[MIham] Events January 2021 for the WM Amateur Radio community

[Jack Amelar]

Events January 2020 for the WM Amateur Radio community

HEADLINES: FCC Reduces Proposed Amateur Radio Application Fee to $35
http://www.arrl.org/news/fcc-reduces-proposed-amateur-radio-application-fee-to-35

WEBMASTERS and FACEBOOK PAGE Administrators,
UPDATE YOUR WB / FB PAGES during these uncertain times, actually, DO IT ALL TIMES.

Check with Web or Facebook pages for updated information. Web and FB page links listed below.

MAJOR AREA EVENTS AT PRESS TIME
PUBLIC SERVICE EVENTS needing AR volunteers
Nothing known scheduled at this time.

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The following chart created by Dave KF8QL, TNX! See attachment where available.

Monday
12:00 IRA MI Noontime Net 147.16+(94.8Hz)
7:30PM Holland ARC Net 147.06+(94.8Hz)
9:00PM Michigan VHF Traffic Net 147.16+(94.8Hz)

Tuesday
6:00PM IRA After Dinner Net 147.16+(94.8Hz)
7:00PM GRARA Net 147.26+(94.8Hz)
8:30PM WM 6 Meter SSB Net 50.140 USB

Wednesday
12:00 IRA MI Noontime Net 147.16+(94.8Hz)
7:00PM (2nd & 4th) Riverside Radio Amateurs Net 444.725+(94.8Hz)
8:00PM West MI Emergency Comm Net 145.27-(94.8Hz)
9:00PM Michigan VHF Traffic Net 147.16+(94.8Hz)

Thursday
9:00AM Auto State YLs TASLYs Net 3940KHz
6:00PM IRA After Dinner Net 147.16+(94.8Hz)
6:30PM Satern Net K8SN 442.175+(103.5Hz) AND W8LRC 145.27-(94.8Hz)
7:30PM MARA Net 145.23-(94.8Hz) x3rd Thursday
7:30PM MARA Net 145.23 simplex 3rd Thursday

Friday
3:00AM Insomniac Net 147.16+(94.8Hz) **DAY CHANGE**
12:00 IRA MI Noontime Net 147.16+(94.8Hz)
7:00PM TGIF Net Holland ARC 146.06-(94.8Hz)
9:00PM Michigan VHF Traffic Net 147.16+(94.8Hz)

Saturday
8:00AM MARA 6 Meter AM Net 50.400 AM
6:00PM IRA After Dinner Net 147.16+(94.8Hz)

Sunday
9:30PM Sidewinders Around MI Net 144.155USB
4:00PM 10 Meter Ragchew Net 28.870USB
8:00PM WM Classic Six Meter AM Net 50.400AM

Regional or national nets carried on the N8JPR 223.92+(94.8Hz) repeater.
Daily: The Nightcrawlers 220 Net, 1-2am hosted by the WM9W group in IL.
Sunday: The 220 at 2:20 Net, 3:20PM- 4:20PM, hosted by the WM9W group in IL.
Tuesday: Parker City IN 220 Net, 9-10pm, hosted by the K5VOM group in IN.
Thursday: DFW 220 Net, 9-10pm, hosted by the MJARS group in TX.
Friday: Oklahoma 220 Net, 9-10pm, hosted by the W5CUE group in OK.
Saturday: The Original 220 Preservation Net, 9PM, hosted by the W9MW group in IL.
TNX to Greg KE8GC and Tom KB8TYJ for the 220 list.

List of WEST MICHIGAN HAM NETS
http://w8lrc.org/net_calendar/

SKYWARN KENT COUNTY: Anyone interest in being a Net Control Station please contact Tom KB8TYJ tombehler at gmail.com To be NCS you will need 2M/440 base station and a high speed computer to work radar.

Want your NET listed here? Send me the information.

NEWS BROADCASTS on the IRA Link System 147.16
AMATEUR RADIO NEWSLINE Tuesdays at Noon
ARRL NEWS Thursdays at Noon
Coverage map with remote frequencies: http://w8ira.org/wp-content/uploads/2015/10/largemap.jpg
FOLLOWING THE NEWSCASTS the IRA Repeater enters Parrot (Echo) mode for 5 minutes. Good time to check your signal and modulation as this mode repeats your transmission.

NEWS BROADCASTS on the Lowell System 145.27
ARRL NEWS Saturdays 7PM & Sundays 7PM
AMATEUR RADIO NEWSLINE Saturdays 7PM & Sundays 7AM

Other area repeaters carrying news, send me details to be included.

