Now: WCARG Meeting - Saturday, February 8, 2025
#cal-notice
WCARG Meeting
When:
Saturday, February 8, 2025
9:00am to 10:30am
(UTC-06:00) America/Chicago
Where:
Walker County Storm Sherlter, 445 TX-75 Huntsville, TX GPS: 30.73614, -95.58279
Organizer:
WCARG
[email protected]
View Event
Description:
Monthly meeting of the Walker County Amateur Radio Group followed by amateur radio license testing
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It’s yours. ?Let me know when you can stop by to pick it up.
Lee
On Jan 31, 2025, at 4:22 PM, Greg KM5VC Colson via groups.io <KM5VCVHF@...> wrote:
Lee,
I could use it.
Greg
KM5VC
I have a full length CB whip that I have hauled around for years thinking I would adapt it for ham radio.? I never got a ROUND TUIT.
Anyone want it?? Price is right—FREE.
Lee
KV6M
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It’s yours. ?Let me know when you can stop by to pick it up.
Lee
toggle quoted message
Show quoted text
On Jan 31, 2025, at 4:22 PM, Greg KM5VC Colson via groups.io <KM5VCVHF@...> wrote:
Lee,
I could use it.
Greg KM5VC
I have a full length CB whip that I have hauled around for years thinking I would adapt it for ham radio.? I never got a ROUND TUIT.
Anyone want it?? Price is right—FREE.
Lee
KV6M
|
Lee,
I could use it.
Greg
KM5VC
toggle quoted message
Show quoted text
I have a full length CB whip that I have hauled around for years thinking I would adapt it for ham radio.? I never got a ROUND TUIT.
Anyone want it?? Price is right—FREE.
Lee
KV6M
|
I have a full length CB whip that I have hauled around for years thinking I would adapt it for ham radio. I never got a ROUND TUIT.
Anyone want it? Price is right—FREE.
Lee
KV6M
|
Re: ISS Flyover Thus. 30th (tonight), 19:32 - right overhead - visible.
Sorry, great visibility, however after trying the FM repeater, and nothing heard.. I checked the AMSAT status page… It has been online since Wednesday.
?
many more opportunities—
?
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ISS Flyover Thus. 30th (tonight), 19:32 - right overhead - visible.
ISS tonight - 19:32 to 19:39
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Re: Microsoft Windows 11 Pro - new or upgrade - lifetime key - $20.
thank you, I will be using this!
On Thursday, January 30, 2025 at 09:35:14 AM CST, Rick WA2HRF Fell via groups.io <rickyf@...> wrote:
As you know, Windows 10 will no longer obtain updates (incl. security), after Oct. 15, 2025. For those looking to extend the life of your hardware, or need a license for a bare metal installation - I’ve upgraded and activated two of my computers (from Windows 10/home to Windows 11/Pro) by purchasing Windows 11/Pro edition keys for $20 from the ZDNET recommended site:
?
However, it is free to upgrade from Win10/home to Win11/home or /pro to /pro. BUT,?Like me, you may have previously tried Microsoft’s Win10 to Win11 upgrade, only to be met with an ‘unsupported cpu’ message. However I used Microsoft’s published workaround with success, albeit it involves a simple registry entry:
so, there is hope and means to delay the inevitable new computer purchase.
?
/Rick
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Microsoft Windows 11 Pro - new or upgrade - lifetime key - $20.
As you know, Windows 10 will no longer obtain updates (incl. security), after Oct. 15, 2025. For those looking to extend the life of your hardware, or need a license for a bare metal installation - I’ve upgraded and activated two of my computers (from Windows 10/home to Windows 11/Pro) by purchasing Windows 11/Pro edition keys for $20 from the ZDNET recommended site:
?
However, it is free to upgrade from Win10/home to Win11/home or /pro to /pro. BUT,?Like me, you may have previously tried Microsoft’s Win10 to Win11 upgrade, only to be met with an ‘unsupported cpu’ message. However I used Microsoft’s published workaround with success, albeit it involves a simple registry entry:
so, there is hope and means to delay the inevitable new computer purchase.
