Kalamazoo Hamfest 2020 - Cancelled
The Kalamazoo Hamfest 2020 has been cancelled due to COVID-19. The hamfest committee is already planning to hold the hamfest in 2021.
July 2020 Mtg - Field Day 2020 Stories
Join us for the July meeting of the Kalamazoo Amateur Radio Club online with Zoom on Thursday, July 16 at 7 p.m.
The Red Cross Chapter location in still closed to the public because of COVID-19. Our K.A.R.C. is moving to an online meeting using the Zoom app. This meeting is private for members only. You will need a special password to access the meeting. Members have already been sent the password via email. If you did not receive the meeting invitation or misplaced it, please contact treasurer@w8vy.org. Using Zoom on your conputer, table, or smart phone is easy. Click on the meeting link you were sent or sent upon your request. If this is your first time using Zoom, clicking on the link will get you set up. Just read and follow the instructions provided.
Please pass the word about our club and this meeting to your friends. We post information about events on W8VY.ORG and on our Facebook page Kalamazoo Amateur Radio Club (click on Events).
If you have questions about our club, its activities and events, don’t hesitate to use the email addressed vice-president@w8vy.org
April 2020 Notice - COVID-19 Activities
COVID-19 and State of Michigan Stay-at-Home and other directives have caused us to suspend face-to-face activities and gatherings.
Many of us have more opportunities for on-air time. We know of at least two new roundtables. Here are the details:
- W8VY Roundtable - tune in on the W8VY Repeater (VHF) on 147.000 at 11 am on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays. The roundtables are sponsored by the Kalamazoo Amateur Radio Club in Kalamazoo.
- DMR Statewide Roundtable - tune in on the BrandMeister Talkgroup 3126 (Michigan Statewide) at 2 pm and 8pm daily. Access is available via the KM8CC Repeater or through your hotspot. The roundtables are sponsored by the Arrow Radio Group in Ann Arbor.
Please pass the word about our club and this notice to your friends. We post information about events on W8VY.ORG and on our Facebook page Kalamazoo Amateur Radio Club. As a club member, you will receive email notifications and updates.
If you have questions about our club, its activities and events, don’t hesitate to use the email addressed vice-president@w8vy.org
March 2020 Notice - LoSTeam Activities
The LoSTeam will not be meeting in April due to COVID19 and we will reevaluate before the May meetings begin.
Please pass the word about our club and this notice to your friends. We post information about events on W8VY.ORG and on our Facebook page Kalamazoo Amateur Radio Club. As a club member, you will receive email notifications and updates.
If you have questions about our club, its activities and events, don’t hesitate to use the email addressed vice-president@w8vy.org
March 2020 and Future Club Meetings Cancelled -- Hamvention 2020 also Cancelled
The Kalamazoo Amateur Radio Club has cancelled this months club meeting on Thursday, March 19. The Board has also cancelled future club meetings until the virus and public emergency have ended.
Hamvention 2020 has also been cancelled. Click https://hamvention.org/committee-cancels-hamvention-2020/.
Please stay safe. Follow recommended health and safety guidelines - local, county, state, and CDC. Keep in touch via the local weekly nets on Tuesday and Wednesday evenings.
Please pass the word about our club and this notice to your friends. We post information about events on W8VY.ORG and on our Facebook page Kalamazoo Amateur Radio Club. As a club member, you will receive email notifications and updates.
If you have questions about our club, its activities and events, don’t hesitate to use the email addressed vice-president@w8vy.org
March 2020 Mtg - K3LR Contest Station Skype Presentation
Join us for the March meeting of the Kalamazoo Amateur Radio Club at the Red Cross Chapter House on Thursday, March 19 at 7 p.m.
Our club offers a special live Skype presentation and interaction with K3LR Contest Station owned Tim Duffy (K3LR). We will hear about amateur radio contesting and Tim's world famous Contesting Station (K3LR).
You and other club members and friends are invited to this event. The event is FREE.
Please pass the word about our club and this meeting to your friends. We post information about events on W8VY.ORG and on our Facebook page Kalamazoo Amateur Radio Club (click on Events). We also have a calendar on our website.
If you have questions about our club, its activities and events, don’t hesitate to use the email addressed vice-president@w8vy.org
LoSTeam 2020 Schedule Released
The LoSTeam or Line of Sight Team Schedule for 2020 has been created. You can read and download the 2020 LoSTeam Schedule by clicking on the link.
