Latest News

The next RVWARS club meeting is April 20th.

Please note:

The club is now meeting at Columbia Greene Community College. See a map of the campus and directions to the college. Meetings are in room 706 of the PAC building shown in the upper part of the map just off of the parking lot. Use the A or B parking lot.

Email Joe Sacco   for further information.

New Technician Class begins February 11 at Columbia-Greene Community College

The class is in Room 318. There is no charge for the course. The Amateur Radio Relay League Ham Radio Licence manual is required and is available online for $32.95 at arrl.org.

Technician Course Outline:

February 11, 2020

Chapter 1: Welcome to Amateur Radio

• What is Amateur Radio?
• The FCC and Licensing
• Amateur Radio Activities
• Getting Your Ham Radio License

February 18, 2020

Chapter 2: Radio and Signals Fundamentals

• Radio Signals and Waves
• Modulation
• Radio equipment Basics

February 25, 2020

Chapter 3: Electricity, Components and Circuits

• Electricity
• Components and Units
• Types of Radios and Radio Circuits

March 3, 2020

Chapter 4: Propagation, Antennas and Feedlines

• Propagation
• Antenna Fundamentals
• Feed Lines and SWR
• Practical Antenna Systems

March 10, 2020

Chapter 5: Amateur Radio Equipment

• Transmitters and Receivers
• Digital Communications
• Power Supplies and Batteries
• RF Interference (RFI)
• RF Grounding

March 17, 2020

Chapter 6: Communicating With Other Hams

• Contact Basics
• Band Plans
• Making Contacts
• Using Repeaters
• Nets
• Communications for Public Service
• Special Activities, Modes and Techniques

March 24, 2020

Chapter 7: Licensing Regulations

• Licensing Terms
• Working with the FCC
• Bands and Privileges
• International Rules
• Call Signs

March 30, 2020

Chapter 8: Operating Regulations

• Control Operators
• Identification
• Interference
• Third-Party Communications
• Remote and Automatic Operation
• Prohibited Transmissions

April 7, 2020

Chapter 9: Safety

• Electrical Safety
• RF Exposure
• Mechanical Safety

Review for Exam

April 14, 2020

VE Session

Instructors: Wayne Gearing, K2WG and Jules Madey, K2KGJ.

Email Wayne Gearing   for further information.

Several hams get their licenses at recent VE session.

The Technician Class, which started January 29 at Columbia-Greene Community College, concluded Tuesday, April 16, with several new licenses and upgrades being earned.

Here are the results:

• Richard Howland - Technician*
• Robert Davies - KD2RFI, upgrade to Extra*
• Suzanne Colpitts - Technician*
• Simon Davies - Technician
• Johan Reuchlin - Technician*
• Samuel Cohen - Technician
• John Roberts - Technician
• Nathan Meier - KD2OZG, upgrade to General
• Kate Stone, General
• Peter Pulver - Technician*
• Theresa Tiano - Technician*

* CGCC Class Member

Suzanne was the recipient of the 10 meter transceiver prize and Richard, Peter, Johan and Theresa each received a Retevis RT-5 VHF/UHF HT.

Special kudos go to instructors Wayne Gearing, K2WG and Jules Madey, K2KGJ. Also, thanks to the several VEs who showed up to assist with the testing.

Joe Sacco is new RVWARS President.

The nominating committe presented President, Joe Sacco, KC2JMS; Vice-president, Shelly Evans, AA2Y; Secretary, Christian Sweningsen, KD2LIN; Tresurer, Jack Griffin, AA2JM and Historian, Stan Engel, WA2UET. No nominations came from the floor, so all were elected uncontested.

2017 Field Day Enjoyed by Many

Claverack--Field Day Chairman Pete Franklin, NX2X was pleased with the outcome of this year's field day event at Claverack Town Park in Mellenville.

Several members showed up early Saturday to setup the antennas and equipment and operate the rigs. The event kicked off at 2 pm. Pete said the the weather cooperated and the bands were very good.

The club operated 3A, or three transmitters at a maximum of 100 watts each. Pete, NX2X also operated his satellite station during several passes of Amateur satellites.

The site was visited by several members of the public, including some local officials.

The club even held an educational antenna building session where 2 meter ground plane antennas were made.

The attendees were well fed with an assortment of dishes including hot dogs, hamburgers and pepperoni subs as well as various salads. Sunday morning breakfast included sausage and eggs.

Breakdown and cleanup started at 2 pm on Sunday, by the weary, but satisfied crew. More details to follow as they become available.

Pete, NX2X and Club Vice President Joe Sacco, KC2JMS operating the rigs, while Dick Franklin, WB2UWR, (Pete's dad) looks on.

(l. to r.) Shelly Evans, AA2Y, Club President Wayne Gearing, K2WG and Jules Maday, K2KGJ administering the VE session held on Sunday.

Club Treasurer Jack Griffin. AA2JM. attending to the Field Day culinary duties.

RVWARS Members Participate in Scouting Event

CHATHAM--Members of Rip Van Winkle ARS participated in the Twin Rivers Council Spring Camporee on Saturday, May 20th, demonstating amateur radio for several scouts. Several contacts were made on voice and PSK-31, including first contacts by scouts. The event was held at the Chatham Fairgrounds.

Chris Carlsen, N2PBN, a long time participant with scouting, was joined by Barry Thompson, WA2KLP, Sean Madey, KD2GRA, Vincent "Otter" Vispo, KD2LIO and Marty Miller, N2LDR.

Several scouts look on as Sean Madey, KD2GRA makes a PSK-31 digital contact

Who said CW is dead...?

Field Day 2016

2016 was another successful year for the Rippers at field day. Here are some of the moments.