Loudoun Amateur Radio Group of Northern Virginia & Its Radio Station K4LRG

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K4LRG Field Day June 25 - 27, 2010 At John Westerman - WB5ODJ's Farm

Announcements  &   Happenings

We Hope You Find Something Interesting  -  Come Join Us In Our Many Activities 
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The LARG Business Card

(Loudoun ARG, Purcellville, VA., February 21, 2010)   The Loudoun Amateur Radio Group serves many public events and we often appear in public places practicing our communications art. To assist our members in better interfacing with and communicating to the general public and to our fellow amateurs, Dodson Brown, AJ4EY, our 2010 Secretary, of Leesburg, VA., has designed and prepared Word Templates for a business card. You may choose one or two sided formats.

Please note, if the card is planned to be printed two sided, make sure that the business card paper is intended for two sided printing. Single sided card paper usually has a coating that causes inkjet ink to not penetrate into the paper on the back side and it will smudge and not dry. Source for single side cards at Office Depot. Source for two side cards at Office Depot. You may choose other card styles.

The Loudoun Amateur Radio Group is an affiliated club of the American Radio Relay League and is permitted to use ARRL logos to promote amateur radio. Enquiries and suggestions may be directed to Dodson at mldbbrwn@verizon.net. You can roll your own:   Click Here.. 


Jeff Slusher - KE5APC's EchoLink Station Operational de Leesburg

Another Loudoun Amateur Radio Group Communications Operations
                  This is a Loudoun Count On Us Operation

(Loudoun ARG, Purcellville, VA., January 9, 2010)  My EchoLink station is back on the air with a new PC and rig interface (from SignaLink). After a some testing, I'll re-establish the link with the WA4TXE Leesburg repeater on 146.700. You can currently access the link on simplex on 147.875 (no tone). I encourage you to try it out and provide me with feedback (good and bad). I'd be particularly interested in any audio reports.

You can access my EchoLink station using DTMF codes on your base or handheld (or connect via your computer if you have EchoLink running at your QTH).             READ MORE


12th Annual LARG Holiday Dinner - December 11, 2009

Great fellowship and fine food at the 12th Annual Loudoun Ameteur Radio Group's Holiday Dinner. Photograph by Norm Styer - AI2C de Clarkes Gap, Virginia.(Purcellville, VA., January 3, 2010)  The Twelfth Annual Loudoun Amateur Radio Group's Holiday Dinner was enjoyed by all with plenty of fine food and fellowship. It was so nice to see all again this year.

We again gathered at the Harmony Hall in eastern Hamilton, Virginia on Friday, December 11, 2009. Ken Sullivan - KJ4GYL arranged the invitations and dinner selections, John Unger secured the Harmony Hall, and Allon Stern provided the audio system. Jay Ives, Dodson Brown, and Norm Styer also helped set up tables and chairs and the arrangements. Norm Styer pulled photos from all our 2009 K4LRG.ORG activity reports and Ken Sullivan made them into a very special running slide show. We all brought our special dish. There was plenty for all..

We recognized Jeff Slusher - KE5APC for his outstanding performance as Chairman of the 2009 K4LRG Filed Day Committee. K4LRG really did a nice job this year thanks to Jeff and everyone else who participated. Let us do it again.

We also recognized the outstanding support of the Brown Family - Marcia - KJ4GYH, Patrick - KJ4GYI, and Dodson - AJ4EY - during the 2009 K4LRG Field Day Operation.

Jeff Slusher did an outstanding job on selecting gifts and running the door prize program. For a second time in five years, Norm Styer - AI2C won a big one.

And, finally, we held our Outstanding Member of the Year Ceremony. This year the Special OM Group selected Rick Miller - AI1V of Reston,, Virginia. Rick, thanks for a great year.

All fifty-plus of us will continue to talk about this one. Thanks to all who helped pull this one off !!!         READ MORE

The Loudoun Amateur Radio Group 2010 Monthly Programs
                                       -   Hope To see You There !!  -

(Loudoun ARG, Purcellville, VA., December 17, 2009)     The Loudoun Amateur Radio Group invites all to attend its monthly meeting at 8:30 AM on the third Saturday of each month, January through November at the Leesburg Holy Trinity Lutheran Church at 605 West Market Street. Internet link for directions is available at:

http://www.k4lrg.org/Announcements/index.html#Monthly_Meeting

Early Birds are going for breakfast at the Leesburg IHOP at 7:30 AM.

Following our regular monthly business meeting, we hold a program session. Here is what is coming up in this year:

Saturday, January 16, 2010 - John Unger - W4AU, Chairman, Contest Committee, briefing on the Virginia QSO Party.

Saturday, February 20, 2010 - Gary Quinn - NC4S on "Antennas for Small Lots." Some ideas to be discussed include: Dipoles, multiband antennas, verticals for VHF/UHF/HF, stealth antennas, wire antennas,  and construction of antennas.

Saturday, March 20, 2010 - John Unger - W4AU, Chairman, Contest Committee, Pep Talk for the Virginia QSO Party.

Saturday, April 17, 2010 -To Be Announced

Thursday through Sunday, May 13 - 16, 2010 - Dayton Hamvention 2010 - We meet for Lunch on Friday and Saturday. LARG/Dayton Talk-In is 147.480 MHz with PL of 77 Hz - otherwise, we hear everyone else.

Saturday, June 19, 2010 - K4LRG Field Day Final Coordination Program. 2010 Field Day is Friday, Saturday and Sunday, June 25, 26 & 27, 2010.

