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W6SF MARCH MEETING ANNOUNCEMENT THURSDAY, MARCH 12TH
Meeting starts at 7:00 PM
WE WILL BE MEETING IN OUR NEW HOME
THE STOCKTON SAILING CLUB
4980 BUCKLEY COVE WAY, STOCKTON
GO ALL THE WAY WEST
ON MARCH LANE FROM I-5 TO THE ENTRANCE ON THE LEFT – RIGHT BEFORE YOU ENTER
BUCKLEY COVE PARK
QST QST QST… The March meeting of the Stockton-Delta Amateur
Radio Club will be held on Thursday, March 12th starting at 19:00 hours. The meeting will be at our new home – the classroom
at the Stockton Sailing Club, 4980 Buckley Cove at the very west end of March
Lane west of Interstate 5. When you go
through the gate, we are in the very first building on your right. There is lots of parking.
Following the business
meeting – we will have our speaker, Alan Thompson W6WN presentation on Radio
For the Rest of Us!
For years,
Amateur Radio Operators have stood ready to use Radio during emergencies like
the Camp Fire Disaster in Paradise to help restore communications when normal
communications fail. This has worked well to aid First Responders. However, it
has become increasingly critical for the average citizen to also have
alternative methods to communicate when cell phone and Internet services fail.
Getting an Amateur Radio license requires passing a technical exam beyond the
interests or capability of most average citizens. But there are viable radio
alternatives that average citizens can use without passing a test or getting a
Ham Radio license.
Radio For The Rest of Us highlights these cell phone and Internet
service vulnerabilities, and how our unconscious over-reliance on cell phones
for virtually everything puts us at serious risk. The presentation suggests
ways how Amateur Radio Clubs might help "the rest of us;" our
families, our friends, and our community, stay safer in the face of cell-phone
and Internet service failures.
Tell your friends about this exciting meeting and plan on attending!
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2020 VISALIA DX CONVENTION
APRIL 24TH - 26TH
HAS BEEN CANCELLED
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March 10, 2020
We send out our apologies to all our perspective patrons of the 2020 International DX Convention. Due to concerns, health and well-being of our amateur radio family, our age group and possible compromised health issues; we are taking the side of safety and canceling the convention.
Even though the percentage of COVID-19 is low, there are person(s) who have the illness but mild form and have not seen a physician. It only takes 1 person to pass the virus to a person with a compromised illness.
We will be in close proximity of each other, yes the timing is bad, but all of your lives and families are more important.
We will be refunding everyone’s reservation funds/shirt request funds.
We appreciate your support and patience while we proceed with sending refunds back to each person.
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Respectfully Cathy Gardenias, K6VC Kris Jacob, KC6TOD The entire IDXC Committee 2020
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FEBRUARY 13TH CLUB MEETING
REPORT - E911 CENTER TOUR RESCHEDULED
So.... what do you do when your speaker is also your host - and 2 hours before the meeting calls and says, you can't come in?
You improvise! and we had a great meeting anyway. We welcomed 3 new hams, several members ate good Hawaiian BBQ food, we welcomed three new members to the club, and we had a good lesson on relaying to E911 in an Emergency.
Prior to the club meeting, and getting ready to put out the cancel call after Stockton PD calling and stating that the E911 Center could not host visitors that night, we ate at the Sunshine Hawaiian BBQ on Center St. Good food and they have a party room in the back! A quick QST was transmitted via social media and on the air (Thank You Ron W6RPM) and the club meeting was moved across the street to the restaurant.
Mark W6SXA gave a brief report on the upcoming Pedaling Paths Bike Ride and the planning meeting for the 4th of July Parade by the United Veteran's Council. President Bob N6TCE gave a rundown of the upcoming events and John NZ6Q gave a short presentation on how to relay into E911 should you get an emergency via Amateur Radio.
We will reschedule the E911 Center Tour for later this year. The meeting was adjourned about 8:30 PM and everyone had a good time.
