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2012 Technician License Training Class Report

                                       By Bob Rodriguez, KJ4NXG

On Friday evening January 13 and Saturday January 14, 2012, a Technician Class amateur radio operator class sponsored by the Loudoun Amateur Radio Group (LARG) was held at the Winmill Carriage Museum on the historic grounds of Morven Park in Leesburg VA. The purpose of the class was to:

1) Assist local Boy Scouts in earning the Radio Merit Badge, and

2) Familiarize all attendees with the material which could be covered in the Technician Class amateur radio license exam.




The VEC exam session will be held on Saturday January 21, 2012 in Morven Park's Hofmann Building at the Equestrian Center.

Five Boy Scouts and 10 adult trainees participated. The class was taught by instructors Henry Weidman (K2BFY), Jay Greeley (KI4UTB) and Bob Rodriguez (KJ4NXG).

ARRL produced PowerPoint and film clip presentations were used as the backbone training materials for the class. The PowerPoint material "teaches to the test" by familiarizing class attendees with the ~400 questions in the item (test question) pool, from which 35 are used in various versions of the Technician Class License exams.

LARG member (and trainee) Judy Wodynski provided the Morven Park training site and served as the training class hostess. Additional LARG members Norm Styer, Paul Dluehosh, Jay Ives, Sean Sheedy and others supported class logistics.

Serving as the BSA Radio Merit Badge Counselor, trainer and LARG member Bob Rodriguez will continue to assist those scouts who desire to complete their merit badge requirements, which include a mock QSO and a visit to a (ham) radio station.

 






Respectfully submitted, Bob Rodriguez - KJ4NXG

Radio Merit Badge and Amateur Radio Exam Training
Winter 2012 Tech Training Class

By Bob Rodriguez, KJ4NXG

Click For PDF Version

Click For Printable MS Document Version



To "Be Prepared" means being able to communicate with family and friends during an emergency. One way is to have an amateur "ham" radio, and a license to operate it. Earning your BSA Radio Merit Badge takes you well on your way to becoming licensed as a "ham" radio operator.

A free Loudoun Amateur Radio Group (LARG) sponsored class is being held this Friday evening (January 13th) and Saturday (January 14th). The class is designed for anyone desiring to take the required FCC exam to operate on amateur radio. There is no fee for the class, and all responsible youth and adults are invited. Scouts who attend can all but complete the requirements for the Radio Merit Badge by bringing the Radio Merit Badge worksheets and a signed Blue Card with them. Download the Radio MB worksheet at: http://meritbadge.org/wiki/images/1/10/Radio.pdf A BSA Radio MB Counselor and other LARG members will help scouts with their worksheets and with requirement #7.

Class Details:
"Technician Class" license exam preparation training is being held this Friday and Saturday at Morven Park's Winmil Carriage Museum off of Old Waterford Rd. on Southern Planter Lane in Leesburg. The Morven Park Mansion and Winmil Carriage Museum address is: 17263 Southern Planter Ln., Leesburg, VA 20176. Go here for directions: http://www.morvenpark.org/directions.php
The training class runs from 6:30 pm until 9 pm on Friday, and 8:30 am until 4 pm on Saturday. The Friday session will be repeated at 1 pm on Sunday.

There is no fee for the class, but attendees should either bring a lunch or $5-$8 for carryout which will be ordered during Saturday's class. Please note: There will not be time for leaving and returning to Morven Park during the lunch break. LARG will supply bottled water.

Attendees can be dropped off at the Winmil Carriage Museum, however there is no parking at the museum itself. Park in lot #3. Signs to the "LARG Class" will be posted and a ride to the Museum (about 2-3 blocks walk) from the parking lot will be provided before class (please be prompt).

The 35 question "Technician Class" amateur radio license exam will be given at Morven Park on the following Saturday (January 21st). A donation of $15 is requested for taking the exam. All exam questions can be previewed on-line, and practice exams can be taken on the Internet without cost. Learning Morse Code is NOT a requirement. (A 7 year old girl recently earned her license!)

Please refer to LARG's website under "Ham Training" for the latest info at http://www.k4lrg.org/Training/index.html or have them email bob.rodriguez85@gmail.com .

14th Annual LARG Holiday Party

(Purcellville, VA. December 20, 2011)  The Loudoun Amateur Radio Group held its fourteenth Annual Holiday Dinner on Saturday, December 10, 2011 at the Harmony Hall in Hamilton, Virginia. There was great fellowship and lots of fine food. It was so nice to see so many old friends.

Nancy Dluehosh - N1NCY of Leesburg arranged the invitations and dinner selections, John Unger secured the Harmony Hall, and Marcy Brown encouraged Nancy.

Bob Rodriguez - KJ4NXG of Round Hill and fellow members of the Chorus of the Old Dominion entertained us with great inspiring holiday songs.

We recognized John Unger - W4AU for his outstanding performance in the 2011 Virginia QSO Party with a new All Time Commonwealth-Wide High Score as Virginia Single Operator CW. See below. We held our Outstanding Member of the Year Ceremony. This year the Outstanding Members Committee selected Luther Guise - K5NOB of Leesburg. Luther, thanks for all you do. See below. Paul Dluehosh did an outstanding job on selecting gifts and running the door prize program. There were five special radio winners - congratulations. And, the Fifty-Fifty Drawing was valued at $72.00. All forty plus of us will remember this outstanding evening of fine entertainment, fine food, fine gifts, and fine fellowship. Thanks to all who helped pull this one off !!!

   READ MORE


Luther P. Guise - K5NOB
     Selected Outstanding Member for 2011

 

(Purcellville, VA. December 10, 2011)  The Loudoun Amateur Radio Group hereby recognizes the outstanding contributions of Luther P. Guise - K5NOB of Leesburg, Virginia, for his outstanding support, attention to detail, invaluable dedication and excellent stewardship of the LARG as 2011 President, and the 2010 Vice-President, selfless Captain Duty for K4LRG Field Day, and outstanding coordination and management of Balls Bluff Battlefield Re-enactment Support.

The Group thanks Luther for his steadfast net manager performance for the every growing LARG Sunday Night 2-Meter FM Net. He is also recognized for his valuable support to the Leesburg Air Show Communications Support, the many Reston Century rest station and SAG support operations, and Leesburg First Night Public Service operations, and his participation in the LARG Berryville Hamfest Campaigns.    READ MORE




Spi-Ro T-40 Traps in a Multiband Dipole
                                   By Paul Bock - K4MSG

 


(Purcellville, VA. December 7, 2011)  Following a recent experience with a multiband trap dipole that failed due to a mechanical problem in one of the traps, I decided to create a new antenna using a different type of trap. The antenna that failed used Unadilla KW-40 traps, the mechanical design of which lends itself to failure if the plastic housing on which it is built fails by cracking apart, as happened with mine.

My initial thought was to design and build a new trap but I happened upon Spi-Ro Manufacturing, a company that sells antennas, antenna accessories, parts, etc. Among their products are antenna traps intended for multiband dipoles and one of them, the T-40, is for use in an 80/40 meter dipole that can also operate on 20, 15 and 10 meters with "somewhat higher VSWR."

Although more expensive than Unadilla traps ($76/pair versus $52/pair), the mechanical design seemed more robust so a pair was ordered.

Photo 1 illustrates the T-40 trap. The electrical components are housed inside a 7.25-inch length of 1.25-inch OD PVC pipe with PVC end caps glued on. Connections are made to threaded brass fittings on each end which carry 10-24 brass screws. A close-up of the wire connection to the brass fitting is shown in Photo 2. The trap has a design frequency of 7 MHz and is rated at 600 watts. 

READ MORE OF PAUL BOCK'S ARTICLE

Loudoun ARG To Support Reston Century
2011 Op Plan & Maps Available - Click Here

This gif is Royalty Free Copyrighted Animated Gifs for Non-Commercial Use only. de http://www.gifs.net/animate/giflist.htmReston Bicycle Club Communications Support Operation. August 21, 2011.
  (Purcellville, VA. July 31, 2011.) The Reston Bicycle Club's 29th Annual Reston Century on Sunday, August 21th will featured as many as 1100 bicycle riders visiting Loudoun County. The Loudoun Amateur Radio Group will provide public service assistance and emergency communications support to this annual operation with primary support to the riders.