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 Dawson - WB3AKD K4LRG/B 145.650 MHz CW Beacon and 2) the Mike McBurnett - 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 Elmer - 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 McBurnett - KJ4KGB is associated with the Maryland Delaware Rocketry Association Inc. (MDRA) . Mike Tyson - N2GEG is associated with high altitude rocket projects.  Information about Mike Tyson is available here.

READ MORE ABOUT  K4LRG/B  FLIGHT 2009A


First Night Leesburg - Communications Support Operation
                                     The Most Enjoyable Public Service Communications Support Event Of The Year
                                                         ATTENTION: OPERATIONS PLAN AVAILABLE:  CLICK HERE

Carol Boehler - KF4TJJ at First Night Leesburg 2008. Photograph by Norm Styer - AI2C de Clarkes Gap, Virginia.(Purcellville, VA., December 6, 2009)  The Loudoun Amateur Radio Group and the Amateur Radio Emergency Service, Loudoun County, Virginia, will provide communications support for First Night Leesburg on 31 December, 2009. Support operations begin around 1630 hours local and continue until around 2330 hours local.

This is the 17th year that the Loudoun Amateur Radio Group has supported this community event. Read more about our efforts in this public service event.

MISSION:  Amateur Radio Operators will provide communications support between the event headquarters, and various venues including downtown Leesburg, County Government center and others. Generally all venues are within walking distance of headquarters. Support consists of relaying needs of the venue volunteers for supplies, personnel and information to the headquarters station, and occasional transfer of supplies between HQ and various venues.

ATTENTION: CALL FOR FIRST NIGHT LEESBURG 2009 VOLUNTEERS: Loudoun Amateur Radio Group members are requested to volunteer for this operation. A 2-Meter/ 70-cm dual band handheld radio is all that you need. A headset is recommended for operating in the performance areas. Contact Jay Ives - KI4TXP at jayson648@yahoo.com to volunteer.

Communications Support For Riders Of The 2009 Reston Century

LARG Reston Century Route Rider Steve Greene - KS1G stops at Hamilton Rest Stop. Photograph by Norm Styer - AI2C de Clarkes Gap, Virginia.(Purcellville, VA., December 8, 2009)  This was the 27th Annual Reston Bicycle Club's Century Ride on the trails and roads of Loudoun County. This was a big event with as many as eleven-hundred riders traveling across Loudoun County. Riders chose between a 34, 62 or 101 mile route with the longer ones going deep into the heart of Loudoun County.

Again this year, the Loudoun County Amateur Radio Emergency Service (ARES) and the Loudoun Amateur Radio Group (LARG) provide on-site and on-route communications support for this operation. Gary Quinn - NC4S, Assistant Emergency Coordinator for Loudoun ARES led this communications support and direct the communications operations from his home station near Waterford, Virginia.

On August 20, 2009, Gary - NC4S issued the Operations Plan and on August 21, 2009, he conducted an on-the-air coordination net to finalize planning. LARG - ARES amateur radio operators were integrated into all aspects of this operation and deployed as Route Riders, as Shotguns with the RBC SAG Vehicles, and at Communication Stations at the Reston Town Center, the Ashburn Rest Stop and the Hamilton Rest Stop.   . READ MORE


The 2009 Berryville Campaign

(Purcellville, VA., August 11, 2009)  It was O-Dark-Thirty and it looked like rain when we formed up. We had a nice 8-unit convoy out of the old IGA parking lot in eastern Purcellville at 0520 hours local. Everyone had rolled in a little early and we talked a while before mounting up. Some coffee at the 7-11 helped. Gary Quinn - NC4S was point and Tom - WB9RXJ was trail.  It was still pretty dark as we took Snicker's Gap and rolled across the Shenandoah River at high speed - like some at 80 mph - into Clarke County. They wouldn't have time before we were on them. Our powder was still dry. On the way in, some including Norm - AI2C wouldn't answer on the convoy QRG; so, John - W4AU called Norm on his cell phone and was advised that Norm was infiltrating into Berryville for this campaign. Thus, there was none of CW McCall's Convoy on 147.480 MHz. We closed on the gate in western Berryville by 0550 hours. Again, they took all our money and we settled in under the big trees in the eastern section. The threat of rain kept most of us from setting out much stuff and instead we wondered around like the other early birds looking for bargains. Tom - WB9RXJ did do a brisk business with his gear. And, Bill - WF1L shared Dave - KE4S's shelter.

There were many - like 20-plus - Loudoun ARG current and past members who stopped by to say hello and chat. Some didn't quite make it all the way into the fair grounds; the rain got them. It was nice to see some old friends. Again, my old buddy, Bill Mills - KC4AA de Milledgeville, GA didn't make it this year but I keep getting all his eMails. So, I know he's kickin'.    READ MORE


K4LRG 2009 Filed Day Operation

Bill Buchholz - K8SYH on his 40-Meter CW Station during K4LRG 2009 Field Day Operation. Photograph by Norm Styer - AI2C de Clarkes Gap, Virginia.

(Purcellville, VA., November 13, 2009) The 2009 Loudoun Amateur Radio Group’s K4LRG American Radio Relay League Field Day Operation was our 15th annual event. It is always our premiere operating exercise. This year, under the superb leadership of our 2009 Field Day Committee Chairman, Jeff Slusher - KE5APC and a great team of Captains, over 65 folks planned, organized, installed, supported, and operated Amateur Radio Station K4LRG to a 1st place in the ARRL Virginia Section, 1st place in the ARRL Roanoke Division and 5th in the United States and Canada in the 5A Operating Class. And, K4LRG placed 31st out of 2612 among all entries. Congratulations to all.

