President’s Message – December 2018
I paused for a second when I typed in “December 2018”. Wow, the year really is gone, isn’t it?
We had a pretty good year. We had a hiccup for Field Day, but we got around that easy enough. We’ve had some good speakers throughout the year. The club bought a new 220 repeater and installed it at a new location up on Edom Hill. We also have also picked up quite a few new members and friends.
As a result of how much we have grown, we will be in new digs come the first of the year. If you have not heard, all future RATS meeting will be held at the Elks Lodge in Cathedral City. It’s across the street from the Trader Joe’s on Highway 111. Finding a new venue to hold the club meetings took some real work. The place had to hold 50+ members, charge a reasonable rent (free is nice, thanks Elks) and be open until 9 PM or a little later. Various city’s meeting halls and libraries are not open that late. With some hard work from your board, we found a good spot for all of us RATS to call home.
Our November meeting was on Mesh Networks. That’s a system of, basically interconnecting microwave transceivers, that can be used to pass data. The great part is, that it’s kind of like a fishnet. If one part breaks, it does not fall apart and remains useful. Earl KJ6DQR and some of the board members are looking into setting up a Mesh Network here in the valley. Stay tuned.
Glenn WB6RLC introducing Andre K6AH
More news for the first of the year is that The Desert RATS ARC is hosting a Technician training class. If you know someone that is interested, sign up on the web site. We are also seeking those that might be interested in a General class. Email myself of Mark KD6SEC if you would like to join the class. Our information is on the club web site.
Also, the club is having a Desert RATS club picnic on March 23, 2019, to be held at Lake Cahuilla, La Quinta. Food, games, a raffle and some guest speakers will all be on the club. It’s just for our members and their families, so make sure you get your membership in. At this time it looks like we have Gordon West stopping by. Also, there are overnight camping spots available for you RVers.
That’s about it. It was a good year to be a RAT. I hope everyone has a great holiday season and be safe on New Years, because I want to see you back next year. Catch you on the bands.
73
Glenn
WB6RLC
President Desert RATS ARC
