SYNTOGRAM -- December 1998
Synton Web Site (you are here)
Synton news group
Joint Synton/Twin Cities ARC 2-meter net
Thursdays at 9 p.m. local
146.76- Champaign repeater
Please advise Tim, KM4KS, km4ks@uiuc.edu, if you are receiving duplicates of this
newsletter, or would like to be added to our e-mailing list.
PRESIDENT'S LETTER
Hi Syntonians!
With the last week of classes coming up as I write, and final exams just around the
corner, I suspect hobbies and ham radio are a long way away from the top of your
priorities list. I thought the same thing until the other night when I took a half
hour's time out, walked over to PH III and enjoyed a couple of 40-meter phone contacts before
I went back to the books. Ironically, one of the QSOs was with a U of I alum, and
we swapped a few campus stories. All in all, great therapy. And cheaper than coffee.
I was hoping to have a date and time tacked down for our Synton Holiday Party at Papa
Del's before the newsletter went to press, but have not received much input on what
works best for people's schedules. Please make sure I have your input, even if it's
a blanket "won't make it -- too busy!" Know that the club doesn't object if you "eat
and run" if you can't stay long or your schedule is too tight.
One of the happiest and saddest times for a president is to see a good member leave.
This will be the case for Wayne, AA9DY, who has provided so much service for the
club during his time here on campus. I know you'll join me on the happy side that
Wayne and YL Michelle will be relocating to the Chicago 'burbs to take up duties with Motorola
... it's always nice to see a Synton member "make good". The sad side -- the loss
of a very competent and efficient club treasurer and one who has done so much "behind the
scenes" -- is a burden we will all feel as well. The bottom line for me is
that I am very much in need of a public-spirited member who will step forward and
serve as club treasurer. Feel free to contact me (a former treasurer himself!) should
you be interested.
The holiday break is an unusual time as everyone's fall schedule does a rapid shift,
and some things may get lost in the shuffle. A good way to stay in touch would be
to check in with the local 2-meter net at 9 p.m. on Thursday nights. For those who
have not had the pleasure, the net includes announcements of local ham-related events,
and the national ham radio "Newsline" feature. Check-ins, particularly from Synton
members, are especially welcome. Let 9 p.m. Thursday nights be your "constant" in
the shifting sands of your schedule.
And finally, a word on safety ... this might be a good time to check on your mobile
rig installation to be sure it's in good shape. As most of us will spend more time
in our vehicles over the holidays, let's make sure equipment doesn't inadvertantly
become a missle hazard should we be involved in a collision. Tighten up brackets and mounting
hardware, make sure antenna and power supply wiring is clear of feet, knees and hands.
Check those fuses and power supply insulation to be sure it's in good shape, too. And let's
take a lesson from cellular phone users and avoid operation that takes
our attention away from the road.
Have a happy holiday season, and be sure to arrive back safely in January. Keep track
of the club email/newsgroup/web page for place and time for our holiday party.
73,
Tim, KM4KS
Synton ARC President
SYNTON NEWS
Contesting -- "FB" and kudos to Tor, N4OGW, who operated W9YH during the SSB Sweepstakes
Nov. 21-22. Tor logged 153 QSOs over 62 sections in 2-1/2 hours.
Handbook Sales -- The 1999 sales campaign winds up Friday, December 11th (the
last day of classes). We'll start selling those brand-new 1999 books at the start
of classes in January. Thanks to everyone who has helped with this effort.
Space Shuttle -- The space shuttle is airborne once again. Monitor retransmitted
space shuttle traffic on 146.88 MHz (simplex). If you're out of range of the Champaign
repeater, there is on-line audio here.
Thanks to Mark, KA9SZX, and Andrew, KA9RZP, for keeping us up to date on shuttle retransmission.
New Ham Class -- Keep Debbie, N9DN, <fligor@uiuc.edu> updated on your plans to
help with the Synton-sponsored "new ham" class. We'll be announcing class dates
in the near future.
W9YH Open House -- Open house at W9YH will also "beat the winter blahs" in January
when we all come back to school. Feeling now is to get this one on track early,
and use it as a good way to recruit students for our "New Ham Class".
SYNTON CALENDAR
- Dec 9 -- Final "brown bag" club meeting, 330D Everitt Lab (noon to 1 p.m.)
- T B A -- Synton Holiday Party. Papa Del's Pizzeria. Watch for announcements.
- Jan 20 -- Welcome back "brown bag" club meeting, 330D Everitt Lab (noon to 1 p.m.)
- Jan 24 -- ARRL Exam Session. 1 p.m. at Fire Service Institute.
TREASURER'S REPORT
Wayne, AA9DY, will have a 1999 wrap-up before he departs for his new employment.
OFFICER LIST
Presdient: Tim Shy (KM4KS)
Vice President: -- Vacant --
Treasurer: Wayne Wagner (AA9DY)
Secretary: Debbie Fligor (N9DN)
Station Manager: Torsten Clay (N4OGW)
QSL Manager: Chris Bochna (N9RQW)
Public Service Manager: Mark Belding (N9GPA)
Engineering Council Representative: Tim Shy (KM4KS)
Advisor: Prof. Jim Coleman (KA6A)