by Scot, K9JY
In this series on Club Program ideas, I’m providing possible programs for clubs to use in their meetings. You can find a full explanation of the approach in Club Programs – The Series.
Today’s program idea: Building a tower.
Every year, someone in the local club is either putting up or taking down a tower. It is a special time, of course, but also a great way to document how good construction, or de-construction, is done.
Have someone with a camera be the documentation person for the construction of the tower. Sure, they can help with the tower construction itself, but the most important role for this person is to document how construction is done.
Then, the tower owner can provide a program that shows the various construction details — with pictures — on how this tower was built.
A great example is the HD-70 tower construction, delivered instead to the local club.
Scot, K9JY
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by Scot, K9JY
In this series on Club Program ideas, I’m providing possible programs for clubs to use in their meetings. You can find a full explanation of the approach in Club Programs – The Series.
Today’s program idea: Radio filters.
One of the most effective ways to increase your ability to hear is the use of filters on the radio.
Filters vary by radio as well as how they are implemented. Filters that are great for CW are crappy for SSB. RTTY offers a challenge for filters, but great ones shine.
Then there are mechanical filters as compared to software (DSP) filtering. Which is better? How can you tell?
A program on making the case for filters in your receiver could cover these subjects:
- The need for filters in your radio
- OEM or specialty filters?
- Mechanical compared with DSP filtering — or both?
- Roofing filters
Upgrading a receiver with correct filtering can help turn average to excellent.
Scot, K9JY
Photo Credit: International Radio Filters
by Scot, K9JY
In this series on Club Program ideas, I’m providing possible programs for clubs to use in their meetings. You can find a full explanation of the approach in Club Programs – The Series.
Today’s program idea: Inside an amplifier.
Everyone loves a big amplifier, who wouldn’t? But the inside of an amplifier is a scary place. This program suggests taking a tour inside an amplifier so that hams can see the different sections. Here are a few ideas for the presentation:
- Show the tubes and how they are rated
- Show the various band switch areas
- Show the electronics in today’s amp and compare with older tube models
- Show the transistor amplifier sections in the new amplifiers
- Show why you need an interface between new radios and old amplifiers
Amplifiers are, for many, a dream to own. This type of program can show hams the guts of power in a ham station.
Bonus program idea: set up a few tables and have club members (pre-arranged) bring in their amplifiers so that everyone can look at the various models and makes. Great for individual questions and answers as well.
Scot, K9JY
Photo Credit: Alpha Amplifiers
