Newsletter (Proof of Concept)

By: Aaron Bond (W1ATB)
Sierra Foothills Amateur Radio Club | President

  • Welcome to April!

    Wow, what a month March was. We had a fabulous Hamfestevent that was very well attended with somewhere in the 450+ number. We sold somewhere in the neighborhood of $2400 in prize tickets and $1400 in items at the club table. Elmer tours, presentations, test bench, and of course all the vendor tables! The parking lot was full and I’m not sure there was even any available spot left. What a great event!

    And then there is The Coffee Break Net… where we hit 45,000 check-ins in March and Jim KN6OONI mean W6JCZ was the prize winner for his fortuitous timing. AND… we celebrated the Coffee Break Net’s 4th anniversary on March 20th! Congratulations to all of those that make the net so popular and successful!

    In April the SFARC board will be hosting “Donuts and Coffee in the Park” at the beautiful Meadow Vista Park on April 20th at 9:00 AM. Come out, have a donut and some coffee, bring your family, and play some radio with friends…

    The next big club event will be of course Field Day coming up later this year. More details on this event will be published soon –see you there! Thank you all for coming out and supporting all these events. I want to give a special thanks to all of the volunteers who helped put on the Hamfest this year… we could not of done it without you.

    Aaron W1ATB

By: Jim Zheng
Sierra Foothills Amateur Radio Club | Vice President

  • Hello, and welcome to the month of June! After a record-breaking Field Day last year, I’m looking forward to seeing what we can do this year to make things even better. To start things off, we have an excellent T-shirt to show off this time around, and I can say with certainty that the logging technology we will be deploying this year is the most up to date it’s ever been, with new PCs that bring stability and ease of operation to each station that will be on the air and put to the test in the year’s biggest event for amateur radio in the US. That aside, I’m eager to meet everyone, whether they’re a club member, a visiting ham, or even a curious passerby wondering what’s up with all the antennas, radios, and tents.

    We begin the month with a VE session on the 2nd, which I hear will be quite well attended. It’s always great to see and talk about what’s getting people into ham radio, whether it’s for emergency communications, technical knowledge, meeting new people, or just getting started in a new hobby. Being an Elmer and mentoring new hams is one of the best ways to contribute to the amateur radio hobby, so I encourage everyone to share a little bit of how they got into it and what they’re doing because it really opens new possibilities to those wondering what to do with their radio privileges.

    Our club meeting will take place at 7:30 PM on the 13th, where the Field Day team will show us what they’ve been working on to make 2025’s event the best one yet. RSVPs for Field Day are being taken until noon (12 PM) on the 21st. We use this information to determine many things from how much food to prepare to what kinds of amenities to bring. Even if you’re unsure about whether or not you’re coming, leave us a note so we can plan accordingly. If you’re going to attend, please consider helping us out and taking a bit of the load off of those that are already planning on providing their assistance. It all adds up, no matter how big or small of a contribution you make.

    For those that aren’t going to attend our Field Day on the 28th, we do have our regularly scheduled club breakfast at Mel’s Diner in Auburn at 7:30 AM. The crowd might be lighter than usual, but that in no way affects the excellent taste of the food they’ll serve you. Whether you plan on heading home afterward to make contacts from your radio shack, making an excursion to the wild outdoors to tune in fellow hams, or have errands that prevent you from participating in this year’s event, consider coming for breakfast because it’s always a great social time!

    73, and I hope to see you in Georgetown!

    Jim W6JCZ

  • ×

    Tuesday June 24

    7:00 PM – 8:00 PM
    Final Field Day Planning Meeting
    Tuesday June 24
    7:00 PM – 8:00 PM
    Final Field Day Planning Meeting
    https://meeting.w6ek.org/

    Wednesday June 25

    7:30 PM – 8:30 PM
    In The Shack (Online)
    Wednesday June 25
    7:30 PM – 8:30 PM
    In The Shack (Online)
    https://meeting.w6ek.org/

    Open to all … no SFARC membership needed. Join in on fun discussions and presentations about projects around the ham shack.

    http://zoom.w6ek.org/
    Meeting ID: 962 6167 5605
    Passcode: SFARC

    Thursday June 26

    7:30 PM – 8:30 PM
    SFARC Weekly Net | NCS: WB1G
    Thursday June 26
    7:30 PM – 8:30 PM
    SFARC Weekly Net | NCS: WB1G
    W6EK 2 Meter Repeater / Allstar: 51018

    Every Thursday starting at 7:30 PM Pacific Time (PT). Our nets are held on the club repeater. Everyone is invited to check-in. The net features a Mystery Question, the ARRL Report, Satellite Report, DX Report, and other activities. Operators are encouraged to talk about their recent operating or other ham activities.

