tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-90502460156662413562024-03-26T17:00:41.847-04:00Briarpatch Amateur Radio ClubN4VL/R 145.130- 103.5TUnknownnoreply@blogger.comBlogger41125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9050246015666241356.post-25954242514332724322024-03-26T17:00:00.000-04:002024-03-26T17:00:06.208-04:00The New Ham Net<p>There will be a New Ham Net each Wednesday @8PM on the N4DN repeater system. This is a net to help all the new hams get familiarized with the hobby! </p>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9050246015666241356.post-5180738522750065802024-03-14T10:19:00.000-04:002024-03-14T10:19:46.404-04:00Big Congratulations to New HamsCongratulations to seven new ham Technicians and one new Tech + General who completed Glen, N4DN’s Technician class. There was also one student who scored 100%. Enjoy those new HT's and your 12 month complimentary club membership. <br /><br /><br /> The new hams are:<br /> Jo B.<br /> Brian C.<br /> Cindy D.<br /> Sandy D.<br /> Ethan E.<br /> Charles G.<br /> David R.<br /> Cathy S.<br /> <br /> Special thanks to the CC SAR crew for use of their building during training and testing. Additional thanks to Frank, WB1USN and David, N4SH for sponsoring the HT's, and to Glen, N4DN, Junior, N4VL, and Roy N4YXU for their VE professional skills.<br /> Great work all and we look forward to hearing those new call signs on the air!Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9050246015666241356.post-59151158951397552362024-02-19T20:04:00.001-05:002024-02-19T20:04:15.082-05:00BARC Meeting 2-22-24<p>Our monthly club meeting will be Thursday February 22 at 7:30PM. Our AUXCOMM group will meet an hour prior at 6:30PM. The meeting will be held at the First Christian Church in Galax, VA. Hope to see everyone there!</p>Josh Greerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15453686639226940708noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9050246015666241356.post-48368782719656545902023-12-15T19:26:00.004-05:002023-12-31T14:22:14.604-05:00Technician Amateur Radio ClassesAmateur radio technician operator training will be offered beginning Wednesday, 01/03/24 thru February each Wednesday 7-9 PM at the Carroll County Search and Rescue ('SAR') Bldg., Hillsville, located at 100 Expansion Drive. The course is free. The ARRL license manual will be used for a study guide. The FCC technician examination will be given at the end of the course work, and will also be free, however, the FCC charges a one-time fee of $35 to obtain the operator's license. Further information can be found by contacting course proctor Glen Sage at email: <a href="mailto:glensage@centurylink.net">glensage@centurylink.net</a> <div><br /></div><div><br /><iframe src="https://www.google.com/maps/embed?pb=!1m18!1m12!1m3!1d1896.137017242191!2d-80.76432314692819!3d36.74658534833675!2m3!1f0!2f0!3f0!3m2!1i1024!2i768!4f13.1!3m3!1m2!1s0x88521cdfcb3a5d6b%3A0xc6c3c1a775d90ea0!2s100%20State%20Rd%20808%2C%20Hillsville%2C%20VA%2024343!5e1!3m2!1sen!2sus!4v1704050505892!5m2!1sen!2sus" width="600" height="450" style="border:0;" allowfullscreen="" loading="lazy" referrerpolicy="no-referrer-when-downgrade"></iframe></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9050246015666241356.post-41902897818761765872023-12-10T17:49:00.002-05:002023-12-10T17:49:30.147-05:00BARC News 12.10.23<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.briarpatcharc.com/2023/12/barc-news-121023.html" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1024" data-original-width="1024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-ILDgDlz7iQfET8CI782Orb8-gvXASCQpPUo3FtVxEIKL0DxhvGcjwVNOMKZkiaQsear8WToFgi5bMSXefv-DMd0zL6nMvk2JzepW5mK8APL3ws7wx4CrxaxVLW3fly9Kcgmjy_-wP0haZ4bN8MT8OiA_RRs-ET_Smm2MNdfiVaEBRl1inP-wx6MJYHs/s320/bluebomb85_animated_cartoon_rabbit_reading_a_newspaper_757a200a-a015-4822-ac3e-6a79140b5fb5.png" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><br />The 2023 BARC Christmas