136 results for author: Scott Toth

Repeater Upgrade – Yaesu DR-1X

Dear GARA members, As anyone who deals with technology knows, nothing lasts forever. And, like with cars, there is a time when it makes sense to upgrade to a newer model before your old one experiences more problems than you can afford. On rare occasion, someone will come along and offer you a good deal on a car with new features around the same time you’re looking to replace the old model with a new one. It doesn't happen often, but when it does, it’s a good idea to take advantage of the deal. Our club is in a similar situation. Because of their age and the era in which they were designed and built, our VHF repeaters are challenging to ...

Raleigh Amateur Radio Society RARSFest on Saturday, April 4!

The Raleigh Amateur Radio Society will be holding its annual RARSFest hamfest and ARRL convention in the Jim Graham building at the North Carolina State Fairgrounds on Saturday, April 4.  There will be many activities in addition to the swap meet, including J-pole building, an indoor fox hunt, QSL card checking, and an ARRL open forum.  VE testing will also be available, so it's a perfect opportunity to buy some new gear and upgrade your ticket at the same time!  Best of all, parking is free.  Tickets are $8 if you buy them in advance or $10 at the door.  Plan your trip to Raleigh now to find your the next piece of your station!  For more ...

DXpeditions Galore! Republic of Malawi Up Next – 7QAA

If the 9Q0HQ DXpedition to the Democratic Republic of the Congo was just too easy for your tastes and you're already running SSB QRP-style, consider trying your hand at working 7QAA, the current DXpedition to the the Republic of Malawi, the small landlocked country in southeast Africa.  This station started on the air with CW and RTTY ops on March 11 and will continue those until March 21.  On March 22, they will be switching modes over to SSB and RTTY on all bands from 10-160m, and work until April 1.  The station will upload the logs to LoTW after the DXpedition is over, but they're uploading to Clublog daily.  They'll also participate in the ...

The 9Q0HQ DXpedition to the Democratic Republic of the Congo

If you're missing that DXpedition fix since K1N has been off the air, there's a new opportunity knocking.  9Q0HQ, the DXpedition to the Democratic Republic of the Congo by the Italian team I2YSB is on the air from March 10 through March 25 on all bands and many modes.  You can check this website for information related to the team, equipment, band plans, and more.  Look for the call on your favorite DX cluster, and good luck!

VE Testing This Saturday!

VE testing is normally held at Hinshaw United Methodist Church in Greensboro on the second Saturday of each month, but due to the Charlotte Hamfest and N4G, in March, it's delayed until the third Saturday.  That means that you haven't missed your chance in March to get licensed or to upgrade your ticket!  If you're interested, please contact Roy Smith at n4byu@arrl.net for a reservation.  A reservation isn't necessary, but it's requested and advised so that the VEs can make the necessary preparations.  Testing starts at 9:00AM, and you will need to bring two forms of identification (including a photo ID) and a photocopy of any previous licenses ...

Charlotte Hamfest this Weekend

If you're not busy Friday afternoon or early Saturday, you might consider a short trip down the road to Concord to attend the Charlotte Hamfest.  As in previous years, the event will be held at the Cabarrus Arena and Events Center, not far from I-85, the Charlotte Motor Speedway or the Concord Mills Mall.  This is one of the area's larger hamfests with 80 commercial booths, 312 flea market tables, VE testing, forums, antenna building classes and more.  You can find more information at http://charlottehamfest.org/. Once you've returned from your time finding deals and upgrading your ticket at the Charlotte Hamfest, head on over to the Guilford ...