This is a real operation. Folks find themselves in all kinds of situations out on the roads and trails. Emergency support from the Loudoun Emergency Services are often called upon. Over the years more than one rider was evac'd and at least one rider lost  his life. Our support is important.

This operation will begin before dawn and will have our capabilities spread throughout Loudoun County. All available LARG members are asked to support this operation. There will be a FM Voice Fixed and Mobile Net, an FM VHF-UHF Crossband Repeater, an FM APRS Digi-Repeaters System, APRS Mobile Stations, SAG Shotgun Communications Riders, Bicycle Mobile Route Riders, and a Central Net Control Station to coordinate our support. This year the support system has been expanded with an additional Rest Stop in Lovettsville and an additional, 5th, SAG Vehicle. There is more than enough for everyone. See Gary Quinn's initial announcement and request for support and track planning at QST de K4LRG.

To volunteer and support this operation please contact Gary Quinn - NC4S - Assistant Emergency Coordinator - Loudoun County - ARES at nc4s@loudounwireless.com. Our operation will be much like the 2010 operation. This will be our 12th Reston Century Support Operation; prior operations are reported at  K4LRG.ORG - Public Service .

Loudoun Amateur Radio Group   
     Operators Focused On 2011 Virginia QSO Party

(Purcellville, VA. June 17, 2011)   The Loudoun Amateur Radio Group (LARG) fielded several very focused operators with 25 submitted station logs for 1,280,218 points and placed a distant second to the Fauquier Amateur Radio Association (FARA) with 32 logs and a combined score of 2,243,633 points. The Central Virginia Contest Club finished third with 1,178,281 points.

The Sterling Park Amateur Radio Club (SPARC) has published the 2011 Virginia QSO Party scores and awards. These are available on their Internet Site. Gordon Miller - NQ4K's presentation at the Manassas Hamfest is also posted.

Two LARG members received Commonwealth Awards:

John Unger - W4AU operating Single Operator - CW - High Power made 579 QSOs and 1177 QSO Points for a score of 194,705 with 165 Multipliers. In setting a new Commonwealth All Time High Record, John surpassed the 135K point record set by Patrick Wilson, W4PW of Quinton, in 2009.

Norm Styer - AI2C operating Single Operator - All Modes - All Bands - High Power made 1345 QSOs and 1686 QSO Points for a score of 330,774 with 217 Multipliers.

Many LARG members made it into the fourteen year old 1998 - 2011 LARG Virginia QSO Party All Time Record Book
                                      LARG All Time Records (ATR) Virginia QSO Party Record Book
                                             Breaking into the "Top Ten" is not easy - Congrats !!!
                                                                    READ MORE

LARG Makes Manassas - 2011


(Purcellville, VA. June 17, 2011)   It was a slow one. Two vehicles pulled out of the plumping outfit on Route 15 south of Leesburg at 0520 hours - it was O-Dark-Thirty. Dave - KE4S was point and John - W4AU with Norm - AI2C as shotgun was trail. Traffic was lite except for several horse trailers and we closed at 0550 hours. They didn't start taking money until 0610 hours and the gates finally opened at 0620 hours. Dave was the only one who brought stuff and his 4-position coax switch was sold before 0645 hours.

We had some breakfast and made the rounds. About 0800 hours the commercial buildings opened and we picked up some PL-259's, RCA plugs, some RG-58 coax and a copper ground stake from RF Connections. Oh, I did buy some clip-on sunglasses; so, you know it was slow. That was it. I had brought a tomato stake to aid my twisted back, after mowing on the farm in Pennsylvania on Saturday; it really kept me the chair; the ground rod worked better.

Gordon - NQ4K came by and we learned the the Virginia QSO Party presentation was postponed until 1115 hours at best and by 0945 hours, John and I decided we had enough. Dick - W2YE promised to pick up our VAQP awards. So, we Closed Station - March Ordered.  READ MORE

OPERATION: GEM CITY
or another adventure to the Hamvention in Dayton, OH by Luther Guise - K5NOB


(Purcellville, VA. June 13, 2011)   Each year a few Loudoun Amateur Radio Group members make the annual pilgrimage to Dayton. This year Luther - K5NOB report on their '"EM CITY Operation."

There are a few additional photographs provided by Paul - N4PD.

Sally (K4NOB), Luther (K5NOB), and Bill Frisbee (W3EMH) left the Guise QTH in Leesburg at approximately 0930 on Wednesday, May 18th. Other than the some severe rain and thunderstorms in the mountains the trip was pretty uneventful and gave everyone some time to chat and discuss their times in Tehran.

Arriving a day early Sally and Luther spent the day at the Air Force Museum at Wright Patterson Air Force Base. It is a great museum even for a former Army wienie like Luther. While Luther was over taking photos Sally ran into Nancy (N1NCY) and Paul (N4PD).

Friday, the first day at the Hamvention was a beautiful day to be outdoors and enjoy the flea market. There was the usual cast of characters as well as a couple of new ones.

A few minutes were spent visiting with Meg (AI4UX) at the AMRAD booth but Frank (K0BRA) was AWOL, supposedly headed to the latrine (which is French for library).

After a lunch of barbecued brats the afternoon was dedicated the looking for "treasures" inside the arena.

 READ MORE

K4LRG/B Flight 2009A Video
Receives Honorable Mention


(Purcellville, VA. April 4, 2011)   In February 2011, the Loudoun Amateur Radio Group submitted their video of the launch of K4LRG/B Flight 2009A to the first ever ARRL Video Contest.

This was an amateur video contest with dollar awards for the first four winner.

The ARRL received 30 submissions and announced their selection on April 4, 2011:

Announcing the Winners of the ARRL Video Contest

Here are the winners -- and two Honorable Mentions -- of the 2011 QST Video Contest

Appearing in the K4LRG/B Flight video at the Launch Site:
Tom Dawson - WB3AKD, Round Hill, VA.
Suzanna Grobbel - XYL of WB3AKD, Round Hill, VA.
Jim Stowers - K4FW, Sterling, VA.
Chris Elmer - KD8MEZ, Shepherdstown, WV., from Shepherd University.
Gene May - WB8WKU, Ashburn, VA.
Two students from Shepherd University's Near-Space Group.
Thanks to everyone who helped pull this one off.  A full report on K4LRG/B Flight 2009A is available HERE.


Service Report on W4DLS Repeater

                      By Rick Miller - AI1V

(Purcellville, VA. February 26, 2011)   Executive Summary:   We found and replaced a missing bolt in the mounting sleeve of the antenna on the 145.31 repeater and it vastly improved the receiver behavior. Please start using it and report your observations to me at ai1v arrl.net. This was a team effort of Frank, KØBRA, Craig, N4FSC, and myself and was a very satisfying troubleshooting experience. Those interested in the details can read on...
       Details: This afternoon, Frank (KØBRA) and I went up to the 145.31 site. We had done some experiments in the past week and also consulted with Craig (N4FSC) to formulate some theories on why the receiver seemed so poor and plan our troubleshooting approach. The theory we thought most likely was that something mechanical on the roof in the vicinity of the antenna was turning the transmit energy coming out on 145.31 into energy in the receiver pass-band at 144.71, and interfering with the real received signal. Read More Of The Service Report - It Includes Several Videos. The fix was short lived and Frank Gentges - KØBRA returned on March 1, 2011, and applied another fix to the antenna mounting unit. His report is integrated into the above report.


LARG Balloon Flight Operations

Presentation By Rick Miller - AI1V At February 19, 2011 LARG Meeting


At the February 19, 2011, Loudoun Amateur Radio Group's Monthly Meeting, Rick Miller - AI1V of Reston presented a program on the Loudoun Amateur Radio Group's Balloon Operations.

This is an outstanding presentation and was quite informative to all. Many more members are now getting ready for our next Flight or Fox Hunt.

This presentation was originally made to the Escondido Amateur Radio Society of California by Rick in early February, 2011. Rick says this club is also gearing up to "FLY."

This presentation is available here. For an Adobe PDF File Format - Click Here.

The video at Slide 22 is large - 70 MB. Start the download in WMV Player then come back to it when it starts playing.  A standalone copy of the video of the launch of Flight 2009A is available here.