This is the story of our great emergency communications exercise. There are twenty-eight sections covering the many aspects of this successful operation. Imagine doing this for real under stressing conditions in response to community needs in distress. We do this "Just In Case." We will be better prepared and we know who we "Can Count On!"

Use the Silver-Gray Menu and Drop-Down White-Yellow Link Tabs in the upper left of each page to navigate. Some 600 photographs and video files were provided by members of the LARG. Photographic credits are contained in the photo file name that is accessible from the Property Tab; just right click on any photograph. Thanks to all. In addition, there are some fifty specially prepared charts and graphs that help tell the story.

A special thank you goes to John Westerman – WB5ODJ who allowed us to roam his family farm. A a special thanks goes to members of A Co, 33rd Battalion, Black Horse Brigade, Virginia Defense Force for providing the great General Purpose Medium Army Tent for our support operations, VHF-UHF and Get-On-The Air Stations.      READ MORE


LARG Makes Manassas - 2009

The Gang at Manassas 2009: KU1T - Z AI1V - Rick KE4S - Dave KI4UTB - Jay N4PD - Paul. Photograpph by Norm Styer - AI2C de Clarkes Gap, VA.

The 2009 Manassas Campaign

(Purcellville, VA., June 17, 2009)  We talked about this campaign all spring and our forces were gearing up to move south. Several said they were looking for stuff but most wanted to unload. There was this one fellow who planned to take the same old boxes of you know what and hoped to unload something. And another said he might put some stuff out. In the end, five loaded rigs moved out at O-Dark-Thirty with Paul - N4PD at the Point and Z - KU1T in trail. We closed on the gates at 0605 hours local.

Paul - N4PD set up first and most decided to put out a few choice items with Paul's. Everyone stopped to look and comment respectfully on Ray (SK) - K4AJA's Viking. We told them it had been refurbished by Charlie - K4LJH of Hamilton and was ready to fire up. A bigger audience may have brought a buyer. Everyone was looking for a special deal. Rick - AI1V couldn't part with his very nice HP scanner with 35-mm slide adaptor for $15; no matter what Rick would say the guys worried about whether their old computer could handled it. For about the sixth year, Norm - AI2C carried home his HW-32 and HW-12 Heath Single Banders. It's clear that few know the joy of dipping the plate and peaking the grid. Norm did find a fellow who wanted to part with his Vibroplex© Iambic Deluxe; it was too good to be passed up and will reside on the farm in Pennsylvania.     READ MORE

Science Olympiad at Mountain View Elementary School

Rick Miller, AI1V, and Grant Russell, KB3EMT, spent the day at Mountain View Elementary School in Purcellville teaching some bright young minds about the “magic” of radio.(Photo credit: Sarah McAllister)(Purcellville, VA., June 12, 2009 - Reported by Rick Miller - AI1V) 

Rick Miller, AI1V, and Grant Russell, KB3EMT, spent the day at Mountain View Elementary School in Purcellville teaching some bright young minds about the “magic” of radio.

      The science department at Mountain View Elementary school in Purcellville is alive and well! Students, parents, and teachers led by John Applin and Jim Jenkins recently planned and executed a “Science Olympiad,” inviting area scientists to come and teach fifth graders about their area of expertise. Mr. Applin found the Loudoun Amateur Radio Group on the web and put out a call for help. On Thursday, June 4, Rick and Grant stepped up to the plate and judging from the great reception by the students, hit a homer.

      The format of the day involved specialists setting up displays in classrooms and hallways and students, who signed up in advance for their areas of interest, and rotated through the stations, spending an hour at each one.

Rick and Grant were lucky to be assigned to a classroom with a ground level window to accommodate coax going to a multiband VHF/UHF vertical and a 40 meter “Hamstick” dipole. Grant provided the tripods and masts, and he and Rick brought a nice assortment of rigs. Grant also set up a great display and lots of literature and we had some straight keys    READ MORE


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

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. Photograph by Paul Dluehosh - N4PD of Leesburg, VA.(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


LOUDOUN AMATEUR RADIO GROUP TRAINS NEW HAMS

Group photograph of students and instructors during Loudoun Amateur Radio Group’s 28-29 March 2009 General Class Boot Camp, held at the Leesburg, VA. VFW Post. Sitting, L to R: Cheryl J, Beuning K0CJB, Karl Hamilton KI4BDS, LTC Jay R. Greeley KI4UTB, Brennen R. Ernst KI4PRK, Lloyd Harting KJ4BXA, Nancy Dluehosh KE4RTP, Scott Brody KJ4GXZ. Standing, L to R: Paul Dluehosh N4PD, Sean Epperson WL7HC, Richard Cody KB3MLA, John Elliott N3NFY, Greg Jablonski KJ4GZX, Doug Johnson KJ4BRN, Steve Reed KW4H, Don Swanson N3EVF, Henry Weidman K2BFY, Dennis Mirr KJ4BRZ, Grant Russell KB3EMT, Jim Dyal, Rick Miller AI1V, Jas Jamwal KG4YIQ(Purcellville, VA., April 3, 2009 News Release Published by Jeff Slusher - KE5APC.)  The Loudoun Amateur Radio Group (LARG), K4LRG, a leading Northern Virginia ARRL-affiliated club successfully conducted a General Class Training “Boot Camp” in late March. Eighteen students participated with ten earning their General Class licenses the following week, with others scheduling testing sessions at later dates. This was the first “boot camp” session for General Class, although the club operated two Technician classes for eighty-four (84) students in 2008 of which at least sixty (60) have earned their licenses – with several of those students working their way up to General during the March training session. At left, group photograph of students and instructors during Loudoun Amateur Radio Group’s 28-29 March 2009 General Class Boot Camp, held at the Leesburg, VA. VFW Post. Sitting, L to R: Cheryl J, Beuning K0CJB, Karl Hamilton KI4BDS, LTC Jay R. Greeley KI4UTB, Brennen R. Ernst KI4PRK, Lloyd Harting KJ4BXA, Nancy Dluehosh KE4RTP, Scott Brody KJ4GXZ. Standing, L to R: Paul Dluehosh N4PD, Sean Epperson WL7HC, Richard Cody KB3MLA, John Elliott N3NFY, Greg Jablonski KJ4GZX, Doug Johnson KJ4BRN, Steve Reed KW4H, Don Swanson N3EVF, Henry Weidman K2BFY, Dennis Mirr KJ4BRZ, Grant Russell KB3EMT, Jim Dyal, Rick Miller AI1V, Jas Jamwal KG4YIQ.

