Photos by Ken Wontor KW4DI and Ron Cowherd K4GYD
Field Day 2018
JUNE MONTHLY MEETING
PARA Meeting Minutes 6/11/2018
The regularly scheduled meeting of the Paducah Amateur Radio Association was held Monday, June 11, 2018 at the WKCTC Emerging Technology Center, Room 140, in Paducah, KY. There were 21 present.
The meeting was opened by Club Treasurer Bruce Huyck. Bruce welcome and asked each attendee around the room to give their name, and amateur call.
Items Discussed and Passed
The business portion of the meeting was as follows:
- Ron Cowherd gave the Secretary’s report followed by the Treasurer’s report by Bruce Huyck. A motion was made to accept the two reports, seconded and passed.
- Paul Smith reported on W4NJA’s 2018 KY QSO Party success. So far, 119 logs have been submitted, 21 operators out of 120 KY counties sent in logs. McCracken, Anderson and and Hopkins had multiple stations (2 ea.) There were hams from 38 ARRL Sections including Canada. There were 130 logs submitted to LOTW which puts W4NJA at position 17,855 overall and number 136 in KY. Paul passed out 11 page handout of data that showed W4NJA 180,720 points earned for the event, 598 QSOs, with 204 multipliers. Total score, so far, is 1,026,000 points for our QSO Party exceeding any total scores in the past 10 years.
- Dave Perry thanked everyone who participated in the QSO Party. In addition, he asked what was learned by those who participated that may have been new to contesting or as a rover/portable operator. It was agreed that we should make a list of what to do or what not to do in order to tweek next year’s planning. Dave stressed setting goals for next year by besting this year’s numbers. He suggested that we should think in terms of how we can increase the benefits for Kentucky by encouraging more KY hams and people around the world to participate in our contest.
- Mike Newman announced that he was rebuilding his storage facility where PARA paraphernalia (antennas, computers, etc.) has been left. Dave Perry offered a room at his remote station for the equipment.
- Bruce Huyck gave an extensive overview of Field Day plans.
Net Control Operators for Late June/Early July
Sunday night nets are at 9:00 PM on 147.060 Mhz. PL 179.9
June 17 Frank KY4LDS 14 check-ins
June 24 Jeff KM4LDP 12 check-ins
July 1 Eric K4YUS 12 PARA, 10 ARES
July 8 Logan KG4VKB 13 check-ins
ARRL International Grid Contest
(ARRL Leaderboard Results shows Ky position and Total Grid count as of 7/9/2018) 6 club members in top 25.
1. N4QS Dave Perry, 4253 grids; 10. AI4EY Fred Carter, 2032 grids; 15. K4GYD Ron Cowherd, 1370 grids; 17. KC4WPS Roger Good, 1470 grids; 21. KO4XJ John Hudson, 1199 grids; 23. KS4V Bruce Huyck, 1152 grids; 33. W4WWS Steve Parmley, 941 grids; 48. ND4X Paul Smith, 547 grids; 54. KB9BVL Jeff Wielgos, 504 grids; 55. AB4IQ Ed Pflueger, 500 grids; 64. W4KU, Wallace Shankle, 428 grids; 68. KW4DI Ken Wontor, 412 grids; 71. NU4N Dave Tucker 396 grids; 77. N4FZ Gene Summers 366 grids; 78. KJ4CO John Chandler, 346 grids; 79. W4NJA 337.
Current grid contest results may be found at: https://igc.arrl.org/leader-board.php
New License and Upgrade Success
We are happy to report that Vardie Gene Bunch successfully upgraded to the General class FCC license. Congratulations Gene. We cordially invite you to enjoy your new license status and join us at future monthly meetings.
Remember:
- PARA meets at Emerging Technology Center, WKCTC on 2nd Monday, 7 pm of each month except December.
- 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
- 2018 Field Day Photos
- PARA membership fees ($10 pro-rated) payable at a future meeting.
