The Brightleaf Amateur Radio Club was invited to set up a demonstration
of Amateur Radio at the Salem Car and Bike Show in Simpson at the Salem United Methodist
Church on Saturday, May 16. Thanks to Peter Boettger, from the church, he had a table,
chairs and power ready for us when we arrive. Pat Williams, KG4NSC and
Dave Langley, W4YDY, met with Peter about 10 days earlier to select a
site. BARC participants were Bill All, N3KKM, Susan All, N3RAL,
Paul Copeland, K4KCS, Dave Langley, W4YDY, Dave LeMoine,
KV4CN, John McCoy, K4KBB, Taylor Millar, W4WTM,
Bernie Nobles, WA4MOK, and Pat Williams, KG4NSC.
The clubs Icom IC-706MKIIG was used and Bernie, WA4MOK, fixed up
a Little Tarheel on a tripod for use if needed. John, K4KBB, brought his
camper and a Tarheel 75 antenna. His camper was parked near our station with a Tarheel
Model 100 on top of his camper. The final setup was the Icom 706 using the Model 75 on 40
meters and Johns Yaesu FT-897D transceiver on 20 meters using the Model 100 on top
of his camper. Bernies control cable and box was used to control the Model 100.
Brochures were displayed and handed out to the public.
Contacts were made on 40 and 20 meters with Bill, N3KKM, Dave, KV4CN,
Bernie, WA4MOK, and Dave, W4YDY, operating. Several
folks came by to see the operation and learn about Amateur Radio and BARC. Also some that
came over were licensed or formerly licensed and all were invited to the club meetings.
Pictures were made by Bill, N3KKM, and John, K4KBB.
The church had beverages and food there for their fund raiser and they had some other
activities for children and adults. They had a PA system set up away from us and were
playing some 60's music the Bernie liked! There were a lot of interesting cars and
motorcycles on display. The Simpson Fire Department had one of their fire trucks there and
the Red Cross bloodmobile was there. Saturday afternoon, the Pitt County Sheriffs
helicopter landed across the street from the church.
All comments received have been positive and all club members that participated had a
good time. Thanks to Salem United Methodist Church for inviting us and a special thanks
goes to Peter Boettger for his assistance. |