Re: [BVARC] Logging Program

[David Lira via BVARC]

I've been very pleased N3FJPs logbook. Not super expensive, regular
updates, everything you need and nothing you don't plus you get the contest
logs with the full purchase.

https://www.n3fjp.com/

Regards,
David Lira K5DBL

On Sat, Sep 14, 2024, 14:14 Bob Ring via BVARC  wrote:

> Hello
> I need to setup a logging program. I know there are many to choose from.
> What is the most popular and widely used?
>
> I look forward to responses. Thanks
>
> Bob Ring KI5CDC
> 
> Brazos Valley Amateur Radio Club
>
> BVARC mailing list
> BVARC@bvarc.org
> http://mail.bvarc.org/mailman/listinfo/bvarc_bvarc.org
> Publicly available archives are available here:
> https://www.mail-archive.com/bvarc@bvarc.org/
>

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Re: [BVARC] lightning safety

[David Lira via BVARC]

I took a direct lightning strike at my house back on the 17th when that bad
thunderstorm blew through. It hit one of the trees surrounding my "antenna
farm". It showed me that all of the money I spent on grounding, bonding and
lightning arrestors and switches was money well spent. Remarkably I took no
significant damage.

Prior to that I had bnc connectors at the radio and would leave my station
disconnected when not in use. For reasons Eddie stated I wouldn't want to
mess with coax during a storm.

Regards,
David Lira K5DBL

On Tue, May 28, 2024, 13:44 Eddie Runner via BVARC  wrote:

> I have used outside antennas for most of my life
> and never had a lightning strike (that i know of)
>
> I always hear Hams going to take down an antenna
> or unscrew the coax when a storm is coming.
>
> I WOULD NEVER EVER touch a coax or antenna if I could
> hear thunder or if a storm was near..
>
> Trying to protect your gear may end your life.
>
> Eddie (NU5K)
>
> 
> Brazos Valley Amateur Radio Club
>
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> BVARC@bvarc.org
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> Publicly available archives are available here:
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>

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Re: [BVARC] Emergency preparness

[David Lira via BVARC]

NWS did a skywarn class in Brazoria county down in Angleton a few weeks
ago. It was very informative. They're around but they aren't promoted very
well.

Regards,
David Lira K5DBL


On Fri, May 17, 2024, 12:10 Scott Medbury via BVARC  wrote:

> It has been years since I have heard of a NWS Skywarn Class which is
> several hours long and VERY informative.  I think that most of us could
> benefit from a refresher or the initial class.
>
> 73 and safe at home..
>  Scott KD5FBA
>
> On Fri, May 17, 2024, 11:51 AM K5BOU via BVARC  wrote:
>
>> I hope everyone is well. The following email contains my personal
>> observations, which unfortunately lean towards a negative aspect.
>>
>> Yesterday, we encountered the effects of inclement weather. I was curious
>> about the response of our dedicated emergency Ham radio Operators, who
>> annually invest their time and effort in training for such situations.
>>
>> I understand during storms, it's crucial to disconnect antennas, either
>> before or after the event. I didn't notice any activity on the radio during
>> this time eighteen before or after. I tuned in to some net in Alabama and
>> Florida, where they were actively discussing and preparing for the weather;
>> Dallas also seemed to have a few emergency net in place yesterday.
>>
>> A week ago, during a "stir crazy net," someone mentioned that during
>> previous hurricane events, there was little to no activity from the Ham
>> radio emergency group/team.
>>
>> Here are some questions to consider:
>>
>> - Should our approach be reactive or proactive?
>> - When is it appropriate for the Ham radio emergency responders to be
>> activated?
>> - Are all members of the Emergency Ham radio group in Fort Bend or Harris
>> County physically capable of assisting when needed?
>> - Should we consider collaborating with other Ham radio organizations,
>> such as those in Florida, to glean insights from their experiences?
>>
>> And there could be additional questions to explore.
>>
>> I don't intend for this to prompt rude or sarcastic responses. Given that
>> we are in Houston, and with the upcoming hurricane season predicted to be
>> quite active and unique, I've shared a lot of relevant data on my Weather
>> Facebook page.
>>
>> Does BVARC have a dedicated emergency response team to assist communities
>> in need?
>>
>> These are just observations, with safety in mind.
>>
>>
>>
>>
>>
>>
>>
>> 
>> Brazos Valley Amateur Radio Club
>>
>> BVARC mailing list
>> BVARC@bvarc.org
>> http://mail.bvarc.org/mailman/listinfo/bvarc_bvarc.org
>> Publicly available archives are available here:
>> https://www.mail-archive.com/bvarc@bvarc.org/
>>
> 
> Brazos Valley Amateur Radio Club
>
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> BVARC@bvarc.org
> http://mail.bvarc.org/mailman/listinfo/bvarc_bvarc.org
> Publicly available archives are available here:
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>