ARRL 2010 Bill Leonard, W2SKE, Professional Media Award
Awarded To Washington Post Reporter
For 2010 K4LRG Field Day Coverage

(Loudoun ARG, Purcellville, VA., January 31, 2011)   Allen Pitts - W1AGP, Public Relations Director for the ARRL, has advised us that our nominee, Phillip Lucas of the Washington Post won this year's Bill Leonard Award! The ARRL Board of Directors' selection reported in part: "While a staff writer for The Washington Post, Phillip Lucas covered the 2010 ARRL Field Day with the Loudoun (Virginia) Amateur Radio Club in his article "Loudoun Radio Fans Dash to Test Their Skills." Members of the ARRL's Public Relations Committee felt that Lucas captured the essence of Field Day by showing operators trying to make contacts across a variety of modes and conditions. The article was picked up by wire services, appearing across the globe. Lucas now works at The News Journal in Wilmington, Delaware."

The following link has more details on the ARRL award:

The 2010 Bill Leonard, W2SKE, Professional Media Award - Print/Text

Mr. Phillip's article is available here.  A full report on the 2010 LARG K4LRG Field Day is available here.

Congratulations to Randy - W4XJ for his great work as Field Day PR Captain.

Best Regards, Doug - KJ4BRN
LARG - K4LRG 2010 Field Day Chairman

First Night Leesburg - December 31, 2010

(Loudoun ARG, Purcellville, VA., January 10, 2011)   The Loudoun Amateur Radio Group and Loudoun Amateur Radio Emergency Service volunteered twenty-three members and friends to Leesburg before sunset on New Year's Eve, December 31, 2010, for the annual public service communications support operation for First Night Leesburg. Jay - KI4TXP had published an Operation Plan that provided instructions, procedures, and guidance; further, an On-The-Air 2-Meter Coordinating Net was conducted two nights before deployment. Eighteen operational sites throughout downtown Leesburg were supported by our super communicators. The central control was established on the second floor of 1 East Market Street. Communications were conducted on a 442-MHz simplex radio frequency and the WA4TXE Leesburg Repeater was monitored as a secondary circuit. Site support communicators used hand-held transceivers equipped with headsets and separate microphones.

         The main duty was to conduct a site head count and forward it to net control at quarter past the hour. The peak total counts occurred at 8 and 9 PM when they was well over 2000 and some sites reported turning hundreds of folks away. The weather was nice and it was a quiet night with mostly site head counts being the only traffic. Though our support personnel were available to assist in other ways. The communication operation closed by 11:30 PM and many were home to see the New Year's Ball drop in Times Square on television.

         First Night Leesburg is a wonderful family event for the young and the old. Some estimate that over sixty percent were mom and dad with their kids. We all thank the families, churches, and shopkeepers of Leesburg for hosting this remarkable event. First Night Leesburg is coordinated by Bluemont Concert Series, the Cultural Spirit of Our Communities. First Night ® is a registered trademark of First Night Inc., P.O. Box 208, Leesburg, Virginia 20178.   READ MORE.


LARG Supports 28th Reston Century Across Loudoun

(Loudoun ARG, Purcellville, VA., January 12, 2011  -  Finally A Report On K4LRG.ORG) This was the 28th Annual Reston Bicycle Club's Century Ride on the trails and roads of Loudoun County. Again, this was a big event with as many as eleven-hundred riders traveling across Loudoun County. See RBC Stat Report. Riders chose between a 34, 62 or 100 mile route with the longer ones going deep into the heart of Western Loudoun County.

Again this year, the Loudoun County Amateur Radio Emergency Service (ARES) and the Loudoun Amateur Radio Group (LARG) provided on-site and on-route communications support for this operation. This was our eleventh year supporting the Century Ride.

Gary Quinn - NC4S, Assistant Emergency Coordinator for Loudoun ARES coordinated with the Reston Bicycle Club and led this communications support and directed the communications operations from his home station near Waterford, Virginia. On August 17, 2010, Gary - NC4S issued the Operations Plan that was published on K4LRG.ORG and at 1900 hours, August 19, 2010, there was an on-the-air coordination net to finalize planning. We met on-the-air on WA4TXE - 146.700 MHz Repeater.    READ MORE


2010 Leesburg Air Show - Public Service Communications

(Loudoun ARG, Purcellville, VA., November 14, 2010) The annual Leesburg Executive Airport Air Show was held on Saturday, October 23, 2010.

It featured experimental aircraft and other static aircraft on display in addition to local and national aerial artists. The evening ended with the Annual 1940's Hangar Dance sponsored by the Commemorative Air Force (CAF).

For the first time, the Loudoun Amateur Radio Group provided on-site supplemental back up communications support for the show with emphasis on parking and crowd control, and of course, back up support communications for air field and flight safety.

As many as 15,000 visitors were expected. Amateur radio communications among the several sites was provided by 440-MHz handheld radios. Thirteen members supported this operation.

This report along with his initial operations plan is provided by Jay Ives - KI4TXP of Lucketts, Virginia. Photographs are by Luther Guise - K5NOB of Leesburg, Virginia. 

   READ MORE


Riley Hollingsworth - K4ZDH on the Amateur Radio Service

Riley Hollingsworth - K4ZDH at the Loudoun Amateur Radio Group's October 2010 Meeting at the VFW Post #1177 in Leesburg, Va. Photograph by Norm Styer - AI2C de Clarkes Gap, VA.(Loudoun ARG, Purcellville, VA., October 20, 2010)  A Living Legend spoke to the Loudoun Amateur Radio Group in October 2010.


Mr. Hollingsworth's address is all inspiring and is a great tribute to the American Way, our Amateur Radio Community and to Mr. Hollingsworth's outstanding service to the Nation.


He has allowed us to share his remarks.


We encourage everyone to take some time off and listen to this very remarkable spokesman for Amateur Radio.

His remarks are Here, or, via our Public and Community Service Section.



The YLRL & YL's of the LARG

(Loudoun ARG, Purcellville, VA., September 28, 2010)  There are over a dozen Young Ladies in the Loudoun Amateur Radio Group. They participate in every aspect and every activity of our Group.

On August 21, 2010, Nancy Dluehosh - N1NCY and Carol Boehler - KF4TJJ presented a truly outstanding program about the Young Ladies Radio League, founded in 1939, at our monthly meeting. Both Nancy and Carol have attended YLRL's National Conventions and their presentations on their League and it's activities was an eye opener for all the OM's.

To encourage more radio activities by and to assist the Young Ladies of the Loudoun Amateur Radio Group, Nancy - N1NCY announced and has begun conducting a LARG Young Ladies' Communications Net. The weekly net currently meets on Monday nights at 7 PM local time on the WA4TXE/R Repeater on 146.700 MHz.  This net time and day may change as the YL settle in on an operating schedule. Check the latest net schedule here. All Young Ladies are invited and encouraged to participate.

The Loudoun Amateur Radio Group is very proud of all their Young Ladies. We all know we couldn't do half the stuff we get involved in without their outstanding support. They are QRV - "33" 

READ MORE ABOUT THE YLRL

The 2010 Berryville Campaign

(Loudoun ARG, Purcellville, VA., September 11, 2010)    At 0515 hours it is still O-Dark-Thirty. We had a nice 8-unit convoy out of the old IGA parking lot in eastern Purcellville at 0520 hours local. Tom - WB3AKD was unit 8 who joined as we moved by Round Hill. Gary Quinn - NC4S was point and Tom - WB9RXJ was trail. 

We were some of the first units there and they were upon us as we parked under the tall trees in the eastern end of the Clarke County Fair Grounds. It didn't take long to part with the good stuff. Gary - NC4S and Tom - NA4MA cleared everything by 1030 hours. If you need a nice radio then this is the place to shop around.

           There were many - like at least twenty-six - Loudoun Amateur Radio Group current and past members who stopped by to say hello. Read More About Berryville 2010



LARG Makes Manassas - 2010

(Loudoun ARG, Purcellville, VA., July 18, 2010)    It was a busy Spring 2010 but some were planning for this campaign. It's O-Dark-Thirty at F & L Plumbing south of Leesburg. By 0520 hours we had 6 units moving south with Dave - KE4S at Point and Rick - AI1V as Trail. We stayed on 147.48 MHz in case other wanted to join us. By 0555 hours we closed on the gate but they weren't ready to well after 0600. One or two set up in the tailgate area while K3CN and AI2C located their reserve table to display the gear from N4SSN.

