Published Monthly for members of the Amateur Radio Clubs in Virginia’s Central Shenandoah Valley

THE MONITOR THE MONITOR July 2017 July 2017

PVARC Meeting July 7th

The Page Valley Amateur Radio Club Page Valley Amateur Radio Club Page Valley Amateur Radio Club Page Valley Amateur Radio Club will hold its regular meeting on July 2nd July 2nd July 2nd July 2nd at 6:30pm at Tactical WallsTactical WallsTactical WallsTactical Walls. The address is: 611 611 611 611 Williams AvenueWilliams AvenueWilliams AvenueWilliams Avenue. On the north end of Shenandoah, turn east from US Route 340 onto Williams Avenue, go through the gate, park along the right side of the building. The entrance is around the building to the right. All Amateurs, their families and friends are welcome.

Weekly Friday Luncheon The Friday weeklyweeklyweeklyweekly casual lunch meetings are at Hometown Grille & Buffet (Old Shoney’s) at 30 Sanger Lane, Staunton, VA at 11:00AM. Directions: I-81 to Exit 222, Richmond Rd. & Rte. 250. Turn East, Hometown Grille & Buffet will be on the left across the street from Mrs. Rowe’s.

MARA Meeting July 6th

VARA Meeting July 11th

The Massanutten Amateur Radio Association, IncThe Massanutten Amateur Radio Association, IncThe Massanutten Amateur Radio Association, IncThe Massanutten Amateur Radio Association, Inc., will hold its monthly meeting on Thursday, July 1stJuly 1stJuly 1stJuly 1st, at the Wood Grill on Reservoir Street in Harrisonburg. Dinner starts at 6:30 p.m. Meeting starts at 7:30 PM. All Amateurs, their families and friends are welcome.

The Valley Amateur Radio AssociationValley Amateur Radio AssociationValley Amateur Radio AssociationValley Amateur Radio Association, will hold its July 6th July 6th July 6th July 6th meeting at Hometown Grille & Buffet (Old

Shoney’s) at 30 Sanger Lane, Staunton, VA. Dinner starts at 6:00pm, and the general meeting

begins at 7:00pm. All Amateurs, their families and friends are welcome.

NEW DAY THIS MONTH ONLYNEW DAY THIS MONTH ONLYNEW DAY THIS MONTH ONLYNEW DAY THIS MONTH ONLY

2 July 2017

VARA Presidents letter July 2017VARA Presidents letter July 2017VARA Presidents letter July 2017VARA Presidents letter July 2017

Greetings fellow hams! Well another Field Day in the

books and put away for another year. I for one need

July to be just a relaxing month so I can catch up

on home projects and just relax a little.

For those who attended Field Day 2017 I hope

you enjoyed the activities, friends and the experience,

for those who did not attend you missed a won-

derful weekend and hope you will consider joining us

next year.

I would like to thank all the field day committee mem-

bers who elected me chairman of this year’s event, it

was a great honor to try and fill the boots of so

many other chairmen before me and I could not have

possibly done my job without the committees help

along with the many volunteers that attended the

monthly meetings, arranged equipment and spent

many hours of their time making Field Day 2017 a

success.

It has been an honor and sincere appreciation to

the following amateur radio operators who I had the

pleasure of working with these last 5 months. Your

dedication to our hobby, friendship, work ethics and

countless hours of volunteering time, money, and

expertise will never be forgotten.

Thank you!

Fred Castello KF4FC Fred Castello KF4FC Fred Castello KF4FC Fred Castello KF4FC

Andrew Pearson N4RCE Andrew Pearson N4RCE Andrew Pearson N4RCE Andrew Pearson N4RCE

Herb Slade AA2BF Herb Slade AA2BF Herb Slade AA2BF Herb Slade AA2BF

Ellsworth Neff K4LXG Ellsworth Neff K4LXG Ellsworth Neff K4LXG Ellsworth Neff K4LXG

David Fordham KD9LA David Fordham KD9LA David Fordham KD9LA David Fordham KD9LA

Mark Whitis AK4OL Mark Whitis AK4OL Mark Whitis AK4OL Mark Whitis AK4OL

Ken Anderson W4JQT Jeff Rinehart W4PJWKen Anderson W4JQT Jeff Rinehart W4PJWKen Anderson W4JQT Jeff Rinehart W4PJWKen Anderson W4JQT Jeff Rinehart W4PJW

Bennie Cook N4BCC Bob Vanfossen K4DJG Bennie Cook N4BCC Bob Vanfossen K4DJG Bennie Cook N4BCC Bob Vanfossen K4DJG Bennie Cook N4BCC Bob Vanfossen K4DJG

Bob Steere N1QEQ Sandy Mullins K4PZCBob Steere N1QEQ Sandy Mullins K4PZCBob Steere N1QEQ Sandy Mullins K4PZCBob Steere N1QEQ Sandy Mullins K4PZC

Ray Ritchie K4NRA Jason Armentrout N4DSL Ray Ritchie K4NRA Jason Armentrout N4DSL Ray Ritchie K4NRA Jason Armentrout N4DSL Ray Ritchie K4NRA Jason Armentrout N4DSL

David Tanks AD4TJ David Tanks AD4TJ David Tanks AD4TJ David Tanks AD4TJ

I would also like to thank all the spouses, who without

their support field day would not have been a suc-

cess.

In closing, I want to thank all the attendees to Field

Day 2017 and I hope everyone enjoyed the event.

John Keller W4ZAO, John Keller W4ZAO, John Keller W4ZAO, John Keller W4ZAO, President VARA

Field Day Chairman 2017

Thanks to everyone who supported Field Day from

VARAVARAVARAVARA and MARAMARAMARAMARA. What a tremendous experience with

great weather! There are so many different levels and

kinds of leadership in our two clubs. The quality that

makes this event so successful to participants is

lavish leadership– the kind that gives over and

above: the donation of digital expertise and equip-

ment to help log contacts at each station; the dona-

tion of trailers, computers, generators, gas, propane,

antennas, radios, etc.; the donation of time to pull

equipment and signage out of storage; setting up the

Field Day site; donation and

provisions of food and water

– steak, trout, and donuts (not all

at one time); contacting and invit-

ing elected representatives and

media representatives; bringing

music to Friday night’s dinner;

gifts for raffles; everything else not

mentioned. I wish I could name everyone who con-

tributed; you know who you are. You did it and you

own the success that comes from assembling this

event. You own the success for us to get to know

each other a little better and enjoy THE event of ama-

teur radio.

Andrew, N4RCEAndrew, N4RCEAndrew, N4RCEAndrew, N4RCE, President, MARA

President’s Corner

MARA Presidents letter July 2017MARA Presidents letter July 2017MARA Presidents letter July 2017MARA Presidents letter July 2017

3 The Monitor

The ride will be August 5, 2017 August 5, 2017 August 5, 2017 August 5, 2017 it starts at 0800080008000800. We will gather at the Highland County Highland County Highland County Highland County Public School Public School Public School Public School at 0700070007000700 that morning to be assigned tactical call signs and places in the ride. Understand that places in the ride will change as it progresses due to break downs and other situations. The ride will last until about 5-6 pm, but if you need to leave early, that is fine, just let us know Saturday morning and we can plan for it. If you need to arrive late, that is fine as well, let us know now so that we can plan ahead. ANY amount of help you can provide for this is much appreciated. Lodging is scarce in Highland and there may not be a place to stay here available. Check here, but you may need to look in Staunton, VA for a hotel. Camping is available at the school Friday night before the ride for anyone interested in camping. The showers and bathrooms in the school will be open for camper's use as well. (I usually sleep in my truck that night. Butch) If you are not familiar with the Mtn Momma, it offers ride routes from 25, 50, 75 and 100 miles at the same time, with overlapping routes. You will need a 25 watt or higher mobile radio with an outside antenna for this ride. Most of the routes will be in very rural areas on the fringe of the repeaters. Please have the following frequencies programmed into your radio:

147.180+ 100.7 Main Repeater147.180+ 100.7 Main Repeater147.180+ 100.7 Main Repeater147.180+ 100.7 Main Repeater 147.285+ 103.5 Secondary Repeater147.285+ 103.5 Secondary Repeater147.285+ 103.5 Secondary Repeater147.285+ 103.5 Secondary Repeater

147.345+ No Tone147.345+ No Tone147.345+ No Tone147.345+ No Tone 146.520 SIMPLEX frequency will only be needed under special situations146.520 SIMPLEX frequency will only be needed under special situations146.520 SIMPLEX frequency will only be needed under special situations146.520 SIMPLEX frequency will only be needed under special situations

Talk-in Friday evening and Saturday morning will be 147.180 147.180 147.180 147.180 repeater. For those interested the website for the ride is: http://www.highlandcountyrecreation.org/http://www.highlandcountyrecreation.org/http://www.highlandcountyrecreation.org/http://www.highlandcountyrecreation.org/ If you have any specific questions about the ride please feel free to ask me. Thank you very much for considering helping us out in this local event. Please consider this and let me know if you will be able to help. Butch N5SMQ/ Jerry WD4ITNButch N5SMQ/ Jerry WD4ITNButch N5SMQ/ Jerry WD4ITNButch N5SMQ/ Jerry WD4ITN

Mountain Momma Bike Ride

Website: http://www.shenvalarc.org/hamfest

Berryville Hamfest Always the first Sunday in AugustAlways the first Sunday in AugustAlways the first Sunday in AugustAlways the first Sunday in August

Sponsored by the Shenandoah Valley Amateur Radio Club (S.V.A.R.C.)

August 7 is National Lighthouse Day. It was on this day in 1789 that Congress first approved an Act for the establishment and support of

lighthouses. Two hundred years later, Congress made August 7th the official day in celebration of the history and purpose of lighthouses across

America.

For centuries lighthouses have served as a beacon of light, guiding ships safely to a harbor in fog or in a storm. To celebrate National Lighthouse

Day, visit a local lighthouse near you or donate to a lighthouse preservation society.

National Lighthouse Day

4 July 2017

The 2016 ARRL 160 Meter CW Contests 2016 ARRL 160 Meter CW Contests 2016 ARRL 160 Meter CW Contests 2016 ARRL 160 Meter CW Contests results are in, and the following local hams participated, in several different

categories:

N4MM John KanodeN4MM John KanodeN4MM John KanodeN4MM John Kanode Single Operator, Unlimited, High Power

W4PJW JeffW4PJW JeffW4PJW JeffW4PJW Jeff Single Operator, Unlimited, Low Power

W4PFM PaulW4PFM PaulW4PFM PaulW4PFM Paul Single Operator, Unlimited, Low Power

KR4V RickKR4V RickKR4V RickKR4V Rick Single Operator, Low Power

N3JB AlN3JB AlN3JB AlN3JB Al Single Operator, High Power

CALL SCORE QSO's Mult's Place in VA Place in Roanoke Div Place CALL SCORE QSO's Mult's Place in VA Place in Roanoke Div Place CALL SCORE QSO's Mult's Place in VA Place in Roanoke Div Place CALL SCORE QSO's Mult's Place in VA Place in Roanoke Div Place in in in in USUSUSUS

N4MM N4MM N4MM N4MM 56,583 306 85 12th of 20 19th of 36 131st of 288

W4PJWW4PJWW4PJWW4PJW 48,880 370 65 2nd of 8 2nd of 11 28th of 122

W4PFMW4PFMW4PFMW4PFM 15,184 143 52 5th of 8 6th of 11 64th of 122

KR4V KR4V KR4V KR4V 39,467 316 61 4th of 12 5th of 28 76th of 328

N3JBN3JBN3JBN3JB 22,538 179 59 15th of 16 23rd of 25 151st of 223

Congratulations for your efforts!

73, David AD4TJ David AD4TJ David AD4TJ David AD4TJ

Valley Contest News

2016 ARRL 160 Meter Results For Local Hams

The following hams participated in the 2016 10 Meter ARRL contest in December, some with super results: W4ZAO W4ZAO W4ZAO W4ZAO

John, KB4OLM Clint, Sandy K4PZC, W4PJW Jeff, W4PFM PaulJohn, KB4OLM Clint, Sandy K4PZC, W4PJW Jeff, W4PFM PaulJohn, KB4OLM Clint, Sandy K4PZC, W4PJW Jeff, W4PFM PaulJohn, KB4OLM Clint, Sandy K4PZC, W4PJW Jeff, W4PFM Paul, and myself AD4TJmyself AD4TJmyself AD4TJmyself AD4TJ.

Categories entered:

W4ZAOW4ZAOW4ZAOW4ZAO Single Operator, Unlimited, Phone Only, Low Power

KB4OLMKB4OLMKB4OLMKB4OLM Single Operator, Phone Only, Low Power

K4PZCK4PZCK4PZCK4PZC Single Operator, Phone Only, Low Power

W4PJWW4PJWW4PJWW4PJW Single Operator, Unlimited, Mixed, High Power

AD4TJAD4TJAD4TJAD4TJ Single Operator, CW Only, High Power

W4PFMW4PFMW4PFMW4PFM Single Operator, Unlimited, Mixed, Low Power

Unlimited means you can use spotting assistance and " automated, multi-channel decoders ".

Call Score QSO's MULT's Place in VA Place in Roanoke Div Place in USCall Score QSO's MULT's Place in VA Place in Roanoke Div Place in USCall Score QSO's MULT's Place in VA Place in Roanoke Div Place in USCall Score QSO's MULT's Place in VA Place in Roanoke Div Place in US

W4ZAOW4ZAOW4ZAOW4ZAO 18,880 241 40 1st of 2 1st of 7 2nd of 54

KB4OLMKB4OLMKB4OLMKB4OLM 19,178 225 43 1st of 12 1st of 19 6th of 199

K4PZCK4PZCK4PZCK4PZC 17,802 209 43 2nd of 12 2nd of 19 7th of 199

W4PJWW4PJWW4PJWW4PJW 19,364 130 47 7th of 12 10th of 17 62nd of 149

AD4TJAD4TJAD4TJAD4TJ 25,440 164 40 2nd of 3 3rd of 6 51st of 98

W4PFMW4PFMW4PFMW4PFM 264 13 6 4th of 4 4th of 5 93rd of 105

Congratulations to all for your efforts!

73, David AD4TJDavid AD4TJDavid AD4TJDavid AD4TJ

2016 10 Meter ARRL Contest Results For Local Hams

5 The Monitor

The Page Valley Amateur Radio Club

[PVARC]

The Pavilion

Lake Arrowhead, Luray Lake Arrowhead, Luray Lake Arrowhead, Luray Lake Arrowhead, Luray ----Saturday June 24Saturday June 24Saturday June 24Saturday June 24———— As Saturday dawned bright and hot, Lake Arrowhead was invaded by a group of Amateur Radio Operators from the local Page Valley Amateur Radio Club. Upon arriving,

they commandeered a pavilion and began filling it with all sorts of amateur paraphernalia - radios, computers,

cables, speakers, and other odd items peculiar to hams..

6 July 2017

The “Power” source.

Bob, KI4VFP and Gene, KJ4HFO

Bob, KI4VFP and new trailer / mast holder

The HF station

7 The Monitor

the ‘coffee pot’ arrives

Security is ‘on the job’

Akita Matter

Paul, KK4IRS

8 July 2017

Lunch is cooking courtesy of Morgan, K4RHD

Gary, K6OZ adding Hawaii

Mark. N4YAS

New ham’s new puppy, Jerry our security guard in training

New TS—2000 rig.

Mark, N4YSA and Gov't Offeeshuls

9 The Monitor

The calm before the storm. . .

Drawing by Tim-KM4TGC Page County Sheriff Chad Cubbage, Morgan-K4RHD, Dave-K4DPF

10 July 2017

Carrie racking them up Ham team “Matters”

Dave, K4DPF Tuning up for the first ‘contact’

First Contact

And they’re off ! ! !