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[BVARC] Amateur Radio Saves Family

[David Lira via BVARC]

https://www.arrl.org/news/amateur-radio-saves-family-in-death-valley-national-park

As someone who off-roads in some these remote areas out west this is a
terrifying and heartwarming story out of Death Valley NP. It's one major
reason we carry HF in our rigs and always develop a PACE plan prior to any
trip. Anecdotally here's what ours usually consists of.

Primary: Cell Phone - no service is common when you get off the beaten path
but cell phones are by in large reliable.

Alternate: Satellite Phone - a great reliable backup but I have had both
Inmarsat and Iridium both fail on me before.

Contingency: HF radio - we use this for truck to truck to camp comms but
never needed it in an emergency. Glad to have it though.

Emergency: SoS beacon - expensive and thankfully I've never had to use it
beyond testing prior to deploying in the field.

Regards,
David Lira K5DBL

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Re: [BVARC] Looking for a Fusion/Wires X repeater.

[David Lira via BVARC]

You can try hitting the two fusion repeaters in Friendswood. They're
currently working on the water tower that they're perched on top of but I
believe they are still active. One is 2m the other 70cm. Look them up on
repeater book under KD5GR.

One of the 70cm system fusion / wires x repeaters in the area does a net
entirely in c4fm but I can't remember which repeater it is, maybe the
Friendswood one?

I know that isn't an answer to you question but it's something in that
direction.

Regards,
David Lira
K5DBL


On Tue, Feb 20, 2024, 21:58 Rudolph Ackerman via BVARC 
wrote:

> Decided to give Wires X another try.  Can hit the 444.9750
> 
> repeater (Fred Hartman Bridge, Baytown) in FM Mode.However when I
> switch to DN mode press the Wires X  button nothing is happening.I dont
> see another Wire X repeater in the my area of Houston.   Beltway and I-45
> South
>
> Thanks
> Rudy Ackerman
> KF5QYG
> 
> Brazos Valley Amateur Radio Club
>
> BVARC mailing list
> BVARC@bvarc.org
> http://mail.bvarc.org/mailman/listinfo/bvarc_bvarc.org
> Publicly available archives are available here:
> https://www.mail-archive.com/bvarc@bvarc.org/
>

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Re: [BVARC] Fw: Changes to the POTA Event

[David Lira via BVARC]

>From their website.

Parks on the Air ® (POTA) site for international portable amateur radio
operations that promote emergency awareness and communications from
national/federal and state/provincial level parks.

https://parksontheair.com/ and https://pota.app/#/

It's a lot of fun and good way to test your setup, antennas and make a lot
of contacts.

Regards,
David Lira - K5DBL

On Sat, Feb 3, 2024, 18:18 Tom Watson via BVARC  wrote:

