2021-04-06 Weekly SCHH Ham Club This and That
Items of Interest:
World Amateur Radio Day 2021 is coming up
This year marking the 96th anniversary of the International Amateur Radio Union (IARU). The IARU Administrative Council has chosen “Amateur Radio: Home but Never Alone” as the theme for World Amateur Radio Day, Sunday, 18 April 2021. Faced with a pandemic that forced the adoption of extreme physical isolation to reduce the spread of the virus, the worldwide amateur radio community responded positively to overcome the resulting social isolation.
In the days and weeks following the onset of the pandemic radio amateurs reached out spontaneously to one another via the airwaves at the local, national, and global levels. Local “wellness nets” provided friendly voices and regular status checks to those, especially the elderly, who are confined to their homes. “Stay safe” special event stations in dozens of countries reminded us all of the importance of limiting the spread of the virus. On-the-air activity was at an unprecedented level throughout the remainder of 2020, with record-breaking numbers of entries in the major contests.
Web SDR
WebSDR allows a Software-Defined Radio receiver to be connected to the internet, allowing many listeners to listen and tune it simultaneously. SDR technology makes it possible that all listeners tune independently, and thus listen to different signals; this is in contrast to the many classical receivers that are already available via the internet. Check the frequently asked questions when you get started.
Contests
On April 10-11, look for four state QSO parties: Nebraska, New Mexico, North Dakota, and Georgia. Nebraska allows FTx mode contacts, but they are in a separate competition from the other modes. North Dakota QSO Party allows FTx modes to be used, but you still need to exchange the correct information. The Georgia QSO Party allows multiple stations in a single Georgia county to combine as one due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
With all contests, and especially with QSO parties, check the rules for special bonus stations, suggested frequencies, and operating hints.
Humor:
Meetings:
The next meeting will be May 3rd at 7 PM via Google Meet (online video). Agenda to follow…
Club Website:
The URL is https://www.ke4ham.org. If you notice any errors or have site-related questions, email: webmaster@ke4ham.org.
Nets:
Wednesday Nets (8 PM) operates from KK4ONF/Jasper repeater, 147.060+ and Echolink node: KE4HAM-R
Sunday NET (8 PM) operates on 147.550 MHz simplex and Echolink node:
KE4HAM – L
Other operating:
Daily — DX spotting and open chat 24/7 on 147.550 MHz simplex and the Jasper Repeater, 147.060+ (no Echolink).
AD5EN – SCHH Amateur Radio Club VP