It’s been a busy few weeks for ARES. We’ve had our usual ARES training nets, some SKYWARN activations and our Face to Face training. At last week’s F2F training Rusty Haddock AE5AE shared his understanding of basic packet radio. Seems not many folks use that specific mode any more, but the mode is the basis to enable digital modes we use such as Winlink and Echolink. I think this area of Amateur Radio will continue to see an evolution as so many ops have computer backgrounds and see ways to incorporate digital tools and radios. He did a great job telling us how it works and how to begin to set up a station. We have had similar topics shared before and I saw for many of those in attendance the light bulb had come on.

Concerning SKYWARN, I guess I’m gonna have to write a nasty letter to the Authorities. It seems they have begun scheduling our activations for the late night hours. This is totally unacceptable. It causes QRM from our spouses, creates sleep deprived operators and causes conflict with normal daily activities. Activations at night are usually a “spot from home” event causing further QRM and not giving ops the chance to get out of the house and play radio in their mobile. Might as well sell the mobile if we’re not going to use it, to say nothing of the neat APRS tools we have invested in. Just schedule our weather activations in the late afternoon, after work and before bedtime. I hope they will listen. But thanks to those of you who will respond at midnight or two in the morning, it may seem pointless sometimes but your reports are the basis for a number of decisions. I understand even the hail reports are recorded for reference among other things, by insurance companies to confirm hail was reported in an area when claims are made.

I am looking forward to a couple of events coming up. Field Day and Ham-Com in Irving. Field Day can be a great deal of fun. Setting up is always interesting as each year the group is a little different and so are the decisions and techniques used to deploy equipment. I don’t think any year I have participated the exact same setup has been used. That speaks to the variations and adaptability available and success and learning experiences we can participate in. It’s also a good time to see other operating styles, modes and just visit with others about Amateur Radio. Ham-Com is a great opportunity to go see, touch and feel all kinds of equipment. Some is mysteriously robust and old looking and some is newfangled, tiny and seems to look like a transistor radio on steroids, ya’ll do remember transistor radios? In any case it’s an enjoyable day immersed in our hobby. I hope you will try to participate in both of these learning opportunities as we play radio, increase our knowledge and provide a service to our communities.

Now on to that letter to the Authorities…

73
Rick
K5ECX

PS We did hear from the Auth Orities… our request was denied !! HiHi