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2020 CLUB DUES ARE NOW DUE AND PAYABLE DUES ARE STILL JUST $20 IN 2020! The 2020 Board reviewed the current dues schedule and determined that if the club maintained their current membership level and continued to grow, there should be no reason to raise the dues in 2020.
SDARC Dues are just $20 for a single membership, and $30 for a
family membership - when the family lives under the same roof. Click on
the PayPal icon, and pay at
that point with your credit or debit card.
Joining SDARC is a great value and a great investment in your
hobby. We are looking forward to a great year of learning, supporting events and just plain hanging out and having fun. Your $20 or $30 dollars help support these activites, help new hams get started, and help keep our repeaters on the air and getting better.
You can also send a check for dues to:
Stockton-Delta
A.R.C.
P.O. Box 690271
Stockton, CA 95269-0271
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PEDALING PATHS TO INDEPENDENCE
BIKE RIDE
12TH YEAR BIG SUCCESS!
The Community Center for the Blind and Visually
Impaired hosted its 12th annual Pedaling Paths to Independence Century
Bicycle Ride in Linden on Saturday February 22nd. The ride is an
annual fund raiser to support activities
for its San Joaquin County clients. Last year’s ride saw nearly 400
participants and raised over $25,000 for the Community Center. The fundraising count is going on for this year, but we saw almost 300 riders on the course and over 325 registered.
This is one of our biggest operating events and we tested our plans and systems several times. We had some minor issues at the start with APRS tracking of SAG wagons, but John NZ6Q and Dustyn KM6HDY at Net Control figure it out and we had excellent APRS coverage this year. One of the board members for the Delta Century Bike Ride spent some time at Net Control and was very impressed with the APRS map and information.
Brent W6YNO and Sierrah K6WYF as well as Ron KG7OR and Dave WB6TOU provided much needed support and coverage as Riders crossed and recrossed Hwy 26 along the route. We will be looking into providing coverage at the intersection of HWY 4 and Milton Rd next year as well as we were approached by local residents in that area concerned for rider safety. SAG Wagons were busiest along the Milton Rd stretch assisting riders with SAGs into the next rest stop, fixing flats along the roadside and occasionally bringing a rider back to start-finish. One rider at the Farmington Rest Stop was SAG'd back to start-finish and a few minutes later transported by ambulance to a local hospital after being evaluated by EMS and Linden-Peters Fire first responders. (editors note... just procautionary and at last report Saturday was doing fine in the ER) For the last 12 years, the Stockton-Delta ARC has
provided radio communications between rest stops, the start/finish line and sag
wagons.
Our “Central Dispatch” phone
number, was used several times by riders needing SAG support but thankfully no emergencies. Using APRS in each of the
SAG Wagons, Net Control was able to track the locations of SAGs and
‘dispatch’ the closest SAG Wagon to the reported break-down or other
incident.
Riders and Volunteers enjoyed a tremendous lunch
hosted by DeVinci's Deli. Net Control was placed in front of the restaurant on Front Street.
Thank you to the Lodi Amateur Radio Club for the use of their repeaters on Fowler Peak (WB6ASU) and Gopher Ridge (N6GKJ) for the event. Our HWY 26 "watchdogs" used simplex to give each other a heads-up (great idea guys) on riders to help keep that stretch safe. We were able to monitor that at Net Control which tells us that we could potentially try adding ATV camera there in the future.
Bike rides like this one for the CCBVI give us an opportunity to demonstrate the capability of ham radio to others,
and teach us how to handle radio traffic of varying priority while in the
field. We even got press in the Escalon Times! check it out at
www.escalontimes.com/news/vision-impaired-bicyclists-ready-roll-through-countryside/
Thanks to Dave N6LHL for pictures. Thank you ALL who came out and gave up a beautiful Saturday to help this very worth cause.
If you have pictures of the event, please send them to nz6q@arrl.org for including in the newsletter this month.
