Newsletter - December 2007

David Bartlett (N9BUB) Amateur Radio history and military training.

Dave is a native of Lawrence County, born in Bedford in 1936. He attended schools in Bedford, graduating from Bedford High School in 1954. After high school, he attended Indiana University for one semester and then entered the United States Air Force. He was sent to Lackland Air Force Base in San Antonio, Texas. After basic training, he applied for the Air Force Cadet training program to become a pilot. He had passed all exams except the basic number/color test.  He could not determine the numbers in the color charts so he was classified as color ignorant, and placed on reassignment. At the time, instructors were needed for basic training so he applied and was assigned to the 3705 Basic Training Squadron where he spent the next 2 ½ years. He was then reassigned to the sixth Weather Detachment at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base in Dayton, Ohio. In January of 1959, he was released from active duty and returned to Bedford and Indiana University. After graduation from IU, he worked for General Motors the next 30 years, retiring in 1991. Dave’s ham radio experience began in early 1978 when he received his Novice license. Then in November 1978, he upgraded to General. Most of his time in ham radio has been spent doing digital modes. He started with 2 meter packet radio in 1982 and had two Packet BBS’s on line. One was tied to K9IU thru WB9TLH Dwight Hazen & WA8YVR Pat Barkey in Bloomington. The other was used for local service only. Now, Dave works strictly digital modes, mostly RTTY and PSK. In the fall of 2003 he began working toward and has ARRL certification for WAS & WAC.  In his quest for DXCC, he has confirmed 80 countries, all done in either PSK31 or RTTY.

Radio Club meeting date change:

President Mike Wright, KF9NP, asked to notify everyone that the January 2008 meeting will be January 8, the second Tuesday because the first Tuesday falls on January 1.

Dues Reminder: Club dues are required by the end of this year.  Please send them to Ann Harris, treasurer.

Radio Club officers for 2008:

During the December meeting, the officers for 2008 were elected.  They are as follows: President, Mike Wright, KF9NP, Vice President, Marcie Davis, KC9IAI, Secretary, Larry Hammersley, WA9FFZ, and Treasurer, Ann Harris, K9NOT.

Virginia Jane Hartley: Frank, W9YJD, made me aware of the passing of Jane Hartley.  It was reported in the Bedford paper issue December 13.  She was another charter member of the HHHC and that leaves Frank as the one surviving charter member.  Jane and her husband, Bob, who preceded her in death, left Bedford in 1957 and moved to Florida.  Jane’s call was K4YUT and Bob’s call was K4YUS.  Thanks to Keith for finding that out.  Their names will be added to the Silent Key plaque at the clubhouse.

Awards Banquet: The radio club’s awards banquet will be held on February 9 at Spring Mill.  The room is available at 5 PM and the meal begins at 6 PM.  Let Ann Harris, K9NOT, know by February 1 if you intend to come.  Members cost is $7.00 and children under ten are free.

Awards Nominations: To date only three or four members have turned in nominations for awards.  Those need to be in to Keith by December 26.  Please nominate those you feel are deserving of the four awards and the reasons.  Send them to Keith Harris, email address, N9KH@insightbb.com or call him at 275-3415.

December Fox Hunt: Despite the weather two hunters showed to track down the Harris Team.  They were hidden at Dive Christian Church, which was 5.2 miles distant from the starting point by driving straight there.  The two hunters were Mike, KF9NP, and Larry, WA9FFZ.  Due to the weather, Keith promised to hide within ten miles of the starting point.  Mike and Larry found the fox in well under an hour with Larry arriving first and claiming lowest miles driven as well.  Larry logged 6.3 miles and Mike came in at 8.1 miles.  The next foxhunt will be January 19, starting time 3 PM.  The tally for 2007 finds the Harris Team, Keith, N9KH and Ann, K9NOT as the clear winners with four victories.  Mike, KF9NP, and Larry, WA9FFZ, finished with three victories a piece, Ray Stevens, KB9LGS with one and Tim Wray, KB9SNL, with one.

Silent Auction: This is a reminder that the silent auction being held for club members at the clubhouse for the HF equipment donated by Jack Taylor will end at the conclusion of the January meeting.