    Friday June 27 12:00 PM – Sunday June 29 2:00 PM

    SFARC Field Day 2025
    Friday June 27 12:00 PM – Sunday June 29 2:00 PM
    12:00 PM – 2:00 PM
    SFARC Field Day 2025
    Georgetown Airport

    Come join us this year at Georgetown Airport, overnight camping is available. There will be plenty of operating time and plenty to learn about amateur radio, antennas, and just a fine time to visit with old friends and to make new ones. Oh, did I tell you there will be a barbeque on Saturday night? Yes, two kinds of meat will likely be roasted to perfection.

    We have specially-prepared, proprietary software running on a server that links all computers together on a local network, so everyone can see what’s going on, band-by-band. It is not be permitted to use your computer on our network, but you are encouraged to get on one of the (5) stations available to either operate or log for someone else. Usually there are two people per station with hourly rotations.

    There is a small group that will arrive on Friday to setup, and you are welcome to come participate in that, as well. The actual on the air time goes from 11am on Saturday to 2pm on Sunday , although we typically start breaking things down at Noon on Sunday.

    So, come join us.

    *Info* : https://www.arrl.org/field-day
    *Rules* : https://www.arrl.org/field-day-rules
    *Georgetown Airport* : https://www.airnav.com/airport/e36

    Saturday June 28

    7:30 AM – 9:30 AM
    SFARC Club Breakfast Social
    Saturday June 28
    7:30 AM – 9:30 AM
    SFARC Club Breakfast Social
    Location, Schedule, and Details: https://www.w6ek.org/activities/clubbreakfast

    The food is great, and the company is even better! The venue may change, so check the link below for any updates.

    So, please join us for a great social event, the last Saturday of every month, everyone welcome!

    2:00 PM – 3:00 PM
    VE Testing Session at KK7AIR Hangar
    Saturday June 28
    2:00 PM – 3:00 PM
    VE Testing Session at KK7AIR Hangar
    KK7AIR Hangar Georgetown Airport, Georgetown, CA 95634

    Monday June 30

    6:00 PM – 7:00 PM
    All-Nodes Net
    Monday June 30
    6:00 PM – 7:00 PM
    All-Nodes Net
    W6EK 2 Meter Repeater / Allstar: 51018

    Every Monday at 6:00 PM PT, this net is the place for discussions related to the setup, configuration, and operation of digital nodes and the associated hardware.
    *A great place for noobies and experienced users alike.*

    Wednesday July 2

    7:30 PM – 8:30 PM
    Elmer Net
    Wednesday July 2
    7:30 PM – 8:30 PM
    Elmer Net
    W6EK 2 Meter Repeater / Allstar: 51018

    The Elmer Net meets every 1st and 3rd Wednesday, and is devoted to answering your questions, solving puzzling issues related to ham radio, and scheduling help for all Hams. No question is stupid. We encourage everyone to ask away so we can all learn and grow our knowledge together.

    More information and details can be found at: https://www.w6ek.org/repeaters/nets


    FULL EVENT CALENDAR

    Welcome new SFARC Members!

      • Haven Courtney (KN6URM)
      • Garritt Darling (KO6BMA)
      • Adam Gothard (KN6YSQ)
      • James Malley (WA0HYS)
      • Chuck Nungester (KO6CRZ)
      • Gregory Phelan (KO6CWF)
      • Chris Robinson (KF6NFW)
      • Forest “Sandy” Shoemaker (K6MJ)

    Members Up For Vote

      • Robert Calvo (KO6DXL)
      • Kristoff Church (KO6DLT)
      • Elijah Gilberg (KO6DSQ)
      • Joe Denton (KD6HON)
      • Robert Sanders (K6ON)
      • James Keffer (KA3VGM)
      • Michael Kostic (KN6VWS)
      • Allan Breller (KJ6ZH)
      • Randy Silverman (K8TR)
      • Joel Miller (W6ACE)
      • Charles Ricthie (KK6PAS)
      • Dudley McFadden (KO6DRM)
      • Alex Smith (KO6DXO)
      • Kevin MacDonell (KO6DQS)
      • Charles Peavy II (KO6CVD)

    • Called to order: 1802 PST by Aaron W1ATB

      Approve February, 2024 Board minutes – approved as corrected

      Present:
      President: Aaron Bond W1ATB
      Vice-President: Jim Zheng W6JCZ
      Treasurer: Brian Fulkerson KM6MDM (correct callsign)
      Secretary: Dave McBrayer N6OJJ
      Director: Greydon Hicks KC6SLE (2 years)
      Director: Mark Koehler W2MWK
      Director: Jim Jupin WA8MPA (3 years)
      also present: Brian AI6US; Greg KO6TH; Bob K6ZLY;
      Gary KB7QWC; Clyde AB4CC; Smitty WB1G; Scott KM6RFB
      introductions around

