Schenectady Amateur Radio Association

K2AE Repeaters

General Meeting Monday September 9, 2019 at 7:00PM

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“Introduction to Software Defined Radio (SDR) Technology”

Speaker: Terry Saunders N1KIN

Abstract:The first part of this talk will examine the similarities and differences between standard and SDR radio topologies. Second, we will introduce the concepts of IQ signal processing, followed by a brief discussion of how this technique enables high fidelity generation and demodulation of all manner of emission types. Real-world analogies will be presented to illustrate the technical concepts in a simple manner. The final part will describe a recent remote SDR project, which will highlight the advantages as well as the challenges of using an SDR rig.

Terry Saunders, formerly an engineer at GE Global Research in Niskayuna, has worked on a number of projects, spanning oil sands-water separation, malaria and other disease detection systems, and test development work around next generation polymer laminate films and filtration technologies used by the biopharmaceutical industry. Terry holds multiple U.S. Patents.

Terry grew up on both the west and east coasts of the US. Originally from southern California, Terry moved to Maine at the age of 15, where he lived until he graduated high school and joined the military. Having been an electronic hobbyist from a young age, the US Navy’s “Aviation Electronic Technician” program seemed a perfect fit to train on, and work with cutting-edge airborne radar, radio communication, and electronic countermeasure systems, while getting paid to learn. Terry graduated at the top of his class, earning several academic commendations, and attaining the rank of E-5 within his first 3 years of enlistment. After his service, Terry re-entered the civilian sector and took a manufacturing job in the optical disc industry where he would spend the next 20 years manufacturing Optical Disc products.

Starting in the trenches as a technician, Terry was recognized for his diverse technical background, problem solving skills, and inventiveness. He was brought into the engineering fold where he worked on signal processing, laser recording systems, injection molding, electroplating systems, and IT Systems. Through an MBO effort, Terry secured an ownership/management stake in the company. After the eventual slowing of the CD industry, in 2005 Terry sold his stake in the CD company and looked for new challenges. Terry entered the biotech industry working for Whatman, originally a filtration company which now makes a full catalog of disposable products for the biomedical/pharma industries. At Whatman he served as engineering supervisor, managing a diverse technical staff responsible for all cleanroom manufacturing operations, and developed the automated testing systems used in production of disposable medical filtration products. Whatman was acquired by GE Healthcare in 2008, and Terry was relocated to Westborough, Massachusetts to head up the cleanroom operations used to make disposable bioreactors and other related consumables for 6 years. Terry relocated to New York after being offered a job at the GE Global Research Center in Niskayuna, in what Terry’s wife describes as “the last move”. Terry is now semi- retired, and enjoying his hobbies at home.

Terry is a licensed advanced class ham radio operator, and enjoys computers, lasers, PC gaming, disturbingly overpowered home theater, and brewing beer. Terry resides in Halfmoon, NY with his wife Kristi, their cats Dot & Dash, dogs Pinot & Zin, and half a dozen hop plants.

Meeting Location
Fellowship Hall of the First United Methodist Church
603 State Street, Schenectady

Directions to First United Methodist Church:
Parking lot address is 610 (Google shows it as 650) Chapel Street Schenectady NY 12305.
Chapel St is a One Way street from Nott Terrace to Lafayette Street. If this lot is full, park across the street. Enter the building through double doors, take an immediate right, go through another set of double doors, turn right then left and the Fellowship Hall is on your right (follow signs).

From the East (Colonie, State St Rt 5):
Turn Right onto Nott Terrace then take your first Left onto Chapel Street. Parking lot is on Left.

From the West (Scotia, Glenville, Eire Blvd):
*THERE IS NO LEFT TURN FROM STATE STREET TO NOTT TERRACE*
Take State St (Rt 5) to Lafayette St and turn right then immediately turn Left to continue up State St. At Veeder Ave (Traffic Light) turn Left. Cross over State St (Rt 5) then take the first Left onto Chapel St. Parking lot is on Left.

From the South (I-890 Exit 5, Broadway, Rotterdam):
Take Broadway North to Millard St and turn Right, First Traffic Light. Millard St becomes Veeder Ave at Hamilton St (Schenectady FD on Left). Continue over Veeder take first left after State St onto Chapel St. Parking is on left.

