ARRL Field Day 2018

Members of the Red Rose Repeater Association (RRRA) will participate in the Amateur Radio’s largest annual event, Field Day, beginning 12:00 noon on June 23rd and running until 2:59pm June 24th, at Thaddeus Stevens College of Technology (King Street, Lancaster). This event is open to the public and all are encouraged to attend. If you want to participate, send an e-mail to our Field Day coordinator. There is much going on this year and many contacts to be made!

A brief hands-on demonstration will be held for the general public at 3:00pm on Saturday. It will be first come, first serve. Extra hands on deck would be appreciated to assist participants. Remember, a license begins with interest!

Keystone Trails Association Trail Challenge

On 08-Sep-18, the Keystone Trails Association (KTA) Trail Challenge happens again! This is an annual event for adventurous trail runners and hikers on the wild river hills of the lower Susquehanna Gorge. This daunting trail combines the Conestoga Trail, State Park trails, and the Mason-Dixon Trail System, alternates breathtaking vistas with steep descents into dark, scenic hollows followed by strenuous climbs to the next vista.

Amateur Radio Volunteers are encouraged to participate in operating at various locations on the course. If you are interested in supporting this with your Amateur Radio skills:

• Go to the Volunteer Page for the hike organizers, fill out the information there, then
• Contact Dan Boone and let him know you are registered for the event

10m Nets

The club conducts weekly HF nets on the 10m band. These are nets to expand the skillset in HF SSB area for all amateurs, including Technician Class licensees. The 10m nets are Tuesdays at 2000EDT at 28.400MHz. Every week is a different net controller (see the calendar above and click on the week of interest to see who is net control). The band has been opening up lately, so get involved! Hone your HF skills! NOTE: If there is existing traffic less than five minutes prior to the net start, the net will move to 28.410MHz.

ARES Nets

The Lancaster County ARES conduct regular net meetings, two per month--> voice only and voice/digital:

• Voice Only - First Tuesday of every month at [2030EST/EDT] and will be on the N3FYI (145.31MHz) repeater. Times may change according to participation, as there is another net meeting (SPARC) at [2100EST/EDT].
• Voice/Digital - Third Tuesday of every month also at [2030EST/EDT] and will be on the N3FYI (145.31MHz) repeater. Times may change according to participation, as there is another net meeting (SPARC) at [2100EST/EDT]. Check back here for details (including digital mode) as the time approaches.

VE Testing

Red Rose Repeater Association is sponsoring a Laurel VEC associated VE team to offer ham radio tests at no cost to the examinee. Testing is held at Thaddeus Stevens College of Technology on Orange 1100 East Orange Street, Lancaster, PA 17602, in room 46 on the 3rd Saturday of the odd numbered months. Registration starts at 11:30am with testing beginning promptly at noon. Pre-registrations preferred, but walk-ins will be accepted. E-mail Jason (N1CYB) for pre-registration and questions. Note: A FRN (FCC Registration Number) is required for testing, show up early if assistance is needed in obtaining a FRN. A government issued photo ID is also required for testing. Entrance to testing facility on corner of Clark ST and Parkside AVE. Room 46 right inside door to the right. Parking available on street or in lot behind building across Parkside Avenue. Planned dates are:

• 21-Jul-18
• 15-Sep-18
• 17-Nov-18
• 19-Jan-19

Skywarn Training

What is Skywarn^TM?
The Skywarn^TM Spotter program is a voluntary program in which the public can participate and interact with your local National Weather Service (NWS) Office. Skywarn^TM spotters are encouraged to relay critical weather information to their local NWS Office, in support of the Warning and Forecast Operations. The information they provide routinely helps the NWS Forecasters make better/more informed forecasts, and helps them to warn others of impending dangers or hazards.
Who is Eligible?
NWS encourages anyone with an interest in public service to join the SkywarnTM program. Volunteers include police and fire personnel, dispatchers, EMS workers, public utility workers and other concerned private citizens. Individuals affiliated with hospitals, schools, churches, nursing homes or those who have a responsibility for protecting others are also encouraged to become spotters.
How Can I Get Involved?
A local SkywarnTM class is coming to your area. The class will be conducted by the NWS, and will cover topics such as: Basics of thunderstorm development; Identifying severe weather features; How to report severe weather and what should be reported; and basic severe weather safety. Classes are free of charge and generally last about 90 minutes. Current SkywarnTM spotters who are planning to attend for a refresher are encouraged to bring their Spotter ID cards or ID Numbers.
CLASS INFORMATION Sponsored by: Lebanon County Department of Emergency Services
Date and Time: 21-Jun-18 at 7:00pm
Location: Cleona Fire Department, 136 West Walnut Street, Cleona, PA 17042
Registration: To register, send an email to Carl Wenzler, Planning Officer Lebanon County Department of Emergency Services
NOTE: Should the class need to be cancelled at the last minute, there will be a posting made on the web site: under the appropriate calendar entry. Be sure to check the link the day of the event to see any changes!

Amateur Radio Technician Class and Exam

On 30-Jun (8:00-4:30) and 01-Jul-18 (8:00-12:00noon), there will be an amateur licensinc class, followed by an FCC License Test (01-Jul, 12:30-3:00pm). There is no Charge for the class or test. Come with an open mind, pen and paper. We discourage the use of smartphones in the class except for emergencies (please set on vibrate). A simple calculator is useful, but we can supply some. Location is 1251 W King Street, York, PA 17404 (September House – Old Mosers Restaurant Building).

Contact: Ralph Brandt K3HQI 7l7-885-3O63 or email Ralph Brandt. Pre-registration helps planning. Please give a phone number where you can be reached in case of cancellation. Upon passing the test an FCC license is usually issued within a week. You will need a government issued photo ID for the testing. The testing team is under the Laurel VEC which prohibits charging. There is no age limit but those under 16 must be accompanied by an adult.

Band Charts Updated!

The ARRL has revised and updated the band allocation charts and they are now available for download. You can download the PDF documents, available in color or grayscale presentations, for printing. The revised allocations charts reflect the new 630m and 2,200m bands. These charts will be available for purchase in 11x17 and 8.5x11 formats (in packs of 50) from the ARRL Store. Also, both include the ARRL Worked All States (WAS) map on the reverse. Before using either band, stations must notify the Utilities Technology Council (UTC) they plan to do so. If the UTC does not respond within 30 days, they may commence operation.

• Transmitters - Our VHF and UHF transmitters are located atop the Lancaster General Hospital in the City of Lancaster
• Receivers - Our VHF receivers are located at Welsh Mountain (east), Lancaster Regional Hospital and near Safe Harbor (west), providing a large footprint for the county, plus into neighboring counties
• Echo Link - For those traveling outside the immediate area of Lancaster County, our Echolink server keeps them in touch.