elected officers of the RRC for the year 2020 were introduced: Chris Schlegel, K3ADA - President Ron Waszk, K3RJW - Vice President Harry Hoffman, W3VBY - Secretary Nate Rosenthal, N2ADD - Treasurer 11. The RRC BOD Members and Officers assembled at the front of the auditorium and Jim Nicholas, W3ITH, lead them in the swearing-in ceremony. 12. Our next RRC BOD Meeting will be held on Tuesday evening, February 11, 2020 at the Ag Center Meeting room at 7:30 p.m. 13. Our Next RRC General Meeting will be held on Friday February 14, 2020 at the Ag Center starting at 7:30 p.m. The entertainment will be an on line presentation on “Amateur Radio Newsline” by skype with an interactive program to follow. 14. Don Boulanger, WA1ELA, the Berks County ARES RACES Coordinator has turned his long held position over to Alan Melnyk, K3AJM. Alan recently retired from his job which kept him out of the country much of the time. Congratulations Alan! 15. The winner of the 50-50 drawing was Lori Scheirer. 16. Our guest speaker tonight was Sgt. Michael P. Wiley of the Bern Township Police. He has been on the force for 20 years. He also holds a General Class license, K3AJM. His topic was: “BE PREPARED: ACTIVE SHOOTER ATTACKS ON HOUSES OF WORSHIP” Officer Wiley gave out printed outlines of his talk to those interested in presenting information on the subject to their own congregations. The information was very detailed and informative. He also answered many questions from the audience at the end of his talk. Some of the ideas presented were: secure the building – have your own security personal – control the lighting – limit points of access, not exits - use security cameras – have medical training and equipment – FEMA has no-cost online training – and finally “RUN-HIDE-FIGHT” THANK YOU for a great and informative talk! 18. RRC President Chris Schlegel, K3ADA, adjourned the meeting at 8:47 p.m. for a time of fellowship and refreshments.
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(Meeting Highlights Continued From Last Page)
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RRC MEMBER JOHN W. FLICKINGER. JR., N3ZFF - SK = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = =
By: Rich Ahrens, W3WJC – RRC Historian (01.20.2020)
I am very sorry to be reporting the passing of one of our long time RRC Reading Radio Club members. John Flickinger, N3ZFF, died on Thursday January 9, 2020, in his home in Hamburg, Pennsylvania. John was 96 years old at the time of his passing.
John was a long-time member of the Reading Radio Club (RRC) and a member of the American Radio Relay League (ARRL). John was a Full member of the RRC.
I first met John almost 25 years ago, when he became interested in Amateur Radio, and joined the RRC on March 11, 1997. In May 1997, John earned a no code Technician license. Later in June 1997 he got a General Class license and was given the call letters N3ZFF.
John, N3ZFF, was an English Teacher, (1956 to 1985). in the Hamburg School District, with a keen interest in electronics. Therefore, retired from teaching in 1985, and at the age of 74 in 1997, he decided to get involved with a hobby that is really into electronics – Amateur Radio.
John, N3ZFF, was a cool guy and a great conversationalist. Over the years we spent many an hour on the landline discussing Ham Radio and many other topics. John, N3ZFF, being an English Teacher, would give me helpful advice and many suggestions and grammar corrections when I was editing the RRC BULLETIN. John. N3ZFF, was a lot of help and that help, and the advice, was always appreciated.
During the past few years John, N3ZFF, was having several serious medical problems and our telephone conversations became less frequent in 2018 and 2019.
John had an interesting teaching and military career and our discussions often revolved around Navy and Army topics. Please read the published obituary appended below to learn of John’s interesting military service.
I will miss John and the good times we had discussing Amateur Radio.
73 John and thank you. . . .
JOHN W. FLICKINGER, JR., N3ZFF
John W. Flickinger, Jr., 96, of Hamburg, died January 9, 2020, in his home surrounded by friends and family.
(Silent Key Continued On Next Page)
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(Silent Key Continued From Last Page)
His wife Carolyn R. (Heinly) Flickinger, died July 8, 2009. He was born in Corry, PA and was the son of the late John Sr. and Mary E. (Taylor) Flickinger.
John was an English teacher at Hamburg School District beginning in 1956 and was very active in the sports programs. He coached tennis and cross-country, and also participated in the basketball, wrestling and football programs for many years. He described his tenure as “very busy” before retiring in 1985. John also served as the first President of the High School Teachers Association. He served during World War II and the Korean Conflict. John entered service in February 1943, first stationed at the Brooklyn Army Base and later served as a military policeman at Fort Pepperrell and the Stephenville Air Base, Newfoundland in 1944. He went on to undergo infantry training at Camp Polk, Louisiana before being discharged in February 1946. John returned to active duty in 1950, training tank crews for combat in Korea. He was discharged in 1952 at the rank of Sergeant First Class.
