Denver Radio Club, WØTX

PRESIDENT'S MESSAGE
By Bryan Steinberg - KBØA

As we are moving further into 2012 the sun spot numbers are climbing with the concurrent increase in DX activity on the higher HF bands. Are you HF-active? We've already seen a number of large CMEs (Corona Mass Ejections) which have produced phenomenal Northern Light displays which have been seen into the Northern part of the US. So far, we have been spared any major electric system blackouts, but at least one is possible as we continue to move into the peak of of the sun's cycle. Are you prepared? Do you have battery and/or generator backup capability to keep your station on the air when "All else fails?"

As I hope you know the DRC supports The Salvation Army, West Metro Fire District and the City of Lakewood with emergency communications capabilities. Are you interested in helping out when an emergency strikes? If so, contact our EmComm Coordinator Bob Zimprich, KBØBZZ. You will find Bob's contact info in the back of every issue of the Roundtable.

Thanks for Bill, W6OAV, and Bill NØLAJ, for their great presentation on using the Radio Mobile program to determine propagation characteristics for working with our local repeaters. In particular it has helped us to better understand the coverage patterns of the new St Anthony repeater.

One more thanks for Paul, KDØCXX, not only is he a board member but Paul have agreed to help the club by taking on the Education Coordinator position. Thanks Paul!

Our February meeting will feature a presentation by RT Systems which provides software for programming Yaesu and Icom radios. RT Systems has recently moved to the Denver area and contacted us to present to the club. I expect that we will hear information about their programs and cable offerings and, hopefully, their plans for new features. Our March meeting will feature Wayne Heinen, NØPOH, who will fill us in on using meteor scatter for HF propagation Join us at our regular meeting location, the El Jebel Shrine in Denver. 7:30 PM for the membership meeting and 6:30 for the Elmer or Tech Committee meetings.

PS - the 2012 club rosters are in, so if you did not get yours at the holiday party or January meeting be sure to check with Bob, KCØCZ, at the club meeting.

Until next month...

Bryan - KBØA
President