DUCTWORK WORK

With two mikes you get stereo. With three Mikes who knows what can be accomplished. On Saturday, February 10, Mike Miller, N1ITQ, Mike Miller the younger (no call sign yet), and Mike McDonald, KB1NB, got together to address the heating system’s cold air return under the clubhouse.

The unsupported ducts that are supposed to carry pre-heated air from the clubhouse to the furnace had a bad habit of falling from their connections and winding up on the crawl space’s sand floor. As a result, the open duct drew in completely unheated air to be brought up to high heat levels while warm air in the clubhouse was, presumably, being pushed out through the cracks. Very inefficient.

Top-left: the energy thief
Top-right: Mike, N1ITQ, sizing the solution
Bottom-left: getting the ducts all in a row
Bottom-right: the energy thief contained

But, with Mike Miller the elder taking the lead, Mike the younger acting as inspector, retriever of the elusive screws from the crawlspace sand and chief of cleanup, and Mike McDonald writing the SEMARA check at the supply house, the job was accomplished in short order. Well, not exactly short, about twice as long as estimated, but still less then a day. The ducts are now captivated at their ends and supported in the middle. The club should see lower heating bills as a result of the repair and the treasurer will have to write out fewer checks to the oil company. (OK, so I had an ulterior motive.)

Thanks to N1ITQ, our Grounds and Buildings chairman and his son, Mike.

Mike, KB1NB

WORK PARTY

In anticipation of the hut removal this year, I would like to organize a work party to dispose of all unnecessary junk and store a dozen or so worth-while items from the hut in the storage facility.

This, of course, excludes the radio room at the present time.

This can be done any time this spring with an anticipated removal of the hut in the summer, providing we can get through all the permits, preparations, and unforeseen obstacles after we get the approval by the membership.

In ham radio...73, Dave K1JGV

HOSSTRADERS, SK

It's a sad day for Amateur Radio flea markets. The largest show in New England has come to an official end. Hosstraders will be no more. Go to the official Hosstraders web page:

http://www.qsl.net/k1rqg/

for the full announcement.

If you even went, this might be a good time to take a moment and send the organizers a message thanking them for over 30 years of dedicated service to ham radio.