KL7JFU – Matanuska Amateur Radio Association

We have scheduled or annual Hamfest for May 9th Saturday 0900 setup and open 1000-1600. Have found a venue for the hamfest. It will be at the Valley Church of Christ in Wasilla near Home Depot at 2061 N Merciful Cir. We also are beginning to gather door prizes and look for ideas for programs or seminars. Coordinate your door prizes thru Pam/KL3PAM and you can get your tax receipt for the donation and letter of introduction from her. Make sure you get a business card from them so we can post it on our web site.

VE TESTING IS CANCELLED DO TO GOVERNOR'S MANDATE

Please watch for the next testing date. We are hoping to start back up in May. We do have some YouTube Videos that follow the Gordon West Text if you would like to study ahead. Contact Don/KL7JFT if you would like the link.

Upcoming Technician Class (Date Change)

MARA will be conducting it's next Tech Class on Saturdays 2 May to 23 May from 1000-1200 at the Houston Fire Dept Building 57.4 Parks Hwy, Houston, AK. Contact John/AL7LA at if you would like to attend or want to purchase the text book prior to the class. The Class is free, as is the test. The text book is $25, however if you take the class and past the test MARA will reimburse you for the cost of the book and you keep the book. You also get a 1 year free membership to the club. We have some YouTube videos if you are interested for studying ahead, contact Don/KL7JFT

General Meeting (April Meeting & Luncheon Cancelled)

This month's General meeting 7pm and held at the Good Sheppard Lutheran Church on Bogard road. The address is 501 East Bogard Road, Wasilla AK.

Why is Ham Radio Still Important?

In an age where communication is often taken for granted, it’s easy to overlook the importance of Ham Radio.

I often receive questions like: “Why do I need Ham Radio when I have a cell phone?” or “Didn’t the internet kill Ham Radio?” While these modern forms of communication may have shifted the attention away from Ham Radio, by no means did it make it unnecessary. In fact, during a disaster, it’s very likely that these modern forms of communication will be the first ones to fail.

The number one reason for preparedness minded people to consider Ham Radio is its reliability during times of crisis. Since the early 1900s, this form of communication has reliably made it through every major crisis, disaster, and emergency situation with flying colors. When all other forms of communication fail, Hams are often the ones who are called upon to help communicate in and out of the disaster zone.

When the grid goes down, the Ham Bands will still be alive and very active.

NOTICE:

To all Alaska Hams with a call sign License Plate

The State DMV is sending out yellow cards to those people needing to re-register their plates. The card indicates you can register online. However, for those that have ham radio plates you can't do it online. It has to be done at a DMV office. I have included below what one administer sent me.

I would advise that those re-registering their plates to take what Karina Garces-Pellon sent to me so if there are any questions, you have some backup. She is from the Anchorage DMV

I’ve included our Vehicle Transaction Application (Form 812) for the renewal, you will need to

State on form 812 that you’re requesting Amateur Radio Exemption by checking the box “Other” and writing in the Amateur Radio (AR)
Make the following statement in the Affidavit section on the application “This vehicle meets the requirements outlined in AS 28.10.421 (d) (8) (A) & (B) and I qualify for free registration under this statute.”
Copy of current FCC License
Folks need to understand they need a 5 Band HF radio installed in the vehicle with Antenna and power connection.

Click here for the Vehicle Transaction Application (Form 812)

For older vehicles, Claude N7FXX reports, since it’s an older vehicle he bypassed the “free” renewal and changed categories to “old” and “vanity” so now I’m permanent, no renewal. Cost me a little up front but now all seven of my legacy vehicles are “P” designated.

SUNSHINE COMMITTEE

MARA members, if you know of a member who needs cheering up because they have lost a loved one, or are laid up with illness or injury, or if someone is in the hospital, please let one of us know. We would love to send a ray of sunshine in their direction.

Help us spread the cheer. Donations are always appreciated and can be made at the general meeting or directly to Tabitha or Pam.

Contact Tabitha at tabithainak@gmail.com (best way), or text or phone 907-414-2281.

Pam at pam.whitehead@gmail.com, or 907-376-9281.