?
/Rick
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Re: 2025 WINTER FIELD DAY - AAR for WA2HRF
Rick,
?
Thank you for the detailed report, and sharing your lessons learned! This is very beneficial to all of us. Sharing information and collaboration is one of my favorite things about this hobby.?
?
--
Catch you on the air,
Jason Hampton
*Freedom Isn't Free
N2TXS, WXCT237
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Re: 2025 WINTER FIELD DAY - AAR for WA2HRF
Highly reccommend the 16’ octagon painter pole ?from Lowes with a signal stuff J-pole. The painter pole is also our unit flag pole
Regards, Steven Prindle 512-966-2137
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On Jan 27, 2025, at 11:48, Rick WA2HRF Fell via groups.io <rickyf@...> wrote:
?
I participated in ARRL’s WINTER FIELD DAY Event, held 25&26/Jan. My after-action-report follows:
25/Jan: WCARG’s at Dave’s QTH,
What I brought:
-40m dipole kit: directv tripod, mast support, 24’ painters pole, top-mount pulley, balun, guy ropes and stakes.
-Elk Antenna’s handheld dual-band yagi.
-LifePo4 30ah battery (on-board BMS and display panel).
-MFJ 12v distribution panel, Anderson power pole (APP) connectors.
-FT-991a (with MFJ mini tuner): Anytone 878/DMR, Tidradio H8.
-PI-star hotspot (tyson built), DMR configured, with on-board UPS and USB power.
-T-mobile home internet gtwy?(with 12v to 20v ‘car charger’ with APP connectors)
-Laptop (with 12v to 20v ‘car charger’ with APP connectors)
-10 watt polar panel.
-USB LED lit radio signage, similar to:?
All devices capable of being powered by 12v battery by various DC-DC up, down or power delivery converters. Next test, my DC powered computer monitor (native external AC to DC power block).
-6 ft ladder (to reach mast extension rings).
-10x10 ft canopy (did not deploy)
?
WHAT worked:
-Dipole worked
-7290 Traffic net check-in
-FT-8, two contacts on 20m, Africa and Arkansas !!
-Elk antenna on dipole mast, club and ares repeater access.?
-Handheld’s accessed the clubs repeater with HT’s antenna!!
-Pulled pork sandwich! Thanks Dave; Thanks Laura for the delivery.
-Battery capacity, by 1pm, capacity was 94%
-ISS cross-band repeater; flyover just before 2pm. Elk antenna was amazing. I maintained reception throughout the whole pass (5 min+). I attempted QSO’s, however, as expected, there was a field day pile-up, so many people calling out, no one could reply and complete a QSO exchange.
?
What Didn’t work so well:
-Dipole ‘field kit’ too cumbersome and time consuming. Better options displayed by Ryan and Chris (?), Laura’s photos. I ordered a ‘reel potable’ from Robert’s shop in Cleveland, TX.
-Having to carry a 6’ ladder to reach painter pole collapse compression rings.
-Will consider displayed EFHW end mast options (spiderbeam, basspro fishing rod)
-Consider re-purposing directv tripod with 10’ mast to support VHF/UHF antennas.
-Elk antenna hand held for ISS fly-over, became heavy (or my weak arm). Will try mounting on a camera tripod.
-Could not see my laptop screen (small and outdoors). Will try a monitor or popup canopy option.
-Brought WAY too much stuff. More like a ‘go-truck’ with many bags/boxes, than a ‘go-box’. However, this is my first field day since I was about 17 years old!! During my oil spill incident response days, we had a semi-trailer command center and many crates.
?
26/Jan: HOME QTH,
WHAT worked:
-MARS net check-in; With his NCS role completed - congratulations Scott !!
-Participated in my first ARRL field day contest - 20m / SSB. Responded to five or so CQ Field day calls. My observation: A contest using voice is the analog version of an FT-8/FT-4 digital exchange except FT-8 is every day, all day… short, sweet, impersonal, pre-defined exchange. Learnings: verify I’m operating within my license class; Field day ‘class and section’: 1H, STX.
