Repeater Repair Fundraiser

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By this point, members should have received an email asking those that are able to participate in a fundraiser with proceeds going toward the repair of our ailing 145.45 W1SYE repeater. The first $2,500 of donations will be matched by sponsors, potentially doubling your gift.  Any donation amount would be appreciated.

A “Donation” button can be found at the bottom of our “Pay Dues or Donate” tab.  Of course you may also mail checks to:

NEWPORT COUNTY RADIO CLUB
P.O.BOX 3103
Newport, RI 02840

NCRC is a 501(c)(3) Charitable Organization, so your dentations are fully tax deductible.

End of Year Party – Monday Dec 14 @ 7 PM

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The NCRC annual year-end party will be held via ZOOM on December 14th at 7 PM (our usual 2nd Monday meeting time).  Our business meeting will be VERY short, just long enough to vote on 3 new member applicants and update the membership on our ongoing fundraiser for repeater repair. Once that meeting closes, the fun begins.

We will have a review of what was accomplished in 2020 (an significant amount considering the pandemic touched every part of our activities), and a peaceful, non-controversial transition of power to the new leadership team. The party will wrap up with an online treasure hut with prizes (Nice HF antenna, memberships, T-shirts and others) for those that find the most items in their home.

So please plan on joining us Monday at 7 PM.  Silly sweaters or other holiday attire are encouraged, along with liquid libation and meals/snacks per your liking.

GOTA Challenge

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GOTA-C

Newport County Radio Club Get-On-The-air-Challenge

Your club is offering a challenge to all members to get on the air on the high frequency bands. The Challenge will start Jan 1, 2021 and is open to all members. Its primary goal is to encourage newer members and members who have not been on the air regularly to get on the air on the HF bands in SSB/phone mode. A General or Extra license is required.

A certificate will be awarded to anyone making 25 contacts during the challenge. We will also post the QSO counts on the club website. We ask for an email message from participants at the end of each month with a count of the number of HF SSB QSO’s made during that month. One does not need to submit a log.

Help is available for anyone needing assistance with an antenna, an HF radio, with understanding how to make HF contacts, logging software or any other radio issue. The Challenge is intended to be a learning exercise and club veterans are very willing to help participants.

GOTA-C communications will be via email to  gota@w1sye.org  Please send a message indicating your interest in the Challenge. We do not want to bug members who are not interested with unnecessary email messages.

Summary:

1. Send us a message that you are all in for the challenge.

2. Send us a message if you have a question or if would like assistance getting ready.

3. Starting Jan 1, 2021, record your SSB/Phone QSO’s on any HF band. Digital modes, FT4 or 8, and CW do not count. Maximum power is 100 watts.

4. At the end of January, February, and March send an email message with the count of your QSO’s.

At the end of March we will evaluate the challenge, continue it, or modify it depending feedback and experience.

In the coming weeks we will be posting tips on how to easily find a QSO opportunity on the HF bands. For example, how to use the following: Parks-on-the-Air spots, DX Summit web site, Winter Field Day, SSB contests, and more.

Reminder: NCRC Meeting Nov 9 @ 7 PM via Zoom

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Our next meeting of NCRC will be on Monday November 9th at 7 PM via ZOOM.  Members will receive an email with the invitation details on Sunday before the meeting.  We will have our usual business meeting, including the formal election of officers (see the list on the Minutes from last month).

The meeting will begin with a visit from the Vice Director of the ARRL New England Division, Phil Temples, K9HI, who will be asking members to file comments opposed to the FCC NPRM 20-270 which proposes fees for new licenses and upgrades.

After the meeting, Bob WB4SON, will give a short presentation about POTA, with information on how the program works, and simple gear that will allow you to “Activate” parks.  Following this presentation, we will have a Q&A discussion helping our newest members get on HF (or VHF).

FCC NPRM 20-270 – Fee for Amateur Radio License

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The FCC has filed a proposal of rule making, NPRM 20-270, which impacts all radio services, including Amateur Radio.  It is proposing to add a $50 fee to apply for a license, upgrade, or renewal.  Of course there have been no license fees for many years.

The ARRL is strongly encouraging hams to file comments in opposition to the NPRM.  Please see their website for details on how to submit your comments and some suggested points to make.