11 The Monitor

Gary, K6OZ and Dave, K4DPF Dave, K4DPF mentoring future hams

Dave, K4DPF and Carrie Dave, K4DPF and Bob, KI4VFP going for the final tally

Tim-KM4TGC on the night shift running digi. Kids at play

12 July 2017

FIELD DAY 2017FIELD DAY 2017FIELD DAY 2017FIELD DAY 2017

Ever wonder what happens when you mix great weather, great

people and a great hobby together on a June weekend? You get

Field Day 2017.

The weather was perfect , beautiful sunrise over the mountains

could be seen from the Stokesville campground every morning

and there was just enough breeze throughout the day to keep

everyone from getting too hot in the 80 degree temperatures .

Many of the participants arrived earlier in the week to get a good

camp site and just relax before the hard work started in getting

the equipment set up for field day 2017. Benny - N4BCC, Bob

K4DJG, Jeff W4PJW , Jason N4DSL and others enjoyed scouting

the locations for the trailers and equipment placement while

others slowing started arriving Friday afternoon . By Friday night

over 45 people were at the VARA/MARA field day site.

John W4ZAO was busy preparing 3 large grills of char broiled

steaks, pork chops, chicken and fresh rainbow trout. The pavil-

ion was filled with a large assortment of fine side dishes and

desserts that feed the army of hungry amateur radio operators,

their family‘s and guests. Everyone enjoyed the live entertain-

ment of bluegrass, country, gospel and old time rock and roll.

The entertainers played guitars and had everyone joining in, in-

cluding Gerry K4RBZ who sang a song to wish his wife Shirley

“Happy Anniversary” as most of the members remember they

married on a Field day weekend many years ago.

Saturday morning the campground was buzzing with generators,

the smell of breakfast cooking all around and the tuning of an-

The Valley Amateur Radio Association and the

Massanutten Amateur Radio Association [VARA and MARA]

tenna’s, radio’s and last minute adjustments were made ready

by 2:00pm for the start of Field day 2017. This year VARA/

MARA operated as 3A with phone, cw and digital, but also a GO-

TA station overseen by Fred KF4FC and a VHF/UHF station

manned by Ray K4NRA and Brian K4RMY. The CW station with

Jeff W4PJW in charge was busy racking up over 1600 contacts

for this year’s event while Bob K4DJG made sure the digital sta-

tion was operating at peak performance with his Flex 5000 and

his gas to propane generator that he converted. While at the

phone station ,Kirsten KM4PVU and Gordon WA4FJC were trying

to keep the pile up going that they started later in the afternoon.

Kayli Weaver was busy photographing all the activity for our re-

port to ARRL and for the July edition of the Monitor using her Ni-

kon camera.

While the stations were operating, the smell of hamburgers

chicken, trout and hotdogs cooking over the grill made everyone

take a much deserved break Saturday night to enjoy a hot meal

to push thru the late night hours. The arrival of fresh baked do-

nuts (10 dozen to be exact) arrived just in time for the all night

operators to keep their energy levels high. Those dedicated indi-

viduals such as Greg W4GRC, Matthew KD4UPL, Jered KG4EHM

and all the way from Ohio, James NN4JM made sure the con-

tacts kept coming.

A beautiful sunrise Sunday morning greeted everyone along with

the smell of bacon, sausage, eggs and fried potatoes being

served under the pavilion by W4ZAO. How could the last day of

field day 2017 get any better! The contacts kept coming and

the weather was perfect for the last few hours of field day. At

2:00pm everyone knew it was time to pack up and head for

13 The Monitor

home and beyond. The radios, antennas and trailers were

packed up and everyone headed to the pavilion one last time to

await the final drawing of the raffle prizes that were given out

every hour throughout the weekend. You could hear a pin drop

as Kayli Weaver pulled the ticket for the grand prize, as she

turned the winning ticket over she had a big smile on her face

as she read her sisters name Kristen KM4PVU as the winner.

Everyone laughed and clapped as Field day 2017 came to an

end.

Field Day Chairman W4ZAO and all the committee members

want to thank everyone who participated in this year’s field day

event and hope that everyone had a great time and will pass the

word out for others to join them again next year.

Till next time 73!!

14 July 2017

2017 VARA/MARA Field Day Q's without the GOTA sta-

tion and VHF station totals

Band Mode QSOs Pts Pt/Q

3.5 CW 296 592 2.0

3.5 LSB 318 318 1.0

7 CW 321 642 2.0

7 LSB 154 154 1.0

7 PSK31 62 124 2.0

7 RTTY 42 84 2.0

14 CW 437 874 2.0

The GOTA station was well attended through most of

Field Day (I closed it about 10:00 pm on Saturday to

go enjoy the planetarium and opened it up about

8:30 the next morning. Both young and old partici-

pated in making contacts. Chris Shirkey certainly en-

joyed making contacts as well as helping and logging

for others and I believe felt much more comfortable

making contacts after the weekend. Kaili Weaver

(our primary under 18 participant) did a great job of

learning the ropes and had an opportunity to work

with young and older hams to make multiple con-

tacts. Two of the reporters from the newspapers

made contacts and were given certificates (one was a

maritime mobile). (my addition: There was an older

gentlemen who apparently lives up on the mountain

on Afton seemed to really enjoy making contacts as

did his daughter- I am sorry I don’t know his call but

maybe Gordon or Herb will remember. It would be

nice to mention him by name because he both had a

good time and helped others-Fred). I don’t know how

many contacts we made but I do know that all that

worked the station enjoyed it. It stayed open until the

very end of the Field Day activities.

Fred Castello - KF4FC

14 PSK31 2 4 2.0

14 RTTY 3 6 2.0

14 USB 410 410 1.0

21 CW 42 84 2.0

21 PSK31 3 6 2.0

21 RTTY 3 6 2.0

28 CW 19 38 2.0

Total Both 2112 3342 1.6

Score: 6,684 1 Mult = 1.0 Q's

15 The Monitor

My son – KC4RNWKC4RNWKC4RNWKC4RNW - has decide to “retire” from Amateur Radio. All his equipment was purchased new. It did not have heavy usage, just our weekend schedules when he was

active.

The equipment is as follows – Yaesu FT 757 GXII Yaesu FT 757 GXII Yaesu FT 757 GXII Yaesu FT 757 GXII -------- MFJ 989C 3 MFJ 989C 3 MFJ 989C 3 MFJ 989C 3

KW tuner KW tuner KW tuner KW tuner ---- Astron RS Astron RS Astron RS Astron RS –––– 35M35M35M35M

I have checked all the equipment, had it on the air, both SSB &

CW. All works well and received good reports.

I installed a new memory battery in the 757. Checked out the tun-er and the calibration of the wattmeter on both Hi & Lo scales. A Yaesu MH-1 mike and a Vibroplex key are also included. Operator and Service manual for the 757, Instruction manual for the Tuner

and schematic for the RS – 35M power supply.

Asking $ 850 for the package.

Contact KC4RNW KC4RNW KC4RNW KC4RNW <margeal@comcast.netmargeal@comcast.netmargeal@comcast.netmargeal@comcast.net>

Regards to All, AL –N3JB

I have an Icom 756 Pro Icom 756 Pro Icom 756 Pro Icom 756 Pro that has no power output on transmit, but all other functions work fine. Rather than

shipping it off for repair, I am offering it to anyone who would like to repair or have it repaired for a very reason-

able price as is. Give me a call and we'll talk.

Gerry Brunk/K4RBZ Home: 540-434-0440 Cell: 540-383-5722

The trailer committee reported some “close calls” of nearly purchasing a trailer but no success.

Efforts continuing.

