Dayton 2009 Pictures

Brian Sokol W9SRK 5-22-2009

Some pictures are beginning to filter in from Dayton Hamvention 2009. Here are some of them.

Dayton Hamvention 2009 Pictures

We are still looking for additional pictures. Please refer to the recent post on the Reflector for information on how to send them to W9SRK. Thanks!

Prize Donors for the CCA 2009 Awards

5-22-2009

The CCA would like to extend our gratitude to the prize donors for the 2009 Collins Collectors Association Banquet.

Buck Fetters W0LC
Darell Brehm - WA3OPY - International Crystal Company
Dave Patton - NN1N - ARRL
David Rawley N4XO
Floyd Soo - W8RO - Hi-Res Communications
Fred Boyer - N3QK
Gail Sheehan - K2RED - CQ Magazine
Hammond Manufacturing Company
Jim Stitzinger - WA3CEX
Joe Veras
Linda Schultz - Peet Brothers
Medical Center Pharmacy
Mike March - K4QU
Phil LaMarche - W9DVM - Instant Gourmet Spices
Ruichi Tatsumoto JA6SVP
The Collins Collectors Association


Thank you again!

Dayton 2009 Banquet Information

2-9-2009

Banquet information for Dayton 2009 information is now available here.

Dayton 2009 Information

2-2-2009

Dayton 2009 information is now available here.

The dinner agenda will be updated shortly - it still reflects the 2008 information. However, you can find the main information about the Banquet and sign up via PayPal from here.

Treasurer Report - December 2008

James M. Green WB3DJU 12-20-2008

The CCA treasury has been working for the membership as most have seen with the expansion of our "Signal" publication. With this dramatically improved and informative presentation our costs have also risen. I bring this to your attention as it is imperative we receive prompt payment of your annual dues which are due now.

I am pleased to report some five hundred have paid in a timely fashion. To that I say Thank You.

There are several other activities tugging at our funds, such as Dayton booth presence with its accompanying banquet activities. I urge those not paid yet to do so using PayPal preferably, but a check works fine if desired.

If you have any questions contact me wb3dju@arrl.net or the membership chairman Pete Zilliox zilassoc@la.twcbc.com. We will be more than happy to help.

James M. Green WB3DJU board member

Board of Directors Election - 2009

12-16-2008

Elections are now closed

CCA 2009 Election Notice for Board of Directors

11-24-2008

The three Board of Director elective positions currently held by Mac McCullough, W5MC, Peter C. Zilliox, K5PZ/6, and James F. Stitzinger, Jr., WA3CEX, are nearing the end of their current terms. All three are eligible for re-election. Other current CCA members in good standing may also be considered for these slots upon successful Nomination, and a seconding motion, no later than December 15th, 2008. The election period will start with the mailing of the first issue of the Signal in February of 2009, and voting will be held over the following 30-day period.

Note:
Nominations will be received until midnight December 15th, 2008.

Our nominations chairman this year is Richard Kessler, W7SV. Nominations and seconds may be sent by mail to Richard Kessler, W7SV, 8596 East Bronco Trail, Scottsdale, AZ 85255, or by email to: rjkarizona@cox.net.

Bios of all candidates will be published in the 4th Quarter 2008 Signal so that discussion and consideration of candidates can occur before the election in 2009.

To ease the burden of the Signal staff, please submit relevant bios to the Signal editor as soon as practical following nomination. Bios should be sent to wcarns@austin.rr.com along with a contact phone number for possible editing comments.

Rockwell Collins Amateur Radio Special Event

Dale WA9ENU 9-24-2008

75th Anniversary of Collins Radio

What: The various facilities of Rockwell Collins’ amateur radio clubs announce a special event: The 75th Anniversary of the incorporation of Collins Radio. The special event will take place in September 2008.

When: Commencing 0001z 20 September 2008 and running through 2359z 26 September 2008

Who: Look for the following stations on the bands:
W0CXX: Cedar Rapids, IA – South Campus, HQ Station
N0CXX: Cedar Rapids, IA – North Campus
W5ROK: Richardson, TX
W4CRC: Melbourne, FL
W6CXX: Tustin, CA
F6KNZ: Toulouse, France

Where: (+/- QRM)
CW (kHz): 3550, 7050, 10115, 14055, 18085, 21050, 24900, 28050
SSB (kHz): 3910, 7285, 14265, 18155, 21385, 24955, 28455

How: Operators will announce when they are QRV via Packet Cluster.

QSL: Via www.qrz.com for each different facility station. Please include a large #10 envelope SASE with enough postage or funds for first class return of QSL. No eQSL’s

Special Certificate: Collect four (4) or more QSL’s from 4 different facilities and mail them to: W0CXX. A special certificate and your QSL’s will be returned to you.

Info: http://w0cxx.us/ http://w5rok.us/

Questions? Contact: w0cxx@rockwellcollins.co

NOTE THE METHOD FOR GETTING THE CERTIFICATE:

EACH STATION MUST QSL DIRECTLY TO THE COLLINS ARC STATIONS WORKED AT THEIR INDIVIDUAL ADDRESSES, COLLECT THE 4 OR MORE QSL CARDS, THEN SEND THE ENTIRE SET OF CRADS TO W0CXX FOR THE CERTIFICATE. THE CARDS WILL BE RETURNED.

