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FARS Meeting Programs - 2019 [2018] [2019] [2020]


Friday January 25, 2019 - Membership Meeting

[KD6W]
[KD6W]


[Raffle Winners]

Raffle (L-R):
?, ? (4th)
Wolf, AI6SL, (2nd)
Bob, WB2URF (1st)
John, W1JDS (3rd)

Not Present:
Walt, K6WAL (WYWH $20)

ATSC 3.0 - HD Television

Joel Wilhite, KD6W

From 2008 to 2009, the United States transitioned from analog TV (NTSC) to digital TV (ATSC). ATSC 3.0 is the newest digital television standard. Why would a ham give a hoot about this new standard? It's television who cares?

Joel Wilhite, KD6W, provides a simple overview of the new standard and why the TV industry is about to have a renaissance of sorts.

Why does it matter to hams? The standard has some very intriguing elements which are not obvious to a common observer. But for the astute observer there are some clever new tools which the ham community could leverage for our purposes.

Joel Wilhite, KD6W, works professionally in digital video industry. Joel is the Broadcast Solutions Manager at Harmonic Inc., a local company that makes equipment for digital video compression and transport.

Joel has presented papers at NAB and IEEE Broadcast Technology Society. Joel is also Technical Coordinator and a director of the Palo Alto Amateur Radio Association (PAARA).

Joel has been a force in getting Bay Area radio amateurs to migrate from ATV to DATV. One proud result for Bay Area hams is that Mt. Diablo (W6CX) is the first DATV station in the nation to run 3 channels (4-MHz QPSK) using an advanced state-of-the-art technique called Statistical Time-Division Multiplexing (Stat-Mux). Now that’s a mouthful!

Other:

Refreshments
Raffle prizes
Questions for Dr Know-it-All

We will be raffling off prizes at this meeting:

  1. Choice of one of:
    • Connect Systems CS-580 UHF DMR radio w/ 2100 mAH LiON batter, charger, program cable, S/W, 1000 memories, analog FM. Preprogrammed for the Bay Area
    • * ATYME 32 inch HDTV, connections: HDMI, USB, and A/V, resolution 1366x768, power 42W (5W standby)
    • Radioddity QB25 Mobile Tx/Rx: 136-174, 210-230, and 350-520 MHz (includes non-amateur frequencies), 0.25 uV Rx sensitivity, 10/25 watts out, CTSS and DCS coding, 200 memories, good looking color display, direct entry via microphone key pad, programming software and cable; Radio comes pre-programmed for many Bay Area amateur repeaters courtesy of Ed Fong WB6IQN; If you have been looking to get on 220 MHz, this radio is for you
    • Ematic Tablet/PC Windows 10 w/ keyboard, 32G Flash, Wifi, and Bluetooth
  2. * BaoFeng UV-5R Dual Band VHF/UHF HT
  3. * RG-8X 50 ohm coax w/ PL-259 connectors - 50ft
  4. * COB lantern (Chip On Board) twice as bright as conventional LED lights
[CS-580]

Connect Systems CS-580 UHF DMR radio w/ 2100 mAH LiON batter, charger, program cable

[ATYME 32 inch HDTV, connections: HDMI, USB, and A/V]

ATYME 32 inch HDTV, connections: HDMI, USB, and A/V

[Radioddity QB25 Mobile]

Radioddity QB25 Mobile Quad band (144/220/440 MHz) 10-25W mini mobile transceiver

[Ematic Windows 10 Tablet]

Ematic Tablet/PC, Windows 10, 32G Flash and Wifi

[BaoFeng UV-5R]

BaoFeng UV-5R Dual Band VHF/UHF HT

[RG-8X 50ft]

RG-8X 50 ohm coax w/ PL-259 connectors - 50ft

[COB LED lantern]

COB lantern (Chip On Board) twice as bright as conventional LED lights



* Indicates prizes that were awarded.

Friday February 15, 2019 - FARS Winter Banquet

Highlights from the Archives: Early Radio, Innovators, and Personalities

Bob Rydzewski
February 15th, 2019 - 6:00PM
FARS Winter Banquet 2019

Location: Michael’s at Shoreline. Reservations are required.

Mike Adams has been a radio personality and a film maker. Currently he is professor emeritus of radio, television, and film at San Jose State University, where he has been a department chair and the Associate Dean of the College of Humanities and the Arts.

Adams has taught at the Shanghai Theatre Academy School of Television and Film. As a researcher and writer of broadcast and early technology history, he created two award-winning documentaries for PBS, the Emmy-nominated “Radio Collector,” and “Broadcasting’s Forgotten Father.”

Mike is the Board Chair of the California Historical Radio Society, CHRS. For his service to historical radio research and publication he received the AWA (Antique Wireless Association) Houck Award, the SCARS (Southern California Historical Radio Society) President’s Award, the TCA (Tube Collectors of America) Stokes Award, the RCA (Radio Club of America) Ralph Batcher Award, and he was named a CHRS History Fellow.

He has had published numerous articles and six books, including Lee de Forest, King of Radio, Television and Film, 2012, Springer Science, The Radio Boys and Girls: Radio, Telegraph, Telephone and Wireless Adventures for Juvenile Readers, 1890-1945, McFarland Press, 2015, and Columbus Radio, Arcadia, 2016.

Friday March 22, 2019 - Membership Meeting

[K6WX]
[K6WX]


[Raffle Winners]

Raffle (L-R):
Ed, WB6IQN (3rd)
Adrian, K3ADM (4th)
Joe, W6SNV (5th)
Walt, K6WAL, (1st)
José, AJ0SE (2nd)

Not Shown:
Charlie, KI6FXY (WYWH $25)

Op-Amps for Fun and Profit!

Kristen McIntyre, K6WX

What is an op-amp? Have you ever wondered? They turn out to be incredibly useful devices that started out as computers! Beyond computing, they have been used for a wide array of fun applications, from simple comparators to doing calculus to exploring meta-stable chaotic systems. Op-amps lean heavily on the notion of feedback, giving us a chance to learn some fundamentals of control system theory. And they're pretty handy around the ham shack too. Let’s take a look at these amazing little devices and see what you could build with them.