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PLAN NOW ON SHARING YOUR AMATEUR RADIO AT THE 2020 WORLD OF S.T.E.A.M. EXPO LINCOLN HIGH SCHOOL SATURDAY, MARCH 21ST 9:00 AM - 3:00 PM
The Stockton-Delta Amateur Radio Club is a returning presenter at the Lincoln High School World of STEAM EXPO coming soon on Saturday March 21st.
We will be setting up 2 HF stations running SSB and FT8. We want to have a 2M/440Mhz station set-up, a DMR station set-up, raffle prizes and working with Lodi ARC and the Mount Diablo ARC, we will have a demonstration of Digital Amateur Television.
More will be discussed during the Monday Night Net and at the March Club Meeting. Almost 200 youngster and their parents visited our booth last year and we got several new licensed hams the following months through the HamCram program.
SATURDAY, MARCH 21ST FROM 9:00 AM TO 3:00 PM LINCOLN HIGH SCHOOL AUDITORIUM 6844 N ALEXANDRIA PL STOCKTON, CA 95207
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HAM UNIVERSITY - "HAM-U"
NEW HAM - EXPERIENCED HAM
TRAINING CLASS NEW DATE
SATURDAY, MAY 16, 2020
Ham-U is coming up on Saturday May 16th. We had a schedule conflict with the March date and have rescheduled to May 16th. Now is your chance to sign-up for this FREE program that every ham – from beginner to Extra Class can benefit.
The term "Elmer" means someone who provides personal guidance and assistance to would-be hams. The term first appeared in QST in a March 1971 "How's DX" column by Rod Newkirk, W9BRD (now also VA3ZBB). Newkirk called them "the unsung fathers of Amateur Radio."
Stockton-Delta Amateur Radio Club, the Manteca Amateur Radio Club and the Lodi Amateur Radio Club have come together to help teach new hams how to get started and offer this "personal guidance".
These sessions are an opportunity for the new ham to learn and discover some of the many opportunities there are in Amateur Radio to "find your world" and give any ham just the chance to ask questions and get on the air.
The class is structured with three 50 minute "classroom" sessions in the morning; lunch for an hour with "mini presentations", then two 50-minute break-out sessions in the afternoon. Classroom sessions include: Setting up and operating an HF station, Introduction to CW - Morse Code, digital modes - FT8, DMR, Picking your Radio Club, Programming and using your programmable radios, Anderson Power poles, building simple antennas, Radiosport (contesting & chasing DX), Satellites and an opportunity to ask questions of experienced ham operators in an open forum.
SIGN UP FOR ELMERING SESSIONS HERE.
THEY ARE FREE
STOCKTON FIRE STATION #2
TRAINING DIVISION CLASSROOM
110 W SONORA ST
STOCKTON, CA 95202
(CORNER OF W SONORA ST/COMMERCE ST)
STARTING AT 8:00 AM
Saturday May 16th 2020
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ARISS Opens Window for ISS Ham Radio Contact Proposals on February 1 Amateur Radio on the International Space Station (ARISS) is once again seeking formal and informal education institutions and organizations -- individually or working together -- interested in hosting an amateur radio contact with an International Space Station (ISS) crew member. A window to accept proposals will open on  February 1 for contacts that would be scheduled between January and June 2021. The majority of ARISS contacts involve schools and educational institutions. ARISS is looking for organizations able to attract a large number of participants that can integrate the contact opportunity into a well-developed education plan. "ARISS contacts afford education audiences the opportunity to learn firsthand from astronauts what it is like to live and work in space and to learn about space research conducted on the ISS," ARISS said in announcing the proposal period. "Students will also have an opportunity to learn about satellite communication, wireless technology, and radio science." Proposal information and documents are available on the ARISS website. Two identical ARISS introductory webinars have been set for January 23 at 9 PM EST (0200 UTC on January 24) and for January 27 at 6 PM EST (2300 UTC). Registration is required. Contacts with ISS crew members run approximately 10 minutes in length and allow students to interact with the astronauts through a question-and-answer session. ARISS contacts are voice-only amateur radio communication opportunities. Schools and organizations typically work with a local amateur radio club to assist in handling the technical aspects of carrying out a successful contact with the ISS.  Astronaut Reid Wiseman, KF5LKT, on the air at NA1SS on board the ISS in 2014. [NASA, photo] |
ARISS stresses that because of the nature of human spaceflight and the complexity of scheduling activities aboard the ISS, schools and organizations must be flexible in accommodating changes in radio contact dates and times. "Amateur radio organizations around the world with the support of NASA and space agencies in Russia, Canada, Japan, and Europe present educational organizations with this opportunity," ARISS said. "The ham radio organizations' volunteer efforts provide the equipment and operational support to enable communication between crew on the ISS and students around the world using amateur radio." Proposal information and more details are available on the ARISS website. Contact ARISS with any questions.
