[Alexandria Radio Club Reflector] FW: ARCSHORTS WEEKLY Alexandria Radio Club Newsletter and Meeting notice February 2021
Ian
iann8ik at gmail.com
Tue Feb 9 08:56:12 EST 2021
Congratulations!
73, Ian N8IK
On Tue, Feb 9, 2021, 08:54 Mark Wheeler <mark.wheeler3575 at gmail.com> wrote:
> Rick and all,
>
> Thanks for the ARC shorts -- great update. It is a testament to a LOT of
> great activity going on. My involvement with ARES at INOVA on the Jan 20th
> was my first ever ARES event and it was a fantastic learning and training
> experience. The INOVA staff were very accommodating and very
> appreciative of our support. Rick, KA4GFY, thanks for the opportunity.
>
> On a different note, after four months of studying nights and weekends, my
> daughters, Meredith (KO4JIJ), 12 y.o., and Vivian (KO4JIK), 15 y.o., earned
> their General tickets on Jan 31st after earning their Tech tickets back in
> mid-November. We linked up with GLAARG (Greater Los Angeles Amateur Radio
> Group) to take their exams via Zoom. It was very well run by the
> professionals at GLAARG. There were 80 people taking their exams that
> day. Meredith, Vivian, and I look forward to being more involved with ARC
> in 2021.
>
> Have a great day and stay safe.
> 73,
> Mark WU6R
>
>
> On Mon, Feb 8, 2021 at 4:11 PM <n4asx at cox.net> wrote:
>
> > The first one wnt to the -bounce address, this goes to both. If you
> have
> > two copies let me know.
> >
> > 73 Rick
> >
> >
> >
> > From: n4asx at cox.net <n4asx at cox.net>
> > Sent: Saturday, February 6, 2021 2:43 PM
> > To: alexandriaradioclub-bounces at mailman.qth.net
> > Cc: DeYoung James <deyoung_james at yahoo.com>; Eric Parker
> > <Eric.Parker at alexandriava.gov>; Mike Washvill <irfna at cox.net>; 'Mike
> > Rhodes'
> > <mike at mikerhodes.org>; 'Patrick Gray' <patgperiod at gmail.com>; 'Randy
> > Kelly'
> > <randy_wb4mjf at yahoo.com>; Warren Wylupski <wylupskiw at hotmail.com>; 'Ed
> > Gibbs' <beachteach15 at yahoo.com>; n4asx at cox.net
> > Subject: ARCSHORTS WEEKLY Alexandria Radio Club Newsletter and Meeting
> > notice February 2021
> >
> >
> >
> > ARC-SHORTS
> >
> >
> >
> > February 2021
> >
> >
> >
> >
> >
> >
> > Club Repeaters: 147.315 (PL 107.2), 444.6 (PL107.2), 224.82 (PL107.2),
> > 53.13
> > (PL107.2) 927.6 (-25Mhz, PL107.2), and 1282.600 (PL 107.2), DSTAR
> > 145.38Mhz,
> > 442.060, and 1284.
> >
> > : DMR IS UP AND RUNNING 442.4125 +5Mhz Color Code 1.
> >
> >
> >
> > PLEASE USE OUR REPEATERS.
> >
> >
> >
> > Next Meeting
> >
> >
> >
> > Due to the Corona Virus, our next meeting will be on ZOOM. Don, KI4D,
> will
> > send out the invitations. This month we will host Gordon Miller, NQ4K,
> to
> > provide us with a run down on the VIRGINIA QSO party.
> >
> >
> >
> > See <http://www.vaqsoparty.com/> http://www.vaqsoparty.com/ and
> > <https://www.qsl.net/sterling/VA_QSO_Party/2021_VQP/2021_VQP_Main.html>
> > https://www.qsl.net/sterling/VA_QSO_Party/2021_VQP/2021_VQP_Main.html
> for
> > more details. The Sterling Park Amateur Radio Club (SPARC) sponsors the
> > VA.
> > QSO Party and has made it one of the largest in participation of all
> state
> > QSO parties. If you look at the two URLs you can see all kinds of graphs
> > and statistics as well as some hints on how to get a high score. There
> are
> > certificates given to all who submit logs and 27 awards given out.
> Gordon
> > has presented his program in the past and it is always a good round up of
> > how the last VAQP went and who sent in logs.