> What is a POTA?
>
> On Sat, Feb 3, 2024, 3:22 PM Jeffery MacMillian via BVARC 
> wrote:
>
>> Good Afternoon,
>>
>> My better judgement aside, I decided to chime in on this topic.
>>
>> First and foremost. I want to thank Anthony and Kori and all the members
>> involved in the POTA events. I do think there were some small mistakes made
>> along the way, but they were all quick lessons and it all blossomed into a
>> wonderful club event.
>>
>> I do not agree with funding these events, but if it went through the
>> board, we should all be OK with it, or run for a position and make a
>> different call. Either way, I don't believe the club's charter states any
>> requirement to keep anyone happy all the time.
>>
>> Is POTA tied to BVARC? That is an easy one. NO. The only relation was the
>> initiative that was taken to start the event in the first place. POTA
>> stands on its own as an organization. Feel free to POTA away.
>>
>> Change is normal and healthy. Expect it. Get used to it. Embrace it.
>> Please stop crying about it on the reflector.  I was raised by a Marine and
>> wwent to finishing school in the Navy. I have just become aware that grown
>> men have feelings and it weirds me out a bit.
>>
>> There is some entertainment value to the reflector but most of what I
>> have seen is utter nonsense and complaining about things they won't go out
>> of their way to resolve. Please read your email aloud or to a loved one
>> before sending. This will help you avoid getting hurt feelings,
>> disrespected, or any number of misunderstandings that occur on the daily.
>>
>> A good dose of reality is always good for the soul. Here is an easy to
>> use chart to help you keep things lined up.
>>
>> Perceptions  NOT Reality
>> Feelings NOT Reality
>> Options NOT Reality
>> Third party Gosip  NOT Reality
>> Reflector Nonsense NOT Reality
>>
>> POTA is what it is   (Poor Operators needing Technical Assistance)  We
>> all move on to a better day.
>>
>> Have Fun,
>> Jeff
>> KC5TT
>>
>>
>>
>>
>>
>>
>> On Thu, Feb 1, 2024 at 4:29 PM anthony moro via BVARC 
>> wrote:
>>
>>> Yes it was the disrespect on the leadership level. This is the reason we
>>> have decided to go back to doing things the way we used to. So I hope to
>>> see y'all out there in the future.
>>>
>>> On Thu, Feb 1, 2024 at 4:18 PM Eddie Runner via BVARC 
>>> wrote:
>>>

 So Anthony,  TO MAKE THIS CLEAR...
 the Board *did approve* you a POTA budget of $1000 a year.

 BUT THATS NOT WHY you want to cut the cord between POTA and BVARC...

 Now I seem to understand it was
 *being disrespected by some members of the Board of Directors*..

 Most of thought is was about the money...
 I SEE NOW..

 Eddie Runner (NU5K)
 BVARC LIFE MEMBER


 On Thursday, February 1, 2024 at 03:44:18 PM CST, anthony moro via
 BVARC  wrote:


 Your email makes sense but has nothing to do with the topic at hand. I
 sent the email to let people know that we will still be doing POTA events.
 Just not with the BVARC name. We are going back to the way we did things
 when we first started things. It has nothing to do with what the BOD has
 said or done. I am only speaking for myself at this time, but I was happy
 helping HAMS during POTA. There are many reasons why we are doing the
 events without BVARC and we talked about this during WFD. I agree we need
 to try to be more professional as operators. That goes for all of us. From
 the Top Brass to the lowest man on the pole.

 So for everybody watching this email thread. We will give out more info
 on what Kori and I are going to be doing next.


 
 Brazos Valley Amateur Radio Club

 BVARC mailing list
 BVARC@bvarc.org
 http://mail.bvarc.org/mailman/listinfo/bvarc_bvarc.org
 Publicly available archives are available here:
 https://www.mail-archive.com/bvarc@bvarc.org/

>>>
>>>
>>> --
>>> *Anthony Morones*
>>> * W5LIC*
>>> *w5li...@gmail.com *
>>> *713-410-3948*
>>> 
>>> Brazos Valley Amateur Radio Club
>>>
>>> BVARC mailing list
>>> BVARC@bvarc.org
>>> http://mail.bvarc.org/mailman/listinfo/bvarc_bvarc.org
>>> Publicly available archives are available here:
>>> https://www.mail-archive.com/bvarc@bvarc.org/
>>>
>> 
>> Brazos Valley Amateur Radio Club
>>
>> BVARC mailing list
>> BVARC@bvarc

Re: [BVARC] How many members support BVARC ?

[David Lira via BVARC]

I don't think it was off topic at all, especially given the comments.

The majority of my activity with the club goes through that repeater in one
form or another. The activity on the repeater and enjoying attending the
club pota events is the sum total of my activity within the club and thus
my support revolves around it.