Kristen McIntyre, K6WX, has been interested in radio since she was five years old. As a youth, she built many radio kits including her favorite: a one-tube radio kit.

Kristen started in Amateur Radio by getting her Technician’s license in the late 1970s while an undergraduate student at MIT. She built a 2-meter repeater with an autopatch to use while on campus at MIT. Kristen now holds an Amateur Extra class license and also is licensed in Japan as JI1IZZ. She is active on 2 meters, 1.2 GHz, and HF. She built an Elecraft K2 while on vacation. Kristen likes to work HF mobile using the K2 and a hamstick. She also operates from her apartment using an Icom IC-7600 driving an Ameritron AL-811H power amplifier into a homebrew helical vertical dipole. She loves to chase DX using mostly CW, and works contests from time to time.

Kristen’s professional career has been diverse. In the early 1980s, she designed high-power linear amplifiers. She spent five years in Japan, architecting and designing precision analog test systems while learning the Japanese language and culture. Kristen returned to the U.S. and has worked at or consulted for Silicon Valley tech firms. At Adobe Systems, she architected PostScript Level 2 and its RTOS underpinnings as well as AppleTalk networking for PostScript printers. In the early 1990's, she became a consultant and later founded an Internet service provider and a network consulting firm. At Sun Microsystems Laboratories, she did research on the robustness and emergent properties of large distributed computer systems. She is currently a senior software engineer at Apple Computer, working on OS X and iOS.

Kristen holds a degree from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology. She was officer and president of the Palo Alto Amateur Radio Association (PAARA). She was ARRL Technical Coordinator for the East Bay Section, and in 2018 became ARRL Pacific Division Vice Director. Kristen is currently serving as ARRL Pacific Division Director and ARRL First Vice President.

Other:

Refreshments
Raffle prizes
Questions for Dr Know-it-All

We will be raffling off prizes at this meeting:

  1. Choice of one of:
    • * Connect Systems CS-580 UHF DMR radio w/ 2100 mAH LiON batter, charger, program cable, S/W, 1000 memories, analog FM. Preprogrammed for the Bay Area
    • Radioddity QB25 Mobile Tx/Rx: 136-174, 210-230, and 350-520 MHz (includes non-amateur frequencies), 0.25 uV Rx sensitivity, 10/25 watts out, CTSS and DCS coding, 200 memories, good looking color display, direct entry via microphone key pad, programming software and cable; Radio comes pre-programmed for many Bay Area amateur repeaters courtesy of Ed Fong WB6IQN; If you have been looking to get on 220 MHz, this radio is for you
    • Ematic Tablet/PC Windows 10 w/ keyboard, 32G Flash, Wifi, and Bluetooth
  2. * RG-8X 50 ohm coax w/ PL-259 connectors - 50ft
  3. * Voyager utility bag Voyager 12-Inch Tool Bag; 15 inside pockets, 6 outside pockets, heavy duty fabric handles and zipper; Perfect for tools, go kit, batteries or emergency gear
  4. * APC power strip Commercial grade, 840 joules protection, 7 outlets, phone/modem protection, resettable circuit breaker, Green/Red LED fault detection
  5. * Pittsburgh Digital Caliper 6 inch Digital Electronic Caliper, large 4-digit LCD display, accurage to 1/1000 inch
[CS-580]

Connect Systems CS-580 UHF DMR radio w/ 2100 mAH LiON batter, charger, program cable

[Radioddity QB25 Mobile]

Radioddity QB25 Mobile Quad band (144/220/440 MHz) 10-25W mini mobile transceiver

[Ematic Windows 10 Tablet]

Ematic Tablet/PC, Windows 10, 32G Flash and Wifi

[RG-8X 50ft]

RG-8X 50 ohm coax w/ PL-259 connectors - 50ft

[Voyager 12-inch nylon utility bag]

Voyager utility bag 12-inch nylon bag for tools or as a go kit

[APC power strip]

APC power strip, Commercial grade, 7 outlets

[Pittsburg Digital Caliper]

Pittsburgh Digital Caliper 6 inch Digital Electronic Caliper, large 4-digit LCD display



* Indicates prizes that were awarded.

Friday April 19, 2019 - Membership Meeting

[KK6DAC]
[KK6DAC]


[Raffle Winners]

Raffle (L-R):
John, W1JDS (2nd)
Paul, KJ6AMM (WYWH $10)
Jeanette, KN6ZPY (4th)
José, AJ0SE (5th)
Rachel, KK6DAC, (1st)

Not Shown:
Ed, WB6IQN (3rd)

Batteries 101

Rachel Kinoshita, KK6DAC

This meeting was one week earlier than usual. It has been scheduled for the 3rd Friday instead of the usual 4th Friday of the month. Be sure to put the correct date on the calendar.

As part of becoming proficient in emergency communications, Rachel, KK6DAC, began researching alternative emergency power methods, including solar, generators, different types of batteries, and what works best for a particular application. In this presentation, Rachel will talk about batteries, the real world testing she has performed with them, and how it applies to ham radio.

Rachel's presentation is available online.

Rachel Kinoshita, KK6DAC, moved from Oregon to the San Francisco Bay Area in 1989 to work for a start-up email software company and has spent most of her career working in the messaging industry.

She now spends her time fighting spam, malware, and phishing attacks. Rachel considers herself still a newbie to ham radio, having only gotten her license in early 2013. Although like many things, Rachel jumped in with both feet and soon got her general license, an HF rig and starting exploring the world in the low bands.

At the same time, she found herself working with her local Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) to help develop and shape their communications plans and policies. She also found her way to the South County ARES (SCARES) organization where she developed an interest in emergency communications.

