Schenectady Amateur Radio Association

K2AE Repeaters

General Meeting Monday November 2, 2020 at 7:00PM

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This SARA meeting will be held via Zoom

6:30—7:00 on air (147.06 Repeater)…Check-ins, announcements

7:00—8:30 PM (via Zoom)………….Speaker Presentation

(Zoom link to be sent out separately prior to the meeting)

“The DX Engineering Story…and a Few Words about Contesting”

Speaker: Tim Duffy, K3LR

Abstract: Tim will describe his world-famous contest station and antenna farm. He will discuss his equipment and antennas, as well as what it takes to keep a station like his running.

Tim has been an active amateur radio operator for 47 years, and has hosted 132 different operators from around the world as part of the K3LR Multi-Multi DX radio sport contest efforts since 1992. He was the ARRL Atlantic Division Technical Achievement award winner in 1998.

Tim has been the moderator of the Hamvention Antenna forum for 34 years, and serves as chairman of Contest University (13 years), the Dayton Contest Dinner (27 years), chairman of the Top Band Dinner – as well as coordinator of the Contest Super Suite (34 years) in Dayton during the yearly Hamvention. He is founder and moderator of the popular RFI Reflector (RFI@contesting.com) since 1999. Tim serves on the board of directors of the World Wide Radio Operators Foundation (WWROF) as Chairman and is President Emeritus of the Radio Club of America (RCA).

Tim is President of the Mercer County Amateur Radio Club (W3LIF). Tim was elected to the CQ Contest Hall of Fame in 2006. He was honored with the prestigious Barry Goldwater Amateur Radio service award by the RCA in 2010. K3LR was honored as Hamvention Amateur of the Year in 2015 by the Dayton Amateur Radio Association.

Tim is the Chief Executive Officer at DX Engineering, and is a graduate of the Pennsylvania State University.

General Meeting Monday October 5, 2020 at 7:00PM

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This SARA meeting will be held via Zoom

6:30—7:00 on air (147.06 Repeater)…Check-ins, announcements

7:00—8:30 PM (via Zoom)………….Speaker Presentation

(Zoom link to be sent out separately prior to the meeting)

“Introduction to and Tutorial on the NanoVNA”

Speaker: Alan Wolke, W2AEW

Abstract: The presentation begins with a general introduction to what a Vector Network Analyzer is and what it is used for. This is followed by an introduction to the NanoVNA – focusing on its features, operation, calibration, applications and some of its limitations.

Alan Wolke (W2AEW) has been a ham since about 1980, and is a life- time member of the ARRL. He currently serves as the Technical Coordinator of the Northern NJ Section of the Hudson Division of the ARRL Field Organization. Favorite ham radio activities are ragchewing on the HF bands, mainly CW/SSB. He maintains a popular YouTube channel (http://www.youtube.com/w2aew) that features over 300 videos on basic electronics, ham radio, test & measurement, troubleshooting & repair, and other related topics. The channel has over 130,000 subscribers and nearly 17 million views. Professionally, Alan is employed by Tektronix as a Senior Field Applications Engineer, focusing on RF applications.

The Member Spotlight in the May, 2020 edition of QST Magazine featured Alan Wolke. Check page 13 of that issue for a more extensive look at how Alan developed his YouTube channel.

General Meeting Monday September 14, 2020 at 7:00PM

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This SARA meeting will be held via Zoom

6:30—7:00 on air (147.06 Repeater)…Check-ins, announcements

7:00—8:30 PM (via Zoom)………….Speaker Presentation

(Zoom link to be sent out separately prior to the meeting)

“DXing with modern Software Defined Radios”

Speaker: Ria Jairam

Abstract: DXing is one of the more popular activities in amateur radio. Whether casually for fun or for a serious DXCC chase, hams have found many new ways to get that elusive “new one” into the log. Today, software defined radios (SDRs) make DXing easier than ever. Also, combined with the internet, SDRs provide more insight into where and how far our signals go. We will discuss tips and techniques, working within award program rules, and how SDRs are used in innovative ways as DX chasing aids.

