The annual PARA Christmas Dinner was celebrated Monday, December 9, 2018 at Casa Mexicana Restaurant on Village Square Drive in Paducah. The special occasion has traditionally convened in lieu of a formal December club meeting. Snapshots of the approximately 26 members and guests in attendance enjoying excellent food and spirited conversation are shown below: (click on image for slide show)
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PARA Net Controls (late December/early January)
December 15 Jeff KB9BVL PARA 13 check-ins
December 22 Steve NW9W PARA 10 check-ins
December 29 Steve NW9W PARA 9 check-ins
January 5 Garry KD4GCY PARA 17 check-ins
January 5 Logan KG4VKB ARES 15 check-ins
January 12 Frank KY4LDS PARA 15 check-ins
PARA 2018 Statistics
Remember:
PARA meets at Emerging Technology Center, WKCTC on 2nd Monday, 7 pm, each month except December. Prospective hams in search of general info concerning the hobby may Google ARRL.com and click on relevant headings.
New License and upgrades exams are offered at the close of each meeting night throughout the year. See W4NJA web site at w4nja.org. For info click button at the top of the page: About Us, then VE License Testing.
The Sunday Night Net meets each Sunday night at 9 PM. All amateur radio operators are invited to check in. 147.060 PL 179.9 The ARES monthly net convenes immediately following PARA net on first Sunday nights.
CW round table for on-the-air operating practice, 6:30 pm Tuesday and Thursday evenings. Meet on W4NJA 147.060 repeater at 8:00 to get instructions.
Amateur Radio Emergency Services meetings are held at 7:00 pm on 3rd Thursdays, 3700 Coleman Road EOC building in the Jack Johnston meeting room.
The “PARA Lunch Bunch” at Lone Oak Back Yard Burgers. (about 11:30 am, Mondays) Join us!
The regularly scheduled meeting of the Paducah Amateur Radio Association was held Monday, October 14, 2019 at the WKCTC Emerging Technology Center, Room 140, in Paducah, KY. There were 18 members and guests present. No one came for FCC VE testing. The meeting was opened by PARA Vice President, Ken Wontor KW4DI. Ken welcomed us and asked each attendee around the room to give their name, amateur call and tell of their amateur radio activities since the last meeting. Paul Smith brought to our attention that we should recognize Charlie Richey’s outstanding hard work and leadership with the growth of amateur radio in Metropolis. A big round of applause from PARA was given.
Club Business Items
Ron Cowherd gave the Secretary’s Report, It was moved, seconded and voted to accept the Secretary’s minutes.
Roger Good, announced that there were $0.00 expenditures and $500 in new revenue since last report which allowed us to fully pay for the new KYQSO plaques. Roger suggested that our $500 12 month CD is scheduled to mature November 11th. He suggested that we add an additional $500 to the CD and reinvest for 16 months. That would leave us with $1,600 cash for club activities. We were reminded that club membership dues are coming up January 1st that will bring in additional revenue. After a short discussion, it was moved and second to accept Roger’s suggestion followed by a vote to accept the Treasurer’s Report.
Garry Wheatley told us that the Paducah National Weather Service has a new director. The new director has commented that he wants to expand the use of amateur radio volunteer resources to improve instantaneous feedback between the NWS and more remote sites during severe weather. After a lengthy discussion a motion was made for Garry to serve as liaison between PARA and the Paducah NWS.
Ken closed meeting with the following useful info: Repeater Maps – an app to give repeater location data as you travel. Google Play Store version 19.10.11 Repeater Book
Sunday night nets are at 9:00 PM on 147.060 MHZ. PL 179.9
October 20 Steve NW9W 17 PARA Ck-ins
October 27 Frank KY4LDS 18 PARA Ck-ins
November 3 Roger KC4WPS 13 PARA Ck-ins
November 3 Logan KG4VKB 11 ARES Ck-ins
November 10 Ken KW4DI 14 PARA Ck-ins
Remember:
PARA meets at Emerging Technology Center, WKCTC on 2nd Monday, 7 pm, each month except December. Prospective hams in search of general info concerning the hobby may Google ARRL.com and click on relevant headings.
New License and upgrade exams are offered at the close of each meeting night throughout the year. See W4NJA web site for info. Click button at the top of the page: About Us, then VE License Testing. Also, you may call Fred Carter (AI4EY) and leave a message at (270)210-3628 if you wish to take a test at the next meeting.
The Sunday Night PARA Emergency Net meets each Sunday night at 9 PM. All amateur radio operators are invited to check in. 147.060 PL 179.9 The ARES monthly net convenes immediately following PARA net on the first Sunday night of each month.
CW round table for on-the-air operating practice, 6:30 pm Tuesday and Thursday evenings. Meet on W4NJA 147.060 repeater at 7:00 to get instructions.
