Author Archives: Dan, KR4UB

2019 OCRA/DFMA Combined Field Day

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Join us on June 21st through June 23rd for another wonderful field day event on the grounds of W4BOH near Hillsborough. There is something of interest for almost everyone at our Field Day event. It is certainly an excellent opportunity to learn a wide range of skills relevant to emergency communications and amateur radio in general for new and experienced hams alike.  Field Day Photos from prior years, Join us this year!

There are multiple ways for you to express your field day interests areas you would like to participate in:

  1. Plan to attend the upcoming OCRA club meetings Monday May 13th, June 10th, and DFMA club meeting Tuesday, June 4th to express your interests and learn more about getting involved.
  2. If you already have a membership or interest profile on this website, you can indicate your field day participation interests by simply updating your profile.
    1. If you have misplaced your profile private access link, simply click on the OCRA website menu “Members” then “Retrieve Access Link” and the link will be sent to your email address listed in your profile.
    2. Once you have access to your profile, scroll down to the lower part of your profile and place a check mark and add any necessary text for your field day participation interest to be listed below. Click here for sample view
  3. Or any other way that works for you, e.g. use the “Click Here to Email OCRA” link on the right side of this page to send an email with your name, callsign and list of interests.

2019 Field Day Sign Up Summary

Volunteers in multiple roles (e.g. station op, FD setup & food) are counted multiple times, once in each role

CW: 4, SSB: 8, Digi: 2, VHF: 3, Bonus: 6, Fri Setup: 12, Sat Setup: 10, Take Down: 12 Food: 11

Call SignFirst NameStation Mode BandSaturday OperatorSunday OperatorBonus PointsField Day SiteSet UpTake DownField Day MealsMeal Volunteer Role
N1LN Bruce 80_CW, 40_CW, 20_CW, 15_CW, 10_CW Captain Towers Fri, Sat Sun
N4KW Pete 80_CW, 40_CW, 20_CW, 15_CW, 10_CW Where CW Capt wants me Where CW Capt wants me Where needed Fri, Sat Sun
KG4CFX Christopher 80_SSB, 40/15_SSB, 20_SSB, 10_SSB, VHF any time any time Served Agency Sun PrePay
W4AEN Ed 80_SSB, 40/15_SSB, 20_SSB, Digi any time Solar, Gnd_Rods, Towers Fri, Sat Sun Fri Potluck Cook
W4BOH Wilson 40_CW, 20_CW, 15_CW CW Band where needed Gnd_Rods, Towers Fri, Sat Sun Fri Potluck Cook
KR4UB Dan 10_SSB, Digi, VHF after noon, evening over night Satellite Aux Pwr, 10/6M Station Setup Fri Sun Sat 5pm Dinner, Sun 9AM Breakfast Plan, PrePay, Buy, Chairs/Tables
NA4VY David 10_SSB, VHF Captain 10m Stn Setup Fri Sun
W1KES Keith 80_CW evening morning Youth Ops Towers Fri
W3AHL Steve 80_SSB Captain, any time any time Section Msg Towers Fri, Sat Sun PrePay
K4SAR Joe 40/15_SSB Captain
KV7D Adriano 40/15_SSB
N2XZF Paul 10_SSB any time any time Gnd_Rods, 10m Stn Setup, General Help Fri, Sat Sun General Help
KN4JYP Kathy after noon morning Satellite, Solar Pwr Solar Fri, Sat Sun Sat 5pm Dinner PrePay, Chairs/Tables
KV4ZR Loren Lge Battery, Aux Pwr, Solar, Gnd_Rods, Towers Fri, Sat Sun Fri Potluck, Sat 5pm Dinner
KU4GC Dee Education, Info Table Gnd_Rods, Towers Fri, Sat Sat 5pm Dinner, Sun 9AM Breakfast Plan, PrePay, Ice, Water_Soda
Jean Sat 5pm Dinner, Sun 9AM Breakfast Plan, Buy
KN4QCC Onda Sat Sun Sat 5pm Dinner, Sun 9AM Breakfast Cook
KM4MDR John Fri Potluck Plan, Chairs/Tables, Water_Soda

Field Day Documents

Name Description Author Last Modified Version Downloads
Name Description Author Last Modified Version Downloads
New 2019 Field Day CW Equipment List

CW Stations Planning - Equipment List for 80, 40, 20, 15 & 10M Stations - Contact Bruce N1LN for questions or updates

 		Bruce, N1LN 13-05-2019 15:05 2.0 19 downloads
New 2019 Field Day Sign up Form

Screen capture copy of the Field Day sign up options accessibile via sign up member profiles. Formatted for hardcopy print.

