Charles County Amateur Radio Club

On Saturday, April 24, 2021, members of the Charles County Amateur Radio Club (CCARC) and the St. Mary’s County Amateur Radio Association (SMCARA) combined their time, talent and radios during the 4th Annual STEAM Day at the Patuxent River Naval Air Museum in Lexington Park, MD.  More than a dozen vendors and exhibitors shared their displays and activities both inside the museum and outside on the flight line with the families who attended the event, which featured various aspects of Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Math (STEAM).

CCARC member Jeff – KB3SPH, set up a Kenwood D710G dual band radio, which was powered by a deep cycle battery, which he kept charged with his 100 Watt Renogy solar panel.  CCARC member Pat – KB3UYZ, was stationed at his QTH, and available to speak to guests via Jeff’s rig, through the N3PX repeater.  The antenna was a Diamond X-50 mounted on a Buddipole tripod and mast system.  

Bob – KB3KOW, also with CCARC, did multiple digital radio demonstrations with his rigs.  He used a UC-1374-531 VHF APT Weather Satellite Antenna (WXSAT), which collected real time weather satellite data in the Southern Maryland area, and then displayed it on a computer monitor.  Bob also demonstrated how to send messages via WinLink Packet.

Bob and Pam – KB3SWS, from CCARC, also conducted a mini Fox Hunt at the site.  Instead of hunting for a “fox,” Pam created a different version, during which guests learned how to “Track a Shark-Cat.”  The young trackers used a small receiver and a loop antenna, provided by Bob.  Pam created displays that explained Radio Direction Finding (RDF), as well as the Shark-Cat and two decoys, a Spider-Cat and a Dragon-Cat.

In addition to the RDF displays, Pam provided a display about radio’s “First Voice,” Reginald Fessenden, as well as signs and information about CCARC and ARRL.  

Working on behalf of SMCARA, Chris – KB2SKP and Rachel – KF7AWC demonstrated the compact digital “Go Kit” that Chris built.  Chris set up a “Slinky” antenna, which could be adjusted for different frequencies, depending on how much, or how little, the loops of the Slinky were stretched apart.  Rachel explained the various electrical and electronic parts of the Go Kit to the guests.  She also told them that amateur radio operators are able to send “Health and Welfare” messages during emergencies, when other modes of communication, such as cell phones, are not available.  Bob demonstrated the concept by sending a text via radio to a guest’s cell phone.

Jon – N3AK, who is also a member of SMCARA, did another digital demonstration, during which he showed guests what music “looks like.”  When music was played via radio, it was then translated into various visual graphs on a monitor, via a Cubic SDR program.

CCARC member Bill – W8BL, visited the radio clubs’ displays, in addition to manning the University System of Maryland at Southern Maryland booth.  Joe – KB3HNP, from CCARC, also attended the event.  Both of them gleaned new ideas from the displays, including options for solar power and transporting HT radios.

Other hams on site during the day included Steve – KA3WAP of SMCARA, Pete – WA3UMY, the SMCARA Vice President, and Joe – N3KWA.  Rob – N2OMC, a CCARC member and the SMCARA President, worked behind the scenes as the liaison between CCARC, SMCARA and the STEAM Day points of contact.   

Article written and submitted by Pam – KB3SWS

For photos of the event, go to:

On Dec 23rd, 2020, members of the CCARC met at The Old Fisherman’s Park on Cobb Island to hold a special event to commemorate the testing conducted by Reginald Fessenden, who, in 1900, conducted the first successful transmission of voice over radio.
The weather turned out to be very supportive of the activity with clear skies and temps in the mid 50’s.
We had two stations on the air. Bill (W8BL) set up a 20 meter vertical using a trailer hitch mount and Bob (NW3M) set up a 40 meter vertical using a tripod and extendable mast system.

Charles, AA3WS, also set up a small ‘hamfest’ of items including those from the estate of SK Art, AA3RT.
By the end of the event, only 8 contacts made, but an excellent event none the less. Keeping COVID restrictions in place, it was an excellent opportunity to meet up with other club members face to face and catch up. BZ to Michelle, N3YRZ, for the coordination in getting the event set up.

