Rag Chew Reminder

There will not be a rag chew on December 24 or December 31, 2013.  Merry Christmas to all and happy dxing! 

A Ham's Night Before Christmas

JOTA/JOTI

(Jamboree on the air / Jamboree on the internet)

 

 

 

On October 19th the SPARC helped out cub pack 11 by providing 40 M and 15 M SSB radio communication for the 56th annual JOTA / 17th annual JOTI.  Our station allowed the cub scouts to make voice contact with other scouts in several states.  We heard some DX scouts, but they never heard our scouts.

 

Many thanks to the club members who participated in the event.  Here is a list of participating members (and if I missed listing you I am sorry!)

 

NN4SS WA8OJR W4PML K4XP W4NTO KE4EAN N9LPT KC2ZBY K4SPD KI4KN K4RNV

 

The event was a lot of fun and I know the scouts had a good time (so did we!)

 

Click on the link below for some great pictures.

 

Click here

 



Wendell Button KI4WUU Update

Mr. Wendell Arthur Button

December 1, 1937 - October 9, 2013

Wendell A. Button

Boiling Springs, SC.

Wendell Arthur Button, 75 passed away peacefully at home Wednesday, October 9, 2013, after a valiant battle with squamous cell cancer. 

Born December 1, 1937 in Montpelier, VT to the late Arthur Clinton Button and Marian Wight Button, and growing up in Chelsea, VT on Elm Ridge Jerseys Dairy Farm, Wendell graduated valedictorian from Chelsea Public School in 1955, married Virginia Rose Melvin of Barre, VT on November 23, 1961 and earned a B.S.E.E. from University of Vermont in 1964. He served with the US Army in Germany 1958-59 and later with the Vermont National Guard. 

Wendell was a life-long dairy farmer in both VT and SC, developing an award-winning herd named Hopitu Jerseys. After retiring from farming, his work, public service and affiliations in upstate SC region include Button Auctions and Real Estate, CERT, Spartanburg Amateur Ham Radio Club, Spartanburg Bee Keepers, MENSA, Chesnee Classic Cycle and Antique Bikes on Main. In recent years, Wendell and his wife helped service major storm electrical grid damage from Texas to NY with Synergetic and P.A.R. 

In addition to his wife Virginia, Wendell is survived by two sons; Arthur Clinton (Beth) Button II and Edward Melvin (Kirsten) Button, two brothers; Clayton (Diane) Button and Brian (Jean) Button, three grandchildren Jason, Carolina and Ethan Button and his two dogs; Dahlia and Capri. 

At Wendell’s request, there will be no calling hours or service. Please join his family in a casual drop-in celebration of his life in the Occasional Events Room at II Samuels (351 E. Henry Street, Spartanburg, SC 29302) on Saturday October 26 from 4-6pm. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Spartanburg Humane Society, Attn:  Memorials and Honors, 150 Dexter Road, Spartanburg, SC 29303 or The United Church of Chelsea, P.O. Box 98, Chelsea, VT 05038.
 

Eggers Funeral Home

Boiling Springs, SC

Mr Wendell Button, KI4WUU

We are sad to report that Mr Wendell Button, KI4WUU went silent key on October 9, 2013, at his home  with his famaly by his side.  Our prayers go out to his wife, children, and grandchildren.  Service details will be shared when arrangements are finalized.  

SC QSO Party SATURDAY OCT 21 @ 1400Z

Looking for something to do this weekend , try  the SC QSO party www.scqso.com. 

Birthday Kiss

 W4NTO Birthday kiss

News From the Fox

The 2013 Fox Hunt is just around the corner so the Fox wanted to make sure the latest information was available to all the Hounds out there.  First, we need to inform you of a slight change in the original instructions discussed at our business meeting.  Lisa, N4B00,  the original Fox has to work so Wayne, K4SPA will now be the Fox.  Larry, NN4SS will be at the Spartanburg Downtown Memorial Airport (500 Ammons Road, Spartanburg, SC) from 9:30 am until 10:00 am to record your calls and mileages for the Fox.  Thanks Larry for volunteering to help us out with this, it is very much appreciated.  The rest of the rules discussed at the meeting remain the same and are listed below:

After check in with Larry, NN4SS all hounds may move to the location of their choice to await the start of the hunt.  The Fox will begin transmitting at 10:00 am on 146.565 MHz and will transmit for 3 minutes every 5 minutes.  Should the hounds need to communicate with the fox or other hounds they should use the Spartanburg repeater, 147.315 MHz.  At 11:30 am, if all hounds have not made it to the den, the Fox will give hints to draw them to the den.  As hounds arrive at the den their mileage will be recorded.  The Hound with the lowest mileage will be the winner of the Fox Hunt and will have the honor of being the Fox for the next hunt.

Miscellaneous reminders:

• The Fox will not be hiding on occupied private property nor any area marked with no trespassing notices.
• If a Hound has to drop out please notify the Fox on 147.315 MHz. 
• You are welcome to participate as individuals or in teams.