LoST is an event held on most Wednesday evenings (from April through September) to practice portable and emergency communications techniques. Hams deploy to various locations throughout Kalamazoo County and use portable equipment to "check-in" to the Kalamazoo County Public Service Corps Net. This year the focus of meeting spots are township halls in Kalamazoo County.
Scott (KD8RCI) organizes the events. Thanks Scott!
February 2020 Mtg - W8VY Winter Field Day 2020
Join us for the January meeting of the Kalamazoo Amateur Radio Club at the Red Cross Chapter House on Thursday, February 20 at 7 p.m.
Randy Mead (KE8R) will review the W8VY participation in Winter Field Day 2020 -- What we accomplished ... What went well ... What improvements we can make for next year. In particular he will discuss the antennas used.
K.A.R.C. has scheduled a club build of an in-the-field battery condition/measurement sensor. Current plans are for the build to take place at the SW Michigan Red Cross Chapter House on Saturday, February 22. Please send email to president@w8vy.org if you are interested in the event or have questions.
Dustin Thomas (N8RMA), one of our members was the invited guest on the Ham Radio Live Podcast. Dustin talked about his State of the Hobby Survey 2020 on the February 13 audio podcast. You can search Ham Radio Live Podcast on your computer, tablet, or smart phone and listen to the podcast.
The ARRL Great Lakes Convention will be held in Toledo, OH in conjunction with the Toledo Hamfest on March 14-15, 2020. You can view a pdf copy of the 2020 ARRL Great Lakes Convention letter from its chairman by clicking on the link. The letter contains clickable links to the convention website and other contact information.
You can view a pdf copy of the K.A.R.C. February 2020 Board Minutes by clicking on the link.
You and other club members and friends are invited to these events. The club meeting and Winter Field Day are FREE. There is a charge for the club build and the Michigan Crossroads Hamfest & Swap.
Please pass the word about our club and this meeting to your friends. We post information about events on W8VY.ORG and on our Facebook page Kalamazoo Amateur Radio Club (click on Events). We also have a calendar on our website.
If you have questions about our club, its activities and events, or wish to share announcements and information related to amateur radio don’t hesitate to use email addressed to secretary@w8vy.org
January 2020 Mtg - Election Meeting, Events for January and February, and Planning for 2020
Join us for the January meeting of the Kalamazoo Amateur Radio Club at the Red Cross Chapter House on Thursday, January 16 at 7 p.m.
W8VY will participate in Winter Field Day on January 24-26, 2020 from 2 pm to 2 pm EST. We will be renting the same rustic cabin as last year. It is along the Kalamazoo River in Ft. Custer State Park. The cabin accomodates 6 operators with overnight bunks, and outdoor grill and fire ring. The cabin is gas heated, but there is no water or electricity and sanitary facilities are in an outhouse. We will heat the outhouse as we did last year. Prepare for the same challenges as ARRL Field Day in June, but without tents and with heat. Those who participated last year, both operators and visitors had a great time.
Information about Winter Field Day and rules can be found at https://www.winterfieldday.com/
K.A.R.C. has scheduled a club build of an in-the-field battery condition/measurement sensor. Current plans are for the build to take place at the SW Michigan Red Cross Chapter House on Saturday, February 22. Please send email to president@w8vy.org if you are interested in the event or have questions.
SMARS - Southern Michigan Amateur Radio Society will be holding the Michigan Crossroads Hamfest & Radio Swap at the Wings Event Center on Saturday, April 11 from 8:00 am until noon. Please note that this hamfest has a new date this year.
You and other club members and friends are invited to these events. The club meeting and Winter Field Day are FREE. There is a charge for the club build and the Michigan Crossroads Hamfest & Swap.
Please pass the word about our club and this meeting to your friends. We post information about events on W8VY.ORG and on our Facebook page Kalamazoo Amateur Radio Club (click on Events). We also have a calendar on our website.
If you have questions about our club, its activities and events, or wish to share announcements and information related to amateur radio don’t hesitate to use email addressed to secretary@w8vy.org
Holiday Party
You are invited to the Kalamazoo Amateur Radio Club annual Holiday Party at the Red Cross Chapter House on Thursday, December 19 at 7 p.m.
