SPARC Annual Christmas Feed

Just a reminder; don't forget to attend the annual SPARC Christmas Feed at the Golden Coral on US Highway 29, Spartanburg,  December 2nd, 2014.  Doors open at 6 PM, club members are free, guests will have to pay at the register.  We will have door prizes as well as a grand prize; winner to  be determined by drawing.  There will be no meeting at the Herald Journal Building.    CU there,  73
... _._

Upcoming Events and Announcements for December 2015

As 2014 comes to an end we will have opportunities for fun, fellowship, and service.  Our December business meeting will be held on December 2, 2014, at the Golden Corral located at 1492 W. O. Ezel Boulevard, Spartanburg, SC.  We will begin at 6:30 pm.  Club members will eat for free (courtesy of the Club) and guests/visitors, who are always welcome, will be dutch treat.  Don't miss this evening of fun and fellowship. 

And finally, we are looking forward to 2015.  It's time to renew, don't forget to pay your 2015 membership dues.  Congratulations to the new club officers  Ginny Reid  KC2ZBY , Ann Thompson  KI4MEE , Lisa Davis N4BOO.  Also, we are accepting volunteers for the 2015 Assaults on Marion and Mt. Mitchell.  The Assaults will take place on May 18, 2015 and we need volunteers for numerous rest stops and sags.  So start planning now for this great event and opportunity to serve our community.  This event has a huge economic impact on our community and our service helps the event organizers serve it's participants.  But most of all, it's fun way to enjoy a great hobby and friends.  So start planning now to ensure you can join us for this awesome event!

Bill Drake Christmas Music Festival 2014

Once again SPARC will be facilitating parking for the Bill Drake Christmas Music Festival this year.  The program will begin at 2 PM on Dec 7th;  doors are open to the public at 1 PM.  SPARC members should plan to be at the parking area between 12:15 and 12:30.  The usual Saturday before breakfast has been cancelled.  However, SPARC will provide donuts and coffee to participants after the event.  Since the usual coordinator of the event, Lester Collins, is unable to participate this year, there are a few details that will have to be handled by other participants.  Further info will be provided as it is worked out.

If you plan to participate, please let any board member know ASAP.

GA - SC D-Star University Jan 17th 2015

The Aiken SC D-STAR Club will hold a one day CSRA D-STAR University on January 17, 2015 at University of South Carolina, Aiken campus, Aiken South Carolina.

It will start at 12 noon and run till around 5PM E.

 

This one-day D-STAR workshop will provide information and training on all levels of D-STAR, the Digital Smart Technology for Amateur Radio.  Classes will be organized to allow participants on all levels from new users to repeater system administrators gain knowledge about D-STAR’s digital voice and data technology.  The goals and objectives are to present D-STAR definitions, equipment, DVAPs, Dongles, linking, D-Rats and comprehensive training for programming the radios. There will also be presentations and demonstrations on advancements in D-STAR high speed data communications and other emergency communications techniques using D-STAR equipment. There will be time for “hands on” instructions how to program D-STAR radios without a computer. And come early and DSTAR experts will be available to program your DSTAR radio for you.

 

The class will be given by the experienced instructors of the Georgia D-STAR group and DSTARinfo.com who have presented dozens of seminars and training across the country, such as John Davis, WB4QDX, Ed Woodrick, WA4YIH, and Robin Cutshaw, AA4RC who developed the DVDongle and DVAP, and others will present high speed data and other advancements in communication using D-STAR systems. The target audience for this session is those new to DSTAR, emergency management, hospital administrators and the more advanced D-STAR users.

 

No matter what your D-STAR experience, if any, there will be a wealth of information provided so that the beginner can go home and put his/her equipment on the air and the more advanced operator can explore the new data transfer methods which will have Emergency Management application.

 

The class will feature will cover topics of interest to beginning D-STAR users including:

·       D-STAR basics

·       D-STAR user registration process

·       Getting started with your D-STAR radio

·       Programming your D-STAR radio

·       Using DR mode for easy D-STAR operation

·       Updating your memories

·       Linking to repeaters and reflectors

More experienced users will enjoy:

·       Using the DV Dongle and DV Access Point (DVAP)

·       Making and using a Hotspot with a Raspberry Pi

·       D-STAR Nets and Reflectors

·       Using D-STAR data capabilities including D-RATS and the ICOM ANDROID free application

·       Where to find D-STAR Resources

·       History and Competitive Analysis between, DSTAR, DMR, FUSION, and P25

·       A look at operating DSTAR Voice on the HF bands.

 

 

The cost for the D-STAR University is free, light refreshments will be served. You may register for this course by sending an email to kq4kk@aikenradio.org.  More detailed information about class schedule and instructors will be forthcoming.

IMPORTANT NOTICE!

The antenna set up session originally scheduled for Friday 17 October has been cancelled

Instead we will meet at the Morningside Baptist Church on South Pine St. at 8 AM Saturday 18 October . 