Clarification of rules and boundary information:

• Larry, NN4SS will be in the parking lot at the airport.
• The Fox will be located within a 10 mile radius of the airport.
• Mileage will be recorded (rounded) to the nearest whole number.

Lillie Phillips

We are sorry to inform you that, Lillie Phillips, mother of Bret Phillips, N9LPT passed away on July 5, 2013, after a brief illness.  The funeral service for Ms. Phillips, 85, was held at 2:30 pm Monday, July 8, 2013, at St. Andrews Lutheran Church, with burial in the  church cemetery.  The family received friends from 1:30 to 2:30 pm at the church prior to the service.  Her full obituary is available at www.dunbarfunerals.com.  Please keep Bret, Lisa, Austin, and Hope Phillips in your thoughts and prayers during this difficult time.    

FIELD DAY 2013 IN MEMORY OF MIKE THOMSON KE4KMA (SK)



Mike, KE4KMA (red shirt) joking with Lester, KF4EQC at Field Day 2008.



The SPARC field day will be held at the Roebuck Masonic Lodge, 4001 South Church Street Ext. Roebuck, SC.  Antenna setup will begin at 9 am on Friday, June 21 and Field Day activities will start at 2 pm on Saturday, June 22 continuing until 2 pm, Sunday, June 23.  So make plans to come out and help us make some great contacts.  This year we will be holding Field Day in memory of Mike Thompson, KE4KMA (SK) who was a member of this lodge and of SPARC.   He is truly missed by all and will be in our thoughts during our Field Day activities.  





Roebuck Masonic Lodge
4001 South Church St. Ext.
Roebuck, SC











VOLUNTEERS STILL NEEDED! Can you help?

Below are the volunteer assignments for the Assaults on Marion and Mt. Mitchell that will occur on Monday, May 20, 2013.  This list is up to date as of 5/16/13.  We still have volunteer positions open at Rest Stop 4, 7, and more SAGS are needed.  If you can volunteer for the 2 open positions at rest stops 4, 7, or can drive a SAG please contact Mike, K4BON at photo209@bellsouth.net.  Thanks again for volunteering your time!

Rest Stop 1 - Larry Abelkop, NN4SS

Rest Stop 2 - Dave Hershberger, KN8Y

Rest Stop 3 - Del Kraus, W5NAP and Herman Ledbetter

Rest Stop 4 - Terry Mills, KK4BGT and VOLUNTEER NEEDED

Marion Tom Johnson - Net Control - Niles Vaught, K4RNV and Mark Thompson, N4TIR

Rest Stop 6 - Mike Henley, KK4CUT and Britt Mills KK4BGR

Rest Stop 7 - Brandon Bailey, KI4MRX and VOLUNTEER NEEDED 

Rest Stop 8 - Jim Fagan, K14MJK, Janie, and Richard McAbee, W4MTK and Yvonne Lane

Rest Stop 10 - Chris Varner, KK4BRO and Sam Richardson, WA4BPW

Mountain Top - Bret Phillips, N9LPT, Keith Lewis, K4XP, Mike Bonner, K4BON, Kirk Fort, KF8Y

Motorcycle 1 - George Neale, K4GDN

Sag 1 - Les MacBay, W4LSO

Sweep 1 - First Half - Gary Foster, K8HID

Sweep 2 - Second Half - Wayne Davis, K4SPA and Lisa Davis, N4B00

Rider with radio - Mike Martin, W4IBT (Sag 3 when assigned)

Auditorium - Fritz Nitsch, W4NTO, Art Patterson, KE4EAN, Karen Marmet, KF4BLF

Big Bird - Mike Bonner, K4BON

Reminder - All SAGS need to be able to carry bikes and riders

Please forward all questions to Mike, K4BON at photo209@bellsouth.net. 

Please join use for this great event and opportunity to serve our community!





                

Mt Mitchell Update

GPS Coordinates and pictures of the rest stops for the Assaults on Marion and Mt. Mitchell by Mike Bonner, K4BON.











John Dewerth KC4QAC (SK)

John  Dewerth   KC4QAC

It is with great sadness that we report the passing of one of our own, John Dewerth, KC4QAC.  John went home to his Lord on May 9, 2013.  You can learn more about his life and information regarding his funeral arrangements at  www.floydmortuary.com/obituaries.aspx.  We will miss John  as he takes his seat in the great ham shack in the sky.  73 's John!

March for Babies - Spartanburg  2013

Date: Saturday, April 27, 2013
Time: 9:00AM
Registration Time: 8:00AM
Duncan Park
81 West Park Drive
Spartanburg, SC 29306


Once again the Spartanburg Amateur Radio Club will be providing radio communication for the March of Dimes Walk.  There will be 3 water stops, 2 "poop" vans and one net control station.  At this point in time the following members have committed to helping with this event: WD6ELK, net control; K4XP; K4SPA; N4BOO; KE4EAN; and K8HID.  If you are not on this list and want to be please e-mail  cqsparc@gmail.com

73

K4RNV

April's Events

Tuesday, April 2, 2013, SPARC monthly business meeting at the Spartanburg Herald Journal building located at 189 W. Main Street, Spartanburg, SC.  The meeting will begin at 7 pm.

