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August 2016 - "Ham Sandwiches"
Let's talk about the weather
 As we enter the final stretch of the summer here in South Carolina, we can always count on two things: Brutal temperatures and summer storms.
So let's hope for moderate temperatures and blue skies on August 20, when we hold our annual club picnic.
This year our net manager's picnic will be held at Weston Lake on Fort Jackson. Come anytime after 10 a.m. We’ll eat at 1 p.m. and will need to be out of the facility by 6 p.m. In addition to some great ham fellowship and food (hamburgers and hot dogs), there is also swimming, boat rentals, walking trails and fishing. Bring your favorite chair and perhaps a side dish! Directions and full details are on our website. Please register if you intend to come so we will know how much food to prepare.
Let's also hope the solar weather improves. As hams we rely on the Sun to aid in the propagation of our radio waves. This summer we saw 20 straight days in which no sunspots were recorded. As of today we're looking at nearly 70 spots and the solar flux index is slowly creeping back up towards 100. Hopefully that number will continue rising as we move towards fall, when contesting and QSO party activity really seems to pick up.
 Weather will also be the focus at our next meeting on September 5. A representative from the National Weather Service will be presenting a basic SKYWARN spotter class. SKYWARN was developed in the late 1960s to promote a cooperative effort between the NWS and communities. The emphasis of the effort is often focused on the storm spotter, an individual who takes a position near their community and reports wind gusts, hail size, rainfall, and cloud formations that could signal a developing tornado.
Amateur radio is often used as a method of communication in SKYWARN. For decades, hams have provided invaluable service using their unique communications capabilities to share critical information between the NWS, the local emergency management officials and storm spotter networks.
Join us at our September meeting to learn how you can get involved. We will also hold a drawing for a Tytera MD-380 DMR handheld, so if you've been checking into the weekly net diligently, you have a chance of winning this great little radio. Full rules and details are on our website.
73 de KK4DSD, Andy
CARC President, 2016
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KB6NU: 5…4…3…2…1: Readability Reports
RST reports are open to interpretation. With that in mind, I thought I’d explain a little more fully how I decide what Readability report to give.
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Digital Modes Presentation
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An introduction to operating digital modes was the topic of our August meeting. In case you missed it, you can download the presentation.
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Net control stations scheduled for August:
- August 14, W4SJD, Steve
- August 17, N3MME, Jay
- August 21, K4DZF, Nita
- August 24, KI4LKG, David
- August 28, KI4VRO, Bruce
- August 31, W9WXX, Mark
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Our CARC 2 meter net is every Sunday and Wednesday at 8:30 PM local on the 147.330 (+) T156.7 repeater.
Net manager: Gary Anderson, K4HGA
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The CARC Trailer
We're still seeking ideas on solutions in regards to the future of the club's trailer.
Give us your feedback
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Net Manager's Picnic
Don't forget to register if you're planning on attending the CARC Picnic on August 20.
Register here
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Coming up:
Remember you can always find an updated events calendar on W4CAE.com. |
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