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CCARC Spring Banquet
CCARC members and anyone else who might be interested, We need to get a count of how many people are planning to attend the 1st Clearfield County Amateur Radio Club Spring Banquet. As you will recall, the Banquet will be on Friday May 9th at 6PM. It will be held at the Clearfield VFW in the back dining room. The street address is 1145 Industrial Park Rd, Clearfield. We need to let the VFW know how many to expect. Please let me know if you are planning to attend and how many people wills be with you ( spouse, children, a neighbor interested in amateur radio, etc). If you are not planning to attend please let me know that as well. Thank you, John N3SPW 814-553-5649
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CCARC Meeting on Thursday
3
Everyone, A couple of quick reminders.... Today (Tuesday) at 7PM the Clearfield County Amarur Radio Club Weekly Net will happen at 7PM on the 147.255 repeater. Just as we do every Tuesday. Please feel free to join in and share what you've been up to when they call for a round of comments. And on Thursday evening at 7PM the Clearfield County Amateur Radio Club will meet. The location will be the typical Clearfield County EMA building in the Training Room. El Presidente Tim N3PUL will preside over the proceedings. We have a number of projects in the works and there will certainly be lots to talk about. Also... I meant to get the April newsletter finished up this last weekend. But with the Easter holiday I seemed to have less time than usual. I will endeavor to have the newsletter out sometime this week. Promise. Thank you and 73. John N3SPW -- John Szwarc Cell Phone: (814) 553-5649
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HF Yaesu FT-950 For Sale
FT-950 HF Rig is in excellent shape. All bands including 6 meters. $599.00 and can pickup in New Kensington. Price is firm. Matching speaker is also available for $150.00 Thanks, Shack America W3PRL 724-594-7055 or respond here.
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VE Testing Session - Friday
Everyone, Just a reminder about the VE testing session in Clearfield on Friday at 7pm. If you would like to upgrade your license or know anyone interested in becoming a Technician Class operator please let them know about this exam session. The location will be at the Clearfield County EMA building in the Conference Room. Thank you John N3SPW 814-553-5649
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Central Pennsylvania Weather Briefing
2
Everyone, It looks like Clearfield County is set for the possibility of some thunderstorms on Monday afternoon/evening. As always, when severe weather hits, the National Weather Service appreciates receiving reports as the storms progress through our area. If there's not a weather net, the NWS SKYWARN spotters web site allows for you to submit reports online. Thank you. John N3SPW ---------- Forwarded message --------- From: NWS State College <ctp.stormreports@...> Date: Sun, Apr 13, 2025 at 4:32 AM Subject: Central Pennsylvania Weather Briefing To: NWS Partners - Severe thunderstorms are possible Monday afternoon and evening across southwestern Pennsylvania (risk level 2 out of 5). The main severe hazard will be damaging wind gusts and hail. Highest confidence in stronger storm development will be south of I-80 in southwestern Pennsylvania. Initial briefing. For more information, see attached briefing or view it online at https://www.weather.gov/media/ctp/Briefing/briefing.pdf. You can also find additional weather information at https://www.weather.gov/ctp/briefing or https://www.weather.gov/ctp/selfbrief. Estimated time of next update: 6 PM Sunday April 13th ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Immediate Questions? Call us at 814-954-6440. [Use Option 9]. We can also be reached 24/7 on NWSChat. -NWS State College -- Central Pennsylvania Weather Forecast Office 328 Innovation Blvd, Suite 330 | State College, PA 16803 weather.gov/ctp -- John Szwarc Cell Phone: (814) 553-5649
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If you attended Radio Night last evening you already know there was a discussion about repeaters at the top of Rockton Mountain. The conversation started with an extension of the discussion about a back-up frequency for our nets. But the bigger question was what's there and who's is it. So following that discussion I reached out to a friend who put me in touch with Jeff DePolo WN3A. Jeff owns the tower site that hosts many of the amateur radio repeaters on Rockton Mountain. So here's the straight scoop on what's what up there: 147.390. The repeater carries the call sign KE3DR which has expired and Paul has passed away. Jim N5NWC owned the repeater hardware. Jim has also passed away. The repeater operated under the auspices of the "39 Repeater Club" from a tower site adjacent to where it is now. For a variety of reasons some years ago the 39 repeater was moved to the site it is at now and the old 39 tower was dismantled. Kevin W3KKC was the backup trustee for the repeater, but before Jim passed away, he made Kevin the primary trustee and Jeff WN3A the backup trustee for all of his coordinations. The 39 repeater isn't in the best technical condition, so Jeff's plan is this summer to replace it with new hardware. 