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

Collins Collectors Association Convention
Cedar Rapids, Iowa

August 1 & 2, 2008

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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.

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