Bring your spouse or friend or come alone. The party is free and there is no RSVP. Please bring a dish to share, if you can. Enjoy good fellowship.
November 2019 Mtg - ARRL MI Section Report Skype Presentation
Join us for the November meeting of the Kalamazoo Amateur Radio Club at the Red Cross Chapter House on Thursday, November 21 at 7 p.m.
Our club offers a special live (not Skype) presentation and interaction with ARRL Michigan Section Representative Jim Kvochick (K8JK). We will hear about what the Amateur Radio Relay League is doing in Michigan and how it may affect member clubs like ours. The LIVE presentation will begin at 7 p.m., so please arrive early. After a break, we'll have a short business meeting that will include a recap of the Kalamazoo Hamfest 2019 and future club activities, including the Board of Directors election.
You and other club members and friends are invited to this event. The event is FREE.
Please pass the word about our club and this meeting to your friends. We post information about events on W8VY.ORG and on our Facebook page Kalamazoo Amateur Radio Club (click on Events). We also have a calendar on our website.
If you have questions about our club, its activities and events, don’t hesitate to use the email addressed secretary@w8vy.org
September 2019 Mtg - DX Engineerg Contesting Skype Presentation
Join us for the September meeting of the Kalamazoo Amateur Radio Club at the Red Cross Chapter House on Thursday, September 19 at 7 p.m.
Our club offers a special live Skype presentation and interaction with DXengineering owner Tim Duffy (K3LR). We will hear about amateur radio contesting and Tim's world famous Contesting Station (K3LR).
You and other club members and friends are invited to this event. The event is FREE.
Please pass the word about our club and this meeting to your friends. We post information about events on W8VY.ORG and on our Facebook page Kalamazoo Amateur Radio Club (click on Events). We also have a calendar on our website.
If you have questions about our club, its activities and events, don’t hesitate to use the email addressed secretary@w8vy.org
Technician Amateur (Ham) Radio Licensing Class
If you are interested, or know someone who is interested, in learning material for Technician Amateur Radio Licensing (entry level ham radio licensing), please contact John Tucker (WB8ZVV) either by email wwb8zvv@gmail.com or phone (269-324-9085) leaving a message after the generic "no one home" message if John does not answer the phone.
The class will be held at the SW Michigan Red Cross Chapter in Kalamazoo, MI. It will be taught in the traditional format for a couple of hours on Tuesday nights from 7:00 pm until 9:00 pm starting September 24 and running until December 10. Students may take the official licensing test (all multiple choice questions) on December 10.
Contact John if you or someone you know is interested in the class. Also contact him if you have questions about amateur (ham) radio, licensing, or the class.
If you have questions about our club, its activities and events, do not hesitate to use the email addressed secretary@w8vy.org
Volunteers Needed for Custer's Last Stand Bike Race
The Kalamazoo Amateur Radio Club has decided to support this bicycle racing event.
The race is scheduled for Saturday, October 5 from 9 a.m. until 4 p.m. At Ft. Custer Recreation Area. You will need to have a park pass to enter the state park or an entrance fee will be charged.
We already have a list of volunteers, but need more. Volunteers should expect to support race checkpoints and other locations using HT radios on VHF/UHF simplex frequencies. If you would like to volunteer or need more information, please send email to president@w8vy.org.
Here is a map of the race course. Click on the link to see the Ft. Custer Race Map.
August 2019 Mtg - Ham Radio Deluxe
Join us for the August meeting of the Kalamazoo Amateur Radio Club at the Red Cross Chapter House on Thursday, August 15 at 7 p.m.
The educational topic will be Ham Radio Deluxe
presented by Ken MacLeod (N8NOR).
You and other club members and friends are invited to this event. The event is FREE.
Please pass the word about our club and this meeting to your friends. We post information about events on W8VY.ORG and on our Facebook page Kalamazoo Amateur Radio Club (click on Events). We also have a calendar on our website.
If you have questions about our club, its activities and events, don’t hesitate to use the email addressed secretary@w8vy.org
July 2019 Mtg - DMR Digital Mobile Radio
Join us for the May meeting of the Kalamazoo Amateur Radio Club at the Red Cross Chapter House on Thursday, July 18 at 7 p.m.
We sadly note the passing of Bryan Staufer (KD8PXQ) who became an SK on June 25, 2019.
The educational topic will be DMR Digital Mobile Radio
presented by Dustin Thomas (N8RMA).