> >
> >
> >
> > VAQP is the type of contest that you can go full contester, or you enjoy
> > the
> > variety of stations on the air. The goal is to work all the counties
> and
> > cities in Virginia. All bands are in play. May go mobile or portable
> and
> > many only use the bands above 50MHz. Something for everyone. Many out
> of
> > state stations participate as well.
> >
> >
> >
> > Good meeting to attend. Gordon may want to do a screen capture of our
> > membership so be prepared.
> >
> >
> >
> > 73 Rick
> >
> > N4ASX
> >
> >
> >
> > Last Meeting
> >
> >
> >
> > ARC Meeting Minutes
> >
> > January 8, 2021
> >
> >
> >
> > Our Guest speaker for January 8, 2021 ARC meeting was Gary Sessums
> > (KC5QCN),
> > his presentation was on Military Auxiliary Radio Systems (MARS). The MARS
> > systems services as backup support systems when the there is a
> > communication
> > outage of the main operating systems.
> >
> >
> >
> > We were briefed on the status of each committee report.
> >
> >
> >
> > Our president presented proposed changes to our By Laws, currently term
> > limits for the president, vice president, secretary and treasurer are two
> > years. Our treasurer has already served two years. Due to Covid-19 we
> have
> > not been able to meet as usual, so we voted to update the by-laws to
> allow
> > for an additional year of service. Normally, we would have voted on a new
> > treasurer and changed all the necessary documents. By updating the
> by-laws
> > we are continuing with the treasurer for another year.
> >
> >
> >
> > The proposed Bylaws Revision were voted on and accepted.
> >
> >
> >
> > Presidents Corner
> >
> >
> >
> > On the COVID-19 front, Virginia continues to be under a state of
> emergency
> > based on COVID-19 and has extended restrictions based on Executive Order
> 72
> > until the end of February 2021. Executive Order 72 specified that all
> > individuals in Virginia should remain at their place of residence between
> > the hours of 12:00 a.m. and 5:00 a.m. Individuals may leave their
> > residences
> > for essential purposes as outlined in the order. The latest general
> > COVID-19 guidance from the state of Virginia is that it is still "Safer
> to
> > Stay at Home" with advice to continue teleworking if possible, wash hands
> > regularly, maintain six feet of physical distance when Aside of home, and
> > get tested immediately if you have COVID-19 symptoms. Given the mixed
> set
> > of indicators concerning reopening the economy and continued spread of
> > COVID-19, Alexandria Radio Club leadership has not elected to recommend
> > resumption of in-person club activities; we will continue with our
> virtual
> > meetings using Zoom.
> >
> >
> >
> > Thanks to Club members who have already paid dues for 2021! This note is
> > mainly a reminder for those who renew club membership each year in
> January.
> > For those who renew in months other than January and want to be
> pro-active
> > or want to avoid the rush, you may also pay your renewal dues by January
> > which will result in 12 months of membership being added to the date of
> > your
> > last dues payment. Membership dues is $25.00 per year, please see our
> > website for more details. The easiest and quickest way to pay dues is
> via
> > PayPal on the W4HFH website at <https://w4hfh.org> https://w4hfh.org,
> or
> > you may mail a check or money order to Alexandria Radio Club, Inc., P.O.
> > Box
> > 30721 , Alexandria, VA 22310.
> >
> >
> >
> > The club extends gratitude to all who participated in the successful
> > auctions sales of ham gear previously owned by our silent key members,
> Jack
> > Hranicky (K5OTZ) and Roy Wright (K4AXQ). Proceeds from the actions have
> > already been delivered to their families who have expressed enormous
> thanks
> > to ARC.
> >
> >
> >
> > This month, we are again delighted and fortunate to have new club
> members.
> > We are welcoming new club members Nicholas Miller (KC4YNC) and Jimmy
> Ortiz
> > (KO4IIU), who recently joined ARC.
