Happy Thanksgiving! No NET Tonight

The Officers of WVCARC would like to wish all of you a Happy Thanksgiving.  Hopefully you all were able to spend time with family and friends, and of course had some wonderful pie!

Many of the online ham radio stores have radios on sale right now.  Here are a few in no particular order:

HRO
DX Engineering
GigaParts
Ham City

Find any good deals?  Post them here!

Mat
K2MJM

Net Canceled - Happy Halloween

Happy Halloween!

No Net Tonight

Winlink Wednesday

It is that time of week again. Winlink Wednesday!  Use the Winklink General Check-In Template.

The weather is getting cold.  Time to test out your generator and make sure that it is winterized.

Are you ready?

As always, if you need more information regarding Winlink Wednesday, go here:  https://www.wvcarc.com/p/winlink-wednesday.html



Thanks,

Mat
K2MJM

Winlink Wednesday

It is that time of week again. Winlink Wednesday!  Use the Winklink General Check-In Template.

Interesting things happening in California.  Post any thoughts you have in the body of your message.



As always, if you need more information regarding Winlink Wednesday, go here:  https://www.wvcarc.com/p/winlink-wednesday.html

Thanks,

Mat
K2MJM

Winlink Wednesday

It is that time of week again. Winlink Wednesday!  Use the Winklink General Check-In Template.

This week I am posting a video on the PiGate.  Post any thoughts you have in the body of your message.



As always, if you need more information regarding Winlink Wednesday, go here:  https://www.wvcarc.com/p/winlink-wednesday.html

Thanks,

Mat
K2MJM

Winlink Wednesday

It is that time of week again. Winlink Wednesday!  Use the Winklink General Check-In Template.

This week I am posting a video that was sent to me by Jason.  Post any thoughts you have in the body of your message.


As always, if you need more information regarding Winlink Wednesday, go here:  https://www.wvcarc.com/p/winlink-wednesday.html

Thanks,

Mat
K2MJM

Winlink Wednesday

It is that time of week again. Winlink Wednesday!  Use the Winklink General Check-In Template.  Wow, what a rough couple of months.  I think I can see the light at the end of the tunnel.  I appreciate all those that have been checking in regardless of me posting something on the website.  I have responded to all of the check-in's I have received over the past month. 

For today post something exciting you did this summer.

As always, if you need more information regarding Winlink Wednesday, go here:  https://www.wvcarc.com/p/winlink-wednesday.html

Thanks,

Mat
K2MJM

Saturday Meet Canceled

I haven't had a single spare moment to work on this Saturdays meet so I will need to push it back until October.  Sorry guys.

Mat
K2MJM

Booth Babes Wanted

We are planning on having a club table at the Rocky Mountain Division Convention.  We will be selling out TNC and DC distribution boards as fundraising items as well as a few flyers on about the club.  If you are planning on being there and would like to man the table for an hour or so please email me at mat.murdock@wvcarc.com or just stop on by.  More info on the conference can be found here: https://rmdc2019.org/

Mat
K2MJM

Winlink Wednesday - Late Post

It is that time of week again. Winlink Wednesday!  Use the Winklink General Check-In Template.  I'm finally back in town for a while I hope!!!!  Our Winlink Check-in numbers have dwindling a bit and I attribute that to it being summer and me getting these posts out late.  Today we will just do a simple check-in.  Also, post if you think it would be a good idea to post your responses on the website.

As always, if you need more information regarding Winlink Wednesday, go here:  https://www.wvcarc.com/p/winlink-wednesday.html

Thanks,

Mat
K2MJM

Fire Station 71 Opening

Please join us for a special open house as Fire Station 71 (4160 S 6400 W) opens to serve the surrounding community. The event takes place Tuesday, July 23, 2019 and will begin with a ribbon cutting ceremony. Take a tour of the new building during the open house from 4:00-7:00 pm. Hope to see you there!

Winlink Wednesday

It is that time of week again. Winlink Wednesday!  Use the Winklink General Check-In Template.  I'm currently in Florida for work.  It is hot and muggy, and I'm sweating buckets! (yuck).  Tell me about the hottest place you have been.  Also, post if you think it would be a good idea to post your responses on the website.

