[Alexandria Radio Club Reflector] ARCSHORTS JUNE 2022 - Alexandria Radio Club Newsletter

[Sandra Cruz-Pol]

Good Morning, All,
 I hope you are well.  I wanted to know if I could take the General and
Extra tests during the week of Sept 26?
have a great day,
Sandra

On Tue, Jun 7, 2022 at 11:57 AM <n4asx at cox.net> wrote:

> ARC-SHORTS
>
>
>
> June 2022
>
>
>
>
>
> 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*
>
>
>
> Our next ZOOM meeting will be Friday JUNE 10th at 7PM.  A ZOOM meeting
> invite will be sent out soon.  The program will be FINAL PREPARATIONS FOR
> FIELD DAY.
>
>
>
> *Last Meeting*
>
>
>
> *Date:               May 13, 2022*
>
> *Time:               1910 hours*
>
> *Location:        Hybrid Meeting: Via Zoom & In-Person at APD Community
> Room, Wheeler Lane*
>
> *Presentation*
>
>    - Topic: RTTY Contesting
>    - Presenter: Randy Foltz, K7TQ, Idaho
>
> *Reports*
>
> *Secretary:  Carol KN4LL*
>
>    - Briefed Apr 08, 2022 meeting minutes
>
> *Treasurer:  Don KI4D*
>
>    - Current Balance = $10,455.38
>
>
>
> *Membership: Richard KW4UJ*
>
>    - 96 paid; 9 Lifetime; Total of 105 members
>
>
>
> *Projects: Richard KW4UJ/Rick N4ASX/Don KI4D*
>
>    - ARES/RACES:  Updating trailer for Field Day; Rick is meeting via Via
>    Zoom with new Hospital Emergency Manager on 5/18/22
>    - History Project:  Don and Rick traveled to Charlottesville and met
>    with Jim Wilson, who with his father were club founders
>
> *Repeaters: Ian N8IK/Rich KA4GFY/Joe KT3I*
>
>    - Will install GMRS Repeater at analog site; stored in trailer in the
>    meantime
>    - AREDN Project – nothing new to report
>
>
>
> *Education/Training:  Rich KA4GFY*
>
>    - Technician & General License Exams were completed on May 3rd
>
> *Trailer:  Rich KA4GFY*
>
>    - Cleanup party to be scheduled
>
> *Webmaster:  Ian N8IK*
>
>    - Nothing new to report
>
> *Old Business  *
>
> *Storage Trailer search:  Don KI4D*
>
>    - NC Trailer is now priced at $4500; purchase is on hold to search for
>    a better deal
>
>
>
> *Discord Server:  Jason WA6MPR*
>
>    - Nothing new to report
>
> *Field Day 2022: Rick N4ASX*
>
>    - Location:  Armistead Boothe Park , 520 Cameron Station Blvd,
>    Alexandria, VA 2230
>    - 30 FD Pins purchased
>    - 5 Stations with 2-hour shifts planned
>    - 24-hour access to park is set with the city
>    - Need to send city a reminder re power, lights & sprinklers
>
>
>
> *New Business*
>
>    - None
>
>
>
> *Net Control*
>
>    - 19 May:  WA6MPR
>    - 26 May: KAGFY
>    - 02 Jun: N4ASX
>    - 09 Jun: WD4ADF
>
>
>
> *Announcements*
>
>    - Hamvention in Dayton OH – several members attending
>    - Next month’s meeting will be a hybrid in-person/online
>
> *ADJOURNMENT*:  *2040 hours*
>
>
>
> *Attendance (28)*
>
> Name
>
> Call Sign
>
> Position
>
> Randy Foltz
>
> K7TQ
>
> Guest Presenter
>
> Sean
>
> K4KBK
>
> Vice President
>
> Gary
>
> KC5QCN
>
> Rich
>
> KA4GFY
>
> Training Coordinator
>
> Don
>
> KI4D
>
> Treasurer
>
> Carol
>
> KN4LLL
>
> Secretary
>
> Khaled
>
> KA8KIA
>
>
>
> Mark
>
> KM4GML
>
>
>
> Richard
>
> KW4UJ
>
> President
>
> Rick
>
> N4ASX
>
> ARES Coordinator
>
> Jason
>
> WA6MPR
>
>
>
> Dennis
>
> KQ4AJP
>
>
>
> James
>
> W4YOE
>
>
>
> Jay
>
> KR3W
>
>
>
> Bryan
>
> WD4ADF
>
>
>
> Louis
>
> KO4QVB
>
>
>
> Patrick
>
> KF4MTV
>
>
>
>
>
> *ARES*
>
>
>
> I had a ZOOM meeting with Mr. Lorenzo Reed, the new emergency manager for
> INOVA Alexandria on May 22, 2022.  It was a short half hour meeting and we
> will follow up monthly on the plans for the hospital move in 2025.
>
>
>
> We will need to make a list of ALL of the equipment that needs to be moved
> to the new location.
>
>
>
> Issues:
>
>
>
> 1 – Antenna locations for the VHF/UHF radios (2), the ARDEN node, and the
> repeater antennas for the DMR and D-Star repeaters.  The locations will
> need to be located so as not to interfere with the helipad and other
> antennas.  Additionally, the coax from the radios to the antennas needs to
> be as short as we can make them.  I pointed out that it’s cheaper to build
> them in rather then add them after the building is complete.
>
>
>
> 2 – An operating position for two operators and a way to pass traffic for
> the emergency office.
>
>
>
> Chief Ray Whatley has asked that we exercise our equipment at the EOC on
> Field Day.  We DO have an HF station (radio) at the EOC but we may have to
