Your license is going to cost more #ARRL #hamradio

 The Sonoma County Radio Amateurs, Amateur Radio Relay League (ARRL), and many individual commenters contend that the proposed $50 fee for Amateur Radio Service applications is too high  ... We agree with commenters asserting this fee is too high to account for the minimal staff involvement in these applications and therefore adopt a reduced amount of $35 fee for all personal license application fees.

https://docs.fcc.gov/public/attachments/FCC-20-184A1.pdf

Not $50, but the $35 fee for a ten-year license is a good compromise. 

Clubs with members who can not afford the increase should consider helping their members. 

Thank the League ... and the others who commented that zero to 50 was too much too fast. 

Think of the possibilities #ARRL #hamradio

 So, on the last day of 2020, what are you thinking?  

Are you doing some crazy Happy New Year party with friends or Straight Key Night? 

Are you planning your Ham Radio 2021 contest and special event schedule?

The Hobby awaits your decision and, better yet, your action.  The Hobby is yours to enjoy or not.  Make 2021 a year to remember.  

Challenge yourself.  Learn something new in ham radio.  Check into a new net.  Make new friends. Operate mobile.  Operate a new mode or find a way to operate an old mode.  

After all, it's a big hobby.  Find our why.

If it's not a better year, then Twenty Twenty Won.

Merry Christmas to my #hamradio #Skywarn #teamJesus friends

The amateur radio community brings children from all over the planet to the voice of Santa Claus located at the North Pole or in Finland, depending on your location, access to society, and culture.

Those nets are a blessing when kids reveal their most interesting and challenging desires.

One daughter hears the answer to "Dad, what do you want for Christmas" with "World Peace and harmony".

Hams can be challenging sometimes. 

Yes, Christmas is celebrated as the birthday of Jesus.  Study will bring one to understand that Jesus was likely born in the spring.

The Three Wise Men were more than three.  Their entourage was big enough to get the attention of Herod.

Christmas trees, poinsettias, and divinity are beautiful and fattening.

Let us focus on the fact that Jesus was born.  It's OK to celebrate any day and every day as the birth of Jesus.  After all, without the birth, there is no death, burial, and, more importantly, the resurrection.

Merry Christmas!  Good DX.  

ARRL scholarship application period ending #hamradio

 The ARRL Foundation scholarship application period for the academic year

2021 ends on December 31, 2020.  I am asking you as a Division Director to notify your Division membership of the deadline.  The Foundation
issued nearly $300,000 in scholarships for 2020 and for the academic year 2021 there has been a significant increase in the number of large
dollar scholarships available thanks to a generous contribution from the Amateur Radio Digital Communication group (ARDC).  

For the academic year 2021, there are two new $25,000 scholarships, thirteen $10,000 scholarships, nine $5,000 scholarships as well as dozens of $1,000 and $500 scholarships.

A description of the many scholarships available is on line.

http://www.arrl.org/scholarship-descriptions 

It is also very easy to apply as scholarship applications are on line.

http://www.arrl.org/scholarship-application

Since only amateur radio operator students may apply, the chances of being selected for a scholarship are good.  It would be a shame for your members to miss this opportunity.  Please place a notice in your
December Newsletter or send a separate E-Mail to your Division to let your members know that the ARRL Foundation offers over 100 scholarships
and it only takes a simple online application to apply.

Since 1973, the ARRL Foundation, with the generosity of many donors and the hard work of a long line of dedicated Foundation Directors, has had a positive impact on the lives of many young amateur radio operator students.  To ensure that this positive impact does not wane, I ask each of you to timely notify your members of this opportunity.  Being awarded an ARRL Foundation scholarship could mean the difference in whether a student can pursue their education in 2021 or not.  

Thank you and the Foundation and I wish all of you 
a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.  