 		Dan, KR4UB 13-05-2019 15:07 1.0 13 downloads

Saturday 5pm Dinner & Sunday Breakfast Meal Attendees Requested to Prepay to Keep Costs Low

Food Pre-Pay, done for the first time last year, was a great success in providing a firm count of of those attending Field Day meals, and ensuring that just right amount of food was purchased.

The festive DFMA/OCRA Friday Night Potluck is still FREE of course with attendees signing up to bring a tasty salad, vegetable, main courses and dessert.

For the June 22 Saturday 5PM Dinner & June 23 Sunday Breakfast…

OCRA and DFMA are asking attendees to prepay (the same price as always, $5.00 for each meal) at the Field Day June 22nd Saturday 5 PM Dinner and June 23rd Sunday Breakfast in order to have an accurate count. This keeps costs low and not have to ask members who do show up to pay a higher amount to cover those who do not. These payments also go to fund the availability of free bottled water during the Friday set up day.

Prepayment authorizes the club to buy food on your behalf and can be by cash or check payment at your convenience as described below. Vegetarian meals can be requested.  PayPal is not used as small payment cost is excessive. Based on the food purchase date, meal orders must be received by OCRA by June 17th. If you pay, and later must cancel due to unforeseen circumstances, send an email to orange.county.radio.amateurs@gmail.com prior to the June 18th food order date, and your payment will be refunded or, you can use it as a tax-deductible donation to the club, or to extend your membership.

Making PrePay Easy

  • Using checks, or cash in an envelope as annotated below will help with record keeping (and refunds for timely cancellations). Checks and cash will be held and not deposited until food purchase. Cancellations received before food purchase will be refunded.
  • In addition to opportunities to pre pay by mail or at upcoming club meetings, the following OCRA/DFMA contacts at the Saturday morning breakfast locations below will accept your payment:
    • Payment to OCRA, P.O. Box 294, Carrboro, NC 27510
    • Each Saturday Ham Breakfast – June 1, 8, 15
      • Egg & I Chapel Hill on NC 54 East – Dan, KR4UB or M.K. W4MKR
      • Virlies Pittsboro TBD
      • BoJangles at Hillsborough – TBD
    • DFMA Club Meeting June 4, (TBD)
    • OCRA Meeting May 13 & June 10 (Dan, KR4UB)

Checks or cash in envelopes marked with the same information shown on the check below will help with record keeping  e.g. name, callsign, number attending dinner and breakfast meals, and preference for veggie meals.

Checking Receipt of your  Meal Sign up Status

As prepay checks and cash are received as described above, the OCRA website page at this link will be frequently updated  Field Day Meal Sign up Status

Thanks in advance for helping this part of Field Day to be a success!

OCRA Board Meeting Minutes 04/22/19

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OCRA Board Meeting Minutes 4/22/19

Attending:Wilson W4BOH, Nick KA1HPM, Lad W4ORD, Karen KD4YJZ, Dave W4SAR, Steve W3AHL, Dan KR4UB, Dee KU4GC.

President, Dave W4SAR, called meeting  to order at 7:00pm

Treasurer: Dan KR4UB, gave the current treasury balance and membership status. The checking and saving balances are in line with ongoing expenses. 68 member’s dues are current with 28 members needing renewal. He suggested dues renewal be focused on at the next club meeting. 14 new members have joined the club over the past year.

Then Dan gave the Annual Financial Report for OCRA.  It showed a modest increase over the previous year. Insurance, PO Box and safe deposit box rental were regular unavoidable expenses. He also noted that pre-pay worked well for both Field Day and the Christmas Dinner.  We came out ahead for Field Day and came out about even for the Christmas meeting except that the club paid for the Exchange Club rental. A motion was made and passed unanimously to accept the report.

Dan presented the report using a brand new video projector.   There had been plans for the OCRA and DFMA clubs to jointly purchase a projector for meeting use.  However, Jimmy Dixon KF4KHU, made a gift of a brand new projector to DFMA and this was the first shared use of this great new asset.

It was reported that the aborted Bouvet DXpedition gave a partial refund to donors.  (Both clubs had sent $410 with each club’s treasury providing $200 in “matching” funds and respective members providing $210.)  OCRA’s net (PayPal charges deducted) refund was $192 or approximately 47%. Donors can request a 47% percent refund or they can leave their share in the club treasury (thank you!).

Dan also discussed using the web site and its database capabilities for hams to list their interests, any areas needing assiatance and participating in the joint OCRA/DFMA Field Day. Provisions have been made for members of both clubs to enter their information.