> put up a temporary antenna on the roof outside the EOC room.  I think we
> can rig a vertical antenna on that roof, but coax may be an issue.  I plan
> to use the club’s OTHER license as a GOTA station at EOC, so I would need
> volunteers who are new to amateur radio to exercise and set up the station.
>
>
>
> *Trailer*
>
>
>
> I will be working on the trailer in the lead up to Field Day to repair the
> floor and the cabinets and if time allows, install the 900 MHz radio and
> antenna as well as the DMR radio.  The roof will also be worked on if time
> and weather allow.
>
>
>
> *Training,*
>
>
>
> If you take FEMA classes (IS0100, 200, 700 and 800) please send me a copy
> of your certificates and an updated copy of your task book.
>
>
>
> Level 1 only requires IS0100 so you can operate in the EOC or Shelters.
>
>
>
> Level II requires is the SENIOR level and requires 100,200,700 and 800 and
> ARRL ARES EC001.
>
>
>
> Level III is required for leadership positions (AEC, EC, DEC etc.)
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
> *FIELD DAY*
>
>
>
> We have secured Armistead Booth Park for Field Day this year (25/26
> June).  This is a great way to learn about HF radio, CW, Phone, Digital
> modes, It is also a simulation of an emergency operation where we use NON
> COMMERCIAL power, temporary antennas for a 24 hour period.
>
>
>
> I think the best way to do this is to have 5 stations (75/80, 40, 20, 15
> and 10 meters).  Each station can operate on any of the approved modes.
> The park has a nice pavilion, rest rooms and now that the playground has
> been moved, we have room for antennas.
>
>
>
> I have Rich KA4GFY as our 75/80-meter lead, I need leads for the other
> four bands.
>
>
>
> Ian and Harry will not be available so there is room for new leaders.  We
> will work on a schedule, and you can sign up for any two hour period and if
> a period is not spoken for on Field Day it will be open to any operator.
>
>
>
> Because our club trustee is an EXTRA class, all club operators have those
> privileges with supervision, but we have sufficient extra class members to
> cover and teach.
>
>
>
> We will be using N3FJP software for logging and a logging computer will be
> a part of each station.  All logs will be kept on FLASH DRIVES labeled for
> each band.  This is so that if someone goes home the log can be passed to
> another operator.  Team leads will be responsible for providing computers.
>
>
>
> Food this year will be club provides the main course and attendees will
> provide a side dish or desert.  I need a coordinator for the three meals
> (Saturday lunch, Saturday dinner and Sunday breakfast.  I also open to
> alternative ideas.
>
>
>
> I will be out of town for three weeks in late March to mid-April, but
> available via zoom if we want to hold planning sessions.
>
>
>
> We also need to look at the bonus points and we will work on who gets
> those.
>
>
>
> Set up starts at 10AM Saturday June 25th .  Operation from 2PM on
> Saturday to 2PM Sunday and clean up 2PM to 4PM Sunday.
>
>
>
> No matter what your past experience is this is a big event for all of us.
> Come out and participate.
>
>
>
> PLEASE send me an e-mail telling me the following:
>
>
>
> *Name, Call Sign, License Class, What Times you can attend Field Day and
> what band, mode you would like to operate.  To **N4ASX at COX.NET*
> <N4ASX at COX.NET>
>
>
>
> 73 Rick N4ASX
>
>
>
>
>
> *HAM RADIO ACTIVITIES – by Rich KA4GFY*
>
>
>
> *Hamfests* –
>
>
>
> Hamfests are making a comeback.  The Father’s Day Hamfest at Arcadia,
> sponsored by the Baltimore Amateur Radio Club on June 17.  The hamfest is
> located at the Arcadia Volunteer Fire Grounds, located at 16020 Carnival
> Avenue in Upperco, MD.  Talk-in on BARC’s 146.670 MHz repeater (PL 107.2
> Hz).  Here is the link: https://w3ft.com/hamfest/
>
>
>
> The Shenandoah Valley Amateur Radio Club’s Berryville Hamfest is on August
> 7 at the Clarke County Fairgrounds.   It’s right off Rte 7 in Berryville.
> The Ruritans chicken and beef barbeque is well worth the trip.  Talk-in on
> the SVARC 146.820 MHz repeater (PL 146.2 Hz).  Here is the link:
> https://berryvillehamfest.com/
>
>
>
>
>
> *Training –*
>
>
>
> We just completed our latest licensing class on May 3 with the exam for
> our class members and a few guests.  Eleven people took exams and 10 walked
> out with either a new license or an upgraded license.  There were 4 new
> Techs and 6 new Generals.
>
>
>
