Annual SLAMS/BARS meeting at Chandler Hill 2022

There was another annual meeting at the winery. We have discussed some technical topics and our activity schedule for 2023. You will find it in the column to the right of this text. This schedule is coordinated with SLAMS schedule on the SLAMS blog site.

More info about the meeting can be found here.

Annual SLAMS / BARS lunch at Chandler Hill again

Another year passed away and we have met at the Chandler Hill winery for our annual lunch again. This was actually the 4th lunch of both groups (SLAMS and BARS) together. There already is a posting on the SLAMS blog site (click here to display).

The Chandler Hill winery is very nice, dog-friendly place with plenty of indoor-outdoor seating, good wine and more than edible food. The only problem is that the place is very popular - you have to arrive before Noon if you want to park in front of the entrance. Late comers have to leave the car at their remote parking lot and use their shuttle service (which is fast and convenient).

Several pictures from the event:

Annual SLAMS / BARS lunch at Chandler Hill

We have held the annual lunch at the Chandler Hill Winery today. Please look at the posting on the SLAMS blog site (click here) for some pictures.

73 Herbert

AF4JF

BARS/SLAMS November Lunch

Earlier this afternoon, BARS and SLAMS members enjoyed good food and good company at the Chandler Hill Winery near Defiance, MO.  The winery is in the heart of St. Charles County's Femme Osage Valley and the scenery is beautiful.  Our November meeting agenda was to work out our meeting calendar for 2020.  We had a good turnout, but we missed our friends who couldn't make it.

Pictured from the left:  Rich N0PQU, Bob N0IS, Harry WA0CNS, Herbert AF4JF, Sam W0PCE, Ron KO0Z and Debbie KC9ULA.

Some of us are taking advantage of the DUBUS article and surplus equipment on 122 GHz!  We are also getting involved with light communications.  Dr. Sam Green W0PCE has a great deal of professional experience with optics and light communications.  Harry WA0CNS has a working light transmitter and receiver!  Herbert, when he has some spare time, is experimenting at the local maker space and he fabricated a 3D printed horn for light communication

                                  Herbert AF4JF's 3 D printed light communications horn

Ron KO0Z has an article published in the November issue of CQ that features BARS/SLAMS activities.  It was great seeing everyone today.  For more details please check out the SLAMS BLOG site at http://slams-stlouis.blogspot.com/

BARS December Brunch

Saturday, 16 December, the weather outside wasn't frightful and the company inside was decidedly delightful and none of us had thoughts of let it snow, let it snow, let it snow.  Although the northern hemisphere's first day of  astronomical, winter is only five days away, today felt like a fall day.  Sunny skies, sixty-degree temperature and dry roads made it a perfect day for BARS December brunch and Christmas celebration. 

In addition to 10 GHz beacons and 24 and 47 GHz transverters, a recurring BARS theme is wineries.  Today we met at Chandler Hill Winery in southern St. Charles County (EM48) just a scant few miles from the historic Daniel Boone home.  Herbert, AF4JF accidentally discovered the winery while out on a "Sunday" drive with his wife Alice in search of potential, suitable microwave locations.  Great discovery H!

The winery opened at 11:00 am and Ron, KO0Z and Debbie arrived at 11:30 am to join Herbert, AF4JF; Mike, N0OBI; Harry, WA0CNS and Rich, N0PQU inside.  The food was delicious and the company excellent.  Inside we didn't cover many microwave topics.  The winery provided live music and the band, although very good, made carrying a group conversation somewhat difficult.

Before too long, we went outside to the parking lot and Harry showed us his 24 GHz transverter and dish project.  Herbert showed us his early Christmas present - a DB6NT 47 GHz transverter!  Herbert wasn't even a bit hesitant and allowed us to touch it!  

Mike, N0OBI, while at work, noticed a technician getting to discard a number of wall-wart power supplies.  So Mike took them off his hands and gave them to Herbert.  As luck would have it, I needed to replace my Peet Brother's Weather Station "Big Picture" power supply which was failing.  I needed a 12 VDC, 1 amp supply and Mike had 12 VDC, 2.5 amp supplies which turned out to be perfect.  Mike's wasn't sure if they all worked, but I am here to tell you that the two I selected work just fine and my home weather station display is once again working!  Tnx Mike and Herbert!

   
  Mike's wall-wart acquisition's proved to be just what I needed to power my weather display

 
                    The view from Chandler Hill Winery in St. Charles County, Missouri

                                    Chandler Hill Winery, EM 48 in St. Charles County

                  A splendid view of the vineyard in St. Charles County Femme Osage Valley

        BARS members present from left to right:  Debbie, KC9ULA; Mike, N0OBI; Harry, WA0CNS; Herbert, AF4JF; Rich, N0PQU and Ron, KO0Z enjoying brunch at the winery.

           Herbert, AF4JF, Mike, N0OBI and Harry, WA0CNS examining Harry's 24 GHz rig.

            Herbert, AF4JF's Christmas present - a Kuhne Electronics 47 GHz transverter!

                     Some of the sights seen in the Femme Osage Valley near the winery

    
                                                      73 and happy holidays to all!