Club Training Officer Steven Reed, KW4H instituted a “game show” format for the two-day weekend sessions in which other club members served as the “game show hosts” for a particular block of questions. Following the training, students were encouraged to take on-line practice exams during the week and return to Leesburg, Virginia on April 4th to take their Element 3 Exam.  READ MORE

HF Familiarization Training Provided Virginia National Guard

(Purcellville, VA., March 19, 2009)  On Sunday, 18 January 2009, LARG and Virginia Defense Force (VDF) members SSG Tom Carney WB9RXJ and SGT Luther Guise K5NOB provided members of C Company, 3/116 Infantry of the Virginia National Guard familiarization training on HF radio base station setup and operation and mobile operations.


  READ MORE


Becoming Proficient In International Morse Code

by Paul H. Bock, Jr. - K4MSG, Hamilton, Virginia, January 23, 2009

(Loudoun ARG, Purcellville, VA., January 23, 2009)    Despite FCC deregulation of the Amateur Radio code requirement, International Morse Code is still with us and is likely to be for some time to come. There are several reasons for this, among them being (a) the historic link between the code and the beginnings of ham radio in the first decade of the Twentieth Century; (b) the code’s usefulness under adverse operating conditions because a skilled operator can copy code through noise and interference when other modes fail; and (c) the “fun factor,” i.e., the fact that many operators find the code enjoyable to use. Unfortunately, too many amateurs become frustrated with trying to learn the code and, later on, with trying to improve their proficiency and build up speed. The purpose of this article is to identify resources that can help in the quest to become a (better) CW operator.

        Although this article is aimed principally at the radio amateur who has already learned the code and now wants to become better at it, the following web site – also referenced later simply as the “AC6V site” – provides a wealth of Internet links and useful information for any level of student of the International Morse Code.

                http://www.ac6v.com/morseprograms.htm

        This is one of the best Morse code training reference sites I’ve seen (though certainly not the only one), so if you’re trying to learn the code for the first time you’ll find links to lots of good tips and training methods to help you along. Note also that W1AW offers slow-speed code practice at 5, 7.5, 10, 13 and 15 WPM on Monday through Friday; the schedule is posted in QST.  READ MORE

Sterling Park Crime Prevention Evening - 2009

Sterling Park Crime Prevention Evening 2009 with LARG Q&A Table. Photograph by Randy Sly - W4XJ.(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 Gentges, K0BRA and Meg Gentges, AI4UX for staffing this event with me.

Best Regards, Randy Sly, W4XJ    (  Larger Photograph )

LOUDOUN AMATEUR RADIO GROUP TRAINS NEW HAMS

Students and teachers at the recent Loudoun Amateur Radio Boot Camp are, from left to right (kneeling) Brennen Ernst KI4PRK, Charlie Hill, Connor Hill, Henry Weidman K3BRY, John Hill, Scott Brody, Tommy Sheedy, Francine Sheehy, Samantha Sheehy, Jon Emch, Cassie Sheehy, Eric Carlson, Matt Stevens, Arlene Chapman Standing , L to R: Steve Reed, KW4H and LARG Training Officer, Charlie Hill, John Riabtsev, Charlie Hill, Alex Riabtsev, Henry Weidman, K2FY, Kevin Blankenship, KG4HYG, Jay Greeley, KI4UTB, Bob Kemmer, K4RWK, Marcia Brown, Greg Jablonski, Craig Pinton, Chris John, Phil Rania, Mike Miller, Jay Slusher, KD8JJW, Steve Edwards, Albert Atkins, Ray Lombarrdi, Ken Sullivan, Cheryl Beuning, and Val Chapman. Photograph by Jeff Slusher - KE5APC of Leesburg, VA.

Loudoun ARG, Purcellville, VA., October 13, 2008)            NEWS RELEASE
 The Loudoun Amateur Radio Group, P.O. Box 1004, Purcellville, VA 20134

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE TO PRINT & ELECTRONIC MEDIA

CONTACT: JEFF SLUSHER, 214-725-9099 or ke5apc@arrl.net

The Loudoun Amateur Radio Group (LARG), K4LRG, a leading Northern Virginia ARRL-affiliated club has set the bar exceptionally high for their 2009 training objectives given the high degree of success of their two “Ham Radio Boot Camp” programs held in Leesburg, Virginia during 2008. The club trained 84 prospective hams in 2008 – the vast majority of whom are now licensed. Of those newly licensed hams, 6 went to General Class and four went to Extra Class following the LARG training.

Club Training Officer Steven Reed, KW4H instituted a “game show” format for the two-day weekend training in which other club members served as the “game show hosts” for a particular block of questions. Trainees took frequent breaks at which time they could participate in a variety of amateur radio-related on-going demonstrations including HF, EchoLink, APRS, and local VHF repeater operation.

