SPARC

Getting Started on the SPARC Remote Station

By Tom Schaefer NY4I on 08/05/2019

Please note this is an archived page. The SPARC remote station was removed to support the transition to a multi-transmitted contest station. While this may return in the future, there is not set time frame or even commitment to do so.

A few people have asked recently how to get started on the SPARC Remote station. For those that may not know, a benefit of SPARC membership is the ability to use the club station remotely via your PC. This is done via the free RemoteHams software. The complete RemoteHams … Click for more

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

SPARC Lagniappe *

By Bob Wanek N2ESP on 07/12/2019

For some interesting free weather software, check out www.windy.com

Top Ten Ways You Know You Just Might Be Married To a Ham

10) His favorite superheroes are Marconi and Tesla.
9) His sense of wellbeing is tied to the sunspot cycle.
8) His electric shaver has a backup diesel generator.
7) He shows you his PL-259 connector.
6) For a romantic honeymoon, he chooses Dayton over Tahiti.
5) He rates your love making in S units.
4) He buys you an HT for your anniversary.
3) He attaches a … Click for more

Field Day 2019 Wrapup

By Tom Schaefer NY4I on 07/03/2019

One could not have asked for better weather. An old standard is that ARRL Field Day is the fourth full weekend of rain in June. This year, that axiom proved false as there was not any rain in site the entire weekend. Of course, this being Florida, no rain at the tail end of June means heat—and it was HOT!

The three club banners on the big fire tower stairs [N2ESPhoto]

Antennas

Therefore, the antenna crew got an early start on Saturday June 22, raising the … Click for more

Who Needs Propagation?

By Bob Wanek N2ESP on 06/24/2019

SPARC members were out in force for the 2019 Open Season QSO Party sponsored by Ten-Ten Net International, Inc. Using PSK 31, 5 watts and a flagpole antenna, Robert aka Dean, W8IM won not one but three certificates as shown below: 1^st Place QRP, 3^rd Place World, and 1^st Place 8^th call area.

Terrific effort Dean. Dean also noted that SPARC members Leslie, WA4EEZ and Dave, WS1ETI participated in the contest.

… Click for more

Pinellas Radio Clubs in the Park – Save the Date

By Tom Schaefer NY4I on 06/24/2019

On Saturday September 21st, 2019 starting at 9:00AM, several Pinellas County clubs will host “Pinellas Radio Clubs in the Park” This will be held at the centrally-located Eagle Lake Park at 1800 Keene Road in Largo. The general idea is setup of portable equipment, make a few contacts, visit with friends—old and new—and meet members of some other clubs for a picnic. This follows a tradition started by the Upper Pinellas ARC to get into the field each month for fun out in the open air full of radio related … Click for more