In addition, provision has been made for currently licensed, non DFMA or OCRA members to participate who meet one of the following criteria:

  • Current or future planned participation in OCRA, DFMA or Chatham AuxComm training and emergency exercise activity.
  • Current or future planned participation in the combined OCRA/DFMA ARRL Field Day Event

Licensed amateurs, not a member of the OCRA or DFMA, but desiring to list their interests may do so by by attending the next OCRA or DFMA meeting and complete an interest/assistance needed sheet and if desired an OCRA/DFMA Field Day participation sign up sheet. This can also be done on the OCRA website by clicking on “Members, Interest Registry Signup to Apply for OCRA Interest Registry Listing.

Hamfests: Dee KU4GC reported on the club tables at RARSfest.  He expressed some disappointment in participation in the club table from both clubs  Main income to OCRA was from the gift of a non-member. With rare exceptions people did not bring anything to sell. (A large part of DFMA income also was due to a gift from a non-member).  The net income to OCRA after paying for the tables was $34. (There is yet one big item from the gift to be sold that could provide additional income.)

Dee announced DurHamFest is on May 25th, the Saturday of  Memorial Day weekend. Dave W4SAR has registered the VE session and will again coordinate that.  Wilson, W4BOH will again produce delicious BOH-burgers on the grill. MK W4MKR and Dee KU4GC will take care of food logistics.

Auxcomm/ARES: Steve W3AHL announced that the Tar Heel 10 Miler had no ham involvement this year.

Repeaters: Nick KA1HPM, reported on activities in Chatham county.  There will be a ham antenna at 230’ on the 300’ tower. Provisions for ham antennas have been planned for all coming towers.

Dan KR4UB reported that OCRA has an almost new Comprod 2M antenna (never installed) which could be sold at a good price to an interested party.

Field Day: Dave, W4SAR reported that nice laptops were donated for Field Day use through the efforts of Adam Caudill WX4WNC. They are Lenovo T440’s with 128Gb SSDs.  The Windows 10 systems still need update to the Bios and Drivers.  A general discussion about Field Day computers and logging ensued.

New Business: Lad W4ORD asked if we want to continue to use the  Exchange Club even if we go to a potluck format. The consensus was “yes”.

Meeting Adjourned (~ 8:30pm)

Submitted by Dee KU4GC

Chatham County AUXCOMM will be using the W4UNC repeater (442.150+ PL 131.8) on Tuesday April 30th from 0800 to 1300

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The repeater will be used by Chatham AUXCOMM on Tuesday April 30, 2019.fro 0800 to 1300

Amateurs may use the repeater during this time period.

Please do not interfere with any traffic that may be passed relating to the exercise.

Your cooperation is appreciated.

 

Technician License Classes Coming Up

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Nick, KA1HPN, will be teaching a Tech License Class Saturday mornings in October. Basic information: Technician License Classes
  • Get your first Amateur Radio License – the Technician Class
  • Three class sessions:
  • 9:00 AM to Noon
  • October 6, 13, 20
  • Chatham County Emergency Operations Center
  • Exam session
  • 9:00 AM, October 27
  • Chatham County Emergency Operations Center
  • Open to class attendees and walk-ins for all classes of Amateur License exams.
This classed was organized for the Chatham County CERT Program, but all persons interested in amateur radio are welcome to attend this course. Contact Nick, KA1HPM, by email at KA1HPM at ARRL dot NET to register and/or get more details. Nick, KA1HPM; 9/28/18

August Gathering at Virlies

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The weekly amateur radio confabulation at Virlie’s Grill in Pittsboro this Saturday morning was enjoyed by eight stouthearted hams who overcame the local audio QRM to exchange pleasantries and repartee.

Jesse, KM4AMR – a new member of the breakfast club – flies drones for fun and profit. With a straight face he informed the group that there was now a drone that can pollinate crops to ameliorate the decline of the honey bee population.

Bill, N8BR, gave an impressive description of DX Engineering’s four square antenna for 160 meters as well as a practically comprehensible explanation of the role of catalysts in the building of complex proteins.

John, KX4P, waxed nostalgic upon his recollection of acquiring his Red Ryder lever-action BB gun as a lad. He still keeps it locked and loaded behind the door. Squirrels beware.

Roy, WA2JLW, remarked on the irony that the Hawaii QSO party was this weekend while they were getting pummeled with Lane’s rains.

Roger, KS4VX, solved the SWR problem on his Butternut vertical … cable. He reminded those assembled that the only free cheese is in a mousetrap.

Nick, KA1HPM, offered to email Jesse some programming info for his HT. He also mentioned that he would like to see an OCRA program on repeaters. Many heads nodded in either agreement or lack of caffeine.

Dave, W4INN, has five boxes of radio junk, about which his wife has given him The Ultimatum. He has made the right choice.