All are invited to come on out for the 2014 JOTI/ JOTA.

 

 

International JOTA 2014 Local Cub Pack 11 Event

Once again the SPARC is pleased to participate in the BSA International Jamboree on the Air.  Local Cub Scout Pack 11 will be meeting at the Morningside Baptist Church on Pine Street from 9 am until 12 noon.




We will plan to set up antennas on Friday, time TBA;  and we will meet on Saturday morning at the church at 8:30 am.  Please plan to come out and help represent SPARC at this event.


73


Niles
K4RNV

Spartanburg County Emergency Preparedness Day 2014

SPARC is participating in the Emergency Preparedness Day, Saturday September 13th, 2014

A pre event breakfast will be held at the Beacon @ 8 AM (dutch treat)

Set up will begin at the Westgate Mall outside of the food court @ 9 AM

The event is schedule from 10 AM until 3 PM,  with lunch on your own

The emergency communication trailer will be there with  hf and vhf/uhf stations operational

The forecast is a chance of rain, at this time, so plan accordingly;  we will have the easy up, a table and a few chairs, you may want to bring your own chair

Come out to support the club, see the other "vendors", and have some fun!

HR-4969

To All ARRL Members of the Roanoke Division:

The ARRL and Amateur Radio need your help as soon as possible.  This is
not a request for funding, but your assistance with HR-4969, a bill that
would extend the protection of PRB-1 to those affected by Covenants,
Conditions and Restrictions (CC&R’s).

Nearly 30 years ago, the Federal Communications Commission (FCC)
released PRB-1, an order that required municipalities to offer
“reasonable accommodation” for outside amateur radio antenna
installations.  This order cited a “strong federal interest” in
supporting effective amateur radio communications.  The order stopped
short of requiring communities with CC&R’s to do the same.

The FCC’s argument was that they did not want to interfere with
“private contracts” between Homeowner Associations (HOA’s) and
hams.  In reality, however, it is generally a unilateral contract where
an individual’s only option is to decide NOT to buy a parcel of land
that is burdened with CC&R’s. 

Perhaps the most pervasive threat to Amateur Radio is restriction of
the ability to have effective outdoor antenna systems, primarily due to
the exponential growth of communities with CC&R’s.  From the Community
Associations Website (CAI), in 1970 there were 10,000 communities with
HOA’s, involving 2.1 million residents.  By 2011, there were 314,200
communities involving 62.3 million residents!  Accordingly, in many
areas, it is virtually impossible to find a suitable home that is not
affected by CC&R’s.  Moreover, these HOA’s are not even required to
“come to the table” to discuss the possibility of a ham putting up
an effective outdoor antenna system.  Many HOA’s ban them outright!

HR-4969 is a bill that would instruct the FCC to extend PRB-1
protection to homes and property encumbered with CC&R’s. It is
entitled “The Amateur Radio Parity Act”.   It is the result of a
bipartisan effort led by Rep Adam Kinzinger (R-IL) with initial
co-sponsorship by Rep Joe Courtney (D-CT).  Currently, there are five
cosponsors, including Rep Mike McIntyre (D-NC-7) from our Division.
The ARRL’s goal is at least 30 cosponsors.

Here’s where we need your help.  We need cosponsors!  We need letters
and individual visits with your Representatives at their district
offices during the Congressional recess in August.  All the tools you
will need are available (including a sample letter) on the ARRL
website:  www.arrl.org/hr-4969 .  The site is being updated often, so
be sure to check the website daily.  Additionally, our ARRL president
Kay Craigie N3KN has established a twitter feed: @KayCraigieN3KN. The
hashtag for the bill is #hr4969.

One of the reasons why this is an “all hands on deck” effort is
that we have substantial opposition.  The Community Associations
Institute has already sent a communication to all its members, advising
them to oppose the bill.  Associa, a community management agency, will
be meeting with Rep Kinzinger to have him “reconsider” his
sponsorship of the bill.  So, we need ALL ARRL MEMBERS in the Roanoke
Division to participate.   The ARRL’s 501(c)3 status does not allow
us to make this request of non-members, however, they are free to act
on their own, as it is in Amateur Radio’s best interest to do so.
Further information will follow.  Please visit www.arrl.org/hr-4969 and
fill out your sample letter today.  Instructions on sending it to ARRL
Headquarters (to be hand delivered to your Representative) are on the
website.

Thank you!
’73 de Jim N2ZZ

ARRL Vice Director
Roanoke Division
for Dennis Bodson W4PWF, ARRL Roanoke Division Director

--------------------------------------------------------------------
ARRL Roanoke Division
Director: Dennis Bodson, W4PWF
w4pwf@arrl.org

Now Broadcasting Fo Time from Cale Nelson, K4CDN

Cale Nelson, K4CDN has launched the Fo Time Podcast.  Fo Time, the other Ham Radio Podcast, is currently live on iTumes, Spreaker, and available for download and streaming on the Fo Time site.  Cale says "Fo Time is an alternative ham radio podcast geared towards the younger operator or someone who may be interested in becoming a ham.  Of course, seasoned amateurs may also enjoy the show and are welcome to listen in and participate."  You can find the podcast at   www.amateurradio15.com and has been added as a link at the bottom of this blog page under SPARC Links.  Hope you enjoy the podcast.