MAY MONTHLY MEETING
PARA Meeting Minutes 5/14/2018
The regularly scheduled meeting of the Paducah Amateur Radio Association was held Monday, May 14, 2018 at the WKCTC Emerging Technology Center, Room 140, in Paducah, KY. There were 24 present, including three FCC Amateur License examinees.
The meeting was opened by Club Vice President Ken Wontor. VP Wontor asked each attendee to give their name, amateur call and a report of their amateur activities during past month.
Items Discussed and Passed
The business portion of the meeting was as follows:
- Treasurer Bruce Huyck was not present and no formal report was made, however, VP Wontor reported that Keilor Park reservations had been made and the $50 fee paid.
- Ron Cowherd gave the Secretary’s summary report of the April meeting proceedings. Almost all of April business involved KYQP.
- Paul Smith led a question and answer session including comments on the set-up and operation of the N1MM logging program in reference to the KY QSO Party. Jeff Wielgos made a list of those who were planning to operate fixed, roving or portable stations, modes and counties.
- Regarding Field Day 2018: It was brought up that the mobile unit for Field Day had not been reserved yet. Ed Pflueger volunteered to contact Paducah/McCracken Co. Office of Emergency Management to reserve their Mobile Command Post facility and generators.
Net Control Operators for Late May/Early June
Sunday night nets are at 9:00 PM on 147.060 Mhz. PL 179.9
May 20 Jeff KB9BVL 12 check-ins
May 27 Frank KY4LDS 14 check-ins
June 3 Eric K4YUS 12 PARA
June 10 Steve NW9W 9 check-ins
ARRL International Grid Contest
(ARRL Leaderboard Results shows Ky position and Total Grid count as of 6/9/2018) 7 club members in top 25.
1. N4QS Dave Perry, 3953 grids; 9. AI4EY Fred Carter, 1934 grids; 14. K4GYD Ron Cowherd, 1319 grids; 15. KC4WPS Roger Good, 1268 grids; 21. KO4XJ John Hudson, 1091 grids; 24. KS4V Bruce Huyck, 975 grids; 25. W4WWS Steve Parmley, 940 grids; 45. KB9BVL Jeff Wielgos, 504 grids; 49. AB4IQ Ed Pflueger, 450 grids; 55. W4KU, Wallace Shankle, 428 grids; 57. KW4DI Ken Wontor, 412 grids; 59. ND4X Paul Smith, 392 grids; 60. NU4N Dave Tucker 392 grids; 66. KJ4CO John Chandler, 346 grids.
Current grid contest results may be found at: https://igc.arrl.org/leader-board.php
New License and Upgrade Successes
We are happy to report that three individuals successfully passed their FCC Amateur Radio license exams at the close of the May meeting. Pictured (LtoR): John Harrison and Shane Martin, both new Techs and Wayne Reid upgraded to Extra. Congratulations to all three. We cordially invite you to enjoy your new license status and join us at future monthly meetings.
Remember:
- PARA meets at Emerging Technology Center, WKCTC on 2nd Monday, 7 pm of each month except December.
- 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 at the top of the page on 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
- KY QSO Party sponsored by PARA W4NJA, June 2nd, 2018, 9 am to 9:00 pm.
- Field Day, Kyler Park, Paducah, June 23 & 24.
- PARA membership fees ($20) are due and payable at a future meeting.
APRIL MONTHLY MEETING
PARA Meeting Minutes 4/9/2018
The regularly scheduled meeting of the Paducah Amateur Radio Association was held Monday, April 9, 2018 at the WKCTC Emerging Technology Center, Room 140, in Paducah, KY. There were 26 present, including two FCC Amateur License examinees.
The meeting was opened by Club President, Jeff Wielgos followed by each attendee giving their name and amateur call.
Items Discussed and Passed
The business portion of the meeting was as follows:
- Secretary Cowherd reviewed March meeting minutes including items discussed and passed. In addition, a report was given on PARA members who are participating the ARRL International Grid Contest. As of 4/9/2018, six club members are on Kentucky’s top 25 of the leader board with five more members listed on the second page making a total of 11 PARA members in the top 50.