John was a life member of American Legion Post# 637, Hamburg, serving two years as the Post Commander, as well as several years as Adjutant and Home Association secretary.
He was a long-standing member of the Reading Radio Club and the ARRL, holding a General Amateur Radio license.
John completed his education at Albright College in 1956. He was a member of the Pennsylvania State Educator Association - Retired and the Pennsylvania Association of School Retirees. He was also a 60+ year member of the Travelers Protective Association of America.
He is survived by his beloved daughter, Eileen. John was predeceased by one brother, Julian Flickinger; and two sisters, Jeanne (Flickinger) Person, wife of Herman; Judith “Judy” (Flickinger) Davis, wife of O. James.
Funeral services will be Friday, January 17, 2020, at 11:00 a.m., at Burkey & Driscoll Funeral Home, 40 South 4th Street, Hamburg. Burial will follow in St. John’s Cemetery, Hamburg. A visitation will be held two hours prior to the service in the funeral home from 9:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. Memorial contributions may be made to the Animal Rescue League of Berks County, 58 Kennel Road, Birdsboro, PA 19508. Online condolences may be expressed at www.burkeydriscoll.com
Published in the READING EAGLE on Wednesday Jan. 15, 2020, on page A6.
John at the December 11, 2010 RRC
Christmas Party. Surrounded by San-
ta and Mrs Claus (Jim and MaryAnn
Nicholas). Photo Credit to Rich Ahrens.
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50 YEARS AGO IN THE RRC - FEBRUARY 9, 1970 = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = =
By: Rich Ahrens, W3WJC, RRC Historian (01.26.2020)
The officers serving the Reading Radio Club, Inc. in Feb. 1970 were:
President – Rich Ahrens, W3WJC Vice President - John Freeman, K3CBE Secretary - Al Brailer, W3UQC, (SK) Treasurer - Frank Esseluhn, K3MGO, (SK) (Not a BOD Member)
Other RRC Board Members serving the RRC in February 1970 were:
Bill Ader, WA3GTR (SK) Art Gantert, W3OLG (SK) Gerry Baldauf, W3WX (SK) Leo Hood, WA3FBP (SK) Russ Frederick, W3CDS (SK) Bob Wagner, W3GII (SK)
The Editor of the February 1970 READING RADIO CLUB BULLETIN was Bill Ader, WA3GTR, (SK).
The following is a republishing of the “Highlights of the Feb.13, 1970 monthly meeting taken from the March 1970 issue of the RRC BULLETIN, and written by the Reading Radio Club Secretary Al Brailer, W3UQC, (SK).
The February 13, 1970, monthly meeting was held at the RRC Club Building #437, at the north end of the Reading Airport near the Bernville Road, Pennsylvania State Route 183.
President Rich Ahrens, W3WJC, opened the meeting at 8:00 p.m.
The door prize winner was Jim Stamm, WA3KBH. The door prize this month was a multimeter. Jim, WA3KBH, took home a door prize last month. Jim Stamm, WA3KBH, was on a roll.
President Rich Ahrens, W3WJC, congratulated and thanked Bill Ader, WA3GTR, on producing a fine RRC BULLETIN last month and hopes he will continue the good work.
Harry Hackerty, W3BOL, introduced two visitors; Marvin Bortz and Roger Rehr, WA3JYM. (Now W3SZ). Roger then introduced to friends, Hugo Hemnerich and Tim Ness.
President Rich Ahrens, W3WJC, informed the group that Frank Esseluhn, K3MGO, the RRC Treasurer, would not be able to attend this evening’s meeting because his mother was in the Intensive Care Unit of the Reading Hospital. Rich, W3WJC, asked the group to consider giving a technical talk at a future RRC monthly meeting.
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Bob Wagner, W3GII, announced that the Wednesday March 4, 1970, QCWA meeting, at the RRC Club Building, has been canceled. The meeting was rescheduled for Wednesday March 11, 1970.
RRC President Rich Ahrens, W3WJC, announced that the RRC was informed in a February 24, 1970, letter from Morris Fruchter, the Reading Airport Superintendent, that the RRC must vacate Building #437 on or before the end of May 1970. The building will be demolished to make way for the construction of a new high-tech and secure Operation Headquarters for a local Power Utility Company.
President Rich, W3WJC, told the members that getting out of the building will be a big J O B, considering the short three-month notice. The RRC Building evolved over seven years with multiple operating positions in the various rooms. Removing and storing the coax and the patch panels that were installed throughout the building will be a big job. In addition, the kitchen equipment, the workshop gear, the library, the furniture, and everything else that made this independent headquarters endeavor operational. Rich, W3WJC, said that this has been an educating experience, it was both interesting and challenging for seven years.