David - K5DBL

On Tue, Jan 16, 2024, 20:32 Robert Polinski via BVARC 
wrote:

> Just replying to the post, It kind of bashed all my help and made me look
> as a dictator! The repeater belongs to the users. Like you. I just keep it
> on the air. Sorry to get off topic. Robert
>
>
>
> *From:* BVARC  *On Behalf Of *anthony moro via
> BVARC
> *Sent:* Tuesday, January 16, 2024 7:33 PM
> *To:* BRAZOS VALLEY AMATEUR RADIO CLUB 
> *Cc:* anthony moro 
> *Subject:* Re: [BVARC] How many members support BVARC ?
>
>
>
> Again yall are getting off topic. The topic was not about repeaters. It
> was about members supporting the club. How do yall go from supporting the
> club to repeaters that don't belong to the club?
>
>
>
> On Tue, Jan 16, 2024, 7:20 PM Robert Polinski via BVARC 
> wrote:
>
> Technically, Chris you are wrong. The PRRL is many people not just me. I
> hold the role of trustee, but the repeater is property of the PRRL members.
> There are many who I could not do without. Several have made big donations
> that are not BVARC members, but BVARC has helped greatly in the operations
> of the machine. Mike Hardwick has given many hrs helping me with keeping
> the repeater going. I currently have both the main repeater and the UHF
> machine in my shop for repairs. As you know it takes service monitor,
> scopes & special solder equipment to repair these radios, to which I have.
> Last tower work cost over $8000. 00 (2014) and will be required in the near
> future. An antenna may run $800 to $1000 These a commercial rated ant not
> your GP6. Takes lots of $$ to run one. I am grateful for the donations I
> get, from BVARC members or not. During hurricane Reta the repeater bldg.
> was destroyed. Leaving the repeater in 6 inches of water, The next lunch
> bunch (advertised on the BVARC but not a BVARC event. ) money was collected
> to purchase a new repeater, most coming from non BVARC members. The 146.940
> and the 443.825 repeaters are open to all hams, BVARC members & non
> members. Donations are welcome large or small. You can donate VIA the BVARC
> web page. Robert KD5YVQ Trustee of the 146.940 & 443.825 Repeaters
>
>
>
> *From:* BVARC  *On Behalf Of *wb5itt via BVARC
> *Sent:* Saturday, January 13, 2024 11:29 AM
> *To:* David Lira via BVARC 
> *Cc:* wb5itt 
> *Subject:* Re: [BVARC] How many members support BVARC ?
>
>
>
> Technically, the 146.94 repeater is not owned nor operated by BVARC... It
> is licensed to the old Pasadena Radio Relay League which was started back
> in the late 1960s or early '70s when the repeater originally came on the
> air... Even though it's still under a club call it is technically owned by
> an individual who is the trustee of the call sign on the repeater.. too bad
> it can't get its old WR5ABX call back... I wish I could get my old WR5AOK
> call back
>
>
>
> BVARC only uses the 146.94 rptr as it's home channel.
>
>
>
> Chris WB5ITT
>
> Trustee/owner W5APX system
>
> 146.94 BPT and 146.88 LCH
>
> and soon 146.96 Devers, all 100Hz
>
>
>
> Sent via my Samsung Galaxy S10e, an AT&T 5G Evolution capable
> smartphone..so there! 😂
>
>
>
>
>
>  Original message 
>
> From: David Lira via BVARC 
>
> Date: 1/13/24 11:18 AM (GMT-06:00)
>
> To: BRAZOS VALLEY AMATEUR RADIO CLUB 
>
> Cc: David Lira 
>
> Subject: Re: [BVARC] How many members support BVARC ?
>
>
>
> I personally don't have much interest in attending meetings or banquets as
> that is not why I joined the club.
>
>
>
> I joined because I used the 146.94 repeater and met some nice folks who I
> wanted to meet, learn from and attend pota events with all of which I have
> done. As a side note one member benefit I've genuinely enjoyed is the
> monthly newsletter, kudos to whomever publishes it.
>
>
>
> If I was a non member I would be inclined to navigate to the bvarc website
> and donate to the 146.94 repeater and pota funds directly. After all it is
> possible to financially support the infrastructure without joining the
> club. Everyone has their individual reasons for joining or not, I however
> chose to join and donate.
>
>
>
> Regards,
>
> David Lira - K5DBL
>
>
>
> On Sat, Jan 13, 2024, 09:36 Eddie Runner via BVARC 
> wrote:
>
> Simply  put...
>
>
>
>

Re: [BVARC] How many members support BVARC ?

[David Lira via BVARC]

I personally don't have much interest in attending meetings or banquets as
that is not why I joined the club.

I joined because I used the 146.94 repeater and met some nice folks who I
wanted to meet, learn from and attend pota events with all of which I have
done. As a side note one member benefit I've genuinely enjoyed is the
monthly newsletter, kudos to whomever publishes it.