Interesting guest speakers also spoke of their amateur radio experiences including Mona Singleton, NY7P, who gave an engaging presentation on her life and times in the Coast Guard radio service, and Brennen Ernst, KI4PRK, a teenage Extra-class licensee, who gave an informative presentation on propagation.

The LARG training scenario includes a two-day seminar followed by a week of home study using the various on-line sample tests.

LARG coordinated with area ARRL-affiliated VEC’s who set up two testing dates – one week following the Boot Camp, and one a week later for those with schedule conflicts. Jorge A Thevenet, KD4DGQ assembled his team of VEC’s from throughout the Northern Virginia area.    READ MORE

PHOTO CAPTION:  Students and teachers at the recent Loudoun Amateur Radio Boot Camp are, kneeling from left to right: Brennen Ernst KI4PRK, Charlie Hill, Connor Hill, Henry Weidman K3BRY, John Hill, Scott Brody, Tommy Sheedy, Francine Sheehy, Samantha Sheehy, Jon Emch, Cassie Sheehy, Eric Carlson, Matt Stevens, Arlene Chapman Standing, L to R: Steve Reed, KW4H and LARG Training Officer, Charlie Hill, John Riabtsev, Charlie Hill, Alex Riabtsev, Henry Weidman, K2FY, Kevin Blankenship, KG4HYG, Jay Greeley, KI4UTB, Bob Kemmer, K4RWK, Marcia Brown, Greg Jablonski, Craig Pinton, Chris John, Phil Rania, Mike Miller, Jay Slusher, KD8JJW, Steve Edwards, Albert Atkins, Ray Lombarrdi, Ken Sullivan, Cheryl Beuning, and Val Chapman.

-30-     (Prepared and distributed by Jeff Slusher - KE5APC of Leesburg, VA.)

Successful K4LRG/B Balloon Flight 2008A

Launch of K4LRG/B Flight 2008A on July 19, 2008, from Summitt Point, West Virginia. Photograph by Stevens Miller - WA4LDA of Ashburn, VA.     (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 Dawson - WB3AKD designed and built the flight package and launch hardware. Sean Sheedy - 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 Dawson 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 Greeley - KI4UTB was at Snickers Gap on the Clarke - Loudoun County line, Chuck Graham - KE4IEO was in the south near Routes 17 and I-66. Denny Boehler - KF4TJI was on North Mountain west of Winchester and the launch team at Summit Point with Dave Putman - KE4S also provided tracking data. We also had Charlie Preston - K4LJH in Hamilton monitoring and recording the telemetry and assisting with bearings once the payload was down. Gary Quinn - NC4S assisted from his station north of Waterford and was the first to reach the LZ. Rick Miller - 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 Ives - 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 Goodson - 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

Photograph by Norm Styer - AI2C de Clarkes Gap, VA. 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 Dawson - WB3AKD, the Emergency Coordinator of Loudoun County ARES. Tom Dawson presented Kurt Reber - 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 LARG’s Thursday Night HF SSB – Voice Net
      This is a Loudoun Count On Us Operation
Expands To Technician & Novice Operators On 10-Meters

(Loudoun ARG, Purcellville, VA. February 25, 2008)   REVISED NET TIMES & FREQUENCIES The Loudoun Amateur Radio Group conducts a SSB – Voice Net on Thursday nights at 8 PM local on 3675.00 kHz +/- the interference - QRM; tune around a little. Besides conducting the net on the primary net frequency, the Net Control Station (NCS) selects a somewhat clear frequency above 3803 kHz for General Class Licensed Operators to use to check into the net. The NCS announces this frequency several times before actually requesting stations to check in. This gives stations time to find the 75-Meters band secondary frequency and tune up accordingly. The General Class Licensed Operators transmit on the 3803 + kHz frequency but listen to the net on 3675.00 kHz.

New 10-Meter Band Technician – Novice Secondary Net Frequency. Starting on Thursday, January 31, 2008, this concept was expanded to check in Technician and Novice Licensed Operators. Starting February 28, 2008, the NCS will close operations on 75-Meters NO LATER THAN 8:45 PM and move the net to 10-Meters to check in Technician and Novice stations. All members are encouraged to move to the 10-Meter frequency. The 10-Meter net frequency is 28.405 kHz.

....Continued - Read More Here In "Our Weekly Operations" in our Public Service Section.

Amateur Radio Boot Camp at Veterans of Foreign Wars Post

Brennen - KI4PRK talk to the students about iDX-ing and international communications.(Loudoun ARG, Purcellville, VA. January 26, 2008)   The Loudoun Amateur Radio Group’s Training Committee under the leadership of its Chairman, Steve Reed – KW4H, successfully conducted a two-day Amateur Radio Boot Camp for over fifty enthusiastic students from across the metropolitan area.


The Loudoun County Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 1177 in Leesburg hosted this event. Their facilities are a real community asset. Jim Vogt of the Daily Grind in the Leesburg Corner Premium Outlet Mall provided hot lunches for everyone.


At left, Brennen Ernst - KI4PRK talk to the students about DX-ing and international communications.


The training is described here. Many thanks to all who supported this operation.


We look forward to many new amateur radio operators joining our ranks and participating in our many events.