From the North (Union Collage, Niskayuna, Union St):
From Union St, take Nott Terrace South and turn Right onto Chapel St. Parking lot is on Left.

 

General Meeting Monday June 3, 2019 at 7:00PM

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Speaker: Tim Long W2UI and James MacMurray N2UZQ

“Broughton Memorial Field Day 2019”

Abstract: SARA and SMARA will again be joining forces for Field Day 2019. Tim and James will present preparations and plans for this unique event. Please read the message from the President to get a flavor of what is in store for us during Field Day!

Tim Long got his start in amateur radio in 1961 when he passed his Novice exam given by his scoutmaster WA2FFJ and received call WN2KHQ. That call sign became WB2KHQ, then WA4DXR, then WB2SPN, and now W2UI. Tim has served SARA in various positions including many years as Secretary, two stints as Vice President, two tours as President, and countless years as Treasurer (dues cheerfully accepted). Tim holds BSEE and MSCS degrees and is now retired after a career with Bechtel Marine Propulsion Corp. in West Milton. Besides ham radio antenna work and Field Day, Tim enjoys golf.

James MacMurray was born in 1972 and grew up in Scotia. James was licensed in 1993 and received his Extra while going to college for Data Communications. He is past president of SARA, Current President for SMARA, Emergency Coordinator for Schenectady County ARES, and Assistant Section Manager for Eastern NY. He has served as a Director for SARA for the past 4 years and served SMARA as a past President, Vice President, and Treasurer. Currently working full time as an Employee Retirement Examiner 3 for the State of New York Office of the State Comptroller. James has interests in VHF/UHF weak signal, HF phone, and HF Digital contesting.

psst…Please feel free to bring your SARA dues with you to Field Day!!

The June meeting is also our annual business meeting, including our annual election of Board Members and Officers. Officers and Board of Directors Nominations for 2018– 2019 are as follows:

President: JR Hotaling N2PEQ
Vice President: Jim Silva KC2ZVK
Secretary: Jim Stewart K2PK
Treasurer: Tim Long W2UI
Board Member: Paul Siemers WY2F
Board Member: Bob Saltzman WB2ARK
Board Member: Skip Evans W2YJL
Board Member: James MacMurray N2UZQ

Please plan to attend this meeting.

Meeting Location
Fellowship Hall of the First United Methodist Church
603 State Street, Schenectady

Directions to First United Methodist Church:
Parking lot address is 610 (Google shows it as 650) Chapel Street Schenectady NY 12305.
Chapel St is a One Way street from Nott Terrace to Lafayette Street. If this lot is full, park across the street. Enter the building through double doors, take an immediate right, go through another set of double doors, turn right then left and the Fellowship Hall is on your right (follow signs).

From the East (Colonie, State St Rt 5):
Turn Right onto Nott Terrace then take your first Left onto Chapel Street. Parking lot is on Left.

From the West (Scotia, Glenville, Eire Blvd):
*THERE IS NO LEFT TURN FROM STATE STREET TO NOTT TERRACE*
Take State St (Rt 5) to Lafayette St and turn right then immediately turn Left to continue up State St. At Veeder Ave (Traffic Light) turn Left. Cross over State St (Rt 5) then take the first Left onto Chapel St. Parking lot is on Left.

From the South (I-890 Exit 5, Broadway, Rotterdam):
Take Broadway North to Millard St and turn Right, First Traffic Light. Millard St becomes Veeder Ave at Hamilton St (Schenectady FD on Left). Continue over Veeder take first left after State St onto Chapel St. Parking is on left.

From the North (Union Collage, Niskayuna, Union St):
From Union St, take Nott Terrace South and turn Right onto Chapel St. Parking lot is on Left.