Party was held at Fiddler's Resteraunt in Hillsvile, VA on Saturday the 9th of December. A great time was had by over 30 hams, spouses and guests. Wonderful fellowship, thankful hearts and full bellies were appreciated by all. Thanks go to VP Dick WA4ZIZ for setting up the reservations! <br /><br /> BIG congratulations go to Matt KM4ZLO for winning the 50W dual band mobile TYT transceiver! A special Thanks to Pres Frank WB1USN for donationg this awesome rig, and a big thank you to everyone for raising just over $150 for the BARC. <br /><br /> Let's all keep Randy in our prayers as he goes for surgery soon.<br /><br /> Be sure to mark your new 2024 calendars for our next VE session on Jan 11th at 7PM at the First Christian Church in Galax. More details can be found here: <a href="https://www.briarpatcharc.com/p/ve-sessions.html">https://www.briarpatcharc.com/p/ve-sessions.html</a> And check out the awesome job Webmaster Josh KM4AZW is doing all across the BARC pages while you're there. Thanks Josh!<br /><br /> Lastly, BARC elections were held. No new nominations were forwarded, and all BARC officers remain seated in their 2023 positions, however, BARC truly needs a new Treasurer. Please reach out to any officer via the BARC webpages if you are interested in investing a little time to your BARC as Treasurer.<br /><br /><br />Merry Christmas!<br />73,<br />Your BARC officers<p></p>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9050246015666241356.post-55001446331176357282023-12-04T19:55:00.001-05:002023-12-04T19:55:55.117-05:00Annual Christmas Dinner/Club Meeting on 12.9.23<p>We will be having our annual Christmas Dinner which will also be our December club meeting on Saturday the 9th of December. The dinner/meeting will be held at Fiddler's Restaurant in Hillsville from 4PM to 8PM. Club officer elections will be held at 7PM. Frank WB1USN, will be raffling off a 50 watt dual band mobile radio, tickets will be available at $1 each or 5 tickets for $3. Hope to see you there!</p>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9050246015666241356.post-49190284071965162842023-10-27T13:27:00.002-04:002023-10-27T13:45:58.069-04:00BARC News 10.27.23<div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.briarpatcharc.com/2023/10/barc-news-102723.html"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4AEFk_tXuO2sUJ_DreAHFCXJImNUUBXPyTq-ScnIJLPgd1rHdTTcRdNa9KbXFRqpI30DhIrNJ_n0lMaJNPbS7RsWLIADlHLrP6-nAekozIGaxEq4b2oKhF649v1ytPxsQhUVBcCZMZfVEEjloxvPbWqm7LdeCpyEjUgrDlPsFlXsFJ5BSMZFCJimsB4U/s320/bluebomb85_animated_cartoon_rabbit_reading_a_newspaper_757a200a-a015-4822-ac3e-6a79140b5fb5.png" /></a></div><br /><br />A bit of BARC news to relay, so here goes.<br /><br /><br />1. The FCC is looking to make cuts to 60m usage. This is short fused. Your comments are needed by 30 October (preferably not to make the proposed changes.) Below is my example comment if you'd like to use / edit it. Even better if you can make a personal comment on your use of 60m:<br /><br /><br /> I strongly encourage the FCC to support ARRL’s initiative for the current 100 W ERP power limit to be maintained (instead of reducing the power limit to 15 W EIRP) and continuing secondary access to the current channels. The current FCC proposal would take away several discreet channels and reduce power output from the current 100 W to less than 10 W. This proposal is the most sweeping reduction of HF privileges in decades. If the FCC goes through with the change, will an emboldened FCC remove or modify more HF privileges? Government is in place to protect the citizenry it represents, not to strip them of their rights and privileges. I look forward to your support. Respectfully, (name, call)<br /><br /><br />For more info, here's the ARRL web page: <a href="https://www.arrl.org/60-meter-band">https://www.arrl.org/60-meter-band</a><br /><br /><br />*****<br /><br /><br />2. VP Dick, WA4ZIZ notes a free ZOOM class for ham operators seeking their General license beginning 11/2. <div><br /></div><div>The online class will be held Thursday November 2 through January 11. The 3 hour sessions will start at 6:30PM Eastern Time. The only prerequisite is that you need to have or be studying for the Technician Class License. This class is sponsored by the National Electronics Museum. Those wishing to sign up, please email Roland Anders, K3RA at <a href="mailto:roland.anders@comcast.net">roland.anders@comcast.net</a>.