Operating

W4TA World Champs

By Bob Wanek N2ESP on 11/13/2019

Radio teletype (RTTY) may be a technically ancient mode of communication in these days of sophisticated digital modes, but it can be a lot of fun. Members of SPARC’s contest team proved that by winning 1^st place Worldwide and 1^st place North America in the Multi-Operator High Power (Multiple Transmitter category in the 2019 running of the Makrothen RTTY Contest. With a total score of 3,003,769 points consisted of 652 QSOs, each having an average distance of 2,902 mi (4,607 km).

Member taking place in this record setting … Click for more

1500 watts and a Beam…

By Tom Schaefer NY4I on 10/22/2019

With apologies to “100 watts and a wire”, why not go big with the SPARC remote club station! For those that may not know, one of the benefits of SPARC membership is access to a great remote station. The station happens to be the SPARC club station we use for contesting. The station is available using the RemoteHams software (free or $10 for an Android app).

Using your PC and headset, or a paddle and keyer if you prefer (including a straight key if you are really adventurous), you can … Click for more

Do you like fresh air, food, hanging around with radio buddies?

By Tom Schaefer NY4I on 09/14/2019

If you like fresh air, food and hanging around with your radio friends, make the drive to Eagle Lake Park in Largo on September 21st. It is first and foremost a chance to spend time with some friends (new and old), talk radio and maybe see how people do other parts of the hobby you may not see all the time. We were planning on a transmitter hunt and some satellite operations. It is much more low-key than Field Day in that people are ENCOURAGED to bring their own equipment… Click for more

Radio Clubs in the Park

By Tom Schaefer NY4I on 08/21/2019

>>> Please click here to sign-up <<<

Our friends in the north, the Upper Pinellas Amateur Radio Club, have for a long time done a monthly foray into a local park called UPARC in the Park. This is to setup radios/antennas and just get together for some outdoor fun. Since we all enjoy getting together at the “Field Days” with UPARC and CARS, we decided to do a joint Radio Clubs in the Park. On September 21, 2019, at Eagle Lake Park in Largo, we invite everyone to

… Click for more

SPARC’s Own Lisa, KC1YL – ARRL’s “Member Spotlight” Sept QST

By Ed NZ1Q on 08/13/2019

SPARC salutes one of our members for being highlighted in QST for Ham Radio Accomplishments in Connecticut as well as Florida. Don’t miss the full page article in QST where Lisa is in the ARRL Spotlight – Volunteer operating, E-Coms support, CERT, club participation and VE testing, new ham promotion and more.

On the ARRL web site page 13 (login required) or read the article here.

Related Images:

Are You Ready to RTTY…

By Bob Wanek N2ESP on 07/13/2019

As announced at the last meeting, will be participating as W4TA in the North American QSO Party-RTTY.

This contest begins at 2:00 PM local time on Saturday July 20, 2019. The contest continues for 12 hours, ending early Sunday morning. W4TA will be operating in class M2, i.e. two transmitters will be on the air at the same time, but on different bands.

This contest is a great chance for newcomers to get your feet wet in digital contesting. WARNING: RTTY contesting is addictive, so plan to stay awhile. … Click for more

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