 

General Meeting Monday May 6, 2019 at 7:00PM

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Speaker: Ahmed Elasser

“Charles Proteus Steinmetz”

Abstract: This talk will explore the life and legacy of one of the most outstanding GE Engineers. Charles Steinmetz was not only “The Chief Of Chief Engineers”–or as his colleagues nicknamed him, “The Supreme Court”–he was also a humanitarian, a Professor, an engaged citizen who cared deeply about his community, and a family man. Join us for a talk that will celebrate the life and legacy of the man known as “The Forger of Thunderbolts”, “The Wizard of Schenectady”, and “Modern Jove”.

About the Speaker: Dr. Ahmed Elasser received his Engineering Degree (Ingenieur D’Etat) from L‘Ecole Mohammadia D’Ingenieurs, Rabat, Morocco in 1985 in Electric Power and Power Electronics, and MS and PhD Degrees from Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, Troy, NY in 1993 and 1996 in Electric Power and Power Electronics respectively. He has been working at GE Global Research Center for the past 23 years and is currently a Principal Systems Engineer in the areas of Electric Power, Power Electronics, and Power Semiconductor Devices. He currently leads the GE Renewable Reservoir Power Conversion components testing and qualification program. He has published over 40 papers and has 26 patents issued. Dr. Elasser is a Senior Member of IEEE and a regular reviewer for many IEEE journals and conferences in his area of expertise. Dr. Elasser is the recipient of numerous GE Awards for his contributions and innovations.

Meeting Location
Fellowship Hall of the First United Methodist Church
603 State Street, Schenectady

Directions to First United Methodist Church:
Parking lot address is 610 (Google shows it as 650) Chapel Street Schenectady NY 12305.
Chapel St is a One Way street from Nott Terrace to Lafayette Street. If this lot is full, park across the street. Enter the building through double doors, take an immediate right, go through another set of double doors, turn right then left and the Fellowship Hall is on your right (follow signs).

From the East (Colonie, State St Rt 5):
Turn Right onto Nott Terrace then take your first Left onto Chapel Street. Parking lot is on Left.

From the West (Scotia, Glenville, Eire Blvd):
*THERE IS NO LEFT TURN FROM STATE STREET TO NOTT TERRACE*
Take State St (Rt 5) to Lafayette St and turn right then immediately turn Left to continue up State St. At Veeder Ave (Traffic Light) turn Left. Cross over State St (Rt 5) then take the first Left onto Chapel St. Parking lot is on Left.

From the South (I-890 Exit 5, Broadway, Rotterdam):
Take Broadway North to Millard St and turn Right, First Traffic Light. Millard St becomes Veeder Ave at Hamilton St (Schenectady FD on Left). Continue over Veeder take first left after State St onto Chapel St. Parking is on left.

From the North (Union Collage, Niskayuna, Union St):
From Union St, take Nott Terrace South and turn Right onto Chapel St. Parking lot is on Left.

 

General Meeting Monday March 4, 2019 at 7:00PM

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Speaker: Robert G. Olsen

“What can you do with and/or learn from an Impedance Analyzer?”

Abstract: This talk will explore how the complex impedance of real components behaves at higher frequencies, with a focus on the effect of lead length (with demonstrations). We will also examine the behavior of transmission lines and antennas, for which lengths are comparable to or larger than a wavelength. For these systems one can define impedances at various locations (e.g., “input impedance”). We will describe the accuracy and limitations of several analyzers. Finally, we will show how to determine 1) antenna bandwidth, 2) coax cable losses, and 3) the electrical length of a piece of cable.

Presentation slides

About the Speaker: Robert earned his BS degree from Rutgers University and MS and Ph.D. degrees from the University of Colorado. An electrical engineering faculty member at Washington State University since 1973, Robert recently became professor emeritus. He has been an NSF Faculty Fellow at GTE Laboratories, a visiting scientist at ABB Corporate Research and at the Electric Power Research Institute (EPRI), and a Visiting Professor at the Technical University of Denmark. His research spans all aspects of electromagnetics issues in power transmission, resulting in 90 refereed journal and 150 conference publications. He is also one of the authors of the AC Transmission Line Reference Book – 200 kV and Above, published by EPRI. He is a Fellow of the IEEE and an Honorary Life member of the IEEE Electromagnetic Compatibility (EMC) Society. He is past US National Committee representative to the International Council on Large Electrical Systems (CIGRE) Study Committee 36 (Electromagnetic Compatibility), past chair of the IEEE Power Engineering Society AC Fields and Corona Effects Working Groups, past Associate Editor of the IEEE Transactions on EMC and Radio Science, and past Co-Technical Program Chair of EMC Zurich.

