CLARA Current November 2024

Welcome to the November edition of the CLARA Current! We have three activities in the next 10 days. Read on to see what’s coming up. We hope you can join us!

From Bob KØNR

We are continuing our Ham Help Workshops to assist new folks getting their ham license and newer hams getting on the air and improving their skills. 
We’ve decided to do this roughly every two months:

Our next Ham Help Workshop will be held Sat Nov 9th 2 pm at Casa Del Rio Clubhouse in Buena Vista.

Tom W9TR will be leading a hands-on antenna building project described elsewhere in this newsletter. 

We will also have our normal topics, depending on the needs of the people that attend:

  • Guidance and coaching on how to get your ham radio (Technician) license.
  • Guidance and coaching on how to upgrade to General or Extra.
  • Help with making your first VHF/UHF ham radio contact.
  • Help with programming your VHF/UHF radio (we program the radios for you).
  • Help with learning how to program your VHF/UHF radios using Chirp or similar software.
  • Demonstrations of operating a ham radio station (VHF/UHF)
  • <other topics by request, just let me know>

Bylaws Review Committee

The committee is composed of Bob K0NR, Doug K0ILO and Sam W5CU. We have met once and are off to a good start.
Our guiding principle is to update the Bylaws in some areas that have become a bit outdated or need clarification, but to not change how CLARA is organized and operates.

From Tom W9TR

Amateur Radio Foxhunting

Foxhunting is a fun activity where participants (the hunters) use radio direction finding techniques to locate a transmitter (the fox) hidden within a designated search area.  Directional antennas, a map and a compass are used to find the approximate the location of the fox. As you get closer to the fox, signals get very strong, so you use other techniques like removing the antenna, body shielding, and offset tuning to pinpoint the fox’s location.  Besides being a lot of fun, radio direction finding is used to find downed aircraft, weather balloons, and sources of interference to amateur and public service radio systems.

CLARA will be holding a Foxhunt on Saturday, November 16th, 2024 starting at 9:00AM at the Ruby Mountain Trailhead off of CR 300 near Nathrop. The fox will transmit on the 70 CM frequency of 446.025 MHz.  All hams and non-hams are invited. That’s right, since you’ll be receiving only, you don’t need to be a licensed ham to participate.

The fox will be hidden somewhere between Buena Vista and Poncha Springs at an elevation below 9000’. The fox will be on public land, on a trail,  less than 1000’ from a county, BLM, or Forest Service road. High-clearance or 4WD vehicles will not be required.

CLARA will be holding a foxhunt antenna building workshop on Saturday, November 9th, 2024 at 2:00 PM at the Casa del Rio Clubhouse. We’ll be building a 6 element handheld directional antenna great for foxhunting. Cost will be $15 dollars. We’ll be building a variant of this antenna:

https://www.wa5vjb.com/yagi-pdf/cheapyagi.pdf

From Rick WA6NUT

GNSS: Global Navigation Satellite Systems

by Bill Sample, NØIET

GPS is important to amateur radio.  Some of us have radios frequency-locked to the GPS system, giving us unmatched frequency accuracy and stability.  And APRS uses GPS to track locations.  A local NTP server with a GPS reference can be useful for FT8 operation for timing when no Internet service is available.    And many of us have cars equipped with GPS systems we use to find our way on highways and city streets.  The Maidenhead coordinate system is used to report station locations.

Bill’s presentation will provide an overview of the various GNSS systems provided by different countries.  He’ll present a brief history of GPS, how GNSS works and the popular map coordinate systems.  GPS augmentation systems allow instrument approaches to airports in the clouds and in low visibility and even allow aircraft to land in zero cloud height and zero visibility conditions.  Bill will tell us about his favorite GPS app and he’ll give us some practical tips on how to use GPS to great advantage in the backcountry.

Bill has bachelor and masters degrees in engineering and holds air transport and flight instructor pilots licenses.  He worked for 38 years as an engineer designing electronics for aircraft and space vehicles.  Bill is a member of Chaffee SAR South and uses GPS to locate and rescue lost and injured subjects in the backcountry.

You’re invited to our November 12th meeting!  Social hour starts at 6:00 PM, meeting is at 7:00 PM.  Light refreshments will be served.

To join our meeting Tuesday evening by Zoom, click  HERE

From Jim KDØMRC

Our checking account has $1160 and PayPal has $59.

We just received approval to install the repeated at the Otero Pumpstation (Homestake), and hope to install it in the next couple of weeks.

