CQ SPARC

RAG CHEW LOCATION

2012-02-26T19:46:00.000-05:00

The Board has picked the Bojangles at 1793 E. Main Street in Spartanburg as the new location for the Club's weekly rag chew. The "chews" start at 7 p.m. each Tuesday night except for the first and third Tuesday's of each month when the Club's business and board meetings occur. Come join the fun and fellowship at this new location.

Reminder - February Board Meeting

2012-02-19T19:56:00.003-05:00

Just a reminder that the February SPARC board meeting will be held this coming Tuesday, February 21st at 7:00 pm. Tuesday's meeting will be held at the Spartanburg Herald Journal building with parking and the entrance located on the east side of the building. A rag chew will be held after the board meeting as a preview to the new meeting room. A location for the March board meeting will be announced at a later date when a location is chosen.

K4II Repeater is on the Air!

2012-02-19T19:56:00.002-05:00

The K4II SPARC 440 repeater (442.075) antenna has been placed atop the ETV tower in its permanent location. From all reports the antenna location is working well so make sure to try it out!

WE HAVE A NEW HOME

2012-02-16T12:02:00.000-05:00

The Spartanburg Amateur Radio Club has a new home for our monthly business meetings. These meetings will be held at the Spartanburg Herald-Journal located at 189 W. Main Street in Spartanburg SC. The first meeting in our new location will be in March (03/06/12) and will begin at 7:00 pm. Parking will be on the east side of the building with members and guests entering the building through the entrance on the east side of the building. The use of this location will be for business meetings (1st Tuesday of every month) only. Stay tuned for updates on new locations for weekly rag chew and monthly board meetings. For the latest information tune into the Monday and Friday nets and look for blog updates.

Repeater Coverage

2012-02-14T18:56:00.002-05:00

Locations within the green circle should be 100% copy; Locations between the red & green circles may have some spottiness. This was generated by John Crockett, W3KH, based on the new location of the K4JLA antenna.

K4JLA IS ON THE AIR

2012-02-09T22:20:00.000-05:00

On February 8, 2012, the power switch was thrown on the Club's new 2 meter repeater located on the ETV tower in Whitestone, SC. The antenna is at a height of 1414 feet MSL, 600 feet AGL. The repeater has a temporary tone of 123.0. The assigned tone of 91.5 will be set in about a week. From all reports the repeaters performance has been excellent and is providing coverage throughout Spartanburg County and beyond. Break out the radio manuals and set the tones so you can enjoy the new repeater!

Amateur Radio License Testing

2012-01-28T19:09:00.001-05:00

The Spartanburg Amateur Radio Club's Team of Volunteer Examiners will be holding testing for Amateur Radio License at a new location starting in February (2/14/2012). The testing site will be the Spartanburg County Public Library, 151 South Church St. Spartanburg , SC. Please plan to be there at 6:30 pm to fill out your application and testing will begin at 7:00 pm. The fee is $15.00 and you will need a photo I.D. If you are upgrading your license you will need the original license and a copy. (You may make copies at the Library for a fee.) Also if you have any Certificate of Completions you will need to bring them to be eligible to upgade your license. The testing is open to all persons who would like to begin to experience this great hobby or to upgrade your license. You do not have to be a member of Spartanburg Amateur Radio Club to test, all are welcome. As a bonus, if you earn your initial license at a Spartanburg Amateur Radio Club testing session you will get a free club membership. The Club's rag chew will continue to meet in its current location.

Reminder!

2012-01-03T17:37:00.000-05:00

Spartanburg Amateur Radio Club has a new mailing address:
                  Spartanburg Amateur Radio Club
                  P.O. Box 171433
                  Spartanburg, SC 29301

Christmas "Feed" 2011

2012-01-03T16:50:00.000-05:00

Club members and guests spent an evening together on December 6, 2011, at Golden Coral. Those in attendance enjoyed delicious food and wonderful fellowship. The evening included tales of rare QSO's, talk of radios from long ago that glow, old friends where remembered and new friend where made. This was a fitting end to a year where many lives in the community were touched by our members through club projects. Thanks to all who helped give a ride when mountains were too high, searched for lost bags, and found parking spots at Christmas events. 2012 is sure to bring more fellowship and fun!

New Mailing Address For Club

2011-12-23T21:24:00.000-05:00

The Board voted in it's December meeting to rent a post office box .The box has now been secured, all correspondence should be sent to the following :
                 Spartanburg Amateur Radio Club
                  P.O. Box 171433
                  Spartanburg, SC 29301

SPARC Christmas Party - Reminder

2011-11-29T09:31:00.000-05:00

The SPARC December Business Meeting will be held at Golden Coral located on W. O. Ezell Blvd. on December 6. The fun and festivities will begin at 6:00 pm and all are invited to attend. There will no cost for club members and guests will pay as they enter. Come join us as we celebrate this wonderful time of year!

