Just a reminder that we will not be monitoring the Williamson Co. siren tests until further notice.
From Ed Hudgens, WB4RHQ:
The EMA is in the process of reworking the system, and until that is completed we will not be checking the sirens. – Ed
During the September 18th WCARES monthly meeting, Todd Horton (Director of the Williamson County EMA) gave a fantastic presentation.
His PowerPoint title slide asked, “What is Emergency Management?”
Todd provided a thorough answer and went well beyond this to include the structure of the Williamson County EMA, their vision, their capabilities, facilities, and much more.
The August 2021 WCARES Monthly Meeting was in-person at the EOC.
Mobile HF Contesting: Jim Hall (AD4EB) shows how much planning, preparation, and dedication is required to participate at a world-class level of performance.
Tim Kreth, AD4CJ presented an ARRL video on RF Exposure and how to do the calculations and previewed a new ARRL calculation web page that should make the process easier.
Here are some related links:
ARRL Now Provides Free RF Exposure Calculator
RF Exposure Rules – ARRL video
ARRL RF Exposure information and resources page
Another WCARES Field Day is in the books. After a long period of only virtual events we were able to enjoy a limited in-person Field Day at the EOC in addition to members operating at home or in the field.
The pictures were provided by Josh N4CSV, Robert KA5WMF, Doug W4DML, Cliff N4CCB and Phil W4PHS.
(Buy/Sell/Trade ham gear)
On Sunday, July 11th at Noon, we’ll host a tailgate event at the Ag Center.
While we’ve been given permission to use the upper parking lot from Noon until 6:00pm, tailgate events are often wrapped up within an hour or two. So, get there as early as you can.
Those wishing to de-clutter their shack by selling a few things should bring their own table(s).
This event is still six weeks away, but mark your calendars and start looking around to see if you have any gear you might want to part with.
You can find more details about the Ag Center here:
http://williamsoncounty-tn.gov/594/Ag-EXPO-Park
(This event is also listed on the Event Calender)
and here is a map showing the entrance to and location of the upper parking lot:
The June 2021 WCARES Monthly Meeting was in-person at the EOC.
Cliff Batson (N4CCB) gave a presentation on the final plan for the WCARES Field Day 2021 event:
and Jack Cox (KA4OTB) gave a tour of the Auxiliary Communications room inside the Williamson County Public Safety Center:
Field Day initial discussion
With six weeks until Field Day 2021, it’s too soon to have a comprehensive presentation… but it’s not too early to begin making Field Day plans. This video gives viewers an overview of Field Day and presents a list of things to consider when planning their Field Day event. A more thorough presentation will be made during the June 2021 WCARES monthly meeting.
WSPR Experiment
In this video, Rob, KN4RHI experiments with WSPR (Weak Signal Propagation Reporter) with his HCLW-20* antenna.
*Highly Compromised Long Wire antenna is Rob’s tongue-in-cheek designation of this makeshift antenna located only 10′ off the ground.
Virtual Shack Tour
Paul, KM4PT takes us on a virtual tour of his ham shack and also shares his love of portable ops.
Presentations & Shack Tour!
ARES & Public Service: Father Raphael Ortiz (W4RAO), Assistant Section Emergency Coordinator for Eastern Tennessee, talked about the ARES response to the Puerto Rico deployment for Hurricane Maria in 2017.
Tech Topic: Krissy Hurley (Warning Coordination Meteorologist, NWS) gave a presentation on Identifying Severe Weather Features.
Virtual Shack Tour: Dave Matthews (KI4PSR)
Presentations & Shack Tour!
N0AX – Grounding and Bonding
Ward Silver (N0AX)
(Note that this is a link to his presentation on another channel… not the WCARES Media YouTube channel)
ARES and Public Service: Boston Marathon
Jeff Schwartz (KC1DWP)
Virtual Ham Shack Tour
Tim Kreth (AD4CJ)