I wanted to give everyone a bit of a peek of the equipment, places, and people that are helping us have success in our Pardee Party efforts.
The trackers have been a great asset the last couple of years, but the rolling terrain of the area means that we have to have a support network of digipeaters helping get the packets from the 5W trackers back to control in Ione where the information can be used. The challenge has been finding suitable locations for this equipment that will give us the coverage we need and keep the equipment safe.
Today an intrepid band of explorers set out to test the three sites to be used by the digipeters for Party Pardee. With eight units That meant having 8 vehicles running the course. Half went in the race's direction and half went in the opposite direction. Many lessons were learned; including the location of the digipeters, possible errors in the maps/directions, the value of good radio protocol, and even the desirability of a secondary voice frequency in the event that someone accidentally activates their microphone by sitting on it. While it was preparation for the Party Pardee event, it really was a practice session for emergency services in the event of mobilization. Everyone had a good time. Since all the vehicles drove the entire route, there were several who were on pieces of the course for the first time and the result led to some very interesting conversations. Thanks to all the band members who participated and to Chuck as the "band master". We as a club are continually increasing our ability to provide communications to ensure safe and enjoyable public events.
Field Day Frostbite
Written by John Stettler
Sunday, 15 July 2012 13:22
A hearty group met on Peddler Hill (7,000ft) to set up for this years Field Day event. President Paul obtained the portable bathroom facility, which would have been better if it was heated. The members proceeded to stake out the territory and in the process scare away any unrealated campers, so the site was ours to use as needed. Craig brought his modified potato gun and proceeded to shoot antenna wire to the few eligible trees. He ran a 120' G5RV and Dave mounted his 400" delta loop. There were three stations; Craig ran HF voice, Chuck ran 2 meter SSB, and Dave set up HF digital. The Red Cross was there under the watchful eye of Sherman and they did a great job at cooking our food. We had the Sheriff come by and he stayed for a couple of hours talking to folks and checking out our capabilities. Sgt. Silva from Amador OES also came by and stayed quite a while. Folks from the Forest Service came by and seemed pleased with our setup. With no helicopters to contend with, the site worked well. However, as you all know, that was the coldest weekend of the summer season and if it were not for Wayne and his heater on the propane bottle sitting in front of Dave's trailer, this writer would still be thawing ice out of his beard. See some pictures in the July edition of the club newsletter.
Sierra Century Was A Challenge for All
Written by John Stettler
Tuesday, 19 June 2012 18:28
On Saturday, June 16th, the Sacramento Wheelmen held their annual Sierra Century bike ride. Returning to Amador County after an absence of several years, the club presented three courses of different lenghts, which covered good portions of Amador and El Dorado County. The challenges were not just for the 1,200 or so riders who had to brave one of the hotest days of the year as well as some awesome terrain. ACARC club members and friends turned out to provide communications over the course and at rest stops. The day was very successful in all regards with only two heat related cases, but the SAG wagons transported dozens of riders safely back to the base camp. The aprs tracking units worked well on the course and kept idle chatter down on the frequencies. This was another opportunity to practice working a net under "emergency" conditions which will serve us well.
Welcome to the ACARC Web Site
Written by Paul Keeton - KI6LZC, Club President
Welcome to the web site of the Amador County Amateur Radio Club, a club of knowledgeable, interesting, and helpful people!
Here you can find information about Amateur Radio and our club here in Northern California.
You are welcome to browse the content and contact us with your questions through this web site or on our repeaters.
Our repeaters are open. On VHF, you can find us at 146.835 MHz, minus offset, 100 Hz PL. On UHF, you can find us at 441.525 MHz, plus offset, 100 Hz PL. Both repeaters transmit 100 Hz PL, so you may use PL decode on your receiver, if you like.
Our weekly net is on Tuesday evenings, 7:30PM on both repeaters.Visitors are always welcome.
Lastly, our meetings are the first Thursday of every month at 7PM. Please see the Schedule of events to the left of this page for details about our upcoming meeting.
Thanks for stopping by and we hope to meet you sometime.