- The treasurer’s report of the club’s finances was given by Bruce Huyck and subsequently a motion was made, seconded and passed to accept the secretary’s and treasurer’s reports.
- Ed Pflueger and Dave Perry showed and gave information about 10 walnut KY QSO Party award plaques which were laser cut to the outline of the Kentucky border. The unfinished pieces will be finished, appropriately labeled and awarded to the winners of the QSO Party.
- It was moved, seconded and passed to reimburse Ed Pflueger for the cost of the wood and labor that has been done on the plaques so far. Dave Perry spoke of one KY club that has volunteered to sponsor a plaque this year. Other sponsors will be sought to help pay for the award trophies this year and each new year.
- Dave spent quite a bit of time explaining the contest set-up, in terms of operators, (each band, each mode), base, rover and portable stations, etc. Efficient contest operating skills were reviewed.
- W4NJA Host stations will be located at: (SSB) Mike Newman’s station, (CW) Dave Perry, Bruce and Clint ( RTTY). One of the goals of the KY QSO Party is to encourage the activation of rare counties and grid squares through rover and portable operation. Also, several volunteers will operate at home in McCracken and surrounding counties.
Net Control Operators for Late April/Early May
Sunday night nets are at 9:00 PM on 147.060 Mhz. PL 179.9
April 15 Jeff KB9BVL 13 check-ins
April 22 Jeff KB9BVL 11 check-ins
April 30 Eric K4YUS 12 check-ins
May 6 Logan KG4VKB 14 PARA/12 ARES
May 13 Ken KW4DI 10 check-ins
ARRL International Grid Contest
(ARRL Leaderboard Results shows Ky position and Total Grid count as of 5/14/2018) 7 club members in top 25.
1. N4QS Dave Perry, 3592 grids; 6. AI4EY Fred Carter, 1773 grids; 14. K4GYD Ron Cowherd, 1209 grids; 18. KO4XJ John Hudson, 1024 grids; 21. KC4WPS Roger Good, 976 grids; 23. KS4V Bruce Huyck, 907 grids; 25. W4WWS Steve Parmley, 811 grids; 41. KB9BVL Jeff Wielgos, 498 grids; 49. AB4IQ, Ed Pflueger, 410 grids; 48. KW4DI Ken Wontor, 311 grids; 58. KJ4CO John Chandler, 346 grids.
Current grid contest results may be found at: https://igc.arrl.org/leader-board.php
N1MM Loggin Program Installation Instructions:
Several people have asked how to install the N1MM logging program on their computer as the KY QSO Party gets closer. The attached PDF has the basic information for downloading and configuring the application for the KY QSO Party. This is written for the first time installer, or state QSO Party participant, not a seasoned contester who uses the program on a weekly basis.
KY QSO Party N1MM Configuration and Contest Operation
Thanks to Paul Smith the web site for the KY QSO Party is now up and running. Please check the Side Bar link often for latest news: http://www.kyqsoparty.org
New License and Upgrade Successes
We are happy to report that two individuals successfully passed their FCC Amateur Radio license exams at the close of the April meeting. Pictured (L): Sean Anderson, new Tech and (R) Wayne Reid, new General. Congratulations to both. We cordially invite you join us at future monthly meetings.
Sean Anderson, Technician
Wayne Reid, Extra
Remember:
- PARA meets at Emerging Technology Center, WKCTC on 2nd Monday, 7 pm of each month except December.
- New License and upgrades are offered at the close of each meeting night throughout the year. See W4NJA web site at w4nja.org. For info click at the top of the page on 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
- KY QSO Party sponsored by PARA W4NJA, June 2nd, 2018
- Field Day, Keilor Park, Paducah, June 23 & 24.
- PARA membership fees ($20) are due and payable at a future meeting.