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>From Quin Schultze, K8QS
I launched a YouTube channel, "Ham Radio Perspectives," which addresses amateur radio culture and history as well as technology. You can access it at:
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC3MJT8o8-XMxF8XROf7Q5GA/videos
Videos already include:
A History of the Ham Shack
10 Ways the IC-7300 Has Impacted Ham Radio
A History of Ham Radio Print Publications
The Worst HF Rigs of All Time
Ham Radio Pranks -- Part One
A History of Ham Rig Visual Design -- Military to Modern
Reviews have been very positive. Please take a look at some of the videos and post your comments on YouTube or send me a note directly.
73, Quin 

FRIDAY LUNCH BUNCH is suspended UNLESS we have an exceptionally nice weather Friday, at the Airport Viewing Area/Park covered pavilion, which remains open year round including the rest rooms. 4820 Kraft Ave. SE, Grand Rapids, MI. 
More details at https://www.grr.org/viewing-airplanes https://www.facebook.com/ViewingAreaGRR/
Send an email to ny8d at arrl.net if you wish to be added to the notification email list.

*Still listed on the MARA website*
MARA Social Distancing Breakfast. A temporary W8USA Event.
During the Coronavirus situation, the MARA breakfast group will meet every Saturday, 9 AM, at the Parking Lot located behind the Plainfield Fire Station located at Plainfield & 5 Mile. 
Rules are bring your own Coffee, Breakfast Sandwiches, chair and enjoy. 
Address of the Fire Department is 4343 Plainfield Ave NE, Grand Rapids, Michigan 49525
Flier: http://w8usa.org/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2020/05/Breakfast.pdf
MAP: https://goo.gl/maps/yGgc64XzrDYFyrCS8
Michigan Amateur Radio Alliance (MARA-W8USA)Talk-in W8USA 145.23-(94.8Hz) https://w8usa.org/ https://www.facebook.com/groups/MARAW8USA/

2nd Hand Ham Shop, Saturdays, 8AM “until it ends”. NOTE: the Facebook page indicates a change in hours, but none posted. Check before heading out.
Used equipment, parts (some that are hard to find) and coffee with fellow enthusiasts. Operated by Tom KD8DEG.
7830 80th Ave between Polk and Baldwin, Zeeland (Blendon Township) Map: https://goo.gl/maps/mJ82NL1a9U12
https://www.facebook.com/2nd-Hand-Ham-Shop-1007064166010266/
kd8deg at centurytel.net (616)292-3335

Check out the only full time Amateur Radio store in Michigan. HAMSTERS in Dowagiac, new and used radio gear.
“HAMSTERS, Your place for amateur radio items at a fair price.”
http://ham-sters.com/  https://www.facebook.com/HamStersSomewhereInTime


MONTHLY EVENTS
Some meetings taking place on air or online. Visit club Website or Facebook page for more information.

HAM IS FOR BREAKFAST at Southside Inn, 192 W 35th St, Holland, MI 49423
Map: https://goo.gl/maps/f5DmXiQJfRXPVkQPA
The next possible date is the Saturday January 30.
http://www.hollandarc.org/ https://www.facebook.com/groups/233793361844/ K8DAA 147.06+(94.8Hz)

Grand Rapids Amateur Radio Association (GRARA-W8DC) regular MONTHLY meeting, the first Friday, January 1 (YES, New Years Day), via ZOOM. Check with the GRARA Facebook page for ZOOM link.
Map: http://www.w8dc.org/pages/Red%20Cross.html
https://www.facebook.com/groups/GRARA.W8DC/
http://www.w8dc.org/ 147.26+(94.8Hz)

Allegan County Amateur Radio Club (ACARC-AC8RC) monthly meeting second Tuesday, January 5, 7PM Plainwell Public Safety Complex, 119 Island Avenue, Plainwell, MI 49080.
The training room entrance is just North of the main entrance, towards the big doors used by the Fire trucks. Map: https://goo.gl/maps/MrttWWZJc3B2  https://ac8rc.org/ https://www.facebook.com/ac8rc/ 147.24+(94.8Hz)

Muskegon Area Amateur Radio Council (MAARC-W8ZHO). Monthly meetings are on the first Thursday of the month January 7, 7 PM. Held at the MAARC clubhouse, 2888 Scenic Drive on the east side of Scenic Drive. Look for our sign.
MAP: http://www.mapquest.com/maps/map.adp?address=2888%20Scenic%20Drive&city=Muskegon&state=MI&zipcode=49445&zoom=10
http://www.w8zho.com/ https://www.facebook.com/w8zho/  146.94-(94.8Hz)