K4LRG Operational At Amateur Radio Boot Camp 2008

(Loudoun ARG, Purcellville, VA., January 24, 2008)   The LARG's K4LRG Amateur Radio Station operated during the Amateur Radio Boot Camp at the VFW Post # 1177 in Leesburg, VA. on January 19-20, 2008. Prime operating hours were during the lunch periods on Saturday and Sunday. Our youth operators were Stephanie Reed - KJ4AZX of Sterling and Brennen Ernst - KI4PRK of Leesburg. Operations were on:

1. 2-Meters FM Voice on 147.480 Simplex and either 145.310 or 146.700 local repeaters.

2. 2-Meters APRS on 144.390 with K4LRG-1 and UIView and 2-Meters Packet on 145.710.

3. HF - on 20-Meters A few contacts were made in the NA QSO Party. And, Brennen had several CW DX contacts with stations in Europe.

4. VHF EchoLink via the KE5APC EchoLink Node in Leesburg, VA.

Antenna space was very restricted. So, mobile whip antennas were used on all bands. All QSOs were logged and a special QSL card is being prepared. Stations may QSL via AI2C. We thank all who help make this a successful demonstration for all the students and visitors.

The Dual Foxes Of 2007

Jacob Guepe - KI4SPX tries his hand at DF-ing. Photograph by Norm Styer - AI2C de Clarkes Gap, VA. (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 Dawson - 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

John Unger - W4AU and Paul Dluehosh - N4PD present contesting program at May 2007 LARG meeting. Photograph by Norm Styer - AI2C.(Loudoun ARG, Purcellville, VA. May 21, 2007.)  John Unger - W4AU of Hamilton and Paul Dluehosh - 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

The Dulles International Airport Emergency Exercise 2007. The accident crash site as fire and rescue equipment rush to assist. On the right are the ARES three communications shelters and their antennas. Photograph by Norm Styer - AI2C de Clarkes Gap, Virginia.(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 Dawson, 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

Meg - AI4UX and Carol - KF4TJJ operate ARES positions in Loudoun County EOC. Photograph by Tom Dawson - WB3AKD of Round Hill, Virginia.(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 Gentges - AI4UX of Great Falls and Carol Boehler - 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 Buchholz - 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 Unger - 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 Johnson - 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 Kmak - WA9LAZ, Tom Garasic - NA4MA, Mark Johnson - W3ZI, Gary Quinn - NC4S, (rear Left - right) Denny Boehler - KF4TJI, John Unger - W4AU, Carol Boehler - KF4TJJ, BA Buchholz - QM and Chief Cook, Bill Buchholz - K8SYH, and Larry Hughes - K3HE. READ MORE

The Boiler Plate - What's Up ?

Next LARG Monthly Meeting - March 20th

(Loudoun ARG, Purcellville, VA. February 28,, 2010)  A Regular Monthly Meeting on the Loudoun ARG will be held on Saturday, March 20, 2010, at 8:30 AM in 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 west end of town and the church is on the right just past the traffic light. Please enter through the door on the east side of the building. There are both steps and a ramp by the door.

      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)  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 8:00 PM during EST and at 8:30 PM during EDST - all local times. We switch to EDST on March 8, 2009 and back to EST on November 1, 2009.

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.   

         - 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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COME  JOIN  US  IN  OUR  MANY  ACTIVITIES
                      Calendar Year 2010

January 1 - New Year's Day
January 2-3 - ARRL RTTY Round Up
January 16 - LARG Monthly Meeting
January 18 - MLK Jr. Day
January 23-25 - ARRL January VHF Sweepstakes
January 29-31 - CQ WW 160-Meter Contest (CW)

February 6 - FrostFest in Richmond
February 13-14 - CQ WW RTTY WPX Contest
February 14 - Valentine's Day
February 15 - President's Day
February 17 - Ash Wednesday
February 20 - LARG Monthly Meeting
February 20-21 - ARRL International DX Contest (CW)
February 26-28 - CQ WW 160-Meter Contest (SSB)

February 27-28 - EPC WW DX Contest
March 6-7 - ARRL International DX Contest (Phone)
March 14 - Daylight Saving Times Begin
March 17 - St Patrick's Day
March 20 - Spring Begins
March 20 - LARG Monthly Meeting
March 20-22 - Virginia QSO Party
March 27-28 - CQ WW WPX Contest - SSB
March 28 - Palm Sunday
March 30 - Passover

April 1st - April Fool's Day
April 2 - Good Friday
April 4 - Easter Sunday
April 11-12 - Georgia QSO Party
April 17 - LARG Monthly Meeting
April 24 - Blue/White Game in Happy Valley
April 24-25 - Florida QSO Party

May 5 - Cinco De Mayo
May 8 - Dulles IAP Emergency Exercise - Dulles 2004       Dulles 2007
May 9 - Mother's Day
May 14-16 - Dayton Hamvention 2010
May 15 - Armed Forces Day
May 15 - LARG Monthly Meeting
May 24 - Memorial Day
May 29-30 - CQ WW WPX Contest - CW

June 12-13 - ARRL June VHF QSO Party
June 13 - Manassas Hamfest - Now 2nd Sunday in June
June 14 - Flag Day
June 19 - ARRL Kids Day
June 19 - LARG Monthly Meeting
June 19-20 - All Asia DX Contest - CW
June 20 - Father's Day
June 21st - Summer Begins
June 25-27 - ARRL - K4LRG Field Day - Refer To K4LRG FD

July 4th - Independence Day
July 10-11 - IARU HF World Championships
July 17 - LARG Monthly Meeting

August 7-8 - Work All Europe Contest - CW
August 7-8 - ARRL UHF Contest
August 8 -   60th Winchester Hamfest - Berryville
August 21 - LARG Monthly Meeting
August 11 - First of Ramadan
August 29 - Reston Century - LARG Support Operation