New BusinessNew BusinessNew BusinessNew Business:

Zory Zory Zory Zory KB3VQC KB3VQC KB3VQC KB3VQC reported on planned National Electronics Museum on the air activities for the anniversary of D-Day and also mentioned an opportunity to visit a noted contesting station W3LPL on Jun 17

Discussion of suggestions for getting more attendees at Field Day (Zory Zory Zory Zory KB3VQC KB3VQC KB3VQC KB3VQC will get scout contact info and secretary will send out invitations to Spring Festival list)

The meeting was adjourned at 7:24 PM, followed by doughnuts and discussions and a presentation of the Field Day logging soft-

ware by Dave K4DPFDave K4DPFDave K4DPFDave K4DPF

Respectfully submitted by Gary Fischer K6OZGary Fischer K6OZGary Fischer K6OZGary Fischer K6OZ, PVARC SecretaryPVARC SecretaryPVARC SecretaryPVARC Secretary

16 July 2017

June 2, 2017 Meeting Minutes June 2, 2017 Meeting Minutes June 2, 2017 Meeting Minutes June 2, 2017 Meeting Minutes

The meeting was called to order by President Dave Firestone Dave Firestone Dave Firestone Dave Firestone K4DPF K4DPF K4DPF K4DPF at 6:43 PM at Tactical Walls in Shenandoah. (Thanks to Tim KM4TGC and Carrie KM4WDX for the donation of the use of

the facility!)

11 members were in attendance

The Secretary's report and Treasurer's report were approved

Old BusinessOld BusinessOld BusinessOld Business:

Committee reportsCommittee reportsCommittee reportsCommittee reports: Field DayField DayField DayField Day: Plans are completed and in place EMCOM/Public ServiceEMCOM/Public ServiceEMCOM/Public ServiceEMCOM/Public Service: Discussion of potential sup-

port to the Cooter’s event in July. Web SitesWeb SitesWeb SitesWeb Sites: Dave K4DPF Dave K4DPF Dave K4DPF Dave K4DPF reports software has been

updated for both the club and the ARES sites

PVARC Secretary’s Report

Any radio connected to your computer via a com port

could be affected by this. The software sounds like some-

thing we should all have in our bag of tools for checking

out our computer's operation.

73, David AD4TJDavid AD4TJDavid AD4TJDavid AD4TJ

Around 6 months ago I was trying to figure out why I was

having trouble connecting to any of my com ports. It was

as if they were already open and it would take up to 10

tries to connect before it would work. I finally gave up try-

ing to resolve the issue but about a week ago I found out

what the issue was and I thought I would pass it along in

case it might help somewhere in the future.

I ran across this software called "Serial Port Monitor" by

Eltima which displays and logs serial communication to

and from com ports and shows the application using the

ports. I thought I would try it to see if by chance it would

Helpful Hint

help. I loaded the software, started the monitoring, and in

2 or 3 minutes I could clearly see what the issue was with

my com ports. I have two UPS units that I use to hold power

to my gear during the 30-40 seconds between the power

going down and my whole house generator kicking in when

there is loss of power. They can be usb connected to a PC

for monitoring and I don't use that feature but the software

was loaded for one of them on my PC but was not connect-

ed to my PC and I thought not active. It turns out that the

software looks for the UPS by opening and closing every

connected com port in a round robin method until the UPS

answers and it never stops until it finds one. Whenever I

tried to connect to a com port I had to catch it between the

times that it was being opened and close by the UPS soft-

ware. I uninstalled the software and now my problem is

gone.

73, Ed W4TBDEd W4TBDEd W4TBDEd W4TBD

17 The Monitor

MARA Secretary’s Report MARA Secretary’s Report MARA Secretary’s Report MARA Secretary’s Report –––– June 1, 2917June 1, 2917June 1, 2917June 1, 2917

General Meeting called to order at the Wood Grill, Harri-

sonburg, by President Andrew Pearson (N4RCE)President Andrew Pearson (N4RCE)President Andrew Pearson (N4RCE)President Andrew Pearson (N4RCE) at 7:29 p.m.

20 members and 6 guests were present. Introductions

were made all around.

New Member Vote:New Member Vote:New Member Vote:New Member Vote: Margaret Sheridan (KN4COV)Margaret Sheridan (KN4COV)Margaret Sheridan (KN4COV)Margaret Sheridan (KN4COV)

Unanimously approved. Welcome, MargaretWelcome, MargaretWelcome, MargaretWelcome, Margaret!!!!

New Member First Reading: Janie Liskey New Member First Reading: Janie Liskey New Member First Reading: Janie Liskey New Member First Reading: Janie Liskey (no call yet; she’s work-

ing on it!)

The Secretary’s MinutesThe Secretary’s MinutesThe Secretary’s MinutesThe Secretary’s Minutes for last month’s meeting approved as

published in the MonitorMonitorMonitorMonitor,

The Treasurer’s Report The Treasurer’s Report The Treasurer’s Report The Treasurer’s Report for last month approved as published in

the MonitorMonitorMonitorMonitor....

Committee Reports:Committee Reports:Committee Reports:Committee Reports:

ARES: Bryan Daniels (K4RMY): ARES: Bryan Daniels (K4RMY): ARES: Bryan Daniels (K4RMY): ARES: Bryan Daniels (K4RMY): ARES is planning to have a

meeting this month. There were several Level 3 qualifiers last

month. We are looking for more moving up to Level 2.

Repeater Committee:Repeater Committee:Repeater Committee:Repeater Committee: Bob Vanfossen (K4DLG): Larry Harri-Bob Vanfossen (K4DLG): Larry Harri-Bob Vanfossen (K4DLG): Larry Harri-Bob Vanfossen (K4DLG): Larry Harri-

son (K3JRR) son (K3JRR) son (K3JRR) son (K3JRR) will be the go-to person for any future repairs to

the 440 repeater 440 repeater 440 repeater 440 repeater on Great North Mtn. . . . The APRS digipeater is at

the same site.

VE Committee: Gayle Shull (KU4XN): VE Committee: Gayle Shull (KU4XN): VE Committee: Gayle Shull (KU4XN): VE Committee: Gayle Shull (KU4XN): Next regular test ses-

sion will be at 9:00 A.M., June 10,9:00 A.M., June 10,9:00 A.M., June 10,9:00 A.M., June 10, at Woodmen LifeWoodmen LifeWoodmen LifeWoodmen Life, Rt 42 in

Dayton.

Public Service Committee:Public Service Committee:Public Service Committee:Public Service Committee: Gayle Gayle Gayle Gayle also announced that the

Bridgewater Carnival Bridgewater Carnival Bridgewater Carnival Bridgewater Carnival will be held from July 14 July 14 July 14 July 14 –––– 15. communi-15. communi-15. communi-15. communi-

cations assistance needed.cations assistance needed.cations assistance needed.cations assistance needed.

Field Day Committee: John Keller (W4ZAO): FD at Stokesville Field Day Committee: John Keller (W4ZAO): FD at Stokesville Field Day Committee: John Keller (W4ZAO): FD at Stokesville Field Day Committee: John Keller (W4ZAO): FD at Stokesville

Campground; Campground; Campground; Campground; Setup begins at 2 P.M. on Friday, 6/23.at 2 P.M. on Friday, 6/23.at 2 P.M. on Friday, 6/23.at 2 P.M. on Friday, 6/23. Camp-

ing fees are $10/person$10/person$10/person$10/person, RVs or tenting. There will be blue

grass and country western music by

a guest band Fri. evening, with

campfire and pot luck supper featuring

steak, BBQ, and rainbow troutsteak, BBQ, and rainbow troutsteak, BBQ, and rainbow troutsteak, BBQ, and rainbow trout prepared

by W4ZAOW4ZAOW4ZAOW4ZAO. Everyone signing in gets a

free raffle ticketfree raffle ticketfree raffle ticketfree raffle ticket with bi-hourly drawings

for little and big prizes.

The Grand PrizeGrand PrizeGrand PrizeGrand Prize drawing will be at 4:00 4:00 4:00 4:00

P.M. on SundayP.M. on SundayP.M. on SundayP.M. on Sunday. You must be present to must be present to must be present to must be present to

winwinwinwin when your name is drawn!

Old Business: Old Business: Old Business: Old Business: none

New Business: David Fordham (KD9LA): New Business: David Fordham (KD9LA): New Business: David Fordham (KD9LA): New Business: David Fordham (KD9LA): put out a feeler about

an experimental conversion of the present 145.130 2-meter

repeater. Using certain Yaesu equipment, the repeater would

be capable of digital, digital to analogue, and analogue to digital,

in addition to the current analogue-only mode. Analogue users

would have to program their radios to include a PL decode tone.