Also note that the special operation this coming Thursday night will be on 3805, the regular CCA net frequency. Otherwise, all special operations will be on or near the listed frequencies. Wish me luck with that new SteppIR vertical at the N0CXX shack.

73, Dale
WA9ENA

Special Event - 75th Anniversary of Collins

9-21-2008

This event is currently underway
Look for N0CXX on 3.805 this Thursday, September 25, 2008 during the normal net operation times.

September 20 – 26, 2008

Work All Collins ARC Stations (again)
- W0CXX Cedar Rapids, Iowa
- N0CXX Cedar Rapids, Iowa
- W5ROK Richardson, Texas
- W4CRC Melbourne, Florida
- W6CXX Tustin, California
- F6KNZ Toulouse, France

Special QSL Cards
Special Certificate for Working Four or More

Plan for the CCA Convention in Cedar Rapids, August 1 & 2, 2008

Rod Blocksome K0DAS 7-8-2008

Collins Collectors Association Convention
Cedar Rapids, Iowa

August 1 & 2, 2008

Register now via PayPal

Program and Events
(Booked as of July 8, 2008)

"The Collins S/Line Van – History, Restoration, and Display", Jim Stitzinger, WA3CEX (30 min.). The Collins Ford Van was outfitted with a complete S/Line in the 1960's and traveled to hamfests and ARRL conventions promoting the S/Line. Jim found the van many years later and completely restored it. The van will be on display at the convention.

"Collins Radio and the Other Guys", Joe Veras, K9OCO (60 min.). Joe has spent many years in his quest to track down every piece of American-made (up to 1980) ham gear and to personally photograph it. His work is soon to be published in a book. His quest has given Joe a unique insight into how the various manufacturer's stack up against each other.

"Ham Radio at Collins as I saw it", Arlo Meyer, W0LBK (20 min.). Arlo was one of two Collins Engineers that made the 30L-1 happen. He also designed the mount for the first ever mobile SSB Transceiver and several other interesting projects – all connected in some way to Collins ham gear. This will be Collins lore from one who was there.

"The History of Collins Radio", Ben Stearns author and presented by Mike Wilson (60 min.). This is a slide show produced and scripted by Ben Stearns, author of the book "Arthur Collins – Radio Wizard". Ben will be out of town, but his friend and fellow Collins Retiree, Mike Wilson, will present this very interesting run through the history of Arthur Collins and his company.

"Collins Ham Equipment Production Data and Analysis", Rod Blocksome, K0DAS (30 min.). Rod will present his findings from his serial number surveys, production data, and design changes in an effort to determine total quantities of each model of Collins Amateur products.

"The Search for Amelia Earhart's Airplane", Tom Vinson, NY0V (75 min.) This will be our banquet program which will be of interest to hams and spouses alike. Tom will present a brief history of Amelia Earhart and her mysterious disappearance in 1937, the science behind locating her airplane, and the adventure of two deep ocean search expeditions in a remote area of the Pacific.

"Testing and Trouble-Shooting Collins Forum", Moderated by Dale Svetanoff, WB9ENA (60 min.) Panel members are Butch Schartau, K0BS, (Two additional panel members are TBD). This is your chance to interrogate the experts on repairing your vintage Collins ham gear.

"Saving a Collins 20V-3", by Bill Wheeler, K0DEW (60 min.) Bill intercepted his 20V-3 only 3 days away from the landfill. He had to disassemble the transmitter just to remove it from the building. Nine months of diligent restoration work later and the 20V-3 is back on the air.

Other Events and Activities Planned

  • Tour of The History Center galleries (includes an exhibit on Collins Radio), the Storage area (includes a Collins 21A 5kW Broadcast Transmitter, a Collins Amateur Antenna, and other interesting artifacts)
  • Tour of the Collins Museum
  • The restored Collins S/Line Van courtesy Jim Stitzinger, WA3CEX
  • Display of rare or unusual Collins Ham Gear. Gayle Lawson, K0FLY is putting this together. This was a big hit last time in 2000 and promises to be even better this time. Contact Gayle if you have an item for the display.
  • Catered in evening meals on Friday and Saturday. Mark Hovda, N0JWI is organizing these meals. Saturday will be a banquet spread while Friday's meal will be lighter fare.
  • CCA General Membership Meeting and Announcements
  • Spouses are invited and suggested on their own activities will be available. They may wish to attend the catered meals and hear the banquet speaker

Tentative Schedule of Events

August 1, 2008 (Friday)
 Morning – Set up displays; guided tours to Collins museum and Collins ARC club stations; visit restored Collins S/Line Van
 Afternoon – Presentations at The History Center Evening – Eyeball QSO's, Catered BBQ dinner; CCA General membership meeting

August 2, 2008 (Saturday)
 Morning – View displays; guided tours at The History Center (gallery; archives, and storage (many Collins items)
 Afternoon – Presentations at The History Center
 Evening – Eyeball QSO's, Catered banquet dinner; Keynote speaker: Tom Vinson, NY0V "The Search for Amelia Earhart's Airplane"

August 3, 2008 (Sunday) is the annual Cedar Valley ARC hamfest. It features a large flea market and numerous commercial venders. It's a good place to find Collins manufactured items. Typical attendance is about 600. Details can be found on the ARRL web site.

Register now via PayPal