This writer’s comments: You might find the following of interest. On November 26, 1969, the RRC received a letter from Donald F. Glass, the Reading Airport Manager, that our rental fee, starting on January 1, 1970, would increase from $10 per month to $50 per month. On January 23, 1970, we received a copy of a letter sent to Marguerite V. Osman, the Director of the Civil Defense of Berks County, from Mr. Glass stating that that the increase would not take place and the rent would remain at $10 per month. Rich Ahrens, W3WJC, suggested that each member should read the excellent article by Board Member Art Gantert, W3OLG, that was published in the February 1970 RRC BULLETIN. The title of Art’s article was “END OF AN ERA” and it was on page three and four.
President Rich Ahrens, W3WJC, said that all future RRC BOD meetings would be held on the fourth Friday of the month. The Board meetings start at 8:00 p.m. Rich, W3WJC, encouraged the members to attend these Board meetings.
Rich, W3WJC, informed the group that the attendance at the RRC Code and Theory Class has been declining and was now down to six.
Gregg Weiler, K3MGQ, Chairperson of the RRC participation in the January ARRL VHF Sweepstakes Contest, was not able to attend the February 13, 1970 meeting. However, Gregg will be at the March 13, 1970, RRC monthly meeting to award the prizes. The results of the VHF Contest will appear in the March RRC BULLETIN.
(50 Years Ago Continued)
Page 17
The RRC recently participated in the 1970 Simulated Emergency Test (SET). The members of the RRC were passing messages from the Berks Chapter of the American Red Cross to the Red Cross National Headquarters in Arlington, Virginia.
Rich, W3WJC, said that the RRC has received a thank you letter from the Berks Chapter of the American Red Cross for our participation in the SET exercise that took place on Saturday January 24, 1970. This was the third year the RRC has participated in this exercise.
The ARRL Berks County Emergency Coordinator is Ralph Helsel, WA3LVN. The hope is that Ralph, WA3LVN, will coordinate the SET in 1971.
President Rich Ahrens, W3WJC, said that the RRC is looking for a RRC member to volunteer to Chair the TVI Committee.
John Freeman, K3CBE, Chairperson of the RRC June 27 and 28, 1970 Field Day Committee, John, K3CBE, said that he is looking for additional Club members to assist with the plans for this year’s Field Day event.
Rich, W3WJC, announced that we received a letter from the East Coast VHF Society announcing their 12th annual banquet. The banquet will be held on Saturday March 21, 1970, in Paramus, New Jersey, starting at 7:00 p.m. Tickets are $7.50.
The RRC 1970 dues are now payable before the end of February 1970. (Dues were $11 per year, which included a key to the Club Building, the monthly RRC BULLETIN, monthly meetings, Field Day and more). All members in arrears of their 1970 RRC dues will be removed from the RRC BULLETIN mailing list. The RRC BULLETIN is sent to the members through the United States Postal Service.
Reading Radio Club President Rich Ahrens, W3WJC, adjourned the meeting for a time of fellowship and refreshments.
A Mini-Auction was held, after the close of the business portion of the meeting.
(50 Years Ago Continued)
Page 18
ACTIVITIES ON THE RRC REPEATER 146.910 MHz RPTR - CTCSS = 131.8 Hz (3B)
= = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = =
QCWA READING CHAPTER 31 NET Mondays at 9:00 p.m.
RRC MEETING ON THE AIR NET (RRCMOTA) Fridays at 8:00 p.m. (Started January 1994)
(Other than Club meeting nights)
ARES/RACES Repeater County of Berks
Weekly Net—Monday’s 8 PM.
147.18 (PL Tone 110.9)
DID YOU KNOW . . . . . = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = =
. . . . that there is a new repeater in town. The K3SJH, (St. Joseph Hospital), repeater is located on Mt. Penn, it is a YAESU FUSION repeater, running 25 Watts, and presently locked on the analog mode. The repeater is transmitting on a fre-quency of 446.9250 MHz, using a CTCSS of 156.7 Hz. RRC member Eric Cintron-Ortiz, KN3M, owns the repeater. The repeater has been put on the air in support of the St. Joseph’s Hospital Emergency Response Team (HERT). The repeater is there for all to use as a backup to the 147.180 MHz RACES/ARES repeater that is also located on Mt. Penn… de Don Boulanger, WA1ELA.
Page 19
Please note: Ads placed here will run for 2 bulletins
unless you let the editor know you still want them posted, deleted, or changed.
Please Note: The Editors and/or RRC are not responsible for items listed on this page.
Descriptions & Pictures are supplied by the Seller.
FREE Yaesu FT-23R 2 meter hand held with owner's manual.
