Club & Radio News Archives

Shelby Hamfest

August 30-31 2008

(SARC News) Being held for over 30 years at the Cleveland County site that most of us have grown up with and visited each year, the "Grand Daddy" of them all is moving to a new and improved location! The Shelby Amateur Radio Club will hold their "52^nd" Annual Shelby Hamfest at the Gaston County Park in Dallas, NC which is in Gaston County. It will still take place during the Labor Day Weekend Saturday, August 30^th and Sunday, August 31^st. For More information please see their website:

http://shelbyhamfest.org/hamfest.htm

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"N4UH" Update

August 12 2008

(Salisbury NC) Society Member and Trustee Frank Waring-AF4D informs us that the memorial call sign "N4UH" is now officially asigned to the Rowan Amateur Radio Society. This new vanity call sign "N4UH" replaces the KJ4FJL assigned last month and will be used in memory of long time club member Henry Elwell now a Silent Key.

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Chinese Olympic Special Event Station

August 8, 2008

Chinese Olympic Special Event Stations On the Air -- Special Event stations for the 2008 Beijing Olympic Games began operating on May 18 and are scheduled to continue through September 17. Five special calls, representing the five rings of the Olympic flag, are on the air: BT1OB, BT1OJ, BT1OH, BT1OY and BT1ON. The last letter of the call sign corresponds to the color of each of the rings of the Olympic flag -- Beibei (Blue), Jingjing (Black), Huanhuan (Red), Yingying (Yellow) and Nini (Green). A QSL card, reserved for special use that incorporating all five symbols, has also been designed. Zheng Feng, BA4EG, will be the QSL manager for all stations. QSLs can be sent either direct or via the bureau and will begin to be answered in October. A Web site supporting the Special Event stations include an on line log search, QSL card received and sent status, as well as other information. An award for contacting each of the five stations on 10-160 meters a minimum of five times (using CW, SSB or RTTY, as well as SWL) is also available. The Games of the XXIX Olympiad begin Friday, August 8 and run through Sunday, August 24.

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FCC Issues New Call Sign

July 23, 2008

(Salisbury NC) Through the diligent efforts of Billy Stewart WA4PVI, Tommie Wood N4YZ, and Wayne Ashworth W4HG the FCC has issued another call sign to the Rowan Amateur Radio Society. The new call KJ4FJL was issued July 23 2008, but don't get too used to it! We hope to replace it soon with the vanity call N4UH in memory of club member Henry Elwell now a Silent Key.

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Firecracker Hamfest

July 12, 2008

(Salisbury NC) July often means heat, humidity, and some wild thunderstorms, but that's not all. July also brings us our nations Independence Day and the Annual "Firecracker Hamfest"! This event is brought to you by the Rowan Amateur Radio Society. Doors open at 8:00 AM Saturday July 12, 2008 at the Salisbury Civic Center. We look forward to seeing you and your family there. To learn more please visit our Hamfest Page.

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Some EXTRA VE Testing

June 28, 2008

(Concord NC) It seems there will be at least one extra testing session this year. The W4VEC Team of Volunteer Examiners have had numerous requests for a special testing session BEFORE July 1, the date the Extra Class exam changes. So to accomadate those requests an exam session is scheduled to start at 9 AM on Saturday, June 28, 2008, at Fire Station #7 in Concord off of Highway 73 (Map).

The exam fee is $12.00 and please bring your original and photocopy of your Amateur license along with a photo identification.

Please announce on local nets !!
All available Rowan/Cabarrus VE's are requested to attend.

Thank You
73 Billy WA4PVI
Co-Chairman W4VEC

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KJ4HF 440 Repeater

June 15, 2008

(Salisbury NC) Ken Clifton-KJ4HF recently announced that the KJ4HF repeater which operated at 444.650mhz, had emergency back-up power, and provided excellent coverage in the downtown area has, as of Saturday 14 June 2008 been decommissioned. The repeater was disassembled and removed from atop the Plaza/Wallace Building located on the square in downtown Salisbury NC. It seems the City of Salisbury was to begin charging a $50/month fee for the privilege of having the repeater at that location beginning 1 July 2008. There are no plans to relocate or reactivate the repeater at this time.

