This SARA meeting will be held at the Alplaus Fire House and will also be available via Webex
7:00—8:30 PM ………….Speaker Presentation
(Link to be sent out separately prior to the meeting)
Arduino Projects – Rotator Controller, VFO, Iambic Keyer
Speaker: Tim Long, W2UI
Abstract:
“I like to contest. I’m not good at it, but I enjoy it just the same. I wanted an interface so that the N1MM Logger could control the Ham III Rotator on my tribander. I found an answer and it was easy.
“I restored a Heath DX-60 transmitter from my Novice days. The DX-60’s frequency is determined by plug-in crystals or an external Variable Frequency Oscillator (VFO). I never had one and they are hard to find at a reasonable cost. An oscillator shield controlled by an Arduino Uno provided the almost perfect solution.
“We run Class 6A for Field Day, which includes two stations operating CW. CW operators either bring their own keyer, bug, straight key, or use the iambic keyer that is built into the rig. If you use the built-in iambic keyer, you lose the functionality of CW messages that are programmed into N1MM. Now we disable the rig’s built-in keyer and parallel the Arduino keyer output, the computer, and all other keying devices using my homemade octopus. You want to bring your favorite paddle? Just plug it into the Arduino. You want to bring your trusty bug or straight key? just plug it into the octopus. You want to use the programmed N1MM messages? Just hit the key.”
About our speaker:
Tim got his start in amateur radio in 1961 when he passed his Novice exam given by his scoutmaster WA2FFJ and received call WN2KHQ. That callsign 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 happily retired. Besides ham radio antenna work and Field Day, Tim enjoys golf. Tim holds an Extra Class license and is a Volunteer Examiner.
Note: The meeting location is 309 Alplaus Ave, Alplaus, NY, and the building is at the corner of Alplaus Avenue and Bruce Drive. Please park in the paved lot adjacent to this building. Do not park in the restricted area in front of the building that houses the fire trucks. We will meet in the Multipurpose Room (entrance is on the North side of this building).