SYNTOGRAM -- February 1999



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Joint Synton/Twin Cities ARC 2-meter net
Thursdays at 9 p.m. local
146.76 (-600 kHz transmit offset) 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!

Welcome back for the spring semester, with every good wish that your holiday was a good one. Our premier "Synton buys" pizza party for 1999 enjoyed a good turnout and it was a pleasure to see some new and some familiar faces. Although we've "lost" some key people to graduation last semester, this will be an excellent chance for some newer club members to step forward and be "part of the action".

We're kicking around the idea of holding a series of "after supper" open houses early Friday evenings at Physics House III. These will be good chances for three things to take place: (1) Interested members of the campus community can come check us out by watching someone physically operating W9YH -- nothing grabs the attention better than hearing a few
phone QSO's! (2) Newly licensed hams who haven't had much chance to enjoy some "hands on" operating will have a chance to stop by knowing that an experienced ham will be available to help show them the ropes. And (3), those studying for amateur radio license exams can stop by for some tutoring assistance -- a kind of "Elmer-on-call" service if you will.

I'm especially happy with this idea, as it will allow the club to focus a little more on a key aspect of what amateur radio is all about -- operating radio equipment. This will not only provide a better introduction to those interested or new in the hobby, but might let a few old hands rediscover the magic, too! I'm hoping we can hold our first Friday-nighter on Feb. 5th.

We're still exploring how best to perform our "Elmer" mission to those prospective new hams out there, or those working hard on an upgrade. Make sure your views or suggestions are heard on this ... and I value your input!

Debbie, N9DN, has graciously accepted the post of Treasurer and has succeeded Wayne, AA9DY. This was a very welcome move, as the club could not remain a club without at least two officers: a president and a treasurer. Please give Debbie your full support as she handles the financial side of club business.

And a final word on safety -- recent winter snows and blows have probably done a number on outdoor installations, and better weather will allow for some outside repair jobs. Ladders inevitably become part of the game, and can be accidents waiting to happen. Make sure ladders are steady before climbing and are not "sinking" in wet ground and becoming unstable ... avoid using the highest step on stepladders ... and be doubly sure that there is no danger of a ladder falling against utility cables. Amateur radio is a wonderful hobby ... but only if you are alive to enjoy it. Play it safe.

Good luck for a good start this semester ... see you around the shack or around the bands.

73,

Tim, KM4KS
Synton ARC President


SYNTON NEWS

(Handbook Sales) -- We will be making the rounds of EE classes soon, and begin our customary sales desk for 1999 Radio Amateur's Handbooks. Thinking now is to reduce the schedule to a Wednesday-only schedule (during our regular club meeting) with "by appointment" sales for other days of the week. Keep an eye on the newsgroup/mailing list for updates. And if you know of someone who would like a Handbook ... the price is $30 ($2 discount from the cover price!).


SYNTON CALENDAR

TREASURER'S REPORT

Debbie, N9DN, will have this for us after a quick review of the books.

OFFICER LIST

Presdient: Tim Shy (KM4KS)
Vice President: -- Vacant --
Treasurer: Debbie Fligor (N9DN)
Secretary: -- Vacant --
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)

Last modified: Wednesday, February 03 1999