Radio Amateurs of Cass County
VHF Nets
Repeater Report
Testing and Licensing
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Two Sessions and Seven VEs Net Two New Techs and One General
Congratulations to Harold McMullen KE5WCQ for upgrading to general, to Bryan Loper KG5VDK and 16-year-old Jake Stegall KG5VDL for passing their technician! Special thanks to all the VEs who volunteered with the test sessions.
Cass and Morris County ARES Revived
Danny Richard KG5ESG was appointed the new ARES Emergency Coordinator for Cass and Morris County on June 21. Danny got to work on implementing a county emergency communications plan for the counties. Jim Collom N5YU donated a dedicated ARES repeater that provides wide coverage for both counties.
2016 Final Club Meeting
November marks the final formal club meeting each year for the RACC. The 2017 officers were elected, and the 2016 RACC Christmas Party plans were finalized to be held at the Champions Bible Church on Saturday, December 17, 2016 at 6:30pm.
Crazy Band Opening on 2 Meters
An unusual band opening on 2 meters allowed for FM contacts to be made on simplex and repeaters further than two hundred miles away late Wednesday night and early Thursday morning (16-17 November 2016).
Encouraging Congress to get Licensed
The ARRL sent a mass email soliciting member support and action to encourage elected representatives to vote in favor of the Amateur Radio Parity Act. The league has made it easy by pre-loading a form on a website where members can type in their information, and an email is sent to the appropriate representatives.
You can help, too! Go to: https://arrl.rallycongress.net/ctas/urge-us-senate-to-pass-amateur-radio-parity-act
I went to the link and followed the instructions with a small twist...
by Jerry A. Goodson W5BFF
I received the email from the American Radio Relay League (ARRL) asking for support and action to urge congress to pass the Amateur Radio Parity Act. The league provided a convenient link (https://arrl.rallycongress.net/ctas/urge-us-senate-to-pass-amateur-radio-parity-act) where all I had to do was enter my name, address, email address, and phone number, and a pre-filled form letter would be sent to my senators on my behalf.
I went to the link and followed the instructions with a small twist! I added a small note at the end that encouraged Senator Cornyn and Senator Cruz to obtain their amateur radio license.
Dear Sen. John Cornyn (R TX):
Dear Sen. Ted Cruz (R TX):
As a constituent and one of more than 51,366 FCC - licensed Amateur Radio Operators in the State of Texas , I am writing to ask that you now support the Amateur Radio Parity Act when it comes to the Senate floor during the upcoming lame duck session of Congress. The legislation has passed the House by voice vote in two different forms: as H.R. 1301 in stand-alone form and as part of the Communications Act Update package, S. 253.
This bill replaces S. 1685 and provides a mutually satisfactory compromise reached between the ARRL (the national association for Amateur Radio) and the Community Associations Institute (CAI), which represents home owners associations. This bill allows for effective outdoor Amateur Radio antennas for public service and emergency communications while protecting the prerogative of community associations. As amended, the legislation now enjoys universal support from both organizations.
The bill has also received the endorsement of the American Red Cross, which stated that this "legislation will greatly enhance the volunteer communications efforts by radio Amateurs that have benefited public safety organizations for many years." The National Hurricane Center added their voice in support and wrote that "(A)mateur radio operators are sometimes the only sources of eyewitness information from inside the storm." And The Salvation Army wrote "(W)e rely on Amateur Radio, and this legislation is urgently important to the continued provision of their volunteer services in emergency communications. We urge the passage of H.R. 1301…"
Texas has always relied on and benefited from Amateur Radio's critical communications support in time of need. We have been prepared for, and involved in the response to virtually every disaster in Texas volunteering to provide communications, at no cost to anyone. The bill will allow Amateurs to continue to provide the same critical communications service to our communities as we have for over the past 100-plus years.
The bill equitably balances the interests of all parties. It ensures that community associations permit effective outdoor antennas, and protects community associations' authority to adopt and enforce reasonable written rules concerning the installation, placement, and aesthetic impact of external amateur service station antennas. It also requires notification to the association and their prior approval of antenna installations and prohibits installation of antennas on common property. The rights and responsibilities of both community associations and association residents are completely protected.
I ask that you support the passage of this consensus, bipartisan legislation when it comes before you for a vote on the Senate floor.
On a side note, have you ever considered getting your amateur radio license? It's not very difficult to study and pass the examination. Upgrade to General Class, and I believe you'd enjoy chatting with a lot of your constituents on the 80m band! Feel free to contact me on how you can get licensed! My phone number is 430-342-3376. This offer is extended to your staff, as well.
Mr. Jerry Goodson
2674 CR 3214, 2674
Atlanta, TX 75551
After all, what better way to garner representation from congress than by assimilation? I don't know if the request will ever come across Senator Cornyn or Senator Cruz's eyes, but hopefully an intern or staff member will not just see it, but take action themselves.
K5HCM sk 07-JAN-2008
N5YJW sk 16-SEP-2012
KF5ULB sk 17-SEP-2015
W5YME sk 28-MAR-2016
N5THQ sk 13-FEB-2018
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