Dr David Woolweaver, K5RAV
President, ARRL Foundation

Artscipub, RepeaterBook, and Rfinder #ARRL #hamradio

The growing mobile radio society likes to have accurate data while motoring around the planet.   The publishers, except for one, seem to have gone to digital over paper.

Artscipub is the one that still publishes a paper document.  Just like the one the ARRL publishes, it's wrong when it leaves the printer.

RepeaterBook has a nice app and it's free.  However, repeater owners, trustees, and users don't keep their data current.  PL tones change, locations change, and even repeater frequencies change, yet, the data doesn't.  

Rfinder, endorsed by the ARRL, costs $10 and has the same flaws as RepeaterBook.  The League web page says one can buy a paper repeater book, but the link to buy is broken.

None of the three are perfect.  There were errors on all the pages.  The errors are easily fixed IF users will update their information.  Of the three, RepeaterBook takes updates from the app.  The others are harder to do with a mobile phone.  

If you want folks to find your repeater and talk on it, keep your node numbers current along with the rest of the information.  If you don't want folks to find it, don't list it or list it as a closed repeater.

Folks have mentioned "It's not their responsibility.  The (repeater owner, Coordinating Group, directory publisher) are responsible.  Yet, even repeater trustees voice concern over the issue.

ArtsciPub mentioned this time, last year, they were going to do a paper directory and please update your information.  The response was ...... and the directory was published with errors.

Maybe that's why folks hang out on  146.52 ...

#Skywarn Recognition Day is this weekend. #ARRL #hamradio

The goal is to contact as many National Weather Service Offices as possible in 24 hours.  

The problem is most, if not all, Weather Forecast Offices are not allowing "visitors", even for Skywarn Recognition Day. For example, the volunteers who staff WX4NHC, do so from home, work, or other places.

SKYWARN™ Recognition Day was developed in 1999 by the National Weather Service and the American Radio Relay League. It celebrates the contributions that SKYWARN™ volunteers make to the NWS mission, the protection of life and property. Amateur radio operators comprise a large percentage of the SKYWARN™ volunteers across the country. The Amateur radio operators also provide vital communication between the NWS and emergency management if normal communications become inoperative.

Some offices have programs.  Check with your local WFO for information.  Some are allowing virtual operations.

Have some fun.  There's a certificate one contacting ONE station.  Listen around the bands.  It will be fun.

.

It’s a wonderful time of the year! #hamradio #ARRL #Christmas

Santa is showing up on DX clusters around the world  Here’s some Santa Nets.  If you have one, please list it in comments  

CQ Santa - Talk to Santa on Ham Radio! https://buff.ly/2V7gj1a from @w5mix #hamradio @NoradSanta @OfficialSanta @PNPSanta 

Longmont club puts Santa on the airwaves with hope of transmitting interest in amateur radio – Longmont Times-Call buff.ly/35w6904 #Christmas

To Zoom or Not to Zoom, THAT is the question. #ARRL #hamradio

Several ham radio clubs use some sort of virtual meeting hall, like Zoom, Skype, Microsoft Teams, both paid and free versions.

Thanks to the Kansas Quarter Century Wireless Association, the group tested some other platforms, i.e. Google Meet, Jitsi, and UberConference as well as Skype and Teams.

Google Meet works over IOS, Android, and Web Browser.  Cost?  Free.  It supports text chat, video, and audio.  

Jitsi also works on Android, IOS, and Web.  Cost?  Free.  It supports text, video, and audio.

UberConference, part of DialPad,  also supports Android, IOS, and web with a dialin number with international numbers and Personal Identity Number, ie. PIN.  Cost?  Free.  

The Midwest Division, ARRL, bought a Zoom account for clubs to use in the division.  According to leadership, it's been quite popular with a waiting list for use. Contact Division Leadership, if you want to use the Zoom account.  These other five platforms will give local clubs the opportunity to have meetings without a lot of cost.