<br /><br /><br />*****<br /><br /><br />3. NOAA updates Cycle 25 (3rd story): <a href="https://spaceweather.com/">https://spaceweather.com</a><br /><br /><br />*****<br /><br /><br />4. BARC meeting last PM, 10/26. Some *important* takeaways:<br /> ** No November in person meeting as this runs into Thanksgiving.<br /> ** Our next in person meeting & Christmas Party will be 09 Dec, at Fiddler's Resteraunt in Hillsville. We have BARC reservations from 4PM until 8PM. Several things will be occuring besides a good time:<br /> - Officer elections at 7PM. All BARC offices are up for new candidates to step in. This is a great way to give back to your ham community! <br /> - Raffle for a 50W dual band radio. Tickets $1 each, or 5 tickets for $3. (Thanks Frank!)<br /> - BARC patches will be for sale, $5 for 3", and $10 for 6" sew on patches.<br /> - Annual dues will be collected. $15 for 1st member, $7.50 for each additional family member.<br /> - Discussion to consider ARRL affiliation for BARC. A vote will be taken at the in person January Club meeting. ARRL club affiliation benefits can be reviewed here: <a href="http://www.arrl.org/affiliated-club-benefits">http://www.arrl.org/affiliated-club-benefits</a><br /> - Each person, couple or family will pay for their own meal which elimiates the 15% required group gratuity. I.e. tips will be up to you, the payer.<br /> - more meeting details will be available once the minutes are approved.</div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9050246015666241356.post-59991899453738844192023-10-23T20:26:00.003-04:002023-10-23T20:26:27.305-04:00October Club Meeting 10.26.23<p>Our monthly club meeting for October will be held on Thursday the 26th. The AUXCOMM group will meet at 6:30PM and the regular club meeting will be at 7:30PM at the First Christian Church in Galax, VA. </p>Josh Greerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15453686639226940708noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9050246015666241356.post-66815505037599192412023-10-14T22:17:00.001-04:002023-10-14T22:17:02.524-04:00CongratulationsCongratulations to Steve B. on earning his technician license and Nick KO4VZG on his upgrade to general during our last VE Testing session!Josh Greerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15453686639226940708noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9050246015666241356.post-79691945108213138502023-09-29T10:33:00.001-04:002023-09-29T10:33:50.971-04:00BARC News 9.29.23<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.briarpatcharc.com/2023/09/barc-news-92923.html" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1024" data-original-width="1024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCZY1xGv_sOE758nztkdNbhXHLU3NaUxeemhLS6EC73nI1GX_yGFmMaq8hHAXVBnm6E9D1th6sLQjmf93t1koI0LjBQhDoknF9PYDyJ4xcbZEAZFppYL90FSYt_ASUFRvhyphenhyphenn7wkwe9F7JCNmMW8i32xET9louCtvJjJjQqUy5FOJWV0r6NujmagEMz_Ws/s320/bluebomb85_animated_cartoon_rabbit_reading_a_newspaper_757a200a-a015-4822-ac3e-6a79140b5fb5.png" width="320" /></a></div><p><br /></p>The club held our September meeting on the 29th. <p></p><p>It was pointed out that club officer elections will be held at the Christmas dinner on December 9th @7PM. The dinner will be hosted at the Fiddler's Restaurant in Hillsville, VA. If you would like to nominate yourself or someone else to an elected position. Please <a href="mailto:briarpatcharc@gmail.com">contact us</a> before the dinner. </p><p>It was decided that we would have a technical committee as opposed to an individual technical officer for the club's repeater and equipment maintenance. The club repeater is still having interference issues during the night. Committee members will try troubleshooting it further soon. </p><p>Relocating the club repeater was also discussed and may be a possibility in the near future. </p><p>It was reported that the club presence at the Carroll County Ag Fair was a success. A number of people expressed interest in the hobby and even signed up for testing. </p><p>Moving our meeting location to the EMS building is still in discussion.