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ARRL to Argue for Continued Access to 3 GHz Spectrum as FCC Sets Comment Deadlines
(from the ARRL Letter 1/30/2020)
At its annual meeting on January 17 - 18, the ARRL Board of Directors instructed Washington Counsel Dave Siddall, K3ZJ, to prepare a strong response to protect amateur access to spectrum in the 3 GHz range. In its Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (NPRM) in WT Docket 19-348, the FCC proposed to relocate all non-federal operations, including amateur uses, to spectrum outside the 3.3 - 3.55 GHz band.  The ARRL Board met January 17 - 18 in Windsor, Connecticut. [Michelle Patnode, W3MVP, photo] |
The Commission anticipates auctioning this spectrum to expand commercial use of 5G cellular and wireless broadband services, if agreement can be reached on relocation of -- or sharing with -- the federal incumbents that operate in the same band. Publication of the NPRM in the Federal Register on January 22 established deadlines of February 21 for comments and March 23 for reply comments. The FCC has requested comment on the uses radio amateurs make of the spectrum and appropriate relocation options. Complicating matters is the fact that radio amateurs must consider the possibility that the immediately adjacent 3.1 - 3.3 GHz band is included in the spectrum that Congress has identified for similar study. FCC Commissioner Michael O'Rielly, in a December statement, referenced the fact that the lower band may also be considered for non-federal reallocation, potentially limiting relocation possibilities. Amateurs make substantial use of the 3.3 - 3.5 GHz band that would be hard to replicate elsewhere, and they had filed more than 150 comments before the designated comment period even began. Among users looking at options are those who use this spectrum for Earth-Moon-Earth (moonbounce) communication, mesh networks, experiments with communication over long distances, radiosport, and amateur television. A portion of the band is also designated for use by amateur satellites in ITU Regions 2 and 3 (the Americas and Asia/Pacific). A report is due by March 23 from the National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) evaluating the feasibility of having federal users share all or part of the 3.1 - 3.55 GHz band with commercial wireless services. This report is required by the Making Opportunities for Broadband Investment and Limiting Excessive and Needless Obstacles to Wireless (MOBILE NOW) Act. The results of the NTIA report will impact how much spectrum ultimately may be re-allocated for auction to wireless providers. ARRL urges amateurs who comment to inform the FCC about the uses they make of the 3 GHz spectrum. Short comments and longer statements may be filed electronically. Visit the FCC "How to Comment on FCC Proceedings" page for more information. Commenters should reference WT Docket 19-348.
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Get Your Ham Radio License in Just 1 Saturday!
Saturday, April 4th, 2020 8:00am-3:30pm – Doors Open at 7:45 AM Stockton Fire Station 2 – Training Division 110 W Sonora St, Stockton, CA 95202
HamCram is an easy way for emergency workers (paid and volunteer), CERT team members and others who might use Amateur Radio in an emergency to get their licenses.
It is also an excellent way for current hams to help family members get their licenses.
There is no easier or quicker way to get a ham license.
HamCram is for persons seeking their first license (Technician Class) as well as current hams seeking to upgrade from Technician to General Class or General Class to Extra.
Cost for the one-day event is $20 when you preregister ($25 at the door). Preregistration and prepayment are strongly encouraged.
If you have ever wanted to get your license (or know someone who should), now’s the time!