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A New Hamfest in Dobson

February 16, 2008

A group of Surry County hams who are members of the "Fairview Amateur Radio and Television Society" are sponsoring a hamfest in Dobson on Saturday, February 16. The fest will be held at the Dobson Fire Department beginning at 8 a.m. Talk-in will be on the Green Mtn repeater, 145.43MHz (- 600kHz). Admission of $5 includes setup space outside, bring your own table. Limited table space is available indoors for an additional $5/table. At least two dealers have agreed to attend the hamfest. Proceeds benefit the Surry County Food Bank and additional donations of canned food will be accepted.

For more information contact Drew, AD4T at .

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Address Changes

Jan 22, 2008

PUBLIC NOTICE - Facilities used by the Rowan Amateur Radio Society among many Salisbury locations with new addresses. The "Rufty-Holmes Senior Center" used for our monthly meetings, and the "Salisbury Civic Center" used for our Annual Firecracker Hamfest are among those affected.

My understanding is that the numeric designations will remain the same, however the street name has been changed from "S. Boundary Street" to "Martin Luther King Jr. Avenue S."

It may take some time before printed maps, and online mapping services are updated, and I am in the process of updating our website to reflect these changes as well. Anyone with additional information is invited to contact me using the form below.

73 Herb KF4TVi RARS Webmaster

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VE Testing Session

Jan 5, 2008

There will be a W4VEC VE testing session Jan 5, 2008 starting at 9:30 AM at Firestation #7 in Concord NC. For more information Click Here

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The RARS 2007 Christmas Party

December 10, 2007

RARS Members are reminded that this years Christmas Party will be held December 10, 2007 and will begin at 1800 Local Time. This years event will be catered by Johnny's BBQ. If you are planning on attending this years event be sure to contact Ralph Brown WB4AQK ASAP and let him know the number of guests you will be bringing.

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SKYWARN Recognition Day

December 1, 2007

(National/World) The Ninth Annual SKYWARN Recognition Day recognizes Amateur Radio operators for their commitment to help keep communities safe. Co-sponsored by the ARRL and the National Weather Service (NWS), the event is scheduled for Saturday, December 1 (starting at 0000 UTC and lasting 24 hours). During this 24 hour special event, Amateur Radio operators, working together with their local NWS offices, will activate Amateur Radio stations and work as a team to contact other hams across the world. Full Story

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Can You Help Identify "Buck"?

November 26, 2007

(Salisbury NC) RARS Member Wayne Asheworth W4HG would like to see if somebody could provide information regarding an old QSL card a friend of his discovered. The name and Callsign on the card is "Buck 4DKO" and he was apparently operating his station from Salisbury back in the 1930's. You can click on the images below to see larger versions.

Please use the form below to submit any information you feel may help. Thank You and 73

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VE Test Results

November 18, 2007

(Salisbury NC) We would like to thank everyone taking part in the Nov. 17th VE test session held at the Rowan Public Library, and congratulate all those passing their exams.

Welcome New Hams

Sarah Spagnola of Thomasville - KJ4ANW- Tech Robert G. Howell of Boone - KJ4ANV- Tech (Your Name & Town - Call Sign- Class)

Successful Upgrades

Christopher Gibbs of Concord - KI4RVH- Extra Daniel H. Sossaman Jr. of Concord - KI4SNA - General Frank W. Griffin of China Grove - KE4UFI- General KD Dixon of Rockwell - KG4YVL- General (Your Name & Town - Call Sign- Class)

ARECC & FEMA

(Your Name & Town - Call Sign- Class)

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Silent Key

November 13, 2007

(KANNAPOLIS NC) - Don Davis -W4DMD of Kannapolis passed away Tuesday at the Carolina Medical Center in Concord after an extended illness. Visitation will be from 12:30-1:45 p.m. followed by the Funeral Service at 2:00 p.m. Friday at the Jackson Park United Methodist Church. For more information please view the full obituary and guestbook: Click Here.

