SPARC

FT8 program at SPARC’s new meeting location Friday, Nov 2

By Ed NZ1Q on 10/25/2018

FT8 will be presented at the Nov 2 SPARC meeting. We’ll cover what it is, why it was created, what it’s used for and how to use/operate FT8.

The picture is an example of FT8 software, available for Free. FT8 has captured a large portion of the data/digital modes being used today on HF. There is always someone on FT8 on some band some where. FT8 is a development based on earlier generations of WSJT modes such as JT-65 and JT-9.

FT-8 is now being used for DXpeditions (VP6D, Ducie … Click for more

New Meeting Location

By Bob Wanek N2ESP on 10/24/2018

Starting on November 2^nd (with the exception of this December’s meeting) the SPARC monthly meetings will be held the first Friday of every month in Hobson Fellowship Hall at the Fifth Avenue Baptist Church. The church is located on the northwest corner of 5^th Avenue North and 49^th Street in St. Petersburg. Please park in the large lot at the rear of the church, which is accessible from 6^th Avenue North. Enter through the doors labeled “Hobson Fellowship Hall.”

Our thanks to Johnnie W4TSP … Click for more

Video of “Lightning and Amateur Radio” presentation is posted.

By Ed NZ1Q on 10/09/2018

The video of last weeks SPARC presentation about Lightning and Amateur Radio is now available on our resource page at https://www.sparc-club.org/test-page-pdf-links/

Many thanks to Glenn, N4GRC for doing the presentation and to Billy, KN4LUZ for creating the video.

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Recent Presentations added to the SPARC Resource Page

By Ed NZ1Q on 10/07/2018

To access any of the SPARC past presentations go to the Resource Page on SPARC-Club.org

This page has recent presentations and other information files. Just added is a link to Ron’s presentation on Heathkit and Glenn’s presentation on Grounding.

On the main page look in the lower left column for the SPARC Resource page as shown below.

Also, bookmark the SPARC YouTube page for other videos.

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Shack Update II

By Bob Wanek N2ESP on 10/04/2018

The coax from the surge protection devices outside the building

has been redirected

to the antenna switch panel at the new shack location.

Thanks to John KI4UIP and Dave KR4U for the installation and to Tom NY4I for fabricating the coax cable assemblies.

We’re still looking for a location for our monthly meetings. Email suggestions to president@sparc-club.org.

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Shack Relocation Update

By Bob Wanek N2ESP on 09/25/2018

Lots of progress has been made moving the shack to its new location.

The electrical panel has been moved, the wiring and outlets have been installed, and the antenna switch panel has been relocated. Many thanks to Dee N4GD, Billy KN4LUZ, Ray KD4HUW , George W1AAG, Dave KR4U, John KI4UIP. The holes creating the path from the switch panel through the ceiling to the outside box junction box is complete.

We are waiting for the new coax cables from the outside box to the new … Click for more