39 was previously connected to the WAN system via an RF link which no longer exists. No other clubs have any association or involvement with the .39 repeater. Once rebuilt the 39 will operate as a standalone machine with no link. 145.270, which has the W3WAN callsign on it, was, and still is, slated to be connected to WAN via microwave. Jeff said that due primarily to his lack of free time that project has been pushed off several times over the course of several years, but he hopes to get to it this summer. The plan is to make 145.270 the WAN repeater and allow 39 to operate standalone. Jim's N5NWC also operated a 6m repeater on Rockton and it is expected to remain off the air. On the off chance that it does return, it will be on a different frequency. This is yet to be determined. The 441.700 N3KZ repeater is operational and currently not linked. The plan is to build out a relay site which will link into the N3KZ system. So look for a link on this repeater in the future. The DMR repeaters (443.000 and 147.165) are both operational and are connected to the Interstate c-Bridges. And I should mention that the Quad County ARC repeaters 147.315 and 442.950 are both off the air. My understanding is that Quad County is planning to vacate the tower site they have been using. So with that said, Jeff said that "by default all of my repeaters are available without question and without prior permission for emergency use - that goes without saying. As far as use for other scheduled or recurring functions including nets, drills, etc., that CCARC might have in mind unless Kevin objects, I'd say that the 147.390 repeater would be a good place for that, with the caveat that it's (the .39 repeater) not in good health at this point in time, But will be before long. In the interim, the 145.270 repeater is available, as is 441.700." I responded to Jeff thanking him and told him that we would designate the 145.270 repeater as our back-up frequency. We can use that repeater until the 147.390 repeater is rebuilt and we will switch to the 39 at that time. Hope that clears everything up for everyone. And we also now have a back-up frequency as well! Thank you. John N3SPW -- John Szwarc Cell Phone: (814) 553-5649
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DMR number for W3CPA
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I tried to register for a DMR number for W3CPA but it tells me it is already registered.
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Radio Night / D-STAR repeater / WinLink
Everyone, Don¡¯t forget about the planned Radio Night tonight at the Clearfield EMA in the Amateur radio room. 911 Leonard St in Clearfield. We¡¯ll be there about 7pm. If you haven¡¯t already stopped by to admire the two new Anytone UHF/ VHF radios, this would be a great chance to become familiar with them. D-STAR repeater¡. The antenna we purchased for the DStar repeater is now at my house. Ready for installation. We already have everything else needed. Ed KC3ZAL is working on getting the repeater configured and ready for use. We do need to tune the duplexers. Allen K3HOC has a plan in the works to get that done. So this project is coming along nicely. Hopefully it won¡¯t be too long now. WinLink¡.. A while back Allen K3HOC had donated 4 UHF Motorola Radius R400 commercial radios to the club for use as WinLink gateways. Yesterday I was at the home of Scott N3XCC near Somerset. Scott runs the web site and business Repeater Builder. After about two hours of fussing with the programming software, we determined that these radios will only tune down to 450MHz. For WinLink on the UHF band we need these to operate at about 420MHz¡. Below the minimum range for these radios. So they will not work for the Amater 70 cm band. But they would work in the GMRS band. We did find a document outlining the process of modifying the radio¡¯s firmware and components that would need to be replaced to allow them to operate in at 440 MHz. But this would have taken us hours of work to complete per radio so we decided against it. So if anyone knows of a group or individual planning a GMRS project (think repeater here) please let me know and we¡¯ll get these to them. So to move the WinLink project forward i ordered a TYT TH-9000D plus UHF mobile transceiver. It¡¯s my donation to the project. Should be here Tuesday. This will work perfectly with the sound card and raspberry pi zero I already have on hand for the WinLink project. I expect we will finally get an operating Winlink gateway on the air something very soon. That¡¯s all I got. See everyone at radio night tonight. John N3SPW 814-553-5649
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List of Public Service Events Posted