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NC STATEWIDE SET

November 3, 2007

Our statewide Simulated Emergency Test will be Saturday, November 3 from 8am to 12 noon. The Tarheel Emergency Net will be operating on 3927kHz. Our SET results in 2006 ranked North Carolina 4th in the nation. Let's try for 1st this year! Local SET's can be scheduled to run concurrently with the statewide excercise, or you can schedule your local SET anytime this fall. Results need to be in to ARRL headquarters by January 31, 2008.

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JOTA

October 20, 2007

(New London NC) - Each year since 1958 Amateur Radio Operators (Ham's) have set up their equipment to give Scouts (Boy and Girl Scouts) an opportunity to learn new languages, learn about different cultures, and meet people from all around the world! They also get to see what amateur radio is all about using the tried and true method of the hands on approach! An estimated 400,000 Scouts participate in this event each year. The JOTA allows them to make contacts with other Scouts and Amateur Radio operators from exotic and distant places like Australia, Mexico, Iceland, and Japan; often developing friendships that last a lifetime. Members of the Rowan Amateur Radio Society will participate in this years JOTA which will take place at Camp Barnhardt between 1:00 PM - 4:00 PM on Saturday October 20, 2007.

UPDATE! This event was quite a success and enjoyed by all that attended. Read the Salisbury Post article on the event: (See Article)

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SK Memorial Service Reminder

September 17, 2007

(Statesville NC) - A memorial service for Henry G. Elwell, Jr. N4UH "Uncle Henry" will be held on September 17, 2007 at 1:00 P.M. at New Salem United Methodist Church, 155 New Salem Rd. Statesville, N.C. 28625. (Read Obituary)

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VE Testing

September 15, 2007

(Concord NC) - There will be a VE Testing Session at Fire Station #7 on Hwy.73 in Concord NC. (Learn More)

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Silent Key

August 4, 2007

(Cleveland NC) - It is unfortunate that we must report the passing of another one of our beloved members. Henry G. Elwell Jr. N4UH, 88, of Rary Road, died Saturday, Aug. 4, 2007, at his residence. Funeral arrangements will be provided by Bunch-Johnson Funeral Home. "Uncle Henry" was an active member in the club and will be missed by all. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family and friends.

UPDATE-The memorial service is scheduled for Monday, September 17 at 1 PM, at the New Salem United Methodist Church, 155 New Salem Road, Statesville, NC 28625. Light refreshments will be served in the church hall after the service.

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Silent Key

July 23, 2007

(Salisbury NC) It is with great sadness that we report the passing of one of our most cherished and respected members. Ed Murphy N4NOI passed away July 23, 2007 at his home in Salisbury. One of the nicest people you could ever hope to meet. Mr. Murphy was honored some years ago with a Lifetime Membership in the club for his generous contributions and commitment not only to the club, but for his general good will towards his fellow man.

Full Story

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ARRL's Field Day

June 23-24, 2007

(Salisbury NC) The Rowan Amateur Radio Society will hold this years event at Sloan Park under the Mt. Ulla Shelter.

Click Here to Learn More

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AMATEUR RADIO APPRECIATION WEEK
DECLARED BY GOVERNOR EASLEY!

June 17-24, 2007

North Carolina Governor Mike Easley has declared Field Day week, June 17-24, as "Amateur Radio Appreciation Week". The proclamation can help you publicize Field Day in your community and will help if your group wants to apply for a similar proclamation from you local government. A sealed copy of the proclamation can be obtained by sending $7.00 and a request for the "Amateur Radio June 17-24 Proclamation" to:

Governor's Office - Citizens and Community Service Office, 116 W. Jones Street, Raleigh, NC 27603

It will take up to two weeks for your certificate to arrive. The text of the proclamation is posted at www.ncarrl.org. Thanks to our Section Public Information Coordinator, Bill Morine, N2COP for his work on this great recognition!

73,

Tim Slay, N4IB NC Section Manager

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FOX HUNT

Saturday June 16, 2007

RARS is sponsoring a FOX HUNT this coming Saturday, June 16, 2007. Meet us for breakfast at Wink's Bar B Q in Salisbury at 8:00 AM and the fox hunt will begin at 9:00 AM. Larry Wright, N4QY, will be the fox, and will start transmission on 146.580 at 9:00 AM.