      Quorum: minimum 1 Director + 4 Officers = MET

      Officer & Board Member Reports
      Jim Zheng W6JCZ – advert items at back of newsletter: motion by Smitty “ Motion: The “sponsor/special” thanks section in the SFARC Newsletter be reserved for advertisements from members in good standing, limit one ad per member, free of charge.“. second by Greydon KC6SLE. Motion carried by acclamation.
      Dave McBrayer N6OJJ – nothing to present
      Brian Fulkerson KN6BKB – bank statements uploaded to Groups.io in board files folder. annual insurance premium paid.
      Directors:
      Greydon KC6SLE – noting to present
      Jim WA8MPA – nothing to present
      Mark W2MWK – nothing to present

      COMMITTEE CHAIR REPORTS
      Repeater (Station Trustee) – Clyde AB4CC – 220 repeater going back to vault.
      Repeater Committee – Jeff KM6RGO – awaiting contractor bids.
      Newsletter – Bob, K6ZLY – Newsletter posted
      Webmaster / Social media / PIO – Smitty WB1G –
      social media site: FB at 500 members. fox hunt promo
      PIO: hamfest promotion,
      Groups.io / Dropbox – Dennis WU6X stepping down, need new chair –
      Groups.io at 293 members.
      Membership – Jeff KM6RGO) – 8 new applications to vote on tomorrow;
      Currently enrolled: 311 members. 6 (2023) members did not renew.
      meeting quorum = 62.
      VE exams – Brian, AI6US – March 4: 14 elements administered.
      7 new Technicians; 2 new upgrades.
      next exams: April 1, 2024.
      Volunteer Events Coordinator – Chip, KM6MDF – not present
      Contests – Dennis, WU6X – not present. stepping down, need new chair
      Scholarship Committee – Earl, K6GPB – not present.
      Jeff KM6RGO: Daniel Fogart Scholarship (existing) and one more.
      Drawing – Ray, KK6AM – not present
      Refreshments – Mark, W2MWK – plenty of water on hand
      Nominations – Gary, KB7QWC – needs 1 more committee member.
      Hamfest 2024 – Aaron, K6ABJ – 3rd Sat. in March., 3-16. walk thru next
      Thursday, 1700.
      ByLaws Committee – TBA

      Field Day / Hot RF Nights 2024 – Jeff, KM6RGO / Greydon KC6SLE –
      time to dust off spreadsheets. First FD zoom meeting on March 28 at 1800. All welcome.
      Hot RF Nights – Greydon
      Picnic chair 2024 – open
      Coffee & Doughnuts in Park 2024 – open
      X-mas party – open. confirmed: Dec. 8, 2024.

      OLD BUSINESS
      Elmer/Mentoring: Pamphlet for VE and Club Meetings, QSL Card,
      “How to become a Ham”. Smitty, WB1G, met with Greydon, KC6SLE.
      Repeater Committee: 1st and 3rd Monday’s on Zoom @ 1930. RFP
      sent out for repeater work.
      Position Duties: 2023 officer input due soon.
      Financial Audit: nothing to add.
      Scholarship Committee: Committee has not met recently.
      X-Mas Party date: Dec. 8, 2024. Confirmed with Church Pastor.
      VE items: Brian AI6US, new VE handout being refreshed.
      Club Asset Inventory: Jeff KM6RGO developing a spreadsheet.
      Scott KM6RFB approved for his monthly net on W6EK repeater.

      NEW BUSINESS
      Scott KM6RFB, PCARES MOU for W6EK repeater use. discussion.
      Motion of support by Greydon, 2nd by WA8MPA. passed by
      acclamation.
      Brian AJI6US – Coffee & Donuts in Park event – April 20, 0900-1100.
      Brian AI6US – Camp out 2024 – Sept. 21 at Stampede. board support for group site? carry over to next month.
      By-laws Committee – begin recruiting efforts
      General Meeting – Jim WA8MPA – what donations does the pantry
      need? paper towels, toilet tissue, kleenex, canned chicken/tuna,
      cereal, pasta.

      Events/Upcoming
      Hamfest walk-through meeting: March 14, 1700 at the Loomis Depot
      parking lot.
      Sat. Breakfast: 30 March, 0730 at Mel’s Original Diner, Grass Valley
      Hwy at Luther Road, Auburn.
      Fox Hunt: 30 March, 0900 after breakfast.

      Next Board meeting: 11 April 2024, 1800 PT. on ZOOM

      Adjourned: 1930 PST

    • President Aaron W1ATB welcomed individuals to this monthly meeting.