Other:

Refreshments
Raffle prizes
Questions for Dr Know-it-All

We will be raffling off prizes at this meeting:

  1. Choice of one of:
    • Radioddity QB25 Mobile Tx/Rx: 136-174, 210-230, and 350-520 MHz (includes non-amateur frequencies), 0.25 uV Rx sensitivity, 10/25 watts out, CTSS and DCS coding, 200 memories, good looking color display, direct entry via microphone key pad, programming software and cable; Radio comes pre-programmed for many Bay Area amateur repeaters courtesy of Ed Fong WB6IQN; If you have been looking to get on 220 MHz, this radio is for you
    • Ematic Tablet/PC Windows 10 w/ keyboard, 32G Flash, Wifi, and Bluetooth
  2. * Cen-tech 3-in-1 Power Pack jump start a car or portable 12 volt power source. 17AH battery w/ 330 cold cranking amps. Built in USB port and LED flashlight
  3. * Pittsburgh Digital Caliper 6 inch Digital Electronic Caliper, large 4-digit LCD display, accurage to 1/1000 inch
  4. * COB lantern (Chip On Board) twice as bright as conventional LED lights
  5. * HT Chest Pack Professional Handie Talkie chest pack. Great for search and rescue and other field operations
[Radioddity QB25 Mobile]

Radioddity QB25 Mobile Quad band (144/220/440 MHz) 10-25W mini mobile transceiver

[Ematic Windows 10 Tablet]

Ematic Tablet/PC, Windows 10, 32G Flash and Wifi

[Cen-tech Power Pack]

Cen-tech 3-in-1 Power Pack jump start a car or portable 12 volt power source. 17AH battery

[Pittsburg Digital Caliper]

Pittsburgh Digital Caliper 6 inch Digital Electronic Caliper, large 4-digit LCD display

[COB LED lantern]

COB lantern (Chip On Board) twice as bright as conventional LED lights

[HT Chest Pack]

HT Chest Pack Professional Handie Talkie chest pack



* Indicates prizes that were awarded.

Friday May 24, 2019 - Membership Meeting

[K3ADM]
[K3ADM]


[Raffle Winners]

Raffle (L-R):
Steve, K6OIK (2nd)
Joanna, K6YL (1st, 4th)
Doñna, KI6DAR, (3rd)
Jennette, KM6ZPY (5th)

Not Present:
John, W1JDS (WYWH $5)

Digital Radio Applications for Radio Hobbyists

Adrian Motamedi, K3ADM

Why pay big bucks for new radio gear just so you can listen to some digital signal when there are simple DIY hacks to do the same thing? Adrian, K3ADM, talks about digital radio applications of interest to radio hobbyists and Amateurs: (1) how to make a DMR home hotspot (using ZUM Radio’s ZUMspot board with Raspberry Pi Zero or Pi Zero W); (2) how to decode and listen to public safety transmissions that use P25 Phase II trunking; and (3) how to decode and listen to over-the-air FM broadcasts from HD2 multicast stations.

Adrian Motamedi, K3ADM, graduated in the field of microwaves and high-frequency technology. After university, he started his professional career as a high-speed digital circuit design engineer at Siemens, later Infineon Technologies.

In 2007 he joined Juniper Networks, where he worked on system, chip, package and EMI designs. For Juniper's MX2020 flagship product for the Edge market, he developed the first backplane having 3000 links at 10- and 25-Gbps.

At Aruba networks and subsequent chip startup, his team developed a 3.2-Tbps switch chip for switches at commercial data centers. The startup was acquired Cavium Inc., and then by Marvell Semiconductors.

He then joined an automotive/clean energy company and worked on EV infrastructure in the US and abroad.

Adrian currently works for an AI startup. He has six patents in the field of high-speed design and simulation. He speaks at JEDEC & Design-Con conferences. He is a member of the IEEE and is a volunteer on the boards of directors of FARS and a physics non-profit. Adrian is an avid hobbyist who holds licenses for Amateur Radio, boating, and as a student Pilot. He enjoys hiking, flying small airplanes, following the stock market and financial statistical analytics and prediction algorithms and software.

Other:

Refreshments
Raffle prizes
Questions for Dr Know-it-All

We will be raffling off prizes at this meeting:

  1. Choice of one of:
    • Radioddity QB25 Mobile Tx/Rx: 136-174, 210-230, and 350-520 MHz (includes non-amateur frequencies), 0.25 uV Rx sensitivity, 10/25 watts out, CTSS and DCS coding, 200 memories, good looking color display, direct entry via microphone key pad, programming software and cable; Radio comes pre-programmed for many Bay Area amateur repeaters courtesy of Ed Fong WB6IQN; If you have been looking to get on 220 MHz, this radio is for you
    • * AAI 1201SA Impedance Analyzer 137MHz — 2.7GHz, VSWR, Impedance, 100dB dynamic range
  2. * Pittsburgh Digital Caliper 6 inch Digital Electronic Caliper, large 4-digit LCD display, accurage to 1/1000 inch
  3. * COB lantern (Chip On Board) twice as bright as conventional LED lights
  4. * LiOn 5AH USB Power Bank charges via USB and solar, built-in LED Flashlight, with USB charging cable and separate compass
  5. * 12V 7.5AH AGM Battery Sealed Lead Acid battery
[Radioddity QB25 Mobile]

Radioddity QB25 Mobile Quad band (144/220/440 MHz) 10-25W mini mobile transceiver

[AAI Impedance Analyzer]

AAI 1201SA Impedance Analyzer 137MHz — 2.7GHz, VSWR, Impedance, 100dB dynamic range

[Pittsburg Digital Caliper]

Pittsburgh Digital Caliper 6 inch Digital Electronic Caliper, large 4-digit LCD display

[COB LED lantern]

COB lantern (Chip On Board) twice as bright as conventional LED lights

[LiOn USB Backup]

LiOn 5AH USB Power Bank w/ solar charger, LED flashlight

[12V 7.5AH AGM Battery]

12V 7.5AH AGM Battery Sealed Lead Acid battery



* Indicates prizes that were awarded.