As always, if you need more information regarding Winlink Wednesday, go here:  https://www.wvcarc.com/p/winlink-wednesday.html

Thanks,

Mat
K2MJM

2019 Rocky Mountain Division Convention August 8th - 10th, Ogden UT

An Yaesu FT 70 DR dual band can be yours if you register no later than July 15th.  Winner will be announced on July 16th.  

Register online at utahhamfest.org and save $5 now.   

The push is on to get everyone registered for this hamfest and convention before July 16th .
 
SAMPLE SESSIONS

New Ham Workshop
Operating Amateur Satellites
NBEAMS - Emergency Messaging
FT8 - From Setup to First QSO 
DXing from the Middle East
Antenna modeling with 4nec2
Mobile Installation Tips and Tricks 
Breaking Through the Pileups
HF Station Interfacing
Setting up a Pi-Star Hotspot for DMR
CW For Beginners: Why Morse Code Is Still Cool
Solar and Propagation Update for 2019
SOTA - Lessons From the Trail
The Digital Radio Amateur Workstation (DRAWS™) - An Overview
Installing a rooftop tower and antenna
DxLab Logging Software and much more 
Army Mars Forum - Steve Carver AAA8RD
Amateur Radio on High Altitude Balloons

See all the sessions scheduled so far here

GUEST SPEAKERS
Bob Heil K9EID, CEO and founder of Heil Sound and host of the Ham Nation podcast, will be the keynote speaker on Saturday August 10th. Howard E. Michel (pronounced Mickel) the CEO of the ARRL will be the Friday keynote speaker. 
 
DX UNIVERSITY
A highlight of the convention is DX University, an all-day workshop taught by some of the best DX operators in the Rocky Mountain West. DX University will be held on Thursday August 8^th and requires participants to register in advance. 
 
 CRAFT BOUTIQUE
 For the crafting people among us, we will again be offering Homebrew Boutique. A chance to sell your marvelous handmade crafts to a waiting audience! We supply tables and chairs – no cost to you. We track all sales and collect the money for later distribution to the craft people. We will have a large room that will be locked at night. Just please remember, everything is to be handmade – not from another country for resale here. 

Call Sue Cogger, K7SUZ, 801 829-3614 with any questions.

You can sign-up for a craft table here.    

WHERE TO STAY
You can stay on-campus at Weber State University at a very reasonable rate.   Check out this page to learn more.

MEALS
Even if you have already registered for the convention you can still sign up for meals.  Lunch time will feature our guest speakers.  

Friday Meals

Breakfast:  Beverages: Juice, Milk, Ice water and coffee, Fresh fruit, Hash Browns, Scrambled Eggs, Waffles/Syrup and Hickory Smoked Ham. 

Lunch:  Beverages: Ice Water, Lemonade and Coffee  Mixed Green Salad/Ranch, Roll/Butter, Roasted New Potatoes, Broccoli-Cauliflower, Mustard Herb Pork Loin and Chocolate Mousse.

Dinner: Mixed Green Salad/Ranch, Roll/butter, Mashed Potatoes/Gray, Carrots, Roasted Turkey and Apple Pie. (Cranberry Sauce).

Saturday Meals
 

Breakfast: Fruit, Breakfast Burrito/Tortilla, Tater tots, Scrambled Eggs, Grated Cheese, Chorizo and Tomatoes.  Beverages: Juice, Milk, Ice water and coffee,

Lunch:  Green Salad/Ranch, Roll/Butter, Dirty Mashed Potatoes/Gravy, Carrots, Southern Pot Roast and Devil's Food Cake.  Beverages: Ice Water, Lemonade and Coffee

Dinner:  Green Salad/Ranch, Rolls/Butter, Yellow Squash/Carrots, Augratin potatoes, London Broil Beef and Lemon Cake.

REGISTER

You can register and learn more about the 2019 ARRL Rocky Mountain Division Convention by visiting utahhamfest.org.  You can also find us on Facebook by searching for the “2019 ARRL Rocky Mountain Division Convention.”

