The North Florida Amateur Radio Society meeting is Thursday, March 11th. It starts at 7PM at Hogan Baptist Church, 8045 Hogan Rd. Jerry Tabor, N2GLF will talk about his mobile operation and similarities between base and mobile stations. Selecting the right equipment is the first step toward effective HF operation and this is a good opportunity for newcomers to learn more about getting started in Amateur Radio.
After missing 2020 due to "stay at home" mandates from local government, the Spring Jacksonville Radio FREE Flea returns on Saturday, March 27th in the big parking area at Terry Parker Baptist Church, 7024 Merrill Rd. Hours are 7AM until Noon with free admission and free tailgate spots for selling radio and computer-related items.
The fun starts at sunrise, so arrive early for the best bargains.
Meet your friends and make new ones. Turn your excess items into $$$$. Plan to be at the Jacksonville Radio FREE Flea on March 27th. See the hamfest page for more.
Deadline for 2021 dues is March 31st, so if you have not yet renewed, please do so this month. Annual NOFARS dues remain at $5 with discounts for those under 18 and for additional members living at the same address. Members may renew for multiple years.
Life memberships start at $50 for those who have been members for at least five years. A limited-time discounted rate of $60 is available to newer members.
Please send dues to NOFARS Secretary Chris Russell, KF4AAF at 12956 Chets Creek Dr. S.; Jax 32224.
FEBRUARY MEETING: Three contestants took part in the QLF contest at the February meeting. Organized by John W4IJJ, the competition required using one's foot to send Morse Code. Jack Driskell, KB4B sent one minute of correct solid copy at 11 wpm. Chris Russell, KF4AAF and Jerry Tabor, N2GLF both sent in the 8 to 9 wpm range with a few errors. Good showing by all.
MORSE CODE: Telegraphy is the simplest mode consisting of only a path and an on/off switch. Invented several decades before voice transmission, early long-distance telegraphy circuits used wires placed mostly along railroad tracks to communicate between stations and relay messages (telegrams). The American Morse Code used by railroad operators differed from International Morse used by hams today. Following the Civil War, wireline telegraphy circuits stretched from coast to coast.
More proficient wireline code operators sometimes referred to less skilled ones as "ham fisted" or "hams."
When wireless telegraphy using radio waves became popular around 1900, both commercial users and hobbyists used the same communications channels and their signals sometimes collided. Commercial operators adapted "ham" to refer to hobbyists.
Because of its simplicity, radiotelegraphy offers advantages over voice. A switch or key attached to an oscillator makes a low-power transmitter which is very easy to build. Signals occupy very small bandwidth and longer communications paths are possible compared to more complex voice systems.
RIVER RUN: The Gate River Run is Saturday, March 20th. This 15K race course winds along the St. Johns River before crossing the Hart Bridge to the finish line near the football stadium. Duval ARES again provides a spotter network along the route to assist those needing help. Contact John, W4IJJ if you can assist.
EXAM RESULTS: Willy, AC4WZ reports nine new Technicians, five new Generals and two new Extras resulting from the Jax Laurel FCC session on Feb. 6th.
Orange Park 2021 testing dates include March 13th, May 8th, Aug. 14th and Nov. 13th (all Saturdays) at Orange Park Library at Kingsley & Plainfield Aves. ARRL-sponsored testing starts at 9AM and pre-registration is required. Contact k4ifg@arrl.net
DE N4UF
TUBE-TYPE TRANSMITTERS, RECEIVERS, TEST EQUIPMENT, ACCESSORIES
HASSELBLAD CAMERA EQUIPMENT
CONTACT BOB MEADOWS, W4RRD AT 904-264-2946
E-Mail rpmeadow@bellsouth.net
President----Roger Knight, KI4PIL
Vice President----Billy Williams, N4UF
Secretary----Chris Russell, KF4AAF
Treasurer----Jerry Tabor, N2GLF
Activities Manager----Todd Lovelace, K1KVA
Director----Randy Bahr, KI4RHQ