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The regularly scheduled meeting of the Paducah Amateur Radio Association was held Monday, September 10, 2018 at the WKCTC Emerging Technology Center, Room 140, in Paducah, KY.  There were 24 present.  Three came for FCC VE testing, see pictures below.

The meeting was opened by PARA Vice President, Ken Wontor.  Ken welcomed us and asked each attendee around the room to give their name, amateur call and relate any interesting amateur radio activities that they may had in the last month.

Club Business Items Discussed

• Treasurer Bruce Huyck reported on the club’s current financial status.
• Secretary Ron Cowherd reviewed last month’s major discussion items including news about the CW roundtable which meets Tues. & Thurs. 8:00 pm.  Participants first meet on the 147.060 repeater to choose the 40 mtr. freq. (+ or – 7.055 or so) and order of rotation before the roundtable begins.  We are still discussing a time and meeting place for a grass-roots CW class.  Any suggestions would be appreciated.  Jason KY9I, discussed his experiences with CW Academy and how the practice techniques he is learning can benefit our club.
• Kyle Walker (K4KMW) led a discussion on the KY Fusion Digital Network, which meets at 7:00 CST, on the local 147.12 MH machine.  Kyle’s discussion was followed by a 15 min, Yaesu promotional Fusion video brought in by Ken Wontor KW4DI.

Sunday night nets are at 9:00 PM on 147.060 Mhz. PL 179.9

September 16   Eric K4YUS        10 Ck-ins

September 23   Jason KY9I         15 Ck-ins

September 30   Frank KY4LDS   18 Ck-ins

October 7           Ken KW4DI        14 Ck-ins

October 7           Logan KG4VKB  10 Ck-ins ARES

ARRL International Grid Contest

ARRL Leaderboard Results shows KY position and Total Grid count as of  10/8/2018  6 club members in top 25:

1.  N4QS Dave Perry, 6648 grids;  13.  AI4EY Fred Carter, 2459 grids;  16. KS4V Bruce Huyck, 2224 grids;    18. KC4WPS Roger Good, 1957 grids;  19. K4GYD Ron Cowherd, 1769 grids;  24.  KO4XJ John Hudson, 1547 grids;    46. W4WWS Steve Parmley, 941 grids;  48. ND4X Paul Smith, 899 grids;  50. AB4IQ Ed Pflueger, 830 grids; 66. KB9BVL Jeff Wielgos, 529 grids;  67. NU4N Dave Tucker 529 grids;  82. W4KU, Wallace Shankle, 428 grids; 83. N4FZ Gene Summers 418 grids;  84.  KW4DI Ken Wontor, 412 grids;      94. KJ4CO John Chandler, 346 grids;  96.  W4NJA 343.

Current grid contest results may be found at:  https://igc.arrl.org/leader-board.php

 New License Success

We are happy to report that Mark Wilson successfully passed the General class FCC exam.  Marton Wilson and Edward Paulk passed the Technician class exam.  Congratulations to all.  We cordially invite you to enjoy your new licenses and join us at future monthly meetings.

 

Remember:

PARA Meeting Minutes 8/13/2018

The regularly scheduled meeting of the Paducah Amateur Radio Association was held Monday, August 13, 2018 at the WKCTC Emerging Technology Center, Room 140, in Paducah, KY.  There were 30 present.  One came for FCC VE testing (see picture below) and three others came just to find out how to become an amateur radio operator.

The meeting was opened by PARA President Jeff Wielgos who announced that the business segment would be delayed until after the DX Engineering Skype presentation on grounding was completed.  Unfortunately due to equipment malfunctions and technical difficulties on both ends of the circuit it was decided by DX Engineering representative Bob W5OV and our club that the presentation would have to be scrubbed and rescheduled for another time.

Items Discussed and Passed

• Club Treasurer Bruce Huyck announced that Secretary Cowherd would be reimbursed $30 for the yearly No Ad fee to WordPress.
• Dave Perry and Paul Smith reported that there was nothing to report about the KY QSO Party awards, other than certificates and plaques were being prepared as previously planned.
• President Jeff Wielgos related that the FCC has banned the sale of the popular Baofeng portable transceivers.  It appears that amateurs that have already purchased the radio may continue using them on the designated ham bands.
• Jason Brambach (KY9I) and Ron Cowherd (K4GYD) led a discussion on a proposed CW round table for those who would like to have practical on-the-air sending and receiving experience.  At the close of the meeting nine club members gave their names, interests and present receiving and sending WPM abilities.  It has been suggested that those who would like to participate should meet on W4NJA repeater Tuesday and Thursday evenings at 8:00 to get instructions (freq. and order of rotation, etc.) for the session to follow.  This endeavor is a work-in-progress and suggestions are welcome.

