Latest News

A Summer picnic is planned at Pres. Joe Sacco's residence on Saturday, August 17th.

Please feel free to bring a covered dish or other picnic essential and a lawn chair. Joe will supply hamburgs, hotdogs, soda and water.

Please RSVP by August 10th with a head count and what you will be bringing.

No pets please as Joe has one that does not play well with other animals.

The picnic begins at 3 pm. The location is 110 Schmidt Rd, Ghent

Talk in on 147.210 repeater.

The RVWARS September meeting is planned for Sept. 16th.

Club meetings are at 7 pm, at the Churchtown Firehouse, 2219 County Route 27 in the hamlet of Churchtown.

Email Joe Sacco   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.