September 4-5 - All Asia DX Contest - Phone
September 6 - Labor Day
September 9 - End of Ramadan
September 9 - Rosh Hashanah
September 11 - Patriot Day
September 11-13 - ARRL September VHF QSO Party
September 11-12 - Work All Europe - SSB
September 18th - Yom Kippur
September 18 - LARG Monthly Meeting
September 23 - Autumn Begins
September 25-26 - Lovettsville Oktoberfest - LARG Support Support
September 25-26 - CQ WW RTTY DX Contest

October 9-10 - Pennsylvania QSO Party
October 11th - Columbus Day
October 16 - LARG Monthly Meeting
October 30-31 - CQ WW DX Contest - SSB
October 31 - Halloween

November 2 - Election Day
November 7 - Daylight Savings Time Ends
November 6-8 - ARRL November Sweepstakes - CW
November 11 - Veteran's Day
November 13-14 - Work All Europe Contest - RTTY
November 20 - LARG Monthly Meeting
November 20-22 - ARRL November Sweepstakes - Phone
November 25 - Thanksgiving Day
November 27-28 - CQ WW DX Contest - CW

December 2 - Hanukkah
December 3-5 - ARRL 160 Meter Contest
December 7th - Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day
December TBA - LARG Holiday Dinner
December 11-12 - ARRL 10 Meter Contest
December 21st - Winter Begins
December 25 - Christmas Day
December 26 - Kwanzaa
December 31st - First Night Leesburg   -  LARG Support Operation
December 31st - New Year's Eve

Also, Check The LARG Weekly Nets


-->  Sundays 8 PM (8:30 EDST) at 145.310 or 146.700 or 147.48 MHz
-->  Tuesdays 7 PM at 3582.750 kHz - Digital Watering Hole 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 2010 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 Sunday Night 2-Meter Net Frequency

        The Very Popular
Sunday Night 2-Meter FM Net
Net Manager: Rick Miller - AI1V
                          -  Established 1998  -

          Each Sunday night, the Loudoun Amateur Radio Group conducts an On-The-Air-Get-Together at 8:00 PM during EST and at 8:30 PM during EDST - all local times. We switch to EDST on March 8, 2009 and back to EST on November 1, 2009.

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.

- 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!

Recent net operating instructions, net reports and comments:

Net Report - January 3, 2010 de AI1V
Net Report - January 17, 2010 de KI4TXP
Net Report - January 24, 2010 de KI4TXP
Net Report - January 31, 2010 de KI4TXP
Net Report - January 31, 2010 de K5NOB
Net Report - February 14, 2010 de W3CUM
Net Report - February 21, 2010 de KI4TXP
Net Report - February 28, 2010 de KI4TXP
Net Report - March 7, 2010 de K5NOB

Recent Check-Ins On FM During 2010 Include:

1.   AI1V - Rick de Reston, VA.
2.   AI2C - Norm de Clarkes Gap, VA.
3.   AI4IN - Gary de Ashburn, VA.
4.   AJ4EY - Dodson de Leesburg, VA.
5.   KE4S - Dave de Wods Road, VA.
6.   K2BFY - Henry de Sterling, VA.
7.   K3CN - Dale de Leesburg, VA.
8.   K4NOB - Sally de Leesburg, VA.
9.   K5NOB - Luther de Leesburg, VA.
10. K5NOB / M - Luther de Loudoun, VA.
11. K8SYH - Bill de Potomac Falls, VA.
12. KA4XZL - John de Alabaster, AL. (eLink)
13. KB3RUR - Chris de Ashburn, VA.
14. KE4S - Dave de Woods Road, VA.
15. KE5APC - Jeff de Leesburg, VA.
16. KF4TJI - Denny de Leesburg, VA.
17. KF4UUX - Earl de Leesburg, VA.
18. KI4IEO - Chuck de Leesburg, VA.
19. KI4RJT - Colby de Madison Heights, VA. (eLink)
20. KI4TXP - Jay de Lucketts, VA.
21. KI4TXP / 4 - Jay de Summerville, FL. (eLink)
22. KI4UUX - Earl de Leesburg, VA.
23. KJ4BRN - Doug de Potomac Falls, VA.
24. KJ4GYL - Ken de Herndon, VA.
25. KJ4NXG - Bob de Round Hill, VA.
26. KJ4PVI - Greg de Reston, VA.
27. N4PD - Paul de Leesburg, VA.
28. N4TGA - Merc de Leesburg, VA.
29. NE3Z - Dan de Arlington, VA.
30. W2YE - Dick de Leesburg, VA.
31. W3CUM - Chris de Chantlly, VA.
32. W4AU - John de Hamilton, VA.
33. WA4TXE - Dave de Charles Town, WV.
34. WB3AKD - Tom de Round Hill, VA.
35. WB5ODJ - John de Lovettsville, VA.
36. WB5ODJ / M - John de Routes 50 & 15, VA.
37. WB6EFW - Scott de Ashbuen, VA.
38. WF1L - Bill de Reston, VA.

  DIGITAL WATERING HOLE
 Digital Advisor and Coordinator:  Gary Strong - 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.

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

Gary Strong - AI4IN of Ashburn, VA. is the LARG Digital Net Manager.

Hope to meet you all there.

