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Obituary for Roger Simmons, N8RXC (SK) Posted by N8FQ on Monday, July 10, 2017 @ 2:45 PM Mr. Roger L. Simmons, age 82, of Spring Lake passed away Friday, July 7, 2017 at home. He was born June 22, 1935 in Grand Rapids to Cecil and Madge (Bradford) Simmons. On August 29, 1964 he married Phyllis Hull. Roger was a member of the United Methodist Church of the Dunes and retired from the Michigan State Police. Roger served in the Michigan National Guard for 13 years. He was the secretary for the North Ottawa Area Radio Club. He enjoyed sailing and military history. Roger had a wonderful sense of humor and will be missed by all. He is survived by his wife, Phyllis; son, Daniel Simmons of Ann Arbor; daughter-in-law, Laurie (Mike) Blake of Texas; two grandsons, Sean and Austin Simmons; sister, Judy (Don) Combs; nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by their son, Scott Simmons on December 22, 2007. A memorial service will be held 1:00 PM Wednesday, July 12, 2017 at United Methodist Church of the Dunes (717 Sheldon Rd. Grand Haven, MI 49417) with Rev. Eldon Eldred officiating. Visitation will be 6-8 PM Tuesday, July 11, 2017 at The Spring Lake Chapel (213 E. Savidge St. Spring Lake, MI 49456) Interment will take place in Spring Lake Township Cemetery. Memorial contributions in memory of Roger may be given to the United Methodist Church of the Dunes. Please sign the family's online guestbook at www.sytsemafh.com. Minutes Of May 2017 NOARC Meeting Posted by N8FQ on Wednesday, May 31, 2017 @ 1:40 AM At 6:30 the meeting was called to order with names and call signs. Twelve members were signed in. Don Meyer made requests for help for the Grand Haven Summer Kick Off 5K race on Saturday, May 26 and for the Spring Lake Memorial Day parade, Monday, May 28th. Also please note that there is a Spring Lake Heritage Festival 5 K race on June 17. The race starts at 8:00 so we will meet at 7:00 at the public service building on Buchanan and Savage. Saturday, June 3, is the annual Hudsonville Ham Swap. We will have two tables should you want to sell something. Treasurers report by Craig Christilaw. We are still O K , with a balance of $2008.19. This evenings program, “ By The Numbers,” was presented by Tom Bosscher K8TB, from Hudsonville. Tom is a gifted speaker. The numbers of hams in our county; the country [ live and silent]; their zip codes, etc., rolled off his tongue and computer presentation. His research was amazing and most interesting. Tom also pointed out that if you move you should change your address with the FCC. He then went on to encourage our club to participate in “Spark In The Park”, a science fair for amateur radio. Mark August 19 on your calendar, 9:00 AM – 1:00PM. Address: Home School Building , 5625 Burlingame S.W., Wyoming, MI. There is no admission charge; there are ten sponsoring clubs, ours included. We will “show 'n tell'- and sell- our Te-Ne-Ke. You may show any radio related item that you've come up with and would like to share. This event is an excellent way to introduce new hams to ham radio. 50/50 drawing; drawn and won by Pat Gardner. And now for a treat from Craig Christilaw. [he has a sense of humor] Craig told of his”under the table in a box” find at a swap. A Yaesu FL2000B 572B amplifier – that had problems. And he told us how he fixed it. And that is where the humor came in. You had to be there. Field Day reminder, June 24 – 25. Actually we kick it off with a 'tube steak” light meal at Coast Guard Park on Thursday, 22nd., between 6:00-6:30. This is the antenna planning evening. Then on Saturday at 8:00 is breakfast. Stations are then set up for the 2:00 event. Saturday evening supper is a family deal. This is pot-luck with meat, beverage and table service provided. Time: 6:00 Pat Gardner showed and explained an adjustment to quiet a MFJ power supply. The Spring Lake Library closes at 8:30 and once again we made our adjournment by the skin of our teeth. It was a good evening. Respectfully submitted, Phyllis and Roger Simmons Secretaries March 2017 Minutes Posted by N8FQ on Wednesday, April 5, 2017 @ 10:45 AM It seemed like March was behaving like a lamb, 6:30 on March 30. Fourteen members showed up for the March Meeting. . Craig Christilaw reported $603 expenditure for Te-Ne -Ke supplies.President John Sundstrom said that sales of the Te-Ne-Ke is pretty steady. Our bank and the Community Foundation