Amateur Radio Emergency Services meetings are held at 7:00 pm on 3rd Thursdays, 3700 Coleman Road EOC building in the Jack Johnston meeting room.
Metropolis net Thursdays 8:15, 146.655 PL179.9, 147.225 is old repeater freq.
The regularly scheduled meeting of the Paducah Amateur Radio Association was held Monday, September 9, 2019 at the WKCTC Emerging Technology Center, Room 140, in Paducah, KY. There were 20 members and guests present. Two came for FCC VE testing. See pictures below. The meeting was opened by PARA President, Jeff Wielgos KB9BVL. Jeff welcomed us and asked each attendee around the room to give their name, amateur call and tell the name of someone whose radio shacks they had visited.
Club Business Items
Ron Cowherd gave the Secretary’s Report, highlighting the PARA club business items from the August meeting. It was moved and second to accept the Secretary’s minutes.
Roger Good led a discussion of pro-rating dues. His treasurer’s report was made and accepted.
There was a short review about the CW Roundtable. The Roundtable is now at 6:30 p.m. on Tuesday and Thursday evenings. We meet first on the PARA 06 machine to determine a frequency, usually on or about 7.061. Those who have been meeting have become quite proficient but the speed of sending will be adjusted to whatever speed is comfortable for all. The best thing about our group is that there is no pressure and no one feels self-conscience if not being perfect. We all are learning from each other. Quite often after the CW session we discuss our strengths and weaknesses of copy and sending. All are welcome.
There was a discussion of KY QSO plaques and someone that Wallace Shankle had spoken to that would make the plaques for $20 each. A motion was made and seconded to purchase. It is expected that most of the cost will be reimbursed as it was last year.
Charlie Richey gave us a report of the very active amateur participation in Southern Illinois. The Metropolis repeater now in operation on 146.655 mhz, PL 179.9.
Net Control Operators
Sunday night nets are at 9:00 PM on 147.060 MHZ. PL 179.9
September 15 Roger KC4WDS 16 PARA ck-ins
September 22 Jeff KB9BVL 12 PARA ck-ins
September 29 Frank KY4LDS 15 PARA ck-ins
October 6 Ken KW4DI 18 PARA ck-ins
October 13 Ron K4GYD 13 PARA ck-ins
New License Successes
We are happy to report that Jedediah Lamb (L) successfully passed the Technician class license. Marton Wilson (R) (KN4PBC) successfully upgraded to the General class license. Congratulations Jedediah and Marton. We cordially invite you to enjoy your new licenses and join us at future monthly meetings.
Jedediah Lamb, Tech
Marton Wilson, General
Remember:
PARA meets at Emerging Technology Center, WKCTC on 2nd Monday, 7 pm, each month except December. Prospective hams in search of general info concerning the hobby may Google ARRL.com and click on relevant headings.
New License and upgrade exams are offered at the close of each meeting night throughout the year. See W4NJA web site for info. Click button at the top of the page: About Us, then VE License Testing. Also, you may call Fred Carter (AI4EY) and leave a message at (270)210-3628 if you wish to take a test at the next meeting.
The Sunday Night PARA Emergency Net meets each Sunday night at 9 PM. All amateur radio operators are invited to check in. 147.060 PL 179.9 The ARES monthly net convenes immediately following PARA net on the first Sunday night of each month.
CW round table for on-the-air operating practice, 6:30 pm Tuesday and Thursday evenings. Meet on W4NJA 147.060 repeater at 7:00 to get instructions.
Amateur Radio Emergency Services meetings are held at 7:00 pm on 3rd Thursdays, 3700 Coleman Road EOC building in the Jack Johnston meeting room.
The regularly scheduled meeting of the Paducah Amateur Radio Association was held Monday, August 12, 2019 at the WKCTC Emerging Technology Center, Room 140, in Paducah, KY. There were 21 members and guests present. Two came for FCC VE testing. The meeting was opened by PARA President, Jeff Wielgos KB9BVL. Jeff welcomed us and asked each attendee around the room to give their name, amateur call and tell of their radio activities during the past month.
Club Business Items
Ron Cowherd gave the Secretary’s Report. The highlight of the report was that Roger Good KC4WPS, who was voted our new Treasurer, is now fully accredited and ready to take our money. HI HI.
Roger Good gave his first Treasurers Report and happily reported that we are still in the black. Great report Roger. We appreciate your service.
Charlie Richey (K9DUE) from the Metropolis Amateur Radio Club gave us a report of the excellent work that is being done in Metropolis. Evidently the club is on fire, bringing in many new hams to the hobby as well as a new repeater. The student interest and school administration support is phenomenal. We wish them continued success and we are very happy to have Metropolis club members participating in PARA meetings and activities.