> Here are the new licensees and upgrades:
>
>
>
> Jeremy Skog
> KO4VFO                                General
>
> Robert Crumley
> KO4ZIK                                  General
>
> Samuel Yund
> KN0RDO                               Technician
>
> Dennis Kelly
> KQ4AJP                                 Technician
>
> Louis Mingo
> KO4QVB                                General
>
> Jan Mas
> KB2LRX                                General
>
> Matthew Johnson
> KQ4AGS                                General
>
> Brian Jones
> KN4AEQ                                Technician
>
> Brandon McLung
> KQ4AES                                Technician
>
> Carol Myers
> KN4LLL                                 General
>
>
>
> When you hear them on the air, be sure to welcome them to ham radio.
>
>
>
> We have another class scheduled for the Fall and we are already receiving
> inquiries about the next class. A few members from the recent Tech class
> have stated they will be back for the General class.
>
>
>
>
>
> *Contests - *
>
>
>
> ·         June 11 through 13 – ARRL June VHF Contest.  Exchange is
> 4-character grid square.  All bands 50 MHz and above.
>
> ·         June 18 and 19 – West Virginia QSO Party.  Exchange is RST and
> state.
>
> ·         July 1 – RAC Canada Day Contest.  Exchange is RST and serial
> number.
>
> ·         July 9 and 10 – IARU HF World Championship.  Exchange is RST
> and ITU zone.  We are in ITU zone 8.
>
> ·         July 16 and 17 – North American QSO Party, RTTY.  Exchange is
> name and state.
>
>
>
> June 17 is June Kids Day.  It’s the opportunity for your kids, grandkids,
> neighbors’ kids, scouts, etc to be introduced to ham radio.  They can talk
> to other kids and learn the magic of radio.  If you hear them on, be sure
> to work them.
>
>
>
> Armistead Boothe Park in Alexandria is THE place to be in Alexandria on
> June 25 and 26.  It’s ARRL Field Day.  Amateur radio’s open house.  This is
> our opportunity to introduce the public to amateur radio.
>
>
>
> It’s not really a contest, but an emergency preparedness exercise with a
> contest flair to it.  The idea is to operate in less than ideal conditions
> such as after a natural disaster wipes out normal lines of communication.
> Power is provided from generators, batteries, solar, wind and other
> sources, but not commercial power.  It’s ham radio from A to Z.
>
>
>
> 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.
>
>
>
> Every Tuesday at 0000 (8 PM EDT 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
>
>
>
> 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/  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.
>
>
>
>
>
> *Repeaters –*
>
>
>
> The club repeaters are all up and running.  The DSTAR repeaters are seeing
> a lot of activity.  We have been linking the 2-meter repeater to Reflector
> 062C for Virginia and Maryland communications, and the 70cm Reflector 030C,
> for long-range communications and the 23cm voice repeater to Reflector
> 025B, the Northern Virginia local reflector or 001C, the world-wide
> reflector.  If you want to link to another reflector, be sure to unlink the
> repeater first and then link to the reflector of your choice.  All we ask
> is you unlink the reflector you were listening on when you are finished
> listening.
>
>
>
> The DMR side is working normally with access to the DMR servers.  If you
> are new to DMR, DMRVA has codeplugs for some of the more common DMR radios
> on their website.  Their website is  http://www.dmrva.org/*   DMRVA *
>
>
>
> The Alexandria Radio Club has one of the only 23 cm analog repeaters in
> the area.  Give it a try on your IC-9700.
>
>
>
> 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.
>
>
>
> Ian, N8IK, has started a Wednesday night DSTAR net on the 145.380 MHz
> repeater at 8 PM.  The Wednesday night net is starting to pick up some
> momentum.  We link the repeater to Reflector 62B at net time so members and
> former members outside the local area can join in.  Some time ago, I asked
> the folks who maintain the lists of DSTAR reflectors to create a Virginia
> perma-link reflector.  Many other states have them.  Be sure to put
> Reflector 62B in your DSTAR programming.
>
>
>
> As always, ham it up and get on the air.
>
>
>
> 73, Rich, KA4GFY
>
>
>
>
>


-- 
Sandra
__________________
Dr. Sandra Cruz-Pol
NSF ERC Program Director
https://sites.google.com/view/sandraxpol
SandraCruzPol at ieee.org