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The Starved Rock Radio Club Newsletter
January 2001

SRRC January 2001 Equipment Chairman Report:

I have nothing new to report on the antenna situation for this month.  As
soon as the snow melts, I will be getting with Pat (KC6VVT) to try and
schedule another antenna party/workday.  There is very little left to be done
with the tower/antenna situation.  All we need to do is assemble the new
Mosley TA-33M HF beam, make sure the coax for the beam is good replaced if
needed, and assess the situation with the two meter beam.  Since Pat has a
rather tough schedule, and I am in school, we will try and figure something
comparable out at the next meeting.  A date may or may not be set at that
time.

There will be a special equipment meeting held this Thursday, January 11th,
at 7:30 p.m. at Ziggies restaurant in Mendota.  The meeting will be held to
discuss what equipment changes/problems need to be addressed with the club
packet station in the coming year.  We will be discussing the status on the
two-meter radio that is being used, temporarily, for the BB station.  Also,
we will discuss erection of the two-meter vertical for the packet station,
and possible relocation of the packet station into the meeting room, next to
the remote receiver equipment.  Kurt (KB9RKU) has recommended purchasing a
battery charger for use by both the remote receiver and packet station, which
will be powered from the same battery.  This will be discussed at the meeting
on Thursday, with a possible proposal on purchase of a charger at the next
club meeting.  Everyone is welcome and encouraged to attend this meeting!!

I have been reappointed as equipment manager for the year 2001, so I will
continue to work on issues relating to the clubs equipment for the coming
year.  One more item I would like to see fixed this spring is the leaning guy
poles for the clubs tower.  I will make some assessments, and open this idea
up for discussion at a future meeting when the weather gets a little warmer.


We had two brief talks from members about their newest electronic toys.  Rich
N9OUW showed off his VR500 W I D E band receiver, and Pat, KC6VVT told us
about his palm top computer. No one was willing to accept the position of
Activities Chairperson, so this job remains vacant.  Kathy Ryan KB9WPT took
on the job of Building and Grounds.   The other committee Chairs remain the
same:
Equipment.............KB9TMA     Repeater Maint.....KF9NZ
Repeater Monitor..N9OUW  Field Day.................KB9EZZ
Net Control.............N9PLM    Training...................KB9EZZ
Food........................ROSE
Of course N9ZJK remains as hamfest Chair until July.

KB9TMA announced an equipment committee meeting on the following Thursday.
Rose reported she had used 20 lb. of ground chuck in the Special Event Day
Chili N9OUW reported that we need to get the remote sites set up. KF9NZ
reported on the present status of the repeater, and agreed strongly with
N9OUW. The increase in heating gas rates was discussed.  It was emphasized
that the thermostat should be turned down to 55 degrees when the building is
not occupied. There was no business transacted.


The Passing of a True Ham - Radioman W9ZEN, John Vasicak
Who was John Vasicak?   To some he was known as Mr. V.  He was a brother, a
friend to many, a devoted teacher, but besides being a good friend, he was to
me my Mentor.  Johnny's shop class way back in the '60's was magical as I
remember the two old radios he'd proudly have on.  Seeing the tubes lit had
an appeal all on its own.  Yes, I have to admit I couldn't wait to go to his
shop class.  I guess it didn't take my instructor long to find I had more
interest in radio than shop wood making.  It was wonderful knowing someone
who was also crazed with things that lit up (radio tubes).  He was the first
to introduce me into the world of Morse code and amateur radio.  When they
tore down the old part of Washington School, Johnny was saddened.  The shop
went with it and when we talked he didn't like to see it go. Through the
years he'd motivate me to get my amateur license.  Yes, he was there when I
needed help.  When he would give his activity report at the SRRC club
meeting, it made the meeting worthwhile.  Johnny created interest in the
hobby.  He was surely missed at the meetings since his sickness.  Sadly the
club won't be the same without him. He also got me interested in contesting
and sweepstakes.  He was proud of how many certificates and cards he had
acquired through the years.  Yes, he had enough to wallpaper his house many
times over.  I used to tease him about his kitchen table.  He was very proud
of being a long time member of the SRRC.   We are all saddened by Johnny's
passing and amateur radio's loss.

DE AA9VR


Repeater Committee
As everyone should be aware by now, the regular repeater is back in
operation.  There are still several glitches with it.  The voter is not
operating properly, but I don't know if it's the voter or the receiver that's
causing it to malfunction.   The PL boards are not working.  I have installed
lightning protection. We need a committee meeting.  I want to take as many
members as possible to the Etna Rd site, but, especially with the ongoing
construction, it's difficult.  The main thing I want to emphasize is that we
need to get the remote sites established.  Before we get any deeper into it,
we have to nail down two sites.   These should be in the northwest part of
the area Mendota, and the other in the east central area - Seneca.
According to tests we have made with the Leonore and Ottawa receivers on,
these are the general areas that need added coverage.   Then, we should move
the Ottawa receiver across town. If any of you are aware of possible sites,
let us know so we can check them out.
 DE KF9NZ

>From the President
The big news this month involves Tabor Grain, again. The new twist involves
Tabor Grain buying the Leanore fire station building and trading it to us for
our clubhouse.  The firemen want to build a new firehouse on the land between
the recycling Dumpster and the road. Several of us had an informal meeting
with Marty (fire chief) and Jeff (Tabor Grain) last Saturday. It sounds like
a win win situation for everyone. On Monday February 5 at 6:30 PM (Our
regular meeting night) Marty and Jeff will be at the firehouse so we can look
at the building and ask questions. We will then have our meeting starting at
7:00 PM to discuss the pros and cons of the move. There will be a vote at the
meeting to decide weather or not the club is interested in making the trade.
The new building will "need" less work than our present building. Some
optional changes might include an enclosed radio room.  There will need to be
a Moving Committee established to coordinate with the Building and Grounds
and the Equipment committees to make the transition smooth. The actual move
would take place in the fall after the new fire station is complete. Jerry
(N9ZJK) is enclosing a copy of the sign up sheet for the Hamfest. There are
several openings that need to be filled. Even though the hamfest is still a
few months away it is not too early to sign up. Talk to Jerry to get on the
list. I also need to appoint a 2002 Hamfest Chairman. Taking the job now will
allow for time to work with Jerry this year as a training exercise. If you
are interested in this important job please let me know. If you have not
talked to Francis about renewing both your SRRC and ARRL Memberships please
do so. We will also make money if you renew your World Radio subscription
through the club.