Friday June 14, 2019 - Membership Meeting

[K6OIK]
[K6OIK]


[Raffle Winners]

Raffle (L-R):
Cliff, KN6DH (2nd)
Andy, KR6DD (4th)
Forrest, AJ6SN, (5th)
Vic, AB6SO (1st)
Richard, N6ATD (3rd)

Not Present:
Unknown (WYWH $10)

The Mysteries of the Smith Chart’s Radial Loss Scale

Steve Stearns, K6OIK

This meeting was two weeks earlier than usual. It has been scheduled for the 2nd Friday instead of the usual 4th Friday of the month because of Field Day. Be sure to put the correct date on the calendar.

Steve, K6OIK, explores the mysteries of the radial loss scale of the Philip H. Smith’s venerable chart. This scale is almost never used, probably because nobody knows what the scale really means or how it works. In answering these questions, we are led to a more basic question: is the scale even right? Steve presents the equation Smith’s scale is based on, then he shows it disagrees with almost every book on transmission line theory. What was Philip Smith thinking? The story is a maze with intersecting paths, made complicated by layers of approximations.

HF phone: Golden Bear Amateur Radio Net, 3,975 kHz LSB at 1900 Pacific time daily.

E-Mail: k6oik AT arrl.net

Articles: /docs/k6oik

Steve Stearns, K6OIK, started in ham radio while in high school at the height of the Heathkit era. He holds an FCC Amateur Extra and a commercial General Radio Operator license with Radar endorsement. He previously held Novice, Technician, and 1st Class Radiotelephone licenses.

He studied electrical engineering at California State University Fullerton, the University of Southern California, and Stanford, specializing in electromagnetic theory, communication, engineering and signal processing.

Steve worked at Northrop Grumman Corporation’s Electromagnetic Systems Laboratory in San Jose, California. He retired as a Northrop Grumman Technical Fellow.

Steve is serving as vice-president of the Foothills Amateur Radio Society, and served previously as assistant director of ARRL Pacific Division. He has over 100 professional publications and presentations and ten patents. Steve has received numerous awards for professional and community volunteer activities.

Other:

Refreshments
Raffle prizes
Questions for Dr Know-it-All

We will be raffling off prizes at this meeting:

  1. Choice of one of:
    • Radioddity QB25 Mobile Tx/Rx: 136-174, 210-230, and 350-520 MHz (includes non-amateur frequencies), 0.25 uV Rx sensitivity, 10/25 watts out, CTSS and DCS coding, 200 memories, good looking color display, direct entry via microphone key pad, programming software and cable; Radio comes pre-programmed for many Bay Area amateur repeaters courtesy of Ed Fong WB6IQN; If you have been looking to get on 220 MHz, this radio is for you
    • * Connect Systems CS-580 UHF DMR radio w/ 2100 mAH LiON batter, charger, program cable, S/W, 1000 memories, analog FM. Preprogrammed for the Bay Area
  2. * Velleman Solder Station full temperature contorl 300-385 degrees
  3. * RG-8X 50 ohm coax w/ PL-259 connectors - 50ft
  4. * Voyager utility bag Voyager 12-Inch Tool Bag; 15 inside pockets, 6 outside pockets, heavy duty fabric handles and zipper; Perfect for tools, go kit, batteries or emergency gear
  5. * COB lantern (Chip On Board) twice as bright as conventional LED lights
[Radioddity QB25 Mobile]

Radioddity QB25 Mobile Quad band (144/220/440 MHz) 10-25W mini mobile transceiver

[CS-580]

Connect Systems CS-580 UHF DMR radio w/ 2100 mAH LiON batter, charger, program cable

[Velleman Solder Station]

Velleman Solder Station full temperature contorl 300-385 degrees

[RG-8X 50ft]

RG-8X 50 ohm coax w/ PL-259 connectors - 50ft

[Voyager 12-inch nylon utility bag]

Voyager utility bag 12-inch nylon bag for tools or as a go kit

[COB LED lantern]

COB lantern (Chip On Board) twice as bright as conventional LED lights



* Indicates prizes that were awarded.

Friday July 26, 2019 - Membership Meeting

[KF6GPE]
[KF6GPE]


[Raffle Winners]

Raffle (L-R):
John, KF6YXN (4th)
Mike, KN6QI (1st)
Paul, W6EXT, (1st)

Not Shown:
Eduardo, KM6YML (2nd)
Jim, N6JRC (5th)
Unknown (3rd)

Not Present:
Unknown (WYWH $15)

APRS Turns 35. What's Next?

Ray Rischpater, KF6GPE

A look at the past and future of APRS and what you can use it for, with an explanation, current state-of-the-art on getting on the air with this mode using your cell phone or laptop.

Ray Rischpater, KF6GPE, is a software professional, author, and ham of twenty-five years with an interest in emergency services communications, especially using digital modes like APRS and Winlink.

Ray is a member of the San Lorenzo Valley ARC, the Santa Cruz County ARC, and Bay-Net. He is frequently active on WW6BAY and WB6ECE.