Register www.w6sf.org/hamcram.html
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THANKS DAVE NAVONE FOR THE LINK TO THIS COOL VIDEO ALL ABOUT HAM RADIO AND THE TV SHOW "LAST MAN STANDING"
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W6SF 2019 FIELD DAY VIDEO CHECK IT OUT! THANK YOU DENNIS AD6DM
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ARRL 2019 FIELD DAY GREAT DAY - GREAT FUN LOTS OF CONTACTS!
The 2019 ARRL Field Day was held on Saturday June 22nd and Sunday June 23rd from 11:00 AM to 11:00 AM. We had a great turn out of club members to set-up, operate and break down at the end of the event. We were on the air on 4 bands at the start of the event. Not bad considering we started setting up at 8:00 AM Saturday morning.
Set-up crews were treated to Starbuck's coffee, donuts & bagel bites.
Once on the air, the fun quickly got into high gear. We were running 6A catagory this year - 6 simultaneous stations on emergency power, so we got lots of operators and lots of contacts. We used 3 FT-950s on 20-15-10 Meters (thank you K6TVT, N6DCH & NZ6Q) using the beam antenna. Icom IC-7300 was on 40-Meters and the club go-box was on 6M and 2M. Thanks to Dave N6LHL we had his FT-840 to run a dedicated radio on 80-Meters as well.
Paul N6KZW, Jim K6JMB and John NZ6Q ran the overnight shift with lots of QSOs on 40M & 80M Phone and CW.
Here are some early pictures of the event...
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CHECK OUT THE NEW CLUB HISTORY PAGE
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CHECK OUT OUR OWN BOB KM6ONS AND KYLE K6KDD ON GOOD DAY SACRAMENTO
AUGUST 28, 2018
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CLUB REPEATERS
Located in the Sierra Nevada Mountains at 2500 feet, the club repeaters cover the Southern Sacramento and Northern San Joaquin Valleys. The call-sign is W6SF and can be heard on 147.165 MHz and on 442.250 MHz with a PL of 107.2 Hz. Club simplex frequency is 147.51 MHz.
SDARC also has a UHF repeater, operating independently, on 444.575+ PL 107.2. This is a local low level Stockton repeater with the call W6SF. As the project progresses, three receiver/voters will be installed via T1 phone lines and the addition of IRLP linking to other repeaters. CLUB REPEATERS
Located in the Sierra Nevada Mountains at 2500 feet, the club repeaters cover the Southern Sacramento and Northern San Joaquin Valleys. The call-sign is W6SF and can be heard on 147.165 MHz and on 442.250 MHz with a PL of 107.2 Hz. Club simplex frequency is 147.51 MHz.
SDARC also has a UHF repeater, operating independently, on 444.575+ PL 107.2. This is a local low level Stockton repeater with the call W6SF. As the project progresses, three receiver/voters will be installed via T1 phone lines and the addition of IRLP linking to other repeaters. CLUB REPEATERS
Located in the Sierra Nevada Mountains at 2500 feet, the club repeaters cover the Southern Sacramento and Northern San Joaquin Valleys. The call-sign is W6SF and can be heard on 147.165 MHz and on 442.250 MHz with a PL of 107.2 Hz. Club simplex frequency is 147.51 MHz.
SDARC also has a UHF repeater, operating independently, on 444.575+ PL 107.2. This is a local low level Stockton repeater with the call W6SF. As the project progresses, three receiver/voters will be installed via T1 phone lines and the addition of IRLP linking to other repeaters. CLUB REPEATERS
Located in the Sierra Nevada Mountains at 2500 feet, the club repeaters cover the Southern Sacramento and Northern San Joaquin Valleys. The call-sign is W6SF and can be heard on 147.165 MHz and on 442.250 MHz with a PL of 107.2 Hz. Club simplex frequency is 147.51 MHz.
SDARC also has a UHF repeater, operating independently, on 444.575+ PL 107.2. This is a local low level Stockton repeater with the call W6SF. As the project progresses, three receiver/voters will be installed via T1 phone lines and the addition of IRLP linking to other repeaters.
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