MARCH MONTHLY MEETING
PARA Meeting Minutes 3/12/2018
The regularly scheduled meeting of the Paducah Amateur Radio Association was held Monday, March 12, 2018 at the WKCTC Emerging Technology Center, Room 140, in Paducah, KY. There were 28 present, including 4 FCC Amateur License examinees.
The meeting was opened by Club President, Jeff Wielgos. The usual order of business was altered this night due to a special Skype presentation presented by DX Engineering.
Skype Presentation
Cory Gibson (W3CDG) from DX Engineering, Akron Ohio, gave a SKYPE presentation of “A Practical NVIS Antenna for Emergency or Temporary Communications.” Near Vertical Incidence Skywave (NVIS) is a propagation mode which uses high angle radiation to send signals almost straight up to be reflected back to Earth for very effective short to medium distance communications. This mode of operation makes it ideal for in-state communications during disasters or other emergency situations. The military has used NVIS techniques for decades to provide short haul communication with other units on the ground. Click WP-NVIS-Rev3 for a PDF file giving theory behind the design and construction of the antenna.
Items Discussed and Passed
Due to the meeting agenda’s unusually large number of items to be covered, the customary Secretary and Treasurer’s reports were not given. The business portion of the meeting was as follows:
- Dave Perry (N4QS) reviewed the details of PARA’s February meeting decision to sponsor the 2018 KY QSO Party. For the discussion and proceedings leading to the passing of the motion see an outline in the February Monthly Meeting.
- Dave continued this night’s meeting by leading further discussion of the QSO Party responsibilities. Discussion points: (1) W4NJA is becoming known as one of the outstanding clubs in KY. (2) importance of getting other clubs involved. (3) discuss and vote on official change of date from November to June. (4) discuss negative and positive reactions to change of date. (5) motion to change date to June was moved, seconded and approved. (6) need to design a plaque (7) resolve conflict with the Princeton Ham Fest. (7) rover operations in as many counties as possible. (8) suggested rover teams. (9) N1MM software training session (10) importance of club member participation by just getting on the air. (11) motion made, seconded and approved to make 3-2-1 power multiplier classifications.
Net Control Operators for Late March/Early April
March 18 Logan KG4VKB 10 check-ins
March 25 Frank KY4LDS 15 check-ins
April 1 Greg KY4A 10 PARA ck-ins; Logan 10 ARES
April 3 (tornado warning) Dave Dewey 13 check-ins, Don Fuller, Garry Wheatley 15 ck-ins @ WX Station.
April 8 Ken KW4DI 10 check-ins
Sunday night nets are at 9:00 PM on 147.060 Mhz. PL 179.9
ARRL International Grid Contest
(ARRL Leaderboard Results shows Ky position and Total Grid count as of 4/9/2018) 6 club members in top 25 and 11 in top 50.
1. N4QS Dave Perry, 2740 grids, 42/day; 10. AI4EY Fred Carter, 1235 grids, 17/day; 13. K4GYD Ron Cowherd, 1020 grids, 14 day; 18. KO4XJ John Hudson, 894 grids, 13/day; 20. W4WWS Steve Parmley, 785 grids, 10/day; 23. KS4V Bruce Huyck, 663 grids, 10/day; 36. KB9BVL Jeff Wielgos, 479 grids, 6/day; 40. AB4IQ, Ed Pflueger, 364 grids, 4/day; 46. KJ4CO John Chandler, 323 grids, 5/day; 47. KC4WPS Roger Good, 320 grids, 7/day; 49. KW4DI Ken Wontor, 311 grids, 4/day.
Current grid contest results may be found at: https://igc.arrl.org/leader-board.php
Kentucky QSO Party News
The PARA Kentucky QSO Party web site, kyqsoparty.org is now up and running, thanks to Paul Smith. Please check the Side Bar link often for latest news.
New License and Upgrade Successes
We are happy to report that four individuals successfully passed their FCC Amateur Radio license exams at the close of the March meeting. Results are: Kevin Hawkins and Gene Bunch became new Technicians. Roger Good and Bruce Hesley became new Generals. Congratulations to all.