Other:

Refreshments
Raffle prizes
Questions for Dr Know-it-All

We will be raffling off prizes at this meeting:

  1. Choice of one of:
    • * Nano Vector Network Analyzer (VNA) 2-port network analyzer with SMA connectors, broad frequency coverage 50 kHz to 900 MHz, measures S11, S22, S21 and S12, includes calibration kit (SMA open, short and 50-ohm). Use it to measure filters, tune duplexers, match antennas, and more
    • Koolertron DDS Signal Generator and Counter Independent two channel signal generator and frequency counter, frequency range DC to 60 MHz, resolution 1/10th Hz, generates sine (to 60 MHz), plus square, saw tooth, and arbitrary waveform to 15 MHz, includes PC software, test cables, and USB interface.
    • Radioddity QB25 Mobile Tx/Rx: 136-174, 210-230, and 350-520 MHz (includes non-amateur frequencies), 0.25 uV Rx sensitivity, 10/25 watts out, CTSS and DCS coding, 200 memories, good looking color display, direct entry via microphone key pad, programming software and cable; Radio comes pre-programmed for many Bay Area amateur repeaters courtesy of Ed Fong WB6IQN; If you have been looking to get on 220 MHz, this radio is for you
    • * Connect Systems CS-580 UHF DMR radio w/ 2100 mAH LiON batter, charger, program cable, S/W, 1000 memories, analog FM. Preprogrammed for the Bay Area
  2. * RG-8X 50 ohm coax w/ PL-259 connectors - 50ft
  3. * 12V 7.5AH AGM Battery Sealed Lead Acid battery
  4. * LiOn 5AH USB Power Bank charges via USB and solar, built-in LED Flashlight, with USB charging cable and separate compass
  5. * McGuire-Nicholas tool bag 12-inch durable nylon bag for tools or go kit. Made of military grade waterproof nylon with compartments inside and outside for pens, screw drivers, and tools. Will last a lifetime
[Nano Vector Network Analyzer (VNA)]

Nano Vector Network Analyzer (VNA) 2-port network analyzer w/ SMA connectors, covers 50 kHz to 900 MHz

[Koolertron DDS Signal Generator]

Koolertron DDS Signal Generator/Counter Two channel signal generator and frequency counter, DC to 60 MHz

[Radioddity QB25 Mobile]

Radioddity QB25 Mobile Quad band (144/220/440 MHz) 10-25W mini mobile transceiver

[CS-580]

Connect Systems CS-580 UHF DMR radio w/ 2100 mAH LiON batter, charger, program cable

[RG-8X 50ft]

RG-8X 50 ohm coax w/ PL-259 connectors - 50ft

[12V 7.5AH AGM Battery]

12V 7.5AH AGM Battery Sealed Lead Acid battery

[LiOn USB Backup]

LiOn 5AH USB Power Bank w/ solar charger, LED flashlight

[McGuire-Nicholas 12-inch nylon tool bag]

McGuire-Nicholas tool bag 12-inch durable nylon bag for tools or go kit



* Indicates prizes that were awarded.

Friday August 23, 2019 - Membership Meeting

[WB6IQN]
[WB6IQN]


[Raffle Winners]

Raffle (L-R):
Steve, K6OIK (4th)
Paul, KN6DHY (2nd)
Mike, KN6QI (3rd)
Jeff, AK6TG (1st)

Not Present:
Bill, AE6JV (WYWH $20)

An Omni Directional Gain Base Antenna Without Radials

Ed Fong, WB6IQN

Ed Fong WB6IQN, explains the J-pole and improvements. A J-pole is a popular antenna because it does not require radials and can have up to 1.6 dB more gain than a quarter-wave ground-plane vertical depending on height above ground and ground type. However, there is a way to get even more gain. Ed explains how to convert a J-pole into a collinear by adding elements, all while not affecting the impedance match. The addition of a single extra element can add 3 dB of gain over a standard J-pole, or up to 4.6 dB of gain over a quarter-wave ground-plane vertical! Ed’s method is described in U.S. patent 8,947,313.

Ed Fong, WB6IQN, teaches RF Wireless Communications and I/O Design Fundamentals for UC Santa Cruz in Silicon Valley. He taught RF Wireless at UC Berkeley from 1998 to 2011.

Ed is the owner of Ed’s Antennas https://edsantennas.weebly.com. More than 12,000 of his DBJ-1, DBJ-2, and TBJ-1 antennas have been sold to hams, commercial users, and agencies. These popular antennas have been featured in QST (March 2017, February 2003 and March 2007), CQ (Summer 2012), ARRL Antenna Compendium Vol 8, and ARRL VHF/UHF Antenna Classics.

Ed’s past presentations to FARS were on single-sideband modulation (January 2023), ground-independent vertical antennas (August 2019), and DMR radio (April 2018).

Other:

Refreshments
Raffle prizes
Questions for Dr Know-it-All

We will be raffling off prizes at this meeting:

  1. Choice of one of:
    • Nano Vector Network Analyzer (VNA) 2-port network analyzer with SMA connectors, broad frequency coverage 50 kHz to 900 MHz, measures S11, S22, S21 and S12, includes calibration kit (SMA open, short and 50-ohm). Use it to measure filters, tune duplexers, match antennas, and more
    • Koolertron DDS Signal Generator and Counter Independent two channel signal generator and frequency counter, frequency range DC to 60 MHz, resolution 1/10th Hz, generates sine (to 60 MHz), plus square, saw tooth, and arbitrary waveform to 15 MHz, includes PC software, test cables, and USB interface.
    • Radioddity QB25 Mobile Tx/Rx: 136-174, 210-230, and 350-520 MHz (includes non-amateur frequencies), 0.25 uV Rx sensitivity, 10/25 watts out, CTSS and DCS coding, 200 memories, good looking color display, direct entry via microphone key pad, programming software and cable; Radio comes pre-programmed for many Bay Area amateur repeaters courtesy of Ed Fong WB6IQN; If you have been looking to get on 220 MHz, this radio is for you
    • * Connect Systems CS-580 UHF DMR radio w/ 2100 mAH LiON batter, charger, program cable, S/W, 1000 memories, analog FM. Preprogrammed for the Bay Area
  2. * CountyComm GP-5 SSB General Receiver LW/AM/FM/HF (2.5-30MHz), Full SDR w/ SiLabs 4743 chip, and nice stereo FM receiver
  3. * Ultra Fire LED Light 400 lumens w/ 3 AH LiOn rechargeable battery and charger
  4. * 12V 7.5AH AGM Battery Sealed Lead Acid battery
[Nano Vector Network Analyzer (VNA)]

Nano Vector Network Analyzer (VNA) 2-port network analyzer w/ SMA connectors, covers 50 kHz to 900 MHz

[Koolertron DDS Signal Generator]

Koolertron DDS Signal Generator/Counter Two channel signal generator and frequency counter, DC to 60 MHz

[Radioddity QB25 Mobile]

Radioddity QB25 Mobile Quad band (144/220/440 MHz) 10-25W mini mobile transceiver

[CS-580]

Connect Systems CS-580 UHF DMR radio w/ 2100 mAH LiON batter, charger, program cable

[GP-5 SSB]

CountyComm GP-5 SSB General Receiver LW/AM/FM/HF (2.5-30MHz)

[Ultra Fire LED Light]

Ultra Fire LED Light 400 lumens w/ 3 AH LiOn rechargeable battery and charger

[12V 7.5AH AGM Battery]

12V 7.5AH AGM Battery Sealed Lead Acid battery



* Indicates prizes that were awarded.