No tone system for repeaters. 5W capable with proper battery pack, but this has battery pack for 2.5W & 250mw low power. Contact John, N3AOF - 610-929-8850 (Leave a message) or [email protected]
1927 Crosslet Model 73 Farm Set (Battery Set)
Needs Repair— $40.00
Contact: Hank Schott (KA3BMS) @ 484-716-0729 or [email protected]
Page 20
Send all license and mailing address changes to:
RRC Treasurer Nate Rosenthal, N2ADD, at NateØ[email protected] or [email protected]
Please let us know if you upgrade your license. Email to Scott, KC3PCS, and Lori at
[email protected] with updates.
STATS AS OF FEBRUARY 1, 2020
Full Voting Members 62
Associate (Non Voting) Members: 5
Supporting (Non-Voting) Member: 1
Total: 68
1/4 of Full Voting Members required for a quorum. ( 16 )
Extra Class: 33 ( 49 % )
Advanced: 4 ( 6 % )
General: 17 ( 25 % )
Technician: 13 ( 19 % )
Novice: 0 ( 0 % )
No License: 1 ( 1 % )
May not total 100% due to rounding.
Data may not be up to date.
Checked FCC for upgrades Dec. 8, 2019
By Rich Ahrens, W3WJC
68 = Total RRC membership as of Feb. 1, 2020 92 = Feb. 2019 117 = Feb. 2008 61 = Feb. 2018 118 = Feb. 2007 64 = Feb. 2017 128 = Feb. 2006 65 = Feb. 2016 130 = Feb. 2005 72 = Feb. 2015 137 = Feb. 2004 75 = Feb. 2014 131 = Feb. 2003 79 = Feb. 2013 132 = Feb. 2002 93 = Feb. 2012 135 = Feb. 2001 98 = Feb. 2011 128 = Feb. 2000 97 = Feb. 2010 132 = Feb. 1999 96 = Feb. 2009 131 = Feb. 1998
There were 193 Members in 1978
39 RRC Members are members of the ARRL ( 57% ). 68 RRC Members receive the RRC BULLETIN via email ( 100% ). 60 RRC Members have a Broad Band ISP ( 88% ).
“Honorary Membership for Life” Jim Nicholas, W3ITH By RRC BOD action on December 8, 2009.
“Life Member” Rich Ahrens, W3WJC By RRC BOD action on June 6, 2006.
By: Rich Ahrens, W3WJC - RRC Historian (01.26.2020)
Page 21
PLEASE NOTE: February 11th, 2020—7:30 PM —Board Meeting—AG Center Meeting Room February 14th, 2020—7:30 PM —Club Meeting— AG CENTER—AR Newsline Presentation On the Fridays, that we do not have an in-person meeting we will have a “Reading Radio Club Meeting On The Air” (RRCMOTA) on the RRC 146.910 MHz repeater starting at 8:00 p.m. The CTCSS is 131.8 Hz.
February Birthdays: Christian Dudley, WA3JXW; John Bachman, N3VKI; Frank Rose, W3RO; George Andrews, K3HGQ; Rick Rhoads, W3ALG
February 2020 Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat
1
2 3
ARES/RACES
(8 pm.) 147.18
4
5 6 7
MOTA (8 pm) 8
9 10
ARES/RACES
(8 pm.) 147.18
11
RRC BOD Meeting
AG Center 7:30 PM
12 13 14
RRC Meeting
7:30 PM—Ag Ctr
15
16 17
ARES/RACES
(8 pm.) 147.18
18 19 20 21
MOTA (8 pm)
22
23 24
ARES/RACES
(8 pm.) 147.18
25 26 27 28
MOTA (8 pm)
29
Page 22
= = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = The PRIMARY purpose of The Reading Radio Club Bulletin, is to provide, to the membership, timely information about the activities of the Reading Radio Club, Inc. IN ADDITION, the RRC BULLETIN provides an easily searchable and accurate historical record. The RRC strongly recommends membership in the American Radio Relay League (ARRL) as well as membership in a local Amateur Radio Club. The READING RADIO CLUB BULLETIN is copyright © 2020 by the Reading Radio Club, Inc. Opinions expressed in the RRC BULLETIN are those of the writers and do not necessarily reflect the opinions of the Reading Radio Club, Inc, the RRC BOD, or the RRC membership. Material from this RRC BULLETIN may be reproduced in whole or part, without Additional permission, if credit is given to the READING RADIO CLUB BULLETIN and the author.
= = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = February 1st, 2020 - EMAIL VERSION STARTED ON FEBRUARY 10, 1998.
Circulation: Over 100 Members & Non Members, Clubs and Organizations. THE FREQUENCY OF PUBLICATION IS MONTHLY.
= = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = =
Deadline for the March Newsletter is February 25th, 2020. However, earlier is better. Please submit to [email protected].
Got an idea or an article for the Bulletin? Be sure to send it to us [email protected]. All submissions are
welcome.