Remember:
- PARA meets at Emerging Technology Center, WKCTC on 2nd Monday, 7 pm of each month except December.
- New License and upgrades are offered at the close of each meeting night throughout the year. See W4NJA web site at w4nja.org. For info click at the top of the page on 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
- KY QSO Party sponsored by PARA W4NJA, June 2nd, 2018
- Field Day, Keilor Park, Paducah, June
- PARA membership fees ($20) are due and payable at a future meeting.
FEBRUARY MONTHLY MEETING
PARA Meeting Minutes 2/12/2018
The regularly scheduled meeting of the Paducah Amateur Radio Association was held Monday, February 12, 2018 at the WKCTC Emerging Technology Center, Room 140, in Paducah, KY. There were 29 present, including 5 FCC Amateur License examinees. The meeting was opened by Club President, Jeff Wielgos (KB9BVL). Jeff invited attendees around the room to introduce themselves with their name and call.
Items Discussed and Passed
The business portion of the meeting was as follows:
- Secretary Cowherd reviewed 2017 end-of- year statistics including club attendance and participation numbers. In addition, W4NJA.org web usage statistics, provided by WordPress.com, were reviewed.
- President Wielgos gave the Treasurers report in absence of Bruce Huyck.
- A large portion of the business session was spent in discussion of a motion from Dave Perry (N4QS). Dave’s motion was: “that PARA request that it become the new sponsor of the KY QSO Party.” During the discussion of the motion Dave spoke of the responsibilities and positive outcomes of the project. Paul Smith continued the discussion with comments on contest software for the event, including Cabrillo log checking. Mike Newman told of the thrills and great success representing KY at the 2014 ARRL Centennial Celebration held at his QTH. Dave and Paul volunteered to chair the project with volunteers to take on publicity, award sponsors, etc. The motion was seconded and later past with the majority of members in favor.
- Club member and insurance agent Beth Gupton (AK4BG) announced that the club’s liability policy payment is due ($254.51) A motion to pay the bill was made and a vote taken and passed.
Net Control Operators for Late February/Early March
Sunday night nets are at 9:00 PM on 147.060 Mhz. PL 179.9
February 18 Jay KD9HRH 15 check-ins
February 24 Garry KD4GCY 16 check-ins to called Emergency WX Net
February 25 Eric K4YUS 15 check-ins
March 4 Logan KG4VKB 15 PARA, 12 ARES
March 11 Ken KSW4DI 12 check-ins
ARRL International Grid Contest
(Leaderboard Results shows Ky position and Total Grid count as of 3/12/2018)
1. N4QS Dave Perry, 2278 grids, 48/day; 14. AI4EY Fred Carter, 797 grids, 14/day; 16. K4GYD Ron Cowherd, 750 grids, 14/day; 18. KO4XJ John Hudson, 715 grids, 15/day; 19. W4WWS Steve Parmley, 560 grids, 9/day; 21. KS4V Bruce Huyck, 508 grids, 8/day.
Current grid contest results may be found at: https://igc.arrl.org/leader-board.php
Kentucky QSO Party News
The PARA Kentucky QSO Party web site, kyqsoparty.org is now up and running, thanks to Paul Smith. Please check the Side Bar link often for latest news.
New License and Upgrade Successes
We are happy to report that five individuals successfully passed their FCC Amateur Radio license exams at the close of the February meeting. Results are: Lloyd Watson (KD4DFM) Extra; Mark Thorn (KN4HYV), General; Michael Hicks (N9ARK) , General; Eric Jones, Technician; and Michael Keller, (not pictured) Technician. Congratulations to all.
Remember:
- PARA meets at Emerging Technology Center, WKCTC on 2nd Monday, 7 pm of each month except December.
- New License and upgrades are offered at the close of each meeting night throughout the year. See W4NJA web site at w4nja.org. For info click at the top of the page on 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
- DX Engineering Skype presentation scheduled for March 12th meeting.