From Sean KFØIHL

Last month’s CLARA meeting, held on 2024-10-08, was a break from formal
presentations in the form of a show-and-tell session. There were six of
us at the clubhouse and two joining via Zoom. Three folks brought
something to show:

Rick, WA6NUT, demonstrated amateur television
With a receiver setup at the clubhouse, we observed a transmission from
Rick’s station across the street. The setup involved a 70cm, bowtie
antenna with tabletop stand, a Pluto SDR, and a stack of software like
VLC Player and gnuradio.

For more info about ATV and DATV, check out this link.

Next, Brian, KF5WCW, gave a tour of his HF mobile installation.

  • The Vibe contains a Codan HF radio: push-to-tune-and-talk, 160m-10m
  • remote tuner mounted at the feed point
  • big antenna mount, bolted to the car
  • full size SS whip
  • radio mounted in a hard case, secured to lashing points in the vehicle
  • removable for portable, campsite operation

Sean, KF0IHL, demonstrated a WSPR transmitter kit build. It is a 6 band, multi-mode transmitter based around an Atmega328 microcontroller. As built, it covers 80m/40m/30m/20m/15m/10m and transmits between 100mW and 200mW, from a single BS70. I’ve had good results, incuding being spotted on WSPR by the Neumayer III Station in Antarctica (30m, dipole 26′ AGL).

Club License Update: We’ve fixed the name on our club license to read “Chaffee Lake Amateur Radio Association”.

That’s it for this edition of the CLARA Current. We have some really exciting events planned this month, so don’t miss out! For more info regarding our monthly meeting, like location info or how to join the meeting via Zoom, Visit our Events Calendar. 73 from me, KF5WCW and the entire CLARA board!

CLARA Current October 2024

Welcome to the October edition of the CLARA Current. Don’t forget that tomorrow, Tuesday, October 8th is our monthly meeting! Doors open @ 6:00pm and the meeting begins @ 7:00pm. The meeting will take place at the Casa Del Rio Clubhouse. Visit our events calendar for detailed location information. We hope you will join us!

From Bob KØNR

We are continuing our Ham Help Workshops to assist new folks getting their ham license and newer hams getting on the air and improving their skills. We’ve decided to do this every two months:

Our next Ham Help Workshop will be held Sat Nov 9th 2 pm at Casa Del Rio Clubhouse in Buena Vista.

Here are the topics we will typically cover, depending on the needs of the people that attend:

  • Guidance and coaching on how to get your ham radio (Technician) license.
  • Guidance and coaching on how to upgrade to General or Extra.
  • Help with making your first VHF/UHF ham radio contact.
  • Help with programming your VHF/UHF radio (we program the radios for you).
  • Help with learning how to program your VHF/UHF radios using Chirp or similar software.
  • Demonstrations of operating a ham radio station (VHF/UHF)
  • <other topics by request, just let me know>

From Rick WA6NUT

“Show & Tell” Project Night

presented by various members of CLARA!

When: Tuesday October 8, 2024 

Social: 6:00 PM, Meeting: 7:00 PM

Where: Casa del Rio Clubhouse

27665 CR 313, Unit 24

Buena Vista

Amateur radio has lots of hobbies within the hobby.  Members of CLARA are involved in all kinds of interesting projects.  Our next meeting will give you an opportunity to  explore new areas of the hobby as you see what other club members are doing.  You’ll have a chance to ask questions and learn about your fellow members’ projects.  And you’ll get ideas for your own projects.

Maybe you have a new rig, accessory, portable antenna, test equipment, a “homebrew” project, or even software you’d like to share with the club.  Just bring it to our October meeting.  We’ll have tables where you can set it up, along with AC power if needed.  You’ll be able to briefly describe your project during the meeting, then demonstrate it afterwards as members visit your setup.

You’re invited to our October 8th meeting!  Social hour starts at 6:00 PM, meeting is at 7:00 PM.  Light refreshments will be served.

To join our meeting Tuesday evening by Zoom, click  HERE. The passcode is 7373

From Jim KDØMRC

Checking has $1157.52 and PayPal has $35.20. No expenses or income.

I have submitted a second document to Colorado Springs Utilities for getting the repeater approved at the Otero Pump Station. Haven’t heard back from them yet.

From Sean KFØIHL

The board met only once this month, with the second meeting cancelled due to travel. A three person bylaws review committee has been formed. The committee consists of Bob KØNR, Doug KØILO, & Sam W5CU.

That’s it for this edition of the CLARA Current. Thanks for reading and we hope to see you tomorrow evening. 73 from me KF5WCW and the entire board!