On Dec 23rd, during the Cobb Island special event both NW3M and KB3KOW conducted some D-ATV testing. Bob (NW3M) was stationed at the Old Fisherman’s Field on Cobb Island and ran the transmitter. We had a live video feed going to the TX side, running about 6 watts and feeding an omni directional 440 ground plane.
Bob (KB3KOW) then set up his ‘RX’ side which included the D-ATV demodulator, a small HDMI monitor and his mag-mount antenna. As he headed across the bridge, the mag-mount wasn’t working, so he swapped to a 440 Yagi and then proceeded to visit random points in the surrounding area trying to get a good sync and picture.
Based on the above picture, we had success at these five area. The distance for each was:
Test #1: 1335 Ft
Test #2: 2109 Ft
Test #3: .69 miles
Test #4: .67 miles
Test #5: 1.78 miles
More testing to follow….

The monthly CCARC meeting was conductd on 4 Dec via Zoom. The main topic of the meeting was a brief introduction to the Weak Signal Propagation Reporting system, also known as WSPR (pronounced as Whisper). This included where to get the software, how to see the results via the WSPRnet web site and general usage of the program.

The CCARC weekly net was held tonight and the question of the week was if anyone would be treating themselves to some radio related presents this year. Several had noted they’ve gotten their gifts early and some of those are:
D-ATV Transmitter
HRI-200 Fusion Node
Argent tracker
Some FT-817 gear along with a backpack for POTA activations
A possible new camera lens

Nine people (eight hams and one future ham) were present to provide CCARC communications support for the 2019 March for Babies held at the Regency Furniture Stadium in Waldorf on 5 May 2019.

Ready for action were: Rob – N2OMC, Bob – NW3M, Bob – KB3KOW, Bob – KC3BOW (with son, Robert), Rey – N3QPG, Paul – KB3YXS, Pam – KB3SWS, and Jeff – KB3SPH.

We set-up a net control station under a pop-up canopy and used a battery powered portable radio with a J-pole antenna mounted on a mast at 20 feet.  Everyone had handhelds tuned to a simplex frequency including NW3M’s bike mobile standing by.

The weatherman stated that if we had had only a few more Bobs/Roberts present, he would have been able to make the weather cooperate, but…the event organizer notified us that they had made the decision at 0700 to have the Marchers make laps around the stadium instead of the scheduled three mile walk through the surrounding neighborhood.

Most of the normally outside activities supporting the March were moved into the stadium.  Art would be pleased to know that the petting zoo did arrive and CCARC was stationed down-rain instead of downwind of them this year.  The ducks in the petting zoo especially enjoyed the weather.

At 0900, the throbbing crowd of Marchers staged inside the stadium were pressed against a purple ribbon stretched across the entrance.  The event coordinator cut the ribbon and the Marchers streamed out in to the pouring rain to make their counterclockwise soggy trek(s) around the stadium.  There were lots of squishy sounds, dripping umbrellas, and all-terrain strollers pushing up bow waves passing by the net control station.  A few of our CCARC communicators also joined the March and gave signal reports back to net control.  We also tested communications from the original rest stop locations with no issues, proving that CCARC communicators can make it happen, rain or shine.  The March was finished a little after 1000, leaving us to pack up and hope for better weather next year.

73
Jeff / KB3SPH

The Charles County Amateur Radio Club put on their first special event station in almost 4 years on Saturday, October 13th at Mallows Bay, on the western side of the county, with a picturesque view of the Potomac River and the Virginia shoreline.

The “Ghost Fleet of Mallows Bay” consists of more than 200 ships, many of them wooden hulled vessels built to serve as transport ships during World War 1. With the 100th anniversary of the end of World War 1 approaching on November 11th this seemed like an appropriate time and location for a special event.

The morning started out looking rather ominous with dark clouds, a chilly wind and some brief showers. Despite the weather, our crew went right to work setting up a 80/40 meter dipole, a MFJ-2980 40 meter vertical, a 20 meter dipole and a 20 meter vertical. If that wasn’t enough we also had a VHF antenna should anyone need to contact us on 2 meters.

We operated on both 20 and 40 meters, using President Bob’s (NW3M) Yaesu FT-857D and Activities Manager Jeff’s (KB3SPH) Yaesu FT-450D. Bob’s radio was powered with a 12 volt battery connected to an MFJ-4416C power conditioner. Jeff’s radio was also powered with a 12 volt battery with the charge being maintained by a solar panel (When the Sun finally made an appearance) and charge controller.

