News for Amateur Radio Operators In and Around Hillsdale County

 

The Board is pleased to announce that it has approved a household membership for 2012, as authorized by a constitution change that was approved by club membership at the April meeting.  Annual dues for additional members in the same household are only $5, after one member of the household pays the regular rate ($15).  Keep in mind that dues for new members are pro-rated to the end of the year, so it may be even less, but we'll take the whole $5 if you want to give it to us!

The ham breakfast this month will be held on Saturday, May 12 at 8am at Kasy's, 119 Marshall St in Litchfield (map).

The next club meeting will be Thursday, May 17 at 7pm at Hillsdale High School in room 131.  Use the north entrance (by the generator), taking Bacon Street to Hornet Drive, then turning left into the parking lot that long ago was the tennis courts.  This month the program will be a presentation by Milt Bowers N8BFD about coax fed dipoles and multi-band antennas.

Field Day this year will be held on the weekend of June 23-24 at Dan Sprow's (Sprow Tax & Accounting), 3671 Bankers Rd, Hillsdale (map).  At this time we are planning on operating 3 stations.  Our portable antenna trailer looks great with new decking installed.  Volunteers will be needed to help set up, operate and tear down.  Brenda Sprow has the food planning well underway, and we may be soliciting help in the form of side dishes.  Plan to stop by and help out or just visit, meet area hams and operate.  Stay tuned for more details.

Don't forget to participate in the Monday night net, held weekly at 7pm on the 147.06 repeater. 

Legislation was introduced last fall in the Michigan House that would codify that "a local unit of government shall not adopt an ordinance that precludes federally licensed amateur radio service communications or that does not comply with 47 CFR 97.15 and the rules and regulations of the Federal Communications Commission".  In the near future ARRL Michigan Section leadership may be asking for our support in the form of letters to representatives and will also be looking for individuals who have an existing relationship with their representative who would be willing to make contact on behalf of the legislation.   Click here to follow the progress of House Bill 5027.

The military services are co-sponsoring the annual Military/Amateur Radio Crossband Communications Test in celebration of the 62nd anniversary of Armed Forces Day.  Although the actual Armed Forces Day is celebrated on the third Saturday in May (5/19), the test will be conducted on May 12 to prevent conflict with the Dayton Hamvention.  If you are interested in participating, click here for more information.


Upcoming Events
May 12 - Ham breakfast at Kasy's in Litchfield (map)
May 17 - Club meeting
May 18-20 - Dayton Hamvention (info)
June 2 - Fulton County Hamfest (info)
June 3 - Chelsea Hamfest (info)
June 7 - Board Meeting
June 17 - Monroe Hamfest (info)
June 23-24 - Field Day