funds are looking good. A question was asked about restrictions on our Community Foundation Fund. The answer,,as I understand it,was that we can use $295 of it annually but if we have need for more, the Foundation would take a look at our need before agreeing to it. Looking at the future meetings make note of April 20th, a third Thursday, and May 25th. Both are at 6:30 at the Spring Lake Library Spring Hamfest,season begins. May 6th Cadillac hamfest held at the Cadillac Jr. High School. We have two tables available to sell your goods. On June 3rd,Hudsonville hamfest at the Fairgrounds With Spring comes racing events. May27 this the Memorial Day run in Grand Haven. The repeater and water tank hill update by John Sunstrom and Hank Rickels indicates that the powers to be at least are mentioning us and our shack. Stay tuned. And can you believe it ? Field Day draws nigh,June 24th, The ;aalast few years we have found ourselves operating between2-3 locations. It has been suggested that we use the airport. The airport likes it (I like it ) and perhaps our antennas will be a challenge, But the facility has all we would need shelter, Bath rooms of, and no city fee. There will be further discussion at the next two meetings.. Our program tonight was presented by Greg Poel W8GP, on electrical wave theory. A film presentation by Bell Telephone Labs of yore, gave neat illustrations. Thank you Greg. We have brought back 50/50 drawings. Phyllis won, She thanks you. Once again we dismissed under the 8:30 library bell. See you on the 20th Respectfully submitted : Secretaries Phyllis & Roger Simmons : November minutes Posted by N8FQ on Sunday, November 27, 2016 @ 10:08 PM Twas the night before Thanksgiving – and 12 members met at the Spring Lake Library to play with Kits – on – the – air. John Sundstrom brought a 49er and a Hendrix PFR – 3A. Pat Gardner a “Pixie”, a frequency counter and a ZZR 40, from QST July, 2016. Craig Christilaw a 49er, Heath HW8, a Tentex 40 mtr and Woody's keyer [ Boyd Mason special]. But first.... The meeting was called to order with a finanial report - - we're still O.K. And future events. On October3 our help is requested for the Grand Haven Jingle Bell Parade. We meet at the Grand Haven Public Safety , parking in the lot on Columbus, and entering the front of the building on Washington. Our Christmas party is at 6:00, on December 22nd at the library. Guests are asked to bring a dish to pass and your table service. Meat and drink are provided. The first two or three months of the year finds a few of us in warmer climates. However, Hank Reikels has agreed to program the January 19 meeting. The months of February and March are not on calendar as yet. Report on the repeater: no decisions from the city manager as yet. Report on new officers: President: John Sundstrom nominated by Craig Christilaw; seconded by Hank Reikels. Vice President: Don Meyer nominated by John Sundstrom; seconded by Craig Christilaw. Secretary: Phyllis and Roger Simmons nominated by John Sundstrom, seconded by Craig Christilaw. Treasurer: Craig Christilaw nominated by John Sundstrom, seconded by Stacy Van Buren. By vote was passed. From John Sundsrtrom: Help pass the amateur radio parity act that is in the Senate right now. Letter to: https://arrl.rally congress.net/ctas/urge – us – senate – to – pass – amateur – radio – parity – act. And Field Day report – last June. We were in the top one third of class 3A. Nice going. And while on the subject of Field Day, the question arose – could we have Field Day at the airport? Perhaps timing it with a Young Eagle event. NOW, it was time to play. A little soldering show and tell [ nice work ] and there where contacts across the room, at any rate. I believe the patio antenna wasn't bringing in anything. A fun evening.. See you and yours at the Christmas party! Respectfully submitted, Phyllis and Roger Simmons October Meeting Minutes Posted by N8FQ on Wednesday, November 2, 2016 @ 10:39 PM With an attendance of 17, the meeting was opened with a roll call. . Treasurer John Sundstrom N8YQD, reported that we are still in the black. He also reports that our November 23 meeting will have demonstrations of kits made by members. Tables and antennas will be on hand. Other future events are are: December 3 Jingle Bell Parade net and December 22, 6 PM annual Christmas party at the Spring Lake library. On October 15 NOARC assisted with the Boy Scout Jamboree on the air, at