</p><p>A big thanks goes out to David Puckett (AJ4BD) for the great presentation on baluns and antennas at the end of our meeting. For those who would like to shop for a toroid to build your own, he recommends <a href="https://www.cwsbytemark.com/" target="_blank">https://www.cwsbytemark.com/</a>. </p><p>A number of the AUXCOMM group will be heading to the Fort Valley Endurance Horse Ride event October 20-22. Some of the remaining members will be helping the Floyd Amateur Radio Society provide communications for the Tour de Dirt bike ride on Saturday, October 21st. If you would like to volunteer for either event, please <a href="mailto:briarpatcharc@gmail.com">email us</a>. For more info on the Tour de Dirt, visist <a href="https://plentylocal.org/tour-de-dirt/" target="_blank">https://plentylocal.org/tour-de-dirt/</a></p><p>A VE Testing session is to be held October 12th. For more info visit our <a href="https://www.briarpatcharc.com/p/ve-sessions.html" target="_blank">VE Testing Page</a>.</p><p>Our next club meeting is scheduled for October 26th. </p><p>The club will not meet in November due to a conflict with the Thanksgiving holiday.</p><p><br /></p>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9050246015666241356.post-74145854479620507172023-09-25T11:34:00.002-04:002023-09-25T11:36:55.454-04:00September Club Meeting 9.28.23<p>Just a quick reminder that our club meeting for September is on Thursday the 28th. The AUXCOMM group will meet at 6:30PM and our regular club will meet at 7:30PM at the First Christian Church in Galax, VA. </p>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9050246015666241356.post-75660358076851670032023-09-10T15:58:00.001-04:002023-09-10T15:58:30.333-04:00New River Trail Challenge 2023<p></p><div style="text-align: center;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEj5-8KiBfk3tAbLslNxbny_xkpyv0qmDNE5t5bxWxtGe70gfVSJz4-QmFywaGqoZ38Z-d1QA8vJUFoRqddcS_IIF0Okz1oNLCS6lWdKsP4cLAK4WlNhbJxIH4YxHb4DVdW9tQoJLE7bE0OGy7ZigAqW13Ql2GtDoKv8cAqK1BWVSYPT1Xg0jczbD6h8ojI" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img alt="" data-original-height="168" data-original-width="275" height="195" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEj5-8KiBfk3tAbLslNxbny_xkpyv0qmDNE5t5bxWxtGe70gfVSJz4-QmFywaGqoZ38Z-d1QA8vJUFoRqddcS_IIF0Okz1oNLCS6lWdKsP4cLAK4WlNhbJxIH4YxHb4DVdW9tQoJLE7bE0OGy7ZigAqW13Ql2GtDoKv8cAqK1BWVSYPT1Xg0jczbD6h8ojI" width="320" /></a></div>Our club will be helping out with communications for the New River Trail Challenge on September 16th. This event is an adventure triathlon that takes place along the New River Trail. If you would like to find out more about the event, see the <a href="https://www.dcr.virginia.gov/state-parks/nrt-challenge" target="_blank">official website</a>.<p></p><p>If you want to sign up to participate as a volunteer communicator, <a href="mailto:briarpatcharc@gmail.com">email us</a>. </p>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9050246015666241356.post-31547164925467150572023-08-17T12:26:00.001-04:002023-08-17T12:26:19.413-04:00No August Meeting<p>Just a reminder that there will not be a club meeting this month. Our members are divided between setting up/manning our booth at the Carroll County Ag Fair and providing communication services to the Iron Mountain Jubilee endurance horse ride. </p>Josh Greerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15453686639226940708noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9050246015666241356.post-70363281570340933592023-07-28T19:59:00.002-04:002023-07-28T20:00:11.906-04:00BARC News Update (7.28.23)<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.briarpatcharc.com/2023/07/barc-news-update-72823.html" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1024" data-original-width="1024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4yRDpLVIhj2TKadx7PSF2au78Y3dMCaZT3Wy0-g58B6f0CukDP3zJ5riOLzwNnGlpopIJ7TBjC8c_RTJvhWRqlfZsNDogcw6bo4VVSbeCyN9utosqd0zu1eLMDn0p_lqUS_gq9QRy9o-fjCFse4T2UN7jPT6oq6XUWZ7aHxCQaqQmrskXPVTNwLs6fJQ/s320/bluebomb85_animated_cartoon_rabbit_reading_a_newspaper_757a200a-a015-4822-ac3e-6a79140b5fb5.png" width="320" /></a></div><p><br /></p>The monthly BARC meeting was held July 27th. Below are notes from the meeting. <p></p><div>Our AUXCOMM group will be providing communication support for the Iron Mountain Jubilee horse ride August 25th - 27th. This year the course has changed to include a 100 mile event which will last for a 24 hour period. If you would like to volunteer to help out, you can <a href="mailto:briarpatcharc@gmail.com">reach out to us</a>. </div><div><br /></div><div>The club will also be setting up a booth at the Carroll County AG Fair August 23rd - 27th. If you would like to help setup or help man the booth <a href="mailto:briarpatcharc@gmail.com">send us an email.</a></div><div><br /></div><div>The club will not have a meeting in August due to the Fair and Iron Mountain horse ride. </div><div><br /></div><div>It was decided that we will have our Christmas dinner at the Fiddlers Restaurant in Hillsville on December 9th @ 6:00PM. There will be a 15% gratuity added to the check and Frank Howard, WB1USN will be having a raffle for a 50 watt mobile radio for $1/Ticket. </div><div><br /></div><div>Keep in mind that our club repeater is still having issues during the night and we will continue to have our weekly net on the N4VL repeater system. </div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9050246015666241356.post-88195868348097226252023-07-15T22:08:00.004-04:002023-07-15T22:08:45.341-04:00ATGP 2023<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMGwqPRone87UzBQ6YmXhFE6xvaCIRqW2_cOqFqCmVBCguyKgtGKwHnaR4YSENY8tS0AlwPjt4iC92R7OX9_yOGR13XFUEUO4MNoiH0YdP0RmYDd3pJzpvNNEa-860pTR60r_Lzn7RNTowYjzr_dUq2bjQO4U7vSLv4h_UWH7HO0Yndw2rg5b2Swevs-A/s4000/20230715_122407.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="3000" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMGwqPRone87UzBQ6YmXhFE6xvaCIRqW2_cOqFqCmVBCguyKgtGKwHnaR4YSENY8tS0AlwPjt4iC92R7OX9_yOGR13XFUEUO4MNoiH0YdP0RmYDd3pJzpvNNEa-860pTR60r_Lzn7RNTowYjzr_dUq2bjQO4U7vSLv4h_UWH7HO0Yndw2rg5b2Swevs-A/s320/20230715_122407.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><p>Some of our club members participated in the Appalachia Trail Golden Packet event on Saturday the 15th. The Golden Packet event's goal is to transmit a packet across 15 mountain tops along the Appalachian Trial from Georgia to Maine.</p><p>For more details of the event see the <a href="https://atgoldenpacket.net/" target="_blank">official website</a>. </p><p>To view more photos <a href="https://photos.app.goo.gl/ee5JcQPCJghp39PW7" target="_blank">view the album</a>. </p>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9050246015666241356.post-41205439317445402052023-07-14T09:24:00.001-04:002023-07-14T09:24:55.330-04:00Keep Frank in your thoughts!<p>It has been brought to our attention that our club president Frank Howard, WB1USN, was in a car wreck on July 12th. The wreck was enough to total his car, however he has stated that he was not seriously injured, but would have to take it easy for a while. </p>Josh Greerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15453686639226940708noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9050246015666241356.post-91158314642074278132023-07-01T18:10:00.002-04:002023-07-01T18:10:18.932-04:00Field Day 2023 Photos<p>Take a look at some of the photos from this year's field day activities. </p><p><a href="https://photos.app.goo.gl/6cFQqk1SdiFt6S1eA" target="_blank">Field Day 2023 Photos</a></p>Josh Greerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15453686639226940708noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9050246015666241356.post-4431927947443120402023-06-28T20:14:00.004-04:002023-06-28T20:14:42.205-04:00Upcoming Events July 2023<p>Below are some upcoming events for July.