     It appeared that there were more tailgaters than customers. But by noon, most of the N4SSN stuff was gone. And, there were some really nice old stuff but not all of it was amateur radio related. Many of us ate a lot. They have a big breakfast capability. At 1000 hours, we all took in the 2010 Virginia QSO Party presentation by Gordon - Miller - NQ4K. For Norm - AI2C, it was nice receiving his fifth high single operator award since 1998. This was his best effort with 1500 QSOs. We closed down the N4SSN table by 1330 hours and were home by 1500 hours. It was nice riding with you all. Best Regards, Norm - AI2C
 Read More About Manassas 2010


The Pilgrimage: Dayton 2010

(Loudoun ARG, Purcellville, VA., July 18, 2010)    The Pilgrimage: The anticipation is high and it's a long ~450-mile drive through West Virginia and across Ohio; finally, there are signs.

     Several Loudoun Amateur Radio Group members made the annual pilgrimage to Dayton this year. Some drove and then went on to other cities and events. A member was reported visiting on Saturday after flying out in his POA - Personally Owned Aircraft. Those attending could not remember who. Anyway, John - W4AU drove with Gary - NC4S and Norm - AI2C as Shotguns. Nancy - N1NCY and Paul - N4PD, Sally - K4NOB and Luther - K5NOB, and Marcia - KJ4GYH and Dodson - AJ4EY were there. Maybe there were others. Oh, yes, our very good friend with the Propagation Xtal Ball, Lee Wical - KH6BZF attended. It was great to have another Eye-Ball QSO with Lee. Some stocked up on antenna and other small parts while others ordered up some big ticket items like a new Alpha. Of course, most made it to the Contest Dinner and the DX Dinner. Gary - NC4S and John - W4AU even won a few door prizes. This year, the DX Dinner's prize list topped $50,000. Everyone get lucky.
 Read More About Dayton 2010

The Great Little Fox Hunt of 2010
as reported by Denny Boehler - KF4TJI

(Loudoun ARG, Purcellville, VA., June 1,, 2010)    Following the smallest LARG meeting I can remember on Saturday, May 15, 2010, LARG's smallest fox hunt commenced. There were only two hunters, Denny, KF4TJI and Doug, KJ4BRN. We decided to ride together. Doug moved his equipment to my truck. I set my radio to the fox's frequency, 145.560, and we were off.

We headed west on Rt.7 listening as we went. When we got to Rt. 601, I went south a ways. Doug was curious about the location of the Bluemont repeater, so I drove past it. Then I headed north on 601. No hint of a fox anywhere. Since I did not want to end up in West Virginia, I called Tom, WB3AKD, to check with him. This was supposed to be the easy fox. While talking to Tom, I realized the fox frequency was 145.650, not 145.560! Tom suggested we head back toward Leesburg.

Just east of the Hamilton exit, Rt. 704, we got a strong signal from the fox, but had to go to Rt. 9 to exit. If I had put the right frequency in, we would have found the fox much sooner! We drove back on old Rt. 7 and stopped to get bearings just north of Hamilton. The bearings pointed about 30 degrees. Within three blocks the signal disappeared. We drove a loop north and west of Hamilton without hearing the fox. Then we decided to try the road which parallels Rt. 7 just north of it. There we got a strong signal. We drove back to Rt. 704 and parked near the W&OD. We had no signal from that location. Doug headed west and I headed east on the W&OD. After walking over a quarter mile, I got a faint signal. When it improved a bit, I called Doug on the balloon frequency to tell him I had a signal. He had already started heading my way.     Read More of Denny's Report Here

Successful K4LRG/B Flight 2009A

(Purcellville, VA., December 17, 2009)  The Balloon Committee of the Loudoun Amateur Radio Group conducted a very successful launch, tracking and recovery operation of its K4LRG/B Flight 2009A on Sunday, October 25, 2009, in northern Virginia and Maryland. Preparations began in earnest in early August.

We flew two payloads 1) the Tom - WB3AKD K4LRG/B 145.650 MHz CW Beacon and 2) the Mike - KJ4KGB APRS Rocket Altimeter. Mike flew his package in preparation for a high altitude rocket flight scheduled for the southwest United States in 2010 or 2011.

We launch from Harrisonburg, Virginia and recovered the payloads east of Poolesville, Maryland. Launch was at 0932 hours eastern with a 1500 gram balloon. Burst was at 1050 hours at about 95,334 feet. Lost Of Signal (LOS) was at about 1135 hours and recovery teams were on site around 1200 hours. At least twenty-three individuals from several organizations participated in this flight.

Tom Dawson conducted several sessions with the Near Space and Beyond Alliance - A Working Group for Space Explorers - at Shepherd University in West Virginia including assembly of the altimeter payload and the flight train. Several Shepherd University students participated in the launch and they also traveled to the recovery site. Chris - KD8MEZ's Shepherd University's People and Websites is here. Chris Elmer describes preparation for and the Flight LARG-SUNSBA-1 here. He has photographs of the launch and recovery. Several have been incorporated into this report.

News about near space activities in local universities is available here.

Mike - KJ4KGB is associated with the Maryland Delaware Rocketry Association Inc. (MDRA) . Mike - N2GEG is associated with high altitude rocket projects.  Information about Mike is available here.

READ MORE ABOUT  K4LRG/B  FLIGHT 2009A


June 2009 - Loudoun County Amateur Radio Month

(Purcellville, VA., June 2, 2009)

County of Loudoun, Virginia
Board of Supervisors

Proclamation
Loudoun County Amateur Radio Month
June 2009

WHEREAS, Amateur radio operators have a long standing tradition of supporting their communities, responding to emergencies, and training the next generation of knowledgeable and experienced communications volunteers; and

WHEREAS, Loudoun County amateur radio operators have offered countless volunteer hours assisting with numerous local emergencies and supporting the Loudoun County Emergency Operations Center (EOC), the American Red Cross, including emergency efforts for hurricanes and on September 11th, 2001, the Metropolitan Washington Airport Authority, and the National Weather Service; and

WHEREAS, Loudoun County amateur radio operators routinely support local community events such as the Reston Bike Club- Red Cross Charity Bike Ride, the Bluemont Concert Series' First Night Leesburg, Lovettsville Oktoberfest, the March of Dimes Walk, the Loudoun County Mental Health Walkathon, Potomac Safety Day, Purcellville Safety Day, Sterling Crime Prevention Evening, and other events as requested by the County or individual groups; and

WHEREAS, The amateur radio community is made up of a diverse group of residents of all levels of experience and the community provides training and mentoring to amateurs on new technologies and lost arts, camaraderie and encourages community volunteer support; and

WHEREAS, Amateur Radio Month will acknowledge the contributions the Loudoun County Amateur Radio Group and other ham radio groups make to the County and local communities and will also promote the continued support of these organizations and their activities in the County; and

LET IT THEREFORE BE RESOLVED that the Loudoun County Board of Supervisors hereby recognizes June 2009 as Amateur Radio Month.

                                /S/ Scott K. York, Chairman                          /S/ Stevens R. Miller, Dulles District

       Large Printable Proclamation Version   (Or, resize your browser to 50% of full screen to read)      -        Browser Readable Proclamation Version

The Pilgrimage - Dayton 2009

(Purcellville, VA., May 18, 2009 - Reported and photographed by Paul Dluehosh - N4PD)   A few Loudoun Amateur Radio Group members made the annual pilgrimage to Dayton this year. Nancy - N1NCY and Paul - N4PD met a few from Loudoun County and some old friends and share these photographs.

Nancy picked up a new smaller VHF handheld transceiver. We don't know what Paul got yet. It maybe coming in by freight.

Luther - K5NOB and his newly licensed XYL, Sally - KJ4LWO, had a great time. And, of course, Dick - W2YE was there as usual. Maybe Buddy - K4CJB was also. At left: Sally Guise - KJ4LWO, Luther Guise - K5NOB, Don - W0DM - who sat with us while we all had some of that great Hamvention Pizza, Nancy - N1NCY, and myself. We hope more can make the Pilgrimage next year.  READ MORE

Sterling Park Crime Prevention Evening - 2009

(Loudoun ARG, Purcellville, VA., January 16, 2009)  On Thursday, January 15, the Loudoun Amateur Radio Group participated in a special Crime Prevention Evening in Sterling Park with Loudoun County Supervisor Eugene Delgaudio. Representatives were present from DEA, US Postal Inspectors Service, State Police and Loudoun Sheriff's Office. Congressman Frank Wolf and some Loudoun County Officials were also present.