We encourage all who plan to attend to register before July 16th to allow the organizers to plan for the appropriate number of attendees and to make sure the facilities are adequate for the expected crowd.  

MUCH MORE 
Test session, Wouff Hong, Swap Meet, Presentations, Food, Craft Boutique, Vendors, and more await you Utah's biggest Hamfest to date.  

Questions - send to info@rmdc2019.org

Winlink Wednesday

It is that time of week again. Winlink Wednesday!  Us
e the Winklink General Check-In Template.  I'm currently at Girl's camp, so post one of your favorite camping memories.  Also, post if you think it would be a good idea to post your responses on the website.

As always, if you need more information regarding Winlink Wednesday, go here:  https://www.wvcarc.com/p/winlink-wednesday.html

Thanks,

Mat
K2MJM

Winlink Wednesday

It is that time of week again. Winlink Wednesday!  Use the Winklink General Check-In Template.  I'm currently on the trail this week, so post one of your favorite hikes you have gone on.

As always, if you need more information regarding Winlink Wednesday, go here:  https://www.wvcarc.com/p/winlink-wednesday.html

Thanks,

Mat
K2MJM

No Net Thursday

We will not be holding a NET on Thursday as it is the 4th of July.  Enjoy this time with your family and friends.

Mat

K2MJM

Winlink Wednesday

It is that time of week again. Winlink Wednesday!  Use the Winklink General Check-In Template.  I'm currently on the trail, so keep things simple today.

As always, if you need more information regarding Winlink Wednesday, go here:  https://www.wvcarc.com/p/winlink-wednesday.html

Thanks,

Mat
K2MJM

Net training 6/13/2019

Resources on our Training Topic: Lightning

http://www.arrl.org/lightning-protection

Document we read from;

http://www.arrl.org/files/file/Technology/tis/info/pdf/109481.pdf

Winlink Wednesday

It is that time of week again. Winlink Wednesday!  Use the Winklink General Check-In Template.  Include in your message some of the signs of heat stroke.

As always, if you need more information regarding Winlink Wednesday, go here:  https://www.wvcarc.com/p/winlink-wednesday.html

Thanks,

Mat
K2MJM

Winlink Wednesday

It is that time of week again. Winlink Wednesday! Summer is upon us and I apologize for not getting this out sooner.  Just do a normal check in.  If you haven't checked in yet, tell what your favorite summer food it.  Use the Winklink General Check-In Template.

As always, if you need more information regarding Winlink Wednesday, go here:  https://www.wvcarc.com/p/winlink-wednesday.html

Thanks,

Mat
K2MJM

Huntsman 140 Operators Needed June 15th 2019 - Urgent

I was contacted by Thor Femenias, KF7RKO.  He is organizing the communications for the Huntsman 140.  The Huntsman 140 website has this to say about the event.

The Huntsman 140 is an epic ride through some of Utah’s most beautiful valleys. This road cycling event is a non-competitive, single day, fully supported ride, with multiple distance options that make it the ideal ride for both the beginner and seasoned cyclist. Cross the finish line and celebrate with friends and family at the Finish Line Festival with food, drinks, live music, giveaways from sponsors, games, and a kid’s zone play area.
The Huntsman 140 has distance options of 25, 50, 75, 100, and 140 miles with a 140-mile relay option. Sign up for the epic 140-mile ride from Delta, Utah, or ride any distance with an out-and-back course across the Wasatch Front.

In past years the event started in Delta, Utah and finished at Fort Douglas Field at the University of Utah.  This year they have added an additional course that starts at Fort Douglas and goes to Antelope Island and then backtracks Fort Douglas.  Basically it doubles the amount of operators needed.  Below is a list of what is currently needed.

Also, in previous years they have tried to utilize cell phones and text messages.  That has not worked out well, so all race communication will be going over Amateur Radio frequencies.

SAG (Support And Gear)

• Need 4 More People
• Requirements
• Pickup Truck
• Mobile Radio Required

Race Official Shadow

• Need 1 Operator
• Experienced Operator
• Will follow race official, letting them know how things are progressing as well as obtaining answers to questions.