At the meeting we will also discuss the results of our ARRL Field Day activity on June 22-23.
You and other club members and friends are invited to this event. The event is FREE.
Please pass the word about our club and this meeting to your friends. We post information about events on W8VY.ORG and on our Facebook page “Kalamazoo Amateur Radio Club” (click on Events). We also have a calendar on our website.
If you have questions about our club, its activities and events, don’t hesitate to use the email addressed secretary@w8vy.org
June 2019 Mtg - Field Day Prep
Join us at 7 p.m. on Thursday June 20th, 2019 for the Kalamazoo Amateur Radio Club meeting to discuss the 2019 Field Day site review and strategy planning.
This months meeting will take place at our 2019 Field Day site. Please join us at the pavilion in Oshtemo Township Park located at 7275 West Main Street behind the Township Hall and Fire Department. The Club meeting will start promptly at 7 p.m.
Field Day 2019
The Kalamazoo Amateur Radio Club (W8VY) and the SouthWest Michigan Amateur Radio Team (K8KZO) invite you to Field Day 2019!
Come join us on June 22nd and 23rd at Oshtemo Township Park located at 7275 West Main Street behind the Township Hall and Fire Department. Talk-In is on 147.040 (PL 94.8) K8KZO Repeater.
Operations kick off on June 22nd at 18:00 UTC (2pm EST) but we'll need help in the morning to setup Antennas and Stations so stop by around 8 am for setup. Operations run through June 23rd at 20:59 UTC (4:59pm EST) when we'll need further helping hands in site tear down.
We'd love to see everyone get together for some radio community time, so we are sponsoring an afternoon potluck on June 22nd between 2 and 4pm! Get a few hours of calls logged and take a break to join us for Pulled pork and fixings, a vegetarian option will also be available upon request. There will be a grill if you want to throw something on for yourself or to share.
Please sign up to bring your favorite seasonal side dish or dessert to pass.
https://www.signupgenius.com/go/70A0D4BAEA82EA3FD0-field
May 2019 Mtg - Antenna Rotors
Join us for the May meeting of the Kalamazoo Amateur Radio Club at the Red Cross Chapter House on Thursday, May 16 at 7 p.m.
The educational topic will be Antenna Rotors
presented by Randy Mead (KE8R).
W8VY embroidered iron-on patches have arrived. Get your free member patch. Purchase extra patches for $3 each.
At the meeting we will also discuss the results of our MI QSO Party activity on April 20. Two donated SDR receivers will be given to the top two operators.
Hamvention and ARRL Field Day are approaching. We will show you the new Hamvention 2019 ARRL App for electronic devices (phones and tablets).
You and other club members and friends are invited to this event. The event is FREE.
Please pass the word about our club and this meeting to your friends. We post information about events on W8VY.ORG and on our Facebook page “Kalamazoo Amateur Radio Club” (click on Events). We also have a calendar on our website.
If you have questions about our club, its activities and events, don’t hesitate to use the email addressed secretary@w8vy.org
W8VY Iron-on Embroirdered Patch
The W8VY iron-on embroirdered patches for all club members have arrived. Each member receives one free patch. Patches will be distributed at the May 2019 Club meeting. If you wish to purchase more patches, please bring $3 for each additional patch. The patches are circular and 2.5 inches in diameter. They can be ironed on most fabric. I have one put on the side of my cap. You might want to attach the patch at a few places with thread because the iron-on glue will weaken with time and exposure to heat or wetness.
April 2019 Mtg - Ham Radio Podcasts
Join us for the April meeting of the Kalamazoo Amateur Radio Club at the Red Cross Chapter House on Thursday, April 18 at 7 p.m.
The educational topic will be Ham Radio Podcasts
presented by Mark Kerstetter (KE8HAA). The presentation will discuss what podcasts are and how to use them. We will explore 10 podcasts about amateur radio comparing their content and format, frequency of release, length, website, and even listen to samples.
At the meeting we will also discuss our planned MI QSO Party activity for April 20. Two donated SDR receivers will be won by the hams collecting the most contacts.
A radio club near Ann Arbor is planning a one day bus trip to Hamvention in Xenia, OH. We'll present costs and details at the March meeting.
You and other club members and friends are invited to this event. The event is FREE.