The subject was keeping the citizens of Sterling Park safe and covered gang-related issues, postal fraud, identity theft, etc.

Supervisor Delgaudio made a special point to tell the audience of over 100 people of the important role Amateur Radio plays in the safety of the community and commended our work to them.

We had a display in the foyer. Several people indicated an interest in ham radio and we even connected with a few that were lapsed hams.

A great big thank you to Frank - K0BRA and Meg - AI4UX for staffing this event with me.

Best Regards, Randy - W4XJ    (  Larger Photograph )

Successful K4LRG/B Balloon Flight 2008A

     (Purcellville, VA. July 20, 2008)  The Balloon Committee of the Loudoun Amateur Radio Group conducted a very successful launch, tracking and recovery operation of its K4LRG/B Flight 2008A Balloon Flight on Saturday, July 19, 2008, in northern Virginia. Preparations began in earnest in early July. Tom   - WB3AKD designed and built the flight package and launch hardware. Sean - AI4ID took over mission control duties and with a lot of help from all our members, they pulled off a nice flight tracking and recovery operation. Our preparations are recorded here. Throughout the week before launch, Tom monitored winds aloft and ran Balloon Track each day to determine the best launch site. Our target was west on the Blue Ridge in Clarke County and if necessary, Loudoun County east of the Blue Ridge. The Launch Team settled on a public park near Summit Point, in Jefferson County, WV.

        We deployed five tracking teams at sites which would look into the predicted flight path area. Norm Styer - AI2C was at Harpers Ferry, WV., Jay - KI4UTB was at Snickers Gap on the Clarke - Loudoun County line, Chuck - KE4IEO was in the south near Routes 17 and I-66. Denny - KF4TJI was on North Mountain west of Winchester and the launch team at Summit Point with Dave - KE4S also provided tracking data. We also had Charlie - K4LJH in Hamilton monitoring and recording the telemetry and assisting with bearings once the payload was down. Gary - NC4S assisted from his station north of Waterford and was the first to reach the LZ. Rick - AI1V provided reports of significant changes in the flight and 'punched in' all the CW telemetry data - now that's cool. Finally, many others throughout Virginia, Maryland, West Virginia and Pennsylvania monitored and sometimes provided observations. We appreciated them all. Mission control operations on the WA4TSC/R repeater on 147.300 MHz was very smooth, mostly well disciplined and got better as the flight continued. Jay - KI4TXP was the voice of mission control and ran a tight net. The MP3 3 minute plus MP3 audio clip was recorded, produced and provided by Dan - NE3Z from his home in Arlington, VA. This is cool and we hope you all enjoy Dan's work. You may replay with the control above.

The flight are nominal - almost perfect. Launch was at 9 AM and the tracking teams had no trouble copying the 600 milliwatts old Radio Shack transmitter signal on 145.650 MHz. It was so nice to hear perfect 20-WPM Charlie Whiskey. We flew with a very old 1993 600-gram balloon but it did make it to 70,000 plus feet before fatigue set in - it gets very cold up there and the material get very brittle. By 10:30 AM morning winds have picked up and after burst they carried it well into Loudoun County.

Recovery was a breeze. It's always nice not to completely lose the signal and in this case many continued to monitor the payload at 5-plus miles. It was in good health battery power wise. So, we quickly drove to within a mile or two and then with great luck spotted it in a tree in a backyard just off Taylorstown road in northeastern Loudoun County.

After the proverbial cut-down ceremony, we all adjourned to the Talk of the Town in Lovettsville for lunch. It was a nice flight. You may read more about this operation   -   Click Here .

Amateur Radio Emergency Service Members
Visit Loudoun County Emergency Operations Center

Loudoun ARG, Purcellville, VA., February 11,, 2008)  Members of the Loudoun County Amateur Radio Emergency Service (ARES) visited the new Loudoun County Government Emergency Operations Center (EOC) at 801 Sycolin Road, S.E. Suite 100, Leesburg, VA 20175 on Wednesday, February 6, 2008. We signed in and gathered in the main Conference Room of an introductory briefing by Tom - WB3AKD, the Emergency Coordinator of Loudoun County ARES. Tom presented Kurt - KI4FWB of Lovettsville with a special achievement award.

       The recently opened facility is a spacious, modern communications and coordination room equipped with as many two dozen dual screen communications terminals. There are three wall-mounted multi-screen video displays. Every element of the county government has representation. All positions operate on the WEB-EOC system and have access to all in the EOC, the regional and the state-wide emergency communications networks.

       The central operating room is semi-harden with concrete block walls and staff, meeting rooms and support facilities surround the central operating room. Standalone uninterrupted electrical power for the entire facility is further backed up with on-site electrical generators. Additional information is available on the Loudoun County Government Internet Site.     READ MORE .

The Dual Foxes Of 2007

(As Told By The Ghost Rider on July 21, 2007) The Ghost Rider was up at 0600 hours and was ready to roll off of Canby. He checked his handy Yaesu Model VX-170 2-Meter Transceiver that he kept by his bedside and there it was: a big beautiful Charlie Whiskey signal on 145.650 MHz. The tones made him feel good! It would be a nice day. It was two-thirds full scale. He thought it must be in his backyard or down in Digges Valley. He figured this would be a piece of cake.

As he listen to the Charlie Whiskey, he copied frames 5 then 6; so, it was just activated. Then there was something strange about the signal, there was a weaker set of tones resending everything again about 10 seconds after the first set of louder coded signals. That was really different. He thought no more of it, as maybe Tom - WB3AKD, the keeper of Foxes, had dreamed up a new modulation scheme or the Fox had blown a gasket.

Anyway, off to the IHOP in sleepy Leesburg and then to the LARG monthly meeting.     READ MORE  


LARG Contesting 101

(Loudoun ARG, Purcellville, VA. May 21, 2007.)  John - W4AU of Hamilton and Paul - N4PD of Leesburg presented a program on Contesting at the May 21th meeting of the Loudoun Amateur Radio Group. There are several internet file versions of this program:

SMALLER FILES WITHOUT PHOTOGRAPHS:

PDF Format (164 kb)        Power Point Format (71 kb)

LARGE FILE WITH PHOTOGRAPHS:

Power Point Format (3 Megs)

Many thanks to John and Paul for a "'Bravo Zulu" presentation. Sign up for our June Field Day operation and practice your skills.

The Washington Dulles International Airport Emergency Exercise 2007

Communications Support Operations By Amateur Radio Emergency Service of Loudoun County and Other Northern Virginia ARES Entries

(Loudoun ARG, Purcellville, VA. May 18, 2007.)   This was the second periodic emergency exercise since 9-11 at Dulles International Airport that amateur radio operators participated in as members of the Amateur Radio Emergency Service (ARES). Unlike the 9-11 Operation but like the 2004 emergency exercise, planning and preparation were begun earlier in the year. Tom - WB3AKD of Round Hill, the Emergency Coordinator for Loudoun County Amateur Radio Emergency Service, coordinated planning and participation by Loudoun, Fairfax, Prince William, Arlington, Alexandria, Fall Church City, and other Northern Virginia elements of ARES.   READ MORE


Amateur Radio Emergency Service Of Loudoun County, Virginia

Participate In Virginia Emergency Response Team Exercise 2007

(Loudoun ARG, Purcellville, VA. May 24, 2007.)   On April 25-26, 2007, Loudoun Amateur Radio Group and Loudoun County Amateur Radio Emergency Service members provided emergency communications support at the Loudoun County EOC during the Virginia Emergency Response Team Exercise - 2007.

At left, the ARES Position In Loudoun EOC is manned by Margaret - AI4UX of Great Falls and Carol - KF4TJJ of Leesburg.


READ MORE


W3ZI Multi-Multi Operation in the 2006 Pennsylvania QSO Party

Another eXtreme Adventure By The Guys and Gals Of The Loudoun Amateur Radio Group of Northern Virginia

This is the W3ZI Multi-Multi Station operating crew. This photograph taken on site on Saturday morning before start of the Pennsylvania QSO Party. Photograph by Larry Hughes - K3HE of Leesburg, Virginia. This photograph marked up by Denny Boehler - KF4TJi who will print this as the QSL card for this operation.