Net Control

• 3 to 4 People
• Net Control Experience helpful, but not required.

Aid Station

• Need 8 People
• Will be communicating needs and issues to NET Control.
• NET control will be utilizing UHF and VHF Frequencies.

If you are interested please contact Thor at thorcomradio@gmail.com.

Winlink Wednesday

It is that time of week again. Winlink Wednesday! This spring has been the second wettest to date.  Water and electricity do not mix.  In the body of your message explain how you have prepared for wet weather operating.  Use the Winklink General Check-In Template.

As always, if you need more information regarding Winlink Wednesday, go here:  https://www.wvcarc.com/p/winlink-wednesday.html

Thanks,

Mat
K2MJM

Winlink Wednesday

It is that time of week again. Winlink Wednesday! Please include in the body if you have any big plans for the summer.  Use the Winklink General Check-In Template.

As always, if you need more information regarding Winlink Wednesday, go here:  https://www.wvcarc.com/p/winlink-wednesday.html

Thanks,

Mat
K2MJM

Winlink Wednesday

It is that time of week again. Winlink Wednesday! Please include in the body if you do any HF work.  Use the Winklink General Check-In Template.

As always, if you need more information regarding Winlink Wednesday, go here:  https://www.wvcarc.com/p/winlink-wednesday.html

Thanks,

Mat
K2MJM

Winlink Wednesday

It is that time of week again. Winlink Wednesday!  I don't remember if I did this already, but this week please include in the body a topic you would like covered at one of our upcoming in person meets.  Use the Winklink General Check-In Template.

As always, if you need more information regarding Winlink Wednesday, go here:  https://www.wvcarc.com/p/winlink-wednesday.html

Thanks,

Mat
K2MJM

Winlink uhhh Thursday?

So, I forgot to make my normal Winlink Wednesday post as I was preparing for the Salt Flats 100 Endurance Run which will be held this weekend.  Also I found out that the node was down... grrrr.  Anyway, I see that a bunch of you went ahead and checked in, which is great.  The node is back up, and if you would still like to check-in please do so today.  Use the Winklink General Check-In Template.

As always, if you need more information regarding Winlink Wednesday, go here:  https://www.wvcarc.com/p/winlink-wednesday.html

Thanks,

Mat
K2MJM

2019 WVCARC Field Operation Manual is Complete

The 2019 WVCARC Field Operation Manual is complete!  It's a collection of policies, procedures, and resources relevant to WVCARC.  It is designed to be printed on 8.5" x 5.5" paper and bound into a manual.  It currently stands at 64 pages.  WVCARC will have copies available for the price of printing and binding.  I am still working out what that will cost will be.  You may of course print your own if you would like.  I generally release an updated version every year.  You can view the 2019 version now by clicking the link below.

https://bit.ly/2Uujtt4

Thanks,

Mat

K2MJM

LOCATING AND POSITIONING YOUR SOLAR ARRAY

Facing true south in an unobstructed location is extremely important to the proper functioning
of a solar electric system

If your site is in the northern hemisphere you need to aim your solar modules to true south
(the reverse is true for locations in the southern hemisphere) to maximize your daily energy output.
For many locations there is quite a difference between magnetic south and true south,
so please consult a magnetic declination map before you setup your mount structure.
The solar modules should be tilted up from horizontal to get a better angle at the sun and help keep
the modules clean by shedding rain or snow.
For best year round power output with the least amount of maintenance,
you should set the solar array facing true south at a tilt angle equal to your latitude with respect to the
horizontal position. If you plan to adjust your solar array tilt angle seasonally, a good rule of thumb is:

• latitude minus 15° in the summer

• latitude in the spring/fall

• latitude plus 15° in the winter

Most mount structures are available with a seasonal adjustment of the tilt angle from horizontal to 65°.

To determine if your proposed array site will be shaded at any time of the day or year you should consider
using the Solar Pathfinder.