VE TESTING. GRARA’s testing for January is Canceled. Normally second Friday of the month, 6:30PM, American Red Cross Building at 1050 Fuller NE, Grand Rapids MI
Map: http://www.w8dc.org/pages/Red%20Cross.html 
We will be conducting the tests in the parking lot or garage.
Register on our website: http://w8dc.org/pages/exams.html
please ignore the covid statement, since we are doing the testing outside.
We will be following CDC guidelines for covid.
We will provide a clip board and a pencil for the test.
Best to bring a chair or test in your vehicle.
No exam fee, Laurel VEC. Email questions to stprovost at provtechs.com

The Holland Amateur Radio Club’s monthly general membership meeting will be held Tuesday night, January 12, 7PM, on the air, 147.06+(94.8Hz) You don’t have to be a club member to attend. All hams welcome to join in! 
http://www.hollandarc.org/ https://www.facebook.com/groups/233793361844/ K8DAA 147.06+(94.8Hz)

Michigan Amateur Radio Alliance (MARA-W8USA) second Wednesday, January 13, meeting ON AIR, 7:30 PM. Currently, the MARA meetings at the Plainfield Township Fire Station Conference room have been canceled. Instead, the meetings are held on the 2nd Wednesday of each month at 7:30 PM on the 145.230-(94.8Hz) repeater. Meetings are held in Analog mode. Note, there is a “pre-net” held in C4FM digital at 7 PM. Please continue to check our website for further information.
https://w8usa.org/ https://www.facebook.com/groups/MARAW8USA/

Lowell Amateur Radio Club monthly meeting, third Thursday, January 21, 6:30 PM social, 7PM meeting. All are welcome.
Meetings at the “Shack” location OR VIA ZOOM. The Flat River Outreach Ministries (F.R.O.M) Building, 11535 Fulton St E (Hwy M-21), Lowell, just west of the Lowell Meijer.
ALTERNATIVE ADDITION ZOOM meeting being arraigned for off-site participation.
Map: https://g.page/FROMlowell?share
http://www.w8lrc.org https://www.facebook.com/w8lrc/ 145.27-(94.8Hz) 

VE Exam – Allegan Amateur Radio Club, Saturday January 23, 9AM – 11AM, Martin Township Community Building. IMPORTANT NOTE: Changes are coming that will require you to get your FRN value prior to taking your test. See below on how to do that.
Testing will take place in the Martin Township Hall, 998 Templeton, Martin, MI 49070 Enter the building using the Township Hall door located on the North side of building. 
MAP: https://goo.gl/maps/gNBgX7Fq5VpYBCUB6
Ending time varies based on involvement; could go longer or shorter. 
For an UPGRADE: Bring a photo Id and a copy of your existing license for us to keep.
For a NEW LICENSE: Bring a photo Id (state issued) or if a photo Id is not available then 2 of the following will work: Social Security Card, Birth certificate (w/ appropriate seal), Minor's work permit, school report card, school Id card or library card. Utility bill, bank statement or other business correspondence that specifically names the person OR Postmarked envelope addressed to the person at his or her current mailing address as it will appear on the license application.
If you do not already have an FRN number from the FCC, you will need to register to get your FRN before taking your test. It is FREE to get, just go to "https://apps.fcc.gov/coresWeb/publicHome.do" and select "Register" to get your FRN number. Just remember to bring the number with you to the testing session.
Don't forget the testing fee of $15.00. Walk-ins are always welcome.
Here is a more comprehensive list of what you can/should bring to your exam session (including instructions on how to create your FRN):
http://www.arrl.org/what-to-bring-to-an-exam-session 

The Independent Repeater Association (IRA-W8IRA), sponsor of the 147.16-(94.8Hz) link repeater system, monthly board meeting Wednesday, January 27, 6PM, on the IRA system or Russ’s Restaurant in Wyoming DEPENDING ON THE HEALTH SITUATION. Russ’s is located at 2340 28th St SW, Wyoming, MI 49519
Visitors, curious, etc. welcome.
Map: https://goo.gl/maps/PNnxmehUAFm
Check with the website or Facebook for updates.
http://w8ira.org/  https://www.facebook.com/groups/1764710107178775/ mailto:info at w8ira.org  147.16+(94.8Hz)

HIAD (Ham in a Day) class, Lowell, Saturday, February 8.
This is an opportunity for anyone wishing to get their amateur radio technician license to study and take the exam all in one afternoon. Directed study starts at 1:00 and continues till 6:00, when the test will be given. For registration and more information http://w8lrc.org/hiad-registration/   Cost for the Ham in a Day study session is $25. Also, anyone wanting to take an exam (technician or upgrade) without the class may arrive at 6:00. There is no cost for the exams. Anyone whose license is within 90 days of expiring can also renew their license between 6:00 and the end of testing at no charge.