> >
> >
> >
> > The ARC January 8th meeting featured a presentation by Gary Sessums
> > (KC5QCN)
> > on the Pentagon Radio Club MARS (Military Auxiliary Radio System)
> > operations. Well known in DC/Metro amateur radio circles, Gary works at
> > the
> > Pentagon providing command and control communications support for the
> > Department of Defense and is a member of Air Force MARS and the
> Department
> > of Homeland Security SHARES HF radio program. Gary Sessums has been a
> > licensed amateur radio operator for over 25 years, has served as a RACES
> > Radio Officer and a ARES Emergency Coordinator, and led a commo team in
> > deploying emergency communications systems during Hurricane Katrina. He
> was
> > a member of the ARRL "Force of Fifty" deployed to Puerto Rico in the
> > aftermath of Hurricane Maria. After Gary's presentation, club business
> > primarily focused on membership voting approvals for ARC bylaws
> > modifications and election of Richard Morani (KW4UJ) for a third year as
> > Club Treasurer. The list of club scheduled activities and presentations
> > planned for 2021 was presented and discussed, this list is enclosed
> below.
> > The Board also welcomes any ideas from club members for programs and
> > activities in 2021. Please send your ideas to <mailto:
> > president at w4hfh.org>
> > president at w4hfh.org.
> >
> >
> >
> > The ARC Leadership Group met on January 15th. The club leadership group
> > consists of elected officers, committee chairs, and president's emeritus.
> > Several items were discussed including strategies for membership building
> > and retention, maximizing the value of new at-large-Board Directors to
> ARC,
> > fundraising ideas, adding tech roundtables of potential interest to new
> and
> > old club members, updates to the ARC Club Officer's Guide, and maximizing
> > repeater uses.
> >
> >
> >
> > Many thanks to those club volunteers that supported the Presidential
> > Inauguration by staffing the City of Alexandria Emergency Operation
> Center
> > (EOC) and the Alexandria INOVA Hospital EOC during the event. Kudos to
> > Rick
> > Bunn (N4ASX, ARES Coordinator), Ian Keith (N8IK), William Wilson
> (KM4KLK),
> > Warren Wylupski (KA2BWU), Scott Granado (KM4RDR), Edward Bradshaw
> (W4EDF),
> > Harry Jones (N4CWP), Larry Walker (K4LDW), Mark Wheeler (WU6R), Monica
> > Wilson (KC2IAY) and Don Lewis (KI4D) for devoting time and effort to this
> > mission.
> >
> >
> >
> > Winlink is an email system that provides worldwide email using radio
> > pathways where the internet is not present. The system is built,
> operated
> > and administered entirely by licensed "Ham" volunteers. Currently, five
> > members of the Alexandria Radio Club regularly maintain their proficiency
> > using Winlink by checking into <https://winlinkwednesday.net/> Winlink
> > Wednesday every Wednesday. Credits to Rick Bunn (N4ASX), Rich Adamy
> > (KA4GFY), Richard Morani (KW4UJ), Ryan Stinebiser (KO4EBY) and Don Lewis
> > (KI4D) for maintaining their Winlink proficiency, a valuable capability
> in
> > case emergencies.
> >
> >
> >
> > ARC recorded Zoom meetings with featured presentations are located at
> > <
> >
> https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1MG9VUqKOWeoWEWt0oBwychbzh4qILqbI?us
> > p=sharing
> > <
> https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1MG9VUqKOWeoWEWt0oBwychbzh4qILqbI?usp=sharing
> >
> > >
> >
> >
> https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1MG9VUqKOWeoWEWt0oBwychbzh4qILqbI?usp
> > =sharing
> > <
> https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1MG9VUqKOWeoWEWt0oBwychbzh4qILqbI?usp=sharing
> >
> > .