There were a grand total of 15 licensed amateurs (14 CCARC members and 1 visitor) who signed in, along with 6 visitors. Of note was Charles’ (AA3WS) 92 year old father-in-law, Arthur Willett, who is the last living person to have worked as a ship salvager at Mallows Bay. Arthur brought along four display boards that he stood on easels with photos and a write up of the history of the ships (Or, more correctly, the hulls) still visible at Mallows Bay. Among the photos were two aerial views of the ships when they were first burned in Alexandria in the late 1920s or early 1930s. It is unfortunate that the weather started out so poorly as Arthur’s display was most interesting and it is a shame that more people did not have the opportunity to view it. Other visitors included one of Boy Scout Bob’s (KB3KOW) scout troops and a member of the Charles County 4-H Robotics Team who put on the robotics presentation at last week’s (October 5th) monthly club meeting. (More on him a little later.)

With 2 stations operating simultaneously I believe that everyone who wanted to operate had an opportunity to do so. There were 57 contacts made on the 40 meter station and 16 on the 20 meter station. Of note was Jayne (W4VJU) who was racking up contacts on 40 meters while I sat at the 20 meter station getting skunked. I did make 1 contact and then used the opportunity to check in to the American Legion Amateur Radio Club net, the first time I’ve ever had the chance to do so since becoming a member of the American Legion ARC on March 22 of 2012. 20 meters remained quiet so I relinquished my seat to Erich, the lad from the 4-H club. About that time the skies cleared, and the 20 meter band opened up. Young Erich got a “baptism under fire” working Texas, Kansas, a mobile in Oregon along with a few other states and I believe that his final contact was with England, somewhere near the Welsh border. He seemed to handle himself well, thanks to Michelle (N3YRZ) who sat with him and guided him through making contacts.

We were competing with 4 US contests and one in Europe, making 20 meters difficult at best.

Saturday’s special event could also qualify as a fall picnic. Rick, Jayne’s husband, brought along some delicious chili. Apparently I wasn’t the only one who thought so as there wasn’t any leftover. We were also treated to side dishes from Pam (KB3SWS) and Michelle (N3YRZ) as well as cookies from Michelle and Hattie, President Bob’s XYL. (If I missed anyone it was unintentional. I wasn’t keeping track of who brought items.) AA3WS showed that not only is he our “Mr. Wizard” but he is quite the culinary artiste’, grilling both hot dogs and burgers to perfection. If anyone went away hungry it’s your own fault.

1600L (2000Z) came before I realized it and we had plenty of hands to tear down and put things away. Thanks to everyone who contributed, as the old local news columns used to recap “A good time was had by all”.

If you’ve read this far, to answer your question, the last CCARC special event station operated on April 18th & 19th of 2015 when we operated from the Dr. Samuel Mudd House as part of the commemoration of the pursuit of John Wilkes Booth after the assassination of President Abraham Lincoln.

Hopefully it won’t be another 3 and a half years before our next special event.

73, Art, AA3RT

Erich working 20m

President Bob Curran, NW3M, welcomed the members and guests. Subsequently, Bob asked each member introduce themselves and give their most exciting thing they did as a Ham last month.
Bob, KB3KOW,  introduced Darby D’Ambrosio the Charles County Representative for the 4-H. Ms. Darby gave overview of 4-H and the various programs they support beyond animal husbandry. Darby then introduced four of the youth members of the 4-H robotics team. After the youth gave the 4-H Pledge they then gave a demonstration of their Robot Contest entry. During the presentation the youth described how they overcame refraction error during the contest. The light in the contest building was a mixture of natural light in high pressure ceiling sodium light that caused erratic operation robot mounted light sensors. The sensors had difficulty picking light refractions from different colors on the contest board. The problem was solved by ad hoc programming changes to the onboard robot computers.

The Oxon Hill Bicycle and Trail Club’s Indian Head 100
(100? Is that the distance or the temperature?!?)

     September 3, 2018 was Labor Day, generally accepted as a day to be celebrated as free from toil for the American worker. Then there are those of us who volunteer our services on a day off – even when the combination of heat and humidity surpass the century mark. If you think that’s crazy, what about the almost 1000 bicycle riders who came out to ride through some of the more scenic portions western Charles County, choosing between six different courses varying in length between 17 and 100 miles? Along with the support staff from the Oxon Hill Bicycle and Trail Club, the caterers and the band (Yes, those of us at net control were “serenaded” by a live band), a great deal of effort went into the support of the Labor Day ride.

The CCARC has been supporting the Oxon Hill rides for well over a decade now and we have a good working relationship with the Oxon Hill club. This year’s ride was no different. We did, of course, experience a few minor difficulties that were quickly overcome.

