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Hilltopping… Portable radios, often referred to as walkie- talkies, are very effective in communicating over short distances (usually a few miles at best). However, if we were to increase the size of the antenna being used, that range can be greatly extended, even to hundreds of miles That is called "antenna gain." Too bad that isn't possible for the FRS (Family Radio Service) radios that we use at Four Seasons for our emergency communications, because the FCC mandates a fixed antenna that cannot be removed and replaced with a higher gain antenna. Even with the radio at full power it is often difficult or impossible to talk to someone across the community, or over the ridge. How can we get around this limitation? One way is to use GMRS (General Mobile Radio Service) which allows antenna swapping, and also allows much more powerful signals than FRS. It requires an FCC license that isn't cheap. But, in fact, a GMRS-type radio will be the cornerstone of the Four Seasons communications base at Rec. Center North. That will solve half the problem by enabling reliable communications from Net Control. But we're still left with a marginally reliable signal coming from the individual radios that our communicators use when reaching out to Net Control. The answer may be to simply move to higher ground, like Mesa Verde for example. Placing a radio and its antenna on high ground can dramatically improve coverage to the entire community and beyond. This hilltopping effect is the reason that commercial radio stations use very tall antenna towers or tall buildings. Since it wouldn't be practical for all of our communicators to assemble on Mesa Verde during an emergency, we might have the option of placing a repeater and antenna on the high ground at the new Rec. Center so that signals can be reliably relayed throughout the community. Repeaters are small, relatively cheap, and proven to be a great solution. This is just one of the projects that the Radio Club is actively investigating to maintain effective, reliable communications in emergency conditions. So far it all looks very promising. Join us and explore the possibilities. Our website is W6FSB. com and we meet on the last Friday of the month at 10 am, except November and December (check the Breeze), in the Ballroom. ~ Pete Hersey, KJ6NRR, Vice President 28 FOUR SEASONS BREEZE | DECEMBER 2014 | CLUBS & GROUpS Amateur Radio Club Cheers and Salud from the Taste d'Vine Wine Club. This is the time of year to celebrate, smile, create new memories and joyfully remember old ones. This year we tasted different wines and varietals, discussed food and wine pairing, gained knowledge about various wine regions and styles, and stretched our senses and brains with fun and games. Remember, wine makes daily living easier and less hurried, with fewer tensions and more tolerance. It is with this thought that the Taste d'Vine Wine club wishes you a joyous holiday season and a "Wine"derful New Year! ~ Gracy Luna Taste d'Vine

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