Net Control Operators for Late August/Early September

PARA Meeting Minutes 7/9/2018

The regularly scheduled meeting of the Paducah Amateur Radio Association was held Monday, JULY 9, 2018 at the WKCTC Emerging Technology Center, Room 140, in Paducah, KY.  There were 18 present.  No one came for FCC VE testing.

The meeting was opened by PARA Vice President, Ken Wontor.  Ken welcomed us and asked each attendee around the room to give their name, amateur call and relate any interesting amateur radio activities that we may had in the last month.

Items Discussed and Passed

• 2018 Field Day Photos were viewed via the very convenient overhead projector and screen.  All photos were made by Ken Wontor and Ron Cowherd.  Anyone that may have taken FD pictures are welcome to send them to roncowherd@comcast.net.  They will be added to the 2018 FD page.
• The Treasurer’s report was given by Ken Wontor in absence of Bruce Huyck who was absent.  Ron Cowherd gave the Secretary’s report which was followed by a motion to accept the two reports, seconded and passed.
• A motion was made to authorize Ed Pflueger to purchase 2 DX Engineering 4-1 baluns (approx. $190 ea.) for the next year’s Field Day RTTY and SSB stations.  The motion was seconded and passed.
• Field Day score summary:  QSOs: CW 793; Digital 36; phone 817.  Total Points:  CW 1586; Digital 73; Phone 817.  Total Score = 4,950.
• Dave Perry discussed KY QSO Party award details.  Decisions about plaques and certificates awards were discussed but not finalized at this time.  Shane Martin, with graphics training, volunteered to create the certificates.  Additional information will  be available at http://www.kyqsoparty.org

Net Control Operators for Late July/Early August

PARA Meeting Minutes 5/14/2018

The regularly scheduled meeting of the Paducah Amateur Radio Association was held  Monday, May 14, 2018 at the WKCTC Emerging Technology Center, Room 140, in Paducah, KY.  There were 24 present, including three FCC Amateur License examinees.

The meeting was opened by Club Vice President Ken Wontor.  VP Wontor asked each attendee to give their name, amateur call and a report of their amateur activities during past month.

Items Discussed and Passed

The business portion of the meeting was as follows:

• Treasurer Bruce Huyck was not present and no formal report was made, however, VP Wontor reported that Keilor Park reservations had been made and the $50 fee paid.
• Ron Cowherd gave the Secretary’s summary report of the April meeting proceedings.  Almost all of April business involved KYQP.
• Paul Smith led a question and answer session including comments on the set-up and operation of the N1MM logging program in reference to the KY QSO Party.  Jeff Wielgos made a list of those who were planning to operate fixed, roving or portable stations, modes and counties.
• Regarding Field Day 2018:  It was brought up that the mobile unit for Field Day had not been reserved yet.  Ed Pflueger volunteered to contact Paducah/McCracken Co. Office of Emergency Management to reserve their Mobile Command Post facility and generators.

Net Control Operators for Late May/Early June

(ARRL Leaderboard Results shows Ky position and Total Grid count as of  6/9/2018)  7 club members in top 25.                                                                  

1.  N4QS Dave Perry, 3953 grids;  9.  AI4EY Fred Carter, 1934 grids;  14. K4GYD Ron Cowherd, 1319 grids;  15. KC4WPS Roger Good, 1268 grids;  21.  KO4XJ John Hudson, 1091 grids;  24. KS4V Bruce Huyck, 975 grids;  25. W4WWS  Steve Parmley, 940 grids;  45. KB9BVL Jeff Wielgos, 504 grids; 49. AB4IQ Ed Pflueger, 450 grids;  55.  W4KU, Wallace Shankle, 428 grids;  57. KW4DI Ken Wontor, 412 grids;  59. ND4X Paul Smith, 392 grids;  60. NU4N Dave Tucker 392 grids;  66. KJ4CO John Chandler, 346 grids.

Current grid contest results may be found at:  https://igc.arrl.org/leader-board.php

New License and Upgrade Successes

We are happy to report that three individuals successfully passed their FCC Amateur Radio license exams at the close of the May meeting.  Pictured (LtoR):  John Harrison and Shane Martin, both new Techs and Wayne Reid upgraded to Extra.   Congratulations to all three.  We cordially invite you to enjoy your new license status and join us at future monthly meetings.

