News

  • 20 Mar 2018 09:18 | Steve Sprayberry (Administrator)
               2018Stuart Hamfest

    The 2018 edition of the Stuart Hamfest was held on Saturday, March 17th at the Martin County Fairgrounds.  We had an absolutely perfect Florida winter day, filled with good food and many Ham Radio friends.  Our very special guest this year, Bob Allison WB1GCM, from the ARRL Lab, led a forum on Software Defined Radios (SDR).

    An Icom IC-7300, and many other prizes were given away at the event.  Visit www.stuarthamfest.com to see if you are a prize winner.  If you missed the hamfest this year, next year's Stuart Hamfest is just around the corner!


  • 07 Nov 2017 10:14 | Steve Sprayberry (Administrator)

    2017 Stuart Air Show



    The 2017 Stuart Air Show went into the history books as a remarkable event for many reasons!

    First, an antenna tower that relocated itself overnight, and then later refused to go up and ate a bunch of coax and rotor cable for breakfast.  Once repaired, however, the pileups on 20 meters just wouldn't quit!

    If you have never watched an aviation fuel tanker being pulled out of the mud by a tank, complete with a wary and watchful 50-cal turret gunner, you have missed something!


    On Sunday, a typical Florida afternoon thunderstorm transformed our small tent into a refuge for a half a dozen unexpected guests, which were forced to learn Morse code, or be evicted!


    None of it would have have happened without your help!  Well done, to all those who participated!


    Stars and Stripes K4GMW with WG8V and KM4RTQN4LCS Knitting ClassKI4JXV and KK4WCCKV4MS, WW4RX and KN4GPP

    KV4MS, WW4RX and W4SPR


    Click on any of the pics to view a larger image.

    73,
    Martin County Amateur Radio Association

  • 04 Oct 2017 21:54 | Raymond Jaworski

    World Scout Calling Frequencies

    HF SSB Voice

    • 80 meters — 3.940 MHz and 3.690 MHz where authorized.
    • 40 meters — 7.190 MHz and 7.090 MHz where authorized.
    • 20 meters — 14.290 MHz
    • 17 meters — 18.140 MHz
    • 15 meters — 21.360 MHz
    • 12 meters — 24.960 MHz
    • 10 meters — 28.390 MHz
    • 6 meters — 50.160 MHz

    HF CW Morse Code

    • 80 meters — 3.570 MHz
    • 40 meters — 7.030 MHz
    • 20 meters — 14.060 MHz
    • 17 meters — 18.080 MHz
    • 15 meters — 21.140 MHz
    • 12 meters — 24.910 MHz
    • 10 meters — 28.180 MHz
    • 6 meters — 50.160 MHz

    The JOTA is not a contest. The idea is not to contact as many stations as possible during the weekend. It is about Scout to Scout conversations to learn about one another and the country where they reside.

    All participating groups are asked to send a report of their activities to their National JOTA-JOTI Coordinator (NJC) after the event.

    For those of you using Echolink, there are now two conference nodes designated for Scout contacts. You're familiar with *JOTA-365* (node 480809). We also have *JAMBO* (node 832996). For further Scout frequency information including D-STAR, DMR, and IRLP, go to https://www.k2bsa.net/scout-frequencies/

    JOTA Newsletter

    JOTA-JOTI 2017 Mark Your Calendar — 20 to 22 October

    Sign Up Your JOTA-JOTI Station

    The World JOTA-JOTI Team has activated the online sign-up system. Review the start up instructions at https://www.k2bsa.net/jota-station-registration/ 

    USA JOTA 2017 Patch

    2017 JOTA Patches are available in Scout Shops and online at ScoutStuff. Order number 641467. They also have 2017 JOTI Patches, order number 641466.

    World JOTA-JOTI 2017 Badge

    The World JOTA-JOTI 2017  badge is available from the World Scout Shops at JOTA-JOTI 2017 Badge. They also have large blanket badges and pins. 