(Loudoun ARG, Purcellville, Virginia - December 11, 2006.)    This year, with the encouragement and leadership of Bill - K8SYH, a group of eleven members of the Loudoun Amateur Radio Group of Northern Virginia organized and executed a Field Day style operation in the October 2006 Pennsylvania QSO Party. For many years, Bill - K8SYH had operated as a portable station in the PAQP from a campground in the rare Somerset County; John - W4AU had operated out-of-state from Virginia for many years; and Norm Styer -  AI2C, operated /3 from his family farm in Berks County in 2004 part time.

Originally, we thought it would be fun to mount a mini-M/M or M/2 operation from that same location in Somerset, but as interest was generated and it looked like we may have as many as a dozen operators, Norm - AI2C, generously offered to let us use his family farm in Berks for our 2006 PAQP operation. However, we were not going to have the luxury of just showing up and operating at a "real" M/M station. The only permanent antennas at Norm's farm are 40 and 80 meter dipoles.

The planning evolved over a couple of months, and we finally zeroed in on a M/M station with 5 HF rigs. Mark - W3ZI decided to accompany us and let us use his fine business callsign; that made things easier.

          Our team shown to the left were (front left - right) Norm Styer - AI2C, Chester - WA9LAZ, Tom - NA4MA, Mark - W3ZI, Gary - NC4S, (rear Left - right) Denny - KF4TJI, John - W4AU, Carol - KF4TJJ, BA - QM and Chief Cook, Bill - K8SYH, and Larry - K3HE. READ MORE


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Next LARG Monthly Meeting - January 21th

(Loudoun ARG, Purcellville, VA. January 28, 2012)  A Regular Monthly Meeting on the Loudoun ARG will be held on Saturday, February 18, 2012, at 8:30 AM at the Leesburg Holy Trinity Lutheran Church at 605 West Market Street.  Get Map

       The church is located at the intersection of Market Street and Catoctin Circle on the west side of town. It is just east of the bypass. From the Bypass, take the Leesburg exit at the bottom of "Leesburg Mountain," on the west end of town and the church is on the right just past the traffic light.

      Early Birds meet at the Leesburg IHOP for breakfast near the Leesburg Wal-Mart at 7:30 AM.

     

The Loudoun Amateur Radio Group's Sunday Night 2-Meter Net

(Loudoun ARG, Purcellville, VA. January 31, 2009 - Revised November 2, 2010)  The Loudoun Amateur Radio Group's Sunday Night 2-Meter Net. Each Sunday night, the Loudoun Amateur Radio Group conducts an On-The-Air-Get-Together at 8:30 PM local times.

This Loudoun Amateur Radio Group's Sunday Night 2-Meter Net operates on two outstanding local 2-Meter repeaters. If necessary, we switch to our Group's simplex frequency in Loudoun County, Virginia. Please refer to our operating schedule below.

The Repeaters and Group's Simplex Net are:

       - The Dulles Amateur Radio Group's W4DLS/R Repeater at 145.310 MHz with negative 600 kHz offset and with a PL of 77 Hz. This repeater is located in eastern Loudoun County at the intersection of US Route 28 and the Dulles Toll Road. We all thank the Dulles Amateur Radio Group and Craig Brown - N4FSC of Sterling, VA.

       - The WA4TXE/R Repeater in Leesburg, VA. that operates on 146.700 MHz with negative 600 kHz offset and with no PL. We all thank Dave Boltson - WA4TXE of Charles Town, WV. As of November 2010, the WA4TXE/R Repeater has additional coverage west of the Leesburg Mountain Range:

The 146.700 repeater network now can be heard West of the mountains on an aux frequency of 145.170 MHz. This is a frequency that duplicates the output normally on 146 700 MHz.

HOW TO USE 145.170 MHz on WA4TXE/R:

The Leesburg repeater VHF input Frequency is and WILL stay on 146 100 MHz.; this is a Standard Frequency Split of 600 kHz. If one needs to hear the repeater over the mountains, then SET a new memory in your radio with a channel pair using 145.170 MHz as THE PAIRED receive frequency for a transmit frequency with 146.100 MHz. Basically one is setting A non standard split for the second channel associated with the Leesburg repeater. Use this paired combination when 146.700 MHz gets noisy heading West on RT 7 over the mountains.

Currently a courtesy beep is not in use on the frequency and the carrier will drop after each transmission. Ultimately it will sound and operated as the main system but is still in the test mode but totally active 24/7. This Frequency plan and procedure was selected as no new standard VHF frequency repeater pairs are available and therefore has been recommended by TMARC (The Mid Atlantic Frequency Coordination Group) which assigns and approves repeater operations in our coverage area. As changes and improvements are made information will be available on QST de K4LRG Yahoo LARG Reflector and on the LARG weekly radio nets. Best Regards, David - WA4TXE November 2, 2010.   

         - The LARG Simplex Net on 147.480 MHz simplex with no PL.

Operating Schedule:

       On Sundays that occur in odd numbered months, we will use the 145.31 machine - W4DLS/R. On Sundays in even numbered months, we will be on the 146.70 machine - WA4TXE/R. If you can't remember which to use, here's a hint: 145.31 ends in 1, which is an odd number, and 146.70 ends in zero, which most mathematicians throw in with the even numbers. For example, February, April, June, August, October and December are the even numbered months and during these months, we'll meet on the WA4TXE/R repeater.

       Of course, if the designated machine is ever down for any reason, we will automatically switch to the other - what a luxury! And, if both are inoperative, then we will meet on our Group's Simplex Net frequency of 147.480 MHz with no PL.

       Everyone is welcomed to join this event . Hope to meet you there!

LARG's Yahoo eMail Reflector - "QST de K4LRG"

Thanks to Norm Styer, AI2C, and the folks at eGroups (in the late 90s) and now Yahoo, we have a list-server where club news, activities, ideas and other topics are discussions. If this sounds like fun, you are welcome to our LARG 'QST de K4LRG' Reflector Web Site and you may join at that site - just click on  "Join This Group."

Amateur Radio Emergency Service Reflector and Internet Sites

To facilitate notifications to the Loudoun County ARES memberships, and provide a central archive facility, I've initiated a Loudoun VA ARES reflector on Yahoo Groups. To subscribe send an email to: ARES Loudoun at Yahoo. To learn more please visit ares_loudoun_va group. 73, Tom Dawson - WB3AKD, ARES EC, Loudoun County, VA - 2 Dec 2003. You may join Virginia ARES by submitting an application to Tom Dawson - WB3AKD, our Loudoun ARES EC.

As of July 2008, additional information about Loudoun County ARES is also present on the Internet at http://www.loudoun-ares.org/

The Virginia ARES - RACES Internet Site is at http://www.aresva.org/aresva.html

The LARG K4LRG Radio News

The most recent issues of the LARG K4LRG Radio News Newsletter by John Unger - W4AU of Hamilton, Virginia, are available on K4LRG.ORG - Click Here

Minutes of LARG Monthly Meetings

The minutes of LARG Monthly meetings are available on K4LRG.ORG - Click Here

Treasurer's Report Available To Members

Members may review the monthly Treasurer's Report - Click Here

The Old Dominion Emergency Net

The Old Dominion Emergency Net is a Virginia Section ARES-RACES communications net and meets using the schedule  shown here.  Check-ins are by District (  District Map ). When checking in give your call, name, ARES/RACES appointment, if any, and state if you are using emergency power. You do not have to be a member of ARES or RACES to check-in.  All LARG members are encouraged to be ARES qualified.

LARG Name Tag

Fred Atkinson, WB4AEJ has had a unique individual LARG name tag developed. These are now available on the Internet from The Sign Man for a modest amount. (de WB4AEJ, Fred Atkinson, August 8, 2001.)

LARG Commuter Net

Members of the LARG meet Monday through Friday on 147.480 MHz Simplex and on the W4DLS/R Repeater on 145.310 MHz from 6:30 to 8:00 AM and again at 4:30 to 6:30 PM.

ARRL Affiliated Club Benefit

The American Radio Relay League has recently revised the Club Commission Program. The Loudoun Amateur Radio Group, as an Official Affiliated Club of the ARRL, can retain $15.00 for each 'NEW' regular membership or 'a REJOINING REGULAR MEMBER' who has not retained an ARRL membership for two or more calendar years prior to the application submission; and, can retain $2.00 for each 'RENEWING REGULAR MEMBER' including lapsed members of less than 2 years' submitted. A RENEWING MEMBER can renew at anytime, even before their current membership term expires. See Details.

