Our Open Repeaters: 146.82 PL 146.2 / 448.775 PL 146.2 

Shenandoah Valley Emergency Net – Tuesday 7PM ET 146.82 – Join us!

Welcome! 

Do you enjoy puzzles? Science, Technology, Engineering, Math? How about finding new friends far and wide?

If so, amateur radio may be a “thing” for you!  

Thank you for visiting the Shenandoah Valley Amateur Radio Club website! Here’s what you should know about us:

SILENT KEY: Frank A. Swiech N1DGQ

SILENT KEY: Frank A. Swiech N1DGQ

SVARC club member Warren Corliss KQ4KLA has notified us of the death of a significant contributor to our hobby of amateur radio: Francis (Frank) A Swiech N1DGQ. Warren recalls: “Frank was founder of what is now the New England Repeater Directory. He originally maintained the spreadsheet in the 90s, which I then assisted in getting posted on a website in 1998. Frank will be greatly missed.”

His club, the Nashua ARS, did a member spotlight on him a few years ago that captures many of his amateur radio interests, activities, and contributions: CLICK HERE.

Francis “Frank” Swiech
1944 – 2024

read more…

National Volunteer Week: American Radio Relay League

National Volunteer Week continues by highighting the American Radio Relay League, which is the national association for Amateur Radio in the United States. Amateur radio operators use their training, skills, and equipment to provide communications during emergencies. Ham radio operators serve our communities when storms or other disasters damage critical communication infrastructure, including cell towers, and wired and wireless networks. Amateur radio can function completely independently of the internet and phone systems and can be set up anywhere in minutes. Thank you to all the Amateur radio operators who provide critical continuity in our communities during disasters! #NationalVolunteerWeek2024

DOD MARS Armed Forces Cross Band Test – May 11, 2024

The United States Department of Defense is set to host the Armed Forces Day Crossband Test on May 11, 2024. This event, a longstanding tradition of over 50 years, invites all licensed amateur radio operators to participate. The exercise involves testing two-way communications between military and amateur radio stations, specifically tailored to enhance technical skills and interoperability without affecting any other public or private communications. During the test, military stations will use certain military frequencies and monitor designated amateur radio frequencies, all communicated in ZULU time and mainly using the Upper Side Band mode. The frequencies selected for this exercise are carefully chosen to ensure they do not interfere with other communications.

Find more information and frequencies here:

https://www.dodmars.org/mars-comex-information-website/armed-forces-day

Legacy and Amateur Radio – SVARC Charter Member W4ACC

In the world of amateur radio, where the airwaves carry not just signals but stories, the legacy of one passionate enthusiast, Michael Collins, known by his callsign W4ACC, continues to inspire a new generation. Michael’s grandson, Jeremiah, has recently taken a significant step into the world of amateur radio, an endeavor that threads him closer to his grandfather’s memory. Jeremiah’s successful passing of his first amateur radio exam and the acquisition of his callsign, KF8ALS, marks the beginning of a journey deeply rooted in familial bonds and a shared passion for radio communications.

Michael Collins was more than just an amateur radio operator; he was a part of a global community that thrives on exploration, communication, and the sheer joy of making connections across the airwaves. His callsign, W4ACC, was not just an identifier but a symbol of his commitment and contributions to the amateur radio world. Following in his grandfather’s footsteps, Jeremiah’s achievement is not just a personal success but a tribute to the legacy Michael left behind.

Understanding the emotional and symbolic value of his grandfather’s callsign, Jeremiah is now working with the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) to acquire W4ACC as his own. This endeavor, steeped in respect and remembrance, is more than a procedural task; it’s a heartfelt effort to honor Michael Collins’ memory and continue his pursuit of amateur radio. By adopting his grandfather’s callsign, Jeremiah is not only keeping Michael’s memory alive but also inheriting a mantle of responsibility and tradition in the amateur radio community.

Jeremiah’s journey into amateur radio, influenced by his grandfather’s passion, is a testament to the enduring connections that this hobby fosters. It’s a reminder that amateur radio is more than just a pastime; it’s a legacy of curiosity, exploration, and the timeless human desire to connect. As Jeremiah takes up his grandfather’s callsign, he embodies the spirit of amateur radio, bridging generations through the airwaves and continuing a story that began long before him. This is not just the beginning of Jeremiah’s adventure in amateur radio but the continuation of a family legacy that celebrates the bonds of love, memory, and communication.

If you would like to visit such a community of like-minded people, please visit with us. Our club meets on the 1st and 3rd Thursday, monthly at 7:30PM. Gathering begins for conversation at about 6:30PM in our clubhouse, 2925 Grace Street Winchester VA 22601. 

If you would like to start your journey to be a radio amateur, visit WinchesterHamTest.com for test preparation resources and our testing schedule. 

If you are outside of the Winchester Virginia region, visit the American Radio Relay League to find a test session near you. 

Wet Noodle Antenna – Peak Solar Cycle. Fact!

My friend Chris, known in the ham radio community as W6AH, decided to put the classic saying “you can transmit on a wet noodle” to the test during a period of peak solar activity. He prepared some pasta, connected the cooked noodle to his HF radio, and initiated a call for communication, or CQ, to see if the saying holds true.

If you enjoyed this video, please like and subscribe to Chris’ channel “Wave Talkers” on YouTube.com https://www.youtube.com/@WaveTalkers

For more about Chris, visit his pages:

QRZ https://www.qrz.com/db/w6ah

WaveTalkers: https://wavetalkers.com/

Chris Mattia.com http://chrismattia.com/ham/why-ham/

 

To learn more about Amateur Radio visit:  https://www.arrl.org/what-is-ham-radio

If you would like to prepare for your FCC Amateur Radio license visit our page to learn, prepare and schedule a licensing exam:

If you are outside of the region of Winchester, Virginia use this page to find an exam session near you: https://www.arrl.org/find-an-amateur-radio-license-exam-session