CLARA Current September 2024

Welcome to the September edition of the CLARA Current! As the weather changes, we are starting to set our sights on some club housekeeping, and beginning to ponder Winter Field Day 2025. Read on to find out what is happening this month and beyond.

From Bob KØNR

Our next Ham Help Workshop will be held 2 pm Sept 7th at the Casa Del Rio Clubhouse in Buena Vista.

I expect to be discussing these things:

  • General improvements to your VHF/UHF station, beyond just a simple handheld radio.
  • Overview of station logging software

Here are the topics we will typically cover, depending on the needs of the people that attend:

  • Guidance and coaching on how to get your ham radio (Technician) license.
  • Guidance and coaching on how to upgrade to General or Extra.
  • Help with making your first VHF/UHF ham radio contact.
  • Help with programming your VHF/UHF radio (we program the radios for you).
  • Help with learning how to program your VHF/UHF radios using Chirp or similar software.
  • Demonstrations of operating a ham radio station (VHF/UHF)
  • <other topics by request, just let me know>

From Rick WA6NUT

Last month our featured speaker was Walt Stinson, WØCP.  In his presentation 

Walt talked about DXpeditions, where amateur radio operators go to remote locations, set up radios and antennas, and provide exciting contacts for amateurs back at home.  For many ham operators, DX is what the hobby is all about, with the goal of working DXCC (100 entities), then working up to Honor Roll, working all 340 entities.

In his presentation Walt specifically mentioned his 1993 AH1A DXpedition to Howland and Baker Island.  Howland Island is a remote island in the Pacific, now a U.S. National Wildlife Refuge, but best known as the planned destination for Amelia Earhart’s ill-fated flight.  The DXpedition made over 52,000 contacts with the “deserving,” amateurs all over the world looking to work a rare entity.  And the DXpedition was not without problems: stranded for a week on the island waiting for high surf to subside, almost running out of drinking water while on the island, and more.

Walt filmed and produced the documentary video of the AH1A DXpedition we’ll be showing at our September meeting (the video was professionally edited and narrated by Greg Reinhart).  And Walt will be available after the video to answer questions and provide additional details about working DX.

You won’t want to miss The AH1A Saga with Walt Stinson, WØCP.

You’re invited to our September 10th meeting!  Social hour starts at 6:00 PM, meeting is at 7:00 PM.  Light refreshments will be served.

To join our meeting Tuesday evening by Zoom, click here. Passcode: 7373   The YouTube link to the video is:

From Sean KFØIHL

In the last month, board meetings have included discussions of an annual
SOTA/POTA campout, forming a committee to review the club’s bylaws, and
taking what we’ve learned from the recent Field Day and applying it to
Winter Field Day for 2025. We’d like to begin discussing the club bylaws
soon, then sometime after the first hard frost a WFD committee will
begin planning for the this Winter’s event.

In December, we’ll hold our
annual meeting and have elections for the BoD. If you’d like to
participate in the either WFD planning or review of club bylaws, please
contact the BoD and we’ll include you in meetings invites.

From Jim KDØMRC

I heard from Homestake that the insurance certificate from the County was sufficient. I sent a signed contract and will hopefully get one back with their signature. Then, we should be ready to install a repeater up at Homestake!

The checking account balance is $1156 and we have $35 in the PayPal account. No activity this month.

Thanks for reading this edition of the CLARA Current! Remember to keep an eye on the Events Calendar and check out our new Resources page. The Resources page will surely grow over the coming weeks and months. Right now, there’s a good list of local repeaters if you want to add some channels to your HT or mobile. From me, KF5WCW and the entire board, have a great month and 73!

CLARA Current August 2024

Welcome to the August edition of the CLARA Current! I hope everyone is having a wonderful summer full of relaxation & QSOs. We have some great activities lined up for August, so read on to see how to be involved!

From Bob KØNR

The results of our Technician license class were quite good and we’ve used that experience to tune our approach for future classes. The key idea is that we can use online courses and license exams to offer licensing opportunities on a continuous basis. That is, we won’t offer a specific license class at a specific time. Instead, we will provide regular help sessions for people learning about ham radio. These sessions are aimed primarily at two groups: people working towards their license exam and people already licensed that need some practical help getting started. For those working on getting a license or upgrading to a higher class license, we will point them to the Ham Radio School online course and provide whatever assistance is needed on a 1:1 basis. For newbie licensees, we will help them with getting started on their ham radio journey (see topics below).

The first Ham Help Workshop will be held 2 pm August 10th at the Casa Del Rio Clubhouse in Buena Vista.