      The event was called to order at 1930 by President Aaron, W1ATB who opened the meeting by leading the Pledge of Allegiance.

      Board members present:
      President- Aaron, W1ATB.
      Vice-President- Jim, W6JCZ
      Treasurer- Brian, KN6BKB
      Secretary- Dave, N6OJJ.
      Director- Greydon, KC6SLE
      Director- Mark, W2MWK
      Director- Jim, WA8MPA

      Club Business
      Quorum met: YES 50 in person + 13 on ZOOM = 63
      311 members / need 62 ‘present’ to meet quorum.
      January General meeting minutes have been distributed. Accepted by acclamation as amended by members present.

      New Members acceptance vote: 8 new applications:
      Haven Courtney KN6URM Garritt Darling Ko6BMA
      Adam Gothard KN6YSQ James Malley WA0HYS
      Chuck Nungester Ko6CRZ Gregory Phelan Ko6CWF
      Chris Robinson KF6NFW Forrest “Sandy” Shoemaker K6MJ
      Acceptance by acclamation of those present.
      revised membership count=319.
      ———
      The Informational parts of the meeting continue below:
      Repeater needs a new antenna pole (wood). Bid requests sent out.

      Jim W6JCZ introduces:
      Program 1: “Vacuum Tubes”, Greg Ko6TH

      BREAK

      Program 2: “Loomis Hamfest overview” Aaron K6ABJ

      Committee Chair Reports:
      Repeater – Clyde, AB4CC- not present. AI6US- 220 repeater installed
      this weekend.
      Greeter/Sunshine – Pam, KN6GTK.
      VE Exams – Brian, AI6US exam on March 4. 14 elements administered.
      7 new Technicians; 2 new upgrades to General.
      Next exam session: April 1, 2024.
      Volunteer Events – Chip, KM6MDF- nothing on the volunteer events list until Spring. None pending.
      Exam classes – Orion AI6JB: Extra Class session 4, 11 students.
      Next Technician class: April 23.
      Newsletter – Bob, K6ZLY – newsletter distributed by email & on homepage.
      Satellite – Greg, KO6TH – nothing to report.
      PIO – Smitty, WB1G –
      Website – Smitty, WB1G –
      Social Media – Smitty, WB1G – FB members now at 500.
      Groups.io / Dropbox sites – Dennis, WU6X stepping down – currently:
      293 participants. Smitty WB1G taking role in short term. Need new chair/admin.
      Contests – Dennis, WU6X – CQWW WPX RTTY this weekend,
      ARRL International DX on Feb. 16.
      Membership – Jeff KM6RGO – Currently 311 members + 8 new tonight.
      Nomination Committee – Gary KB7QWC, need 2 more members.
      By-laws Committee – vacant, will be recruiting
      ARES – Scott KM6RFB. Effective 1 March, will be ARES EC for Placer County.
      Refreshments – Mark W2MWK – nothing to add.
      Drawing – Ray, KK6AN – nothing to add.
      Hot RF Nights – Greydon KC6SLE
      Hamfest – Aaron K6ABJ – need Presentation, Test Bench, Logistics,
      Sanitation, Parking coordinators.
      Field Day – Jeff KM6RGO / Greydon KC6SLE
      1st meeting 1800, March 28 on ZOOM.
      Scholarship Committee – Earl, K6GPB –
      Equipment Donations / Library – Jim, WA8MPA – thank you to all for tonight’s donations.

      Calendar of club events:
      Mar. 14 – 1700, Hamfest team meeting (Historic Loomis Depot)
      Mar. 16 – 0700-1100, Hamfest opens at Historic Loomis Depot parking
      lot
      Mar. 30 – 0730, Club breakfast at Mel’s, CA-49 at Luther Road
      Mar. 30 – 0900, Foxhunt. Meet at Mel’s Diner
      April 11 – 1800, next SFARC Board Meeting, on ZOOM
      April 12 – 1930, next Club Meeting
      April 20 – 0900-1100, Coffee & Donuts in Meadow Vista park
      June 22-23, ARRL Field Day, Georgetown Airport Campground
      Dec. 08 – SFARC X-Mas party

      Nets (on W6EK repeater, 145.430, PL=162.2):
      Daily: 0730-1000, Coffee Break Net on W6EK repeater
      1st Sunday/month: 1930, Placer County ARES Net on W6EK repeater
      Monday’s: 1800, All-Node Net
      Wednesday’s: 1930-2030, 1st/3rd, Elmer/Mentoring Net;
      1930, (ZOOM),2nd / 4th, In the Shack
      Thursday’s: 1930-2030, SFARC Weekly Net

      Adjourned at: 2118 PST

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