The SCARA May luncheon was held at Edly’s BBQ in Gallatin on May 31st, 2025 at 11am. It seems as these monthly luncheons go one more and more people attend. This month we had 15 attendees, some were SCARA members and some were not. These luncheons are open to anyone who would like to join us, SCARA membership is not a requirement. The goal of these luncheons is just to have an informal gathering and socialize.
We like to get some sort of show and tell going on at the luncheons. This month did not disappoint. Jamie, AA4K, brought a new HT he just purchased from a fellow Sumner Ready member. The HT is a VGC VR-N76 in the cool Flat Dark Earth color option. Here are some specs on this radio : Dual Band 7W Handheld 2-Way Radio :The VR-N76 is feature packed with bluetooth, GPS, on-board compass and more. It also includes an air copy function and FM radio. The radio has the ability to easily scan and check for activity. The VR-N76 offers a fully IP67 water proof design for full protection from the elements. That is one really neat HT. Thanks to Jamie for showing it off to the group.
Brian, NG2S, brought a cordless tool battery adapter that provides a steady 12vdc output from 20v Dewalt batteries. This home brew design takes the 20vdc output of the battery and bumps it down to a usable 12vdc. Also included in the design is a low voltage cut off board to prevent the 20vdc Lithium batteries from being drawn down too low and causing permanent battery damage. A pretty slick use of those cordless tool batteries that are just sitting in the garage and not being utilized in times of need. Not many people need a drill during a power outage but a 12vdc source for charging things like cell phone, powering radios, lighting or even a wired home alarm system are certainly handy.
The SCARA monthly luncheons are going to continue into the foreseeable future and will be scheduled on the last Saturday of each month. If there is some sort of scheduling conflict the luncheon may be held at a radio event, hamfest, etc. So, mark your calendars going forward for the last Saturday of each month for some good food in a friendly environment. Be sure to keep an eye on the SCARA Club Calendar for the details of each luncheon.