Here are the topics we will cover, depending on the needs of the people that attend:

  • Guidance and coaching on how to get your ham radio (Technician) license.
  • Guidance and coaching on how to upgrade to General or Extra.
  • Help with making your first VHF/UHF ham radio contact.
  • Help with programming your VHF/UHF radio (we program the radios for you).
  • Help with learning how to program your VHF/UHF radios using Chirp or similar software.
  • Demonstrations of operating a ham radio station (VHF/UHF)
  • <other topics by request, just let me know>

Advance registration is NOT required but letting me know that you are coming along with a description of the help you are looking for will be very useful.

Please let me know via email: bob@k0nr.com

From Rick WA6NUT

Our featured speaker will be Walt Stinson, WØCP.  Walt has been involved in amateur radio throughout his life, receiving his first license in 1963.  He is a past director of the ARRL, served 10 years on the board, and served several years as a director of the ARRL Foundation.  He has authored many articles in QST and CQ magazines, and has been on several DXpeditions (his DXpedition to Howland Island is the subject of a two-part article in CQ and is also the subject of a documentary video).  Walt especially enjoys SOTA operation and ragchewing on CW.

Professionally, Walt has been involved in high-end audio and video, beginning with work as a recording/broadcast engineer, leading to his present position with Listen Up, a high-end consumer electronics firm he founded in Denver.  He is chairman of a trade association, and has recently headed a global initiative for the United Nations.

Walt will be taking us on a guided tour of the world of HF.  He’ll show us what the 3-30 MHz bands offer the amateur operator: DX’ing, propagation, and the various modes like SSB, CW, and the digital modes, plus much more.  Walt will share some of his experiences on HF, both working DX and being the DX.  And how to become a CW operator (and why one should become skilled at CW).  You won’t want to miss Walt’s presentation!

You’re invited to our August 13th meeting!  Social time starts at 6:00 PM, meeting is at 7:00 PM.  Light refreshments will be served.

From Sean KFØIHL

Here’s a bit of history I found in the CLARA binder. I especially enjoyed reading about the autopatch on the repeater. (Written July 6, 1981)

Mark down July 3, 1981 in your diary as the date the repeater was officially brought to life, Rich, Barry, Terry and myself put the finishing touches on the installation at 2:15 pm fri- day and 146.745/145 is now a reality. If you haven’t tried bringing it up yet, hopefully you will soon to see how the sig- nal is at your Qth. The list of hams in the area seems to be growing and the word is getting out to other clubs that the repeater is on the air, so hopefully it will get plenty of use. We also might note that we have documented the installation of the repeater in the refrigerator and would like to submit it to 73 magazine as an article. If any of you are around B.V and would like to stop by the site, just let me know.

According to the by-laws that were established, the “dues” were to be $15 for regular members and $10 for an associate membership. If any of you can pry loose any funds it would be appreciated. The funds ran a little low and thanks to a lot of donations from junk boxes we at least were able to get it on the air.

A couple of notes for further use. The repeater has autopatch facilities. Since I am on a party line one has to be careful. In the summer there might be people on the party line using the phone, so if you bring it up and you hear someone on it, bring it back down. To bring up the autopatch, just hit the star sign and then listen. If you hear the dial tone, you have brought it up. Then dial the last four numbers of the phone call. Here in B.V. you don’t need to dial the prefix of 395. It is only connected for local calls so no long distance calls can be made. A number to remember is 2230, this is the sheriff’s office and in case you have trouble somewhere this is a handy number to remember. To bring the patch down, hit the STAR, the same sign you brought it up with. Do not hit the pound sign. So, its star up and star down. It is also not necessary to wait for the squelch tail after each transmission. I have enclosed a list of some of the other info that might be helpful as far as times are concerned regarding the repeater. If any of you have any questions give me a call or give a call on the repeater, I monitor most of the time. 73 WØLSD

From Jim KDØMRC

The checking account has $1,291.76. Income was a $75 donation by K0NR from sales of his book. Expense was $137.34 for purchase of a new battery for the W0LSD repeater (check not cleared). The agreement to have our ‘North’ repeater hosted at the Otero Pump Station has been submitted to their legal department for final review. The repeater is set up temporarily at my house for testing. Give it a try (147.240+ 156.7).

Thanks for reading this edition of the CLARA Current. Make sure to check out the events calendar on our website for dates and locations of upcoming events! I hope to see everyone at the 8/13 meeting. 73 from me, KF5WCW and the entire CLARA board.