Remember:

• PARA meets at Emerging Technology Center, WKCTC on 2nd Monday, 7 pm of each month except December.
• New License and upgrades exams are offered at the close of each meeting night throughout the year.  See W4NJA web site at w4nja.org.  For info click at the top of the page on About Us, then VE License Testing.
• The Sunday Night Net meets each Sunday night at 9 PM. All amateur radio operators are invited to check in. 147.060 PL 179.9
• KY QSO Party sponsored by PARA W4NJA, June 2nd, 2018, 9 am to 9:00 pm.
• Field Day, Kyler Park, Paducah, June 23 & 24.
•  PARA membership fees ($20) are due and payable at a future meeting.

PARA Meeting Minutes 4/9/2018

The regularly scheduled meeting of the Paducah Amateur Radio Association was held  Monday, April 9, 2018 at the WKCTC Emerging Technology Center, Room 140, in Paducah, KY.  There were 26 present, including two FCC Amateur License examinees.

The meeting was opened by Club President, Jeff Wielgos followed by each attendee giving their name and amateur call.

Items Discussed and Passed

The business portion of the meeting was as follows:

• Secretary Cowherd reviewed March meeting minutes including items discussed and passed.  In addition, a report was given on PARA members who are participating the ARRL International Grid Contest.  As of 4/9/2018, six club members are on Kentucky’s top 25 of the leader board with five more members listed on the second page making a total of 11 PARA members in the top 50.
• The treasurer’s report of the club’s finances was given by Bruce Huyck and  subsequently a motion was made, seconded and passed to accept the secretary’s and treasurer’s reports.
• Ed Pflueger and Dave Perry showed and gave information about 10 walnut KY QSO Party award plaques which were laser cut to the outline of the Kentucky border.  The unfinished pieces will be finished, appropriately labeled and awarded to the winners of  the QSO Party.
• It was moved, seconded and passed to reimburse Ed Pflueger for the cost of the wood and labor that has been done on the plaques so far.  Dave Perry spoke of one KY club that has volunteered to sponsor a plaque this year.  Other sponsors will be sought to help pay for the award trophies this year and each new year.
• Dave spent quite a bit of time explaining the contest set-up, in terms of operators, (each band, each mode), base, rover and portable stations, etc.  Efficient contest operating skills were reviewed.
• W4NJA Host stations will be located at:  (SSB) Mike Newman’s station, (CW)  Dave Perry, Bruce and Clint ( RTTY).  One of the goals of the KY QSO Party is to encourage the activation of rare counties and grid squares through rover and portable operation.  Also, several volunteers will operate at home in McCracken and surrounding counties.

Net Control Operators for Late April/Early May

Sunday night nets are at 9:00 PM on 147.060 Mhz. PL 179.9

April 15            Jeff  KB9BVL         13 check-ins

April 22            Jeff  KB9BVL         11 check-ins

April 30            Eric K4YUS            12 check-ins

May 6                Logan KG4VKB     14 PARA/12 ARES

May 13              Ken  KW4DI          10 check-ins

ARRL International Grid Contest

(ARRL Leaderboard Results shows Ky position and Total Grid count as of  5/14/2018)  7 club members in top 25.                                                                  

1.  N4QS Dave Perry, 3592 grids;  6.  AI4EY Fred Carter, 1773 grids;  14. K4GYD Ron Cowherd, 1209 grids;  18. KO4XJ John Hudson, 1024 grids;  21. KC4WPS Roger Good, 976 grids;  23. KS4V Bruce Huyck, 907 grids;  25. W4WWS  Steve Parmley, 811 grids;  41. KB9BVL Jeff Wielgos, 498 grids; 49. AB4IQ, Ed Pflueger, 410 grids; 48. KW4DI Ken Wontor, 311 grids;  58. KJ4CO John Chandler, 346 grids.

Current grid contest results may be found at:  https://igc.arrl.org/leader-board.php

N1MM Loggin Program Installation Instructions:

Several people have asked how to install the N1MM logging program on their computer as the KY QSO Party gets closer.  The attached PDF has the basic information for downloading and configuring the application for the KY QSO Party.  This is written for the first time installer, or state QSO Party participant, not a seasoned contester who uses the program on a weekly basis.

