Hello Everyone,
I would like to jump right in this time. After a 2 year transition, the FCC implemented its new RF Exposure program.
Ron, K3FR, reminded us at our last meeting on April 18th, that the rules phase-in would begin on May 3rd. As of this writing, that phase-in occurred about one week ago. Ron informed us that on pages 64 thru 66 in the May 2023 issue of QST magazine, there is an excellent article detailing this event. He also reminded us that on page 65, the ARRL provided a link to an ARRL RF Exposure calculator tool that is free.
http://arrl.org/rf-exposure-calculator
The article also states there is a simple method that many hams would like, but cautioned it might be too conservative for other hams, and the more complex methodology might better suit those operators.
At that same meeting, our Training Coordinator, Mark, WA4KFZ, urged everyone to save their work, whether you chose a digital method or used pen & paper to perform those calculations. It was important, Mark cautioned, that we be able to demonstrate a good faith effort, in the event of an inspection or a concern filed by a neighbor.
Our next OVH Monthly Breakfast get together will be on May 13th @ 8:00 AM – 10:00 AM EDT
Yorkshire Restaurant
7537 Centreville Rd
Manassas VA 20111
(703) 368-4905
https://www.yorkshirerestaurantmanassas.com/
We usually have 8 to 10 people that show up. I hope to see you there.
The next regular OVH will be held on Tuesday, May 16th, at 7:30 PM in the training room at the Buckhall VFD.
W4OVH Monthly Meeting – 7:30 PM – 9:00 PM EDT
Buckhall VFD Hall
7190 Yates Ford Road
Manassas, VA 20111
John, KG4NXT, will present a video on all band HOA stealth antennas – “HF in an HOA: The BBTD Attic Antenna” by Corey, KD3CR.
The month of June is always our busiest month of the year with two major club events:
- The Manassas Tailgate Party (in lieu of Hamfest) on Saturday, June 3rd from 8:00 AM until 2:00 PM EDT.
- Then the ARRL/OVH Field Day event will take place on June 24-25 at the Pavilion at the Nokesville Community Park.
First up, our Tailgate Party (in lieu of Hamfest) 2023 which will be 3 June @ 8:00 AM – 2:00 PM EDT. OVH Volunteers will need to be onsite no later than 7 AM.
This is the club’s signature event for the last 40 plus years and our main source of revenue.
Additionally, the Virginia QSO Party Award Presentations will take place at our Tailgate Party.
Location information:
Tailgate Party
9300 Signal View Drive
On the lot located on Signal View Drive across the street from Signal Hill Park.
For those of you with long memories, this is the same location we were at back on June 12th 2021.
In case of inclement weather, our rain date is June 10th. Please keep an eye on the 3 day weather forecast at that time. Our web page will display any date changes as soon as we know them, but obviously this may not be timely enough for some out of town visitors.
Our 2nd big event will be ARRL/OVH Field Day event will take place from 2 PM on Saturday, June 24th until 2 PM on Sunday 25th at the Pavilion at the Nokesville Community Park.
On Friday June 23rd, we will be stringing the antenna wires and running power lines
Nokesville Park
12560 Aden Rd
Nokesville, VA 20181
(703) 792-6000
https://www.pwcgov.org/government/dept/park/
Hours: Opens 7AM Sat.
Come and be “Radio Active”. Or, if you would rather watch, you could see HF, VHF/UHF and Digital modes in action. With so much to explore, the opportunities are endless.
If you are new to The Hobby, make sure you are there for setup; then stick around and try to make a few contacts. Don’t worry if you are inexperienced, there are plenty of members around to help you get those first few contacts.
As this is a family event, we are pleased to tell you the Saturday night dinner is back. This is a potluck dinner, so please bring a favorite dish to share and dinner will be around 5 PM.
This will be a rain or shine event as we will be under the big pavilion. So come on out and get on the air!
You may have noticed we did not have a Tri It Now event last month, nor will we have one in May. The Tri It Now folks have scaled back their mini triathlons by one in 2023.
Our next supported event, officially called “The Tri It Now – Manassas Mini Triathlon” will be June 11th at 8 AM.
Andy, KJ4MTP, is the coordinator for OVH’s participation with communications support for these mini triathlons. If you haven’t volunteered yet, please contact Andy, KJ4MTP at andy@gamponia.com .
Andy, is also the coordinator for OVH’s participation with 2023 SOWW Warrior Bike Ride. We provide communications support for these 3 simultaneous bike rides. The riders will embark on “Quarter Century”, “Half Century” and “Century” bike rides. Those names derive from a metric (kilometers) distance of each bike ride. This event always occurs on the Saturday closest to 9/11. This year that will be Saturday, September 9th. If you haven’t volunteered yet, please contact Andy, KJ4MTP at andy@gamponia.com
Check out the https://www.willingwarriors.org to see why it is a great opportunity for us to volunteer for a great cause.
A reminder to check in to the OVH’s Thursday night VHF/UHF repeater net at 8 PM – details are on the OVH’s web site: https://www.w4ovh.net
This is a great way to stay in touch.
Questions, comments or war stories should be directed to my e-mail: KN4DD@arrl.net
73, Ken / KN4DD