February , 2008 minutes 

Wow!  What a great turnout at the meeting tonight and there wasn’t even refreshments!There were a total of 19 present including one visitor who is interested in becoming a ham radio operator.  The first part of the meeting included the financial report and much discussion about the local 147.105 repeater. 

The second week of February our repeater as well as the 91.5 WFHU radio station suffered extensive damage from a direct lightening strike at the tower site.  President Joe Loucka (AG4QC) told of the damage to the repeater and controller.  After the repeater was out of service Mike Burkhead (K4TC), EMA Director put the backup repeater on the air.  Unfortunately, due to the outstanding performance of the main repeater over the last 4-5 years the backup repeater has been sitting up long enough to develop “groans”.  Currently it is also in the shop for some “tweaking” to see if this will get us back on the air until a permanent solution can be found. 

Joe has begun repairs on the controller and it was voted to spend up to $100 to get the controller repaired.  Several options were discussed to get the repeater up and going or the possibility of purchasing a newer repeater.  Ron Means (W5DAT) is getting prices and information that he will share at the next meeting. Meanwhile we will all meet on simplex channel of 147.105.  Joe is “piecing” together some parts in hopes to have a temporary solution up within the next couple of weeks and hopefully the backup repeater will be up and going by next week.   

While the backup repeater has limited coverage it is a great asset to have during the event of severe weather or local emergencies in Chester County.  It was agreed that we will have more discussion and a better idea of cost for repairs or possibly newer equipment at the next meeting on March 20, 2008. 

The program tonight was a great presentation on the history of radio by Ray Eaton  (KI4LPT).  Ray was the station manager of 91.5 at Freed Hardeman University from 1983 – 1999.  During this time he developed a wonderful hobby of collecting and restoring classic radios.  He shared with us a book by Signor Marconi – Magic Box.  This appears to be an interesting book for all that enjoys radio hobbies. According to Ray’s research “wireless” intention was for military and maritime ship to shore communications.  Now wireless is in every household in some form or fashion. From microwave ovens to cellphones to wireless internet, we have indeed come a long way. 

But the joy of radio is still deep in the hearts of many people especially “ham” radio operators.  In spite of new technology, the thrill of taking a box full of parts and making a transmitter and receiver still takes hold.  Yes, it is true you can easily buy a radio already built that will work and there is nothing wrong with that.  But don’t let convenience steal your hobby and passion for discovering “old” ways to construct a “magic box” that you can still talk around the world if band conditions are favorably. 

Ray showed us examples of several audio tubes, homemade radios (circa 1923), magazines for radio crafts, flyers and promotional items for radio schools, as well as early commercially built radios. All in attendance went away with an old memory renewed from their “younger” days or a new understanding for the “younger” in attendance.   

Ray will continue next meeting with a tour of his office on campus at Freed Hardeman University where we will explore more interesting aspects related to the history of radio. Hope to see you all there! 

Louise (AG4BD)
Secretary