</p><p>July 13th - There will be a VE testing session at 7:00PM at the First Christian Church in Galax, VA.</p><p>July 15th - The Appalachian Trail Golden Packet event will be held. Some of our club members are activating Comers Rock. For more information see the ATGP website <a href="https://atgoldenpacket.net/">https://atgoldenpacket.net/</a></p><p>July 27th - Our monthly BARC meeting will be held. The AUXCOMM meeting will be at 6:30PM and the club will meet at 7:30PM. We meet at the First Christian Church in Galax, VA.</p><p>August 23-27 - We will be operating a booth at the Carroll County Agriculture Fair. </p><p>August 25-27 - Our AUXCOMM group will be providing communications support for the Iron Mountain Jubilee horse ride event near Cripple Creek, VA. </p>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9050246015666241356.post-44095129546078340192023-06-17T18:41:00.005-04:002023-06-17T18:42:51.310-04:00Field Day 2023<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.briarpatcharc.com/2023/06/field-day-2023.html" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2872" data-original-width="3830" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjygRPSIG1e6JnoOQUaOsb3MMccuI1bfsVp2rFjbxZCvD2VIJJblEw7FfDOzLzI1MArEK-mip46sTpwTFcQRg7l2qk-GpUe-NCcaZyznEh5bK-pj9lvDD2GsK9EeCis-klWhrk0gYUA-boQ86hCHzvkq727OhLNxcqVOofwWlE1pQaL6KuA5g_S94Mi/w400-h300/20170624_154016.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><p>Next weekend is Field Day! BARC will be hosting our event at the Higher Ground Christian Retreat. There will also be a VE testing session at 1PM, walk-ins will be welcome! See you there or on the air!</p><p style="text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" height="450" loading="lazy" referrerpolicy="no-referrer-when-downgrade" src="https://www.google.com/maps/embed?pb=!1m18!1m12!1m3!1d3201.5087495693692!2d-80.56045212367634!3d36.63820977681354!2m3!1f0!2f0!3f0!3m2!1i1024!2i768!4f13.1!3m3!1m2!1s0x885217cd64835791%3A0x560c72be590c61c2!2sHigher%20Ground%20Christian%20Retreat!5e0!3m2!1sen!2sus!4v1687041636167!5m2!1sen!2sus" style="border: 0;" width="500"></iframe></p>Josh Greerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15453686639226940708noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9050246015666241356.post-37871980609322017302023-05-26T09:38:00.003-04:002023-05-26T09:43:55.639-04:00BARC News Update (5.26.23)<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.briarpatcharc.com/2023/05/barc-news-update-52623.html" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1024" data-original-width="1024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_oTY-rps0iv-NyM006Vr6pQGaW0Uqz9SIT3Xh66BtQJ50u5UoF6281weeR8RsT-gnK-X0Ku3mN5j1IdW1JZh1nokDxufP5onyczf_Vk2gsjUJ8JzKY_E-RrJJDn8w2pw2EeYn541Nh89lp56NeK7oBEMQwb-bvDTUGPv9OW6xwGoloQpcHQkA1QfV/s320/bluebomb85_animated_cartoon_rabbit_reading_a_newspaper_757a200a-a015-4822-ac3e-6a79140b5fb5.png" width="320" /></a></div><p>Here's some noteworthy information from our club meeting held on 5-25-23. </p><p>Dick Newell (WA4ZIZ), our Vice President ran the club meeting in Frank Howard's (WB1USN) absence. </p><p>There will be a testing session held on June 24th during our Field Day activities. Testing will be at 1:00PM. If you would like to register for the testing session, please email <a href="mailto:glensage@centurylink.net">Glen Sage (N4DN)</a></p><p>The Appalachian Trial Golden Packet event will be on July 15th. The event utilizes APRS and links mountain tops along the trail in order to send a packet the entire length. Frank (WB1USN), David (N4SH), and Josh (KM4AZW) are signed up to participate in activating the mountain top at Comers Rock. Anyone who whishes is welcome to attend. The event runs from 10:00AM to about 3:00PM.