Shenandoah Valley Amateur Radio Club – Since 1948 – Winchester, Virginia 

  73rd Annual BERRYVILLE HAMFEST and ARRL Virginia State Convention were great!
Update and pictures. See you next year August 3!

W4RKC Shenandoah Valley Amateur Radio Club Winchester, Virginia

National Volunteer Week: American Radio Relay League

Apr 24, 2024

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

Apr 12, 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

Mar 28, 2024

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!

Mar 25, 2024

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

2024 Benefit Bike Tour – Call for Ham Support – August 24, 2024

Mar 23, 2024

Call for Ham Race Spotters! and SAGs [Support & Gear]

We are looking for SAG [Support & Gear transportation ] teams for the 30 mile, 50 mile, 70 mile and of course the 30 mile extension of the 70mile which completes the 100 mile course.

WHAT: 4th Annual CCAP 100 Mile Benefit Bike Ride
WHEN: August 24, 2024
WHERE: Winchester, VA
SPONSOR: Christian Cooperative Action Program [ CCAP 2024 ]
Ham Help Requested: 2 Meter Radio and SAG [ Support & Gear ]Transportation Support communications at checkpoint for a 100 mile circular bicycle race beginning and ending in Winchester, Virginia
Contact: AG4SO, Steve ag4so [at] outlook dot com

 

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Background:

Early preparations are underway for this year’s event, set for August 24th, 2024.
We are excited to bring together our community once again. The event will kick off and conclude at the Wellness Center of the Winchester VA Hospital, just as it did last year. [1840 Amherst St Winchester, VA 22601 ]

We are looking for SAG [Support & Gear transportation ] teams for the 30 mile, 50 mile, 70 mile and of course the 30 mile extension of the 70mile which completes the 100 mile course.

We also need communications for the two rest stops.

The 100 milers will stop at the wellness center after completing the 70 mile then proceeds to the 30 mile extension.

This should allow any SAGs who have finished there courses and wish to volunteer for it time to take a break at the wellness center then follow the extended course if you would like to sign up for 30 mile extension.

We’ve maintained the same courses as last year, although minor changes may occur closer to the event date. While we won’t be providing SAG support for the 10-mile family ride, rest assured that the MSV security team will be on hand to cover their grounds, just as they did last year.

In reflecting on our past events, we’ve recognized that our responsibilities have expanded. Consequently, we find ourselves in need of additional help this year. This presents a wonderful opportunity for both seasoned amateur radio operators and newcomers to come together, share experiences, and contribute to the success of our event.

Your support and willingness to adapt to last-minute changes have always been inspiring and set a shining example for our community. We’re immensely grateful for your ongoing dedication and professionalism.

Ride sign-ups have already begun, and sponsorships are in the works. Additionally, efforts are underway to secure safety vests for all participants. When signing up, please remember to include your shirt size, as the vests will be marked with “SAG” and “Communications” on the back. If you have a club patch you’d like to add, please feel free to showcase your colors.

We’ll be assigning roles on a first-come, first-served basis.

Looking forward to another memorable event and the camaraderie it brings!

If you are interested, or, ready to help, please email me. 

Best regards, Steve (AG4SO)

Contact: AG4SO, Steve email: ag4so [at] outlook dot com