Congratulations go out to Janet-KI4CKS & Grey-KI4CKR! After about 30 minutes of triangulating they were the first to discover the location of the Foxes Den. The Foxes Den turned out to be a secluded parking lot in downtown Salisbury near the square.Thanks to everyone that participated and we look forward to seeing you and all your friends at the next Rowan ARS Fox Hunt.

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Kids Day!

Saturday June 16, 2007

Don't forget about Kid's Day!

It runs from 1800Z - 2400Z (2:00 PM - 8:00 PM local)

It is not only a great introduction to HF radio for kids, but serves as a warmup act for Field Day, just two weeks later. Rub off that mike-fright in the comfortable home shack and you'll have an operator eager to get some time on the GOTA station at Field Day. And don't forget to review the changes to Field Day GOTA and bonus point rules this year!

In support of ARRL Kid's Day the uplink frequency on AO-51's FM repeater will be changed to 145.88 MHz with NO PL Tone. Following Kid's Day AO-51's mode will change on June 17 to dual L/U and V/U repeater mode for Field Day. This will give stations the week before Field Day to check out their stations. (Reprinted from the AMSAT News Service bulletin AMS-161)

See Official Kids Day Rules

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Club Meeting

Monday June 11, 2007

(Salisbury NC) You are reminded that the The Rowan Amateur Radio Society's June meeting is this Monday, June 11, 2007 starting at 7:00 PM.

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RARS Vice President Resigns

April 24, 2007

(Salisbury NC) Rowan Amateur Radio Society Vice President Bob Yarbrough KG4WAD of Salisbury recently announced he would have to step down as Vice President, but would remain a member at large.

Mr. Yarbrough sited health and family obligations as the reason for the sudden and unfortunate decision, stating that he has not been back to normal since his last operation and felt he could no longer effectively fulfill his obligations as an elected official.

A dedicated and active ham, Mr. Yarbrough is also the Amateur Radio Emergency Services Coordinator for Rowan County. Continued service in that capacity may also be in question, but an official announcement has not been made.

Members of Rowan Amateur Radio Society were shocked and saddened when the announcement was made. His fine leadership, dedication, and enthusiasm will be greatly missed and we hope he will continue to try and attend as many future club meetings and events as his health will allow.

An interim Vice President has not yet been announced. Stay tuned for updates.

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ARES Breakfast-Meeting

Saturday April 14, 2007

(Salisbury NC) The Amateur Radio Emergency Services (NC Area 11) will have a breakfast-meeting the morning of Saturday April 14, 2007 at 8:30 AM at Ryan's Steakhouse on Jake Alexander Blvd. in Salisbury NC.Tune to the 145.410 (Tone: 136.5) repeater for talk -ins. For a printable map Click Here.

Thanks to Rowan County's Emergency Coordinator Bob Yarbrough - KG4WAD for providing us with this information.

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FOX Hunt!

April 9, 2007

(Salisbury NC) On Easter Monday the Rowan ARS will have a real treat for all it's members and guests able to attend. As part of our regular meeting and program we will be having a genuine FOX Hunt! For those who do not know, a Fox Hunt in radio terms is where an individual known as the "Fox" hides in a given area (i.e. Salisbury City Limits) and begins transmitting a radio signal on an assigned frequency (i.e. 146.580 MHz) for defined periods of time that the "Hunters" use to track and hopefully triangulate the position of the Fox. The first person arriving at the Fox's den Wins. The skills used in this exercise help us find stuck transmitters, lost campers, and sources of Radio Interference. Great fun for all and educational to boot! The Hunt starts at our regular meeting place, the Rufty-Holmes Senior Center.

Click Here for a Printable Map

April 13, 2007 - The Fox Hunt was indeed a great success and everybody participating really seemed to enjoy themselves.The winner of this event was Larry Wright - N4QY who found the FOX (Ralph Brown - WB4AQK) in a mere 43 minutes (7:43 PM)! The "FOX's Den" turned out to be the parking lot in front of Village Inn Pizza Parlor on Statesville Blvd. Honorable mention goes out to Stacy Hauser KI4QCM & Chris Loney, KI4PAP, Grey Smith KI4CKR, Butch Edge W4WEE, Richard Wallace K4PM, Patti Sibert KI4GUN & Derwood Puckett K4PXU. Thanks to Rowan ARS Harmonics" Editor Ralph Brown - WB4AQK for providing us with this information.