Oh Come All Ye Faithful...

2011-11-29T09:10:00.000-05:00

It is once again time to support a great community event, the 32nd Annual Bill Drake Christmas Music Festival. Once again this year SPARC will support this event by assisting those in attendance find parking spaces. All club members who can help need to be at the Spartanburg Memorial Auditorium by 12:15 pm on Sunday, December 4th. Bring your hand held radios and come support your community!

Ham Radio Licenses at an All Time High as report by Fox News

2011-11-23T20:14:00.001-05:00

www.foxnews.com/scitech/2011/11/17/radio-days-are-back-ham-radio-licenses-at-all-time-high/Radio Days Are Back: Ham Radio Licenses at an All-Time High

The newest trend in American communication isn't another smartphone from Apple or Google but one of the elder statesmen of communication: Ham radio licenses are at an all time high, with over 700,000 licenses in the U.S. For the complete story follow the link above.

Fall Feed 2011

2011-11-18T19:57:00.000-05:00

On Saturday, October 29th, our club had its fall feed at Hibachi Buffet. About 45 club members and guests were on hand. The next "feed" is our Christmas meal at Golden Corral on December 6, 2011, at 6 pm. Club members eat for free. Guests are welcome but must pay for their meal. The staff of CQ SPARC would like to thank Maxie, N4ENQ and Ora, K4WUJ for the Photos.

2011-11-02T11:16:00.000-04:00

SPARC Membership renewal is due January 1st 2012

Life Membership - $200
Regular Membership - $15/yr
Family/Student Membership - $8/yr

2011-11-02T11:06:00.000-04:00

Board member elections for 2012

The Board of Directors consists of nine elected positions and W4NTO, a founding member. The elected members are chosen to serve a three year term. There are no term limits. The Board is divided into three groups; every year, three people are ending their term and the membership must elect replacements.

On November 1st 2011, 33 members attended the November business meeting and cast their ballots. Elected, for a three year term to the Board of Directors, were John Gunderson, N1JG; Ann Thompson, KI4MEE; and Mike Bonner, K4BON. Congratulations to all three!

On January 17th, 2012, the new board will meet to elect officers and assign other special positions, including member at large, net manager, membership commitee chair and members, and program committe chair and members.

Board for 2012

Board of Directors                                       Term expires at end of:

Reynold L. (Fritz) Nitsch W4NTO                                (Charter Member)

Niles Vaught K4RNV                                                    2012

Larry Abelkop W4ABE                                                  2012

Keith Lewis K4XP                                                          2012

Gary Foster K8HID                                                         2013

Rob Falkingham K4UD                                                  2013

Bret Philips N9LPT                                                        2013

John Gunderson N1JG                                                  2014

Ann Thompson KI4MEE                                                2014

Mike Bonner K4BON                                                      2014

Community Preparedness Day

2011-09-20T09:16:00.003-04:00

On September 10, 2011, Community Preparedness Day was held at Westgate Mall in Spartanburg, SC. Members of the Spartanburg Amateur Radio Club and Spartanburg County Ares enjoyed participating in this community day. A special thanks to John Crockett, W3KH and Robert Cockman, WD6ELK for ensuring the SCHEART trailer could be displayed. Members set up radio stations on site and demonstrated voice and cw operations. A great time was had by all who participated.

Club Auction on October 4th

2011-09-07T19:35:00.008-04:00

Fellow Sparksters,
Our club is having a member’s only auction at the October meeting on Tuesday October 4^th. Attached is a list of equipment that will be sold to the highest bidder with no minimum price. You might by a radio for $1.00 if no one else bids. Yours truly will be the auctioneer. Come early (around 6pm) to check out all the goodies and decide what you want to pay. Here are some of the rules:

· You must be a member in good standing as of August 16^th.

· No payments can be made until the auction is over.

· You cannot buy equipment for resale or for anyone else. If you don’t plan on using it, let someone else buy it that needs it.

· You must pay & transport what you bought that night.

