KL7JFU – Matanuska Amateur Radio Association

We have rescheduled or annual Hamfest for Sept 12th Saturday 0900 setup and open 1000-1600 firm date will follow. 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 now Scheduled

We will be having 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. Contact Don/KL7JFT if you would like the link. Contact Ken/KL2HF if you would like to test.

Upcoming Technician Class (Another Date Change)

MARA will be conducting it's next Tech Class on Saturdays 6 June to 27 June from 1000-1200 at the Houston Fire Dept Building as requested by the Houston Fire Chief at 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 (May Meeting)

This month's General meeting 7pm and held via Zoom Video Conferencing program. This is a free program and can be added to your computer or some Cell Phones. We have been using it for training classes and board meetings this spring. There other clubs doing the same thing. A meeting invite, login and password will be sent out via the email meeting list. See you there.

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.