A grand total of 12 CCARC members were in attendance; names, callsigns and assignments provided by Activities Manager Jeff (KB3SPH):

The event was scheduled to start at 7 AM with net control to be up and running at that time. I got a bit of a late start, leaving my house in La Plata around 6:30 which, I thought, would still be sufficient to get me to Indian Head prior to 7 AM. My first hint that perhaps I should have departed sooner came shortly after I’d passed the intersection of Routes 224 (Chicamuxen Road) and Route 225 (Hawthorne Road) when I saw the first cyclists heading east on 225. After turning south on Route 210 (Indian Head Highway) I saw even more cyclists headed north. I would later learn that a number of cyclists departed well before the “official” 7 AM start time to get as much distance in as possible before the day really warmed up. There was a long line of cars on IH Hwy all turning in to the Indian Head Village Green. After parking, I made my way to the net control spot and found president Bob (NW3M), who had been more conscientious than me and arrived earlier, setting up his canopy, the radio and associated equipment already in place. We completed our set up thanks to an assist from Jeff, Rob (N2OMC) and Boy Scout Bob (KB3KOW).

We received a call from Les (KH6CUJ) and Craig (KB3YQC) at 7:17 AM letting us know that rest stop was manned and ready. Pam (KB3SWS) checked in at 7:28 AM from Rest Stop 2. The first rider arrived at Rest Stop 1 at 7:30 AM and 2 minutes later Paul (KB3YXS) checked in from Rest Stop 3. Michelle checked in from Rest Stop 5 @ 8:23 AM with Jayne (W4VJU) joining Michelle @ 9:03. Bob and Rob checked in from Rest Stop 4 @ 9:05 AM with Joe (KB3HNP) joining them later in the morning.

The W4KGC repeater performed well – most of the time. During the first hour or two we experienced some interference with a repeater in the vicinity of Lancaster, Pennsylvania. This was a good example of “tropospheric ducting” that is covered in the Technician class license exam. Additionally the W4KGC repeater is a linked repeater and we heard at least one exchange from amateurs in the southwestern portion of the Commonwealth of Virginia. We had been under the impression that the linking would be turned off for the event, however Bob would have a brief exchange with Dave (WA3GIN) Jordan, one of the repeater trustees. Dave informed us that they decided to leave the link(s) up as they thought that others monitoring the frequency might find the support of interest.

At least 2 of the rest stops did experience some issues communicating with net control however those issues were worked out prior to the end of the event.

All those assigned to the rest stops did a good job of keeping net control appraised of when the first and last riders had passed and the head count of the number of riders passing through each stop. Additionally Jeff, who rode with in a SAG (Support And Gear) wagon, one of at least three vehicles assigned to assist disabled riders, provided valuable information as a mobile operator informing net control when they’d located disabled riders and providing the disposition for those riders.

The morning started out fairly slowly however as we reached 9 AM radio traffic picked up notably as the heat began to take its toll on the riders. Between 10 AM and 1 PM net control handled 51 calls from the various rest stops, averaging 1 call every 4 minutes. Things dropped off markedly after 1 PM. Rest stop 1 shut down @ 11 AM, followed by rest stop 2 @ 12:53 PM, stop 3 @ 1:37 PM, stop 4 @ 2:35 PM and rest stop 5 was finally able to end operations @ 3:59 PM with the repeater being returned to normal use at 4 PM. Everyone ended up staying longer than originally scheduled, perhaps due to the number of riders and a slower than anticipated pace due to the heat.

After the event, Jayne, along with husband Rick made their way to the Indian Head Village Green to partake of what remaining food the caterer still had to offer and they along with Pam, Jeff, Bob and I took down temporary setup that had served as CCARC’s “communications center” for the previous 9 hours.

Thanks to all who volunteered, everyone did a good job and I know that our efforts were appreciated. Thanks also to the trustees of the W4KGC repeater for the use of the repeater.

There are already some photos up on the website of the Oxon Hill Bicycle and Trail Club’s website. You can find it at http://ohbike.org/ and then click on “2018 Indian Head 100 photos”. 

For those of us who were treated to the live music at the village green, you can find the website for “The Doc Stevens and Marilyn Band and Show” at: http://docstevens.org/

73, Art, AA3RT

On August 3rd, members of the CCARC along with some visitors gathered to build a small 440Mhz antenna. The antenna kit consisted of a PL-259 connector, four radials and one radiating element along with the needed nuts and bolts to assemble it.

We had the choice of getting the kit with the radiating element already soldered in place and only having to connect the radials or trying our hands at doing the actual soldering without melting anything.

Construction was as easy and simple at it could get and we all walked away with a nice small stealth 440 antenna.