the Grand Haven Airport. Ten scouts received radio merit badges thanks to Ben Docter and Alan Koch KA8JJN who presented an excellent four hour class in one and one half hours. And thanks to our members who provided 20 and 40 meter contacts. Craig Christilaw K8CRC reported that the airport board was impressed with the efforts for the scouts and would welcome the event next year. There was suggestion that posting a Young Eagles Event (flying) at the same time might be a big draw. The question of the club hosting a Ham in a day class was brought up, tossed around and will be discussed at the November 23 meeting, with more information under our belt. Topic for the night; Hank Reikels W8GVK and John Sundstrom N8YQD discus repeater events. The City of Grand Haven and the County plan to go to 800 Mhz digital and erect a new shack and tower where Hanks shack and our repeateer is located on water tank hill.There would be other services in the new facility, using the common tower. Hank will receive 90day notice that he has to remove the current 100 foot and old shack at his expense. Happpening probably in the spring of 2017. After some discussion the group feeling was that we inquire if the city would allow us to keep the old shack. Using the old shack may reduce intermod problems. Our second option would be to use the tower by the Grand Haven Police and Fire Department , offered by the Police Department. The tower is lower than the water tank hill, so range would be lost . The City Manager(Mc Ginnis) wants Ham radio accomodated , recognizing that the club provides public service for many events. A plan needs to be made to keep the repeater in service during the construction time. See you November 23rd? Respectfully submitted Phyllis & Roger Simmons September Meeting Minutes Posted by N8FQ on Sunday, October 2, 2016 @ 2:38 PM September brings our meeting back in-doors at the Spring Lake Publc Library. At 6:30 John Sundstrom openned the meeting with the financial report: we're doing O.K. Onward to future events. October 15 has the Muskegon Hamfest and our club will have a table for anyone wishing to sell. That Saturday also commits our club to Boy Scouts Jamboree on the Air at the Grand Haven Airport. The scouts begin at 11:00 A.M. until, perhaps, 2:00. Please note that the November meeting is the 23rd. Thanksgiving the 24th. Grand Haven's Annual Jingle Bell Parade is December 3rd. Those wondering if our State of Michigan non-profit status is currant – it is. Repeater status: running the Yaesu with controller: no problems. John Sundstrom reports 31 Te Ne Ke sales for the year thus far. Thank you, John, for the sales effort and thank you, Paul Zellar, for building them. Our topic for the meeting: Let's Make Something Together. John S. demonstrated and reviewed a Chinese 40 – 9er qrp transceiver. The kit going for $12:00 or finished board for $17:00. Ben Docter reviewed the 4 States QRP Club 40 meter receiver. Pat Gardner had a completed one on hand. Pat also brought a $9:00 kit – Digital Capacitance Meter and a frequency counter for $4:00. He also showed us his work – station board that was presented in QST magazine, July 2000. We, as club members, are encouraged to seek out a kit, build it and present it for show and tell at future meetings. Kalamazoo Hamfest, October 16, might have just the kit for you. Coffee and cookies consumed, we adjourned before the libraries call of closure (8:15) Respectfully submitted; Phyllis & Roger Simmons Secretaries NOARC Summer Notes Posted by N8FQ on Wednesday, August 17, 2016 @ 8:26 PM I may as well call this my summer report. The month of July is a busy one, if we choose to volunteer our time. The 4th of July brings the Ferrysburg Parade. We enjoy a pancake breakfast prior to the parade, which seems to be longer each year. Then on the 10th, Grand Haven requests our help with a triathalon. Now, July meeting is generally our Fox hunt. The last couple of years found only 4 – 5 participants so we passed up the pursuit in favor of a show and tell [ summer projects ] hot dog meet at the Wm Ferry Park in Ferrysburg.There were six of us, so we gained a couple. It was a nice, breezy but quality meet and most enjoyable. And then there was Coast Guard week. Did anyone watch the ships come in on Monday? Awesome sight! But I'm getting ahead of myself. On the 30th our help was requested for the 5 and 10K races followed by the Children's Parade. A long morning but