Winlink Wednesday

It is that time of week again. Winlink Wednesday!  This week please include in the body of you check-in how many fire fighters are generally on duty (hint look at Thursday night's post).  Use the Winklink General Check-In Template.

As always, if you need more information regarding Winlink Wednesday, go here:  https://www.wvcarc.com/p/winlink-wednesday.html

Thanks,

Mat
K2MJM

WVCARC - Draft Field Operations Manual

For some time now I have wanted to get the Field Operations Manual completed for the WVCARC group.  My local neighborhood group has had one for many years and I have found it invaluable.  What is the Field Operation Manual (FOM)?  Glad you asked.  It a collection of policies, procedures, and resources relevent to WVCARC.  It is designed to be printed on 8.5" x 5.5" paper and bound into a manual.  It currently stands at 61 pages.  I am waiting for one more piece of information before I can recommend that it can be printed.  WVCARC will have copies available for the price of printing and binding.  I am still working out what that will cost will be.  You may of course print your own if you would like.  I generally release an updated version every year.  You can view the draft version now by clicking the link below.  I remind you not to print it yet as this is just a draft.  If you see any errors or if you have suggestions for the FOM, let me know ASAP so that they can be fixed or added before it goes to print.

https://bit.ly/2Uujtt4

Thanks,

Mat

K2MJM

Saturday's Exercise Results

First off, a special thanks to all those who participated in our drill Saturday, KF7HXA, AC7GU, AE3DC, K0WTD, K2AGE, K2MJW, K7CJB, KA7MMM, KE7AET, KF7HXA, KF7QBW, KF7YOL, W7RZR, KB6EMA and KI7IHU.  I am grateful for Cole and Dave from West Valley City for allowing us to operate from the city's communication trailer.  Things worked out very well.

Operators were able to check in from all 35 schools in West Valley City, as well as all Fire Stations.  Most check-ins at the Fire Stations utilized the onsite radio and a Winlink message was also transmitted.  Every check-in was recorded on a paper ICS-213 form and then type into a Winlink ICS-213 form that was later transmitted via the packet network.  We were able to do all this in 1 hour 20 min which  is amazing.

It was great to see everyone become more proficient in checking in at their various location as they completed their assignments.  Listening to everyone's experiences afterwords was fantastic.  I think it is safe to say that everyone learned something.

I look forward to next years exercise.  For those that were unable to participate, I encourage you to sign up to help with at least one of the many events held this year.  You will learn things that you can find in no other place.

Thanks,

Mat
K2MJM

We used a WVC issued Kenwood TM-D700a that is mounted in a Pelican case.  We ran off of the internal battery.

Emma (KB6EMA) entered the paper ICS-213 forms into Winlink

Outside view of the communications trailer.

First time using the solar panels.  They were connected to a Goal Zero Yeti 1400 which was then plugged into the trailer.

Final Thoughts Before The Excersise

I know it is late, but here are some last minute thoughts and facts before the drill.  West Valley City, has a population of around 138,359 people.  The population density is 3839.59 people/mi², with a household density of 1088.86 people/mi². (Source)  It is the 2nd largest city in Utah.  Salt Lake City is number 1 with 200,662 people.  By summer we will have six operating Fire Stations.  Many if not most of the fire fighters do not live in West Valley City.  At any one given time there are about 30 on duty fire fighters.  That means in the event of a wide spread disaster there will be one fire fighter for every 4,611 people. 

Basically, what I am trying to say is, they are going to be pretty busy and they will need to manage their finite resources efficiently.  I often tell people I am only as good as the information I am given.  This also applies in an emergency.  The skill set we bring to the table is the ability to send and receive information effectively.  The better the communication, the better the decisions.  The better the decisions, the better service and in the end this saves lives.

The way we become better is by flexing our communication muscles through exercises like the one Saturday.  Not only will each of you learn something new, but as an organization we will become stronger. Of equal importance, our relationship with our served agency will be strengthened.  I also find these exercises are also fun.  I hope each of you do as well.