COVID is not likely to end soon.  States and Counties have issued meeting restrictions and travel is discouraged.  Even after the pandemic, clubs may want to revisit club meetings, etc. so that shutins and travelers can participate.

Thanks for all who voted. #ARRL hamradio

 623 members of the Midwest Division voted for the other guy and 1164 voted for Dave Propper, K2DP.  THANK YOU for all 1787 for caring enough about YOUR ARRL to stand up and vote in this election.

The electorate has spoken.  We have a good candidate coming into the arena in January.  Give him AND Art, your support, ideas, and courtesy.

There were no hanging shads, no campaign rhetoric, no late night events,  politics behind closed doors.  I am pleased with how the membership challenged my effort to run.  

The LEAGUE needs your support.  JOIN  Today.  Please.

Call for the vote. #ARRL #hamradio

If you've not voted in the American Radio Relay League Midwest Division Vice Director election, time is running out.  

Please cast your ballot this week to be sure it arrives in time to be counted.

If you did not get a ballot, contact ARRL.

#Congress votes; #hamradio suffers #ARRL

You might want to pay attention to what Congress and your State legislators do. 

This  is an example of a bill that directed the Federal Communications Commission to take some action. 

It’s not hard to track legislation. Go to the web site above. Set up your search term for “Federal Communications Commission”, for example. Save the search and get alerts when bills are introduced. 

Write your representatives about these bills. 

States have a similar process. Contact your Representatives’ offices for details about how to do that in your area. 

The League tracks these issues also. It’s all included in your dues. 

Your Section Government Liaison is a valuable member of the Section cabinet. 

Not a League member?  Join.   Join NOW.  Tell your friends to Join.

ArtsciPub, Repeaterbook, and Rfinder #ARRL #hamradio

You saw the tweet

#HAMRadio Repeater database - Updated daily Another place to keep your local machine updated. https://buff.ly/34543Dx #Free @repeaterbook @nocodeplugs 

Late last year, ArtsciPub announced they would publish a paper directory and asked hams to update the listing for repeaters in their area. 

The ham community rewarded their effort by doing absolutely nothing. 

RFinder, charges just a little to push out data. RepeaterBook is free. Both contain inaccuracies. 

Why?  Because hams would not keep the data current. 

If you want an accurate paper directory, do your part in the world to update the information in your part of the world. 

Thoughtful reply in #hamradio #ARRL

One of the best replies to my asking for input to issues facing the Midwest Division came from NR0R. 

 

If you want to focus on issues related to Ham Radio, be careful what you ask for.

I'm about to do just that.

As you know, the FCC is about to rule on an NPRM that is likely to take the 3GHz spectrum away from Amateur Radio.

As you also know, the FCC has an NPRM that is proposing new fees on Amateur Radio.

Some may know, but many probably do not know that both of these proposed rules have resulted from Congressional actions that the FCC has been forced by new Law to respond to.

The overall message is clear to me.  Amateur Radio is under attack by Congress, and that probably means Congressional Lobbyists are writing these new laws.  We pesky Amateur Radio operators are in their way.  We have spectrum they want, and if they can reduce the numbers of Amateur Radio operators by charging fees, then all the better to get rid of us.  At least they want to claim that Amateur Radio is on its last legs and doesn't deserve to keep the spectrum that they want to take.

The ARRL has a history of working with the FCC on rulemaking, and many who work at the FCC are indeed Amateur Radio operators.  That helps us clearly.

However, the FCC must follow the Laws passed by Congress.  When Congress attacks Amateur Radio, WHAT DOES THE ARRL DO?    (Answer:  Nothing)

The ARRL likes to claim that they are a lobbying organization that protects Amateur Radio Spectrum.  Do they? 

There is a very old axiom that is still true today.

"Don't tell me what you believe in.

Show me your budget!

Then I will be able to TELL YOU what you believe in."

I encourage you to examine the publicly available ARRL budget documents over the past several years.