-TX RACES winlink / vara hf peer to peer (WEBEOC request form) exercise. Three of four ICS- 205 targeted stations contacted and message sent.
?
27/Jan: Yeah, my repaired FT-710 (failed USB comm port) arrived this morning by FedEx. Now, let’s see if I need to solder in the MARS mod (again).
?
/ Being RADIO-ACTIVE,,, is exhausting
Looking forward to Laura’s photos !!
Rick, WA2HRF - find me on QRZ:?
?
?
--
Steven
K9UNI
|
2025 WINTER FIELD DAY - AAR for WA2HRF
I participated in ARRL’s WINTER FIELD DAY Event, held 25&26/Jan. My after-action-report follows:
25/Jan: WCARG’s at Dave’s QTH,
What I brought:
-40m dipole kit: directv tripod, mast support, 24’ painters pole, top-mount pulley, balun, guy ropes and stakes.
-Elk Antenna’s handheld dual-band yagi.
-LifePo4 30ah battery (on-board BMS and display panel).
-MFJ 12v distribution panel, Anderson power pole (APP) connectors.
-FT-991a (with MFJ mini tuner): Anytone 878/DMR, Tidradio H8.
-PI-star hotspot (tyson built), DMR configured, with on-board UPS and USB power.
-T-mobile home internet gtwy?(with 12v to 20v ‘car charger’ with APP connectors)
-Laptop (with 12v to 20v ‘car charger’ with APP connectors)
-10 watt polar panel.
-USB LED lit radio signage, similar to:?
All devices capable of being powered by 12v battery by various DC-DC up, down or power delivery converters. Next test, my DC powered computer monitor (native external AC to DC power block).
-6 ft ladder (to reach mast extension rings).
-10x10 ft canopy (did not deploy)
?
WHAT worked:
-Dipole worked
-7290 Traffic net check-in
-FT-8, two contacts on 20m, Africa and Arkansas !!
-Elk antenna on dipole mast, club and ares repeater access.?
-Handheld’s accessed the clubs repeater with HT’s antenna!!
-Pulled pork sandwich! Thanks Dave; Thanks Laura for the delivery.
-Battery capacity, by 1pm, capacity was 94%
-ISS cross-band repeater; flyover just before 2pm. Elk antenna was amazing. I maintained reception throughout the whole pass (5 min+). I attempted QSO’s, however, as expected, there was a field day pile-up, so many people calling out, no one could reply and complete a QSO exchange.
?
What Didn’t work so well:
-Dipole ‘field kit’ too cumbersome and time consuming. Better options displayed by Ryan and Chris (?), Laura’s photos. I ordered a ‘reel potable’ from Robert’s shop in Cleveland, TX.
-Having to carry a 6’ ladder to reach painter pole collapse compression rings.
-Will consider displayed EFHW end mast options (spiderbeam, basspro fishing rod)
-Consider re-purposing directv tripod with 10’ mast to support VHF/UHF antennas.
-Elk antenna hand held for ISS fly-over, became heavy (or my weak arm). Will try mounting on a camera tripod.
-Could not see my laptop screen (small and outdoors). Will try a monitor or popup canopy option.
-Brought WAY too much stuff. More like a ‘go-truck’ with many bags/boxes, than a ‘go-box’. However, this is my first field day since I was about 17 years old!! During my oil spill incident response days, we had a semi-trailer command center and many crates.
?
26/Jan: HOME QTH,
WHAT worked:
-MARS net check-in; With his NCS role completed - congratulations Scott !!
-Participated in my first ARRL field day contest - 20m / SSB. Responded to five or so CQ Field day calls. My observation: A contest using voice is the analog version of an FT-8/FT-4 digital exchange except FT-8 is every day, all day… short, sweet, impersonal, pre-defined exchange. Learnings: verify I’m operating within my license class; Field day ‘class and section’: 1H, STX.
