University of Tennessee Amateur Radio Club, Inc.

Serving the University and the Knoxville Community Since 1947

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Fox Hunt Via Balloon Launch Scheduled for Late May!

February 12, 2003
Antenna Finished With Applause and Excitement

Sam Brown, WA4IUM

Congratulations to the UTARC Team!
 
As of this afternoon, AA4UT, the University of Tennessee Amateur Radio Club is on the air with a state-of-the-art Force 12 antenna over 220 feet high atop the Neyland Stadium east skyboxes. This antenna has a lifespan of three decades.
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Lynn Lamb, W4NL, made the final connections and adjustments. The calculations were perfect. Lynn and UT alumnus George Dominick, W4UWC, made an incredible contribution to the legacy of university of Tennessee Amateur Radio. UTARC President Jessica Skipper was in the radio room and first alerted me through E-mail that a contact could be made. It was.

 I contacted Jeffrey, AG4JF, on 21.325 MHZ. The AA4UT signal was stunning. 
Jeffrey was immediately called by a station in Oregon as he rotated the antenna west for the contact.
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This endeavor has lasted well over a year. It involved wonderful cooperation by UT Administration spearheaded by Vice Provost Timothy Rogers, Physical Plant Administrator Mike Sherrell, as well as UT Electrical which meticulously placed the coaxial cable in place down to the 4th floor level of East Stadium Hall. The cooperation and enthusiasm of this project have been exemplary. The result will be to keep this wonderful hobby alive and well on the UTK campus.
 
Congratulations to this fine team that made it happen!
 
73 de Sam Brown WA4IUM

 

Letter from Lynn Lamb, W4NL


To: The University of Tennessee Amateur Radio Club, AA4UT
12 Feb 2003
 
I know Sam Brown, WA4IUM said it better than anyone could about AA4UT antenna project being completed today, but I did want to add to his remarks. Feel free to pass my comments along as you see fit. 

Saying thank you to Mr. Sam Brown, Mr. Tim Rogers, and Mr. Mike Sherrill seems to fall short, but rest assured without these three AA4UT wouldn't have the presence of the antenna it now enjoys. It's just that simple. You, the young adults, amateur radio operators, students and futures leaders in our hobby are the benefactors of their efforts and decisions.
 
George, Blu and I were the grunts who took a dream Sam had along with the courage of two executives of UT and made something good happen. Our part was easy by comparison. Think about it, if any of us were betting folks, would we have put money on an antenna atop the skyboxes on Neyland Stadium happening? No, of course not.
 
What do we do with this good fortune in the future? Let me make a few suggestions, and they are only that, suggestions.
 
Jessica, your president, listened to a brief lecture today from me like a lady. I suggested that she must upgrade and soon. As a leader she is, it's important this happen. Blu and I offered our help. This advice goes for any and all of you who are not already extra class. Those who are, show how you can do some serious helping. Set goals, and make them...period. Thanks Jessica.
 
Some of you have heard me say on more than one occasion that if a good deed is done you, replicate two fold. I'm talking about ham radio here, something I know something about. You know this is a good thing to do in life already.
 
Be a leader. Write, talk, teach, be a good operator which sets a great example, be an officer in the club, and share in any number of ways.  

Finally, my Elmer, the late W4RHS told me early on (he was a wise man!) to never let ham radio get in the way of more important responsibilities like family, Church, friendship, studying and making a living. You all know this already, but I believe it did help me keep ham radio in perspective.
 
George W4UWC, Blu K4GN, Rosie KA4S and myself W4NL are proud of this project, but more than just the antenna/tower part. We were privileged to have been chosen to be part of UTARC. Thank you for your part, for not giving up on us, and for letting us play in your cabbage patch at UTARC.
 
73, lynn W4NL

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