Hearing no concerns, David will move, at the next MARA meet-

ing, to have this conversion go forward.

Announcements: Gerald Nauman (KN4FM): Announcements: Gerald Nauman (KN4FM): Announcements: Gerald Nauman (KN4FM): Announcements: Gerald Nauman (KN4FM): More people are

needed to sign up for Monday night ARES Net ControlMonday night ARES Net ControlMonday night ARES Net ControlMonday night ARES Net Control.

50/50 Drawing50/50 Drawing50/50 Drawing50/50 Drawing: Of $35.00 in tickets sold, $17.50 $17.50 $17.50 $17.50 was won by

Paul Wyse (W4PFM) Congratulations, PaulPaul Wyse (W4PFM) Congratulations, PaulPaul Wyse (W4PFM) Congratulations, PaulPaul Wyse (W4PFM) Congratulations, Paul!!!!

$17.50 went to the MARA treasury. . . .

Time Adjourned: Time Adjourned: Time Adjourned: Time Adjourned: 8:18 p.m. Program: Show and Tell, Program: Show and Tell, Program: Show and Tell, Program: Show and Tell, Several people presented inter-esting items, including Pete Fundinger (AA4PF), Jim Leyman Pete Fundinger (AA4PF), Jim Leyman Pete Fundinger (AA4PF), Jim Leyman Pete Fundinger (AA4PF), Jim Leyman (W4PLO), Gerry Brunk (K4RBZ), Paul Wyse (W4PFM), (W4PLO), Gerry Brunk (K4RBZ), Paul Wyse (W4PFM), (W4PLO), Gerry Brunk (K4RBZ), Paul Wyse (W4PFM), (W4PLO), Gerry Brunk (K4RBZ), Paul Wyse (W4PFM), and Bob Bob Bob Bob VanFossen (K4DJG).VanFossen (K4DJG).VanFossen (K4DJG).VanFossen (K4DJG). Three among those were the JY1 QSL card of King Hussain of Jordan, Gerry Brunk’s P5 (North Korea) QSL (bet we won’t see another of those in the near future), and Bob VanFossen’s automatic magnetic loop antenna tuner. Respectively submitted, Herb Slade, AA2BF, SecretaryHerb Slade, AA2BF, SecretaryHerb Slade, AA2BF, SecretaryHerb Slade, AA2BF, Secretary

MARA Secretary’s Report

Silent Keys

John Hensley WD4RXU John Hensley WD4RXU John Hensley WD4RXU John Hensley WD4RXU 10101010----MAYMAYMAYMAY----2017201720172017

Jim Steiner, W3BWDJim Steiner, W3BWDJim Steiner, W3BWDJim Steiner, W3BWD 4444----JUNJUNJUNJUN----2017201720172017

No

picture

18 July 2017

VARA Minutes for June 2017VARA Minutes for June 2017VARA Minutes for June 2017VARA Minutes for June 2017 The June meeting of the Valley Amateur Radio Association was opened at 7 pm by President John Keller W4ZAO. 30 members and guests were in attendance. The usual introductions were made. John reminded us of the passing of Jim Steiner, W3BWD, who helped us out at Field Day many years. The 50/50 drawing of $11.50 was won by Karen Pience N3TCT,Karen Pience N3TCT,Karen Pience N3TCT,Karen Pience N3TCT, who graciously donated it back to the club. ARES ReportARES ReportARES ReportARES Report: David Tanks AD4TJDavid Tanks AD4TJDavid Tanks AD4TJDavid Tanks AD4TJ, EC for Augusta County, re-minded us that hurricane season started June 1st, and that all hams should stay prepared to be able to deal with emergency situations. he asked for a volunteer to run the ARES net on the 8th, the 2nd Thursday of the month. Fred Evans N4KYM volun-teered. The net will be held on the 146.850 repeater. Field DayField DayField DayField Day: John reminded us of the Field Day committee meeting tomorrow night, the 7th. And for new hams that Field Day will be held at the Stokesville Campground, as it has for the last 2 years. There will be a Phone station, a CW stationPhone station, a CW stationPhone station, a CW stationPhone station, a CW station, and a GOTAGOTAGOTAGOTA sta-tion, along with a Digital stationDigital stationDigital stationDigital station. Camping is available for campers and tenters. We are hoping to have the GOTA GOTA GOTA GOTA station and the Digital Digital Digital Digital station to be able to be used as a Phone or CW station if things are slow for their original purpose, There will also be an hourly or 2-hourly raffle drawing for prizes. He also has entertainment lined up to serenade us during and after the Pot Luck dinner Friday night. Kristen Weaver KM4PVU Kristen Weaver KM4PVU Kristen Weaver KM4PVU Kristen Weaver KM4PVU told us about the Facebook page for the Field Day effort: vara-vara-vara-vara-marafd17marafd17marafd17marafd17. David mentioned that due to his back injury he would not be able to do his full part of receiving and delivering the 10 mes-sages for 100 bonus points, and the message to the Section Manager or Section Emergency Coordinator for another 100 bo-

nus points. Roger Pience N1XP Roger Pience N1XP Roger Pience N1XP Roger Pience N1XP said he would be willing to do it.

Thanks Roger! Secretary's reportSecretary's reportSecretary's reportSecretary's report: David made a motion that the minutes be accepted as printed in the newsletter; seconded, and passed. Treasurer's reportTreasurer's reportTreasurer's reportTreasurer's report: Greg Czerniak W4GRC, treasurer, read his report; motion made, seconded and passed. New membersNew membersNew membersNew members: the first reading of the applications of Angie Angie Angie Angie Nash KM4FAI Nash KM4FAI Nash KM4FAI Nash KM4FAI and Rob Nash K3RFP Rob Nash K3RFP Rob Nash K3RFP Rob Nash K3RFP of Staunton was made; the membership of Dan Shumard N6DJSDan Shumard N6DJSDan Shumard N6DJSDan Shumard N6DJS, was voted on. Welcome Dan! Old businessOld businessOld businessOld business: none. New businessNew businessNew businessNew business: The Veterans of Foreign Wars, represented by Al Scott, Post Commander, and Robert Carter, are sponsoring a bike ride to benefit veterans, and would like the club to help out with SAG support. The riders would start at Gypsy Hill Park, and ride to Bridgewater and back. This would take place September 9th 8 am to approximately 4:30 pm. Website for it is: valleyveteransrideforheroes.orgvalleyveteransrideforheroes.orgvalleyveteransrideforheroes.orgvalleyveteransrideforheroes.org. The club voted to take this on as a club activity. The amount of riders is unknown at this time. Contests and Special EventsContests and Special EventsContests and Special EventsContests and Special Events: none were brought up. John told us of the certificate that Dave Fordham KD9LA made up, to show that each operator of the GOTA station would re-ceive, showing that they had made a contact via Amateur Radio. With no further business to discuss, the meeting was ad-journed at 7:36 pm. Respectfully submitted by David Tanks AD4TJDavid Tanks AD4TJDavid Tanks AD4TJDavid Tanks AD4TJ

VARA Secretary’s Report

Submitted by Foster Farone, WF4O, MARA Treasurer

May 21, 2017 to June 20, 2017

Opening Balance $1,081.86

Income: Memberships $24.00

50/50 – June Mee�ng $17.50

Total Income: $41.50

Expenses: Electric $20.27

Field Day (Campground, MARA’s ½) $250.00

Total Expenses: $270.27

Balance June 20, 2017 $853.09

MARA Treasurer’s Report

19 The Monitor

Don’t forgetDon’t forgetDon’t forgetDon’t forget: The local ARES groups hold regular nets to let you check out

your radio equipment, antennas, and other station gear. Take advantage

of these opportunities to get signal reports and get to know the other local

hams. All hams are welcomeAll hams are welcomeAll hams are welcomeAll hams are welcome!

Get Involved!

The Page County ARES Net Page County ARES Net Page County ARES Net Page County ARES Net meets the first Sunday nights on the local 146.550 simplex146.550 simplex146.550 simplex146.550 simplex, the second Sunday on

the 146.670 (PL 114.8) 146.670 (PL 114.8) 146.670 (PL 114.8) 146.670 (PL 114.8) repeater, and the remaining Sundays on the 146.625 (PL 131.8) 146.625 (PL 131.8) 146.625 (PL 131.8) 146.625 (PL 131.8) repeater, at 8:00 pm

local time.