Herb, N4HA, unable to hear half of what was said, made most of this up to encourage your joining us some Saturday, around 8:30 for the fun of it.

By reading this newsletter, you are agreeing that any misstatements, fabrications, and/or typing errors are not the responsibility of a superannuated septuagenarian.

Posted for Herb, N4HA by KR4UB

Annual Ham Migration

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While the crew at Virlie’s Grill took their annual vacation, the ham conclave met at the Root Cellar in Pittsboro for an enjoyableSaturday breakfast.

Pete, K4PHS, appeared wearing a tee shirt which advised us that there were “two types of people: 1) Those who extrapolate conclusions based on insufficient data.” (Some paraphrasing may have occurred.)

Bill, N8BR, is now selling his supply of RG400 coax in 10 foot lots. Cheap.

Terry, KK4JGT, our Chatham CERT organizer, announced a request for CERT support for a Haw River rescue exercise. He now has over a hundred on his mailing list and there are 21 hams.

Hank, K3YDX, participated in Field Day with a Snow Camp group. Casual and fun.

Herb, N4HA, enjoyed a 20 meter CW stint with the DFMA/OCRA team at W4EZ. Thanks to them.

John, KX4P, worked the Baker dxpedition on 40 meters 11 minutes before they closed up shop. That’s cutting it close, John.

SHOW & TELL TIME! John, KK4VUR, brought his newly constructed antenna amplifier for his satellite work. He added a T-bias to supply power. Does anyone remember what the Lagrangian point is?   

Nick, KA1HPM, brought his duplexer on which he repaired a broken coax center conductor with some electronic brain surgery.  

Hope you will join us and add your ham radio input to our next Saturday breakfast at Virlie’s Grill in Pittsboro. Photos by John, KX4P.

73, Herb, N4HA

OCRA/DFMA Field Day Saturday 5pm Dinner & Sunday Breakfast Meal Attendees Requested to Prepay to Keep Costs Low

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From last year’s Field Day and member discussion at club meetings, planning for the Field Day meals is one of the more challenging activities in terms of knowing how many will be at the meals and ensuring the right amount of food is purchased.

The festive DFMA/OCRA BBQ Potluck, hosted by Wilson and a small group of helpers is still on and still FREE. John Boone will be soliciting registration and potluck contributions as last year, so please sign up to join us and bring a tasty salad, vegetable, or dessert.

For the June 23 Saturday 5PM Dinner & June 24 Sunday Breakfast…

For this year’s 2018 Field Day, OCRA and DFMA are asking attendees to prepay (the same price as always, $5.00 for each meal) at the Field Day June 23, Saturday 5 PM Dinner and June 24 Sunday Breakfast in order to have an accurate count. This will help keep the cost low and not have to ask members who do show up to pay a higher amount to cover those who do not. These payments also go to fund the availability of free bottled water during the Friday set up day.

Prepayment authorizes the club to buy food on your behalf and can be by cash or check payment at your convenience as described below. Vegetarian meals can be requested.  PayPal costs for many small payments is excessive and precludes use of that feature. Based on the food purchase date, meal orders must be received by OCRA by June 18th. If you pay, and later must cancel due to unforeseen circumstances, send an email to treasurer@ncocra.org prior to the June 19th food order date, and your payment will be refunded or, you can use it as a tax-deductible donation to the club, or to extend your membership.

Making PrePay Easy

  • Using checks, or cash in an envelope as annotated below will help with record keeping (and refunds for timely cancellations). Checks and cash will be held and not deposited until food purchase. Cancellations received before food purchase will be refunded.
  • In addition to opportunities to pre pay by mail or at upcoming club meetings, the following OCRA/DFMA contacts at the Saturday morning breakfast locations below will accept your payment:
    • Payment to OCRA, P.O. Box 294, Carrboro, NC 27510
    • Each Saturday Ham Breakfast – June 2, 9, 16
      • Egg & I Chapel Hill on NC 54 East – Dan, KR4UB or M.K. W4MKR
      • Virlies Pittsboro John, KX4P
      • BoJangles at Hillsborough – Mike, KK4BPH
    • DFMA Club Meeting June 5, (M.K. W4MKR)
    • OCRA Meeting June 11 (Dan, KR4UB)

Checks or cash in envelopes marked with the same information shown on the check below will help with record keeping  e.g. name, callsign, number attending dinner and breakfast meals, and preference for veggie meals.

Checking Receipt of your  Meal Sign up Status

As prepay checks and cash are received as described above, the OCRA website page at this link will be frequently updated  Field Day Meal Sign up Status

Thanks in advance for helping this part of Field Day to be a success!