August 2024 presentation – Getting on the air on 630m

Andy KY4DF ventured into ham radio wilderness with the design and installation of an antenna 630 meters and its successful use. Whether you are experienced or new to the ham radio world, you’ll find that we can all learn a lot from Andy’s presentation on this adventure.


August 2024 presentation – Ham Clock overview

Randy Moore (KK4SRO) gives an overview of the software-based Ham Clock by Clear Sky Institute
( https://www.clearskyinstitute.com/ham/HamClock/ )


July 2024 presentation – Understanding Weather Radar

As amateur radio operators involved in weather spotting, many of us use free or low cost weather radar apps. But weather radar can be a complex tool. Meteorologist Davis Nolan will join us by Zoom to give us insights beyond basic viewing to properly interpret as we weather spot. Davis has been forecasting weather for over 42 years on Channel 2 WKRN-TV, and is one of the few broadcast meteorologists in the nation to earn “Certified Consulting Meteorologist” from the American Meteorological Society. Paul WD9IOK is coordinating this presentation, the third he has coordinated this year on weather-related topics.


July 2024 presentation – Antennas at the PSC

In this video, Cliff Batson takes the mystery out of the antennas and antenna routing at the Williamson County Public Safety Center… the HQ of WCARES.

Recorded on July 20th, 2024 after his presentation during the July 2024 WCARES monthly meeting.


May 2024 presentation – Tornado Observing and Safety

In this presentation, Ron Howes (KD4MV) and Paul Havlik (WD9IOK) provide outstanding education on the lifecycle of tornados, examples of local tornados, cloud identification, and best practices for safe observation of tornados. Recorded during the WCARES monthly meeting on May 11th, 2024.


May 2024 presentation – Making YouTube Videos on a Shoestring Budget with Cliff, N4CCB

In this video, Cliff Batson (N4CCB) encourages you to start making YouTube videos with minimal equipment. You don’t have to make your videos Public, so there’s no reason not to get started experimenting with making videos.

Note that this is an expanded version of the presentation given on Saturday, May 12th during the WCARES monthly meeting.

Cliff shows you the gear you can use for less than $100 that will produce great results. A sample ham activation video is shown within this presentation.

Be sure to check out the links in the video description for the gear Cliff mentions.


April 2024 presentation – 10 Years of APRS Projects

In this video, Dallas Clements (K7DCC) reviews practical applications for APRS, reviews the many projects from his 10 years of experimenting with creating APRS stations, and potential new projects on the horizon.

Recorded during the WCARES.org monthly meeting in April, 2024


March 2024 presentation – Bill Jorgensen, K4COM and the WCARES repeater system

Bill Jorgensen (K4COM), Williamson County Tennessee, Director of Public Safety, gives an extensive overview of the linked repeater system in use by the Williamson County Amateur Radio Emergency Services (WCARES) group. This linked repeater system consists of 5 repeaters that cover all of Williamson County.
History, technical details and more made for a great presentation.


February 2024 presentation – Weather Observation and Amateur Radio

Weather Observing & Your Ham Radio Hobby

Paul Havlik (WD9IOK) gave this comprehensive presentation during the monthly WCARES group meeting in February 2024.

Key Objectives of Paul’s Presentation:

– Share what it takes to be a good observer by being “weather aware”
– How to stay ahead of the storms and be ready when they arrive
– Typical weather spotting equipment
– Operating a safe indoor station
– Knowing what and how to report what you see or measure
– Resources for training and participating


Feb. 2024 In-Person & Virtual Monthly Meeting: Weather Observing and Amateur Radio

An excellent presentation at the February meeting by Paul, WD9IOK on safely reporting weather events as part of a local spotting network.

A PDF of Paul’s presentation is here:

Click to access Weather-Presentation-February-2024-Final-widescreen-Rev-2.pdf

Update See this link to watch the recording of the presentation.