Please pass the word about our club and this meeting to your friends. We post information about events on W8VY.ORG and on our Facebook page “Kalamazoo Amateur Radio Club” (click on Events). We also have a calendar on our website.
If you have questions about our club, its activities and events, don’t hesitate to use the email addressed secretary@w8vy.org
March 2019 Mtg - Memorial to Paul Mejia (K9RRX) & Practial Antennas
Join us for the March meeting of the Kalamazoo Amateur Radio Club at the Red Cross Chapter House on Thursday, March 21 at 7 p.m.
Our Club meeting will begin with a memorial to Paul Meija (K9RRX). The educational topic will be Practical Antennas
presented by Randy Mead (KE8R). The presentation will include discussion of and building a dipole and an off-center-fed antenna. We will also examine some antennas that others bring.
A radio club near Ann Arbor is planning a one day bus trip to Hamvention in Xenia, OH. We'll present costs and details at the March meeting.
You and other club members and friends are invited to this event. The event is FREE.
Please pass the word about our club and this meeting to your friends. We post information about events on W8VY.ORG and on our Facebook page “Kalamazoo Amateur Radio Club” (click on Events). We also have a calendar on our website.
If you have questions about our club, its activities and events, don’t hesitate to use the email addressed secretary@w8vy.org
Kalamazoo County 2019 Skywarn Training
Kalamazoo County will host its annual Skywarn Weather Spotter Training on Thursday, March 14-th at 6:30 pm at the Portage City Hall.
Hams and the general public are invited. The program should last about two hours.
Skywarn Training is sponsored by The Office of Emergency Managementand the Kalamazoo County Radio Amateur Civil Emergency Service (R.A.C.E.S.)
LoSTeam 2019 Schedule Released
The LoSTeam or Line of Sight Team Schedule for 2019 has been created. You can download it Here.
LoST is an event held on most Wednesday evenings (from April through August) to practice portable and emergency communications techniques. Hams deploy to various locations throughout Kalamazoo County and use portable equipment to "check-in" to the Kalamazoo County Public Service Corps Net.
Scott (KD8RCI) organizes the events. Thanks Scott!
Kalamazoo Amateur Radio Club 2019 Board and Officers
On Tuesday, February 4, the K.A.R.C. Board met to elect officers and make plans for the year. The 2019 Board consists of
- Charles Agosti (WD8AXA) President
- Randy Mead (KE8R) Vice-president
- Mark Kerstetter (KE8HAA) Secretary
- Alex Stuart (KE8ICM) Treasurer
- Barry Bowman (KE8JCD) Member At-Large
- Ron Schubot (N8CML) Member At-Large
- John Tucker (WB8ZVV) Trustee
- John Mathieson (AC8JW) Emergency Coordinator
The first six members are voting members of our Board.
K.A.R.C. Board meetings for 2019 will move to the second Tuesday of the month. Club meetings remain on the third Thursday of the month.
February 2019 Mtg - DXengineerg Amplifier Skype Presentation
Join us for the February meeting of the Kalamazoo Amateur Radio Club at the Red Cross Chapter House on Thursday, February 21 at 7 p.m.
Our club offers a special live Skype presentation and interaction with the DXengineering staff. We will hear about amplifiers, how they work, amplifier characteristics and when to use them. The first 30 people that arrive and attend the presentation will get DXengineering hats. Join us at our gathering. Spread the word about the event and invite your friends.
Winter Field Day 2019
Join us for the January 26-26 as the Kalamazoo Amateur Radio Club does Winter Field Day at the Rustic Cabin on the Kalamazoo River at Ft. Custer State Recreation Area. Information about Winter Field Day and rules can be found at https://www.winterfieldday.com/
We've rented the gas heated 6 person cabin for Friday night January 25 and Saturday night January 27. WFD actually runs from 2 pm Saturday to 2 pm Sunday. The cabin is primitive with no electricity and no water. There is an outhouse bathroom. You can look at a map to our cabin Ft. Custer Map. Follow the red line from the Dickman Road Entrance to the cabin symbol within the red circle.
If you are interested in operating, either overnight or during daylight or evening hours on January 26-27, please contact secretary@w8vy.org. If you'd like to help, please use the same contact info. We'll try to coordinate operators for Winter Field Day.