-TX RACES winlink / vara hf peer to peer (WEBEOC request form) exercise. Three of four ICS- 205 targeted stations contacted and message sent.
?
27/Jan: Yeah, my repaired FT-710 (failed USB comm port) arrived this morning by FedEx. Now, let’s see if I need to solder in the MARS mod (again).
?
/ Being RADIO-ACTIVE,,, is exhausting
Looking forward to Laura’s photos !!
Rick, WA2HRF - find me on QRZ:?
?
?
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Re: Event: WCARG Breakfast - Saturday, January 25, 2025
#cal-reminder
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On Saturday, January 25, 2025, 5:14 AM, Laura WW7OO McDonald via groups.io <bonnieclyderainy@...> wrote:
Good morning! That was an automated message. This morning David McGann, who usually heads this up, will be at Winter Field Day . Would you like to join us there? He said people can still go eat together, he just won't be there.
On Friday, January 24, 2025 at 03:52:25 PM CST, Paul KE5ZW Gilbert via groups.io <ke5zw@...> wrote:
One, Paul,KE5ZW “Success is not final, failure is not fatal: it is the courage to continue that counts” Sir Winston Churchill, 1940 during the Battle For Britain...
Sent via tin can & strings ?
Reminder: WCARG Breakfast
When:
Saturday, January 25, 2025
9:00am to 10:00am
(UTC-06:00) America/Chicago
Where:
Denny's, 3016 11th St, Huntsville, TX 77340
Organizer:
WCARG
[email protected]
View Event
Description:
Walker County Amateur Radio Group Breakfast.? Anyone interested in ham radio, whether licensed or not, is invited.
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Re: Event: WCARG Breakfast - Saturday, January 25, 2025
#cal-reminder
Good morning! That was an automated message. This morning David McGann, who usually heads this up, will be at Winter Field Day . Would you like to join us there? He said people can still go eat together, he just won't be there.
On Friday, January 24, 2025 at 03:52:25 PM CST, Paul KE5ZW Gilbert via groups.io <ke5zw@...> wrote:
One, Paul,KE5ZW “Success is not final, failure is not fatal: it is the courage to continue that counts” Sir Winston Churchill, 1940 during the Battle For Britain...
Sent via tin can & strings
On Jan 24, 2025, at 9:26 AM, Group Notification <[email protected]> wrote:
?
Reminder: WCARG Breakfast
When:
Saturday, January 25, 2025
9:00am to 10:00am
(UTC-06:00) America/Chicago
Where:
Denny's, 3016 11th St, Huntsville, TX 77340
Organizer:
WCARG
[email protected]
View Event
Description:
Walker County Amateur Radio Group Breakfast.? Anyone interested in ham radio, whether licensed or not, is invited.
|
Re: Event: WCARG Breakfast - Saturday, January 25, 2025
#cal-reminder
One, Paul,KE5ZW “Success is not final, failure is not fatal: it is the courage to continue that counts” Sir Winston Churchill, 1940 during the Battle For Britain...
Sent via tin can & strings
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On Jan 24, 2025, at 9:26 AM, Group Notification <[email protected]> wrote:
?
Reminder: WCARG Breakfast
When:
Saturday, January 25, 2025
9:00am to 10:00am
(UTC-06:00) America/Chicago
Where:
Denny's, 3016 11th St, Huntsville, TX 77340
Organizer:
WCARG
[email protected]
View Event
Description:
Walker County Amateur Radio Group Breakfast.? Anyone interested in ham radio, whether licensed or not, is invited.
|
Re: Event: WCARG Breakfast - Saturday, January 25, 2025
#cal-reminder
There will be 3 Lanier’s at breakfast. ?
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On Jan 24, 2025, at 9:00?AM, Group Notification <[email protected]> wrote:
?