Meeting Location
Fellowship Hall of the First United Methodist Church
603 State Street, Schenectady

Directions to First United Methodist Church:
Parking lot address is 610 (Google shows it as 650) Chapel Street Schenectady NY 12305.
Chapel St is a One Way street from Nott Terrace to Lafayette Street. If this lot is full, park across the street. Enter the building through double doors, take an immediate right, go through another set of double doors, turn right then left and the Fellowship Hall is on your right (follow signs).

From the East (Colonie, State St Rt 5):
Turn Right onto Nott Terrace then take your first Left onto Chapel Street. Parking lot is on Left.

From the West (Scotia, Glenville, Eire Blvd):
*THERE IS NO LEFT TURN FROM STATE STREET TO NOTT TERRACE*
Take State St (Rt 5) to Lafayette St and turn right then immediately turn Left to continue up State St. At Veeder Ave (Traffic Light) turn Left. Cross over State St (Rt 5) then take the first Left onto Chapel St. Parking lot is on Left.

From the South (I-890 Exit 5, Broadway, Rotterdam):
Take Broadway North to Millard St and turn Right, First Traffic Light. Millard St becomes Veeder Ave at Hamilton St (Schenectady FD on Left). Continue over Veeder take first left after State St onto Chapel St. Parking is on left.

From the North (Union Collage, Niskayuna, Union St):
From Union St, take Nott Terrace South and turn Right onto Chapel St. Parking lot is on Left.

 

General Meeting Monday February 4, 2019 at 7:00PM

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David Hochfelder, N2HTA

“World War II Radio Propaganda”

Abstract: This talk will explore why American civilians listened to shortwave radio broadcasts from Germany and Japan. Some listened out of curiosity. Others, however, listened to obtain the names of American soldiers and airmen who were taken as prisoners of war. Listeners formed monitoring clubs, with schedules, newsletters, and listening tips in order to send messages to families of POW’s.

About the Speaker: David Hochfelder is associate professor of history at University at Albany, SUNY. He is the author of The Telegraph in America: 1832-1920 (Johns Hopkins University Press, 2012). He is also an avid AM broadcast band and longwave beacon DXer, and is a licensed amateur radio operator (N2HTA).

Meeting Location
Fellowship Hall of the First United Methodist Church
603 State Street, Schenectady

Directions to First United Methodist Church:
Parking lot address is 610 (Google shows it as 650) Chapel Street Schenectady NY 12305.
Chapel St is a One Way street from Nott Terrace to Lafayette Street. If this lot is full, park across the street. Enter the building through double doors, take an immediate right, go through another set of double doors, turn right then left and the Fellowship Hall is on your right (follow signs).

From the East (Colonie, State St Rt 5):
Turn Right onto Nott Terrace then take your first Left onto Chapel Street. Parking lot is on Left.

From the West (Scotia, Glenville, Eire Blvd):
*THERE IS NO LEFT TURN FROM STATE STREET TO NOTT TERRACE*
Take State St (Rt 5) to Lafayette St and turn right then immediately turn Left to continue up State St. At Veeder Ave (Traffic Light) turn Left. Cross over State St (Rt 5) then take the first Left onto Chapel St. Parking lot is on Left.

From the South (I-890 Exit 5, Broadway, Rotterdam):
Take Broadway North to Millard St and turn Right, First Traffic Light. Millard St becomes Veeder Ave at Hamilton St (Schenectady FD on Left). Continue over Veeder take first left after State St onto Chapel St. Parking is on left.

From the North (Union Collage, Niskayuna, Union St):
From Union St, take Nott Terrace South and turn Right onto Chapel St. Parking lot is on Left.

 

General Meeting Monday January 7, 2019 at 7:00PM

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Dean Poeth, K8TM

“Text communication before email, texting, or the internet: Radio Teletype”

Abstract: Dean will share his passion for the teletype.