Anyone participating or wishing to visit operators will need a Recreation Passport. MI State Parks require a passport on all motorized vehicles that enter a park. The Recreation Passport is NOT included in the camping fees. Michigan residents can purchase their vehicle recreation passport for $11.00 or their motorcycle recreation passport for $6.00 when they renew their license plate. Beginning Jan 1, 2018, Michigan Residents will incur a $5.00 Convenience Fee when purchasing a Recreation Passport at the Park. For more information visit www.michigan.gov/recreationpassport.
January 2019 Mtg - Board Elections, Winter Field Day & Demonstrating HF ALE Technology
Join us for the January meeting of the Kalamazoo Amateur Radio Club at the Red Cross Chapter House on Thursday, January 17 at 7 p.m.
This month Charles Agosti (WD8AXA) will talk about and demonstrate "HF ALE (Automatic Link Establishment) Technology using Two Radios".
W8VY will participate in Winter Field Day on January 26-27, 2018 from 2 pm to 2 pm EST. We will be renting a rustic cabin along the Kalamazoo River in Ft. Custer State Park. The cabin accomodates 6 operators with overnight bunks, and outdoor grill and fire ring. The cabin is gas heated, but there is no water or electricity and sanitary facilities are in an outhouse. We'll have the same challenges as ARRL Field Day in June, but without tents and with heat. We'll also have the challenge of a new location.
Information about Winter Field Day and rules can be found at https://www.winterfieldday.com/
Holiday Party 2018
You are invited to the Kalamazoo Amateur Radio Club annual Holiday Party at the Red Cross Chapter House on Thursday, December 20 at 7 p.m.
Bring your spouse or friend or come alone. The party is free and there is no RSVP. Please bring a dish to share, if you can. Enjoy good fellowship.
W8VY Winter Field Day 2019
W8VY will participate in Winter Field Day on January 26-27, 2018 from 2 pm to 2 pm EST. We will be renting a rustic cabin along the Kalamazoo River in Ft. Custer State Park. The cabin accomodates 6 operators with overnight bunks, and outdoor grill and fire ring. The cabin is gas heated, but there is no water or electricity and sanitary facilities are in an outhouse. We'll have the same challenges as ARRL Field Day in June, but without tents and with heat. We'll also have the challenge of a new location.
Information about Winter Field Day and rules can be found at https://www.winterfieldday.com/
If you are interested in operating, either overnight or during daylight or evening hours on January 26-27, please contact secretary@w8vy.org. If you'd like to help, please use the same contact info. We'll try to coordinate operators for Winter Field Day.
Anyone participating or wishing to visit operators will need a Recreation Passport. MI State Parks require a passport on all motorized vehicles that enter a park. The Recreation Passport is NOT included in the camping fees. Michigan residents can purchase their vehicle recreation passport for $11.00 or their motorcycle recreation passport for $6.00 when they renew their license plate. Beginning Jan 1, 2018, Michigan Residents will incur a $5.00 Convenience Fee when purchasing a Recreation Passport at the Park. For more information visit www.michigan.gov/recreationpassport.
November 2018 Mtg - Kalamazoo County RACES, RV Hamshack Video & Membership Renewal
Join us for the November meeting of the Kalamazoo Amateur Radio Club at the Red Cross Chapter House on Thursday, November 15 at 7 p.m.
John Mathieson (AC8JW) is the new Emergency Coordinator for Kalamazoo County. He is also an active ham and member of K.A.R.C. This month he will present a short overview of the Radio Amateur Civil Emergency Service in Kalamazoo County (RACES). What does it do? What is its history? Where and when does it meet? How can you get involved? (15-30 mins)
Ham Radio & RV: Tour of the Radio Desk & Workbench will be shown. The Old Tech Guy (KB9RLW) lived in Ft. Wayne, IN for over 30 years. He recently bought a Class C RV, sold his home, and moved to travel on the open road. He produces YouTube videos for hams including equipment builds, repair, and testing. (11:27 mins)
The meeting will also allow members to renew their memberships in KARC. Others can join our amateur radio club.
The Club is also seeking members for nomination to our Board for 2019. Prior experience is not necessary. Our Club depends on volunteers to contintiue to exist.
October 2018 Mtg - Traveling Radio Station & Membership Renewal
Join us for the October meeting of the Kalamazoo Amateur Radio Club at the Red Cross Chapter House on Thursday, October 18 at 7 p.m.
