Winter Field Day 2019 Review

Posted on January 27, 2019 by w5tcb

SARA’s winter field day gathering was held at the Family Park with a good showing of attendees and participants. Those in attendance included Stephen (KG5VXF), Drew (KG5UFU), Scott (K5UYN), Alex (KG5PLY), Daniel (KI5BGM), Frank (N5WEM), Dale (W4NBF), and Chris (W5TCB). The club operated as One Oscar (one transmitter, working outside) for approximately 3 hours making a total of 101 contacts. Bonus points were garnered for working outside, away from home, using no commercial power for transmitting. Thanks to operators Daniel, Drew, and Chris for their efforts.

Drew in the stretch run
“See Daniel, its like shooting fish in a barrel.”
Antenna inspectors examining the setup
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Winter Field Day 2019

Posted on January 21, 2019 by w5tcb

Field Day is not just for summertime anymore. Winter Field Day, sponsored by the Winter Field Day Association (WFDA), will take place over the January 26-27 weekend. The annual event’s stated purpose is to encourage emergency operating preparedness in the winter, but it’s also an excuse to get out of the house and enjoy the great outdoors. According to the WFDA, getting ready for emergency communication in a winter environment is just as important as the preparations and practice that take place each June during ARRL Field Day.

Several members of SARA will be gathering on Saturday afternoon, January 26, to participate in Winter Field Day. We will plan to start gathering around noon at the Family Park off of Airport Road. Anyone is welcome to participate. We will plan on operating until around 4pm or until the weather forces an end to the activities. If you have an HF rig, field antenna, or equipment that you want to put through its paces, please bring that with you. Any questions or input may be forwarded to Chris (w5tcb at arrl.net). Dress for the weather, come on out and join in!

Links:

Winter Field Day website

Winter Field Day rules

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Russellville Hamfest

Posted on January 18, 2019 by w5tcb
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Next Meeting

Posted on January 17, 2019 by w5tcb

The next meeting is scheduled for February 12 at 6pm. Pat (W5VY) will be presenting the topic of using meteor scatter for ham radio communications. Make plans to be there!

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What ham radio topics would you like to hear more about?

Posted on January 16, 2019 by w5tcb
Coming Soon
I would like to know more about:
I would like to know more about:
I would like to know more about:
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Starting the New Year in Style

Posted on January 16, 2019 by w5tcb

SARA started 2019 in grand fashion with its first meeting of the new year on January 8. The meeting was very well attended with many familiar and new faces in attendance. Thanks to all who attended!

Wayne (WA5LUY) presented the topic of radio direction finding with a demonstration of some of the equipment and techniques that may be used. A few highlights from the presentation:

  • A portable or handheld antenna and receiver are typically used to detect the signal.
  • With the use of a compass and as few as two receivers (or readings), the signal can be located by use of triangulation.
  • Attenuation will be beneficial as the you get nearer to the signal.
  • The same equipment and techniques can be used to locate line noise in the power company’s electrical distribution system.

Did you know that radio direction finding is done for sport in some regions? Find out more here.

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High Peak Tower Ice

Posted on March 23, 2017 by w5mz

It was a cold and stormy December in 2013. A winter weather event turned the repeater tower on High Peak into a RF flavored popsicle.

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