Tweaking continues on the W4HOD version of the W4SSY spud gun. An air leak appeared at the base of the air chamber. After repairing it, the gun is successfully holding a 50 psi load. There appears to be a very minute leak around the pressure gauge, and we will decide if it warrants repairing. Monday […]

While traveling to South Dakota, Iowa and other points in the midwest, Admin has long admired a radio tower on I-65 North near Nashville. It is diamond shape and quite impressive. It has always reminded me of a work of art. A friend said that it probably was the antenna for WSM-650. Well, the friend […]

Monday evening was one of the more interesting evenings this Admin has spent in quite a while. I witnessed the construction of a spud gun, based on the QST article in the March 2009 issue. It was a team effort, mostly led by Bob, KA4PKB. Mike, KI4TWB and Cheryl, AA4YL chipped in parts and the […]

Thursday night happy hour was great fun. Darrell-K9MUG, Bob-KA4PKB, Gene-KI4EEY, Mike-KI4TWB and Cheryl-AA4YL gathered at Locos in Auburn for food and drink. Antennae for the Alabama QSO Party and Field Day, the newly crafted Spud Gun, the extensive beer list at Locos, and politics were a few of the topics covered, along with lots of […]

The DRCG Long Distance Contest (DLDC) is June 12-13, 2010.  The rules are here. The BARTG Sprint 75 will occur on June 12, 2010 during one of the DLDC off-times.  Rules here. This is a pilot contest to see if there is sufficient interest in 75 baud RTTY contesting.

The May meeting of HODARS featured a program on software controlled radios, presented by member, Dick Jaeger, K4IQJ.Thanks Dick for sharing with us. Nathan, KD4OWY, was a guest at the meeting and it was great seeing him at our meetings again. http://gnuradio.org/redmine/wiki/gnuradio

The first weekend of June means it’s time for the Alabama QSO Party. This year it’s on June 5 and 6 UTC. Heart of Dixie ARS will be operating the AQP from Notasulga in Macon County, Alabama. We have access to a sturdy building with two adjoining lots with lots of trees for antennas. We […]