[HCARC] To Whom May be Interested

[Bill Tynan]

Good morning Gentleman and Ladies. 


Over the past 8 to 10 months several of us have been working on forming a VHF and above grid chasing group. We actually got this off the ground and started awhile back...but it fell apart as part of the group wanted a dedicated organized group with rules, charter, etc. Myself and others in the group wanted a free flowing, social type group an UNCLUB similar to the Unusual Suspects {www.wx5us.us} that has been so fast growing and popular over the past 8 years. Because of this structure conflict the group never got fully off the ground.

Myself and several others are working to form a group that is a bit different from most clubs and organizations. Following in the format of the Unusual Suspects as an UNCLUB with no officers, dedicated meetings, etc......we are forming a VHF and above Grid chasing and technical group. 

Where the Unusual Suspects is a driving force in the San Antonio area in the promotion of Simplex operation, and promoting a healthy friendly environment for new hams to our wonderful hobby, the function of the HAMSters will be greatly similar.


Our goal is to form a casual group that is comprised of members who want to learn, and take part in the exciting world of 50 mhz and up and experienced hams who have been working the VHF/UHF spectrum for years who can share knowledge provide resources to help promote and grow this exciting portion of our hobby.

The plan is to support and promote operations from 6 meters to 23cm with the cut off being the 23cm portion of the band, because once you reach above there you are entering an entire new world and there are some very specialized groups working in that area and it requires much more specialized stations. 

We want to encourage hams in the understanding that they can get on and chase Grids, WAS, and more on 50 mhz to 1296 and can do so with everything from a small modest station to a super contesting station and everything in between. 

Our plan is to schedule big stations with little stations to help target new grids, states, etc with each other. Promote pre-contest to help test and warm up prior to the large National and International contest. Awards will be given for accomplishing specific goals....etc


While this group will be very casual, laid back along the lines of the Unusual Suspects, we hope to also be a driving force in the promotion of VHF/UHF/ activity......

I have spoken to several venders and am working on special discount plans for members on antennas, and other equipment for 6, 2, 220, 440, 900, and 1296.........and will continue to do so.


We have chosen the name HAMSters as a play on the term HAM and to stress our light heartedness as a group.



I am working on the final web page....and will have it online within the next two to three weeks max and I hope much sooner...........The web page will have the normal information on the group, member list and station photo's as well as online forums to support product reviews, technical support, schedule skeds, contest news, etc
and down the road we will have an actual direct links to several manufactures who will offer direct discounts to members. Here is where NUMBERS COUNT. 

Many of us have a lot to learn and many have a lot to teach.......bringing us all together is a great way to promote not only the activity but the knowledge.

We have designed a format to assist new grid chasers to be able to reach out and make those contacts and get the excitement built up in them.


Format:

Unclub. No club meetings, dues,  President, Officers, etc.


Function:

To promote weak signal operation on 60 mhz to 23cm and encourage old and new hams a like to take part in this exciting aspect of the hobby. Primary function to promote contesting and schedule contacts with stations to help gain additional grids, states, countries.


Who can Join:

We are open to LIcensed Amateur Radio Operators around the globe. The only require is an interest in VHF/UHF Operation and grid chasing.


I would like to have as much structure to our web page as I can when we go online....so I am reaching out to any Amateur Radio Operators I know that enjoy 50 mhz and up operation to see if they would like to be part of this group so that we have more structure built in as we take off rolling.


If you would like to be part of the HAMSters....Please go to the Application page of our Web page and complete the application, it's quick, simple.




CHECK OUT OUR WEB PAGE: http://hamsters.name/index.html#


PLEASE NOTE: THE WEB PAGE IS STILL UNDER CONSTRUCTION SO SEVERAL ELEMENTS WITHIN THE PAGE ARE NOT YET COMPLETED.



HAMSter Member #01
Greg Lewis
N5XO