Friday September 27, 2019 - Membership Meeting

[K6YA]
[K6YA]


Home Brew Winners:
Rachel, KK6DAC (1st)
Hiro, AH6CY (2nd)
Henry, W6REKI (3rd)
Shri, KA6Q (4th)


[Raffle Winners]

Raffle (L-R):
Paul, KN6DHY (1st)
José, AJ0SE (3rd)
Mike, KN6QI (5th)
Bernard, KI6TSF (2nd)

Not Present:
Bill, AE6JV (WYWH $25)

FARS Annual Home Brew Contest

K6YA

This meeting is about you. Yes you, our members and guests. Our Annual Amateur Radio Homebrew Contest is a opportunity to show off a project that you have worked on in the past year. Each participant has a few minutes to show and explain his project to our audience and has a chance to win one of our four prizes:

$40 First prize
$30 Second prize
$20 Third prize
$10 Fourth prize

Dinner is being served at this meeting, so bring an appetite. We will have a number of plates of Chinese food served buffet-style, along with beverages.

Other:

Refreshments
Raffle prizes
Questions for Dr Know-it-All

We will be raffling off prizes at this meeting:

  1. Choice of one of:
    • * Nano Vector Network Analyzer (VNA) 2-port network analyzer with SMA connectors, broad frequency coverage 50 kHz to 900 MHz, measures S11, S22, S21 and S12, includes calibration kit (SMA open, short and 50-ohm). Use it to measure filters, tune duplexers, match antennas, and more
    • Koolertron DDS Signal Generator and Counter Independent two channel signal generator and frequency counter, frequency range DC to 60 MHz, resolution 1/10th Hz, generates sine (to 60 MHz), plus square, saw tooth, and arbitrary waveform to 15 MHz, includes PC software, test cables, and USB interface.
    • Radioddity QB25 Mobile Tx/Rx: 136-174, 210-230, and 350-520 MHz (includes non-amateur frequencies), 0.25 uV Rx sensitivity, 10/25 watts out, CTSS and DCS coding, 200 memories, good looking color display, direct entry via microphone key pad, programming software and cable; Radio comes pre-programmed for many Bay Area amateur repeaters courtesy of Ed Fong WB6IQN; If you have been looking to get on 220 MHz, this radio is for you
  2. * Cen-tech Power Inverter 400-watts continuous/800-watts peak, modified sine inverter. Run/charge your laptop, TV, computer from your 12 volt battery. It will even run your refrigerator. Great for emergencies
  3. * BaoFeng UV-5R Dual Band VHF/UHF HT
  4. COB lantern (Chip On Board) twice as bright as conventional LED lights
  5. * County Comm Solar LED keychain light with lithium battery and solar charger. A really cool, durable keychain light
[Nano Vector Network Analyzer (VNA)]

Nano Vector Network Analyzer (VNA) 2-port network analyzer w/ SMA connectors, covers 50 kHz to 900 MHz

[Koolertron DDS Signal Generator]

Koolertron DDS Signal Generator/Counter Two channel signal generator and frequency counter, DC to 60 MHz

[Radioddity QB25 Mobile]

Radioddity QB25 Mobile Quad band (144/220/440 MHz) 10-25W mini mobile transceiver

[Cen-tech Power Inverter]

Cen-tech Power Inverter 400 Watts (800 Watts peak), modified sine inverter

[BaoFeng UV-5R]

BaoFeng UV-5R Dual Band VHF/UHF HT

[COB LED lantern]

COB lantern (Chip On Board) twice as bright as conventional LED lights

[County Comm Solar LED keychain light]

County Comm Solar LED keychain light with lithium battery and solar charger. A really cool, durable keychain light



* Indicates prizes that were awarded.

Friday October 25, 2019 - Membership Meeting

[AH6CY]
[AH6CY]


[Raffle Winners]

Raffle (L-R):
Ed, KD6KCA (4th)
Steve, K6OIK, (3rd,
    WYWH $30)
Dave, W6VYC (1st)
Nick, N6VOA (-)
Eduardo, KM6YML (2nd)

Not Present:
Richard, N6ATD (5th)

Two British Spy Radios of WWII

Hiroki Kato, AH6CY

Hiroki Kato tells the story of the two QRP portable radios that were developed and deployed by the SOE (Special Operations Executive), a clandestine paramilitary organization to engage in sabotage and organizing local resistance fighters in the Nazis-occupied Europe. Named the “B2 /Type 3 Mark II” and the "Mark VII” (nicknamed the “Paraset”), they were used by the British trained agents as well as local fighters to communicate with London. Hiroki brings and shows the original radios and a working replica of the Paraset. This talk is based on Hiroki’s article that appeared in QST, April 2016.


B2 / Type 3 Mark II

Mark VII / Paraset

Hiroki Kato, AH6CY, was born in Hiroshima, and was first licensed as JA4AAO when he was in high school.

After college, he came to the US to pursue graduate studies. Dr. Kato taught political science and linguistics at several universities, including the University of Hawaii, Harvard, and Northwestern.

He got his current call sign when he lived in Honolulu.

He later worked for early Silicon Valley startups, retiring in 2000.