VE EXAM Saturday, March 13, 6PM, the Holland Amateur Radio Club will be holding licensing exams for anyone wishing to obtain or upgrade their amateur radio license. The testing will be held at the Chick-Owa Sportsmans Club, 9279 Ottogan St., Holland. There is no charge for any testing. No Morse code is required for any grade license. In addition, if your license is within 90 days of expiration, it can quickly be renewed at no charge between 6:00 and the end of testing.
If available, bring a legal photo ID such as a driver’s license or passport. If no legal photo ID is available, bring 2 pieces of legal ID. Anyone 16 years old or younger must have a parent or legal guardian present for the entire testing session. IMPORTANT… If you currently hold a ham radio license, bring the license and a copy of the license to the test session. (Copy will be sent in with the testing results.)
Note: This is a federal exam and the FCC requires you to have an FRN. You can obtain your Federal Registration Number (FRN) before the test, by going to this website: https://apps.fcc.gov/cores/userLogin.do The FCC FRN process is simple, and quite fast.
For further information on license testing, please email Bob Broene, K8RJB, at k8rjb[dot]ham[at]gmail.com.
http://www.hollandarc.org/ https://www.facebook.com/groups/233793361844/ K8DAA 147.06+(94.8Hz)

HIAD, Ham License in a Day ~ Saturday, April 10
This activity will be held following the requirements for the safety of all involved, including wearing masks, limiting class size, and social distancing:
“Ham in a Day” will be held at the Chick-Owa Sportsman’s Club located at 9279 E. Ottogan Street (just west of Winding Creek) in Holland. This is an opportunity for anyone wishing to get their amateur radio technician license to study and take the exam all in one afternoon. Directed study starts at 1:00 and continues till 6:00, when the test will be given.
For registration and more information, go to: http://tinyurl.com/holo-hiad-ve. Cost for the Ham in a Day study session is $25 (which includes the book Ham Radio by Bob Heil), but there is no cost for testing.
In addition to the Ham in a Day students, anyone can arrive at 6:00 and take the technician, general, or extra class exam at no cost. Also, anyone whose license is within 90 days of expiring can renew their license between 6:00 and the end of testing at no charge.

MEETINGS/EVENTS NOT LISTED ABOVE, CHECK AREA ORGANIZATIONS FOR UPDATES.

Barry County ARA (BARA-K8BMI) https://k8bmi.org/ https://www.facebook.com/groups/244810886954700/ 442.725+(94.8Hz)
The BARA club meetings, normally the Tuesday after the 3rd Saturday of the month, 7:00 PM with a 6:30 PM informal “Gathering Time”, will NOT be held at the EOC until further notice. 

North Ottawa ARC (NOARC-W8CSO) http://www.w8cso.org/
https://www.facebook.com/groups/401316979888404/ 145.49-(94.8Hz)

SATERN (Salvation Army Team Emergency Radio Network-W8SAT)
Contact Bob WX8BOB dennis49544 at gmail.com
http://www.satern.org/  http://eds-satern.sawmni.org/

Riverside Radio Amateurs (Ionia County) W8RRA http://wa8rra.org/ n8mrc at yahoo.com  https://www.facebook.com/Riverside.Radio.Amateurs


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UP COMING HAMFESTS
ARRL Hamfest and Convention Database http://www.arrl.org/hamfests/search
Check ARRL hamfest search and sponsor websites for any updates or cancellations before heading out

IRA Hudsonville Hamfest, Saturday, June 5
Location: Hudsonville Fairgrounds, 5235 Park Avenue, Hudsonville, MI 49426
Website: http://w8ira.org/hudsonville-hamfest/
Flier: http://w8ira.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/06/IRA-Hamfest-2021-Full-Sheet.gif
Sponsor: Independent Repeater Association
Type: ARRL Hamfest
Talk-In: 147.16+(94.8)
Public Contact: Kathy KB8KZH, PO Box 8122, Kentwood, MI 49518-8122
Phone: 616-541-4090 Email: hamfest at w8ira.org

If I missed something or there is something coming up of interest to the West Michigan Ham community, let me know by the 25th of the month,
email: ny8d at arrl.net

73 Jack NY8D