The Rockingham County ARES Net Rockingham County ARES Net Rockingham County ARES Net Rockingham County ARES Net meets Monday nights at 8:00 pm local time, the first Monday on

146.550 146.550 146.550 146.550 simplex, all other Mondays on the 147.225(+) 147.225(+) 147.225(+) 147.225(+) repeater (PL 131.8PL 131.8PL 131.8PL 131.8).

The Augusta County ARES Net Augusta County ARES Net Augusta County ARES Net Augusta County ARES Net meets the second Thursday of each month at 8:00 pm local time, usually on the

146.850 repeater (PL 131.8). 146.850 repeater (PL 131.8). 146.850 repeater (PL 131.8). 146.850 repeater (PL 131.8).

The NVTNNVTNNVTNNVTN (Northern Virginia Traffic NetNorthern Virginia Traffic NetNorthern Virginia Traffic NetNorthern Virginia Traffic Net) meets daily on the 147.300 (PL 131.8) 147.300 (PL 131.8) 147.300 (PL 131.8) 147.300 (PL 131.8) repeater at 7:30 pm local time.

The ODEN (Old Dominion Emergency Net) ODEN (Old Dominion Emergency Net) ODEN (Old Dominion Emergency Net) ODEN (Old Dominion Emergency Net) meets every first and third Monday on 3.947 mHz 3.947 mHz 3.947 mHz 3.947 mHz at 6:30 pm local

time. All hams are welcome!All hams are welcome!All hams are welcome!All hams are welcome!

The VSBN (Virginia Sideband Net) VSBN (Virginia Sideband Net) VSBN (Virginia Sideband Net) VSBN (Virginia Sideband Net) meets daily on 3.947 mHz 3.947 mHz 3.947 mHz 3.947 mHz at 6:00 PM local time. All Amateurs are welcomeAll Amateurs are welcomeAll Amateurs are welcomeAll Amateurs are welcome!

The VLN (Virginia Late Net) VLN (Virginia Late Net) VLN (Virginia Late Net) VLN (Virginia Late Net) meets daily on 3.947 mHz 3.947 mHz 3.947 mHz 3.947 mHz at 10:00 PM local time. All Amateurs are welcomeAll Amateurs are welcomeAll Amateurs are welcomeAll Amateurs are welcome!

Page County Va. ARES Frequencies

Repeaters Simplex 146.625 131.8 Page ARES Channel 1 146.55 146.670 114.8 “ “ “ 2 146.40 443.350 203.5 “ “ “ 3 146.45 “ “ “ 4 146.50 “ “ “ 5 147.45

_____________________________________________________________________ ARES Contacts

Mark Hensley EC N4YSA 540-578-1133 n4ysa@gmx.com Morgan Phenix AEC K4RHD phenix@centurylink.net Bob Forrest AEC WO4MI wo4mi@arrl.net

Call Up ProcedureCall Up ProcedureCall Up ProcedureCall Up Procedure

Call up for the Page County ARES Page County ARES Page County ARES Page County ARES members will be via 146.625R & Page ARES Channel 1. 146.55 via 146.625R & Page ARES Channel 1. 146.55 via 146.625R & Page ARES Channel 1. 146.55 via 146.625R & Page ARES Channel 1. 146.55 simplex. simplex. simplex. simplex. You will be advised of the emergency and you assignment. In the event of power loss, inclement

weather or other emergency, monitor the Call up frequencies at the top of the hour.

VE Testing (No, we’re not talking about Canada)

Thanks to the VEs for making the June 10th. session possible. ROBERT VAN FOSSEN K4DJG ELLSWORTH NEFF K4LXG JIM LEHMAN W4POL RAY RICHIE K4NRA Our next session will be August 12 2017 at the Woodsmen Life building in Dayton. 9:00 AM sharp. $15.00 testing fee. We had five show up for testing. We issued three tech. and one general license. Again thanks to those who helped. If you are an accredited VE and would like to help, contact Gayle Shull, KU4XN Gayle Shull, KU4XN Gayle Shull, KU4XN Gayle Shull, KU4XN at

gshu7411@gmail.com gshu7411@gmail.com gshu7411@gmail.com gshu7411@gmail.com GAYLE, KU4XN GAYLE, KU4XN GAYLE, KU4XN GAYLE, KU4XN

20 July 2017

6W, Senegal6W, Senegal6W, Senegal6W, Senegal: 6W1SU is Ronald (VE3REV), who has moved to Dakar, Senegal since August and will remain there for two or three years. He plans to be active on 80-6 metres, "currently operating phone only but hoping to tackle CW later". QSL via M0URX's OQRS www.m0urx.com/oqrs/ ) for direct and bureau cards. See www.qrz.com/db/6W1SU www.qrz.com/db/6W1SU www.qrz.com/db/6W1SU www.qrz.com/db/6W1SU for more information. 9Q, DEM. REP. OF THE CONGO9Q, DEM. REP. OF THE CONGO9Q, DEM. REP. OF THE CONGO9Q, DEM. REP. OF THE CONGO: Fernando, EA4BB (ex-9Q5BB, D2BB, ST2BF, TU5JL, TZ6BB, Z21BB), is now active as 9Q6BB from Kinshasa (eastern part of the country) for up to the next 3 years. Activity has been on 20/17 meters using CW. Operations are QRP using an Elecraft KX2 w/5w into a Vertical telescopic whip 5.2m antenna. QSL via W3HNK. DL, GermanyDL, GermanyDL, GermanyDL, Germany: Operators of the club station DL0VBG from the railway museum Vienenburg (DOK H09) will be working with the special event call DR0HARZ (special DOK 25HSB) during 2017 to mark the 25th anniversary of the return of the narrow gauge Brocken Railway (1141m asl). QSL via DF7AA (d/B). DL, GermanyDL, GermanyDL, GermanyDL, Germany: DM200LFS (special DOK 200LFS) commemorates the 200th birthday of Louis Ferdinand Schoenherr, a German inventor of power looms. The special event station will be on the air until the end of February 2018. All QSOs count as a "joker" and 10 points for the KIDS award, supporting SOS Chil-dren's Villages in Saxony. QSL via eQSL, LoTW, bureau. http://http://http://http://df0che.darc.de/dm200lfs.phpdf0che.darc.de/dm200lfs.phpdf0che.darc.de/dm200lfs.phpdf0che.darc.de/dm200lfs.php F, France F, France F, France F, France - The special event station TM500LH cele-brates the 500th anniversary of Le Havre. QRV be-tween May 25-31 and July 5-10. QSL via F6KOH, eQSL. FOFOFOFO - Jean-Pierre, F6CTF will be active as TX5X (also/mm) from the Leeward Islands and the Windward Islands, French Polyne-sia between late May and early August. He will be QRV on 80-10 metres SSB, CW and JT65. [TNX F8REF] J2, Djibouti J2, Djibouti J2, Djibouti J2, Djibouti - Dane/S53T will be staying in Djibouti until the end of 2019 and has now received his operating permit with the call J28ND. Right now he works with a low power rig and vertical an-tennas. QSL via S57DX. LZ, BulgariaLZ, BulgariaLZ, BulgariaLZ, Bulgaria: Nasko/LZ1YE celebrates his 45th year on the air with the call LZ45YE throughout the year. QRV on HF on SSB, CW, and digital modes. QSL via LZ1YE (d/B). The Headquarter of the Thracian Rose Club operates with the call LZ73TRC during 2017. QSL via LZ1YE (d/B). Members of the Thracian Rose Club are going to direct our attention to the 114th Roses Festival with the call LZ114RF until July 31. QSL via LZ1YE (d/B). http://http://http://http://

This month’s bulle)n was made possible with informa)on provided by NC1L, QRZ DX, The Weekly DX, The OPDX Bulle)n, 425 DX News, The Daily DX,

DXNL, Contest Corral from QST, the ARRL Contest Calendar and WA7BNM web sites. Thanks to all.