W1AW - ARRL Live CW Training

The American Radio Relay League conducts several daily on-the-air CW training broadcasts on weekdays from W1AW, the Hiram Percy Maxim Memorial Station, in Hartford, CT.

Inspiring Charlie Whiskey operators who haven't got their ticket yet can tune in free. There's nothing like copying live on HF.  See W1AW Transmission Schedule  . If you got your ticket then just get on and operate; folks will slow down for you until you get up to speed - shoot for 25 WPM. Good Luck.

How's DX

The Internet home site of The DailyDX  lists major on-going and rarer DX-Peditions:  Click Here . On-going DX activity is listed here on the Internet Site of DXScape .

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Also, Check The LARG Weekly Nets


-->  Sundays 8:30 PM at 145.310 or 146.700 or 147.48 MHz
-->  Sundays 7:30 PM at 3582.750 kHz - Digital Watering Hole Net
-->   Mondays 8:00 PM at 146.700 MHz WA4TXE/R - LARG YL Net
-->  Tuesdays 8 PM 3545.00 kHz - Slow Speed CW Net
-->  Thursdays 8 PM 3675.00 kHz - HF SSB Net
-->  Thursdays NLT 8:45 PM 28405.00 kHz - HF SSB Net
        Listen on 3675.0 kHz for the 75-Meter Net to Close and QSY to 10-Meters
-->  Join our Weekday Commuter Nets on 147.480 MHz Simplex or 145.310 MHz W4DLS/R or 146.700 MHz WA4TXE/R - Peak Hours:   0700-0830 and 1600-1800 hours local.
 

Loudoun Amateur Radio Group Weekly Operational Nets

                   - The 2012 Running Check-In Rosters -

                        Records Of Master Check-In Rosters For Past Yearly Operations Are Available (Click Here)

                        Additional Operating Instructions are available here: LARG Net Operational Matters

The Loudoun Amateur Radio Group's Young Ladies' (YL) Communications Net
Every Monday Nights at 7:30 PM on 2-Meter FM - 146.700 MHz
Net Manager: Nancy - N1NCY
-  Established September 20, 2010  -
Net Time Moved To 7:30 PM as of November 21th, 2011 -

          On September 20, 2010, the Loudoun Amateur Radio Group and Nancy - N1NCY of Leesburg, VA., established a Young Ladies' (YL) Communications Net that meets on Monday evenings at 7:30 PM Local Time (Now 7:30 PM vice 8 PM starting November 21, 2011) on the Leesburg 146.700 MHz Repeater. All YL amateur radio operators of any age are welcome to check in. Nancy - N1NCY, is the YL Net Control but anyone may open the net and call for check-ins. Net reports should be posted to "QST de K4LRG." If this day and time is not convenient for you, please email N1NCY@ARRL.net with a more convenient day and time, and we will try to accommodate the majority of YL's. Hope to meet you all there.

NEW SCHEDULE - 1st Monday & Open Mondays.  The next YL net will be held Monday, Jan. 2, 2012 at 7:30 P.M. I will run this net but will continue to run it only on the first Monday of the month. Anyone else wishing to run the net on the other Mondays is welcome to do so. It's not hard, just call for check-ins to the LARG Monday night YL net and see who checks in. 33, Nancy - N1NCY - Posted Sunday, January 1, 2012.

SCRIPT for Net Control Stations.  Here's the script I use for the YL net. It's something I put together based on what other nets use. 33, Nancy - N1NCY - Posted Sunday, January 8, 2012.

Recent Check-Ins On The LARG LY Net
              During 2011 Include:
1.   K2BFY - Henry de Country Side, VA.
2.   KJ4GYH - Marcy de Leesburg, VA.
3.   N1NCY - Nancy de Leesburg, VA.
 Recent LARG YL Net operating instructions,
       net reports and comments:

LARG YL Net Reports January 2, 2012 de Nancy - N1NCY
LARG YL Net Reports January 23, 2012 de Marcy - KJ4GYH
LARG YL Net Reports January 30, 2012 de Marcy - KJ4GYH
The Sunday Night 2-Meter Net Frequency

The Very Popular Sunday Night 2-Meter FM Net
Net Manager:
2011 Luther - K5NOB
2010 Jay - KI4TXP
                          -  Established 1998  -

          Each Sunday night, the Loudoun Amateur Radio Group conducts an On-The-Air-Get-Together at 8:30 PM local times.

This Loudoun Amateur Radio Group's Sunday Night 2-Meter Net operates on two outstanding local 2-Meter repeaters. If necessary, we switch to our Group's simplex frequency in Loudoun County, Virginia. Please refer to our operating schedule below.

The Repeaters and Group's Simplex Net are:

- The Dulles Amateur Radio Group's W4DLS/R Repeater at 145.310 MHz with negative 600 kHz offset and with a PL of 77 Hz. This repeater is located in eastern Loudoun County at the intersection of US Route 28 and the Dulles Toll Road. We all thank the Dulles Amateur Radio Group and Craig - N4FSC of Sterling, VA.

- The WA4TXE/R Repeater in Leesburg, VA. that operates on 146.700 MHz with negative 600 kHz offset and with no PL. We all thank Dave - WA4TXE of Charles Town, WV.

- The LARG Simplex Net on 147.480 MHz simplex with no PL.

Operating Schedule:

On Sundays that occur in odd numbered months, we will use the 145.31 machine - W4DLS/R. On Sundays in even numbered months, we will be on the 146.70 machine - WA4TXE/R. If you can't remember which to use, here's a hint: 145.31 ends in 1, which is an odd number, and 146.70 ends in zero, which most mathematicians throw in with the even numbers. For example, February, April, June, August, October and December are the even numbered months and during these months, we'll meet on the WA4TXE/R repeater.

Of course, if the designated machine is ever down for any reason, we will automatically switch to the other - what a luxury! And, if both are inoperative, then we will meet on our Group's Simplex Net frequency of 147.480 MHz with no PL.

Everyone is welcomed to join this event. Hope to meet you there!

LOUDOUN AMATUER RADIO GROUP
NET CONTROL STATEMENT
FOR SUNDAY NIGHT NET
Prepared By Jay Ives - KI4TXP
Download A Copy

Listen to the frequency for 10 minutes.

5 minutes before Net - "This is (your call and name) Net Control Station for tonight's meeting of the Loudoun Amateur Radio Group.

"Is there anyone who needs to use this frequency for any business before the net's 8:30 start?"

"This is (your call and name) Net Control Station for tonight's meeting of the Loudoun Amateur Radio Group

We thank the Dulles Amateur Radio Group for the use of their Repeater 145.310 on odd numbered months and Dave - WA4TXE for the use of his repeater 146.700 on even numbered months.

If for some reason the designated repeater is down check the other one.

We will take two rounds of comments but no formal traffic is taken or passed.

Any amateur is welcomed to join us.

When checking in please give your call and first name.

Check-ins please call now."

CLOSING STATEMENT

"Thanks to all that checked in tonight.

Thanks to the Dulles Amateur Radio Group for the use of their Repeater OR Thanks to Dave - WA4TXE for the use of his Repeater.

For those that would like more information about Loudoun Amateur Radio Group you can go to our web site at www.k4lrg.org.

Have a good week and we will look for all of you on the commuter net.

