Next Membership Meeting

Friday, August 7th 7:00 PM
(No July Meeting - Holiday)

Gathering Time: 6:30 PM        Meeting Time: 7:00 P.M.
American Red Cross Building, 1050 Fuller Ave NE
Grand Rapids, MI 49503   
Directions and Map

Field Day is all but over.

We had a "very interesting" time @ K8IHY's this year. N8DGD set up a nice SSB Station, KF8QL brought his VHF setup, and KA5S and I set up in the "east 40" with a CW station.

Six Metres was open, and a bunch of stations were worked on six and 2. The SSB station worked flawlessly on 40/20/15 metres.

The "very interesting" part was with the CW station. It, literally, 'blew down" about 3 a.m., when a BIG WIND came through. We tried to guy it down with extra guy ropes, but the wind was too strong. We finally decided that it was fruitless, and "let it go", but tried to hold on enough so it wouldn't "literally" fly away. But, it got tangled in one of the guy ropes for the antenna, and the antenna and mast collapsed! Too bad it didn't happen during daylight, or Jack, AB8ND, or official photographere, could have had a "great photo opportunity."

We didn't check the windspeed at K8IHY's airfield, but it must have been rather high, because the dining canopy has withstood 30+ MPH winds in the past. Anyway, we probably didn't meet the goal of 4000 QSO's and 12000 points, but we had fun! We'll try to have a full report at the August meeting.

73 de n8xx Hg

Link to Field Day Photos
Link to YouTube Video of Helicopter Vertical Antenna

Results of the First Fox Hunt of the Summer at the IRA Hamfest June 6th

There is nothing better than foxhunting on a Saturday afternoon in June. Tom and Sheila Bosscher did a masterful job of playing the fox and keeping everyone smiling. Although there were some super tired hams by 3:00 in the afternoon, it was a real good way to cap off the IRA hamfest. Click the attached link to see the surprise results and a map of the final search area. Thanks to Tom and Sheila for the super fun hunt. http://www.rookiefox.com
Click Here for IRA Hamfest Foxhunt Results and final search map.

Next Official ARRL License Testing Session Friday, July 10th, 6:30 PM [ Second Friday of each Month ] More Information

Congratulations to Tom Hansen, N8DGD
West Michigan Ham of the Year!

For the 9th year in a row, west Michigan amateur radio operators have recognized their "West Michigan Ham of the Year." This year's recipient of the award is Tom Hansen, N8DGD, of the Grand Rapids Amateur Radio Association.

The purpose of this annual award is to recognize the efforts of outstanding local hams who give their time and resources for the betterment of the local ham radio community, and the local community in general. For 2009, the award is presented to GRARA W8DC Repeater Trustee, Tom Hansen N8DGD. Tom has been involved in just about all areas of Ham Radio. From conducting a CW Net on 10 meters, to actively participating in a Sunday Morning 6 Meter Net to Sky Warn and just about every other area where Ham Radio can be found. Tom has built a solid reputation for dependability known throughout the area. If one wants help, be it checking out a rotator, to helping Elmer a new Ham, Tom is always there to help. When not working in electronics as a profession, Tom is the Technical Committee Chairman for the Grand Rapids Amateur Radio Association, where Tom oversees the performance and care of the repeaters. Tom also contributes and is a member of many clubs in the area. He has helped get many new Hams feel at ease and learn more about this great hobby. Tom N8DGD has gained the respect of all who have the pleasure to meet him and has earned our thanks.  ....www.w8usa.org

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