July 2019 Meeting – DMR Digital Mobile Radio

Join us for the May meeting of the Kalamazoo Amateur Radio Club at the Red Cross Chapter House on Thursday, July 18 at 7 p.m.

We sadly note the passing of Bryan Staufer (KD8PXQ) who became an SK on June 25, 2019.

The educational topic will be DMR Digital Mobile Radio presented by Dustin Thomas (N8RMA).

At the meeting we will also discuss the results of our ARRL Field Day activity on June 22-23.

You and other club members and friends are invited to this event. The event is FREE.

Please pass the word about our club and this meeting to your friends. We post information about events on W8VY.ORG and on our Facebook page Kalamazoo Amateur Radio Club (click on Events). We also have a calendar on our website.

If you have questions about our club, its activities and events, do not hesitate to use the email addressed secretary@w8vy.org

June 2019 Meeting – ARRL Field Day Prep

Join us at 7 p.m. on Thursday June 20th, 2019 for the Kalamazoo Amateur Radio Club meeting to discuss the 2019 Field Day site review and strategy planning.

This months meeting will take place at our 2019 Field Day site. Please join us at the pavilion in Oshtemo Township Park located at 7275 West Main Street behind the Township Hall and Fire Department. The Club meeting will start promptly at 7 p.m.

ARRL Field Day 2019

The Kalamazoo Amateur Radio Club (W8VY) and the Southwest Michigan Amateur Radio Team (K8KZO) invite you to Field Day 2019!

Come join us on June 22nd and 23rd at Oshtemo Township Park located at 7275 West Main Street behind the Township Hall and Fire Department. Talk-In is on 147.040 (PL 94.8) K8KZO Repeater.

Operations kick off on June 22nd at 18:00 UTC (2pm EST) but we’ll need help in the morning to setup Antennas and Stations so stop by around 8 am for setup. Operations run through June 23rd at 20:59 UTC (4:59pm EST) when we’ll need further helping hands in site tear down.

We’d love to see everyone get together for some radio community time, so we are sponsoring an afternoon potluck on June 22nd between 2 and 4pm! Get a few hours of calls logged and take a break to join us for Pulled pork and fixings, a vegetarian option will also be available upon request. There will be a grill if you want to throw something on for yourself or to share.

Please sign up to bring your favorite seasonal side dish or dessert to pass.
https://www.signupgenius.com/go/70A0D4BAEA82EA3FD0-field

May 2019 Meeting – Antenna Rotors

Join us for the May meeting of the Kalamazoo Amateur Radio Club at the Red Cross Chapter House on Thursday, May 16 at 7 p.m.

The educational topic will be Antenna Rotors presented by Randy Mead (KE8R).

W8VY embroidered iron-on patches have arrived. Get your free member patch. Purchase extra patches for $3 each.

At the meeting we will also discuss the results of our MI QSO Party activity on April 20. Two donated SDR receivers will be given to the top two operators.

Hamvention and ARRL Field Day are approaching. We will show you the new Hamvention 2019 ARRL App for electronic devices (phones and tablets).

You and other club members and friends are invited to this event. The event is FREE.

Please pass the word about our club and this meeting to your friends. We post information about events on W8VY.ORG and on our Facebook page Kalamazoo Amateur Radio Club (click on Events). We also have a calendar on our website.

If you have questions about our club, its activities and events, do not hesitate to use the email addressed secretary@w8vy.org

W8VY Iron-on Embroidered Patch

The W8VY iron-on embroidered patches for all club members have arrived. Each member receives one free patch. Patches will be distributed at the May 2019 Club meeting. If you wish to purchase more patches, please bring $3 for each additional patch. The patches are circular and 2.5 inches in diameter. They can be ironed on most fabric. I have one put on the side of my cap. You might want to attach the patch at a few places with thread because the iron-on glue will weaken with time and exposure to heat or wetness.

Image of W8VY Iron on Sew on Patch
W8VY Patch on a Cap

April 2019 Meeting – Ham Radio Podcasts

Join us for the April meeting of the Kalamazoo Amateur Radio Club at the Red Cross Chapter House on Thursday, April 18 at 7 p.m.

The educational topic will be Ham Radio Podcasts presented by Mark Kerstetter (KE8HAA). The presentation will discuss what podcasts are and how to use them. We will explore 10 podcasts about amateur radio comparing their content and format, frequency of release, length, website, and even listen to samples.

At the meeting we will also discuss our planned MI QSO Party activity for April 20. Two donated SDR receivers will be won by the hams collecting the most contacts.

A radio club near Ann Arbor is planning a one day bus trip to Hamvention in Xenia, OH. We’ll present costs and details at the March meeting.

You and other club members and friends are invited to this event. The event is FREE.

Please pass the word about our club and this meeting to your friends. We post information about events on W8VY.ORG and on our Facebook page Kalamazoo Amateur Radio Club (click on Events). We also have a calendar on our website.

If you have questions about our club, its activities and events, do not hesitate to use the email addressed secretary@w8vy.org

June 2018 Meeting – Contacting Military Satellites & Field Day Prep

Note: There is a change of location for our June KARC meeting. The Club meeting will start promptly at 7 p.m. We’ll meet at the pavilion in Flesher Field on 9-th Street, south of the intersection with Stadium Dr.

This month Charles Agosti (WD8AXA) will talk about and demonstrate “Contact with Military Satellites”. Dave Moss (KE8DI) will talk about our Field Day prep. The last part of the meeting will move to our new Field Day site behind the Oshtemo Fire Station on West Main Street (M-49) west of 11-th Street.

Here is a photo of our ARRL Field Day 2018 Operating Location.

ARRL Field Day 2018 at Oshtemo Township Park (includes W8VY and  ARRL Field Day 2018 logos)

May 2018 Meeting – APRS at W8VY

This month John Mathieson (AC8JW) will talk about the Automatic Packet Reporting System (APRS) node he implemented in the KARC Radio Room for W8VY.

If you are attending Hamvention in Xenia, OH on May 18-20, be sure to look for other members of KARC. Charles Agosti (WD8AXA) has a spot in the Flea Market, stop by and say hello. Take a look at what he’s offering for sale. Perhaps he has something you need or want.

Anyone want to organize a talk frequency for our Hamvention travelers? Contact a Club Officer.

April 2018 Meeting – Our Local Repeaters

Join us for the April meeting of the Kalamazoo Amateur Radio Club at the Red Cross Chapter House on Thursday, April 19 at 7 p.m.

Our program for April is all about local repeaters. Chuck Agosti (WD8AXA), KARC VP, will talk about our local repeaters both analog and digital. You’ll also get a pocket guide with repeater information. Alex Stuart (KE8ICM), KARC Treasurer, will talk about the new super controller on 040.

Club Kit Build – Fox Hunt Attenuator – March 31

The Club will build a antenna attenuator from a small, inexpensive kit the Red Cross Chapter House on Saturday, March 31 from 10 a.m. until noon in rooms L3 & L4 (basement). Cost will be minimal ($10). The kit is small and suitable for beginners. Bring a soldering iron, if you can. The build will provide one component of the gear needed to participate in a Fox Hunt (locate a hidden transmitter). Since the hunt requires receive only, you don’t need a ham license. The Club will build a direction finding antenna and explain how to “hunt” at sessions during the summer. The Club will hold it’s Fox Hunt in September. For more info and to reserve a seat at the build, contact Charles Agosti vice-president@w8vy.org