Good Evening: I just published a list of events that will need amateur radio volunteers for 2025. You can find it at aresracescentrecountypa.com. Take a look and consider volunteering to work one or more of these events. Our communications abilities are vital to the event, provide us training, and provide great public relations for amateur radio. Any questions let me know. Thank you. -- Carmine W. Prestia, Jr., K3CWP ARES EC Centre County Alpha Fire Company Firemen's Relief Association of State College Senior Magisterial District Judge State College, PA (he/him/his)
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Volunteers Needed ¨C Pittsburgh Marathon Support on May 4th
Good afternoon: Allegheny County is looking for amateur radio volunteers for the Pittsburgh Marathon. ---------- Forwarded message --------- All, I ask that you please push this out to your clubs, groups, and members. Bob anticipates needing in the range of 50 operators. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Begin Message ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Allegheny County ARES Emergency Coordinator Bob Mente (NU3Q) is seeking licensed amateur radio operators to assist with communications support for the 2025 Pittsburgh Marathon. While local (Allegheny County) hams are encouraged to participate, volunteers from outside the county are also welcome and needed. For more information contact: Bob Mente NU3Q at allegheny@... ? Available Positions: ? Shuttle Driver Start Time: 4:00 AM Location: Transport Downtown Pittsburgh shadows from parking lots near Acrisure Stadium to the finish line (Blvd. of the Allies & Stanwix St.). Requirements: Must have a 2-meter mobile radio in vehicle. Trips: 2¨C3 runs before streets close around 6:00 AM. Perks: Pass and yellow light provided. Free to leave once shuttle duties are complete. ? Shadow for Dr. Mosesso (UPMC) Start Time: Meet at 6:00 AM in Downtown Pittsburgh Requirements: HT and headphones/earpiece required. Details: Parking in lots near Acrisure Stadium and take the shuttle downtown as above. You'll be accompanying Dr. Mosesso throughout the race to assist with communication. ? First Aid Tent Operator ¨C Point State Park Start Time: 5:00 AM Location: Point State Park, Downtown Pittsburgh Requirements: HT and headphones/earpiece Details: Parking in lots near Acrisure Stadium and take the shuttle downtown as above. Relay patient intake updates to net control. ? Medical Aid Station Operators ¨C Citywide Start Times Vary and are listed on the registration URL below Requirements: HT and headphones/earpiece Duties: Relay information between aid station managers and net control. Observe runners and report any signs of distress. ? Volunteer Registration Sign up using the official Pittsburgh Marathon registration portal: ? Volunteer Registration Form ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- End Message -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Thank you Kevin W3XOX -- -- Carmine W. Prestia, Jr., K3CWP ARES EC Centre County Alpha Fire Company Firemen's Relief Association of State College Senior Magisterial District Judge State College, PA (he/him/his)
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Radio Night on Thursday
Our Radio Night is sneaking up on us! It's on Thursday at 7 PM over at the Clearfield County EMA building in the Amateur Radio Room. I'm sure FT8 contacts on the HF bands will be piling up. And the new county-provided Anytone UHF/VHF/ analog and DMR mobile radios are programmed up and ready for use! So if you haven't had a chance to experience DMR digital on the UHF/VHF bands, here's your chance! Hope to see everyone there! John N3SPW -- John Szwarc Cell Phone: (814) 553-5649
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I managed to get one ordered: TYT MD-UV390PLUS DMR Digital Walkie Talkie 3600mAh MD UV390 AES256 Waterproof Dual Band UV transceiver GPS Optional. I got the best one @ $111.55 and this includes tax. You can see on the pic below the price looks like $25.14 but that's for a microphone. If you buy one of these from Ali Express, make sure you "READ" the screen and click all boxes that apply to the order or else you might get an EU version instead of US, etc......The package I got is package #8 and it includes the whole shebang! I am not a fan of ordering from these overseas companies on the web, but we'll give this a try to see how it all works out...... Here's a link to the page........ https://www.aliexpress.us/item/3256806513585834.html?spm=a2g0o.order_list.order_list_main.5.55ae1802C2xCIx&gatewayAdapt=glo2usa Good Luck de W3PRL Shack America
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New radios at Clearfield EMA
Everyone, Just in case you didn¡¯t already know, the new Antone mobile rigs that the county purchased for the amateur room at the EMA, have been programmed and are operational. Rich N3RBJ and Ed KC3ZAL put the finishing touches on getting the programming done after the simulated emergency test on Saturday. Thank you to both of you. Speaking of the simulated, emergency test, thank you to everybody who participated. We had a total of eight volunteers participating. Scott, the Clearfield County EMA, Director, was present for the entire drill. He was quite pleased to see the participation and enthusiasm from our membership. Thank you, John N3SPW 814-553-5649
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DMR on the cheap!