    JOTA-JOTI Neckerchief Interest

    If badges and patches aren't enough for you and your Scouts, you may be interested in a JOTA-JOTI neckerchief. The World Scout Shop has indicated that they would consider producing a neckerchief if sufficient interest exists. If you're interested, please complete the interest form at JOTA-JOTI Neckerchief Interest

    JOTA-JOTI Participant's Guide

    The World JOTA-JOTI Team has published a Participant's Guide to help you get on the air and the Internet for the largest Scouting event in the world. 

    They've also published a brief history of the 60 years of Jamboree on the Air as well as the Top 10 Challenges and Activities in 2016 that might provide ideas for your event this year. 

    Online Scout Station Scheduling

    Many 2016 JOTA station reports suggested they needed an online scheduling tool. It was available but under utilized. You can find it at 
    http://n8fq.org/sked/index.php?board=jota 
    Note the URL change from 2016. Thanks go to Dave Edwards, KD2E, and his extra effort to continue this system for 2017. Try it out.

    Echolink Conference Nodes

    For those of you using Echolink, there are now two conference nodes designated for Scout contacts. You're familiar with *JOTA-365* (node 480809). We also have *JAMBO* (node 832996). For further Scout frequency information including D-STAR, DMR, and IRLP, go to https://www.k2bsa.net/scout-frequencies/

    JOTA Station Reports

    Icom America has once again this year donated an ID-51A Plus 2 to encourage stations to file their reports after Jamboreee on the Air. Everyone who files a report will have their names entered into the drawing. We'll open up the reporting system on JOTA weekend. For more information on filing your report, see JOTA Station Report Best Practices

    Cub Scout Program Helps — JOTA

    The BSA National Radio Scouting Committee has developed an early draft of Cub Scout Program Helps for Jamboree on the Air. See https://www.k2bsa.net/cub-scout-program-helps-jota/  Thanks to Christian Ingerslev, AB2SN for his work on this project. 

    Boy Scout Troop Meeting Plan — Radio

    The National Radio Scouting Committee has also developed a draft Troop Meeting Plan for Radio. You can find it at https://www.k2bsa.net/troop-meeting-plan-radio/ Thanks go once again to Christian Ingerslev, AB2SN.

    JOTA Facebook Profile Picture Frame

    Update your Facebook Profile Picture with the 2017 BSA Jamboree on the Air patch design. Go to https://www.facebook.com/profilepicframes?query=jota and select the JOTA 2017 Boy Scouts of America picture frame. Thanks to Doug Cook, KX5DC.

    K2BSA @ Jamboree

    K2BSA had a successful 2017 Jamboree. Thanks to everyone who got on the air and provided QSOs for our Scouts. You can read the full report at K2BSA 2017 Jamboree Report. The highlights include nearly 2,500 Scouts introduced to amateur radio with roughly 1,400 contacts. 200 Scouts tried out ARDF-Foxhunting and 305 earned the Radio Merit Badge. BTW — Slide decks used in the training are available at Jamboree Radio Merit Badge

    Radio Scouting Net

    Chris Overbey, WA5DM, hosts a Radio Scouting Net on the second Thursday of every month. 9 PM Central on Echolink *JOTA-365* (480809). Check in and compare notes about your JOTA station and all Radio Scouting topics. We're getting a good turn out of experts, newbies, and everybody inbetween, sharing insights into what works and what doesn't work. Don't miss it.

    New JOTA-JOTI Introduction Video

    As part of our overall communication efforts, we've produced a short video introducing Jamboree on the Air and Jamboree on the Internet. It can serve as an excellent introduction for all Scouting audiences, from parents, to unit and district leaders, to planning roundtables. Use it as part of your efforts to line up Scouting events, like district and council camporees, with Jamboree on the Air.


  • 04 Oct 2017 21:43 | Raymond Jaworski

    This FREE SKYWARN BASIC SPOTTER class will give you all the information needed to become a registered spotter for the National Weather Service.

    Saturday January 20, 2018

    10:00 AM to 12:00 PM


    Anyone interested in weather, Amateur Radio, Aviation, CERT, Red Cross, 1st Responders, Police, Fire, Mobile Home residents etc. are invited. Bring a friend!

     

    For more information or to sign up please email Ray Jaworski, KI4RHL, Martin County Florida Skywarn Coordinator at autopilot9999@yahoo.com , or call (772) 485-9677. Reservations are recommended.

