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

  • Wow. It’s already July. With half of 2025 behind us, it’s time to take a look at what the latter part of the year has for us. After two VE sessions last month, the SFARC VE team will be taking a break this month, scheduling the next club examination session for August 4th. Our July club meeting is on the 11th, and we’ve got two great speakers with topics that are sure to generate some excellent conversations. Jeff (AK6OK) will show the club how to make use of lab-grade test instrumentation to help with antenna design, complete with live demonstrations and hands-on experimentation. Scott (KM6RFB) has made some major upgrades to the Placer County ARES website, and he’ll present to us all the new features and information that can be found there.

    As many club members know, the 2-meter repeater comes alive with the Elmer Net on the first and third Wednesdays, and we gather together on Zoom for In the Shack on the second and fourth Wednesdays of the month. Once in a while we have a month where there’s a fifth Wednesday, so rather than break up the energy we do something special. Sometimes we’ll meet up to have a dinner social, other times we’ll host a guest speaker. July’s fifth Wednesday will feature Dr. Ed Fong (WB6IQN), with a presentation on how you can build a tri-band 144/220/430 MHz antenna for your VHF and UHF operations. Come join us on Zoom at 7:30 PM on the 30th with plenty of questions and get inspired!

    SFARC will resume its monthly fox hunt right after breakfast on the morning of the 27th. Come join us at 7:30 AM for breakfast at Wings by the Auburn Airport, and stick around once you’re all filled up and ready for a walk around town looking for the hidden transmitter. Remember, you don’t need to have an amateur radio license to participate in radio direction finding, all you need is a receiver, antenna, and your competitive spirit!

    I’m really looking forward to the fall campout in September. Though it might seem far away, I’m already preparing for it and considering what I need to pack. I’m sure many of you are doing the same, so get a head start on it and have a wonderful time up there!

    73 and stay cool as the weather warms up,

    Jim W6JCZ


  • ×

    Thursday July 10

    6:00 PM – 7:30 PM
    SFARC July Board Meeting (Online)
    Thursday July 10
    6:00 PM – 7:30 PM
    SFARC July Board Meeting (Online)
    7:30 PM – 8:30 PM
    SFARC Weekly Net | NCS: WB6RBE
    Thursday July 10
    7:30 PM – 8:30 PM
    SFARC Weekly Net | NCS: WB6RBE
    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 July 11

    7:30 PM – 9:30 PM
    SFARC Monthly Meeting (In Person and Online)
    Friday July 11
    7:30 PM – 9:30 PM
    SFARC Monthly Meeting (In Person and Online)
    Confluence Church (previously named Crossroads Church), 1101 Auburn Ravine Road, Auburn, CA | https://meeting.w6ek.org

    The SFARC general club meeting is held at 7:30 PM on the second Friday of each month @ Confluence Church (previously named Crossroads Church) Gymnasium at 1101 Auburn Ravine Road, Auburn, CA 95603 — use the Dairy Road entrance.

    If you can’t make it in person, join us virtually on Zoom at https://meeting.w6ek.org

    Sunday July 13

    7:30 PM – 8:00 PM
    Placer County ARES Net
    Sunday July 13
    7:30 PM – 8:00 PM
    Placer County ARES Net
    K6IOK Repeater 145.130 (-) PL 114.8

    Monday July 14

    6:00 PM – 7:00 PM
    All-Nodes Net
    Monday July 14
    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 16

    7:30 PM – 8:30 PM
    Elmer Net
    Wednesday July 16
    7:30 PM – 8:30 PM
    Elmer Net
    W6EK 2M Repeater / AllStarLink: 51018

    The Elmer Net meets the 1st and 3rd Wednesday each month, 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 can be found @ https://www.w6ek.org/repeaters/nets

    Thursday July 17

    7:30 PM – 8:30 PM
    SFARC Weekly Net | NCS: AI6JB
    Thursday July 17
    7:30 PM – 8:30 PM
    SFARC Weekly Net | NCS: AI6JB
    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 July 18

    7:30 PM – 9:00 PM
    Friday Night Trivia Net
    Friday July 18
    7:30 PM – 9:00 PM
    Friday Night Trivia Net
    W6EK 2 Meter Repeater / Allstar: 51018

    Friday Night Trivia is hosted by Dawn (KG6FZZ) and Simon (K6DXN).

    Dawn and Simon recently moved to Northern California and Simon joined SFARC in January. They previously hosted trivia night on a Southern California repeater system for 15 years.


    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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