Dean Poeth, K8TM, has been a licensed amateur radio operator since 1974.
Early in his career he was the Chief Engineer at WRFD radio, a 5,000 watt commercial radio station in Columbus, Ohio, where, among his other duties, he maintained the station’s Associated Press Wire Service Model 15 teletype.

Currently he is an adjunct professor at Clarkson University. Dean recently retired from Knolls Atomic Power Laboratory, where he was a subject matter expert in operations research and productivity improvement.

Meeting Location
Fellowship Hall of the First United Methodist Church
603 State Street, Schenectady

Directions to First United Methodist Church:
Parking lot address is 610 (Google shows it as 650) Chapel Street Schenectady NY 12305.
Chapel St is a One Way street from Nott Terrace to Lafayette Street. If this lot is full, park across the street. Enter the building through double doors, take an immediate right, go through another set of double doors, turn right then left and the Fellowship Hall is on your right (follow signs).

From the East (Colonie, State St Rt 5):
Turn Right onto Nott Terrace then take your first Left onto Chapel Street. Parking lot is on Left.

From the West (Scotia, Glenville, Eire Blvd):
*THERE IS NO LEFT TURN FROM STATE STREET TO NOTT TERRACE*
Take State St (Rt 5) to Lafayette St and turn right then immediately turn Left to continue up State St. At Veeder Ave (Traffic Light) turn Left. Cross over State St (Rt 5) then take the first Left onto Chapel St. Parking lot is on Left.

From the South (I-890 Exit 5, Broadway, Rotterdam):
Take Broadway North to Millard St and turn Right, First Traffic Light. Millard St becomes Veeder Ave at Hamilton St (Schenectady FD on Left). Continue over Veeder take first left after State St onto Chapel St. Parking is on left.

From the North (Union Collage, Niskayuna, Union St):
From Union St, take Nott Terrace South and turn Right onto Chapel St. Parking lot is on Left.

 

General Meeting Monday December 3, 2018 at 6:00PM

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December Social Event

December’s meeting will be held at the United Buffet, 2320 Watt Street, Schenectady NY.

Get out of the “Shack” for a night and come join us for an all you can eat buffet and great company!

Place: United Buffet, 2320 Watt Street, Schenectady (we have reserved the “back room”)
Time: 6:00 p.m.
Cost: $16.59 (one price). Prices include meal, drink, tax & tip. Please pay at the front desk when you arrive, head to the “back room”, and hang on to your receipt.

Since the dinner format is a buffet, members are welcome to arrive at 6:00 p.m. (or any time after 6:00 p.m.), and stay as long as they want. No speeches, but plenty of time to share your latest stories with your amateur radio friends!!

Happy Holidays from SARA

santa radio

General Meeting Monday November 5, 2018 at 7:00PM

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David Galletly, KM2O

“ARES 3.01”

This program will cover recent and future developments in the Amateur Radio Emergency Service (ARES), including the introduction of ARES Connect, a new communications tool for groups in scheduling and managing events. The program will also describe a planned restructuring of the ARES program nationally, which includes a new tiered membership system and training standards.

David Galletly, KM2O is Section Emergency Coordinator for the ARRL Eastern New York Section. He is currently also a member of the organizing committee of Capital Region Organizations Active in Disaster CROAD) which is a coalition of groups coordinating disaster and long term recovery in the region.

Meeting Location
Fellowship Hall of the First United Methodist Church
603 State Street, Schenectady

Directions to First United Methodist Church:
Parking lot address is 610 (Google shows it as 650) Chapel Street Schenectady NY 12305.
Chapel St is a One Way street from Nott Terrace to Lafayette Street. If this lot is full, park across the street. Enter the building through double doors, take an immediate right, go through another set of double doors, turn right then left and the Fellowship Hall is on your right (follow signs).

From the East (Colonie, State St Rt 5):
Turn Right onto Nott Terrace then take your first Left onto Chapel Street. Parking lot is on Left.