    You can also sign up for this or other local Spotter classes at:

    http://www.weather.gov/media/mlb/skywarnclasses.pdf


    Training will be held in Room 225, 2nd floor, at the Martin County Emergency Operations Holt Center, 800 SE Monterey Road, Stuart, Florida, 34994. Doors open at 9:30 am for registration.


  • 22 Sep 2017 08:49 | Steve Sprayberry (Administrator)
    Hurricane Irma

    Amateur radio operators from Martin County Amateur Radio Association and Martin County ARES/RACES were activated and deployed to shelters and hospitals throughout the county supporting emergency communications for the duration of Irma's visit here.  Deployment began at 0800 on Saturday, September 9th, and continued until Monday afternoon.

    Image weather.com
    A very special thanks goes out to all those who deployed, their families, and all those who supported the deployment of the thousands of volunteers throughout Florida! 


  • 20 Aug 2017 11:06 | Steve Sprayberry (Administrator)

    Thanks to much effort by Eric, W4ELB, EchoLink has returned to Stuart!


    Repeater:  WX4MC

    Location: Adjacent to Martin Hospital South

    Frequency: 444.90 MHz

    PL Tone:  107.2 Hz
    Offset: +5 MHz


    Echo Link Station: W4ELB-R

    Echo Link Node:  858505


    To connect to an EchoLink node thru the WX4MC repeater, use the touch-tone keypad on your radio.  While holding down the PTT button, enter the # sign, followed by the desired node number.  Then listen for progress messages.  To disconnect, enter the # sign twice.


    Most smart phones are EchoLink capable with the installation of a simple application.


    Issues experienced with EchoLink on the WX4MC repeater should be reported to Eric, W4ELB via email: w4elb@att.net


    For more information about EchoLink on the Web, consult www.echolink.org


  • 08 Aug 2017 09:04 | Steve Sprayberry (Administrator)

    On Monday, August 7th a group of MCARA and MCARES members joined Bill W2DRX at his QTH to celebrate his 95th birthday!  After the singing and the pie and whipped cream, we all checked into the Monday Night Net.  We wish you many more Doctor X!!!


    W2DRX, W4SPR, K4OIL, WW4RXBill W2DRX



  • 01 Jul 2017 14:22 | Steve Sprayberry (Administrator)
        Field Day 2017


    MCARA/MCARES members began Field Day preparations on Friday by erecting 8 antennas and two towers, and setting up four radio stations.  Then, on Saturday morning, Tom K4TMA fired up the BBQ!  And the weekend just kept getting better from there!

    The weather was perfect, the radios worked flawlessly, the food was fantastic, and we even made some new friends!  We really didn't want to break it all down on Sunday!


    K4ZK Field Day SiteAerial by Mike K4MNJ

    Thanks to all who contributed to make possible another great Field Day event!


  • 26 May 2017 21:06 | Steve Sprayberry (Administrator)


    Susan & KI4RHL & Leah KI4RHL, K4GMW K4GMW, W4SPR, KM4STV 



    The second annual Maker's Faire was held on Tuesday afternoon, May 2nd, in the gymnasium at the Pinewood Elementary School in Stuart.  MCARA and MCARES members presented several educational activities in an effort to ignite the fires of creativity in those attending, both young and old.  Conductive dough was used to teach basic electrical principles, and, when connected to a RaspberryPi-based 12-channel capacitive touch-driven sound synthesizer, to entertain.  In addition, a GOTA station served to segue to our favorite hobby, Amateur Radio!


    KM4STV testing LEDs Listen to the RaspberryPi K4GMW 

    Photos by K4OIL

  • 04 May 2017 10:19 | Steve Sprayberry (Administrator)

    Thank You MCARA!!


    Sincere thanks to all of you that worked to make the 2017 Stuart Hamfest a great success!  Not only was the weather perfect, and the food great, the comradery and the deals were outstanding as well!

    Congratulations to the following prize winners:

    Grand Prize, an Icom IC-7300, was won by Ramon Alicea KJ4UZM
    Second Prize, a Kenwood TM-V71A, was won by Erica Simpson KM4WRG
    Third Prize, a Yaesu FT-60R, was won by Marc Weiner K4MGW.



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