Ria was licensed in 1997 in Trinidad and Tobago after gaining interest in amateur radio during secondary school. She’s currently at 325 confirmed on DXCC, with Challenge 1500, 5 bands plus 30, 17, 12 and 160 meters (9 bands total). Ria has also served as the Director of the ARRL Hudson Division since 2019. Her interests are primarily DXing, contesting, portable operations, and digital VHF/UHF modes such as DMR and DSTAR. She runs a YouTube channel at https://youtube.com/RiaJairam and also occasionally writes articles about DXing in several ham publications, including CQ Japan.

General Meeting Monday June 1, 2020 at 7:00PM

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The June SARA meeting will be held via Zoom

(Zoom link to be sent out separately prior to the meeting)

Field Day 2020 and Annual Business Meeting

DATE: Monday, June 1, 2020

TIME: 7:00 PM

Speaker: Tim Long W2UI and James MacMurray N2UZQ

Tim Long got his start in amateur radio in 1961 when he passed his Novice exam given by his scoutmaster WA2FFJ and received call WN2KHQ. That call sign became WB2KHQ, then WA4DXR, then WB2SPN, and now W2UI. Tim has served SARA in various positions including many years as Secretary, two stints as Vice President, two tours as President, and countless years as Treasurer (dues cheerfully accepted). Tim holds BSEE and MSCS degrees and is now retired after a career with Bechtel Marine Propulsion Corp. in West Milton. Besides ham ra- dio antenna work and Field Day, Tim enjoys golf.

James MacMurray was born in 1972 and grew up in Scotia. James was licensed in 1993 and received his Extra while going to college for Data Communications. He is past president of SARA, current treasurer for SMARA, Emergency Coordinator for Schenectady County ARES, and Assistant Section Manager for Eastern NY. He has served as a Director for SARA for the past 6 years and served SMARA as a past President, Vice President, and Treasurer. Currently James is a full time Employee Retirement Examiner 3 for the State of New York Office of the State Comptroller. James has interests in VHF/UHF weak signal, HF phone, and HF Digital contesting.

The June meeting is also our annual business meeting, including our annual election of Board Members and Officers. Officers and Board of Directors Nominations for 2020-2021 are as follows:

President: JR Hotaling N2PEQ
Vice President: Jim Silva KC2ZVK
Secretary: Jim Stewart K2PK
Treasurer: Tim Long W2UI
Board Member: Bob Saltzman WB2ARK
Board Member: Skip Evans W2YJL
Board Member: James MacMurray N2UZQ
Board Member: Terry Saunders N1KIN

Please plan to attend this meeting.

General Meeting Monday March 2, 2020 at 7:00PM

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“Field Day 2019—ARES Northern District Counties”

Speaker: Fred Halley,W2EMS Northern District Emergency Coordinator

Abstract: Fred’s talk will be a photographic survey of Field Day 2019, compiled from his travels throughout the counties comprising the ARES Northern District. He will describe the accomplishments (and failures) from a wide range of FD operations.

Fred Halley, W2EMS Fred was first licensed in 2000 as KC2CQL, and received his current call in 2010, having upgraded to amateur extra. He was appointed as Saratoga County Emergency Coordinator in Fall, 2011. He ran the SCARA Sunday night news for several years. Fred is very active in public service events and Field Day activities, and has participated in the Simulated Emergency Test (SET) for the past 10 years. Fred was appointed Northern District Emergency Coordinator in July, 2017.

Meeting Location
Fellowship Hall of the First United Methodist Church
603 State Street, Schenectady

Directions to First United Methodist Church:
Parking lot address is 610 (Google shows it as 650) Chapel Street Schenectady NY 12305.
Chapel St is a One Way street from Nott Terrace to Lafayette Street. If this lot is full, park across the street. Enter the building through double doors, take an immediate right, go through another set of double doors, turn right then left and the Fellowship Hall is on your right (follow signs).