The Metropolis Amateur Radio Club repeater is now operational at 146.655 minus, PL 179.9
Net Control Operators
Sunday night nets are at 9:00 PM on 147.060 MHZ. PL 179.9
August 18 Jeff KB9BVL 12 ck-ins
August 25 Jeff KM4LDP 16 ck-ins
September 1 Frank KY4LDS 9 ck-ins
September 8 Steve NW9W 10 ck-ins
New License Successes
We are happy to report that Cory Trovillion (KB9VKZ) successfully upgraded to the Extra class license. Keith Oakley (KD4QKO) upgraded to General Class.Congratulations Cory and Keith. We cordially invite you to enjoy your new license and join us at future monthly meetings.
Remember:
PARA meets at Emerging Technology Center, WKCTC on 2nd Monday, 7 pm, each month except December. Prospective hams in search of general info concerning the hobby may Google ARRL.com and click on relevant headings.
New License and upgrade exams are offered at the close of each meeting night throughout the year. See W4NJA web site for info. Click button at the top of the page: About Us, then VE License Testing. Also, you may call Fred Carter (AI4EY) and leave a message at (270)210-3628 if you wish to take a test at the next meeting.
The Sunday Night PARA Emergency Net meets each Sunday night at 9 PM. All amateur radio operators are invited to check in. 147.060 PL 179.9 The ARES monthly net convenes immediately following PARA net on the first Sunday night of each month.
CW round table for on-the-air operating practice, 6:30 pm Tuesday and Thursday evenings. Meet on W4NJA 147.060 repeater at 7:00 to get instructions.
Amateur Radio Emergency Services meetings are held at 7:00 pm on 3rd Thursdays, 3700 Coleman Road EOC building in the Jack Johnston meeting room.
Field Day 2019, Bruce and Ed – “This picture says it all”
The regularly scheduled meeting of the Paducah Amateur Radio Association was held Monday, July 9, 2019 at the WKCTC Emerging Technology Center, Room 140, in Paducah, KY. There were 18 members and guests present. One came for FCC VE testing, see picture below. The meeting was opened by PARA Vice President, Ken Wontor. Ken welcomed us and asked each attendee around the room to give their name, amateur call and tell of their radio activities during the past month. Ken didn’t have a planned program but his entertaining humor kept us “in stitches.”
Club Business Items
Ron Cowherd gave both the Treasurer’s Report and Secretaries Report. The highlight of the Treasurer’s report was the Field day expenses totaling only $133.73 to date. This was much less than the $500 that was alloted for the event. The Secretaries report was brief in that June’s meeting was mainly concerned with the preparations for Field Day held June 22nd & 23rd.
We were reminded that the Treasurer’s position needed to be filled due to Bruce Huyck’s resignation of the office after several years of outstanding service. Volunteers were called for and fortunately Roger Good, KC4WPS agreed to be considered for the office. A motion was made to accept Roger, seconded and followed by an unanimous vote of approval to select Roger for the job. Congratulations Roger and thank you for accepting this important position.
Paul Smith reviewed the scores from this years Field Day Event compared to past years. Our scores were down this year but everyone agreed that we did quite well considering the loss of several hours of operating time due to two strong storms that past through Keiler Park during the 24 hour contest. See the compiled results below.
Net Control Operators
Sunday night nets are at 9:00 PM on 147.060 MHZ. PL 179.9
July 14 Jeff KM4LDP 10 PARA ck-ins
July 21 Roger KC4WPS 10 PARA ck-ins
July 28 Frank KY4LDS 15 PARA ck-ins
August 4 Logan KG4VKB 9 PARA ck-ins
August 4 Garry KD4GCY 9 ARES ck-ins
August 11 Ken KW4DI 8 PARA ck-ins
New License Success
We are happy to report that Adam Largent, picture below, successfully passed the Technician class FCC exam. Congratulations Adam. We cordially invite you to enjoy your new license and join us at future monthly meetings.
Adam Largent – New Tech
Remember:
PARA meets at Emerging Technology Center, WKCTC on 2nd Monday, 7 pm, each month except December. Prospective hams in search of general info concerning the hobby may Google ARRL.com and click on relevant headings.
New License and upgrade exams are offered at the close of each meeting night throughout the year. See W4NJA web site for info. Click button at the top of the page: About Us, then VE License Testing.
The Sunday Night PARA Emergency Net meets each Sunday night at 9 PM. All amateur radio operators are invited to check in. 147.060 PL 179.9 The ARES monthly net convenes immediately following PARA net on the first Sunday night of each month.
CW round table for on-the-air operating practice, 7:00 pm Tuesday and Thursday evenings. Meet on W4NJA 147.060 repeater at 7:00 to get instructions.
