Subject: Repeater 147.330 Outage and Ongoing Resolution Efforts

Dear W4CAE members and friends!

I hope this message finds you well. I am bringing to your attention a recent issue regarding repeater 147.330. As of August 18, 2023, our Columbia repeater147.330 is currently experiencing an outage, rendering it unavailable for communications.

We understand the importance of this repeater in maintaining seamless communication within our community, and I want to assure you that our technical team is actively working to identify and address the underlying problem. We prioritize swiftly resolving the issue and reinstating the functionality of repeater 147.330.

Please be assured that we are committed to providing timely updates on the progress of our resolution efforts. We understand the impact that this outage might have on your operations and communications, and we are dedicated to minimizing any disruptions caused by this situation.

Our technical team is investigating the problem’s root cause and working diligently to implement the necessary repairs or adjustments. We will inform you about the developments and anticipated timeline for restoring repeater 147.330.

In the meantime, the W4CAE 146.775 repeater is online, and if you have any urgent communication needs or anything else we can assist you with, please do not hesitate to reach out to me, Jim Lathan, directly. We are here to ensure that your communication requirements are met to the best of our abilities, even during this challenging period.

As a precaution, plans are in place to still have the Sunday Night Net on Club repeater 147.330. If, at the time of the Net, repeater 147.330 is still offline; the Net will use the Clubs 146.775 repeater, also known as the Ft. Jackson Repeater. Make sure you have the Ft. Jackson repeaters frequency, offset, and tone programmed in your radios: 

Ft. Jackson: 146.775 (-) T156.7

We apologize for any inconvenience this outage may have caused and appreciate your understanding and patience as we work toward a resolution. We value your continued partnership and trust in our services.

Thank you for your attention to this matter. We will update you on our progress and provide you with the necessary information as soon as it becomes available.

Best regards,

Jim Lathan
Columbia Amateur Radio Club, President
[email protected]
803-669-6135

Greeting all, CARC submitted the following ARRL Field Day Log:

Summary:

Entry received at: 2023-07-18 01:34:20

Call Used: W4CAE     GOTA Station Call: K4TLC     ARRL/RAC Section: SC     Class: 8A

Participants: 34     Club/Group Name: Columbia Amateur Radio Club

Power Source(s): Generator, Battery, Solar

Power Multiplier: 2X

Preliminary Total Score: 1,886 – (Additional 400 points pending bonus documentation)

Bonus Points:
  100% emergency power                            800
  Media Publicity                                 100 – Pending documentation
  Public location                                 100
  Public information table                        100 – Pending documentation
  W1AW Field Day message                          100 – Pending documentation
  Site visit by invited elected official          100
  Site visit by invited served agency             100
  Educational activity                            100
  Youth participation (3 x 20, max of 100)         60
  Safety Officer 100 – Pending documentation
  Social media                                    100
  GOTA Station                                     20
  GOTA Coach                                      100
  Entry submitted via Web 50
Total bonus points                              1,930

Score Summary: (Cabrillo log/dupe sheet file: W4CAE.dup)
                  CW  Digital  Phone  Total
   Total QSOs     72     10      14
 Total Points    144     20      14    178   Claimed Score = (QSO points x power mult) = 356

Submitted by: Jim Lathan, W4JLP   [email protected]

Band/Mode QSO Breakdown:
               CW          Digital      Phone
            QSOs Pwr(W)  QSOs Pwr(W)  QSOs Pwr(W)
      160m                                       
       80m                                       
       40m    17    50      8    35             
       20m    54    50                   6   100
       15m     1    50      2    35      3   100
       10m                               1   100
        6m                                       
        2m                                       
       222                                       
       432                                       
     Other                                       
 Satellite                                       
      GOTA                               4    50
     TOTAL    72           10           14

GOTA Bonus: GOTA Coach – 100 Bonus Points
Name/Call            QSOs  Bonus Points
Tedd Clayton, K4TLC    4        20

We await the final confirmation of documents supporting our claim for Bonus Points.

UPDATE!!! We will not have access to Sesqui for Hams and Eggs; they are hosting Military Day, and all sites are booked. We will be meeting at a new venue; Lizards Thicket NE.

Join us for breakfast! Local friends and HAMS will meet every 3rd Saturday of the month for breakfast and fellowship. Meet with Friends, find an Elmer, ask questions, share your experiences, or discuss your next outing over breakfast.

TIME: 9:00 am 

Where: Lizard’s Thicket Restaurant, 10170 Two Notch Rd, Columbia, SC 29229, USA

NEW VENUE ANNOUCEMENT!

HAMS AND EGGS WILL NOW BE HOSTED AT LZARDS THICKET NE IN A PRIVATE ROOM. 

https://www.lizardsthicket.com/food-menus/breakfast/

Topics: SSTV Hands-On Demonstration, October Elmer Day, Open Topics

For more information, contact Jim W4JLP @ 803-669-6135

The Columbia Amateur Radio Club formed a committee to review the Club’s current Bylaws and recommend any edits/changes/additions to modernize the Club Bylaws. During the August 2023 Club General Meeting, these Bylaw recommendations were presented for Club consideration. I ask all club members to review the recommended Revised Club Bylaws and be prepared to discuss them in an open forum at the September meeting. After the Open Discussion, there will be an open vote to adopt the revised Bylaws.

Important Note: Zoom attendees who are current members are encouraged to participate and vote!