From the East (Colonie, State St Rt 5):
Turn Right onto Nott Terrace then take your first Left onto Chapel Street. Parking lot is on Left.

From the West (Scotia, Glenville, Eire Blvd):
*THERE IS NO LEFT TURN FROM STATE STREET TO NOTT TERRACE*
Take State St (Rt 5) to Lafayette St and turn right then immediately turn Left to continue up State St. At Veeder Ave (Traffic Light) turn Left. Cross over State St (Rt 5) then take the first Left onto Chapel St. Parking lot is on Left.

From the South (I-890 Exit 5, Broadway, Rotterdam):
Take Broadway North to Millard St and turn Right, First Traffic Light. Millard St becomes Veeder Ave at Hamilton St (Schenectady FD on Left). Continue over Veeder take first left after State St onto Chapel St. Parking is on left.

From the North (Union Collage, Niskayuna, Union St):
From Union St, take Nott Terrace South and turn Right onto Chapel St. Parking lot is on Left.

 

General Meeting Monday February 3, 2020 at 6:45PM

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“Amateur Radio: A Historical Perspective”

Speaker: Bill Hudzik W2UDT, Hudson Division Vice Director

6:45-7:15 p.m. Refreshments*

7:15-8:15 p.m. General Meeting

Abstract: Bill’s talk will focus on the history of Amateur Radio, including how amateur radio came about, and how “Ham” and “Q” signals and traffic handling were developed, among other topics. He will also have some hand-outs for attendees to bring home.

Bill Hudzik, W2UDT has been continuously licensed since 1961. He has operated from KP2, KR6, C6A and V2 over the years. Bill has served as Northern New Jersey section manager for 4 terms, Assistant Director for 3 years, and is on his third elected term as Vice Director for the Hudson Division. He has been active with the North Jersey DX Association (NJDXA) for over 28 years, serving as Secretary, Vice President and President of the organization and continues to serve as a volunteer letter manager. He is also a member of the New Providence Radio Club, the Raritan Valley Radio Club, and the Frankford Radio Club. Bill is an ARRL Life Member as well as a Diamond Club Member. He is an active contester and DXer.

* Coffee (decaf & high-test), tea, and donuts will be available at 6:45 p.m. to get things rolling. Members are invited to bring goodies to share as well.

Meeting Location
Fellowship Hall of the First United Methodist Church
603 State Street, Schenectady

Directions to First United Methodist Church:
Parking lot address is 610 (Google shows it as 650) Chapel Street Schenectady NY 12305.
Chapel St is a One Way street from Nott Terrace to Lafayette Street. If this lot is full, park across the street. Enter the building through double doors, take an immediate right, go through another set of double doors, turn right then left and the Fellowship Hall is on your right (follow signs).

From the East (Colonie, State St Rt 5):
Turn Right onto Nott Terrace then take your first Left onto Chapel Street. Parking lot is on Left.

From the West (Scotia, Glenville, Eire Blvd):
*THERE IS NO LEFT TURN FROM STATE STREET TO NOTT TERRACE*
Take State St (Rt 5) to Lafayette St and turn right then immediately turn Left to continue up State St. At Veeder Ave (Traffic Light) turn Left. Cross over State St (Rt 5) then take the first Left onto Chapel St. Parking lot is on Left.

From the South (I-890 Exit 5, Broadway, Rotterdam):
Take Broadway North to Millard St and turn Right, First Traffic Light. Millard St becomes Veeder Ave at Hamilton St (Schenectady FD on Left). Continue over Veeder take first left after State St onto Chapel St. Parking is on left.

From the North (Union Collage, Niskayuna, Union St):
From Union St, take Nott Terrace South and turn Right onto Chapel St. Parking lot is on Left.

 

General Meeting Monday January 6, 2020 at 7:00PM

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“An Update from our Section Manager”

Speaker: John Fritze

Abstract: John’s talk will cover a wide range of topics, beginning with recognition of the 100th birthday of Rudy Dehn W2JVF. John will also describe the duties of a Section Manager, report on the ENY Section Luncheon, and discuss the ENY ARRL website, as well as ARES Connect. He will conclude with an overview of ARRL’s Winter Field Day. This presentation is sure to generate lots of discussion, so come with questions for John.