All of the above is background, but my questions to you are the following:

Q1:  How much money has the ARRL budgeted and expended for Lobbying Congress?

A1.  I don't know.  I will know, after I am elected.  

Q2:  If that number is less than a fraction of 1 percent of the overall ARRL budget, why should ARRL members believe that the ARRL organization cares about maintaining spectrum?

A2.  Because, off budget, there's the Spectrum Defense Fund.

Q3:  Why should anyone vote for someone that has approved budgets that all but completely ignore the root problems of protecting our spectrum, without which there is no such thing as Amateur Radio?

A3.  Good question.  I'm running for Vice Director.  I have approved no budgets and, likely, won't be voting to approve it.  That's the director's job.  Ask him. 

 From experience, I have worked in government to develop my own department budget.  However, when the fiscal year started, I was responsible for the budget I was given, not the one I asked to get.

Q4:  Does the ARRL have a coordinated action plan for Amateurs to lobby Congress when important bills are being debated?

A4.  Yes ... when important bills are addressed.  PRB-1 was  one example.  When one understands the Legislative process, one understands the mine field Congress lays out.  Do you want a new bridge in your district?  Vote for my pork.  The recent budget bills were designed to find ways to save money.  Charge for the license.  Could you have seen that coming?  I could have but once it's done, it's done when the President signs.  

I have been involved in the Legislative process in government.  It's important you know who to call and what to say.

Q5:  Does the ARRL publish voting records of members of congress on bills that are important to the Amateur Radio community?

A5.  If I am elected, I will recommend we do that.  Where would you like to start?  The budget items have caused us to lose one microwave and a second assignments after the first of the year..

Q6:  Does the ARRL encourage hams to attend their respective members of Congress town hall meetings?

A6.  I do and I call my Congressmen and Senators.  I don't wait for them to come to me.  It also works at the State House and at City Hall.

Q7:  Does the ARRL offer suggested questions to ask their respective members of Congress at their local town hall meetings?

A7.  The directors have suggested verbiage for you to use in writing your reply to the Notice of Proposed Rulemaking for the $50 license fee.  I wrote my own without League input.  

Q8:  If not.  Why not?

A8.  Maybe the League thinks the membership can think at the local level?  I know a few clubs have, among themselves, drafted comments to the NPRM.

Q9:  Why should a ham pay membership dues to an organization if they do not do the simple basics needed to protect our spectrum? 

A9.  Because it's not just about spectrum protection.  Page 14 of QST lists other benefits for amateur radio.  The recent NPRM is an issue the League has encouraged you to address.  Other benefits include your Section leadership.  The equipment insurance is a value.  The Technical Assistance program, Volunteer Examiner program, the Amateur Radio Emergency Service program each, in their own right, add value to this hobby.

It's more than QST as well.  The membership on the app gives you three other quality publications.  

Q10:  If you find ANYTHING wrong with the current ARRL positions and practices related to any of the above, what are you going to SHOW US that you have done to change those ARRL positions and practices if elected?

A10.  I have offered areas in which the League can change the way it does business and add even more value to the BEST HOBBY on the Planet.  Those have already been submitted.

There you have it.

Like I said.  Be careful what you ask for.

Someone just might take you up on it.

Mark

NRØR

Mark brings a lot of issues to the table.  I like these kind of replies.  Most of the other items include the current NPRM, one microwave loss (and another likely next year), the rollout of ARES updates and other IT problems (I can Google a question faster than I can get ARRL.ORG to give the reply), lack of support for ARES and other Field assignments, as well as Rfinder, RepeaterBook, and ArtsciPUB repeater directory issues all are items to address after the first of the year.  

Keep the questions coming.  Even, if I'm not elected, the Division will be aware of what you are thinking.  If you are not a member, join NOW.

Keep the questions coming.  Even, if I'm not elected, the Division will be aware of what you are thinking.  If you are not a member, join NOW.

