Author Archives: AI6VX

VP Message – June 2024

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Image of Jacques KN6VVQ

Hello Ventura County Hams, Can you believe that we are just over two weeks away from Field Day, how has the first half of this year gone by so fast? Our Field Day Committee has been busy planning all the technical aspects of handling one of the largest turnouts in the country, and we are looking forward to a fun 24 hours of operating at Oxnard College. We started the day with 12 stations last year, let’s try and make it 13 this year! Even if you haven’t attended any of the Planning Committee or General Membership meetings, that doesn’t mean you can’t participate. On the contrary, we would love to have you come out and operate with us! There will be plenty of great food, camaraderie, and on-air time for all. No rig? No problem. There will be lots of radios for you to jump on the air and… Continue reading →

Field Day Planning Meeting

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ARRL Field Day 2024 logo

This Sunday June 2nd at 1900 we will be holding our next Field Day planning meeting over zoom. For those of you on Groups.io, you will receive an email reminder with Zoom details 12 hours prior to the meeting. For those not on Groups.io, you can find Zoom details on our club calendar here https://k6mep.org/calendar/ or manually enter the info below. See you Sunday evening! Meeting ID: 997 3597 6541Passcode: 017004 Dave AI6VX

Field Day Survey!

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Hi everyone! Field Day 2024 is right around the corner, and we’re buzzing with excitement! To make this year’s event even better, we need your help. Knowing how you would like to participate this year is essential in planning a Field Day that everyone will enjoy. Could you please take a few minutes to fill out our Field Day 2024 survey? Survey Link: https://forms.fillout.com/t/s12BLQBbyous Please try to complete the survey soon. Your feedback will be a huge help in making sure we all have a fantastic time. Thanks so much for your time and input. We really appreciate it and can’t wait to know your plans. 73, Dave AI6VX

Trivia – June 2024

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Steampunk looking scene with an old book and magnifying lens

We ate wonderfully delicious donuts this past Saturday at our VE session. DID YOU KNOW? 1.  Bubble wrap was invented in 1961, it was intended to be wall paper. It was 1967 when it was first used for packing material.  https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bubble_wrap 2.  In 1954 you could buy the first off the line transistor radio for $49.95 3.  If your cell phone battery is running low, switch to airplane mode to help save battery power. Happy field day! Dana Kg6wxe 

Trivia – May 2024

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Steampunk looking scene with an old book and magnifying lens

DID YOU KNOW? 1 – The candy called Lolipop was named after a racehorse that the candy maker favored. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lollipop 2. In 1956 the hula hoop craze hit, and you could a hula hoop for a wonderful price of $1.98. https://www.smithsonianmag.com/arts-culture/iconic-hula-hoop-keeps-rolling-180969355/ 3. 1954, the nuclear powered submarine , the Nautilus was launched.  https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/USS_Nautilus_(SSN-571) de Dana KG6WXE

VP Says – May 2024

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Image of Jacques KN6VVQ

Hello Ventura County Hams, We continue to creep ever closer to our big event of the year, Field Day! If you haven’t alreadystarted planning what antennas and gear you are going to bring, now would be a good time tostart. We are hoping for another big turnout this year, which means we will all have to worktogether to get as many people on the air as possible. Expect some more updates as the monthprogresses. Last month we had two CQers Club get togethers at Ventura State Beach. The second one wasthe day before the M2B Marathon, which made it difficult for some people to attend. Thismonth I probably only have one weekend day to get out again, so we will tentatively scheduleour next outing for Sunday, May 19th . Keep an eye on Groups.io for more information as themonth progresses. I attended the International DX Convention in Visalia last month… Continue reading →

Pres Says – May 2024

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Boston Dynamics Spot with person

Welcome to the month of May!  Can you believe that one third of the year has passed?  I for one am glad that the rain is behind us and the weather has been warming up. What did we do in April?   What do we have planned for May? Is there anything else you want to learn at this event?  How to use a multimeter?  Test batteries?  Let me know and I’ll try and add it in. See you guys at the May 10th club meeting!

Congresswoman Julia Brownley Presents $963,000 To The County of Ventura for Regional Public Safety Radio Project

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Outdoor image of smiling people all helping to hold a large check

VENTURA, Calif. – On Wednesday, April 3, Congresswoman Brownley presented $963,000 to the County of Ventura to upgrade the region’s 15-year-old analog simulcast radio communications system. The funds will go toward establishing a state-of-the-art digital radio communication system which will utilize 700MHz frequencies. The upgraded radio system will be used by all public safety entities throughout the county to improve communications interoperability for public safety and first responder individuals as they respond to incidents and disasters. “The importance of ensuring our law enforcement and public safety entities in Ventura County have access to high-quality, reliable communications equipment cannot be overstated,” said Congresswoman Julia Brownley. “Not only will this state-of-the-art communication system facilitate better communication and coordination between agencies, but all of our cities and residents will benefit from streamlined services that will lower costs and redundancies. This is truly a win-win for everyone across the region. In advocating for this… Continue reading →

The Keyer Has Been Retired

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Image of an antique morse key, mounted on stained wood

The Keyer has been a monthly Ventura County Amateur Radio Club newsletter containing articles, information on past and upcoming club events, and news about the club and ham community. Written by members, officers, and local hams, this newsletter has been tirelessly assembled by many editors over its 88-year history. Today, with the internet, we no longer have to wait until the next newsletter to provide you with up-to-date information. Within minutes an article or news item can be posted on our new website, and include vibrant photos and clickable links. Because our new website duplicates many of the functions the Keyer provided, the Keyer has been retired. The April 2024 issue was the last one. A big thank you to all the Keyer editors over the years, and especially to Robert KM6RSS – our most recent editor. Your work will live on in the archives. Dave AI6VX