From the West (Scotia, Glenville, Eire Blvd):
*THERE IS NO LEFT TURN FROM STATE STREET TO NOTT TERRACE*
Take State St (Rt 5) to Lafayette St and turn right then immediately turn Left to continue up State St. At Veeder Ave (Traffic Light) turn Left. Cross over State St (Rt 5) then take the first Left onto Chapel St. Parking lot is on Left.

From the South (I-890 Exit 5, Broadway, Rotterdam):
Take Broadway North to Millard St and turn Right, First Traffic Light. Millard St becomes Veeder Ave at Hamilton St (Schenectady FD on Left). Continue over Veeder take first left after State St onto Chapel St. Parking is on left.

From the North (Union Collage, Niskayuna, Union St):
From Union St, take Nott Terrace South and turn Right onto Chapel St. Parking lot is on Left.

 

General Meeting Monday October 1, 2018 at 7:00PM

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Ria Jairam N2RJ

Candidate for Hudson Division Director

Abstract: There are two candidates for ARRL Hudson Division Director, Mike Lisenco N2YBB and Ria Jairam.

Mike spoke at the SMARA meeting on September 20, 2018.

This is your opportunity to hear from Ria. Additional candidate information at https://hudson.n2rj.com/

Please attend this meeting and bring your questions!

Meeting Location
Fellowship Hall of the First United Methodist Church
603 State Street, Schenectady

Directions to First United Methodist Church:
Parking lot address is 610 (Google shows it as 650) Chapel Street Schenectady NY 12305.
Chapel St is a One Way street from Nott Terrace to Lafayette Street. If this lot is full, park across the street. Enter the building through double doors, take an immediate right, go through another set of double doors, turn right then left and the Fellowship Hall is on your right (follow signs).

From the East (Colonie, State St Rt 5):
Turn Right onto Nott Terrace then take your first Left onto Chapel Street. Parking lot is on Left.

From the West (Scotia, Glenville, Eire Blvd):
*THERE IS NO LEFT TURN FROM STATE STREET TO NOTT TERRACE*
Take State St (Rt 5) to Lafayette St and turn right then immediately turn Left to continue up State St. At Veeder Ave (Traffic Light) turn Left. Cross over State St (Rt 5) then take the first Left onto Chapel St. Parking lot is on Left.

From the South (I-890 Exit 5, Broadway, Rotterdam):
Take Broadway North to Millard St and turn Right, First Traffic Light. Millard St becomes Veeder Ave at Hamilton St (Schenectady FD on Left). Continue over Veeder take first left after State St onto Chapel St. Parking is on left.

From the North (Union Collage, Niskayuna, Union St):
From Union St, take Nott Terrace South and turn Right onto Chapel St. Parking lot is on Left.

 

General Meeting Monday September 10, 2018 at 7:00PM

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Meeting Location: First United Methodist Church, 603 State St, Schenectady NY 12305

Nine DXpeditions to DXCC “Ten Most Wanted”

DVD Presentation

Abstract: From 1993 through 2010, this DVD presents highlights of nine adventures to the “Rarest of the Rare” DXCC entities!!

Producer: Bob Allphin K4UEE

These nine DXpedition video excerpts tell compelling stories of fear, frustration, and sheer joy as DX traveler Bob Allphin, K4UEE and his teammates recount the highlights (and low-lights) of their most heralded trips, most named “DXpeditions of the Year” — and all to the rarest-of-the-rare DXCC entities.

DXpeditions Included:

  • 3YØX, Peter One — nearly 90,000 Qs from the bottom of the world
  • A52A, Bhutan — the mysterious and exciting Kingdom nestled in the Himalayas
    (footage contributed by James Brooks, 9V1YC)
  • AH1A, Howland Island — where Amelia Earhart disappeared
  • K5D, Desecheo Island – so rare, so near, yet so far
  • PJ6A, Saba – first contacts from a brand new DXCC entity
  • VKØIR, Heard Island — with its ominous and active volcano rising to 8,000ft
  • VP8GEO, South Georgia — the final resting place of Sir Ernest Shackleton
  • VP8THU, South Sandwich — nearly 30,000 Qs in a three-day strike
  • VU7RG, Lakshadweep — from the #2 most wanted DXCC entity

Please plan to attend this meeting.