Homeowners, PRB-1, and antennas #ARRL #hamradio

Among the issues facing hams in the Midwest Division,are antenna restrictions placed on them by landlords, Homeowners Associations, and some city governments.

If you’re waiting for Congress to take up the cause again, try Remote Hams. A number of clubs have installed remote bases for their members. Handihams is one example. 

The software is free. The remote access is up to the club to determine the cost. 

Vote By Mail #ARRL #hamradio

 You saw the Tweet:

US Mail is the Only Way to Vote in #ARRL Division Elections buff.ly/3mTww6M

If you do not receive your ballot by October 16, contact Carla Pereira, KC1HSX, at cpereira@arrl.org. Completed ballots are due back at ARRL Headquarters no later than noon Eastern Time on Friday, November 20, 2020.

Thank you for your vote for Midwest Division Vice Director.

Thanks to local clubs #ARRL #hamradio

Without local clubs, ham radio would not be as well known.  Each day, I get emails from media about what local clubs are doing during Covid.  Virtual meetings, social distanced meetings, even breakfasts under the guidelines offered by the Centers for Disease Control.  

Thank you to the large and small clubs,, like Johnson County in Kansas and Story County in Iowa just to name a few who offered club meeting time virtually.  Thanks to the nets and repeaters in the four states on VOIP modes who visited about the most important issues facing ham radio.

I appreciate the local club.  As a member of the board of the Wichita Amateur Radio Club and as a past officer of a number of clubs, I value each and every member that supports their local club, as well as the ONLY National Organization representing ham radio in the global arena.

Thanks for local clubs and members talking to me in AllStar, EchoLink, and Hamshack Hotline for the conversation about the best hobby on the planet  

Thank you for your vote.  Call or text 234564ARRL and let me know what is important to you.  Leave your comments here also.

73

It’s about numbers. #ARRL #hamradio

You saw the tweet: 

Pandemic-Delayed #ARRL 2019 Annual Report Released https://buff.ly/3inVzv7 #hamradio   

The hobby is doing well. Numbers of license holders have increased. That said, the number of League members has not risen with the tide. 

“What is the League .. doing about” fill in the blank. What can you expect a group to do for you if you don’t join?  

Services all cost. The League membership is fairly priced and COULD come down if Amateur Radio operators would all join. 

Here’s a challenge!  Join or renew this year and next. See what the LEAGUE can do for YOU!!! 

"Ask NOT what the League can do for YOU.  Ask WHAT can you do for the League."

Conference Call? Getting to know you. #ARRL #hamradio

If you'd like to do a Question and Answer conference call, Skype allows Video Calls for FREE.  Download the software.  Set up an account and check out the Skype meeting.  I've not tried it on web.skype.com but you are welcome to test it.

You'll probably experience, because I have a "face for radio", my camera is turned off.  I will turn it on occasionally, however.

It will be your time to ask me any question about any issue facing ham radio.

You have been invited to meet on Skype. Click here to join the meeting on October 10 from 11 am to noon Central Time.

https://join.skype.com/sxkEJSSo0cRA  

If you don't want Skype, send your phone number to 234564ARRL to be included in the call.

Getting to know folks #ARRL #hamradio

In the Midwest Division, members will choose between Dave Propper, K2DP, a current Assistant Director, and Lloyd Colston, KC5FM, a past Oklahoma Section Manager to fill the Vice Director’s chair.

I am very happy to be enjoying “the best hobby on the planet” and grandchildren at the same time. I’ve also joined a couple of Kansas clubs and on the board of directors with the Wichita Amateur Radio Club. 

My blog and QRZ profile tell you a lot about me. I’m pretty active on HF, VHF,UHF and enjoying old and new things, sprints, nets, public service, Skywarn, and VOIP modes like Dstar, AllStar, Hamshack Hotline, Echolink. 

You’ve probably heard about me on Hamtalk Live and Amateur Radio Newsline. 

What can I do for you?  What can the League do for you?