Corrections: Please note that "Larry Wright" and "Patti Sibert" were mistakenly reported as Larry White and Janet Sibert. My apologies go out to everyone, and hope my mistakes didn't cause to much confusion or offend anyone. Herb KF4TVI

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Upgraded to EXTRA!

April 3, 2007

(Salisbury NC) Congratulations to Tommie Wood of Salisbury on his successful upgrade to Extra Class Amateur Radio Operator. Tommie is also sporting a new call sign to go along with those new privileges that should help make life easier during those contest pile-ups. His previous callsign was KN4OR, his new callsign is "N4YZ".

Thanks to Wayne Ashworth - W4HG for providing us with this information.

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Rowan ARS's New Server

March 10, 2007

(Salisbury NC) RowanARS News Service - The Rowan Amateur Radio Society has recently moved it's web site to a new server. We hope the move has not caused too much disruption and we hope to have the site completely updated in the days ahead. In the meantime if you see any problems or information that is old and needs updating, please don't hesitate to let us know. You can use the form below, or email our webmaster directly: . 73 RowanARS Webmaster

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Rowan County's New EC

September 2, 2006

(Salisbury NC) Mike Bryan WA6KWW, District 11 Emergency Coordinator announced the appointment of Bob Yarbrough KG4WAD as the new local Emergency Coordinator for Rowan County.

Bob has already been hard at work creating an online forum to help coordinate the emergency communication needs of Rowan County. Available for download are most of the forms and information sheets you will need to get started. (Click to Learn More)

The Rowan County ARES will meet each month at 6:15 PM at the Elizabeth Dole Chapter of the Red Cross on Jake Alexander Blvd. in Salisbury NC (Click for MAP). All Licensed Amateur Radio Operators living in Rowan County are encouraged to join.

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RARS July Meeting

July 10, 2006

Each year after working so hard at the "Firecracker Hamfest", the Rowan Amateur Radio Society gives it's members a break by combining it's regular July Meeting with a "Cookout"! This years event will begin at 6:00 PM so mark your calendars. We look forward to seeing you there!

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Firecracker Hamfest

July 8, 2006

Salisbury North Carolina
Learn More About the Firecracker Hamfest

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Program on Grounding

June 12, 2006

Storm season is upon us and RARS President Gary Hattaway W1WBT will present a program on station grounding at the Monday June 12th meeting beginning at 7:00 PM at the Rufty Holmes Senior Center 1120 Boundary St. Salisbury NC. Every safety conscience radio operator should consider attending. There is no cost or fee associated with attending this meeting and program. 73

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Field Day

June 24-25, 2006

Always The Fourth Full Weekend In June !

ARRL's Field Day Website
or (PDF Download)

The Rowan Amateur Radio Society will set up this years Field Day event at Sloan Park in the Mt. Ulla Shelter. The Park is located in western Rowan County off HWY 150 approximately 10 miles from Salisbury. To learn more about Sloan Park please Click Here

Salisbury Post Story on Field Day(#1 Friday)
Salisbury Post Story on Field Day(#2 Sunday)

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Former RARS Member - SK

May 27, 2006

It is with great sadness to have to report the passing of Thomas C. Wale - WB4Y, formerly KC4WH and KA4MPN. Tom was an avid CW operator and a great contester, being the recipient of numerous top three awards in the NC section of national contests such as November Sweepstakes. Tom had been active in the Rowan Amateur Radio Society from the late 1970's to the late 1990's, waning in later years possibly due to health problems.

Click Here to Read the Obituary

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VE Test Session

May 6, 2006

You are reminded that there will be a VE Testing Session in Concord next Saturday May 6, 2006 at Fire Station #7 on Hwy.73 in Concord NC. Click Here for more information.

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Local Ham Recovering

April 13, 2006

RARS Member Bob Yarbrough KG4WAD has been released from Baptist Hospital in Winston Salem. Bob's surgery went well, but unfortunately he still has a bit of post operative pain. His recovery needs are being met by family and friends, and I am told he may be on the air for the W4EXU Rag-Chew Net which takes place each Thursday night at 8:00 PM on 146.730Mhz PL 94.8 and open to all amateur radio operators wishing to check in. Bob extends his thanks to the whole community for all the well wishes, prayers, and words of encouragement.