Now for some final instructions.  I will be on the repeater around 8:00 AM if anyone needs me.  If your call sign is not found on the roster and you would like to help out please contact me there.  The more the merrier.  For those that are unable to participate, it is Easter weekend after all, feel free to monitor the repeater during the drill.  The NET will start probably a little before 10:00 AM.   Wait for instructions before checking in.

That is about it for now, remember some extra batteries and try to get some sleep.

Mat
K2MJM

2019 West Valley City Drill Assignments Posted

You can find your assignments for this Saturday here: https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/177elJyMjcysCFDqI4zdOmhUFcewLwh-AYHroIfA9GMU/edit?usp=sharing

I had to make a few adjustments, as some schools had multiple operators assigned to them.  I tried to keep each operators schools somewhat close to each other.  I will be starting the NET at 10:00 AM.  We will be using our repeater, 448.800 Mhz, negative offset, 100 Hz tone.  Please wait for instructions before checking in.  If you have any questions or concerns regarding your assignment please let me know.  For those assigned to check in at a Fire Station I will relay your instructions during the NET.  If there are other operators who would like to participate and have not yet signed up please email me at mat.murdock@wvcarc.com.

Thank you again for your willingness to help out with this drill.

Mat
K2MJM

Special Utah Great Shake Out NET

The Great Utah Shake Out is this Thursday, April 18th.  WVCARC will be holding a quick NET at 12:00 PM on our normal repeater which is 448.800 Mhz, negative offset, 100 Hz tone.  This is always an interesting NET as people are generally at a different location then our normal Thursday Night NET.


Mat Murdock
K2MJM

Winlink Wednesday

It is that time of week again. Winlink Wednesday!  This week please include in the body of you check-in how many Fire Stations WVC has.  Use the Winklink General  Check-In Template.

As always, if you need more information regarding Winlink Wednesday, go here:  https://www.wvcarc.com/p/winlink-wednesday.html

Thanks,

Mat
K2MJM

April 20th Drill Update - We Need More People

This is just a reminder that we need operators to sign up for the April 20th drill.  ONLY SEVEN OPERATORS HAVE SIGNED UP SO FAR.  The goal is to check-in from every school and Fire Station in the city for a total of 33 locations.  We need a minimum of 16 operators Saturday in order to accomplish this in a timely manner. 

This is one of those times where we need to have a good showing of support.  There will be city officials present to observe our progress and organization.  We will be starting at 10:00 AM and the goal is to be complete with the drill by 11:30 AM if not earlier.  If you are able to help, please log into your WVCARC Portal account and select as many schools as you feel you will be able to visit in an hour.  Please choose schools that have not already been selected by other operators.  If you are unable to access the site and would like to participate, please email me at mat.murdock@wvcarc.com.  Thank you again for your willingness to help out this Saturday.

Mat
K2MJM

Winlink Wednesday

This Winlink Wednesday, and unless otherwise specified, we will continue to use the Winlink check-in template.  One issue that many of you had last week was you were using old templates.  The current version of Winlink is 1.5.20.0.  The current version of templates is 1.0.88.0.

You can find out what version of Winlink you are running by clicking "Help" in the menu and then "About".  You can see what version of the templates you have by click "Messages" in the menu and then Templates.  The version is right at the top.

This week we are going to do another weather report as things could be interesting.  Please include your location, temperature, and a weather report.  Send your check-in to K2WVC.

For those new to templates follow the  step by step instructions how how to send a message.

1. Launch Winlink Express.
2. Select new message.
3. Click on "Select Template" in the menu.
4. Expand Standard Templates
5. Expand GENERAL Forms
6. Double Click on "Winlink Check In.txt"

A web browser window should open up.  Fill out submit, and transfer the form.

Templates only work in Winlink Express.  If you are using something other then Winlink Express then a standard check-in will suffice.

If you have any questions let me know.  Good Luck!

Thanks,

Mat
K2MJM

Official 2019 Standard Load Posted

The official 2019 Standard Load has been release. You may view and download it here: https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1foaur0cFsajkNyX46Dq8tc_UpMTJUEFpL4OxGcoqctg/edit?usp=sharing 

The biggest change is with the channels 21-30 which are set aside for club use.  It includes our repeater frequency as well as a simplex entry for if it is down.

