Present In Person (6): Hugo AA1XV (President), Steve K1RF, Jeff KB1C (Recording Secretary) , Dave N1DPD (Treasurer), Steve W1SMS (Vice President), Rusty K4SAA
Present Virtually (6): Toy K1WYQ, Rich K1CYW, Steve N1CM, Tom WB2HTJ, Jess ND1L, Andre W2ART
Business Meeting: called to order by President Hugo AA1XV at 7:11
Hugo welcomed Steve N1CM, president of SARA, and Tom WB2HTJ, now in North Carolina.
Minutes of the February meeting as previously distributed were approved, with the modification that the summer party should be changed to summer picnic.
Old Business:
President’s Report: by Hugo AA1XV: We were reminded of the loss of N1ZD last month, and all the memories we have of him, particularly pictures.
He related that no one joined the HF Net last Thursday night, noting band conditions were noisy and hoping this week’s is more active. We have not had a lot of feedback on presentations about antennas in the past, perhaps tonight’s session will help. The more general question is: how many are operating HF with any regularity?
Treasurer’s Report: by Dave N1DPD: Last month, a paid expense was flowers for N1ZD’s calling hours. A goodwill donation to the Westport Astronomical Society to maintain a future relationship is in the works. We may consider selling some equipment to generate revenue. As of today, paid membershipship is at 44.
Secretary’s Report: by Jeff KB1C: Not much feedback of any kind has been received on the newsletter, it’s impossible to determine the extent of readership. Please consider contributing content if there’s anything you think club members might be interested in: announcements, items for sale, suggestions, and especially corrections, etc. Your ideas are welcome! Watch for the April issue…a new puzzle, and a new feature – “Ask Elmer!”
New Business:
Newsletter issues will be archived on the club website.
Steve N1CM will be attending the upcoming Southington Hamfest on 3/22, he may be selling equipment there; he will check with other SARA members. If they do have a table there, he has offered to include GNARC equipment. He was asked if any VE sessions are in the works; as of now testing is on demand, exams are generated using an online tool, and no requests are pending.
Dave N1DPD is running the upcoming Bloomin Metric event in May, for which we offer radio support services. He will be looking for helpers for this, stay tuned!
Rich K1CYW has some equipment to donate to the club, which is much appreciated.
Main Event: Presentation:
Steve K1RF’s talk “End Connected-Off Center Fed Dipole Antennas” (EC-OCFD) was loaded with technical detail on history, construction, testing, and comparison with other types of antennas for various bands. To achieve his goal of building low-cost, easy to build, efficient, hi-power multiband antennas, Steve has extensively researched many different wire models. Accompanied by the origination and evolution of each model, we learned who designed each, what materials are involved, and what works well on various bands.
The precursor models to the EC-OCFD included the City Windom, sleeve dipole, end-fed monocord, banana half wave end fed choked coax model, and single band end fed and center fed portable antennas. Each antenna was presented in detail, including construction and effectiveness. Charts and graphs showing efficiency, and lists of parts needed and where to obtain them were included.
Steve’s highly informative and interesting presentation thoroughly outlined the pros and cons of EC-OCFD vs end fed half wave antennas. Thank you, Steve!
Powerpoint will be available on the club website.
Any questions or more information needed? Contact Steve at K1RF@ARRL.net.
Bonus Presentation: “Operating Opportunities-Get On The Air!”
Rusty K4SAA shared details of some DXpeditions he knows and has participated in. Many stations present uncommon, even rare CW, voice, or digital contact opportunities; details about locations, time frames, and even folks you’ll meet describe terrific goals for Hams to try, some being more challenging than others. Rusty will supply his detailed list for inclusion on the club website. Thank you, Rusty!
Hugo AA1XV informed us that next month’s meeting location will be changing to room 216 here in the Westport Library. The meeting is expected to be on April 8.
The Meeting was adjourned at 8:42.
Respectfully submitted, Jeff KB1C, Secretary