If I have your interest, I would appreciate your support. 

1. Covid has canceled a lot of activity. If you’re meeting online, could you invite me to your meeting?  If not, could I host a meeting for you?

2.  If you have a net on one of the voip modes, could you tell me when and where?  

Hamshack Hotline 50052 

Echolink 906281

Allstar 28848 

Telephone? Call or text  234564ARRL and PLEASE leave a message and I’ll be happy to return the call. 

I’ve tried to check into a number of Section and the Central Area Nets. 

At any rate, kc5fm@arrl.org or kc5fm@arrl.netshould reach me. 

I look forward to your club support and votes in October. 

73

The League represents its members. #hamradio gets the benefit. #ARRL

 Lee Iacocca said, more than once, "If you can find a better car, buy it."

Lets apply this to amateur radio for a moment.



Lets apply this to the American Radio Relay League.



Can you find a better "National Association for Amateur Radio"?



Does this other organization offer insurance for its members, representation before the Federal Communications Commission, an office in Washington, DC, friendly staff at Newington who answer phone calls and emails?



You have found a better National organization?



Do TELL!  What organization is it?



If not, then join the League.

There’s only ONE National Organization #hamradio #ARRL #IARU

You saw the tweet.

Preparations Continue for World Radiocommunication Conference 2023 http://www.arrl.org/news/view/preparations-continue-for-world-radiocommunication-conference-2023 #ARRL #hamradio  

There are 206 Nations in the World. That would potentially be 206 licensing authorities around the globe. 

Ham radio runs a little different in other places. Some Nations have a robust national group. Others are not so active. Sometimes, it’s easy to get a license. Sometimes and some places don’t allow them. 

Your ARRL works hard on the international field. Yes, there are threats to your spectrum there too. For example, recently Brazil proposed to eliminate amateur radio. 

Join Now. It takes money to send your representatives to international conferences. 

FCC license fee increase #ARRL #HamRadio

By now, you know of the Notice of Proposed Rule Making that addresses the amateur radio license fee increase.  

IF you have not filed your comments, you just may have time.  Filing comments is easy as pie.  If you don't file and the decision does not go as you wish, please realize you are the only one that can represent you.

IF you did not file comments, contact your Section and Division leadership with the American Radio Relay League.  The NPRM isn't set in stone.  The League is your voice before Congress and the Federal Communications Commission.

Use your representatives and be kind.  Your Government and your League work for the best hobby on the planet.  

IF you are not a member, JOIN.  

Upcoming election #arrl #hamradio

 From ARRL Headquarters:

Members are reminded that there are contested elections in the Dakota, Great Lakes and Midwest Divisions. Unfortunately, incorrect information regarding the use of electronic balloting in ARRL Division elections was disseminated in the Midwest Division. ARRL does not use electronic voting. The only way you will be able to cast a vote is by U.S. Postal Service mail and, as a member driven organization, we urge you to participate by casting -- mailing in – your ballot. Ballots will be mailed out to members, accompanied by photographs of each candidate and a 300-word statement (if provided by a candidate) by October 1, 2020. If you do not receive your ballot by October 16, please contact cpereira@arrl.org.

Obviously, if you are not an ARRL member in Iowa, Kansas, Nebraska, or Missouri, you will miss this opportunity  

Join Now ... https://www.arrl.org/join-arrl-renew-membership/?js=on

73 

 https://mobile.twitter.com/kc5fm

Why the Oklahoma #hamradio address? #ARRL

 A number of potential voters have asked about my Oklahoma address when I'm running for division vice-director in Kansas.  

The easiest answer is "Because I can".  Newkirk is just a few miles from the house.  PO Box 73 was available when I moved.  The US Post Office is willing to take my money to let me use it.  That special box was not available here.

Of course, as a ham, you realize that 73 means best regards while 88 means Love and Kisses while folks on the Christian Amateur Radio Fellowship Net still use 75 for God Bless You.