KY QSO Party N1MM Configuration and Contest Operation

Thanks to Paul Smith the web site for the KY QSO Party is now up and running.  Please check the Side Bar link often for latest news:   http://www.kyqsoparty.org

New License and Upgrade Successes

We are happy to report that two individuals successfully passed their FCC Amateur Radio license exams at the close of the April meeting.  Pictured (L):  Sean Anderson, new Tech and (R) Wayne Reid, new General.   Congratulations to both.  We cordially invite you join us at future monthly meetings.

 

 

Remember:

• PARA meets at Emerging Technology Center, WKCTC on 2nd Monday, 7 pm of each month except December.
• New License and upgrades are offered at the close of each meeting night throughout the year.  See W4NJA web site at w4nja.org.  For info click at the top of the page on About Us, then VE License Testing.
• The Sunday Night Net meets each Sunday night at 9 PM. All amateur radio operators are invited to check in. 147.060 PL 179.9
• KY QSO Party sponsored by PARA W4NJA, June 2nd, 2018
• Field Day, Keilor Park, Paducah, June 23 & 24.
•  PARA membership fees ($20) are due and payable at a future meeting.

PARA Meeting Minutes 2/12/2018

The regularly scheduled meeting of the Paducah Amateur Radio Association was held  Monday, February 12, 2018 at the WKCTC Emerging Technology Center, Room 140, in Paducah, KY.  There were 29 present, including 5 FCC Amateur License examinees.  The meeting was opened by Club President, Jeff  Wielgos (KB9BVL).  Jeff invited attendees around the room to introduce themselves with their name and call.

Items Discussed and Passed

The business portion of the meeting was as follows:

• Secretary Cowherd reviewed 2017 end-of- year statistics including club attendance and participation numbers.  In addition, W4NJA.org web usage statistics, provided by WordPress.com, were reviewed.
• President Wielgos gave the Treasurers report in absence of Bruce Huyck.
•  A large portion of the business session was spent in discussion of a motion from Dave Perry (N4QS).  Dave’s motion was:  “that PARA request that it become the new sponsor of the KY QSO Party.”  During the discussion of the motion Dave spoke of the responsibilities and positive outcomes of the project.  Paul Smith continued the discussion with comments on contest software for the event, including Cabrillo log checking.  Mike Newman told of the thrills and great success representing KY at the 2014 ARRL Centennial Celebration held at his QTH.  Dave and Paul volunteered to chair the project with volunteers to take on publicity, award sponsors, etc.  The motion was seconded and later past with the majority of members in favor.
• Club member and insurance agent Beth Gupton (AK4BG) announced that the club’s liability policy payment is due ($254.51)  A motion to pay the bill was made and a vote taken and passed.

Net Control Operators for Late February/Early March

Sunday night nets are at 9:00 PM on 147.060 Mhz. PL 179.9

February 18         Jay KD9HRH      15 check-ins

February 24    Garry KD4GCY  16 check-ins to called Emergency WX Net

February 25         Eric K4YUS         15 check-ins

March 4                Logan KG4VKB    15 PARA, 12 ARES

March 11               Ken KSW4DI    12 check-ins

ARRL International Grid Contest

(Leaderboard Results shows Ky position and Total Grid count as of  3/12/2018)                                                                    

1.  N4QS Dave Perry, 2278 grids, 48/day;  14. AI4EY Fred Carter, 797 grids, 14/day;  16. K4GYD Ron Cowherd, 750 grids, 14/day;  18. KO4XJ John Hudson, 715 grids, 15/day;  19. W4WWS  Steve Parmley, 560 grids, 9/day;   21. KS4V Bruce Huyck, 508 grids, 8/day.

Current grid contest results may be found at:  https://igc.arrl.org/leader-board.php

Kentucky QSO Party News

The PARA Kentucky QSO Party web site, kyqsoparty.org  is now up and running, thanks to Paul Smith.  Please check the Side Bar link often for latest news.

New License and Upgrade Successes

We are happy to report that five individuals successfully passed their FCC Amateur Radio license exams at the close of the February meeting.  Results are:  Lloyd Watson (KD4DFM) Extra; Mark Thorn (KN4HYV), General;  Michael Hicks (N9ARK) , General;  Eric Jones, Technician; and Michael Keller, (not pictured) Technician.  Congratulations to all.