Happy Bidding
W4ABE

P.S. add 2 sections of Rohn 25G

Amateur Radio Equipment Available for Sale, (Revised 8/9/2011)

From the Estate of Dr. James Dolan Brackett, AE4ZJ & Kindly Donated by Dr. Anne Brackett (XYL) to SPARC, Tues., August 2, 2011

Coax, Coax Switches, Rotator Cable, Coax Switches, & Misc. Cable Accessories

Transceivers & Tuners

Rotators

Miscellaneous Accessories

Antennas, Towers, & Masts

(1) Glen Martin aluminum tower, 17’ 6", with thrust bearing (~ $130.00 option!), & aluminum mounting feet (condition excellent!)
(1) Glen Martin aluminum tower, 9’, with thrust bearing (~ $130.00 option!), & aluminum feet (condition excellent!)
(1) Glen Martin aluminum tower, 4’, (need to confirm if this one has a thrust bearing, & with aluminum feet
(1) "egg-beater" style, M Squared, model EB-144, for the two meter band, good for working the birds, with M Squared RK-2M Radial Reflector Kit, missing (2) radials but easily replaced
(1) "egg-beater" Antenna, M Squared, model EB-432, for the 700 millimeter band, good for working the "birds", complete with the optional RK-70 cm radial reflector mounting kit, and Glen Martin model RA-6048 aluminum side arm (Board of Directors to decide if the arm and antenna should be separated for the sale)
(1) discone antenna, Diamond model D130, complete with all elements including 6 meter vertical element, mounting tube, (2) mounts, and 3’ – 4’ of RG-8 type coax cable
(1) discone antenna, possibly Diamond, with no vertical element, but is capped on top for WX protection, with shorter mounting tube than antenna listed above, and (2) mounts
(1) HF beam antenna, Cushcraft TEN-3 10 meter, (3) element yagi, with missing segment of one element - easily replaced – with assembly and installation manual, purchased 5/20/1996 (1) HF beam antenna, 20 meters monobander, missing either (2) elements or (2) segments (will check on this)
(1) beam antenna, for six meters, (3) elements

(1) beam antenna, for six meters, (5) elements

(1) beam antenna, Yagi, Cushcraft model 13B2 Broadband Boomer, 144-148 MHz (work the SPARC 2M repeater from I-26 & milemarker 1!)

(1) beam antenna, 20 element, 700 millimeter band

(1) beam antenna, Maldol, dual band VHF/UHF, with mounting bracket (nice!)

(1) Perth "Plus" Outback HF mobile antenna, purchased 2/22/1996, with install/tuning sheet

(1) Diamond CR224A 2M/1 ¼ M dual band mobile antenna, with operator’s sheet
(1) Diamond CR-627B 6M/2M/440 MHz mobile antenna, purchased 5/20/1996

(1) Diamond HV7A (5) band HF antenna - supplied bands are 10M/6M/2M/70 cm + optional band coil, includes manual
(2) vertical base antennas, Diamond, either model X510MA, and/or NA VHF/UHF, model 510NA (need to check connector type)
(1) Glen Martin model MA-1049 aluminum mast, 9’ length, purchased 1/16/97

(1) telescopic mast, aluminum, compact length approx. 5’ long, ~ 6 – 8 sections, (may be homebrew, but nice!) w/hose clamps for stops – diameter of bottom section is 1 ½"
(1) "push-up style telescopic mast, with attached metal guy ring (~ 20’ extended length)

(3) antenna masts, 10’ each, attractive goldish color, Radio Shack TV type (get that digital TV antenna up higher!)
(1) Glen Martin model RT-424 Tapered Tower, with manual (assembled!)

(1) Larsen mobile antenna, 5/8 wave for 220 MHz band, no base, NMO style

(3) Larsen mobile antennas, only (1) with a base mount, all NMO mounting style (will try to confirm resonant band)

(1) mobile magnet mount, Sagant, (3) magnet/chrome base, with VHF connector

(1) Bumper mount for mobile HF antenna (not yet recovered from vehicle)

(1) Wilson 1000 CB base loaded mobile antenna (works great on 10 Meters (according to K4SPA)

(1) K40 CB base loaded mobile antenna (probably works great on 10 Meters too)

(1) 36’ HF aluminum reflector element only, (the two sections making up the total length were found joined together with a short length of gray PVC (organic!) pipe

(1) "Wireman" 1:1 balun, for twin-lead to coaxial cable feedlines (tested and works on receive!)

(1) Centaur High Performance balun Model B11Y __, serial 00241, imported from Tucson, AZ
Yaesu G-450 XL, control box & G-450 XC rotator, rated for 10 square feet of antenna, with cable control cable attached, purchased 1/17/1997

Yaesu G-800S control box with analog azimuth indicator, & G-800 rotator motor (still need to locate interface connector

(2) Archer (Radio Shack, television type) antenna rotators, with control boxes (rotators may be Gemini brand)

(1) Kenwood TM-733A mobile, dual-band, serial #70502262, w/removable control head, control head cable, bracket, & microphone – some documentaton included

(1) Icom 706 mobile transceiver #05278, w/removable control head, control head cable, power cable, & microphone, may have had the "MARS Mod up to 50 MHz" and missing diode 59 (used in a mobile configuration)