> >
> >
> >
> > Scheduled Activities and Presentations for 2021 updated as of February 1,
> > 2020
> >
> >
> >
> > * January 8th - ZOOM MEETING, Pentagon Radio Club MARS Operations
> by
> > Gary Sessums (KC5QCN)
> > * February 6th - (CANCELLED) FROSTFEST, Richmond, VA
> >
> >
> >
> >
> >
> > * February 12th - ZOOM MEETING, VA QSO Party, Gordon Miller ( NQ4K)
> > * February 15th - (CANCELLED) George Washington Day Parade
> > Participation
> > * March (Date) - License Classes begin, Ends May (Date)
> > * March 6th - St Patrick's Day Parade
> > * March 12th - ZOOM MEETING, Long Island CW Club, Howard Bernstein
> > (WB2UZE)
> > * March 20-21th - VA QSO Party Weekend
> > * April 7th - ZOOM MEETING, FIELD DAY 2021 planning committee
> kickoff
> >
> > * April 9th - ZOOM MEETING, West Mountain Radio, Mark Siegesmund
> > (W9WMR)
> > * April 24th (VIRTUAL) WINTERFEST, Annandale, VA
> > * May 14th - ZOOM MEETING, Antenna Tuners:
> > * When do you need one, and how do they work?, Barry Feierman
> (K3EUI)
> > * May 21-23rd - (CANCELLED) HAMVENTION, Dayton,
> > * June 11th - ZOOM MEETING, FIELD DAY 2020 final briefing
> > * June 26-27th - FIELD DAY 2021 Weekend
> > * July 9th - ZOOM MEETING, AREDN, Joe Porcelli (KT3I)
> > * August 1st - Berryville HAMFEST, Berryville, VA
> > * August 13th - MEETING
> > * September 10th - MEETING, MCM Briefng, Howard Cunningham,
> (WD5DBC)
> > * October 8th - MEETING, History of ARC, Don Lewis (KI4D)
> > * October 31st - MARINE CORPS MARATHON
> > * November 12th - MEMBERSHIP MEETING, Elections
> > * December 10th - MEETING, Christmas party
> >
> >
> >
> > Proposed Tech Roundtable Topics for 2021
> > (Panel of experienced club members and other discussing their experiences
> > with the topics with Q&A.)
> >
> > * Mobile installations
> > * Building a Go-kit for ARES
> > * Ham Activities for the Technician Class
> > * Handy talkies options, what kind, how much? Pros and Cons
> > * Portable ops (rigs, batteries, antennas, etc.)
> > * Starter Base Station Options
> > * Stealthy Antennas for city dwellers
> > * QSL Cards
> > * Getting Started with ECHOLINK
> > * Getting Started with Amateur Radio Satellite Communications
> > * Parks on the Air for Beginners
> > * Working with Repeaters
> > * Using NVIS
> > * Working with Digital modes
> > * Getting started with WINLINK
> > * Logging with N3FJP
> > * HF and Scanner monitoring for beginners
> >
> >
> >
> > Please stay safe with masks and keep up with your social distancing.
> >
> >
> >
> > 73 Don, KI4D
> >
> >
> >
> >
> >
> > ARES
> >
> >
> >
> > I received an e-mail from ARRL telling me that the ARES CONNECT website
> is
> > not what ARRL wants and they are terminating their arrangement with the
> > vendor who created the site. I understand that a new site and system
> will
> > be created and hope that it is easier for all of us to use.
> >
> >
> >
> > Again, It is important to remember that ARES is generally local in
> > function.
> > This is why we put such emphasis on VHF/UHF operations. Like the Boy
> > Scouts
> > say "Be Prepared". So, how are WE prepared?
> >
> >
> >
> > 1 - Are you trained?
> >
> >
> >
> > A - Do you know your equipment and how to get the most out of it? In the
> > past I have seen many hams show up at a public service event and cannot
> > program their radios. In the long distant past, VHF and UHF radios were
> > much simpler and the radios were fairly easy to use. Now we have more
> > memories than one could ever use, Sub-audible tones to access most of the
> > repeaters and we have more modes (FM, D-Star, DMR, Fusion, P-25). Many
> of
> > us only use our HTs when we are not in the car or operating from home.
> Our
> > drill on Dec 16th showed us that infrastructure can fail us.
> >
> >
> >
> > B - We had real problems getting traffic out of some of our locations and
> > even out of some of the buildings. This brings us to the second training
> > element. Know your radio science. How does each band work? What is
> your
> > line of sight? Do you understand how to get performance out of your
> > antenna
> > system?
> >
> >
> >
> > C - Do you know how and where to operate? This is the ARES part of your
> > training. When your operating day to day you generally speak one to one
> or
> > in small informal groups. With ARES you need to understand "Formal" nets
> > and net structure. One of the issues is checking into a net and the
> other
> > which many forget is checking OUT OF A NET. To check in, it usually
> best
> > to wait to be invited. The Net Control Station (NCS) will ask for check
> > ins
> > and then you might want to wait for the faster keyers to get checked in
> and
> > then drop your call. One issue you may have not been taught is checking
> > out
> > of the net. It is a curtesy when you're in the club net to stick around
> > and
> > hear the others on the second time around and then shut down after the
> NCS
> > has closed the net. If you decide to leave the net, you can say you are
> > out
> > after your last transmission or say, "RE CHECK", at that point the NCS
> will
> > let you have the frequency and you can say you need to leave the net.