We now will turn this frequency back to normal amateur operations. 73 all"

LARG Sunday Night 2-Meter FM Net - NCS Duty Roster
DATE
Primary NCS
Secondary NCS
Tertiary NCS
 Primary QRG
Secondary QRG
5-Feb-2012 KJ4NXG - Bob KI4TXP - Jay KJ4BRN - Doug 146.700 145.310 77Hz PL
12-Feb-2012 KI4TXP - Jay WA4TXE - Dave KJ4BRN - Doug 146.700 145.310 77Hz PL
19-Feb-2012 WA4TXE - Dave N4PD - Paul KJ4BRN - Doug 146.700 145.310 77Hz PL
26-Feb-2012 N4PD - Paul K5NOB - Luther KJ4BRN - Doug 146.700 145.310 77Hz PL



Recent Check-Ins On 2-Meters FM Net
               During 2012 Include:
1.   AI1V - Rick de Reston, VA.
2.   AI2C - Norm de Clarkes Gap, VA.
3.   AI4IN - Sean de Leesburg, VA.
4.   K2BFY - Henry de Sterling, VA.
5.   K3CN - Dale de Leesburg, VA.
6.   K4YND - Don de Sterling, VA.
7.   K5NOB - Luther de Leesburg, VA.
8.   KG4UPR - Bryan de Potomac Falls, VA.
9.   KF4UUX - Earl de Leesburg, VA.
10. KI4TXP - Jay de Locketts, VA.
11. KJ4GYL - Ken de Herndon, VA.
12. KJ4VTH - Bill de Oakland, VA.
13. KK4ELE - Mike de Paeonian Springs, VA.
14. N4PD - Paul de Leesburg, VA.
15. N4MID - Lorenzo de Woodbridge, VA.
16. N4PD Paul - de Leesburg, VA.
17. W4AU - John de Hamilton, VA.
18. WA4TXE - Dave de Charles Town, WV
19. WF1L - Bill de Reston, VA.
Recent net operating instructions,
    net reports and comments:

Net Report - January 1, 2012 de K5NOB
Net Report - January 8, 2012 de KG4UPR
Net Report - January 15, 2012 de KF4UUX
Net Report - January 22, 2012 de AI1V
Net Report - January 29, 2012 de AI2C

  DIGITAL WATERING HOLE
 Digital Advisor and Coordinator:  Gary - AI4IN
            -  Established August 26, 2008  -

          On August 26, 2008, the Loudoun Amateur Radio Group established a High Frequency Radio Digital Communications Net that meets on Sunday evening at 7:30 PM Local Eastern Time on the digital sub-band frequencies on 80-Meters with a center frequency of 3582.750 kHz.

The Digital Net is initially called on Olivia 500/8. Sometimes it switches to PSK31.

Gary Strong - AI4IN of Ashburn, VA. was our first LARG Digital Net Manager. In November 2011, Gary turned the duties over to Bryan - KG4UPR.

Hope to meet you all there.

Recent net operating instructions,
net reports and comments:

Net Report - January 1 2012 de KG4UPR
Net Report - January 8 2012 de KG4UPR
Net Report - January 22 2012 de KG4UPR

Recent Check-Ins On Sunday Night HF Digital Net in 2012 Include:

1.   AI1V - Rick de Reston, VA.
2.   AI2C - Norm de Clarks Gap, VA.
3.   KG4UPR - Bryan de Potomac Falls, VA.
4.   N4ZPT - Topm de Vienne, VA.
5.   WB5ODJ - John de Lovettsville, VA.
6.   WBØPOH - Kevin de Chantilly, VA.

   

Thursday Night HF SSB Net
Net Manager: Norm Styer - AI2C
       -  Established on 3675 on January 24, 2008  -

Thursday Night NCS Duty Roster
Last Update October 12, 2011
Strikethroughs Mean Someone Else Picked Up NCS Duties


January 5 John - W4AU
January 12 Rick - AI1V ---> Dick - W2YE
January 19 Jeff - KØZR
January 26 Bryan - KG4UPR
February 2 Dave - KE4S
February 9 Buddy - K4CJB
February 16 Norm - AI2C
February 23 Gary - AI4IN
March 1 Dick - W2YE
March 8 Paul - N4PD
March 15 Gary - NC4S
March 22 29 Jay - KI4TXP
March 29 Bill - K8SYH
April 5 Luther - K5NOB
April 12 John - W4AU
April 19 Jeff - KØZR

REVISION V1, Dated 28 January 2012

          The LARG Thursday Night SSB Net - Operating On A Clear-Channel Frequency of 3675.00 kHz from Loudoun in Northern Virginia - meets on 3675.00 kHz on LSB at 8 PM Local Time on Thursday Evenings.  The net will start up on this frequency or +/- the QRM in the Extra Class Subband on 75-Meters. The NCS will listen for General Class Operator check-ins on an announced frequency above 3803.00 kHz. This is Session 1 on 75-Meters. In addition, at or before 8:45 PM, Session 2 will be conducted on 28405.00 kHz for additional check-ins by Technician and Novice Class Operators.

          See the Revised Signal Operating Instructions on the LARG Thursday Night HF SSB Net Rev 7 dated May 6, 2010, replacing Rev 6 dated August 20, 2009. So, try to check-in weekly.

Recent net operating instructions, net reports and comments:
Net Report - January 22, 2012 de Bryan - KG4UPR
Net Report - February 2, 2012 de Dave - KE4S

SESSION 1 - 3675.0 kHz


Recent Check-Ins On The 75-Meter SSB Net During 2012 Include:

1.   AI2C - Norm de Clarkes Gap, VA.
2.   KØZR - Jeff de Purcellville, VA.
3.   K2LEK / W4 - Mike de Leesburg, VA. *
4.   K4FW - Jim de Clarkes Gap, VA.
5.   K4LJH - Charlie de Hamilton, VA.
6.   K5NOB - Luther de Leesburg, VA.
7.   K8SYH - Bill de Potomac Falls, VA.
8.   KE4S - Dave de Woods Rd, Leesburg, VA.
9.   KG4UPR - Bryan de Potomac Falls, VA.
10. KI4TXP - Jay de Lucketts, VA.
11. KI4TXP / M - W1 - Jay de Central CT.
12. KI4TXP / M - W4 - Jay de Savannah, GA.
13. KJ4NXG - Bob de Round Hill, VA.
14. KJ4VTH - Bill de Oaklands, VA.
15. N4PD - Paul de Leesburg, VA.
16. NC4S - Gary de Lovettsville, VA.
17. NU3Q - Bob de Pittsburgh PA.
18. NU3Q / M - W3 - Bob de Pittsburgh, PA.
19. VA3DZ - Dave de Toronto, ON.
20. W2YE - Dick de Leesburg, VA.
21. W4AU - John de Hamilton, VA.
22. WB5ODJ - John de Lovettsville, VA. *
23. WF1L - Bill de Reston, VA.

*  -  General Class Licensed Operators Checking In Above 3803.0  kHz.

SESSION 2 - 28405.0 kHz


Recent Check-Ins On The 10-Meter SSB Net During 2012 Include:

1.   AI2C - Norm de Clarkes Gap, VA.
2.   KØZR - Jeff de Purcellville, VA.
3.   K2LEK / W4 - Mike de Leesburg, VA.
4.   K4FW - Jim de Clarkes Gap, VA.
5.   KG4UPR - Bryan de Potomac Falls, VA.
6.   KI4TXP - Jay de Lucketts, VA.
7.   KJ4XBA - Lloyd de Ashburn, VA.
8.   N4PD - Paul de Leesburg, VA.
9.   NC4S - Gary de Lovvettsville, VA.
10. W2YE - Dick de Leesburg,VA.
11. WB5ODJ - John de Lovettsville, VA.
12. W2YE - Dick de Leesburg, VA.
13. W4AU - John de Hamilton, VA.


Tuesday Night 3545 CW Net
Net Manager: Bill - K8SYH
           -  Established March 27, 2001  -

"In The Year 3545 There Will Still Be Charlie Whiskey On 3545 kHz On Tuesdays At 2000 Hours Local   --  May The Morse Come To You !!!" -  Norm Styer - AI2C August 29, 2007

          Since February 2004, the LARG CW Net has met on 80-Meters. Our new operating frequency as of December 19, 2006, is 3545.00 kHz +/- the QRM - look 5 kHz. We meet at 8 PM each Tuesday evening. Look for one of the 'Regulars as NCS' or call "CQ LARG de 'Your Call'. Once we are checked in, members conduct a nice Round-Table QSO.

Recent net operating instructions, net reports and comments:


  Automatic Position Reporting System Signals de LARG Stations
de 'The DBØANF ARPS Server v2'

Automatic Position Reporting System Signals de LARG Stations de 'FindU'
-  Data For Last Ten Days -
Latest Packet Report From Any Unit

 Reported Track Of A Mobile Unit

Find Current Location Of Other Stations

Enter Call Here            
CALL = CALL and SSID Like: ai2c-1   If  you don't know the FULL CALL or SSID then use '*' - like: ai2c* or ai2*

Here Are Several Nice APRS Reference Sites on the Internet
Tracks On Map Search
APRS Home Page
APRS by Bob (Power Point)
How To Keep the net Working
DB0ANF APRS Server v2
Get Started With UIView
APRS Proportional Path
Open Tracker+
AGW Tracker Software
APRS Specification (I)
APRS Specification (II)
APRS Specification (III)
http://aprs.fi's Google Map APRS