</p><p>Our club is still looking for a new Technical Officer or perhaps the establishment of a Technical Team. If you would like to be considered for the position, please email us at <a href="mailto:briarpatcharc@gmail.com">briarpatcharc@gmail.com</a> the club will vote for the position in the near future. </p><p>It has been decided that our Christmas dinner will be at the Fiddler's Restaurant on December 9th at 6:00PM. </p><p>It was announced that David Todd (N4SH) will be stepping down as our club secretary due to family commitments that will cause him to miss a number of our club meetings in the future. The club voted and decided that Chris Ecker (KY4QE) will take over the responsibility of club secretary. </p><p>As for a technical report, Junior (N4VL) stated that there has been no progress in locating the cause of interference affecting the club repeater on Briarpatch Mountain. The repeater still works well during the day, but has interference issues at night. The club repeater will remain linked to the N4VL repeater system and the Critter Net Repeater on Groundhog Mountain for club nets. </p><p>Our AUXCOMM team will be divided between two events again next month. The Old Dominion Horse Ride is taking place on June 9th-11th in the Shenandoah Valley and the Sparta Amateur Radio Club has asked us to help with the Tour de Mountains bike ride on June 10th. If anyone is interested in helping out with either of these events, please email <a href="mailto:briarpatcharc@gmail.com">briarpatcharc@gmail.com</a>. </p><p></p>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9050246015666241356.post-65586860756349333022023-05-16T22:27:00.003-04:002023-05-16T22:27:46.460-04:00Higher Ground Christian Retreat Rates<p>With Field Day approaching fast, it's time to start thinking about your stay at the Higher Ground Retreat. Below is a link to the housing and camping rates. </p><p><a href="https://drive.google.com/file/d/131wBuVWQN1mq9dHI-YIahAXED8plmQ0g/view?usp=sharing" target="_blank">Higher Ground Christian Retreat Rates</a></p>Josh Greerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15453686639226940708noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9050246015666241356.post-46844369040549602262023-05-03T20:17:00.000-04:002023-05-03T20:17:11.896-04:00Weekly Club Net Information<p>Due to the ongoing interference issues with the W4BRC repeater. Our weekly club net will meet on the N4VL/R system (145.130- 103.5T). For those in range of Groundhog Mountain, the Critter Net repeater (442.325+ 114.8T) will be linked also.</p>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9050246015666241356.post-53560493611414284132023-04-29T20:05:00.000-04:002023-04-29T20:05:17.629-04:00BARC News Update (4.29.23)<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBsbOnGtTohAXru79erXR17BAnbukut57fW01g2IyetjKm01X5MSWrBWewt5uHyojWmlsp8U8kTxZNqPNMc57NC_OC4CkqGVkO9-kx4Iw1HzfwnQpZyq-6tEJBhOKXkCP5voM_67vbfYM1WfksqRMeSmCC5eNwnTUYntFRXwqKlFfGKP71PgjsP2-8/s1024/bluebomb85_animated_cartoon_rabbit_reading_a_newspaper_757a200a-a015-4822-ac3e-6a79140b5fb5.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1024" data-original-width="1024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBsbOnGtTohAXru79erXR17BAnbukut57fW01g2IyetjKm01X5MSWrBWewt5uHyojWmlsp8U8kTxZNqPNMc57NC_OC4CkqGVkO9-kx4Iw1HzfwnQpZyq-6tEJBhOKXkCP5voM_67vbfYM1WfksqRMeSmCC5eNwnTUYntFRXwqKlFfGKP71PgjsP2-8/s320/bluebomb85_animated_cartoon_rabbit_reading_a_newspaper_757a200a-a015-4822-ac3e-6a79140b5fb5.png" width="320" /></a></div><br />Here is some note worthy information from our last meeting on April, 27th 2023.