Pack Rat Monthly Meetings

Last Updated Sunday, August 8, 2010

The Pack Rats meet on the third Thursday of each month at 7:30 PM at the Ben Wilson Senior Center in Warminster, PA (except for the June, July and August meetings. See below). See Meetings for a map and more information.

Jan - 01/21/10, The much anticipated Software Defined Radio (SDR) review presentation given by Bob, N4HY. Come listen to the absolute latest in what is happening in the world of SDR.

Feb - 02/18/10, Combination Crying Towel and Homebrew Night

Crying Towel: Members and guests are encouraged to describe their January contest woes and dealings with Murphy. A Towel is awarded to the best story of the night to help sop up the tears.

Homebrew Night: Everyone is encouraged to bring in and describe their latest homebrew project. A panel of select judges will review the projects and award prizes.

Mar - 03/18/10, ARRL Night

Apr. - 04/15/10, We will have our annual Awards Night combined with a special presentation by Sean Kutzo KX9X from the Contest Branch of the ARRL along with other regional executives from the League. We will also be presenting the PACK RAT OF THE YEAR and THE MARIO FONTANA TECHNICAL ACHIEVEMENT awards. Everyone will be recognized for their contesting efforts in support of the PACK RATS during the 2009 Contest season

May - 5/20/10 - The making of a powerhouse 6m system in FM28. Come see what it takes to build a 250 foot rotating tower with 5, 50 foot boom, 6m antennas on it and see what it is capable of working. Speaker, Al Waller K3TKJ

June - 6/17/10, The June Pack Rat election of officers meeting will be held at the Ben Wilson Senior Center. Pre-Meeting dutch treat dinner at Giuseppe's on Street Road (Warminster Square Shopping Center, Warminster PA.) starts at 6:00PM and meeting will commence at 7:30PM. Come early, have fun, discuss the VHF contest results.

July - 7/15/10, The July Pack Rat meeting and 'White Elephant' sale/auction will be held again this year at the QTH of Gary Hitchner, WA2OMY. 39 West Mount Kirk Avenue, Norristown PA. Opens at 7 PM for inspection, meeting and auction start at 7:30 PM. Bring your radio or computer related stuff to sell at the auction, money to buy other's goodies and lawn chairs for seating. Refreshments provided. Open to guests. Questions? Contact Gary.
Google Map to WA2OMY.

Aug. - 8/7/10, The Pack Rat annual picnic will be held on Saturday, August 7th from noon til ?? ... at the QTH of KB1JEY, Mike and Carol Davis, 533 Tennis Avenue, Ambler, PA. Bring lawn chairs and a bathing suit as the pool will be open. Bring a covered dish to share. Burgers, dogs and liquid refreshments provided gratis. Family, children and guests invited. Have a relaxing afternoon with your club friends. Rain date, Sunday, Aug 8th. Questions? Contact Mike

Sept. - 9/16/10, Ron, W3RJW, presents some observations on the proper way to guy towers, what hardware to use and how to seal antenna connections for the long run.

Oct. - 10/21/10, This meeting will be dedicated to EME communication. A group of knowledgeable Pack Rats will present information on what it takes to get on the moon and what is the state of the art in this fascinating form of VHF, UHF and Microwave communication.

Nov. - 11/18/10 A local represenative from iBiquity Digital Corporation will speak on In Band On Channel (IBOC) digital radio ("HD Radio") now on the AM/FM broardcast bands. Find out about HD Radio technology and why it's not to be confused with HD television.

Dec. - 12/16/10 Annual contest analysis meeting presentation given by Ben, WA3RLT to prepare everyone for the upcoming January Contest