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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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

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.

The regularly scheduled meeting of the Paducah Amateur Radio Association was held Monday, April 8, 2019 at the WKCTC Emerging Technology Center, Room 140, in Paducah, KY.  There were 28 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, amateur call and total contacts made since the last club meeting.  Two came for FCC VE testing, see pictures below.

Club Business Items Discussed

• Secretary Ron Cowherd read the Treasurer’s Report in absence of Bruce Huyck.
• The Secretary’s report followed with a review of items covered at the March meeting.  Both reports were accepted by acclamation.
• A motion was made and passed to reimburse Dave Perry $227.06 for shipping expenses of the award plaques.  With all expenses paid, there was a surplus of $22 due to contributions to the project.  Dave told of several positive comments had been made to him to him concerning the quality of the plaques.
• Comments were made about the participation of some 19 local amateurs that monitored the W4NJA repeater giving visual reports during the tornado outbreak.  The net was not formally activated but our live comments demonstrated our valuable readiness.  One of the night’s attendees told us that our observations were 4 to 5 minutes ahead of the Massac Co. area where his wife was teaching.  The lead time gave the students time to get prepared.  It was later determined that the tornado went over their school, fortunately without harm or a touchdown.  Jeff explained why warnings may be delayed as the information is disseminated through the system.  Our observations are invaluable in that respect.
• Garry Wheatley announced that the next VOAD general meeting would be at the MSU campus, 6 pm, Thursday, May 9th.
• Field Day, Keiler Park, June 22-23,  preparations were discussed.  CW OPs needed.
• Club President Jeff showed us a detailed video of his well equipped station and new antenna installation.  The presentation was very well done, a great model for others to show off their stations too.  Thanks Jeff,
• Charlie Richey announced that the Massac area amateur radio group, 1st and 2nd of May, at the Metropolis fire department, is planning to have radio classes for new prospective hams.  Charlie also spoke of the new MHS radio club and the success that it is having.
• Ed Pflueger passed around the 10 most sought after DX QSL cards that he has proudly earned.

NET CONTROL OPERATORS

New License Successes

We are happy to report that Mauri Fiorentini has successfully passed the Technician class FCC exam left. pic. and Michael Burr,  rt. pic. has upgraded to General.  Congratulations to both of you.  We cordially invite you to enjoy your new licenses and join us at future monthly meetings.

Mauri Fiorentini, new Technician

Michael Durr, new 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 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 KYQSO Party scheduled for Saturday, June 1, 2019.
• 2019 ARRL Field Day, June 22-23, 2019.  Set up 9:00 a.m. Saturday, 22nd.
• VOAD general meeting, MSU (Paducah campus), 6 pm, Thursday, May 9th.

The regularly scheduled meeting of the Paducah Amateur Radio Association was held Monday, March 11, 2019 at the WKCTC Emerging Technology Center, Room 140, in Paducah, KY.  There were 21 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, amateur call and total contacts made since the last club meeting. Two came for FCC VE testing, see pictures below.

Club Business Items Discussed

• Secretary Ron Cowherd read the Treasurer’s Report in absence of Bruce Huyck.
• The Secretary’s report followed with a review of items covered at the February meeting.  The February meeting featured two demonstrations the first of which was presented by Ed Pflueger and his new Elecraft K2 that was constructed during December and January.  Jason Brambach demonstrated the Flex Maestro, an SDR control interface for his 6000 series Flex transceiver.  In addition, Jason later prepared an excellent detailed synopsis of his presentation with text and pictures, now linked on the February Monthly Meeting web page or the following:  flex maestro presentation
• Garry Wheatley told about McCracken County VOAD, Volunteer Organizations Aiding in Disaster.  Ari Dinson from the Red Cross is trying to collaborate the various volunteer organizations in the area, e.g., churches, Salvation Army, etc.  VOAD is looking for more groups to get involved.  Garry spoke at a VOAD meeting recently explaining how amateur radio could serve in case of disaster.  He suggested that if each of the individual groups had two or three operators imbedded within their organizations it would be a great help to McCracken Co. ARES.  Garry said he got many questions about amateur licensing, testing, etc.
• Dave Perry brought ten KY QSO plaques with engraved brass plates that were ready to be mailed out to high scoring participants.  Two of the plaques were to be presented to 1st and 2nd place non-Kentuckians and eight plaques to high scoring in-state Kentuckians of different categories.  Paul Smith, with 84,548 points, took 1st place in Kentucky.  See picture at top.  Dave continued with ideas to fine tune the next KY QSO Party to be held 1st weekend in June.  Much discussion followed with suggestions for improvement from the  club.
• President Jeff Wielgos warned us of the possibility of high winds and possible damage that may occur later in the week.  In retrospect, Jeff’s prognostication was “spot on.”

Great Testimonial for KY QSO Party from David Smith (ND4Y):

“a proud pic of me and my KyQP plaque.  Thanks for PARA’s sponsorship.  Had a great time and looking forward to the 2019 KyQP.”

Net Control Operators for Late March/Early April

Sunday night nets are at 9:00 PM on 147.060 Mhz. PL 179.9

March 14            tornado event        19 observer rpts.

March 17            Jeff KB9BVL            10 PARA ck-ins

March 24            Roger KC4WPS       13 PARA ck-ins

March 31             Jason KY9I              13 PARA ck-ins

April 7                   Ken KW4DI           14 PARA ck-ins

New License Successes

We are happy to report that Roger Rives, left. pic. and Michael Burr, rt. pic. have successfully passed the Technician class FCC exam.  Congratulations to both of you.  We cordially invite you to enjoy your new licenses 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 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 KYQSO Party scheduled for Saturday, June 1, 2019.
• 2019 ARRL Field Day, June 2019.