KL7JFU – Matanuska Amateur Radio Association

Our Hamfest is still on line for September 12^th. Setup will be at 0900 and open 1000-1600. We have found a venue for the hamfest. It will be at the Valley Church of Christ in Wasilla near Home Depot at 2061 E Majestic View Cir. NOTE ON MAP SAYS WORK. We also are beginning to gather door prizes and look for ideas for programs or seminars. Please get the door prizes into Pam as soon as possible so we can coordinate our 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. Let Scott/KL7SLM know if you have a presentation you would like to put on so we can get you at the schedule. The VE testing session will be at 1400 and will need 3 VEs on hand to conduct it. You do not have to pay to take the testing session to get into the hamfest. We need some volunteers to help out at the entrance table, country store, and a cook for the barbee.

folks need to reserve their tables. Please contact John/KL1XM, they are $10 each. Entry is $5 and additional door prize tickets will be $1 each. Special door prize ICOM 756III, like new for $5 per ticket. We will be providing the Dogs, Burgers & Buns for the barbee for $5 each. If folks would like to bring side dishes, that would be great. If you do not have enough for a table, the MARA Country Store will be available at a 10% donation for the sale, coordinate with Don/KL7JFT at the Hamfest. We will need a cleanup crew. All items you bring if not sold will need to be removed by the owner.

VE Testing Schedule Change for July thru September

We normally have VE testing at the Wasilla Red Cross off of WestPoint Dr. We do have some YouTube Videos that follow the Gordon West Text if you would like to study ahead. Refer to the below locations and time for the summer schedule. Contact Don/KL7JFT if you would like the link.

Due to summer activity, location and schedules have been changing rather than our normal VE testing location. For the July 25th testing session, it will be held at the MARA July Picnic at Lucille Lake Recreation Area Pavilion #1, at 1400-1500. Contact Ken/KL2HF if you would like to test. August 22, will be at the Red Cross Parking Lot at 1900. September's VE session will be at the Hamfest at 1400, at the Valley Church of Christ in Wasilla near Home Depot at 2061 N Majestic Cir.

General Meeting

MARA General Meetings are suspended due to summer activities, will start up again in August. Enjoy the summer The August Meeting will be a Zoom Meetings Invites will be mailed out later this month.

Why is Ham Radio Still Important? (Updated)

In an age where communication is often taken for granted, it’s easy to overlook the importance of Ham Radio. In during our present situation it may become more important than folks realize. Across the nation, lines of communications are becoming stretched. Hams around the the world are training, testing, practicing various types and modes of ham radio, to be ready.

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.