Jim Gork (N8JG) will be talking about his "Traveling Radio Station". Discover how Jim plays radio and makes contacts as he travels around the country.
The meeting will also allow members to renew their memberships in KARC. Others can join our amateur radio club.
The Club is also seeking members for nomination to our Board for 2019. Prior experience is not necessary. Our Club depends on volunteers to contintiue to exist.
September 2018 Mtg - Silent Auction & Fall Planning Meeting
Join us for the September meeting of the Kalamazoo Amateur Radio Club at the Red Cross Chapter House on Thursday, September 20 at 7 p.m.
We are going to have a Members Only hamfest before the October hamfest to allow members a chance to purchase items from the old AVCOM trailer at the meeting. It will be a silent auction with a minimum bid on each item. Please bring cash or check. Sorry, we cannot accommodate credit or debit cards.
The meeting will also allow us to chat and plan for our fall meeting schedule.
June 2018 Mtg - Contacting Military Satellites & Field Day Prep
Note: There is a change of location for our June KARC meeting. The Club meeting will start promptly at 7 p.m. We'll meet at the pavillion in Flesher Field on 9-th Street, south of the intersection with Stadium Dr.
This month Charles Agosti (WD8AXA) will talk about and demonstrate "Contact with Military Satellites". Dave Moss (KE8DI) will talk about our Field Day prep. The last part of the meeting will move to our new Field Day site behind the Oshtemo Fire Station on West Main Street (M-49) west of 11-th Street.
Here is a photo of our ARRL Field Day 2018 Operating Location.
May 2018 Meeting - APRS at W8VY
This month John Mathieson (AC8JW) will talk about the Automatic Packet Reporting System (APRS) node he implemented in the KARC Radio Room for W8VY.
If you are attending Hamvention in Xenia, OH on May 18-20, be sure to look for other members of KARC. Charles Agosti (WD8AXA) has a spot in the Flea Market, stop by and say hello. Take a look at what he's offering for sale. Perhaps he has something you need or want.
Anyone want to organize a talk frequency for our Hamvention travelers? Contact a Club Officer.April 2018 Meeting - Our Local Repeaters
Join us for the April meeting of the Kalamazoo Amateur Radio Club at the Red Cross Chapter House on Thursday, April 19 at 7 p.m.
Our program for April is all about local repeaters. Chuck Agosti (WD8AXA), KARC VP, will talk about our local repeaters both analog and digital. You'll also get a pocket guide with repeater information. Alex Stuart (KE8ICM), KARC Treasurer, will talk about the new super controller on 040.
Club Kit Build - Fox Hunt Attenuator - March 31
The Club will build a antenna attenuator from a small, inexpensive kit the Red Cross Chapter House on Saturday, March 31 from 10 a.m. until noon in rooms L3 & L4 (basement). Cost will be minimal ($10). The kit is small and suitable for beginners. Bring a soldering iron, if you can. The build will provide one component of the gear needed to participate in a Fox Hunt (locate a hidden transmitter). Since the hunt requires receive only, you don't need a ham license. The Club will build a direction finding antenna and explain how to "hunt" at sessions during the summer. The Club will hold it's Fox Hunt in September. For more info and to reserve a seat at the build, contact Charles Agosti vice-president@w8vy.orgMarch 2018 Meeting - Adventures in Building a Hinged Tower
Join us for the March meeting of the Kalamazoo Amateur Radio Club at the Red Cross Chapter House on Thursday, March 15 at 7 p.m.
Randy Mead (KKE8R) KARC member and Member At-Large on our Board will speak about how he designed and constructed a large hinged tip-up tower at his QTH.
Skywarn Training - Van Buren/Allegan Counties
Skywarn Training for Spring 2018 will be held on Saturday, March 10 from 2 p.m. until 4 p.m. at Paw Paw High School off Red Arrow Highway. There will not be training in Kalamazoo this winter or spring. Ask about ride sharing. You do not need a reservation, just show up. You do not need to be a ham to participate.February 2018 Meeting - MI Public Safety Comm System
Join us for the February meeting of the Kalamazoo Amateur Radio Club at the Red Cross Chapter House on Thursday, February 15 at 7 p.m.
Al Melon (N8KLI) of the State of Michigan DIT will speak about the Michigan Public Safety Communication System (MPSCS) and the public safety radio network on 800 MHz. This is the "largest in the U.S."
