BARS February Breakfast

On Saturday, February 23, BARS member converged for our monthly breakfast at Country Pride Restaurant at the TA Truck Stop in Troy, IL.  It was great seeing everyone.  It also offered us a chance to stretch our legs and to shake off some winter cabin fever. 

Table top discussion wasn't too technical, but we did discuss some 2 meter antennas and our weekly Thursday evening 2 meter SSB net on 144.200 at 7:30 pm.  It is growing in popularity with area hams!  We also discussed our upcoming 10 and 24 GHz tests to be held next month at Stone Hill Winery in Herman, MO.  Ron and Herbert are going to test our AF4JF's latest board to control an Elcom Synthesizer.

February Breakfast

           Pictured left to right:  Herbert, AF4JF; Zack, W9SZ; Harold,KD9SG; Rich, N0PQU; Dallas, WD9IVD; Bob, N0IS and Mike, N0OBI.  Not pictured is Ron, KO0Z taking the snapshot. 

It was good seeing everyone again.  Cabin fever had set in and getting together to discuss winter projects harks of springtime.  In fact, Zack heard the chirping of red wing blackbirds which means robins are not far behind!  We gathered at the TA Truck Stop, Country Pride restaurant for good food, good conversation and good company.  Harry, WA0CNS was unable to make it; however, he is hard at work making the W1GHZ 10 GHz cheap transverters and he has four being constructed.  FB Harry!  Our hopes are to get these "loaner" rigs out for contests to get more hams active in the fun of microwaves. 

Ron is going to order gasfets for his 24 GHz doubler and proceed on with his stalled project.

Mike and Ron discussed grinding mirrors for telescopes. 

Ron showed his dongle, LNA and Tbias connector.  He hopes to copy the WB9PNU beacon with the dongle and LNA while visiting his grandkids in St. Charles.

Our next BARS breakfast will be in St. Louis.

November BARS Breakfast

Today, Sunday 5 November, five BARS members met at the TA Truck Stop restaurant in Troy, IL for our monthly breakfast.  Our December meeting will involve lunch at a winery in St. Charles County.  Herbert, AF4JF, Harold, KD9SG, Bob, N0IS, Zack, W9SZ and Ron, KO0Z.  Besides breakfast, today's gathering involved getting project ideas regarding 24 and 47 GHz.  Zack brought both of his systems.  Herbert is already on 24 GHz and well on his way towards 47 GHz.  Ron is still working on putting his 24 GHz station.  It was good seeing everyone this morning.

                                                       Herbert's 3.4 GHz transverter

                                                Nicely machined pipe cap filters                                            

                                         Herbert's 2.3 GHz transverter even though the pcb states 3.4

                   Pictured left to right:  Herbert-AF4JF, Harold-KD9SG, Bob-N0IS and Zack-W9SZ

                                   

                                                   W9SZ's 24 GHz transverter

                                                               24 GHz filter
                                                    

                                                              Zack's 47 GHz dish antenna

                                                             47 GHz dish feed

                                             Herbert-AF4JF and Zack-W9SZ in Troy, IL

                                                             Troy, IL water tower

                                            Troy, IL TA Truck Stop restaurant...Good food