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Pacific County Amateur Radio Club Seminar Series

Comprising a series of sessions covering a wide variety of Amateur Radio topics, this on-going Seminar Series is aimed at both newly licensed Amateur Radio operators, and those who have been around a while. Anyone interested may attend. Club membership, or even a Ham license is not required. The series is not focused on exam preparation, but rather real-world practical knowledge.

The goal is to answer the question, "Now that I have my license, what do I do with it?"

The format for each is a nominal two-hour session. The location and time of each event will be determined by the instructor, and is expected to vary between presentations, so be sure to check where your seminars will be held. In most cases group size will have to be restricted due to practical limitations. Although we will try to accommodate walk-ins, pre-registration is strongly recommended.

This web page has been set up to keep track of the PCARC Seminar Series. Bookmark this page, and check back here often for updates and status. It is recommended that you 'Refresh' or 'Reload' your web browser each time you visit the site to ensure you are viewing the latest update.


Note: The Seminar Series for this year will begin after Labor Day. Summer is a difficult time to hold classes, and once Fall is upon us we will all be looking for things to do...

Date Time Seminar Title Location Cost Limit Contact
October 16, 2011 10:00 AM to Noon Packet Radio
What Next

Naselle Fire Hall

Free 14

Frank NM7R

October 23, 2011 10:00 AM to 2:00 PM Repeater Maintenance
Session 1 of 6
The Transmitter

Naselle Fire Hall

Free 14

Frank NM7R

October 30, 2011 10:00 AM to 2:00 PM Repeater Maintenance
Session 2 of 6
The Receiver

Naselle Fire Hall

Free 14

Frank NM7R

November 06, 2011 10:00 AM to 2:00 PM Repeater Maintenance
Session 3 of 6
Controllers (Part 1)

Naselle Fire Hall

Free 14

Frank NM7R

November 13, 2011 10:00 AM to 2:00 PM Repeater Maintenance
Session 4 of 6
Controllers (Part 2)

Naselle Fire Hall

Free 14

Frank NM7R

November 20, 2011 10:00 AM to 2:00 PM Repeater Maintenance
Session 5 of 6
Duplexers, Filters

Naselle Fire Hall

Free 14

Frank NM7R

November 27, 2011 10:00 AM to 2:00 PM Repeater Maintenance
Session 6 of 6
Antenna System

Naselle Fire Hall

Free 14

Frank NM7R

December 04, 2011 10:00 AM to Noon FM And Repeaters

Naselle Fire Hall

Free 14

Frank NM7R

December 11, 2011 10:00 AM to Noon Message Handling

Naselle Fire Hall

Free 16

Frank NM7R

December 18, 2011 10:00 AM to Noon Emergency Power

Naselle Fire Hall

Free 14

Frank NM7R

January 8, 2012 10:00 AM to Noon IRLP (Internet Radio Linking Project)

Naselle Fire Hall

Free 14

Frank NM7R

January 15, 2012 10:00 AM to Noon Net Control Class
(Cancelled-Snow)

Naselle Fire Hall

Free 14

Frank NM7R

January 22, 2012 10:00 AM to Noon All About BeachNet

Naselle Fire Hall

Free 14

Frank NM7R

January 29, 2012 10:00 AM to Noon Ethics, Jargon & The Rules

Naselle Fire Hall

Free 14

Frank NM7R

February 5, 2012 10:00 AM to Noon Net Control Class
(Rescheduled)

Naselle Fire Hall

Free 14

Frank NM7R

December 11, 2010 10:30-2:00 PM Basic Soldering

Naselle Fire Hall

See Seminar Description 14

Dick AD7AF

January 22, 2011 10:00AM-2:00PM Introductory Morse Code

Naselle Fire Hall

Free 14

Frank NM7R

April 10, 2010 10:30 AM
after club meeting
Get On The Air
with an HF Antenna

Naselle Fire Hall

Free 14

Dick AD7AF

April 13, 2010 6:00 PM ARES/RACES
Familiarization

Naselle Fire Hall

Free 14

Frank NM7R

April 19, 2010 6:00 PM Packet Radio Basics

Naselle Fire Hall

Free 12

Frank NM7R

April 24, 2010 1:00PM-5:00PM Antenna Construction Basics

Naselle Fire Hall

Free 14

Frank NM7R

TBD 10:00 AM HF Basics and the Radio

Lemke Residence, Ocean Park, WA

Free 8

Dick AD7AF

TBD 1:30 PM The HF Antenna and Getting RF Into It

Naselle Fire Hall

Free 12

Dick AD7AF

TBD 1:00 PM HF CW DX and Contesting

N7BBQ QTH (Contact Michael or Dick)