(1) Icom AT-180 external tuner #03535, w/mount. bracket & possibly with control cable (was interfaced with the Icom 706 above in a mobile configuration, purchased 1/20/1996

(1) Radio Shack TRC-465 CB transceiver, 40 channel, AM/SSB (use both sides with carrier, or use each side separately!) Purchase with other items in the sale, pick your favorite three or four digit number and use it to call "skip-land"

(1) Alpha Delta, two position coax switch, with arc plug, purchased 12/20/1996

(6) packages (unopened & unseen by the human consumer) coax sealant "tape"

(1) duplexer, Diamond model MX72H, with VHF connectors

Baluns

(1) patch cable, Cable X-Perts, 6’, 9913 type, (new/sealed in the package!) with PL-259 connectors and W4NTO-approved red shrink tubing over each connector!)

(1) roll, unused, with tag/label, RG-8x, coaxial cable, (in "milk crate" of assorted, used coax/patch cables (The Board may decide to separate cables for sale)

DIN cable (black), possibly used between ICOM 706 txcvr & ICOM AT-180 antenna tuner

(20) separate runs (maybe more) of RG-8, RG-8X, and RG-58 coaxial cable, some with "Wireman" graphics) of lengths anywhere from several feet or less, to 40’ or more. Will use pi to estimate lengths later. Most of the cables have connectors on both ends, some installed by The Wireman himself, or his stepson, according to documentation. Talk to Robert WD6ELK in reference to the reuse of "used coaxial cable" if you have concerns about utilizing "used" coax. Bring your ohmmeter to the sale to test specific cables yourself! Before you decide on a specific length of cable to purchase, test the cable for a short. If you find the cable is shorted, you may always cut it after you purchase it, and retest it until you locate the short. Perhaps the problem is just a connector! Most or all of this cable was purchased in 1996, so please amortize accordingly.

Antenna rotator control cable, Belden, Grey jacket (more info to follow on recovered rotator control cable(s)

(1) gooseneck control head mount, w/three mounting holes (needs to be removed from vehicle) – top of mount needs to be examined closely!

(1) "milk-crate" container with file folders containing ARRL-affiliated radio club documents and forms

(1) cardboard box of amateur radio books, incl. several somewhat recent ARRL handbooks

Note: The Shack had been cleared of desktop rigs, etc. by the family, months or years in advance of our arrival to the QTH of the owner. All transceivers in this sale previously listed were used in a mobile configuration by the owner, and have been inside the vehicle for a minimum of (9) years. Please bid accordingly with this in mind. Please note that the Icom 706 transceiver is NOT the "MKIIG" model.

Anyone who may be interested in owning any of the equipment listed, and for the method by which this equipment will be disbursed, should listen for further information forthcoming on the SPARC two meter nets and/or the SPARC 70 centimeter nets that occur, 2 meter nets are held each Monday and Friday, 8:30 PM, 147.315/147.915 (input) 440 nets are held on the first, third, (and 5th) Thursdays at 8:30 PM, 442.075/447.075 (input) after the next SPARC Board Meeting.

The next Board Meeting will be held at 7:00 PM, Tuesday, August 16, at the Piedmont Chapter of the American Red Cross facility, located at 104 Garner Road, Spartanburg, SC 29303. SPARC does not, and will not provide any guarantee of expected or anticipated operation to the new owner. The Board of Directors will decide if any item will be tested, and the results communicated, in advance of the sale. Basic test gear such as a 12 volt power supply, multi-meter, SWR bridge, coaxial patch cable, and dummy load, may be available the evening of the equipment sale. You may bring your own equipment to test the item you are interested in purchasing. Equipment is sold "as-is", with NO implied warranty. All sales are final! Payments may be made to Anne Thompson SPARC Treasurer, when you are ready to leave the sale with your item(s) or at the end of the sale.

Absolutely no selling or disbursement of ANY item will take place before the next SPARC business meeting on Tuesday, September 6, 7:00 PM! The Board of Directors will decide upon the length of time items (or photos of larger items) will be available for inspection prior to the start of the sale. A few additional small items will either be added to this list, or will just show up at the sale, with additional detail added about some items, including manuals and/or misc. documentation discovered, control cables located, additional specs researched, etc. [end of report}

The General membership may make suggestions pertaining to the sales event through our Member At Large, Mr. Larry W4ABE for relay to the Board of Directors. Neither Bret N9LPT (me), or any one person, is in charge of this sale, so please use the correct communication channel for relating your ideas and suggestions to SPARC leadership. If you are a current Board Member, simply make a motion at the next Board Meeting, to make your idea(s) known. "Currently", all proceeds from this sale will go to the Spartanburg Amateur Radio Club, as intended, by the Donor.