If I was a non member I would be inclined to navigate to the bvarc website
and donate to the 146.94 repeater and pota funds directly. After all it is
possible to financially support the infrastructure without joining the
club. Everyone has their individual reasons for joining or not, I however
chose to join and donate.

Regards,
David Lira - K5DBL


On Sat, Jan 13, 2024, 09:36 Eddie Runner via BVARC  wrote:

> Simply  put...
>
> ALL OF THEM.
>
> By Paying club dues the membership is SUPPORTING BVARC..
> The money from membership is what keeps this club alive..
>
> Some folks may not be able to attend meetings,
> Some may not be able to attend our events..
> Some folks might even live in a different state..
>
> WIsh they could all attend
> WIsh they could all be involved
>
> But at least we have their support!!
>
> THANK YOU
>
> Eddie Runner (NU5K)
> BVARC Life Member
>
> *now, what about the folks that tie up *
> *the repeater and refuse to join BVARC?*
>
> ha ha, I say welcome !
>
>
> 
> Brazos Valley Amateur Radio Club
>
> BVARC mailing list
> BVARC@bvarc.org
> http://mail.bvarc.org/mailman/listinfo/bvarc_bvarc.org
> Publicly available archives are available here:
> https://www.mail-archive.com/bvarc@bvarc.org/
>

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Re: [BVARC] Wanted 25ft of rg8x or similar coax

[David Lira via BVARC]

Thanks all for the recommendation, that's the exactly the kind of place I
was looking for.

I called, ordered and will pick up some coax from them tomorrow. Easy peasy.

Regards,
David Lira

On Tue, Nov 28, 2023, 14:40 Chris Medlin  wrote:

> I second ABR. Great place for some quality products.
>
> 73
> AC5CM
> Typos brought to you by iPhone
>
> On Nov 28, 2023, at 12:25, Mike Hardwick via BVARC 
> wrote:
>
> 
> You can get any type of coax at ABR Industries. Call ahead to make sure
> they have it in stock.
>
> Mike
> N5VCX
>
>
> On Tuesday, November 28, 2023 at 12:09:19 PM CST, David Lira via BVARC <
> bvarc@bvarc.org> wrote:
>
>
> Hi all,
>
> I'm looking for 25+ish feet of rg8x or similar /better lighter weight
> 50ohm coax to complete the run going from my tuner to the antenna. This
> will allow me to go from my mobile setup to a fixed position and back
> again.
>
> If anyone has some scrap laying around they're willing to let go of I
> would be grateful. If the coax has one or no connectors that's fine, i only
> need one end with a pl259 and the other bare and can attach my own if
> needed.
>
> I'll come to you or meet wherever.
>
> Also is there some place local that sells decent quality coax? It's a
> bummer trying to get this stuff shipped and I would prefer to shop local
> when I can.
>
> 73,
> David Lira - KJ5BGL
> 
> Brazos Valley Amateur Radio Club
>
> BVARC mailing list
> BVARC@bvarc.org
> http://mail.bvarc.org/mailman/listinfo/bvarc_bvarc.org
> Publicly available archives are available here:
> https://www.mail-archive.com/bvarc@bvarc.org/
> 
> Brazos Valley Amateur Radio Club
>
> BVARC mailing list
> BVARC@bvarc.org
> http://mail.bvarc.org/mailman/listinfo/bvarc_bvarc.org
> Publicly available archives are available here:
> https://www.mail-archive.com/bvarc@bvarc.org/
>
>

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[BVARC] Wanted 25ft of rg8x or similar coax

[David Lira via BVARC]

Hi all,

I'm looking for 25+ish feet of rg8x or similar /better lighter weight 50ohm
coax to complete the run going from my tuner to the antenna. This will
allow me to go from my mobile setup to a fixed position and back again.

If anyone has some scrap laying around they're willing to let go of I would
be grateful. If the coax has one or no connectors that's fine, i only need
one end with a pl259 and the other bare and can attach my own if needed.

I'll come to you or meet wherever.

Also is there some place local that sells decent quality coax? It's a
bummer trying to get this stuff shipped and I would prefer to shop local
when I can.

73,
David Lira - KJ5BGL

Brazos Valley Amateur Radio Club

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