Instructions on using the Standard Load and its purpose can be found here:
https://docs.google.com/document/d/1oYb0XtTCSvpUgSZf0XdJB4_HLCcnrA4LMzIfNpFNXhQ/edit?usp=sharing 

Remember that the purpose of the standard load is to create "a standard programming sequence, designed to make your radio operations faster and easier. It is also designed to give you local control over your own frequencies while somewhat standardizing channels and channel names county-wide."  Please review the instructions and the standard load out. If you have questions please bring them up at the next NET or post a comment below.

Thanks,

Mat
K2MJM

April 20th Drill Update

In preparation for the upcoming April 20th drill, I need to know who will be participating.  I will be utilizing the Operator Portal for this.  I have updated the portal so that you can select multiple schools.  Given the number of operators who participated last year I am requesting that each participant select two schools.  I would also ask that you select schools not already selected by another operator.  For your information, I have cleared out all past selections so I will have a more accurate count of participants.  Please add your selections by April 16th so I can make final assignments.

Thanks,

Mat
K2MJM

The Repeater, Take Three

Well.  The repeater is back in its rack and appears to be working properly.  Go ahead and give it a go.  Let me know if you have any issues.  The manufacture removed the duplexer from being mounted inside the repeater cabinet to outside of it.  I put it as far away as I could, as seen in the pictures below.

Mat
K2MJM

April 20th Valley Wide Drill

This April 20th we have the opportunity to participate once again in a Salt Lake Valley wide drill.  The goal is to have Amateur radio operators check in from each and every elementary school and Fire Station in our city limits.  This will be a challenging task as there are 29+ schools and 6 Fire Stations, however I am confident we can do this.

Before the drill we will make assignments largely based on what elementary school you choose on the Operator Panel.  In the past you were only able to select fire stations.  That has changed.  You can now select schools in addition to your fire stations, so stop reading and go do that now.  :)

A few days before the drill we will email out assignments.  At 10:00 AM we will start check-ins.  Based on where people check in we may make additional assignments for operators to go and check in from another school.  We need to complete this drill by 11:00 AM.  Following the the drill the plan is to meet at City Hall where the communication trailer will be.

This is a simple drill, but it will show us and the city what we are capable of doing.  So for now the assignment for each of you is to get on the Operator Portal and get select your school.  If you have any additional questions let me know.

Mat
K2MJM

Winlink Wednesday - Templates

This Winlink Wednesday we will learn a new skill.  Winlink templates are a way to input data in a form and have that information efficiently delivered to the intended recipient.  For this Winlink Wednesday I will have you respond using a template.  Below are step by step instructions how how to accomplish this.

1. Launch Winlink Express.
2. Select new message.
3. Click on "Select Template" in the menu.
4. Expand Standard Templates
5. Expand GENERAL Forms
6. Double Click on "Winlink Check In.txt"

A web browser window should open up.  Fill out submit, and transfer the form.

Templates only work in Winlink Express.  If you are using something other then Winlink Express then a standard check-in will suffice.

If you have any questions let me know.  Good Luck!

Thanks,

Mat
K2MJM

Winlink Wednesday

This Winlink Wednesday we will do the same thing as last week, except, I will have you add a second line to your message that includes one Ham Radio themed skill you want to learn more about this year.

If you do not know what Winlink Wednesday is you can find out more here: Winlink Wednesday


Mat
K2MJM

It's No You, It's Me...

FYI, the repeater is offline.  It is headed back to the doctor to see if they can get the fans out of our signal.  Thursday's NET will be simplex on 448.800 Mhz.  We are going to try and run it from Station 76.

Thanks,

Mat
K2MJM

Winlink Wednesday

For this Winlink Wednesday we will be doing a standard check-in. No additional information will be required.

Thanks,

Mat
K2MJM

In Person Meet Tomorrow Reminder

Just a reminder.  In Person Meet, tomorrow 9:00 AM at Station 74.  Come by even if just to visit.

Mat
K2MJM