Recent net operating instructions,
net reports and comments:

Net Report - January 5, 2010 de AI2C
Net Report - February 14, 2010 de AI4IN
Net Report - February 21, 2010 de AI4IN

Recent Check-Ins On Sunday Night HF Digital Net in 2010 Include:

1.   AI1V - Rick de Reston, VA. on Olivia
2.   AI2C - Norm de Clarkes Gap, VA. on Olivia
3.   AI4IN - Gary de Ashburn, VA. on Olivia
4.   AJ4EY - Dodson de Leesburg, VA on Olivia
5.   AJ4LN - Eric de Sterling, VA. on Olivia
6.   K4CJB - Buddy de Round Hill, VA. on Olivia
7.   KE4S - Dave de Leesburg, VA. on Oliva
8.   KG4UPR - Bryan de Potomac Falls, VA.
9.   N8YOH - Gordan de Kettering, OH. on Olivia
10. WB5ODJ - John de Lovettsville, VA.

Olivia On Canby
  & 

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

Thursday Night NCS Duty Roster
for December  - February
Dated November 22, 2009

November 26 - Bill - K8SYH
December 3 - Norm - AI2C
December 10 - Gary - AI4IN
December 17 - Dick - W2YE
December 24 - Jay - KI4TXP/3 in DE. & Paul - N4PD
(Jay says he'll play Santa Claus)
December 31 - Norm - AI2C
(But we all may be at First Night Leesburg)
January 7 - Eric - AJ4LN
January 14 - Gary - NC4S
January 21 - Paul - N4PD
January 28 - Bill - K8SYH
February 4 - Dave - KE4S
February 11 - Luther - K5NOB
February 18 - Buddy - K4CJB
February 25 - Norm - AI2C
March 4 - Gary - AI4IN
March 11 - Dick - W2YE
March 18 - Eric - AJ4LN
March 25 - Gary - NC4S
April 1 - Paul - N4PD
April 8 - Bill - K8SYH
April 15 - Jay - KI4TPX

Note: John - W4AU and Rick - AI1V have Fall, Winter and Spring commitments. They will be assigned duties in June, July and August.

          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 6 dated August 20, 2009. So, try to check-in weekly.

Recent net operating instructions, net reports and comments:

Net Report - January 7, 2010 de AI2C
Net Report - January 14, 2010 de AI2C / KE4S
Net Report - February 11, 2010 de K5NOB
Net Report - February 18, 2010 de K4CJB
Net Report - February 25, 2010 de AI2C
Net Report - March 11, 2010 de W2YE

SESSION 1 - 3675.0 kHz


Recent Check-Ins On The 75-Meter SSB Net During 2010 Include:

1.   AI1V - Rick de Reston, VA.
2.   AI2C - Norm de Clarkes Gap, VA.
3.   AI4IN - Gary de Ashburn, VA.
4.   AJ4EY - Dodson de Leesburg, VA.
5.   K1SPY - John de Springfield, VA.
6.   K4CJB - Buddy de Round Hill, VA.
7.   K5NOB - Luther de Leesburg, VA.
8.   K8SYH - Bill de Potomac Falls, VA.
9.   KE4S - Dave de Woods Rd, Leesburg, VA.
10. KG4UPR - Bryan - Potomas Falls, VA.
11. KI4KTA - Chris de St Augustine, FL.
12. KI4TXP - Jay de Lucketts, VA.
13. KI4TXP / M / W4 - Jay de Orlando, FL.
14. KJ4BRN - Doug de Potomac Falls, VA.
15. KJ4GYL - Ken de Herndon, VA. *
16. KO4A - John de Eustis, FL.
17. N4PD - Paul de Leesburg, VA.
18. NC4S - Gary de Lovettsville, VA.
19. VE3MHO - Mark de Toronto, ON., Canada.
20. W2JGO - Jim de Owego, NY.
21. VE3ROY - Roy de Orilla, ON., Canada.
22. W2YE - Dick de Leesburg, VA.
23. W4AU - John de Hamilton, 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 2010 Include:

1.   AI1V - Rick de Reston, VA.
2.   AI2C - Norm de Clarkes Gap, VA.
3.   AI4IN - Gary de Ashburn, VA.
4.   AJ4EY - Dodson de Leesburg, VA.
5.   K1SPY - John de Springfield, VA.
6.   K2BFY - Henry de Sterling, VA.
7.   K4CJB - Buddy de Round Hill, VA.
8.   K5NOB - Luther de Leesburg, VA.
9.   KE4S - Dave de Woods Rd, Leesburg, VA.
10. KG4UPR - Bryan - Potomas Falls, VA.
11. KI4TXP - Jay de Lucketts, VA.
12. KJ4BRN - Doug de Potomac Falls, VA.
13. KJ4GYL - Ken de Herndon, VA.
14. N4PD - Paul de Leesburg, VA.
15. NC4S - Gary de Lovettsville, VA.
16. W4AU - John de Hamilton, VA.

Tuesday Night 3545 CW Net
Net Manager: Bill Buchholz - 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:

Net Report - January 6, 2010 de K8SYH
Net Report - February 2, 2010 de W4AU
Net Report - February 23, 2010 de K8SYH

Recent Check-Ins On CW During 2010 Include:

1.   AI1V - Rick de Reston, VA.
2.   AI2C - Norm de Clarkes Gap, VA.
3.   K4MSG - Paul de Hamilton, VA.
4.   K8SHY - Bill de Potomac Falls, VA.
5.   N4PD - Paul de Leesburg, VA.
6.   NC4S - Gary de Lovettsville, VA.
7.   W4AU - John de Hamilton, VA.
8.   WB5ODJ - John de Lovettsville, VA.

The Latest & Greatest Really Simple Syndication Feeds From The Internet                         From Selected Internet Sites Regarding Commonwealth of Virginia Emergencies, LARG's QST de K4LRG, USGS Earthquakes and Weather Underground Situations

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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*

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