SUMMER SUPPER

The SPARC Summer Supper will be held on July 19, 2014, at The Junction Restaurant at 6 pm.  The Junction is located off of Heron Traffic Circle in Spartanburg, SC.  The address is 150 Simuel Road.  In addition to spending time with friends on Saturday evening we will be celebrating Fritz, W4NTO's 95th birthday. So make your plans now to join us for food, fun and fellowship on Saturday night.  Fritz might even share the story of his kiss from last year's summer supper!

FIELD DAY 2014

The 2014 Spartanburg Amateur Radio Club Field Day event will be held at the Roebuck Masonic Lodge, 4001 S. Church Street Extension, Roebuck, SC.  Antenna setup will take place June 27, 2014, at 10:00 am.  Field day operations will start at 2:00 pm  on June 28 and will end at 2:00 pm on June 29.  This year we will have 3 stations on the air, 2 using the K4II call, one for phone and one for CW.  These 2 stations will count for points.  The third station will be a get on the air station under the K4JLA call and will not count towards points.  Don't miss this great event, 24 hours of fun, fellowship and DX.

Assaults on Mt. Mitchell and Marion Monday , May 19, 2014

The Assaults on Mt. Mitchell and Marion are less than a week away and it looks like we will have good weather for the May 19th event.  If you are participating you can find all the information you need on our wed page: spartanburgamateurradioclub.org/mitchellassign.htm There is still space available if you would like to volunteer for this awesome event.  To volunteer contact Mike Bonner (contact information available at the above web address).  

Field Day 2014

Hey SPARCsters!

Field Day for SPARC will be at the Masonic Lodge in Roebuck again this year, the last full weekend in June.  Set up will be on Friday June 27th, time TBA.

Please send an email to k4rnv@arrl.net if you are planning to participate in field day this year.  Indicate whether you are going to help set up, work stations or break down/ clean-up and if you would like a club- purchased field day pin.  Remember, just showing up to eat does NOT earn a FD pin!  I will be ordering the pins in two weeks, so if you want to earn a pin, let me know by May 10th at the latest.

 73!
Niles
K4RNV





73,

March of Dimes Spartanburg Walk-a-thon

Once again it is time to march for babies and the SPARC will be there to help out.  The event is Saturday 26 April 2014.  Registration is at 8 AM and the walk begins at 9 AM.  Participating SPARC members will meet at the District 7 Maintenance Building near  Duncan Park around 8 Am for t-shirts and final instructions.  The "poop" vans will meet us there, also.  Come out and enjoy the fun!

AND THE WINNER IS......

Cale Nelson K4CDN

Cale Nelson, K4CDN was the first place winner in the VHF Go box contest at the Charlotte Hamfest on March 8, 2014.  He placed third with his HF box. These are the same boxes Cale shared at our January business meeting.  AT A BOY CALE!

February Testing Session

Please note:  due to potential weather problems, the testing session scheduled for Tuesday February 11th has been rescheduled for Tuesday February 18th.  Usual time (6:30pm), usual place (HJB), usual suspects (you know who you are).  Any questions please call Niles (K4RNV) 864-590-0795.


ATTN: Board Members: lets plan to have the board meeting for February on the 20th at 7 pm. 


That is all


73
Niles

GET YOUR SIMPLEX ON

Spartanburg Amateur Radio Club will be holding its first 146.520 mhz net on Thursday, January 23, 2014, at 8:30 pm.  The net will be called by Keith Lewis, K4XP.  This will be a great chance to see how your station performs on simplex so lets try to get our WAS (worked all Spartanburg) and possibly beyond this Thursday at 8:30 pm.  All amateurs are invited to participate!

100 YEARS OF ARRL BE A PART OF IT FOR 2014

ARRL turns 100 years old this year and you can be part of the fun.  The ARRL Centennial QSO Party goes for the whole year.  Keith Lewis, K4XP and Larry Abelkop, NN4SS will be working as W1AW4 for the next day or so.  Watch for the call on the cluster.  For more info on the ARRL Centennial and QSO party please follow the links www.arrl.org/centennial and       www.arrl.org/centennial-qso-party.  Let's see which club member can get the most points in 2014!

Business Meeting Program

Tomorrow's business meeting should be a lot of fun and educational too.  Don't miss it!  For more information on the program click on the link below. 

http://goanimate.com/videos/0-bjITRlJKSc?utm_source=linkshare&utm_medium=linkshare&utm_campaign=usercontent