The regularly scheduled meeting of the Paducah Amateur Radio Association was held Monday, January 13, 2020 at the WKCTC Emerging Technology Center, Room 140, in Paducah, KY.  There were 22 members and guests present.  No one 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 any amateur equipment that they may have received for Christmas.

Club Business Items

• Secretary Ron Cowherd read the minutes from the October meeting, the last regular business meeting of 2019.  Motion to accept minutes was made, seconded and passed.
• Treasurer Roger KC4WPS brought us up to date with the club’s finances.  Roger told us that at the end of 2019 we had a positive cash flow of $857 over the previous year.  Following the clubs instructions from the last meeting, he renewed the current $500 CD along with an additional $500 and purchased a 60 month CD which improved the interest rate from 1% to 1.85%. A motion was made, seconded and passed to accept the Treasurer’s Report.
• Paul Smith, ND4XA explained that we realized a $300 profit due to other KY clubs that donated toward the expense of the award plaques.
• President Jeff brought us up to date on the association of the National Weather System and Amateur Radio.  Jeff had spent over 4 hours at the weather station operating their ham station during the NWS nationwide QSO party/contest.
• There was some discussion about the election of officers for 2020.  We normally elect officers in January, but since we didn’t have Vice President Ken Wontor present at this time, it was decided to delay the election until the February meeting when perhaps all the current officers could be present.  Jeff, Ron and Roger agreed to continue to serve in their respective positions for 2020 if no one else was nominated.
• There was a brief discussion about plans for the 2020 KY QSO Party.  Ed Pflueger reported that the plaques are under construction.  Paul Smith said volunteers are needed regarding various logging requirements, much of which is already mechanized.  Dave Perry will also participate in the same capacity as last year.  The date is June 6, 2020, first Saturday in June.  Same as last year.
• Garry Wheatley announced that The McCracken County Amateur Radio Emergency Services group will be offering a class for acquiring the FCC Technician License.  The Tech Class will be a two part presentation with the official test given at the close of the second class period. The first class will be Thursday Feb. 20th. Starting at 6:00 PM. The second class will be Saturday Feb. 22nd. Starting at 9:00 AM, with testing about noon time. Both classes will be conducted at the Ledbetter Vol. Fire Dept. located at 1481 US-60, Ledbetter, KY 42058.  If interested, you may reply to KJ4OKY@gmail.com to register or obtain additional information.

Demonstration

Michael Durr (KN4TIP), brought us an outstanding presentation entitled “Talking to the Birds.”  The subject of amateur satellite communication was thoroughly covered in a very short 30 minute period. Michael used printed documentation, visual media and personal experience to cover this very interesting topic.   See the following link: https://1drv.ms/p/s!AkcUWDGnpyTk7XvzbYRrHV-edADW  His home-brew 5 element, 2 band (VHF/UHF) “hand-held tape measure yagi” was quite impressive.  In addition, Michael surprised us with a multiple answer, 10 question “pop quiz” at the close of his program.  Jim Ruud (AK4PS) received a reward for being the only one who correctly answered all the questions.  Thank you Michael, for giving us a great overview of yet another one of Amateur Radio’s many facets.

NET CONTROL OPERATORS

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.
• Draffenville net Wednesdays 9:00 145.390 PL118.8

The annual PARA Christmas Dinner was celebrated Monday, December 9, 2019 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:

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.

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.

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

W4NJA-2019-Field-Day-Initial-Summary

Field Day Slide Show

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