> On a
> > club net, that is just a curtesy to let the others know that your gone.
> In
> > a formal net, it tells the others that you will not be available to
> receive
> > information at that location. So, the practice is good. You also want
> to
> > remember that no one on the other end of the radio can see you or get
> into
> > your head. So, make sure your information is complete and is not going
> to
> > confuse the people on the other end of the antenna.
> >
> >
> >
> > Getting training. ARRL has an ARES course, FEMA has several that take
> less
> > then an hour each IS-100, IS-200, IS-700 and IS-800. When you find time,
> > take one online.
> >
> >
> >
> > Go-Kits - We use to do a drill every year where the ARES EC (Emergency
> > Coordinator) would call those who were listed as volunteers at 8 or 9PM
> and
> > ask if you were ready to go and how soon would you be on the way to an
> > assignment. Most would say they needed about 30 minutes. The next
> > question
> > would be: What is the status of your HT's? Do you have charged
> batteries?
> > And lastly, how long can you stay at a given assignment? The drill was
> to
> > assess how quickly our ARES group could respond to an emergency. Imagine
> > Alexandria Hospital does have a comms failure? What would you need to
> > operate independently for 6 to 8 hours? What if you're going to operate
> > away from home for two or three days? Can you operate from your vehicle
> or
> > will you need to carry a high power station (25 to 50 watts) with you?
> You
> > don't need to assemble kits completely, but it would be good to make a
> list
> > of your GO-KIT needs and have a plan to assemble the gear for your kit in
> > short order.
> >
> >
> >
> > Our club president has already thanks all in the ARES group that
> supported
> > the Alexandria EOC and Alexandria INOVA hospital on January 16th and
> > January
> > 20th.
> >
> > The City asked us to support the EOC's operation initially from January
> > 15th
> > to January 26th 24/7. Later, the need for the 15th was removed. Our
> group
> > is not very large with 14 members and many of those members still work
> and
> > were not available. Further, COVID is still with us and this also limits
> > our body of volunteers. Chief Whatley notified us that we would be need
> on
> > the 16th and further operations would depend on events.
> >
> >
> >
> > On Inauguration day - January 20th. We had three shifts scheduled and
> had
> > no idea if we were going to continue either for 24 hours or how long the
> > EOC
> > and Hospital would stay on an emergency footing.
> >
> >
> >
> > Our first shift at EOC started at 8AM with Rick, N4ASX, and Ian, N8IK.
> We
> > had already started setting up our radios in the EOC, but needed to
> program
> > those two radios, set up a laptop for WINLINK and we also had several
> other
> > projects to complete. Diplexers were added to support the ID-1 (1.2GHz
> > D-Star voice and data as well as FM voice) and 6 meters. Regular check
> ins
> > were done with the Hospital and with other members at large. This was
> > valuable. In the event there were problems during the inauguration, we
> > could
> > call more support using the Alexandria 147.315 repeater as a logistics
> and
> > organizational net.
> >
> >
> >
> > William, KM4LKL and Warren KA2BWU arrived at 11:30 AM and took over radio
> > operations.
> >
> >
> >
> > They were relieved at 4PM by Scott KM4RDR and Ed, W4EDF. The final shift
> > arrived at 3:30 and left at closing.
> >
> >
> >
> > The hospital started their operations at 6AM and our first shift started
> > with Don, KI4D and Mark, WU6R. establishing communications via the club's
> > D-Star repeater, which is in the hospital. The use of D-Star not only
> > allowed handheld operation inside the hospital and a solid connection to
> > the
> > EOC but with the use of reflectors we could establish a much broader
> > coverage should we need to work with neighboring jurisdictions. Rich,
> > KA4GFY was not able to join us at either the hospital or EOC but was on
> the
> > air most of the day to provide radio checks and inputs as needed.
> >
> >
> >
> > At 10:30 AM Don and Mark were relieved by Harry, N4CWP and Larry, K4LDW
> who
> > maintained contact with EOC and supported efforts in the hospital.
