What to Bring to the Testing Session

• $15 is the current test fee. We prefer the exact amount in cash or a check made out to: ARRL-VEC
• A government photo id (drivers license or state ID card preferred).
• Your Social Security Number or FCC Federal Registration Number. We are required to submit either your Social Security Number (SSN) or your FCC Federal Registration Number (FRN) with your application. If you are upgrading, your FRN is on your current Amateur Radio license.
• A pen (black ink) and pencil (we can loan you either or both)
• If you already have an Amateur Radio license: The original (and one copy) of any current (unexpired) amateur radio operator’s license issued to you.
• If you’ve already passed a test: The original (and one copy) of any document that you will use to prove you’ve already passed a test element. These documents may include:
  • An unexpired Certificate of Successful Completion of Exam (CSCE) indicating the credit(s) earned indicating the credit(s) earned.
  • Pre March 21, 1987 Technician license (this provides credit for the Element 3 (General) exam).

Our VE Sessions are held on the first Saturday of each even numbered month. The dates for the remainder of 2012 are:

• August 4th
• October 6th
• December 1st

Last year, 50 of the 75 Ohio State Parks were activated. Will 2012 be the year that we hit 100% activation?

Your source for everything OSPOTA can be found at http://parks.portcars.org/.  On the OSPOTA Website, you’ll find rules, last years results, and info about the Yahoo group OSPOTA reflector.

For hams throughout the State of Ohio, this is your opportunity to visit and enjoy the amenities offered by the 75 beautiful State Parks here in Ohio. Don’t just make a day of it, spend the weekend at the park of your choice. No matter whether you are camping or staying at one of the outstanding lodges or resorts, you will find that the parks are one of Ohio’s greatest assets. Find out more about the parks at http://www.dnr.state.oh.us/parks.

Again this year, INPOTA (Indiana Parks On The Air) will be on the same weekend. is scheduled to run concurrently with our contest. So you can count on plenty of activity. More information about INPOTA can be found at http://inpota.com/

So, lets get out there, activate those state parks, and have some Big Fun!

There are three Awards:
Bronze- Voice contacts made through 2 meter FM repeaters. EchoLink contacts are also allowed.
Silver- Voice contacts made on 2 meters FM or SSB – not through repeaters – no EchoLink.
Gold- Contacts made on 160/80/40/30/20/17/15/12/10 or 6 Meters – AM/SSB/CW/Digital (any combination) (not
through a repeater).

Click here to download more information.

Still have questions? Contact Parky, KB8UUZ.

Check us out at our local meeting and see how much fun we’re having in person! In addition to our monthly meeting, we try to have at least one activity each month—another good opportunity to check us out. If you think we look like we’re having FUN, then the next step is to join us.   We’ve got members as far away as California and we welcome all Hams as part of our group.

In addition to having fun, we have made friendships with other Amateur operators, and have spread the message about what Ham radio is all about to our communities.

Check out and download our full color newsletter and see what our club has done and what we have planned.  The key to having FUN in Ham radio is to be active and try new things, you’ll see how much fun we’re having when you see all the different activities we’ve participated in.

Read about our Thursday Evening Net, and plan to join us either via Echolink, local 2m radio or just listen in on your scanner at 146.895 Mhz.  You don’t have to be a member of PCARS to participate and we’d appreciate your check in and your comments.

Want to join the PCARS gang? Download the membership application and get started!

Join us and put the FUN back into your Ham Radio Experience.

73,

Tom, WB8LCD

PCARS President

Here is the current schedule for SIG meetings:

• First Tuesday of the month: Digital Modes
• Second Tuesday of the month: QRP/CW
• Third Tuesday of the month: Antennas
• Fourth Tuesday of the month: DX/Contesting
• Fifth Tuesday of the Month: Linux and Amateur Radio

The meetings are open to everyone so feel free to drop in for any of them. Each group can decide how it wants to conduct its meetings or if someone is designated to be a group moderator.

If you have any questions or if you have a suggestion for any other group that you would like to get started (satellites, D-STAR, EME, you name it) send a note to Tom, WB8LCD  EMAIL.

If you meet these people on the street, in a meeting, or on the air, be sure to say Hi and introduce yourself. Let’s make our new members feel welcome!

So mark your calendars, so that you can start planning ahead. The club site is at 705 Oakwood St, in Ravenna. Stop & say hi!

Wonder no longer! 

You can email your article, along with any pictures  to webmonkey@portcars.org.   One of our well-trained monkeys will be standing by to review the content and post it.  Amazing what can be accomplished with a few bananas and some beverages.

  Similar to newsletter articles, we are looking for ham-relevant content.   This can be information from local hamfests, to pending legislation that may affect the ham community.   John KD8MQ, our newly appointed Web Editor, will be continuing to enhance the site’s content and functionality.   If you have any suggestions for the site, email the webmonkey@portcars.org and we’ll see what we can do!