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Another Devastating Fire

March 28, 2006

Last week a fire swept through the home of Ricky Tanner, Jr., KG4PCW of Robinson Circle in Southern Gastonia. Ricky his wife Derinda who is expecting their third child, son Rooster age 6 and daughter Harley age 4 all escaped without serious injury. Except for their vehicle and the cloths they were wearing, the family lost everything, including the families two pet cats.

Having recently moved into the home and without insurance coverage, this is going to be an uphill struggle for this family. If you can help, it would be appreciated. Monetary donations may be made through the (Gaston County Amateur Radio Society) treasurer, Cy Rowe, K1CY. Just mark on your check what it is for (Rick & Derinda Fund) and, Cy will see that the ENTIRE collection gets to the proper place.

CYRUS B ROWE, Treasurer GCARS
1248 CASTLEGATE DR
GASTONIA NC 28054
USA

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NC Severe Weather Awareness Week

March 12-18 2006

The 2006 North Carolina Severe Weather Awareness Week takes place during the week of March 12-18th, with a Tornado Drill scheduled for Wednesday, March 15th at 9:15 AM. All Amateur Radio Operators and Skywarn Spotters are encouraged to participate in this drill by checking into the PETN/Skywarn Net on 145.350 no PL Tone. Please monitor the repeater in the weeks to come for more information and if possible check in to the training net each night at 8:00 PM.

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Incident Command System Classes

February 25 & 26 2006

Amateur Radio Operators that participate in ARES, CERT, SKYWARN, RACES, and other emergency communications activities may be interested in the following class as part of your ongoing continuing education efforts.

Class: ICS I 100/200
FIP#: 4728
Days: Sat / Sun Date: Feb. 25 & 26
Time: 9:00am - 6:00pm
Place: Rowan Rescue Squad Station #91
Instructor: Anthony

For more information contact Roger McDaniel at Rowan Cabarrus Community College, (704) 637- 0760 ext 257 or to send an Email to Roger McDaniel.

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Don Rollins AE4JB/SK

February 20, 2006

It is with great sadness that we must report the passing of Rowan Amateur Radio Society Member Don Rollins AE4JB/SK of Lexington NC. Mr. Rollins is survived by his wife Sue Rollins. Visitation will be at the Piedmont Funeral Home, 405 South Main Street, in Lexington Tuesday February 21, 2006 from 6-8 PM.The funeral will be at First United Methodist Church on Wednesday February 22, 2006 at 2:00 PM(The Church is across the street from the Funeral Home.).

Mrs. Rollins has requested that all amateurs, especially the members of the Lexington (Healing Springs Mountain VHF Society) and Salisbury (Rowan Amateur Radio Society) Radio Clubs where Don was a member, come to the funeral and sit as a group as Honorary Pallbearers. Mrs. Rollins requests that all amateurs attending the funeral wear your callsign name tags and the ushers at the church will be alerted to watch for your name tags and you will be ushered to the correct area in the church.

Respectfully submitted by,
Rae Everhart K4SWN

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Old Fashioned Pounding & House Warming

February 11, 2006 February 18, 2006

Due to inclement weather, this event has been rescheduled for the following weekend... February 18, 2006!

After a devastating fire claimed their home last December, Rowan Amateur Radio Society Members Wade Sibert "KC4NBW", and Patti Stephens "KI4GUN" have moved into a home. In an effort to thank everyone that helped the family out and to celebrate moving into their new home they are having an old fashioned pounding & house warming. To learn more please visit the following website:

http://www.ags2.com/fire/WadeAndPatti.asp

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Rowan CERT Training

^BeginsJanuary 24, 2006

The ROWAN COUNTY Community Emergency Response Team (C.E.R.T.) will hold training classes starting on January 24, 2006 and last from 6:00 PM to 9:00. The classes will be held at Salisbury Fire Station #51 at 514 East Innes St. (across from Wendy's restaurant) in the training room. Registration will take place on the first night of class. To participate please call the CERT Coordinator Marshall Moore of the Salisbury Fire Department at (704) 638-4465.

