The meeting was called to order with 20 members present. After the welcome and all the reports were given and voted on, we heard reports of recent Amateur Radio activities (i.e., the last New-Not-So-New Workshop where Doug gave us the low down on Half Wave Dipoles, the SEARS rocket launches held in Samson, AL and the Fox Hunt at Southeast Parkway.)
A break from the actual meeting was taken for a Hands-on Activity to introduce an activity that will be used for the Tailgate in April. The Daleville Library (Rachel Horne, Head Librarian) had previously turned us on to the SNAP Circuits for kids to learn about electronics (and some skills needed for the Amateur Extra Exam). We assembled 5 different projects in teams of 3 or 4 folks. Resistors, switches, speakers, and LED’s were assembled in various configurations for the projects assigned. All groups completed their projects in under 15 minutes with laughter and delight abounding.
We then settled down and returned to the meeting. The WARC Activities Sheet is pleasantly being filled in with names for folks offering demonstrations and helping with activities.
Greg Lane has informed us of the RaDAR Rally upcoming on April 4th. He sent a link to help understand what happens: https://youtu.be/hDh9sdOAX4M?si=XERvNqGH-Rc8dhuR
We discussed the April 24th Tailgate in depth. We approved the flyer. The Duty Roster was passed around and names were added as helpers/anchors/volunteers. WE STILL NEED MORE!
We talked of the Rookie Round-Up. Charles Woodall is heading this up. Jimmie Hassell has agreed to help get it going. https://www.arrl.org/rookie-roundup is a site to help you understand what this event is about. The April 19th (Sunday) event is Single Side Band (SSB) and is open to all Amateur Radio Operators who have been licensed 3 years or less (that’s a Rookie). Other helpers are needed as well and they need folks to contact,… so get with Charles and let’s make it happen.
June 6th is the Tri-States Bike Ride this year. We voted to participate in this event again. Charles is heading up this one too. A sheet was passed around to sign up. The New-Not-So-New Workshop that was scheduled for that date has been canceled to accommodate folks helping with this event.
A few in-house items were discussed and then we learned about power supplies and how they work from Steve Norris. He demonstrated a Flyback Transformer with a memorable story to share. This Saturday he will teach how to make our own power supplies. (Starts at 9AM – don’t be late;-)
Afterwards, the meeting was adjourned and Doug sold raffle tickets which are now on sale! The grand prize for the Spring Tailgate on April 24th, 2026 is the Yaesu FTM-150R. You do not have to be present to win the grand prize. You do have to be present to win door prizes given throughout the day.
I have attached the flyer for the tailgate in case you can’t find it anywhere else.
Great meeting y’all!
BLC