www.trcdx.org/www.trcdx.org/www.trcdx.org/www.trcdx.org/ OH, FinlandOH, FinlandOH, FinlandOH, Finland: Finnish hams will be using the prefix OF OF OF OF

during 2017 to celebrate their country's 100 years of inde-pendence. S5, SloveniaS5, SloveniaS5, SloveniaS5, Slovenia: S5100LIONS celebrates the 100th anniver-sary of the Lions Club International until the end of 2017. QSL via S53DOX. URURURUR - Special callsign EO25P will be active from 1 June to 31 De-cember to celebrate the 25th anniversary of the Volyn Amateur Radio League. See https://www.qrz.com/db/EO25P for infor-mation on the certificate available for contacts made with EO25P and other EO25 stations. [TNX UT1PG] VEVEVEVE - The Frontenac Amateur Radio Club will operate special event station XM3CARF from 3 June to 3 July to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the founding of the Canadian Amateur Ra-dio Federation. QSL via operator's instructions. Canada's first successful national amateur radio society, CARF existed be-tween 1967 and 1993, when it was amalgamated with the Ca-nadian Radio Relay League to form the Radio Amateurs of Cana-da. YV, VenezuelaYV, VenezuelaYV, VenezuelaYV, Venezuela: The Asociacion de Radioaficionados de Venezue-la (ARV) celebrates its 50th anniversary with the special call YV50ARV until the year's end on HF (CW, SSB, digital modes). QSL via YV5DTA/W4DTA, LolTW.

How’s DX

AFAFAFAF----006 006 006 006 ---- VQ9VQ9VQ9VQ9: Jim, ND9M is going to be active again from Diego Garcia (AFAFAFAF----006006006006), Chagos. His VQ96JC license is valid until July, but he will try and get VQ917JC, as he has used "year-specific special calls every year starting in 2007". Plans are to be QRV for about three hours during his evenings, as he has to com-mute between his ship and his operating location on the is-land, then set up and break down each time. He operates mainly CW, with some SSB and digital modes. QSL via home call. [TNX OPDX Bulletin] ANANANAN----001001001001———— div., Graham Land West (Adelaide Island) div., Graham Land West (Adelaide Island) div., Graham Land West (Adelaide Island) div., Graham Land West (Adelaide Island) group: Alan/MW0YCC will be active from the Rothera Research Sta-tion/Adelaide Island and other locations until April 2018 as VP8DPJ. QSL only via eQSL. ASASASAS----015 015 015 015 ---- WEST MALAYSIA, 9M2WEST MALAYSIA, 9M2WEST MALAYSIA, 9M2WEST MALAYSIA, 9M2: Rich/PA0RRS will be active again as 9M2MRS from Penang Island until the end of January

IOTA’s

SB SPCL ARL ARLX006 ARLX006 ARRL Sacramento Valley Section Official Observer Coordinator Norm Lucas, WB6RVR (SK)SB SPCL ARL ARLX006 ARLX006 ARRL Sacramento Valley Section Official Observer Coordinator Norm Lucas, WB6RVR (SK)SB SPCL ARL ARLX006 ARLX006 ARRL Sacramento Valley Section Official Observer Coordinator Norm Lucas, WB6RVR (SK)SB SPCL ARL ARLX006 ARLX006 ARRL Sacramento Valley Section Official Observer Coordinator Norm Lucas, WB6RVR (SK)

21 The Monitor

2018. QRV on 40-10m (CW, RTTY, JT65, JT9, and some SSB). QSL via PA0RRS (d/B), ClubLog, LoTW, eQSL. EUEUEUEU----020 020 020 020 ---- SWEDEN, SMSWEDEN, SMSWEDEN, SMSWEDEN, SM. Members of the Gotlands Radi-oklubb are QRV with special callsigns 7S1GRK and SK70BL from Gotland Island, IOTA EUEUEUEU----020020020020, until December 31 to cele-brate the club's 70th anniversary. Activity is on various HF bands. All QSOs will be confirmed automatically via the bu-reau. EUEUEUEU----125 125 125 125 ---- OZ OZ OZ OZ - Dieter, DF2SD will be active as OZ/DF2SD from Fano Island (EUEUEUEU----125125125125) from 23 July to 4 August, including participation in the IOTA Contest. He will operate SSB and digital modes on 80-6 metres. QSL via Club Log's OQRS, LoTW and eQSL, or via home call (direct or bureau). [TNX rsgbio-ta.org]

OCOCOCOC----002 002 002 002 ---- VK9X VK9X VK9X VK9X - Kun, HL1AHS will be active as VK9AA from Christmas Island (OC-002) from 24 June to 1 July. He will oper-ate CW, SSB, RTTY and PSK31 on 80-10 metres. QSL via HL2UVH. OCOCOCOC----073 073 073 073 ---- JD1, MINAMI TORISHIMAJD1, MINAMI TORISHIMAJD1, MINAMI TORISHIMAJD1, MINAMI TORISHIMA. Take, JG8NQJ, will once again be active as JG8NQJ/JD1 from Marcus Island in the Minami Torishima (OC-073, JCG 10007) group between mid-May and mid-July. He is usually there to work on the island's weather station. Activity will be limited to his spare time. He will be mainly on 17 meters but will also on 20/15/12/10/6 me-ters using CW and RTTY. QSL via JA8CJY or by the Bureau via JG8NQJ. SASASASA----036 036 036 036 ---- P4 P4 P4 P4 - DF4XX, DL4HG, DL7AT and DL8UD will be active as P40X from Aruba (SASASASA----036036036036) from 22 July to 5 August. They will participate in the IOTA Contest. QSL via DL8UD, direct or bu-reau; the log will be uploaded to Club Log. [TNX DL8UD]

RTTY

1 RAC Canada Day Contest

1 FISTS Summer Slow Speed Sprint

1 Venezuelan Ind. Day Contest

1111----7 13 Colonies Special Event 7 13 Colonies Special Event 7 13 Colonies Special Event 7 13 Colonies Special Event

1-2 DL-DX RTTY Contest

1-2 Marconi Memorial HF Contest

1-2 Original QRP Contest

1-2 PODXS 070 Club 40m Firecracker Sprint

2 DARC 10-Meter Digital Contest

3 RSGB 80m Club Championship, CW

3-9 10-10 Int. Spirit of 76 QSO Party

3-9 IQRP Quarterly Marathon

3 RSGB 80m Club Championship, CW

4 ARS Spartan Sprint

5 Phone Fray

5-6 CWops Mini-CWT Test

6 NRAU 10m Activity Contest

7 QRP Fox Hunt

7 NCCC RTTY Sprint

7 NCCC Sprint

8 FISTS Summer Unlimited Sprint

8-9 IARU HF World Championship

8-9 SKCC Weekend Sprintathon

10 CQC Great Colorado Gold Rush

9 QRP ARCI Summer Homebrew Sprint

12 Phone Fray

12-13 CWops Mini-CWT Test

12 RSGB 80m Club Championship, SSB

14 QRP Fox Hunt

14 NCCC RTTY Sprint

14 NCCC Sprint

15 Russian Radio Team Championship

15 Trans-Tasman Low-Bands Challenge

15-16 DMC RTTY Contest

15 Feld Hell Sprint

15-16 North American QSO Party, RTTY

15-16 CQ Worldwide VHF Contest

16 RSGB Low Power Contest

17 Run for the Bacon QRP Contest

19 Phone Fray

19-20 CWops Mini-CWT Test

20 NAQCC CW Sprint

21 QRP Fox Hunt

21 NCCC RTTY Sprint

21 NCCC Sprint

22 SA Sprint Contest

26 SKCC Sprint

26 Phone Fray

26-27 CWops Mini-CWT Test

27 RSGB 80m Club Championship, Data

28 QRP Fox Hunt

28 NCCC RTTY Sprint

28 NCCC Sprint

29 Feld Hell Sprint

29-30 RSGB IOTA Contest

30 ARS Flight of the Bumblebees

For more details and information, go to:For more details and information, go to:For more details and information, go to:For more details and information, go to: http://www.hornucopia.com/contestcal/contestcal.htmlhttp://www.hornucopia.com/contestcal/contestcal.htmlhttp://www.hornucopia.com/contestcal/contestcal.htmlhttp://www.hornucopia.com/contestcal/contestcal.html

Contests & QSO Parties

RTTY

22 July 2017

Calendar of Local Events

*Deadline for newsletter articles is the 20th of the preceding month of publication.