<p></p><p>Field Day will be held at the Higher Ground Christian Retreat on June 24-25th and all hams are encouraged to bring gear to show and share. We are going to be working on some signage to help visitors locate the pavilion. Some BSA members have been invited this year, so hopefully we will have a good turnout. The VE testing is scheduled for 1PM which will allow hams to start contesting at 2PM. There will be a Saturday afternoon potluck dinner and a Sunday morning breakfast. Everyone should feel free to invite and spread the word about the event. </p><p>The BARC repeater is still having interference issues at night and needs further investigation. Until issues are resolved we will continue to utilize the N4VL repeater system for our weekly nets. </p><p>Frank, WB1USN, reviewed the mandatory deadline for the FCC compliance on posting antenna radiated energy minimum safe distances. Handouts were distributed and the May 3rd deadline was emphasized. Discussion was had on mobile and portable antennas that also fall under these rules. David, AJ4BD relayed that we, station operators, are held responsible for foolish actions of anyone coming near our antennas. </p><p>Junior, N4VL stated that he has been managing the technical side of the repeaters for 40 years, and is planning to step down as our Technical Officer in August coinciding with his 80th birthday. We are truly grateful for everything that Junior has done for the club! BARC will begin looking to appoint a new Technical Officer. </p><p>The monthly presentation was provided by David AJ4BD and Brandy KI4CPJ comparing three coax lines loss with a Tellway meter, a dummy load, and a Yaesu 8900. </p><p>Our next club meeting is scheduled for the 25th of May. </p>Josh Greerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15453686639226940708noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9050246015666241356.post-24854879191330193622023-04-15T20:23:00.004-04:002023-04-15T20:25:29.663-04:00NRT Marathon 2023 Great Success<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.briarpatcharc.com/2023/04/nrt-marathon-2023-great-success.html" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaNL0cYWTsAO6IMttXuWr5-V0bqa-EvImEVsVdnRgmOX8JbWRBFrcrwdlen8bC4T8ac9AgybxTRP9D6ZX758ojLEEbWwc5IRVtNeLh0GMqLw4v-uC30pbwR4TrRZGkATqdbOCUrSOr3VzFIJUwLKP9JdxFXisxTQh1yaoYSYaB3JRMGPv5odH5btvv/s320/20230415_074742.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><p>The club's communication support for the New River Trail 25/50K Marathon on April 15th was a great success. While a majority of our members were preoccupied with the No Frills Horse Ride, our remaining members along with volunteers from Sparta and the local area managed to provide a useful service along the length of the New River Trail. Because of sparse cellular coverage, ham radio was the only form of communication between many of the aid stations that were setup along the course. Event staff as well as event participants were very happy to have us available and are looking forward to continuing next year!</p><p><a href="https://photos.app.goo.gl/1vrZ3JQW3UwqSQ3q9" target="_blank">Click here to take a look!</a></p>Josh Greerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15453686639226940708noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9050246015666241356.post-18650575026534142802023-04-13T10:23:00.000-04:002023-04-13T10:23:01.099-04:00Multi-Event Weekend<p>This weekend our club is split between two events. As of Thursday April 13th, the majority of our AUXCOMM members are heading up to the Shenandoah Valley to start setting up for the No Frills Horse Ride. The ride will take place Friday and Saturday. </p><p>Our remaining members along with support from many other volunteers will be supporting the New River Trail 25/50K Marathon. This event is held between Fries and Galax, VA on the New River Trail and will occur on April 15th. </p><p>Briarpatch Amateur Radio Club would like to wish both groups good luck and great success with all the helpful public service they will be providing this weekend!</p>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0