appreciated. The following Saturday. August 6, which wraps up the festivities, is the Coast Guard Parade. We get fed breakfast at Russ' Restaurant and a lunch at the G.H. Fire dept. garage, after the parade. So we are up to August. The 25th will bring us back to Wm Ferry Park for, what else, QRP in the Park. Not sure of the time – I'd guess 6:00 – but tune in to Tuesday night net for correct time. With summer behind us in September, we'll be meeting at 6:30 on the29th at the Spring Lake Library. Respectfully submitted, Phyllis and Roger Simmons. July Meeting Minutes Posted by N8FQ on Sunday, July 3, 2016 @ 11:17 PM Thursdays, as a general rule ,are when the monthly meeting occurs. So, on June 23, 6 PM the meeting was on at the Coast Guard Park in Ferrysburg. After a hot dog meal, mapping of the location of the antennas for the radio stations took place. Saturday morning began at 8 AM with McDonnell breakfast sandwiches on our campsite. There were three stations to be set up for W8 CSO. 3-MI.Our antenna guru,Lou Meisch had hands to assist him.. After a pizza lunch, ( need those carbs to keep going ), . Two o'clock kickoff time found the stations up and running . 20 m, PS 31 and 20 m phone 15 m phone and 80 m (night with storm reports ),. 40 m CW ( Gordon Stockhill said that this event was his last. Say it isn't so Gordon.. Our go- to- station ,was 20 m plus. . . Saturday morning served up a hot breakfast at 8 AM, just before A rainstorm moved in for an hour or so.. . Saturday 6 PM ,brought our families together for a for a potluck. It astounds me to think how the ladies and gentlemen make potlucks work out with a nice a variety of so good food.. . We thank them for their contribution . . Sunday morning served up a hot breakfast that that, just before our rainstorm moved in for an hour or so.It was pleasant ,sitting, chatting, with a cup of coffee in the middle ( the pavilion) After cold sandwich lunch , anyone. r emaining is ready to call it a day .. We then packed up the radio stations on the vehicles . The sign in sheet claims 14 attendees and it's hard to say who dropped in.. it realIy was . an enjoy I able weekend. . Thanks to all who participated , 73's . Phyllis and Roger Field Day 2016 - Saturday, June 25 Posted by N8FQ on Friday, June 24, 2016 @ 12:11 AM NOARC's Field Day will be at Coast Guard Park in Ferrysburg. Directions:
Setup begins at 8 AM, operation begins at 10 AM. May Meeting Minutes Posted by N8FQ on Saturday, June 4, 2016 @ 8:36 PM The setting:Spring Lake library. The time:6:30 PM: . The event: North Ottawa Amateur Radio Club Meeting Attendance : 14 members. The meeting began with the financial report .We made $318.18 last month ) , May 28 Presented the opportunity to help with the kickoff to summer race in Grand Haven . Memorial Day brought some of us to the Spring Lake Parade . Weather was perfect both days and the duty satisfying. . Saturday ,June 4, will take us to the Hudsonville Ham Fest , with three tables for the club Doors open 8 AM. , June 18 Spring Lake Heritage Festival race will look for our . help. Let's look at July and August before we get into field day. . July 10 a Sunday is the Grand Haven Triathalon. July 30th , C ast Guard 5 and10 K runs and kids parade. . August 6 brings the Coast Guard parade. field day for the club, begins June 23on the site for hotdogs and antenna planning. .Rysinga Park In Ferrysburg,is our choice this year , but its not settled yet. Details when available, will be on our W8CSO/Yahoo website. Tuesday nigh at 8:00 PM, will have the latest decision. Field day, nationwide, begins at 2 PM June 25 then closes on June 26th at 2 PM. We begin on Saturday with a McDonald's plus breakfast at 8 AM. Prior to and stations set up. Lunch is pizza and Saturday night meal is potluck. So bring your spouse/date and a dish to pass, your table ware, Drinks are provided.. Sunday breakfast 8 AM, lunch is whenever, usually before takedown of the equipment. Field day settled, there was discussion regarding club jackets versus patches. Price wise, new patches, won hands down. John Sundstrom gave a demonstration of new a new Yesau 2 m radio FTM 3200. Pat Gardner set up and demonstrated his latest kit; a 60 meter CW rig, if I remember right. It worked great with a makeshift antenna yet. The library closes at 8:30 PM, and we exited about 8:20 PM. Will look for you at June 23 meeting. Respectfully submitted, Phyllis and Roger Simmons Add post |