Station Building

Moving the SPARC Station, Jan 2023

By Ed NZ1Q on 01/23/2023

The SPARC club radio station is in the process of moving within the DMI Research building. The work is being done in stages with the removal of everything from the old shack a couple of weeks ago. The video clip link (below) is of the latest phase from Jan 21 beginning the process of cleaning both rooms and starting the wiring. The AC facilities were added several weeks ago with the assembly of the antenna switchboard and the removal of old antenna cabling this past weekend.

Enjoy the video clip… Click for more

Lagnaippe* Unique Tools – Who Knew

By Bob Wanek N2ESP on 03/12/2021

In preparing to do some rewiring in my shack, I investigated the use of crimp-on coax connectors. I ended up purchasing a crimp tool along with coax connector and Powerpole dies from DX Engineering. I can now easily install crimp-on connectors on a variety of coax cables. The die for Anderson Power Pole connectors will make their installation a snap as well.

In my research, I checked out a number of YouTube videos on the subject, I found this one very interesting.

What caught my attention were … Click for more

Home Brew Night 2021

By Tom Schaefer NY4I on 01/10/2021

The February 5th, 2021 SPARC meeting is Home Brew Night. No, not beer. This is where you show off projects related to ham radio you have made this year. It could be an antenna project, some accessory you built and modified in a unique way. It can also be interesting software projects related to ham radio you put together. This year due to our Zoom meetings, you will have to show what you did via your computer. If you have a webcam and can show the project, that will work. … Click for more

Spare Arc-Plugs for Alpha Delta Switches

By Bob Wanek N2ESP on 08/15/2020

Many of us use Alpha Delta coax switches in our stations for antenna selection. These switches use Arc-Plug gas discharge tubes as lightening protection. Spare Arc-Plug elements sell for $10 – $12 from the traditional ham retailers. Mouser Electronics sells them for $2.37 each in quantities of 10. P/N 576-CG21000.

Thanks to Richard K2UPS for this tip.

Club Station Update – Tower Removal Work Party

By Tom Schaefer NY4I on 02/13/2020

As you may recall, the club experienced damage due to the tornado in Pinellas Park last week.

Dave KR4U, John KI4UIP, Pat AA0O and Billy KN4LUZ were on site to work on the project (The author arrives late so anyone was had already left, please accept my apology for the omission).

The tower was bent just above the first section nesting point. With the help of a crane secured by Pat AA0O, the tower was safely lowered on Thursday 2/13 along with the … Click for more

SPARC’s Winter Field Day Plans

By Tom Schaefer NY4I on 12/13/2019

Only 16 Days left to register to ensure your meals

Do you like operating in the field but hate dripping in sweat while setting up antennas? Does the idea of enduring another Field Day constantly fighting off every mosquito in Tampa Bay make you wish they held Field Day in January? Well, you’re in luck! Winter Field Day is an event very similar to the June ARRL Field Day except—you guessed it—it’s held in Winter. Specifically January 25 & 26, 2020. This is the third time SPARC is participating in … Click for more

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