The club newsletter, The MonitorThe MonitorThe MonitorThe Monitor, is provided free of charge monthly to all

members of all three clubs via email distribution, in PDF format. However, it is the

individual club members’ responsibility to notify the newsletter editor directly of all

changes in email address. Electronic back issues are available on the MARA

website: <http://mara.wshttp://mara.wshttp://mara.wshttp://mara.ws>

Members not receiving the electronic Monitor in a timely fashion (e.g., before their

monthly club meeting) should notify the newsletter editor promptly to investigate

and resolve the problem with distribution. Members who are using the latest

updated version of Adobe Reader and experience trouble opening the Monitor

email attachment can contact the newsletter editor for assistance.

July

2 Page County ARES Net (146.550 Simplex) 3 Old Dominion Emergency Net (3.947 kHz) 3 Rockingham County ARES Net (146.550 Simplex) 4 INDEPENDENCE DAY4 INDEPENDENCE DAY4 INDEPENDENCE DAY4 INDEPENDENCE DAY 6 MARA Club Meeting6 MARA Club Meeting6 MARA Club Meeting6 MARA Club Meeting 7 PVARC Club Meeting7 PVARC Club Meeting7 PVARC Club Meeting7 PVARC Club Meeting 7 Friday Luncheon 9 Page County ARES Net (146.625, PL 131.8) 10 Rockingham County ARES Net (146.550 Simplex) 11 VARA Club Meeting11 VARA Club Meeting11 VARA Club Meeting11 VARA Club Meeting 14 Friday Luncheon 16 Page County ARES Net (146.625, PL 131.8) 17 Old Dominion Emergency Net (3.947 kHz) 17 Rockingham County ARES Net (146.550 Simplex) 20 Deadline for July newsletter submission*20 Deadline for July newsletter submission*20 Deadline for July newsletter submission*20 Deadline for July newsletter submission* 21 Friday Luncheon 23 Page County ARES Net (146.625, PL 131.8) 24 Rockingham County ARES Net (146.550 Simplex) 28 Friday Luncheon 30 Page County ARES Net (146.625, PL 131.8) 31 Rockingham County ARES Net (146.550 Simplex)

August

1 VARA Club Meeting1 VARA Club Meeting1 VARA Club Meeting1 VARA Club Meeting 3 MARA Club Meeting3 MARA Club Meeting3 MARA Club Meeting3 MARA Club Meeting 4 PVARC Club Meeting4 PVARC Club Meeting4 PVARC Club Meeting4 PVARC Club Meeting 4 Friday Luncheon 6 Page County ARES Net (146.550 Simplex) 6 Berryville Hamfest6 Berryville Hamfest6 Berryville Hamfest6 Berryville Hamfest 7 National Lighthouse Day 7 Rockingham County ARES Net (146.550 Simplex) 7 Old Dominion Emergency Net (3.947 kHz) 10 Augusta County ARES Net (146.850, PL131.8) 11 Friday Luncheon 12 VE Testing 13 Page County ARES Net (146.625, PL 131.8) 14 Rockingham County ARES Net (146.550 Simplex) 18 Friday Luncheon 20 Deadline for August newsletter submission*20 Deadline for August newsletter submission*20 Deadline for August newsletter submission*20 Deadline for August newsletter submission* 20 Page County ARES Net (146.625, PL 131.8) 21 Rockingham County ARES Net (146.550 Simplex) 21 Old Dominion Emergency Net (3.947 kHz) 25 Friday Luncheon 27 Page County ARES Net (146.625, PL 131.8) 28 Rockingham County ARES Net (146.550 Simplex) 28 1st Day of School28 1st Day of School28 1st Day of School28 1st Day of School

23 The Monitor

Club Information

MASSANUTTEN AMATEUR RADIO ASSOCIATION, Inc.

PresidentPresidentPresidentPresident: Andrew Pearson, N4RCE

Vice President: Vice President: Vice President: Vice President: Bryan Daniels, K4RMY

Secretary: Secretary: Secretary: Secretary: Herb Slade, AA2BF

TreasurerTreasurerTreasurerTreasurer: Foster Farone, WF4O

Board (exp 2017): Board (exp 2017): Board (exp 2017): Board (exp 2017): James Franklin, W4SIU

Board (exp 2016): Board (exp 2016): Board (exp 2016): Board (exp 2016): Bob Steere, N1QEQ

http://mara.ws

MARA meets the first Thursday of each month

at Wood Grill Buffet on Reservoir Street

in Harrisonburg, Virginia.

Dinner begins at 6:30 pm,

the business meeting begins at 7:30 pm

Visitors are always welcome.

Dues ($12 per year) should be mailed to:

MARA

PO Box 1882

Harrisonburg, VA 22801

VALLEY AMATEUR RADIO ASSOCIATION

President: President: President: President: John Keller, W4ZAO

Vice President: Vice President: Vice President: Vice President: Ed Varner, N4EDI

SecretarySecretarySecretarySecretary: David Tanks, AD4TJ

Treasurer: Treasurer: Treasurer: Treasurer: Greg Czerniak, W4GRC

http://w4xd.com

VARA meets the first Tuesday of each month

at the Hometown Grill & Buffet off Richmond

Road in Staunton, Virginia

Dinner starts at 6:00 pm,

the business meeting starts at 7:00 pm

Visitors are always welcome

Dues ($15 per year) should be mailed to:

VARAVARAVARAVARA

418 Oriole St. 418 Oriole St. 418 Oriole St. 418 Oriole St.

Staunton, VA 24401Staunton, VA 24401Staunton, VA 24401Staunton, VA 24401----1661166116611661

PAGE VALLEY AMATEUR RADIO CLUB

President: President: President: President: Dave Firestone, K4DPF

Vice President: Vice President: Vice President: Vice President: Gene Frazier, KJ4HFO

Secretary: Secretary: Secretary: Secretary: Gary Fischer, K6OZ

Treasurer: Treasurer: Treasurer: Treasurer: Juergen Lunkowitz, W3LUV

Board Member (exp 2018): Board Member (exp 2018): Board Member (exp 2018): Board Member (exp 2018): Tim Matter, KM4TGC

Board Member (exp 2017): Board Member (exp 2017): Board Member (exp 2017): Board Member (exp 2017): Gary Fischer, K6OZ

http://www.k4pmh.org

PVARC meets the first Friday of each month

at Tactical Walls at 611 Williams Avenue in

Shenandoah, VA.

The meeting begins at 6:30 pm

Visitors are always welcome.

Dues ($12 per year) should be mailed to:

PVARC

PO Box 245

Luray VA 22835-0245

The Monitor is published monthly by MARA, Inc.

for members of the three amateur radio clubs

in the Central Shenandoah Valley.

Distribution is in Adobe PDF format via email attachment

to all club members in good standing.

Clubs differ in their policies regarding paper copies.

Contact the president of your respective club

for information on paper copies.

Back issues are freely available on the MARA website

starting a few months after publication.

Since the clubs derive their revenue from memberships,

the Monitor is not to be made regularly available on a

timely basis to individuals who are not club members.

Occasional complimentary current copies are

provided to prospective members free of charge.

Clubs may also formally decide to provide complimentary copies

at club expense to various constituencies.

Contact your respective club officers for more information.

Articles in the Monitor may be quoted with attribution.

Being a publication of an IRS 501(c)3 educational organization,

the Monitor may occasionally use copyrighted material under the Fair

Use Provisions of copyright law.

Copyright notices must be respected.

MARA/VARA/PVARC

Return Service Requested

c/o John Spillman

168 Bosley Drive Ext.

Stanley, VA 22851

Phone: 540-860-1332

Email: kt4cbva@gmail.com

MARA

VARA

PVARC