THE SPARK GAP

A monthly publication of the Meridian Amateur Radio Club July 2005

 

 Bible Verse

Psalms 103:1-5: Bless the LORD, O my soul: and all that is within me, bless his holy name. Bless the LORD, O my soul, and forget not all his benefits: Who forgiveth all thine iniquities; who healeth all thy diseases; Who redeemeth thy life from destruction; who crowneth thee with lovingkindness and tender mercies; Who satisfieth thy mouth with good things; so that thy youth is renewed like the eagle's. KJV

Meridian Volunteer Examiners

The Meridian Volunteer Examiners group administered exams Thursday 23 June ' 05 at the Bill Ethridge Lincoln Mercury dealership. Thanks go out to them for use of their building. Thanks also to the VE's that came to help with the exams. Dennis Carpenter ( VEC ) KI5FW, Dan Wright KD5JLG, Russell Brown W5RB, John Hodge KD5QIQ, and Mel Oubre N5JCG.

We had three participants whom all passed the exam they came to take. Two new Tech's and a new General. Robert Keuch from Epes , Al. made Technician, Ralph Moore of Meridian Made Technician, and Jeffery Welch of Louisville , Ms. upgraded to General class. There were no other candidates. Congratulations to this trio and wish them a lifetime of enjoyable moments on the " Ham " radio. Hope to hear them on the airways soon.

73 Mel N5JCG

 

President's Report

Hello all. The turn out for Field Day was not so good. Even so, the ones that did participate had lots of fun. Field Day takes lots of work. If we could get a few more operators involved, it would be much easier on everyone involved. I hope we can make a better effort for next year.

I recently read an article on the Internet titled: Drivers using cell phones more likely to crash - New study also finds using a hands-free device won't necessarily help. Copyright laws prohibit me to republish it here, so I will simply publish a link to the article if you would like to read it in its entirety: http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/8545779/

A recent insurance company study learned that drivers that used cell phones while driving are four times more likely to have an automobile accident. It further suggest that the use of a hands-free device instead of a handheld phone while behind the wheel will not necessarily improve your safety.

Why do I mention this article in a HAM radio publication? We are all guilty of driving down the road talking on a VHF, UHF, or HF radio. This 4 times more likely could certainly apply to us as well. Please be aware of your habits and please take extra caution while operating your radio and driving.

Have a safe month. 73, Darrell (W5MAV)

  

3905 Century Club

The 3905 Century Club is in need of Mississippi stations to check in to the 75m early net so we can get QSOs for Worked All States and other awards. Would you notify your members and see if anyone is willing to check in so we can work them?

The net starts taking check ins at 0230 Zulu on 3.902 MHz. There is a ragchew net on that freq until 0230z but they turn it over to the 3905 Century Club 75m Early Net promptly at 0230 Zulu. I really appreciate it and look forward to working Mississippi Stations.

73, Tom Edmonds (KI4GAK)

Email Bag

Hi, The 2004 International Lighthouse/Lightship Weekend took place over the weekend 21/22 August 2004 when over 380 lighthouse stations were established in 52 countries. A full list of stations with their details can be found at http://illw.net/2004_list.htm

This year the event will run from 0001 UTC 20 August until 2359 UTC 21 August 2005. Guidelines for the International Lighthouse/Lightship Weekend 2005 can be found at http://illw.net/index.html

So come and join the fun and let us have over 400 stations at lighthouses or lightships.

73 Mike GM4SUC gm4suc@compuserve.com

 

Have a great month

  

Last Month Next Month

 

Back to The Spark Gap