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 Previous: More than 100 Hams Still Volunteering in Hurricane-Hit States |  Next: The K7RA Solar Update |
By Norm Fusaro, W3IZ
ARRL Affiliated Club & Mentor Program Manager
October 6, 2005
For several weeks the news has been filled with stories about the devastation from hurricanes Katrina and Rita and all of heroics to help the people whose lives were affected by these natural disasters. Hams were among the many groups that rose to the occasion and helped where needed and while I don't want to diminish the work and efforts of these unselfish volunteers, I am going to shift gears a bit and redirect attention to some of the fun activities that our affiliated clubs have been doing.
Emergency communications is just one facet of the Amateur Radio Service, having fun and promoting good will is yet another. So, in the spirit of fun, friendship and goodwill let's take a look at what's happening on the air and in the clubs.
Auctions & Hamfests
Several clubs are holding auctions this month. Auctions are a great way to have fun and raise a few dollars for the club. They are also a great way to move some of your clutter to someone else's shack to make room for the new clutter that you bring home from the auction.
October is good weather for hamfests & conventions. Hamfest are great places to meet with your friends and club members and find a bargain that you just have to have. Our own Connecticut State Convention will be held in Wallingford, CT on Oct 9. A complete list of hamfest and conventions can be found on the ARRL website.
License Classes
The Palo Alto ARA in California and the Michiana ARC in South Bend Indiana are running weekend licensing classes. The last time that Michiana held their ONE DAY Technician license class they produced 40 new hams. Thanks to the follow up program, Ham Radio 101 presented at the next club meeting, these new operators quickly became familiar with using their new privileges and were introduced to a large group of experienced hams that were eager to mentor them into the fun and exciting world of ham radio. A few more successes like this and Michiana ARC will have to move to a larger meeting facility.
Many clubs are increasing their memberships by offering license classes. The key is to follow up with a mentoring program for new hams immediately after the class. Not only does the mentoring help the new hams become good operators, it welcomes them to the Amateur Radio club and allows them to become active club members.
Special Events
There are twenty-nine special event stations listed on the ARRL Special Events calendar for the remainder of October and twenty three more in November. If you like to collect wallpaper these are great opportunities to catch some colorful QSL cards and certificates.
The clubs that are participating in these special events are sure to have fun as their members get together to set up a station and make on air contacts with hams all over the country and the world.
Two special events worth mentioning are the Transylvania County ARC, K4HXZ, in Brevard, NC and the Warrensburg Amateur Radio Club, W0O, operating from Frankenstein, MO. These clubs will be on the air October 31, Halloween (obviously) and are offering a colorful treat to all hams who make contact and send a QSL & SASE. This is a great way to introduce ham radio to some young people in the neighborhood by letting them talk to Frankenstein or Transylvania. Costume is optional.
JOTA
Jamboree On The Air (JOTA) is an on the air event where Boy Scouts, Girl Scouts, Cub Scouts, Brownies, Explorers and Guides from all around the world try to make contacts with other Amateur Radio operators. The event takes place each year on the third weekend in October. This year will it be October 15 & 16, 2005.
In addition to HF frequencies used for worldwide communications, scouts will also use VHF and UHF frequencies as well as Echolink and other VOIP modes.
For more information please visit the ARRL JOTA page or the Scouting International pages. Search for or list your JOTA event on the ARRL Youth Skeds Database.
Please check with you local scouting council for specific events that may not be listed.
Contests
October kicks off the fall contest season. Radio sport is a fun way to sharpen your skills and challenge your station and your operating skills. Along with several popular state QSO parties, the CQ World Wide SSB contest is in October. ARRL Sweepstakes, take place in November as does the CQ World Wide CW contest. A list of competitive events can be found on the ARRL Contest Corral.
Whether you participate as an individual or as part of a team or club, get on the air and give it a try. Contest stations will want to work everyone so even if you are not in it to win it, get on and give out a few points. Even if you are not into the fast paced action of running a pile up, try casually searching and pouncing for new countries or states that you may need for an award. Who knows, you just might get bit by the contest bug.
Take Time To Smell The Roses
Thanks to all of the operators who activated their stations
during the disasters and stood ready to assist where needed. While these
events were tragic to many, it certainly was one of Amateur Radios finest
hours. There is still much work to be done in the Gulf region but we must take
a little time for ourselves and enjoy what we have. It is true that when all
else fails Amateur Radio does work but Amateur Radio also plays.
| Previous: More than 100 Hams Still Volunteering in Hurricane-Hit States | Next: The K7RA Solar Update |