Free 6

Dick AD7AF


Please Email the contact person listed above for your session, or Frank, NM7R, if you wish to pre-register for one of our Seminars. Pre-registration is strongly recommended. Sessions may be cancelled if there are no candidates registered. Don't be disappointed, pre-register!

The instructors are volunteering their time and considerable expertise to make each session an informative and worthwhile experience. What about you? Do you have a favorite Ham-related activity that you'd like to share? Consider leading a Seminar to share the fun. Contact Frank, NM7R, if you have an idea for a Seminar, or would be willing to share your particular interest.

Seminar Descriptions

Packet Radio, What Next, While the "Packet Radio Basics" Seminar concerns the first steps in getting on the air, this presentation is all about what to do with Packet once you are on the air. We will talk about Winlink2000, the BBS, Nodes, digipeaters and how to use them. We will also discuss using this popular text mode in Emergency Communications. Please Click Here to download the class outline and bring to class.

Repeater Maintenance, This series of technically oriented sessions, including classroom, and practical orientation will use real schematics, real equipment and hands-on familiarization, with the goal of preparing the student to perform site visits, inspections, troubleshooting, repairs and improvements; qualifying the graduate to help maintain local area repeaters and related infrastructure. This course is also a great starting place for designing, constructing, installing and maintaining your own repeater station, should that be your goal. If you are inter ested in participating in this series of seminars, contact the instructor. Space is limited.

FM and Repeaters, getting the most out of this popular aspect of Ham radio. We will discuss some of the nuts and bolts of how a repeater works (and doesn't work), and how to maximize the benefit from these range-extenders. We will discuss some do's and don'ts of repeater operation. We will also touch on non-repeater aspects of FM operating. Of course, there will be time for your questions. Please Click Here to download the class outline and bring to class.

Message handling, is intended to either introduce the newcomer to, or polish the old-timer's skills in this vital part of Amateur radio. Traffic handling is a key to our participation during a disaster. We can all use a refresher in this important skill. Please CLICK HERE to download the course outline, and bring to class.

Emergency Power, running the ham shack when the lights go out. We will talk about batteries, generators, and touch on solar and wind power. Issues discussed will include safety, cost and reliability. These techniques can be used for operating from home or away from commercial power when camping, RV-ing or just picnicking for an afternoon with the radio along. Of course, there will be time for your questions. Please CLICK HERE to download the "Emergency Power Class" outline (in .pdf format), and bring to class.

IRLP (Internet Radio Linking Project), uses IRLP Node stations to talk with hams all over the world. This way of extending your FM VHF/UHF range employs the Internet to connect stations together. Most IRLP stations are available for use by any Amateur, as long as you understand how to make it work. All it takes is a DTMF pad and the know-how. Please CLICK HERE to download the "IRLP" course overview (in .pdf format), and please CLICK HERE to download the "IRLP Brochure" (in .pdf format), and bring them to class.

Net Control Class, is recommended for those who would like to be better Net Control Station (NCS) operators. In addition to our weekly Nets, NCS operators are critical during emergency events. This class is particularly recommended for those who will be operating our EOC stations, but even Amateurs with limited mobility or those with physical limitations can be a valuable community resource as NCS, operating from a modest home station. If you are interested in participating in this seminar, contact the instructor. Space is limited. Please CLICK HERE to download the "NCS Class" outline (in .pdf format), and bring to class.