> >
> >
> >
> > At 3:30 PM, Larry and Harry were relieved by Rick, N4ASX, Ian, N8IK and
> > Monica KC2IAY. At 7PM after the EOC had closed, Mr. Allan closed the
> > hospital's operation, and we closed our support.
> >
> >
> >
> > Many thanks to all who supported this effort. We were very lucky that
> > there
> > were no problems in Alexandria or the DC area, better to be prepared then
> > to
> > be surprised.
> >
> >
> >
> > We did get to check out our hospital operations and, with the hospital
> > scheduled to move in the next 4 years, gave many of our long time ARES
> > volunteers a look at what we have their and what we will need to move to
> > the
> > new location.
> >
> >
> >
> > Both Chief Whatley and the EOC and Mr. Allen at INOVA Alexandria hospital
> > were impressed with the professionalism and competence of our operators.
> >
> >
> >
> > In the future, I hope to expand some of our support to include radio
> links
> > to CERT volunteers who in this type of operation, could provide
> invaluable
> > support.
> >
> >
> >
> > 73 Rick
> >
> > N4ASX
> >
> >
> >
> >
> >
> >
> >
> >
> >
> >
> >
> > ELMER'S INPUTS
> >
> >
> >
> > Hamfests -
> >
> >
> >
> > The spread of COVID-19 (AKA Corona Virus) has put a major damper on
> > hamfests.
> >
> >
> >
> > With the ongoing COVID-19 situation, be sure to check the websites to
> make
> > sure the hamfest has not been cancelled. 2020 was a lean year for
> > hamfests,
> > or any other activity where people gather in large numbers. Check any
> > hobby/activity and we are all going through the same issues.
> >
> >
> >
> > At the present time, Berryville is still on the calendar. But that could
> > change depending on whether large groups are permitted.
> >
> >
> >
> > As many expected, Hamvention 2021 has been cancelled. Here's hoping 2021
> > will improve as the year goes on.
> >
> >
> >
> > Training -
> >
> >
> >
> > Since we will be using Zoom to teach classes, we are looking at holding
> > both
> > Technician and General at the same time. There have been a few people
> who
> > have asked about Technician classes.
> >
> >
> >
> > The big logistic question will be scheduling on-line exams for everybody.
> > My experience with on-line exams has been if the test taker is prepared,
> > they can complete the Technician and General exam in about 30 minutes and
> > 45
> > minutes for the Extra. So, the last week will be exam week.
> >
> >
> >
> > We are still working on getting our VE team up to speed so we can do
> remote
> > exams. Looking at <http://www.Hamstudy.org> www.Hamstudy.org, there
> > appears to be a lot of interest in becoming licensed by the number of
> exam
> > sessions that are full. It appears that VE teams are giving all the
> exams
> > they can handle.
> >
> >
> >
> > If you are looking to take an exam, ARRL has a link for finding online
> > exams: <http://www.arrl.org/findonlineexam>
> > http://www.arrl.org/findonlineexam
> >
> >
> >
> >
> >
> > Contests -
> >
> > * Feb 6 and 7 - Vermont QSO Party. Exchange is RST and state.
> >
> > * Feb 6 - Minnesota QSO Party. Exchange is name and state.
> >
> > * Feb 6 and 7 - British Columbia QSO Party. Exchange is RST and
> > state.
> >
> > * Feb 6 - North American Sprint, CW. Exchange is other station's
> > call, your call, serial number, your name and state.
> >
> > * Feb 8 through 12 - ARRL School Club Roundup. Exchange is RST
> and
> > class. Most of us will be "Individual."
> >
> > * Feb 20 and 21 - ARRL International DX Contest, CW. Exchange is
> > RST and state.
> >
> > * Feb 27 and 28 - South Carolina QSO Party. Exchange is RST and
> > state.
> >
> > * Feb 27 and 28-North American QSO Party, RTTY. Exchange is name
> > and state.
> >
> > * Feb 28 and March 1 - North Carolina QSO Party. Exchange is
> > state.
> >
> > * March 6 and 7- ARRL International DX Contest-SSB. Exchange ia
> > RST
> > and state.
> >
> > * March 13 and 14 - Oklahoma QSO Party. Exchange is RST and
> state.
> >
> > * March 13 and 14 - Idaho QSO Party. Exchange is state.
> >
> > * March 14 and 15 - Wisconsin QSO Party. Exchange is state.