The League has processes in place so candidates must prove they live in the Section or Division.  I always want to trust our Staff to vet candidates appropriately.

The mailing address issue appears to be a smoke screen to take eyes off issues that impact the membership.  Issues like license fee increases, being fiscally responsible with your money. increases in the cost of doing business, ex, increases in postage, phones, electricity, etc. will all be on the plate for the next division director.  That's another reason why I'm running for number two, although I prepare to step into number one, should the need arise.  

Please join the League and trust them to verify the address of anyone running for any office.  The League and the FCC know my physical address. 

Why Vice-Director? #ARRL #hamradio

You've seen the post by now that announced the Midwest Division candidacy for Vice Director.  You've probably asked yourself, "Why did he do that?"

Believe me, so have I.

The conclusions are:

1.  Second fiddle ... I've always worked best as the Number Two.  The Division Director, by rights, will set the mission for the Division.  My job, therefore, will be simple.  Number Two helps Number One achieve goals.  As a section manager and emergency manager, I have learned the value of having a good team.  In Red Cross, Humanity Road, ARES, RACES, SHARES, Skywarn, I have learned how to be a team player.

2. With 2020 being what it is, 2021 has to be better.  The League has a new Chief Executive Officer.  The League has to have a new vision.  I am sure I will have an idea or two about how to make YOUR ARRL membership one that you value.  

3.  Already the League is having pressure put upon her by calling for the $50 license fee to be subsidized in part or in full by League dollars.  The League loses memberships when dues are increased.  This is one solution that deserves a look, but, local clubs should help there members overcome their financial hardships.

4.  The League has a NEW CEO.  He plans to run the organization like a business.  With experience on the Oklahoma Home Based Business Association, as well as a business owner and manager, I know how business works.  I can bring some ideas to the table.

5.  With experience in government, I can bring experience to the table in how to interface with State, Local, and Federal partners.  Those interactions have brought dollars to ham radio operators getting new repeaters, a seat in an emergency operations center, etc.

The bottom line is "I work for YOU", the League Member.  If you are NOT a member, you can't vote for me.  JOIN.  If you are a member, leave your comments here.  I will read each one.  

Ballots come out October 1.  By all means, VOTE. 

Green Country #hamfest on schedule #covid19

Green Country Hamfest covid-19 uptate - 12 Mar 2020.


CLAREMORE, OKLA - The Green Country Hamfest Committee held our regular monthly meeting Thursday, March 12, 2020. During that meeting there was discussion of the current covid-19 pandemic.

As Oklahoma's largest and most attended hamfest, the committee thought it was important to update the Amateur Radio community with latest information about this years Green Country Hamfest.

The 2020 Green Country Hamfest will be held on April 10th & 11th as scheduled.

The information on the covid-19 pandemic is a rapidly changing situation. And the health and welfare of all attending this event is very important to the committee. The Green Country Hamfest committee will be keeping in touch with all local and state officials with regards to the latest information about the covid-19 pandemic.

As of now we plan on holding 2020 Green Country Hamfest unless otherwise directed not to by the venue (the Claremore Expo Center), the Rogers County Health Department and/or the State of Oklahoma Health Department.

We will post any updates on our webpage GreenCountryHamfest.org and our Facebook page facebook.com/GreenCountryHamfest as required.

Thank you for your support, understanding and see you at the Hamfest.

Cellphone apps for #Skywarn #SWAW @WRNambassadors

Recently, Barons severe weather app hit the Iphone.  It's impressive.  There's an Android version too.

Just in time for severe weather, the free version gives Lightning, severe weather warnings, multiple addresses, and radar.  

While the radar is not as robust as RadarScope, the app is beneficial to those who like weather.  It's close to a one stop shop, especially from the myriad of warnings the app supports.

Have three ways to get warnings from the National Weather Service.  ALL-hazards radio is one.  #hamradio could be another.  