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I have to thank Paul W3PRL who pointed this out to me earlier this evening. But right now the Chinese retailer Ali Express is offering the TYT UV-390 Plus HT with DMR for an amazing loss price of just $25.99. And as an added bonus you get free shipping. Shipping, however, will likely take between three and six weeks. If you¡¯ve been looking to get into DMR but the cost was causing you to hesitate, the wait is over. At just $25.99 get two! That¡¯s less than a tank of gas costs! 814-553-5649
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Passed the Amateur Radio Technician Exam
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Everyone, Congratulations is in order for CCARC member Brian WSGF647. Earlier today Brian sat for his Technician Class exam at the Ridgeway VE exam session, passing with ease. His next goal is the General class exam! Please join in with congratulations to Brian. Thank you. John N3SPW-- John Szwarc Cell Phone: (814) 553-5649
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WPA SET 4/5/2025
Centre County Amateur Radio Operators, Good Morning: From the eastern side of the County I have the following AROs participating in the WPA SET: K3HOT, Greg - at NWS WX3CTP K3CWP, Carmine - at Mount Nittany Medical Center N3IW, Chip - simulating Millheim Fire Company WX2DX, Bill - Winlink Relay KB3KPP, Jason - Various shelters and mobile Winlink Relay The SET is scheduled to run from 1000 to 1400 but we will probably end around 1200. Anyone else who wants to check in with the American Red Cross stations is welcome to do so. Full instructions can be found at: https://www.aresracescentrecountypa.com/ As always, thank you for your participation. -- Carmine W. Prestia, Jr., K3CWP ARES EC Centre County Alpha Fire Company Firemen's Relief Association of State College Senior Magisterial District Judge State College, PA (he/him/his)
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Central Pennsylvania Weather Briefing
It looks like the next storm front moving through the area has most of Clearfield County in a "marginal risk" zone - 2nd from the bottom in terms of severity. Let's hope it stays that way! ---------- Forwarded message --------- From: NWS State College <ctp.stormreports@...> Date: Wed, Apr 2, 2025 at 5:18 AM Subject: Central Pennsylvania Weather Briefing To: NWS Partners - Severe thunderstorms capable of producing damaging winds will be possible on Thursday. There is a slight risk (level 2 of 5) of severe weather for areas south of I-80, with a marginal risk (level 1 of 5) extending to the north. Initial briefing For more information, see attached briefing or view it online at https://www.weather.gov/media/ctp/Briefing/briefing.pdf. You can also find additional weather information at https://www.weather.gov/ctp/briefing or https://www.weather.gov/ctp/selfbrief. Estimated time of next update: By 6 PM Wednesday ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Immediate Questions? Call us at 814-954-6440. [Use Option 9]. We can also be reached 24/7 on NWSChat. -NWS State College -- Central Pennsylvania Weather Forecast Office 328 Innovation Blvd, Suite 330 | State College, PA 16803 weather.gov/ctp -- John Szwarc Cell Phone: (814) 553-5649
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NWS virtual radar class
2
Just FYI for anyone that might be interested.. The National Weather Service State College Pa Will Be Conducting A Virtual Online Advanced Skywarn Radar Class On Line At 6 PM Tonight Monday March 31 ST TO Register Go To www.weather.gov/ctp/skywarn 814-553-5649
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Central Pennsylvania Weather Briefing
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Centre County Amateur Radio Operators: Possibility of thunderstorms Sunday night. ---------- Forwarded message --------- NWS Partners - Multiple rounds of strong to severe thunderstorms are expected from Sunday night through Monday. The main threat with these storms will be damaging wind gusts. Thunderstorms will also bring the potential for locally heavy rainfall, with the highest accumulations expected across southeastern Pennsylvania Monday afternoon and evening. Important Changes: Minor additions to timing for thunderstorms on Monday For more information, see attached briefing or view it online at https://www.weather.gov/media/ctp/Briefing/briefing.pdf. You can also find additional weather information at https://www.weather.gov/ctp/briefing or https://www.weather.gov/ctp/selfbrief. Estimated Time of Next Update: By 6 AM Sunday (03/30/2025) ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Immediate Questions? Call us at 814-954-6440. [Use Option 9]. We can also be reached 24/7 on NWSChat. -NWS State College-- Central Pennsylvania Weather Forecast Office 328 Innovation Blvd, Suite 330 | State College, PA 16803 weather.gov/ctp -- Carmine W. Prestia, Jr., K3CWP ARES EC Centre County Alpha Fire Company Firemen's Relief Association of State College Senior Magisterial District Judge State College, PA (he/him/his)
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Thank you!
Thank you everyone for the support at getting my first ticket today, I apologize for the delay in responding, you can blame Steven Smith for that, he got me started down the never-ending rabbit hole you know as YouTube. Lots of helpful information was obtained from there, so it was a good thing, thank you Steven. I will let you know when I get my call sign and you all can race for that first contact. I appreciate the friendliness and the wealth of knowledge everyone has offered, I've never been involved with a more eager group, it's amazing to see how many ways you are working to utilize radios, raise awareness, and help with public safety. Thanks again, 73 Brian
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Sat 8:39am
Sat 8:39am