Amateur Radio Emergency Services meetings are held at 7:00 pm on 3rd Thursdays, 3700 Coleman Road EOC building in the Jack Johnston meeting room.
2019 ARRL Field Day, June 22-23, 2019. Set up 9:00 a.m. Saturday, 22nd. Take down 1:00 p.m. Sunday.
VOAD general meeting, MSU (Paducah campus), 6 pm, Thursday, June 6th. The MSU campus is located just off Audubon drive via a short street behind First Christian Church.
W4NJA 2019 Field Day Summary with past year comparison
The regularly scheduled meeting of the Paducah Amateur Radio Association was held Monday, June 10, 2019 at the WKCTC Emerging Technology Center, Room 140, in Paducah, KY. There were 20 members and guests present. The meeting was opened by PARA President, Jeff Wielgos. Jeff welcomed us and asked each attendee around the room to give their name and amateur call. Three came for FCC VE testing, see pictures below.
Club Business Items Discussed
President Jeff Wielgos read the Treasurer’s Report in absence of Bruce Huyck.
Ron Cowherd’s Secretary’s Report with a brief report of items covered at the May meeting.
The first item of discussion concerned the success of the W4NJA sponsored KY QSO Party that occurred Saturday, June 1. Paul Smith reported that he had already received many logs from contest participants and expected more before the deadline for entries. A more in-depth final report will be available on the website, www.kyqsoparty.org as well as this web site in next month’s July Monthly Meeting posting.
Don Fuller, Ken Wantor and Ron Cowherd travelled to the Columbus/ Bellmont Kentucky State Park in Hickman County for a remote location. The trio of operators reported of the park’s beauty and the excellent facilities for a remote operating site. Don brought his solar generator which was found to be more than adequate to run the 100 watt CW station. Ken brought his gas powered emergency generator that was found to be too noisy for use the preceding year, but Ken brought it back again this year sporting an experimental AC line choke made from a roll of #16 speaker wire that he found in his garage at home. We found the generator to be RF noise free and was successfully used with the 100 watt SSB station. See pictures: May Monthly Meeting post.
The balance of the meeting was concerned with the review of needs for ARRL Field Day, June 22-23, 2019. Set up 9:00 a.m. Saturday, 22nd.
A motion to allot $500 for food and other pertinent needs was voted on and passed.
Jason Brambach demonstrated his recently acquired Morserino-32. The Austrian company producing the kit advertises that “it is for the learning and practicing Morse code with a multi-functional morserino device.” It has many interesting features including fun ways to learn CW as well as the ability to send CW over the internet using the Mumble protocol. more info: https://github.com/oe1wkl/Morserino-32
NET CONTROL OPERATORS
Sunday night nets are at 9:00 PM on 147.060 MHZ. PL 179.9June 16 Jeff KB9BVL 13 PARA ck-insJune 23 Jason KY9I 14 PARA ck-insJune 30 Frank KY4LDS 15 PARA ck-ins July 7 Ken KW4DI 11 PARA ck-insJuly 7 Logan KG4VKB 10 ARES ck-ins
New License Successes
We are happy to report that Dylan Kiebler, left. pic. has successfully passed both the Technician class FCC exam. Jon Evans (K4OEN), middle. pic. upgraded to General, (Jon and Dylan are father and son) Michael Hicks, rt. pic. upgraded to Extra. Congratulations to the three of you. We cordially invite you to enjoy your new licenses and join us at future monthly meetings.
Dylan Kiebler and Jon Evans, Father & Son
Michael Hicks
Remember:
PARA meets at Emerging Technology Center, WKCTC on 2nd Monday, 7 pm, each month except December. Prospective hams in search of general info concerning the hobby may Google ARRL.com and click on relevant headings.
New License and upgrades exams are offered at the close of each meeting night throughout the year. See W4NJA web site. For info, click button at the top of the page: About Us, then VE License Testing.
The Sunday Night Net meets each Sunday night at 9 PM. All amateur radio operators are invited to check in. 147.060 PL 179.9 The ARES monthly net convenes immediately following PARA net on first Sunday nights.
CW round table for on-the-air operating practice, 7:00 pm Tuesday and Thursday evenings. Meet on W4NJA 147.060 repeater at 7:00 to get instructions.
Amateur Radio Emergency Services meetings are held at 7:00 pm on 3rd Thursdays, 3700 Coleman Road EOC building in the Jack Johnston meeting room.
2019 ARRL Field Day, June 22-23, 2019. Set up 9:00 a.m. Saturday, 22nd. Take down 1:00 p.m. Sunday.
VOAD general meeting, MSU (Paducah campus), 6 pm, Thursday, June 6th. The MSU campus is located just off Audubon drive via a short street behind First Christian Church.