> >
> > * March 20 and 21 - Virginia QSO Party. Exchange for VA stations
> > is
> > a serial number and county/city. Outside VA is serial number and state.
> >
> >
> >
> >
> >
> > Every Sunday evening at 8 PM local time, the K1USN Radio Club sponsors
> the
> > "Slow Speed "Contest." The exchange is similar to a QSO. See the rules
> > here: <http://www.k1usn.com/sst.html> http://www.k1usn.com/sst.html.
> >
> >
> >
> > Every Tuesday at 0100 (8 PM EST Monday for us) is the Worldwide Sideband
> > Activity Contest. Exchange is RS and age group (OM, YL, Youth YL or
> > Youth).
> > Here are the rules: <https://wwsac.com/rules.html>
> > https://wwsac.com/rules.html
> >
> >
> >
> > Don't forget, be sure to send in your log within 7 days after the contest
> > ends for all ARRL sponsored contests. ARRL now uses a web application
> for
> > contest log submissions. Here is the link:
> > <http://contest-log-submission.arrl.org/>
> > http://contest-log-submission.arrl.org/ Be sure to convert your file to
> > Cabrillo format before submitting. Most logging programs support the
> > Cabrillo format.
> >
> >
> >
> > REMEMBER to support the CLUB'S score for contests by providing Ian, N8IK
> > your info (Name, Call sign and Grid Square location) and submit your
> scores
> > for the contests you play in. If the contest asks for a club
> affiliation,
> > the Alexandria Radio Club is on the list of contest clubs. Contesting is
> > one way we show that we are using our frequency allocations.
> >
> >
> >
> > Contests may not be your thing, but contests are a great way to show
> > outside
> > interests we do use our valuable spectrum. By showing we use our
> spectrum,
> > other services will have a hard time proving that we don't use our
> spectrum
> > and it's up for re-allocation to someone else.
> >
> >
> >
> > Contests can also be a great way to become introduced to HF
> communications.
> > While it can be intense, pick the contest and jump in. Most contests
> have
> > a
> > limited exchange so it is usually easy to get what the other station
> needs.
> >
> >
> >
> > State QSO parties are a great introduction to contesting. Most are
> low-key
> > and the exchange is limited.
> >
> >
> >
> > Speaking of state QSO parties, there is now a state QSO party challenge.
> > You can start accumulating multipliers by submitting a log in any state
> or
> > provincial QSO party to 3830scores.com QSOParty Groups.io.forum and
> State
> > QSOParty.com.
> >
> >
> >
> > Be sure to mark your calendar and set aside the weekend of March 20 and
> 21
> > for the VA QSO Party. The Alexandria Radio Club sponsors 2 award plaques
> > and has made a good showing the past few years. You don't need a big
> > station to participate. A modest VHF/UHF radio with a decent antenna
> will
> > do well. There is plenty of activity on 2 meters and 70 cm.
> >
> >
> >
> > Repeaters -
> >
> >
> >
> > The club repeaters are all up and running. The DSTAR repeaters are
> seeing
> > a
> > lot of activity. We have been linking the 70 cm repeater to Reflector
> > 001C,
> > the world-wide reflector and the 23cm repeater to Reflector 030C, another
> > busy reflector.
> >
> >
> >
> > The DMR side is working normally with access to the DMR servers.. If you
> > use the DMRVA codeplugs, they have updated codeplugs on their website
> with
> > the new DMR repeaters added since early this year for many of the popular
> > handheld and mobile DMR radios. The codeplugs include more than just the
> > DMRVA system repeaters. Their website is <http://www.dmrva.org/>
> > http://www.dmrva.org/
> >
> >
> >
> > We have resumed (semi-regularly) the follow-on net on one of the other
> > repeaters after the Thursday net on the 2-meter analog repeater.
> >
> >
> >
> > As always, ham it up and get on the air.
> >
> >
> >
> > 73, Rich, KA4GFY
> >
> >
> >
> >
> >
> >
> >
> > ______________________________________________________________
> > AlexandriaRadioClub mailing list
> > Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/alexandriaradioclub
> > Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm
> > Post: mailto:AlexandriaRadioClub at mailman.qth.net
> >
> > This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net
> > Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
> ______________________________________________________________
> AlexandriaRadioClub mailing list
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