He enjoys QRP portable and QRO remote operations, having been on the air from many states and countries.

When at home in California, he collects and restores boat anchor radios, focusing on World War II-era radios.

Hiroki is a member of the ARRL. Hiroki previously spoke to FARS on British Spy Radios of WWII in October 2019 (QST, April 2016), and his coffee can antenna (QST, August 2021) won 2nd place in FARS 2019 Home Brew Contest.

Other:

Refreshments
Raffle prizes
Questions for Dr Know-it-All

We will be raffling off prizes at this meeting:

  1. Choice of one of:
    • Nano Vector Network Analyzer (VNA) 2-port network analyzer with SMA connectors, broad frequency coverage 50 kHz to 900 MHz, measures S11, S22, S21 and S12, includes calibration kit (SMA open, short and 50-ohm). Use it to measure filters, tune duplexers, match antennas, and more
    • Radioddity QB25 Mobile Tx/Rx: 136-174, 210-230, and 350-520 MHz (includes non-amateur frequencies), 0.25 uV Rx sensitivity, 10/25 watts out, CTSS and DCS coding, 200 memories, good looking color display, direct entry via microphone key pad, programming software and cable; Radio comes pre-programmed for many Bay Area amateur repeaters courtesy of Ed Fong WB6IQN; If you have been looking to get on 220 MHz, this radio is for you
    • * Connect Systems CS-580 UHF DMR radio w/ 2100 mAH LiON batter, charger, program cable, S/W, 1000 memories, analog FM. Preprogrammed for the Bay Area
  2. * Radioddity GD-73A HT world’s smallest full featured DMR/analog UHF transceiver. Palm size 2600mAH battery, charging cable, belt clip, earpiece - 2 watts output – 1024 memories 1 watt audio output - comes complete programmed to Bay Area code plug (Ed Fong’s version)
  3. * 12V 7.5AH AGM Battery Sealed Lead Acid battery
  4. * LiOn 5AH USB Power Bank charges via USB and solar, built-in LED Flashlight, with USB charging cable and separate compass
[Nano Vector Network Analyzer (VNA)]

Nano Vector Network Analyzer (VNA) 2-port network analyzer w/ SMA connectors, covers 50 kHz to 900 MHz

[Radioddity QB25 Mobile]

Radioddity QB25 Mobile Quad band (144/220/440 MHz) 10-25W mini mobile transceiver

[CS-580]

Connect Systems CS-580 UHF DMR radio w/ 2100 mAH LiON batter, charger, program cable

[Radioddity GD-73A HT]

Radioddity GD-73A HT smallest full featured DMR/analog UHF transceiver w/ 2600mAH battery, 2W RF out, 1024 memories

[12V 7.5AH AGM Battery]

12V 7.5AH AGM Battery Sealed Lead Acid battery

[LiOn USB Backup]

LiOn 5AH USB Power Bank w/ solar charger, LED flashlight



* Indicates prizes that were awarded.

Friday November 22, 2019 - Membership Meeting

[KI6DS]
[KI6DS]


[Raffle Winners]

Raffle (L-R):
Steve, K6OIK (1st)
Walt, K6WAL, (4th)
Mike, KN6QI (2nd)
Marco, KM6ELO (5th)
Bob, KC6TYD (3rd)

Not Shown:
Ed, WB6IQN (WYWH $5)

The Art and Science of QRP

Doug Hendricks, KI6DS

[Meeting scheduled in Room 32 this month]

Doug Hendricks, KI6DS, talks about QRP. For those unfamiliar with the term, QRP is a lot like an Amateur Radio version of the Spy Radios that we learned about last month. Small radios that run on batteries which enable you to access the HF bands and engage in long distance QSOs. Whether you are a ham or a secret spy, be sure to come and learn about this fun aspect of the hobby!

Doug Hendricks, KI6DS was the founder and owner of Hendricks QRP Kits, http://www.qrpkits.com. He sold the company in 2015 to Pacific Antenna, maker of the PAC-12 portable vertical, but Doug still finds time to consult on new QRP kit projects.

Doug has long been an advocate of bringing affordable, relatively easy-to-build kits to the QRP community. He has collaborated with Steve Weber and others in recent years to market such radios as the PFR-3, the Ft. Tuthill transceivers, and many other receivers, tuners, and useful accessories as well as pieces of quality, yet inexpensive test gear.

Other:

Refreshments
Raffle prizes
Questions for Dr Know-it-All

We will be raffling off prizes at this meeting:

  1. Choice of one of:
    • * Nano Vector Network Analyzer (VNA) 2-port network analyzer with SMA connectors, broad frequency coverage 50 kHz to 900 MHz, measures S11, S22, S21 and S12, includes calibration kit (SMA open, short and 50-ohm). Use it to measure filters, tune duplexers, match antennas, and more
    • Radioddity QB25 Mobile Tx/Rx: 136-174, 210-230, and 350-520 MHz (includes non-amateur frequencies), 0.25 uV Rx sensitivity, 10/25 watts out, CTSS and DCS coding, 200 memories, good looking color display, direct entry via microphone key pad, programming software and cable; Radio comes pre-programmed for many Bay Area amateur repeaters courtesy of Ed Fong WB6IQN; If you have been looking to get on 220 MHz, this radio is for you
    • Connect Systems CS-580 UHF DMR radio w/ 2100 mAH LiON batter, charger, program cable, S/W, 1000 memories, analog FM. Preprogrammed for the Bay Area
  2. * CountyComm GP-5 SSB General Receiver LW/AM/FM/HF (2.5-30MHz), Full SDR w/ SiLabs 4743 chip, and nice stereo FM receiver
  3. * Screw driver w/ 31 tools Set includes: most standard flat-head, Phillips, and Torx sizes
  4. * LED Emergency Flares by Garage Monkey Engineering - four very bright LED “flares.” Each one has a 3-LED white flashlight. Great to carry in your car for emergencies.
  5. * Portable Dipole Antenna Wind-up reels for quick deployment, Mil spec. You supply feedline and tuner. Donated by Dick Baldwinson, N6ATD
[Nano Vector Network Analyzer (VNA)]

