THE SPARK GAP

A monthly publication of the Meridian Amateur Radio Club February 2004

 

 Bible Verse

Exodus 24:1-12 (1) In those days John the Baptist came, preaching in the Desert of Judea (2) and saying, "Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is near." (3) This is he who was spoken of through the prophet Isaiah: "A voice of one calling in the desert, 'Prepare the way for the Lord, make straight paths for Him.' "

(4) John's clothes were made of camel's hair, and he had a leather belt around his waist. His food was locusts and wild honey. (5) People went out to him from Jerusalem and all Judea and the whole region of the Jordan. (6) Confessing their sins, they were baptized by him in the Jordan River.

(7) But when he saw many of the Pharisees and Sadducees coming to where he was baptizing, he said to them: "You brood of vipers! Who warned you to flee from the coming wrath? (8) Produce fruit in keeping with repentance. (9) And do not think you can say to yourselves, 'We have Abraham as our father.' I tell you that out of these stones God can raise up children for Abraham. (10) The ax is already at the root of the trees, and every tree that does not produce good fruit will be cut down and thrown into the fire.

(11) "I baptize you with water for repentance. But after me will come One who is more powerful than I, Whose sandals I am not fit to carry. He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and with fire. (12) His winnowing fork is in His hand, and He will clear his threshing floor, gathering His wheat into the barn and burning up the chaff with unquenchable fire." (NIV)

  

Vice President’s Comments

Well the Jackson hamfest is over and i had a great time as I'm sure all did. For those that didn't get to go it was fun to see all the dealers , old and new friends again. A great time was had by all. Well it is time to start on some new projects, namely the first order of business is the Red Cross Station. I have been appointed to serve as Chair person for this endeavor and have been instructed to start gathering up the equipment at my home. So if any one has equipment promised to this project please contact me and get me the equipment . Well we are about 6 months away from Field Day so lets start to think about what we would like to accomplish with that and start making plans now to avoid the rush. Hope everyone has a great Month! Michael / N5VWS

 

Editor's Thoughts

I hope your New Year has started off with plenty of good health and happiness. As with years past, there is always the need to bring up the subject of dues and other expenses. Please take a moment to help financially with the request in the Treasurer's Report as well as the report from w5LRG below.

Due to the lack of incoming information, I am thinking about only publishing The Spark Gap once every two months. Of course if something important comes up, I will be very happy to make exceptions for these items.

Please remember the February business meeting has been changed to January 31st due to the Capital City Hamfest falling on the first Saturday of February.

Best wishes and God bless you. 73, W5MAV

 

Treasurer Report

Happy New Year! We begin the New Year with several paid members as of January 20, 2004. Please bring your 2004 dues to the Queen City Truck stop on Saturday mornings or mail them to the address below.

MARC
c/o Debbie Hover
11785 Nancy Drive
Collinsville, MS 39325

One of the most frequently asked questions that I hear is: How much are my DUES? Dues are:

  • $23.00 per Year per Member
  • $25.00 per Year for Family
  • $15.00 per year if 65 or older

In addition, the pavilion at Bonita Lakes (Coot's Crossing) has been reserved for Field Day 2004. Thank you for helping us get the New Year off to a good start. Have a great month! 73, KD5JYJ

w5LRG
Lauderdale Repeater Group

146.970 ki5fw/R pl100hz 444.500 w5LRG/R

Hello Everyone: As you may have guessed, it is that time of year again. Insurance for both the w5LRG 444.500/Rptr and the 146.970 ki5fw/Rptr is due. The Lauderdale Repeater Group has split the price of this policy with the Meridian Amateur Radio Club now fer the last three years. This is a liability policy that protects both groups. The premium for the policy is $325.00 per year making each group responsible fer $162.50 to cover the premium. The insurance premium is due the 5th of February and the money needs to be mailed by the 1st of February.

More than $450 has been spent maintaining/repairing repeater equipment this past year. Just recently a new antenna was installed, the controller was repaired and the preamp rebuilt due to a Lightning strike on the 146.970/R. This is sometimes expensive equipment to maintain.

This is a hobby that many enjoy. If you like/enjoy using this equipment, think about helping cover the cost of keeping them on the air. Any donations will greatly be accepted. These repeaters do not go on and remain on the air without cost. This goes also for the MARC 146.700/R.

If you use any of these repeaters on a regular basis you should abide by the gentleman's agreement of most hams and support these repeaters. If you do not wish to be a member of any club or group just send in a donation. Believe me it will be appreciated. Without some help these repeaters may not go back on the air the next time there is a major breakdown or when the next insurance premium comes due. Please mail any contributions to the below address. TNX & 73,

Dennis Carpenter ki5fw
Lauderdale Repeater Group
7760 Vanzyverden Road
Meridian, MS 39305

Upcoming Events

Capital City Hamfest in Jackson, MS. February 6th & 7th Friday the 6th from 5:00PM - 8:00PM, Saturday the 7th from 8:00AM - 4:00PM.

Dixie Fest in Memphis, TN February 14th & 15th

Mississippi QSO Party - Feb 28 & Feb 29

The 2004 Mississippi QSO Party is sponsored by the Vicksburg ARC, starts at 1500Z Feb.28 and ends at 0300Z Feb. 29. Suggested frequencies are 3545, 7045, 14045, 21045 and 28045 on CW and 3862, 7238, 14275, 21375, and 28375 KHz on SSB, but no WARC band or VHF & above contacts. For more info contact w5xx@vicksburg.com or visit

Nacogdoches, TX: Nacogdoches Amateur Radio Club, W5NAC. 1300Z-2400Z Feb 1. Shuttle Columbia Recovery Effort. 14.250 14.050 7.250 7.050. QSL. NARC, 167 County Rd 2093, Nacogdoches, TX 75965. http://www.andersoft.com/narc.

Baton Rouge, LA: USS Kidd ARC/Baton Rouge ARC, W5KID. 1500Z-2300Z Feb 28. 60th anniversary of the launching of USS Kidd, DD-661. General class bands, 14.250-14.320; CW QRP subbands. QSL. W5KID, c/o USS Kidd Museum, 305 S River Rd, Baton Rouge, LA 70802. http://www.brarc.org/.

 

Have a great month

  

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