All About BeachNet, will discuss the specifics of this local repeater system, its strengths, limitations and some of its special features. Come learn how to get the most out of your FM radio from home, or as you cruise around our corner of Washington State. If you are interested in participating in this seminar, contact the instructor. Space is limited. Click here to download the User Manual, and bring it to class.

Ethics, Jargon, the Rules and Ham Radio, As with many activities there is the right way, the wrong way, and the Ham Radio way. The class will attempt to address your questions and concerns regarding the CFR Title 47 Part 97 Regulations under which we operate, as well as ethical issues and confusion over jargon arising from such a diverse hobby. We will talk about things the "good guys" do as well as those things that will have other hams talking about you behind your back. We should have time to take your questions on just about anything ham radio related.

Basic Soldering, will orient you to tools, techniques and materials used to construct and repair circuits and circuit boards. After some introductory instruction, you will construct a Morse code sounder project by installing and soldering standard electronic components into a printed circuit board (PCB). The purchase of an "ARRL Morse Code Oscillator Kit" (Order No.: 0024) for use in the Seminar is required. CLICK HERE for details, or to order the kit from ARRL for $24.95. You will also need a snap-on 9-volt battery. You are encouraged to purchase an inexpensive "pencil" soldering iron, approximately 25-watt size, available at Radio Shack and other vendors. Some equipment will be available at the seminar, but having your own will greatly facilitate your learning.

Introductory Morse Code, is intended to get you started in this mode which is traditional, effective, efficient and fun. Nothing says "Ham Radio" like CW. There is no "easy" or "instant" way to learn the Code. We will be learning both receiving and sending. It is recommended that the student have some sort of Morse code "sounder" and key. The project assembled in the Basic Soldering Seminar is a good example. This course should get you over the biggest hurdle - getting started. Click here to download the student handout, and bring it to class. From there it's practice, practice, practice...

RACES Familiarization, is strongly recommended for those interested in Emergency Communications, either as an initial familiarization or a refresher, particularly if desiring to work as a member of the local ARES/RACES organization, but even for those who plan to only participate from home during actual events. This class will introduce you to the Standard Operating Procedures, terminology and techniques central to effici ent emergency operations. If you are interested in participating in this seminar, contact the instructor. Space is limited. Please CLICK HERE to download the "ARES_RACES_Familiarization" outline (in .pdf format), and bring to class.

Packet Radio Basics, A brief introduction to packet radio, covering the mechanics of setting up a packet station, basic commands, the various kinds of packet stations, and an orientation to the available infrastructure in and around Pacific County. This should be "just enough to get into trouble" and a good thorough explanation for the Ham who is deciding whether to get involved in this mode, or has already made the decision and wonders what to do next. We will briefly look at the packet interface with the Winlink2000 system, and the various ways that packet radio might be used in a disaster situation. Please CLICK HERE to download the "Packet Basics" outline (in .pdf format), and bring to class.

Antenna Construction Basics, A basic introduction to building simple antennas for VHF/UHF and HF. These construction techniques, tips and hints can be applied to a wide variety of antenna projects. Of all the station components that Hams "home brew" antennas are the most common. This is a 4-hour seminar. Please CLICK HERE to download the "Antenna Construction Basics" outline (in .pdf format), and bring to class.

HF Basics and the Radio, What are your expectations for HF? Outline radio and antenna specifics. The radio spectrum. The Ionosphere and propagation. Popular modes CW, SSB, PSK, RTTY. The Receiver - features and operating including crystal and DSP filtering. The Transmitter - features and operating. Hands-on, Q&A, recap. Practical ideas and material. Click here for a more complete description.

The HF Antenna and Getting RF into it. Propagation and skip, antenna pattern and radiation angle. The mono-band dipole and vertical. Supporting the antenna. Introduction to multiband antennas and short antennas. Feedline, baluns, tuners. Build or buy? Some commercially available products and materials. Click here for a more complete description.

HF CW DX and Contesting Learn the secrets to grabbing the tough contacts, how to get the absolute most out of your station performance, whether at home, Field Day, or a tropical beach in the South Pacific. The class is held at Michael's (N7BBQ) station. Contact him for directions. Class size is limited to 6.



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Last Updated 01/15/12