Nano Vector Network Analyzer (VNA) 2-port network analyzer w/ SMA connectors, covers 50 kHz to 900 MHz

[Radioddity QB25 Mobile]

Radioddity QB25 Mobile Quad band (144/220/440 MHz) 10-25W mini mobile transceiver

[CS-580]

Connect Systems CS-580 UHF DMR radio w/ 2100 mAH LiON batter, charger, program cable

[GP-5 SSB]

CountyComm GP-5 SSB General Receiver LW/AM/FM/HF (2.5-30MHz)

[Screw driver set with 31 tools]

Screw driver w/ 31 tools Set includes: most standard flat-head, Phillips, and Torx sizes

[LED Emergency Flares]

LED Emergency Flares Four very bright LED “flares.”

[Portable Dipole Antenna]

Portable Dipole Antenna Wind-up reels for quick deployment, Mil spec. You supply feedline and tuner



* Indicates prizes that were awarded.

Friday December 13, 2019 - Membership Meeting

[NA6O]
[NA6O]


[Raffle Winners]

Raffle (L-R):
Cliff, KN6DH (2nd)
Jeff, AK6TG, (WYWH $5)
José, AJ0SE (1st)
Mike, KM6WP (3rd, 4th)

Finding and Killing Receiver Noise

Gary Johnson, NA6O

This meeting is two weeks earlier than usual. It has been scheduled for the 2nd Friday instead of the usual 4th Friday of the month due to Christmas holiday. Be sure to put the correct date on the calendar. [This talk was rescheduled from our August meeting]

[Meeting scheduled in Room 32 this month]

Gary Johnson, NA6O, shows you how to track down and deal with various sources of noise and interference. Topics include:

  • Types of noise and interference
  • Typical noise sources
  • Finding the noise
  • Noise mitigation
  • Your rights per the FCC
  • References

Gary's RFI resources page, including this talk [pdf download].

Gary Johnson, NA6O, has had his ham license since he was 13, starting off in Illinois. Now retired from an electrical engineering career at Lawrence Livermore National Lab, he enjoys several hobbies including woodworking, metalworking, electronics, and of course ham radio.

On the radio side, he does DX’ing and likes to operate in contests, particularly CW. He likes to do station design, engineering, and construction. FARS members may recall Gary spoke to FARS three years ago on “Finding and Killing Radio Interference.” /docs/#na6o-rfi Those slides are archived on FARS web site. Gary’s website is https://na6o.com.

Other:

Refreshments
Raffle prizes
Questions for Dr Know-it-All

We will be raffling off prizes at this meeting:

  1. Choice of one of:
    • Nano Vector Network Analyzer (VNA) 2-port network analyzer with SMA connectors, broad frequency coverage 50 kHz to 900 MHz, measures S11, S22, S21 and S12, includes calibration kit (SMA open, short and 50-ohm). Use it to measure filters, tune duplexers, match antennas, and more
    • Radioddity QB25 Mobile Tx/Rx: 136-174, 210-230, and 350-520 MHz (includes non-amateur frequencies), 0.25 uV Rx sensitivity, 10/25 watts out, CTSS and DCS coding, 200 memories, good looking color display, direct entry via microphone key pad, programming software and cable; Radio comes pre-programmed for many Bay Area amateur repeaters courtesy of Ed Fong WB6IQN; If you have been looking to get on 220 MHz, this radio is for you
    • * Connect Systems CS-580 UHF DMR radio w/ 2100 mAH LiON batter, charger, program cable, S/W, 1000 memories, analog FM. Preprogrammed for the Bay Area
  2. Choice of one of:
    • * Nano Vector Network Analyzer (VNA) 2-port network analyzer with SMA connectors, broad frequency coverage 50 kHz to 900 MHz, measures S11, S22, S21 and S12, includes calibration kit (SMA open, short and 50-ohm). Use it to measure filters, tune duplexers, match antennas, and more
    • Radioddity GD-73A HT world’s smallest full featured DMR/analog UHF transceiver. Palm size 2600mAH battery, charging cable, belt clip, earpiece - 2 watts output – 1024 memories 1 watt audio output - comes complete programmed to Bay Area code plug (Ed Fong’s version)
    • BaoFeng UV-5R Dual Band VHF/UHF HT
  3. * Ultra Fire LED Light 400 lumens w/ 3 AH LiOn rechargeable battery and charger
  4. * Pittsburgh Digital Caliper 6 inch Digital Electronic Caliper, large 4-digit LCD display, accurage to 1/1000 inch
[Nano Vector Network Analyzer (VNA)]

Nano Vector Network Analyzer (VNA) 2-port network analyzer w/ SMA connectors, covers 50 kHz to 900 MHz

[Radioddity QB25 Mobile]

Radioddity QB25 Mobile Quad band (144/220/440 MHz) 10-25W mini mobile transceiver

[CS-580]

Connect Systems CS-580 UHF DMR radio w/ 2100 mAH LiON batter, charger, program cable

[Nano Vector Network Analyzer (VNA)]

Nano Vector Network Analyzer (VNA) 2-port network analyzer w/ SMA connectors, covers 50 kHz to 900 MHz

[Radioddity GD-73A HT]

Radioddity GD-73A HT smallest full featured DMR/analog UHF transceiver w/ 2600mAH battery, 2W RF out, 1024 memories

[BaoFeng UV-5R]

BaoFeng UV-5R Dual Band VHF/UHF HT

[Ultra Fire LED Light]

Ultra Fire LED Light 400 lumens w/ 3 AH LiOn rechargeable battery and charger

[Pittsburg Digital Caliper]

Pittsburgh Digital Caliper 6 inch Digital Electronic Caliper, large 4-digit LCD display



* Indicates prizes that were awarded.

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