Reminder: WCARG Breakfast
When:
Saturday, January 25, 2025
9:00am to 10:00am
(UTC-06:00) America/Chicago
Where:
Denny's, 3016 11th St, Huntsville, TX 77340
Organizer:
WCARG
[email protected]
View Event
Description:
Walker County Amateur Radio Group Breakfast.? Anyone interested in ham radio, whether licensed or not, is invited.
|
Event: WCARG Breakfast - Saturday, January 25, 2025
#cal-reminder
Reminder: WCARG Breakfast
When:
Saturday, January 25, 2025
9:00am to 10:00am
(UTC-06:00) America/Chicago
Where:
Denny's, 3016 11th St, Huntsville, TX 77340
Organizer:
WCARG
[email protected]
View Event
Description:
Walker County Amateur Radio Group Breakfast.? Anyone interested in ham radio, whether licensed or not, is invited.
|
National Weather Service Houston Winter Storm Update (1/20/25)
I'm
forwarding the official NWS update issued just after 6 this
morning.
The GFS and ECMWF
model runs this morning are producing less snow than the runs of previous
days.? The Canadian GEM and German ICON continue to forecast snow
totals greater than the two primary models.? All, however, have the
greatest snow production south of IH10.
Jim Robinson, W5ZYX
From: NWS Houston - NOAA
Service Account <nws.houston@...>
Sent: Monday, January 20, 2025 6:03 AM
Subject: National Weather Service Houston Winter Storm Update
(1/20/25)
?
Good?morning,
Bottom Line
-Winter storm likely tonight into
Tuesday.
-Light scattered precipitation
possible after 6PM. More widespread precipitation expected after
midnight,?transitioning to mostly snow by morning. Areas near
Matagorda Bay may see more sleet than snow.?
-Heavy bands of snow are
likely Tuesday morning. Totals of 3-5 inches expected where these heavy
bands occur. Lighter amounts expected where banding does not
occur.?
-Exact
locations of snow bands will remain uncertain, potentially until they
begin. But the I-10 corridor to the coast has the best chance of
experiencing heavy bands of snow. This does NOT mean that
areas farther north have a zero chance of experiencing heavy
snow.?
-Hard Freeze likely Tuesday night and Wednesday morning, likely resulting
in icy road conditions through midday Wednesday.?
Resources
- NWS Houston Galveston
Phone Numbers:?(281) 337-5074 ext. 232?or ext. 234
- NWS Houston/Galveston
Webpage:??
- National Hurricane Center
Webpage:
- (Click Your Location)
- West Gulf River Forecast
Center Webpage:??
If you
have any additional questions, please feel free to contact our office at
the phone numbers listed in the?Resources?section
above.
Cameron Self and Sean
Luchs
Forecasters
National Weather Service - Houston/Galveston,
TX
??
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[W5SC] Silent Key- Estate Sale- Mark your calendar Jan 30-31
This is from the San Antonio Radio Club.?
Catch you on the air,
Jason Hampton
-Freedom Isn't Free
830-992-1334
Texas Patriots Room: Wires-X 60755 or YSF 60755
Sent from an Android mobile device. Please excuse brevity and disregard any spelling or grammatical errors.
---------- Forwarded message --------- From: Bill Craft via <billc851=[email protected]>Date: Sun, Jan 19, 2025, 19:02 Subject: [Special] [W5SC] Silent Key- Estate Sale- Mark your calendar Jan 30-31 To: < [email protected]> --
Catch you on the air,
Jason Hampton
*Freedom Isn't Free
N2TXS, WXCT237
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? ? You got this! ?Best of luck!
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On Jan 17, 2025, at 9:49?AM, Stephen KJ5YN Farlow <kj5yn@...> wrote:
? Had first class online via Zoom Thursday eve.The instructor is actually one of 2 people devising the question pools. I hope this helps me get my Extra, even though I have an Advanced class license. My biggest struggle here is remebering evrything.
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Greg KM5VC Colson
Rick WA2HRF Fell
Jason N5DRI Hampton
Steven K9UNI Prindle
Paul KE5ZW Gilbert
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Russ NR5US Cooper