Tuesday, April 9, 2013, Testing by Club VE's.  Testing will occur at the Spartanburg Public Library located at 151 S. Church Street, Spartanburg, SC.  Arrive by 6:30 pm.  All those interested in testing for their initial license or upgrades are invited to attend. 

Tuesday, April 16, 2013, Board Meeting at the Spartanburg Herald Journal.  The meeting will begin at 6:30 pm. 

All rag chews will be at the Bojangles on East Main Street in Spartanburg, except for 4/16/2013 which will occur at the Spartanburg Herald Journal building.

For more details on events or changes to events please monitor the weekly nets which occur on Monday and Friday nights at 8:30 pm. 

The Assaults on Marion and Mt. Mitchell

On Monday, May 20, 2013, the Club will be providing radio support and sags for the Assaults on Marion and Mt. Mitchell.  A few spots are still open so come join the fun.  The list below contains the rest stop volunteer assignments and indicates the rest stops that need additional volunteers.  If you can help please contact Mike, N4BON at photo209@bellsouth.net. 

Rest Stop Volunteer Assignments
RS 1 - Keith Lewis K4XP and Larry Abelkop NN4SS  
RS 2 - Ken Kirkley NO4D and Jim Fisk KD6BNO

RS 3 - Del Kraus W5NAP and Herman Ledbetter
RS 4 - Terry Mills KK4BGT 2nd SPOT OPEN

Marion Tom Johnson - NET CONTROL
Niles Vaught K4RNV and Mark Thompson N4TIR

RS 6 - Mike Henley KK4CUT and Britt Mills KK4BGR
RS 7 - Brandon Bailey KI4MRX 2nd SPOT OPEN
RS 8 - Jim Fagan KI4MJK and Janie 2nd SPOT OPEN
RS 9 - Chris Varner KK4BRO 2nd SPOT OPEN

TOP OF MITCHELL - Bret Phillips N9LPT, John Gunderson N1JG and Lester Kennedy KF4EQC

MOTORCYCLE - George Neale K4GDN

LEAD VEHICLE - Les MacBay W4LSO

SWEEP First Half - Gary Foster K8HID

SWEEP Second Half - Wayne Davis K4SPA and Lisa Davis N4BOO

SAG - Bo Moss KE4HGZ

RIDER with radio - Mike Martin W4IBT (available but not assigned yet)

AUDITORIUM - Fritz Nitsch W4NTO

Reminder - All SAGS need to be able to carry bikes and riders

This list is up to date as of March 19, 2013.

If you would like to SAG or fill the available second slots ---- contact Mike K4BON at photo209@bellsouth.net. 

Time Travel

On March 10, 2013 @ 2 am something wonderful will happen.  We will all move to the future one hour.  Set your clocks ahead before bed Saturday night, unless you are up working DX then you can move it ahead at 2 am.  Don't forget or you will be late all day Sunday!

2013 SPARC Membership

Spartanburg Amateur Radio Club would like to thank all the members who have renewed their membership for 2013.  We would also like to report that we gained 5 new life members this year:  Bret Phillips, N9LPT, Frank Sexton, K4SPD, Gaines Hall, W4GH, Bob Richardson, W4RR, and Gerald Emory, WG4E.  Thank you all for supporting SPARC.  All members who would like a copy of the 2013 membership roster please e-mail   cqsparc@gmail.com and a copy will be emailed to you.  A few copies will also be available at the March business meeting.

Did you pay for 2013 but are not on the roster?

If you paid Ann for 2013, but are not on the current roster, please e-mail her, or talk to her at one of the meetings.  (please note, the roster on the webpage is incorrect!)

Remember, we still need input from YOU for our program committee!!! (see next article)

dah dah dit dit dit    dit dit dit dah dah!

We need your ideas for future programs

Do you enjoy the programs that follow the monthly SPARC business meetings? 

Do you have an idea for future programs?

Do you envision an alternative way to handle the programs for the club?


We want  need YOUR opinion!

Please send your ideas, comments, and suggestions to (click link below):


SPARC Program Committee


Thank you for your input;  C U at the meetings and on the air!

 

SPARC VE Testing Information

---

Testing for an Amateur Radio License takes place on the 2nd Tuesday of every EVEN month, except December. 

 

For the February 12th, 2013 session, we will meet at the Herald Journal Building in Downtown Spartanburg.

 

For the April 9th, 2013 session, we will meet at the Spartanburg County Main Library.

 

The testing begins at 7:00PM. All interested in taking the test need to be there by 6:30 for the purpose of filling out the necessary paper work. Listed below are the items that each test candidate must have with him/her.

* Picture ID * $15.00 (preferably exact change) * Any CSCE's (certificate of completion's). First time testers will not have this. * Original license and a copy of license. First time testers will not have this.