The Chelsea Amateur Radio Club (see www.WD8IEL.com) was asked to officiate at the 55th annual Manchester Canoe Race, collecting launch times for each canoe. The event was yesterday, May 16, 2021. The day started out somewhat questionable with a light drizzle ever-present but not objectionable. However, after about 30 minutes into a noontime launch time,…
Month: May 2021
Jim Trout – January 21, 1930 – May 10, 2021
Sorry to have to share that our own Jim Trout is now a silent key. Details are at the link below. Jim was a talented engineer, and valued and esteemed member of the club and the amateur radio community. Our thoughts and prayers are with his wife Beverly and the rest of his family. http://www.lesliefuneralhome.com/obituary/james-trout…
Smith Charts: Nothing To It!!!
Are you intimidated by Smith Charts. I would be too except that when you understand the premise, they are not only plain to use but very helpful in understanding the interactions of physical attributes relevant to electro-magnetics and distribution to the atmosphere. This animation video will walk the beginner through Smith Charts. Prerequisite knowledge required…
Go-Kit Battery Protection
So you are putting together a go-kit with a go-kit battery. I never learned to spell very well so maybe you can help me. How do you spell the word F-I-R-E? It can happen to you with the very powerful Lithium-Ion battery technologies available today. Here is the next question of the day: Do you…
A Go-Bag Battery
Every amateur radio operator ought to have a go-bag. That is, a bag that the amateur can pick up on a moment’s notice, go out into the field with it, and begin transmitting after setting up his or her station. One of the elements of a go-bag is an energy source. But what should you…
Ever Wonder How the J-Pole Antenna Works?
Have you ever wondered about the J-Pole antenna and been intimidated by it trying to figure out how it works? There is a principle that you should always keep in mind when looking analytically at any antenna for the electromagnetic spectrum: they are all merely dipoles in disguise! When you hunt around on the web…
Radio Rocks – by Dave Foster, W3IGT
At the April monthly meeting of the Cascades Amateur Radio Society, a presentation was given by one of our members, Dave Foster (W3IGT), who is a retired geologist. Dave has been in the salt mines underneath Detroit! The title of the presentation was “Radio Rocks.” Sadly, Dave did not wear his Elvis impersonation suit for…