The Fall Technician class is scheduled to begin on Sunday October 2nd at 1:00pm. This is an entry level class to amateur radio. At the conclusion you should be able to pass the Technician examination.

There is no charge to take the class. You may register at https://www.w3vpr.org/preregister.

. The class will use the ARRL text for Technician licenses, which is available from Amazon.com or the ARRL Store.

This is a reminder that license testing this month is on September 10. The AARC team is part of the Laurel VEC and we offer tests for all three licenses. There is no charge to take the test. To pre-register go to the pre-registration page.

Of note for VHF contesters is the 2022 ARRL September VHF Contest, which begins on September 10 at 1800 UTC, and concludes on September 12 at 0259 UTC. The new Analog Only categories that were introduced for Single Operator participants in June will continue with this event, so there are plenty of ways to participate, no matter which modes (CW, SSB, or digital) you choose to operate. Operation is allowed on any amateur frequency from 50 MHz to light.

If you have a friend who wants to become a ham, tell them there are not one, but two courses coming up.  They have their pick.  Both are done locally, via Zoom.

Abie Alexander, AB1F, was the winner of the Single Operator Unlimited, Low Power 15 meters in the Atlantic Division during the 2022 ARRL International DX Phone Contest that was held in March. 

The MDC QSO Party was conducted on August 13. As of August 15 a total of 129 entries had been received. More are expected, as the cutoff date for submissions is 30 days from the date of the contest.

For those who have not submitted, an entry form is required in order to be considered for points and awards.

Dr. Michael Carper of Ham Radio Deluxe will be the guest speaker (via Zoom) for the August 4 meeting. 

Dr. Carper is the remaining one of three co-founders who founded HRD Software, LLC in 2012. During 2017, he took an active role in managing portions of daily business operations of HRD Software with a focus is on Sales, Support, and Digital Marketing. Today, he sets the agenda product development.

On July 21, the club approved a spending motion for funds to put in a gravel parking area near the clubhouse as well as to erect a new tower. These improvements were approved by the DFRC and have tentative approval from the county. 

The club picnic is back. It is scheduled for September 17, 2022 at the DFRC. Follow the website for information as it becomes available. 

There will also be an equipment sale held on the same day.

The club needs assistance with the Maryland-DC QSO Party. If you are able to help with the planning and execution, contact Eric at president@w3vpr.org or the chairperson at mdcqsop@w3vpr.org.

You are the lifeblood and future of the Anne Arundel Radio Club.

The AARC is always looking for members to volunteer either as a chairperson or a committee member. The possibilities are multiple. There are a few chairperson positions open and committee chairs are always very glad to welcome you aboard. Check out the committees at the Staff List page.

UPDATED: Beginning with the July 21 meeting, in person meetings at the clubhouse will resume. They will also be presented on Zoom for members who cannot attend in person. The meeting begins at 7:30 pm.

Visitors are welcome to attend and become acquainted with the club and members.

The AARC offers testing for all license levels throughout the year, except August when the day conflicts with the Maryland-DC QSO Party. The tests are for the Technician, General and Amateur Extra licenses.

You may take more than one test at a time. However, to get get a General License you must pass the Technician test and to qualify for the Amateur Extra you must pass the Technician and General exams.

For details and further information see the License Examinations page.

Field Day has started. Drop by the clubhouse between 2 pm Saturday and 2 pm Sunday. The radios are set up close by and temporary antennas are around the Davidsonville Family Recreation Center grounds. 

Field Day allows any member or even non-members the opportunity to see amateur radio at work (perhaps be ad hoc on the air yourself). And it offers a chance for you to become acquainted with members who may waiting their turn to be on the air or who are providing backup services.

The new ARRL Technician study manual is presently available from the ARRL website. The questions from the manual become effective on July 1 and will be the basis for Technician exams through June 30, 2026. At present the only option is the bound version (ARRL has the spiral bound format on order from the printer but they've been delayed).

Available at the ARRL store.

The club is hoping to resume hybrid meetings beginning in July. This means members would be able to attend both in person or by Zoom. Watch the website or the President's emails for more information and the date this will happen.

The Maryland-DC QSO Party rules for the coming contest are presently online here.

For full information, see the Maryland-DC QSO Party page.

Many thanks and much appreciation to Maryland Delegates Mr. Boteler and Mr. Buckel and their staff.

Narrative –
Local Government - Regulation of Amateur Radio Station Antenna Structures
Requiring that an ordinance adopted by a county or municipality to regulate amateur radio station antenna structures may not preclude amateur radio communications, must accommodate amateur radio communications, and must constitute the minimum practicable regulation to accomplish the purpose of the ordinance.

The club is in need of a person to serve as the Chairman of the Maryland-DC QSO Party. We are the hosts of the annual event and provide a plaque to the club that initiates the most contacts and points (AARC as the host is ineligible). All other participants are acknowledged by a certificate of participation.

The process is largely automated as a Python program tallies the final score as well as software to help with the mailing. Information is on the website, click here.

Are you an Amateur Extra? 

Keith, AE3D, is seeking Extras to narrate brief topics that will be a part of the upcoming AE class lectures. If you have the time to record a brief presentation on an Extra topic contact Keith at learn@w3vpr.org. The topics are pre-written.