On June 10th, 2017, KC1YL, W1PPL and WB2JVB traveled to the CT/MA/RI tri-point, where all states meet. This is near Thompson, CT and is at 700′ elevation. It was about a 1.5 mile hike into the woods up the mountain. Radio was an Icom IC-706 MkIIG into a Buddipole at 20′. Power supply was a Bioenno Lithium Iron Phosphate 15Ah battery. Picnic lunch was also enjoyed.
Over 50 contacts were made on 20m, including Alaska and several in California. Lots of midwest contacts as well.
Tons of fun, other than the millions of caterpillars that were everywhere! If you have ideas for a portable op, let Lisa know!
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Curt W1FSM, Charles N1LLL, Mike N1PLH, Dee N1ZD and Paul W1PPL worked on the beam.
I am told that they replaced the Balun and the Balun Straps. Installed the proper spacers in the crossover network, tightened up several loose bolts and installed a new cable from the tower to the beam. Also the tri-band vertical was removed from the top of the tower and will be relocated at a later date.
On Saturday 5/20, Curt and I put the beam through its paces and it appears to be fixed. the SWR is between 1.5:1 and 2.5:1 depending which direction it is pointed, probably due to the steel roof.
So, I am VERY HAPPY to tell the club that the beam is back in service.
ALSO, while we were testing antennas we found that there is an intermittent problem with the All-Band OCF antenna causing the SWR to swing. Curt said that he will address this ASAP.
From: Tom K1TA
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Two GNARC members participated in the Sheffield Island Lighthouse cleanup and get ready for opening day. The Norwalk Seaport Association lets us operate from the island, so its good to help them out. Plus we got a free ferry ride, free lunch and a nice day on the island. Don’t miss it next year! And we got in the local paper.
2017 Sheffield Island Clean up
Here is the PDF of Steve’s presentation on test equipment you can find on Ebay.
Today we finished installing the shelving and wood strapping around the trailer. The tents are now help upright at the front, with eye hooks and bungee cords/rope. All power cords, coax, surge protectors, Ethernet cabling, etc is stored in the totes you see on the shelves. The tables and plywood are leaning on the left side. A more permanent way to keep them secure is still needed, but what we have works. The heaviest bins, with the ropes and lights stay on the floor with the coolers.
See attached photos.
A few pictures of recent goings on! N1ZD, W1PPL and KC1YL assembled some shelves that will be mounted in the GNARC trailer this week. KC1YL and WB2JVB assisted the Norwalk Seaport Association with clean up of Sheffield Island Lighthouse, to get it ready for the season opening. GNARC operates from the island, so it was important to volunteer to help. N1CT and KC1YL admire the flowers at the comm center.
Today, at our normally scheduled VE session, two new hams were minted! One technician and one general (who did both at the same time). We will post the calls signs when they are available.
We also had two visitors today, one was non-ham who is interested in a tech class. So if we can get enough folks, we will start a new tech training class. If you know anyone please let Jon AI1V or Paul WB2JVB know.
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