- PARA membership fees ($20) are due and payable at a future meeting.
JANUARY MONTHLY MEETING
PARA Meeting Minutes 1/8/2018
The regularly scheduled meeting of the Paducah Amateur Radio Association was held Monday, January 8, 2018 at the WKCTC Emerging Technology Center, Room 140, in Paducah, KY. There were 20 present, including 2 visitors. The meeting was opened by Club President, Jeff Wielgos (KB9BVL). Jeff invited each attendee around the room to introduce themselves with their name and call.
Items Discussed and Passed
The business portion of the meeting was as follows:
- The Secretary’s report was given by Ron Cowherd (K4GYD) followed by the Treasurer’s report by Bruce Huyck (KS4V).
- Secretary Cowherd told of an article requested by Steve Morgan (W4NHO), KY State Section Manager, regarding PARA being selected for ARRL Kentucky Section Club of the Month. The article appears on the PARA web site: December Happenings 2017. The article, as it appeared on the ARRL Kentucky News page can be seen at: www.arrl.org/sections/view/kentucky Be sure to scroll to very, very bottom of page and click on NOV 2017 SECTION NEWS.
- It was suggested that we update the “Show Us Your Shack” page on the W4NJA web site. Let’s build another page from scratch. Send your old and new shack and antenna pictures, to roncowherd@aol.com.
- Ed Pflueger (AB4IQ) and President Jeff gave us facts about the Bouvet 3Y0Z DXpedition which is expected to begin in late January. This location ranks number 2 worldwide on the DXCC Most Wanted List. Check QST 2018 issue, page 92 for four other January Expeditions.
- Mike Newman (WD4EFZ) gave us an update on his new antenna installation which sports a 3 band yogi (80 – 30 & 40 mtrs.) Mike said it was huge, weighing in at almost 500 lbs. He told us of the extra strong components that were necessary to support the size and weight of the beam, boom and and elements.
- President Wielgos commented on the ARRL Grid Contest and described a web application that will read an ADIF file and map the contacts on a Google map. The app can be activated by clicking on www.www.levinecentral.com
- Upcoming ham fests
- Silent Keys: Gerald Wyatt (K4UNW) Homer Gerald Wyatt, 77, of Paducah died at 9:37 a.m. Wednesday, December 20, 2017, at Lourdes hospital. Clyde Elrod (W4XCE Clyde Elrod, 93, of Kevil passed away on Thursday, December 21, 2017 at Life Care Center in LaCenter.
- The election of officers for 2018 was brought up by President Wielgos. It was suggested that all the present club officers be nominated. The present officers were polled and found to be agreeable. A motion was made, seconded and voted upon. Jeff Wielgos, pres.; Ken Wontor, v.pres.; Ron Cowherd, Sec. and Bruce Huyck, treas. were elected for the 2018.
Net Control Operators for Late January/Early February
January 14 Dave W4WKN 12 check ins
January 21 Jay KD9HRH 13 check ins
January 28 Frank KY4LDS 11 check ins
February 4 Logan KG4VKB 5 check ins
February 11 Jeff KB9BVL 12 check ins
ARRL International Grid Contest
(Leaderboard Results shows Ky position and Total Grid count as of 2/12/2018)
1. N4QS Dave Perry, 1477 grids; 10. KO4XJ John Hudson, 483 grids; 11. K4GYD Ron Cowherd, 478 grids; 17. KS4V Bruce Huyck, 393 grids; 18. W4WWS Steve Parmley, 367 grids; 20. AI4EY Fred Carter, 349 grids.
6 PARA club members make up 30% of top 20 KY entries.
Remember:
- PARA meets at Emerging Technology Center, WKCTC on 2nd Monday, 7 pm of each month except December.
- New License and upgrades are offered on meeting nights throughout the year. See W4NJA web site at w4nja.org. For info click at the top of the page on 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
- DX Engineering Skype presentation scheduled for March 12th meeting.