Participants attend nine (9) modules.

Community Emergency Response Team Training prepares students to respond to anticipated hazards following a disaster. Participants will learn to:

• Recognize the potential hazards associated with a particular type of emergency and take the appropriate action.
  
• Identify, organize and utilize available resources and people.
• Treat for life-threatening conditions through Simple Triage and Rapid Treatment (S.T.A.R.T.).

"The class is free."

Captain M.T. Moore
Projects Analyst
Salisbury Fire Department
Rowan County CERT Coordinator
Rowan SAFE KIDS Events Coordinator
Voice: 704-638-4465
Fax: 704-638-8423
Website: WWW.SALISBURYNC.GOV/FIRE

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New RARS Officers

January 2006

A new year often brings many changes, and this rings true for the Rowan Amateur Radio Society. This year the obligations of Secretary/Treasurer, held by one individual in years past, has been split into two separate positions by a majority vote.And as you may have guessed the changes don't stop there, we have new officers as well.

But before we welcome in our new officers, let us thank our outgoing officers Bobby Lewis WD4IJX , Bob Yarbrough KG4WAD, John Cundiff N1JAC for all their hard work and dedication to the club during their time in office. We hope you will continue that support for many years to come.

Now, drum roll please, we introduce our newest officers:

Gary Hattaway W1WBT as President
Grey Smith KI4CKR as Vic President
Ralph Brown WB4AQK as Treasurer
Patti Stephens KI4GUN as Secretary
Frank G. Waring III, AF4D returns as Trustee

Congratulations, your willingness to accept the responsibilities and obligations associated with being in positions of authority is very much appreciated.Thank You & 73

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Fire Claims RARS Member's Home

December 22, 2005

An early morning fire swept through the home of Rowan Amateur Radio Society Members Wade Sibert "KC4NBW", and Patti Stephens "KI4GUN" on Thursday, December 22, 2005. Fortunately no injuries were reported, however the family of five lost everything in the home including a car that was parked under the carport. The Red Cross has secured a place for them to stay until Sunday and a website has been developed to help handle the badly needed donations and provide updated information:

http://www.ags2.com/fire/

Silent Key

December 15, 2005

CLEVELAND - It is with great sadness that we must report the passing of another fine local ham radio operator. Millicent Livingston Elwell "KA4ECM", XYL of Henry Elwell "N4UH", became a silent key Thursday, Dec. 15, 2005. Complete Obituary & Guestbook

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The next meeting of the Rowan Amateur Radio Society is scheduled for December 12, 2005 at 6:00 PM and you are cordially invited. This is also our annual Christmas Party & Dinner with Catered food at only $10 per plate! There will be a gift exchange with a $5.00 per gift Maximum! Gifts do not have to be radio related and all attendees are encourage to participate in the gift exchange. We will also be electing officers for 2006 so everybody is encouraged to attend. If you plan on attending please contact Society Vice President Bob Yarbrough KG4WAD at 704-645-8320 or by email at by Saturday December 3rd so we can tell the caterer how many to expect. The meeting will be held at the:

Rufty-Holmes Senior Center,
1120 S Boundary St.,
Salisbury, NC 28144-5658

For A Printable Map Click Here

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W4EXU User Map

Just for fun, I made a Frapper Map for the W4EXU Repeater. This new feature will allow us to get a better idea of how well the repeater is working and help us establish a more realistic footprint of it's coverage area. All you have to do is click the box below, then enter your Name, Callsign, and the Zip Code from where you access the repeater.

This can be from a place you vacation at, area you drive to frequently, or your home QTH (location). You can even add information about yourself and add pictures if you so desire. Everything is explained on the Frapper Page. It's safe, fun and FREEEEEEEEEEE!

Enjoy and 73 Herb KF4TVI

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SKYWARN Recognition Day

The 2005 SKYWARN Recognition Day will be held December 3, 2005 from (0000 - 2400 UTC.) Cosponsored by the National Weather Service (NWS) and ARRL, SKYWARN Recognition Day is the Weather Service's way of expressing its appreciation to Amateur Radio operators for their commitment to helping keep communities safe. During this 24-hour special event, teams of radio amateurs set up stations at local NWS offices to contact other hams across the US and around the world. To learn more visit the page linked below.