What's your favorite #Skywarn app?  What are your paths to NWS warnings?

#GreenCountry #Hamfest registration open #ARRL #hamradio

2020 Green Country Hamfest - April 10th& 11th
ON-LINE REGISTRATION IS NOW OPEN!!!
Purchase Hamfest admission and tables online and save!
Advance admission is $8.00.
Preregistered flea market tables are $10.00 each.
Commercial booths are $50.00 each.
At the door tickets are $10.00 and tables are $15.00.
Order early and save!
Online Preregistration Ends April 3rd, 2020
Oklahoma'sLargest & Most Attended Hamfest!!!
2020 Green Country Hamfest - April 10th& 11th
in Claremore, Oklahoma.
Only 30 minutes from Tulsa! Claremore Expo, 400 Veterans Parkway,Claremore, OK, 74017
MAP: https://goo.gl/maps/X9kEa
Talk-in on: 147.09+
Free Parking!!! - Low Cost ON-SITE RV Parking!
Terrific Prizes! Grand Prize - the just introduced
Elecraft K4 Transciver.
See Prize Page for details Greencountryhamfest.org/prizes2020.htm
Fantastic Forums - Learn something new!
See Rows & Row of Flea Market - Great Bargains!
Free Test Table - Check It Before You Buy It!
On-site VE Testing Get or upgrade your license!
Admission is $10.00 per person at the door (One ticket covers both Days)
Children 12 and under are Free!
Hours: Fri. 4pm-9pm - Sat. 8am-3pm
Flea Market Tables are $15.00 at the door
To order & More info at GreenCountryHamfest.org
2020 Green Country Hamfest - April 10th& 11th in Claremore Oklahoma, USA 
Friday open to public at 4 PM to 9 PM
Saturday open to public 8 AM to 3 PM
Setup Friday 12:00PM.
Setup at 7:00AM Saturday

Take your last email and ... #hamradio #ARRL

Take your last email you received and write something about amateur radio based on it.

Like this:

"Angela Birch commented on your answer to: "Why is Trump holding back disaster relief for Puerto Rico? Other US cities/states have corruption issues, but it never affected disaster relief efforts." 

Puerto Rico has been through a lot with Hurricanes and Earthquakes.  The Island is populated by many residents who are strong and resilient.

The Island has a number of amateur radio operators.  Many of them learned from the recent hurricanes that left the Island without power for months.  They learned from the recent earthquakes.  They helped their neighbors event when there was no power.  

Are you able to talk to the mainland when your cellphone is dead?  Can you communicate with your out-of-state loved ones when your power is off?  Ham radio rules.  

How did you do?  Care to share?  

AM QSO Party set for this weekend #hamradio #ARRL

January 25 ZULU the AM QSO Party hosted in Europe is happening.

Listen for KC5FM on 7.290 AM mobile Friday evening or Saturday. Remember the 7290 Traffic Net is on that frequency Saturday morning. It's also a go to frequency for the Texas Traffic Net.

Hope you have fun.

Join the LEAGUE #ARRL #hamradio

Lee Iacocca said, more than once, "If you can find a better car, buy it."



Lets apply this to amateur radio for a moment.



Lets apply this to the American Radio Relay League.



Can you find a better "National Association for Amateur Radio"?



Does this other organization offer insurance for its members, representation before the Federal Communications Commission, an office in Washington, DC, friendly staff at Newington who answer phone calls and emails?



You have found a better National organization?



Do TELL!  What organization is it?



If not, then join the League.

Happy New Year #ARRL #hamradio #Skywarn #teamJesus

With 2020 here, what are you planning?  Did you get a new radio under the tree?  What new features will you be learning?  Will you try a new mode or another way to enjoy the best hobby on the planet?

Will your Skywarn program have any new tools to use?

Will your walk with Jesus be better than ever?

From our house to yours, Happy New Year.  May 2020 be the best year for you.