Remember:

• PARA meets at Emerging Technology Center, WKCTC on 2nd Monday, 7 pm of each month except December.
• New License and upgrades are offered at the close of each meeting night throughout the year.  See W4NJA web site at w4nja.org.  For info click at the top of the page on About Us, then VE License Testing.
• The Sunday Night Net meets each Sunday night at 9 PM. All amateur radio operators are invited to check in. 147.060 PL 179.9
•  DX Engineering Skype presentation scheduled for March 12th meeting.
•  PARA membership fees ($20) are due and payable at a future meeting.

PARA Meeting Minutes 1/8/2018

The regularly scheduled meeting of the Paducah Amateur Radio Association was held  Monday, January 8, 2018 at the WKCTC Emerging Technology Center, Room 140, in Paducah, KY.  There were 20 present, including 2 visitors.  The meeting was opened by Club President, Jeff  Wielgos (KB9BVL).  Jeff invited each attendee around the room to introduce themselves with their name and call.

Items Discussed and Passed

The business portion of the meeting was as follows:

• The  Secretary’s report was given by Ron Cowherd  (K4GYD) followed by the Treasurer’s report by Bruce Huyck (KS4V).
•  Secretary Cowherd told of an article requested by Steve Morgan (W4NHO), KY State Section Manager, regarding PARA being selected for ARRL Kentucky Section Club of the Month.  The article appears on the PARA web site:  December Happenings 2017.  The article, as it appeared on the ARRL Kentucky News page can be seen at:  www.arrl.org/sections/view/kentucky   Be sure to scroll to very, very bottom of page and click on NOV 2017 SECTION NEWS.
• It was suggested that we update the “Show Us Your Shack” page on the W4NJA web site.  Let’s build another page from scratch.  Send your old and new shack and antenna pictures, to roncowherd@aol.com.
• Ed Pflueger (AB4IQ) and President Jeff gave us  facts about the Bouvet 3Y0Z DXpedition which is expected to begin in late January.  This location ranks number 2 worldwide on the DXCC Most Wanted List.  Check QST 2018 issue, page 92 for four other January Expeditions.
• Mike Newman (WD4EFZ) gave us an update on his new antenna installation which sports a 3 band yogi (80 – 30 & 40 mtrs.)  Mike said it was huge, weighing in at almost 500 lbs.  He told us of the extra strong components that were necessary to support the size and weight of the beam, boom and and elements.
• President Wielgos commented on the ARRL Grid Contest and described a web application that will read an ADIF file and map the contacts on a Google map.  The app can be activated by clicking on www.www.levinecentral.com
• Upcoming ham fests
• Silent Keys:  Gerald Wyatt (K4UNW) Homer Gerald Wyatt, 77, of Paducah died at 9:37 a.m. Wednesday, December 20, 2017, at Lourdes hospital. Clyde Elrod (W4XCE Clyde Elrod, 93, of Kevil passed away on Thursday, December 21, 2017 at Life Care Center in LaCenter.
• The election of officers for 2018 was brought up by President Wielgos.  It was suggested that all the present club officers be nominated.  The present officers were polled and found to be agreeable.  A motion was made, seconded and voted upon.  Jeff Wielgos, pres.; Ken Wontor, v.pres.;  Ron Cowherd, Sec. and Bruce Huyck, treas. were elected for the 2018.

Net Control Operators for Late January/Early February

January 14          Dave W4WKN     12 check ins

January 21           Jay KD9HRH        13 check ins

January 28           Frank KY4LDS    11 check ins

February 4          Logan KG4VKB      5 check ins

February 11        Jeff KB9BVL          12 check ins

ARRL International Grid Contest

(Leaderboard Results shows Ky position and Total Grid count as of  2/12/2018)                                                                    

1.  N4QS Dave Perry, 1477 grids;  10. KO4XJ John Hudson, 483 grids;  11. K4GYD Ron Cowherd, 478 grids;  17. KS4V Bruce Huyck, 393 grids;  18. W4WWS  Steve Parmley, 367 grids;  20. AI4EY Fred Carter, 349 grids.

6 PARA club members make up 30% of top 20 KY entries.

Remember:

• PARA meets at Emerging Technology Center, WKCTC on 2nd Monday, 7 pm of each month except December.
• New License and upgrades are offered on meeting nights throughout the year.  See W4NJA web site at w4nja.org.  For info click at the top of the page on About Us, then VE License Testing.
• The Sunday Night Net meets each Sunday night at 9 PM. All amateur radio operators are invited to check in. 147.060 PL 179.9
•  DX Engineering Skype presentation scheduled for March 12th meeting.