Complete ARRL NWS (SRD) Story Nov 23, 2005

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RARS Member Hospitalized

Salisbury NC- (Nov 2005) Long Time RARS Member and "Harmonics" Editor Ralph Brown WB4AQK has been hospitalized and underwent emergency surgery. The latest information we have is that he was in Intensive Care and could only have short visits by his immediate family. We all have you in our prayers my friend, get well soon!

We are happy to report that Ralph's surgery went well and he is now home from the hospital and resting.

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North Carolina SET

The annual state wide Simulated Emergency Test will be held Saturday, November 5, 2005 from 8:00 AM to 12:00 noon. Many counties will be participating both that weekend and other weekends in the next couple of months (and some have already had theirs). Contact your county EC and ask how you can participate.

ARRL North Carolina Section Manager
John M. C Covington - W4CC
w4cc@arrl.org

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Rowan CERT Training

^StartingOctober 25, 2005

The ROWAN COUNTY Community Emergency Response Training (C.E.R.T.) will hold classes starting on October 25, 2005 and last from 6:00 PM to 9:00. The classes will be held at the Salisbury Fire Station 51 at 514 East Innes St. (across from Wendy's restaurant) in the training room. To participate please call the CERT Coordinator Marshall Moore of the Salisbury Fire Department at (704) 638-4465.

Participants attend nine (9) modules.

Community Emergency Response Team Training prepares students to respond to anticipated hazards following a disaster. Participants will learn to:

• Recognize the potential hazards associated with a particular type of emergency and take the appropriate action.
  
• Identify, organize and utilize available resources and people.
• Treat for life-threatening conditions through Simple Triage and Rapid Treatment (S.T.A.R.T.).

"The class is free."

Captain M.T. Moore
Projects Analyst
Salisbury Fire Department
Rowan County CERT Coordinator
Rowan SAFE KIDS Events Coordinator
Voice: 704-638-4465
Fax: 704-638-8423
Website: WWW.SALISBURYNC.GOV/FIRE

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SPECIAL TRAINING SESSION

Tuesday, October 11, 2005
7:30PM - 8:30PM EDT (GMT-04:00)

This is the re-scheduled training session that was planned to be presented in September but was cancelled due to Hurricane Ophelia operations.

Jeff Orrock, WCM of the Raleigh NWS office {and newly licensed ham; KI4KKX} will be presenting: "It Could Happen Here: North Carolina's Katrina" via the Tarheel Emergency Net, on 3923 Khz, the PCRN linked repeater system, and possibly other linked systems including EchoLink and IRLP, on this date/time. Jeff will contrast and compare the historical relevance of the effects of hurricane intensity upon NC with current events i.e Hurricanes Katrina and Rita.

A supporting Power Point file with graphics will be available for download prior to the presentation. You can now download a PPT version or a PDF version by going to the following website:

www.n4tab.com

Please spread the word about this presentation to as many area hams, local club nets, etc., as possible.

73 de Greg, WB4HRR CASN EC

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New Antenna for the W4EXU Repeater

August 22, 2005

Thanks to the efforts of Butch W4WEE, Gary W1WBT, Grey KI4CKR, JC K4DFI, Ralph KU4PT, and Wade WC4NBW, (If I missed somebody, got a callsign wrong or made some other type of mistake, please let me know so I can fix it.TNX...) the W4EXU Repeater is now back on the air.

A new antenna now beckons from the top of the 100' tower and a faulty power line has been repaired by the Power Company. It seems a lightning strike or power surge took out the power line neutral wire and the coax shielding substituted until the crew arrived to mount the new antenna and noticed the problem. The surge appears to have taken out the preamp as well. Ralph KU4PT is looking into what can be done to fix that.

Ralph has repaired and replaced the preamp. The repeater seems to be working great now. Why not Give It A TRY!

W4EXU 146.730 PL 94.8

Click for Photos

Many thanks from all those Hams that use and enjoy the wide coverage offered by this dependable machine. 73's

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