01/19/2024

The Jackson Amateur Radio Club[1] (JARC) has donated two complete sets of ARRL books and posters on the information in amateur radio, valued at $2,000, to the Madison County Library System (MCLS) in Canton, Mississippi.

"These book titles represent the brain trust of what we know about amateur radio today. We hope they will plant the seed and sow the future for radio-based technology in Madison County," said Frank Howell, K4FMH, an Assistant Director for the ARRL Delta Division. "The books, published by ARRL, include topics on basic electronics, antenna building, [and] rules and regulations, and [include] amateur radio license study guides." ÿ

MCLS Director Tammie Terry was excited about the donation. "The Jackson Amateur Radio Club and ARRL have been highly supportive of helping us with our science and technology emphasis throughout our library system," she said. "This large donation will help us get these reading materials to the patrons who will most certainly benefit from them for a long time." ÿ

JARC President Jim Armstrong, AK5J, said they hope to continue making donations. "We have worked out a formal partnership between our club and the Madison County Library System. With assistance from ARRL, we are making our first donation of material, equipment, and STEM-oriented programming to the Madison County's libraries. Our intent is to make this support an ongoing [club project]." ÿ

JARC will also be holding periodic events at various Madison County library locations this year. With the slogan, Saturday Morning Amateur Radio Time (SMART), the club is offering a public program at the Rebecca Baine Rigby Library entitled, "Amateur Radio: Do They Still Do That?" on March 2, 2024. A follow-up SMART event with a live on-air operation is planned for May. ÿ

ARRL Delta Division Director David Norris, K5UZ, has promoted the Plant-the-Seed Initiative. "We have been very enthusiastic about the concept and program that our Assistant Director, Frank Howell, has created. This partnership concept is being promoted nationwide." Norris added, "The MCLS is the national leader now in using community resources, like area ham radio clubs, to extend their technology-based outreach and leverage the public dollars invested in the local library system."


[1] http://www.msham.org/

---
þ Synchronet þ Whiskey Lover's Amateur Radio BBS

04/26/2024

The 2024 ARRL National Convention is just 3 weeks away, on May 17 -- 19, 2024. The event is being hosted by Dayton Hamvention in Xenia, Ohio.

ARRL has a significant amount of technical content planned for the convention program. (see the full rundown at www.arrl.org/expo[1]). There are also presentations planned to challenge and inspire attendees throughout each step of a radio amateur's journey in the world of wireless communication technology.

Calling All Technicians ÿ

"Beyond Repeaters: See How Far Your Tech License Will Take You" will be an exciting presentation from ARRL Digital RF Engineer John McAuliffe, KD2ZWN, who will be at the convention representing the ARRL Laboratory. Geared for Technician class hams, attendees will explore all that can be done within Technician class privileges. (Hint: it's a lot!) ÿ

McAuliffe will lead an engaging discussion that will focus on three main areas: UHF use and potential projects and activities that can be enjoyed beyond 70 centimeters; 10-meter digital modes, satellite, and long-range communications; and HF CW privileges including a short guide on how to build your own CW encoder/decoder. ÿ

Build Your Ham Community ÿ

Amateur radio clubs can be a driving force for getting people licensed and keeping them engaged. In "Tips for Successful Radio Clubs", ARRL Field Services Manager Mike Walters, W8ZY, will share some of the best practices that can be learned from high performing ARRL Affiliated Clubs. ÿ

This forum will include a discussion of ideas and opportunities for radio clubs that are seeking growth and greater member participation. Topics will include recruitment, licensing, training, engagement, and leadership development.
These forums are part of the 2024 ARRL National Convention track. Plan your must-see presentations using the ARRL Events app. Find the app in your devices' app store or at this link[2]. ÿ

You can learn more about Hamvention and buy tickets at www.hamvention.org[3].


[1] http://www.arrl.org/expo
[2] https://www.tripbuildermedia.com/apps/arrl
[3] http://www.hamvention.org/

---
þ Synchronet þ Whiskey Lover's Amateur Radio BBS