Zoom Meeting Details:

Join Zoom Meeting
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Meeting ID: 889 6050 5814
Passcode: 974895

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Access Bylaws for review:

Current By-Law for reference.

Greetings, everyone! This month we will have an in-person Skywarn training/presentation.

A Skywarn presentation is an educational session to inform and train individuals about the Skywarn program and its role in severe weather reporting and response. The presentation is typically conducted by representatives from the National Weather Service (NWS) or trained volunteers who know the program.

During a Skywarn presentation, participants can expect to learn the following key points:

1. Introduction to Skywarn: The presentation starts with an overview of the Skywarn program, its history, and its importance in enhancing public safety during severe weather events.
2. Weather Spotter Training: Participants receive training on becoming effective weather spotters. This includes learning about severe weather phenomena such as tornadoes, thunderstorms, hail, and strong winds.
3. Identifying Severe Weather: The presentation includes guidance on how to identify and observe severe weather conditions, including cloud formations, visual cues, and other signs of imminent weather hazards.
4. Reporting Procedures: Participants are taught how to report severe weather observations to the NWS. This includes information on the different reporting methods, such as phone hotlines, websites, and social media channels.
5. Safety Measures: Skywarn presentations emphasize the importance of safety while spotting severe weather. Participants are educated about safe observation practices and how to avoid putting themselves in harm’s way.
6. Collaborating with NWS: The presentation explains how the information provided by Skywarn spotters is used by meteorologists at the NWS to issue accurate and timely severe weather warnings.
7. Community Involvement: Attendees are encouraged to get involved in the Skywarn program and contribute to their community’s preparedness and safety during severe weather events.

Overall, a Skywarn presentation aims to empower individuals with the knowledge and skills needed to become active participants in the program, contributing to the overall goal of creating a weather-ready nation.

Following Skywarn training, we will present suggested CARC By-Law changes for Club consideration.

Zoom Details

Join Zoom Meeting
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/85161979965?pwd=azJzaWhFaWozNE51R0FvNFlWc1dnZz09

Meeting ID: 851 6197 9965
Passcode: 386573

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This month, hams and Eggs will meet at Sesqui Centennial State Park, Group Camping area. We will be there at 9 am Saturday, hosting a breakfast of biscuits, gravy, doughnuts, and coffee. This is a great time to test your gear, ask questions, and enjoy the fellowship outdoors. Like ARRL Field Day, when you check in at the gate, let them know you are there for the Radio Club Event in the Group Camping area.

We will monitor Club Repeater 147.330 if you have any questions or need directions. So, what to bring? You are welcome to bring your gear and setup, we have the entire area to ourselves, and there will be plenty of help if needed.

Activities

Parks on the Air: This is an excellent opportunity to activate the park; you only need ten contacts. We will have plenty of ways to get you on the air.

Bill W4SFV Clock Kit Build: Bill discussed his new little clock kit at the last club meeting. He will have kits available to buy and build at the event. The cost is $10 per clock.

Gear Testing: Great opportunity to test your radio, antenna, and portable power. We will have plenty of space for all who want to join.

Title: Exploring Nature’s Wonders through Parks on the Air (POTA)

In an increasingly digital world, it’s refreshing to find a hobby combining nature’s wonders with the art of radio communication. Parks on the Air (POTA) is a captivating activity that brings amateur radio operators out of their shacks and into the great outdoors. By setting up portable radio stations in parks, forests, and other natural areas, participants not only indulge in their passion for radio but also immerse themselves in the beauty and tranquility of Mother Nature.

POTA enthusiasts travel to designated parks with portable antennas, radios, and batteries. The objective? To establish radio contacts with fellow operators across the globe, exchanging signals and experiencing the thrill of communication through various bands and modes. Whether the crackle of Morse code echoing through the trees or the clarity of voice transmissions amidst breathtaking landscapes, POTA offers a unique fusion of technology and nature. It presents an opportunity for operators to challenge their skills in adapting to different environments, setting up efficient antennas in the wilderness, and overcoming the logistical hurdles of operating in remote areas.

Beyond the technical aspects, POTA is also about building connections and fostering a sense of community. As operators navigate national parks, wildlife reserves, and other public lands, they meet like-minded individuals who share their love for radio and the great outdoors. The POTA website serves as a central hub, listing designated parks and providing a platform for operators to log their contacts, track their progress, and engage in friendly competition. Through POTA, operators contribute to the preservation of natural areas and inspire others to explore and appreciate the beauty of the world around them.

Conclusion:
Parks on the Air (POTA) is more than just a hobby; it’s a gateway to new experiences, adventures, and friendships. By combining the thrill of radio communication with the serenity of natural environments, POTA enthusiasts immerse themselves in an extraordinary blend of technology and nature. So, if you’re seeking a unique way to explore the world, connect with fellow radio enthusiasts, and contribute to preserving our precious parks, grab your radio gear and embark on a POTA adventure. The wilderness awaits!

We hope to see you all there!

Jim W4JLP

Greetings all! In this months Club meeting we will have a guest speaker, John P Gendron, NJ4Z, ARRL Section Manager, South Carolina. This will be an excellent opportunity to ask ARRL leadership questions and hear what is in store for the future of ARRL.

Zoom meeting details are below if you can’t attend the in-person meeting!

Join Zoom Meeting
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/82877095357?pwd=ZlRjUk9WSkdreWV3UEtISjd2ZFZVZz09

Meeting ID: 828 7709 5357
Passcode: 705215

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