John Fritze has had a distinguished career in amateur radio. He was first licensed in 1977 as WA2TQW (novice), followed by Advanced and Extra Class as K2BCR. Since 2003, his call has been K2QY. He has been an ARRL member 42 years and is an ARRL Life Member. John has been president and director of the Albany Amateur Radio Association (AARA) multiple times in the 1980s and again in 2010-2013, and currently serves on their board. He served as President of Albany County Amateur Communication Emergency Services (ACACES) 2013-2017, as Radio Officer for Albany County RACES/ARES, as the Albany County Emergency Coordinator, and as ARES ENY Northern District Emergency Coordinator since 2012. He is one of the first VEs in the country (1984), and is an instructor with Capital Area Radio Enthusiasts (CARES). He has served as Hudson Division Assistant Director, and is chairman for Digital Communications for ARES/RACES in ENY. John is an ARRL Field Instructor, Examiner, and VE. His amateur radio interests include DX, contesting, ISS, NBEMS, Winlink, APRS, Satellites, ISS, DXpeditions (to Bermuda, Barbados, St. Maarten…), Summits and National Parks on the Air, Home Brewing, public service events, QRP, Minimalist radio, Mobile HF, and Maritime Amateur Radio (HF and VHF/UHF)!!

Meeting Location
Fellowship Hall of the First United Methodist Church
603 State Street, Schenectady

Directions to First United Methodist Church:
Parking lot address is 610 (Google shows it as 650) Chapel Street Schenectady NY 12305.
Chapel St is a One Way street from Nott Terrace to Lafayette Street. If this lot is full, park across the street. Enter the building through double doors, take an immediate right, go through another set of double doors, turn right then left and the Fellowship Hall is on your right (follow signs).

From the East (Colonie, State St Rt 5):
Turn Right onto Nott Terrace then take your first Left onto Chapel Street. Parking lot is on Left.

From the West (Scotia, Glenville, Eire Blvd):
*THERE IS NO LEFT TURN FROM STATE STREET TO NOTT TERRACE*
Take State St (Rt 5) to Lafayette St and turn right then immediately turn Left to continue up State St. At Veeder Ave (Traffic Light) turn Left. Cross over State St (Rt 5) then take the first Left onto Chapel St. Parking lot is on Left.

From the South (I-890 Exit 5, Broadway, Rotterdam):
Take Broadway North to Millard St and turn Right, First Traffic Light. Millard St becomes Veeder Ave at Hamilton St (Schenectady FD on Left). Continue over Veeder take first left after State St onto Chapel St. Parking is on left.

From the North (Union Collage, Niskayuna, Union St):
From Union St, take Nott Terrace South and turn Right onto Chapel St. Parking lot is on Left.

 

General Meeting Monday December 9 at 6:00PM (DATE CHANGED)

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NOTE: DUE TO THE INCLEMENT WEATHER THE DATE HAS BEEN CHANGED TO DECEMBER 9TH.

December Social Event

December’s meeting will be held at the United Buffet, 2320 Watt Street, Schenectady NY.

Get out of the “Shack” for a night and come join us for an all you can eat buffet and great company!

Place: United Buffet, 2320 Watt Street, Schenectady (we have reserved the “back room”)
Time: 6:00 p.m.
Cost: $15.67 (seniors), $17.21 (everybody else). Prices include meal, drink, tax & tip. Please pay at the front desk when you arrive, head to the “back room”, and hang on to your receipt.

Since the dinner format is a buffet, members are welcome to arrive at 6:00 p.m. (or any time after 6:00 p.m.), and stay as long as they want. No speeches, but plenty of time to share your latest stories with your amateur radio friends!!

We also plan to have a 50-50 raffle to raise money for that badly needed trailer!

Happy Holidays from SARA

santa radio