Thursday and Friday brought rain, but Saturday dawned with a bright sun and frost on the ground. Fall is here. Earlier it was decided to make breakfast a lunch, which worked out nicely. The menu wasn't bad and food was tasty.
Ron wanted to show his powerpoint presentation to Herbert and Harry, but he couldn't remember his laptop's password, so he only talked about it. He had to reset it when he got home. Some of the powerpoint photos were on his phone, so Harry and Herbert got a "preview" of show. KO0Z showed it to the Macoupin County ARC K9MCE and it was well received. In fact, he's giving it again to the Sangamon Valley Radio Club in Springfield in December. There are two hams in the area who are seriously interested in joining our ranks!
We discussed our ARRL 10 GHz and Up contest, second weekend propagation results. Rain scatter was a determining factor during the last three contacts from our locations. Herbert AF4JF said the 2 way QSO from EM48dv, 63.8 miles away, sounded like a normal signal with no rain scatter. According to Google Earth the squint angle is 266 degrees. My line of sight from Eagle Roost EM48rx is 265 degrees. Perhaps knife edge propagation played a factor. There's also the distinct possibility that my measurements could be off by a hair.
The last Q of the day from EM38xw, 80.8 mile is at an angle of 269 degrees. Rain scatter provided the propagation. Ron and Herbert made the Q, but park visitors came to look at the view, right in front of the Ron's microwave dish, so he waited until they left before transmitting again. Harry WA0CNS tried to make the Q, but propagation wasn't there. Herbert AF4JF tried again, but neither he or Ron could hear each other. The T-storm had moved further north.
Recalling the fun we had during the contest, one of the take-aways was to build up a few W1GHZ Cheap 10 GHz transverters and lend them out during contests to get more rovers! This will become a BARS wintertime activity.
Other discussion centered around the Dubus 122 GHz transverter. Herbert purchased the system from the designer in the land down under. Ron's tempted to purchase one, but he has other expenses and he wants to focus on his 24 GHz transverter.
Harry WA0CNS is well on his way building a light communications system. He has an optical sensor, receiver board, lens and tripod built!
Harry WA0CNS with his light communications rig
The optical sensor is magnified through the lens at its focal point
Harry's breadboard optical sensor receiver board
Saturday's meeting was a good one. It was great seeing each other. SLAMS has a breakfast next week. We plan to informally meet at the Halloween Hamfest.
