TCARC PICNIC MEETING- JULY 22, 2000

The annual traditional TCARC July Picnic meeting was held at Vi and Ed Carpenter's home in Weaverville. Members from Sonoma County, Hayfork, Weaverville, Down-river, and other locations attended. The weather was pleasant.

There was a brief business meeting, with installation of the new TCARC Officers by out-going TCARC President, Bob Martin, WD6AIA. There was great round of applause and appreciation for the out-going officers in recognition of all their hard work.

There was a potluck dinner with many members, guests and family members utilizing the BBQ Grill. Many great looking dishes were displayed on the large picnic table. Everyone sat in a large circle on the lawn on various folding chairs, eating, visiting and having "Eyeball QSOs".

The Carpenter's new dog was one of the attractions, along with the lovely garden complete with burning TIKI torches.

TCARC President, John Budman, KI6GR, introduced Greg, WB6FZH, the new TCARC Activities Chairman, who gave a brief talk and demonstration about "Operating The HAMSATS" after the business meeting.

Greg showed his hand-held dual-band (145/435 Mhz) beam that may be pointed skyward in accordance with either a pre-printed computer readout or a nearby laptop that is running a satellite prediction program. He brought a bag with complete equipment to uplink on 2 meters, using an Old ICOM HT with about 1/2 to 2 watts output. The satellite downlink signal would be heard on the hand held scanner on 70cm (436mhz). For maximum performance he had a 70cm battery powered pre-amp connected to the beam. It is a lightweight set-up, powered by "AA" batteries or a common 12VDC source with a set of power cables.

FZH has used this set-up on A0-27 to contact Utah from the edge of Kaneohe Bay, Hawaii, North of Honolulu. This same set-up works on UO-14 satellite also.

Greg spoke about the need to keep radios, spare batteries, portable gain antennas, and other useful items ready for immediate use in emergencies, or even casual operation. A section relating to this topic will be added to the Emergency Communications section of the TCARC Website.

FREE Copies of Freeware PC Program called "PREDICT" that tells you when your favorite satellites are over Trinity County are availiable from WB6FZH.

Greg, WB6FZH, closed the presentation by reminding the group that the FM satellites do not require you to be a rocket scientist" or exotic equipment to utilize.

The event started about 4PM, and was almost dark when the last of the group headed home.

TCARC is greatful for the work that the Carpenter's and their helpers do each year to make this annual event possible.

W6HOR,"Buck", KI6GR, John (In-coming TCARC President) and KI6GR's Dad, enjoyed the picnic festivities (photo:K6QXB-Herb ).

KJ6EJH, Horatio, In-coming TCARC Treasurer, (far left) is shown being supervised by his XYL and serveral assistants while he collects membership dues and issues membership cards.

[More photos and information in couple weeks...Webmaster]

TCARC PICNIC 2000 Official Picnic List

• WD6AIA Bob Martin and Jayne
• KD6GCS Don Lister and Dorothy
• KD6GDR David Lister
• N6NOM, Jean and W6HOR, Buck Buckley
• KD6QBS, Vi and WB6JZN Ed Carpenter (Hosts)
• KF6OAH, Vicky and KF6OAI Russ Riley
• KA6GSD, Art Zacharias and Phyllis
• N6TKX, Evelyn and N6TKY, Jim Harrigton
• WA6BXN, John Weil and Lois
• KD6GCQ, Terrie and KA6ZVR Bob McNeil
• KC6EJH, Horacio Uribe and Rose
• N6FYL, Louise Sullivan and K6QXB, Herb
• WU6R, Bob and N6NOE, Virginia Smith
• KF6WLO, Erik Flickwir
• KI6GR, John Budman, Sharono and John's Dad Gordon
• WB6FZH, Greg
• Note: If you were there and not on list advise TCARC webmaster!