W4CA
Roanoke Valley Amateur Radio Club (RVARC) is dedicated to the advancement of amateur radio, serving Southwest Virginia, since 1932
Hams From the Past
In going over the archived files on the W4CA.com website, I found newsletters from 1965 to 2012. Ham radio thrives on history and reminisces. So I will share the information gleaned from these files, from the most recent going all the way back 60 years. I hope that you will share with us any memories of the hams mentioned in these files. Some of them are still members today. Some are no longer members, and we would love to know what their status is, if you know. Some are silent keys, and we will commemorate them with our memories. The W4CA Log was published quarterly in January, April, July, and October.
April 2012 W4CA Log
President: Leigh Anne Brewster, Kj4yMK, the first lady elected as president.
VP: Jim Martin AK4LB
Secretary: Mike Hevener KF4PHW
Ray Pillow KK4HR
They instituted an Elmer Program. The Elmer Program helped both new and experienced amateurs to receive instruction or information from those who have spent more time in the hobby, getting the best advice possible.
They had a club brochure and member letter, created membership packages for both new and renewing members. The membership packet contained a club brochure, welcome letter, membership card, the officers’ and board members’ contact information, and a local repeater list.
They started a “bacon bits” points system to recognize the most active members. Participation in events, attending club meetings earned the members points. Then at the end of the year those with at least 5 points were recognized, and the “Top 3” received a plaque and a gift card.
Thought for today: Resistance is not futile…it is voltage divided by ohms.
Roanoke ARES
Kennie Harris W4GIS was EC.
Previous EC was Phil Roark K4WFO.
Silent Keys
Robert “Bob” Anderson K4UMK
William David “Bill” Reed, Jr W4PLS
Lee Baron Mosley WA4AJG
Fred Laferty W4DF
Bill and Lee worked with the students at William Byrd Middle School and the K4WBM station.
The picture below was taken at the Roanoke Hamfest on May 17, 1959. It was sent by Carol Laferty K4SAF, widow of Fred Laferty W4DF.
Other hams on Log
AB4A Ron Ramsey Silent Key
AB4SK Charlie Draper
AK4HX Not in area
K9PJ Philip G. Jung?
KJ4EGX Marion Roark
N4LCL Linda Lucas?
KZ4VT Richard Turner
N2QT Mark Sihlanick
WA4AJG Le Baron Moseley, Jr? License Expired
WA4MPJ Donnie R. Linkous? License Expired
Visitor 8 yr old Hannah Webber
VE test Aug 6, 2011 led by VE Wally W5WMD added the following hams:
New technicians:
Iva Daniels KK4DPF license now expired
James Bailey KK4DPG license now expired
Robert Wills KD8QPQ
Upgrading Hams:
KC2IMD Not in the Area
KF4VLT Not on QRZ
KJ4PZZ Clay William?
KJ4SNT Michael Finch?
KK4DGF Michael Ailstock?
KK4DGG James E. Martin, IV?
W4TKW Tom Wilcox
WB2CJU Not on QRZ
WB4PWZ Not in the Area
If you know any of the hams listed on this log and they are not current members, please connect with them, share what we are doing, and ask them to join us. They could be elmers for new hams, or just have fun with our activities.
2012 Festival in the Park
2012 Weatherfest
July 2011 W4CA Log
President Scott Fisher AK4DV (Now lives in Suffolk, VA)
Vice President Tim Ferrell KJ4NPB (Now lives in Mechanicsville, VA)
Secretary Mike Hevener KF4PHW
Treasurer Ray Pillow KK4HR
Phil Roark K4WFO was editor of the newsletter.
The club held an Antenna Building Party where they would show the participants how to build a 2 meter copper J-Pole antenna at the cost of $25, with the antenna ready to take home and use.
The Blue Ridge Bonanza was done in conjunction with the Forsythe Amateur Radio Club, W4NC, in Winston-Salem, NC, with 13 stations along the Blue Ridge Parkway from Mile Post 0 in Virginia to Mile Post 408 in North Carolina.
Contests held by the club in the fall:
August UHF Contest
Rookie Roundup – RTTY
September VHF QSO Party
School Club Roundup
November Sweepstakes, Phone
ARRL 160 Meter Contest
ARRL 10 Meter Contest
The newsletter included ads for sale/wanted for ham equipment.
Scout Day at ITT
The club participated in the ITT Scout Day in the Blue Ridge Mountains Council where they operated ham radio equipment and presented the Radio merit badge, one of the favorites. The merit badge introduces scouts to the hobby. The average number of scouts per year attending was around 75. It took 8-10 hams on site and an equal number on radios at their homes. They taught in large circus sized tents 15×35 ft, setting up 2 complete radio stations with an HF radio and 2m radio.
School Club Stations
Three area schools participated in the annual School Club Roundup: Hidden Valley High School N4HVH, William Byrd High School WB4HS, and William Byrd Middle School K4WBM
Hams Mentioned in the Newsletter:
AE4CJ John H. Carroll, III
K1SO Jerry Haislip
KK4HR Ray ARRL VE team leader
AB4SK Charlie Draper
W4IXC Winston Corbett
KI4GOT Karen Anderson
KK4AVD Alex Thompson, senior at William Byrd (license expired)
KK4CNQ Dan Web WBMS student
KK4CNR Dan Wright, WBMS student (license expired)
January 2010 W4CA Log
President: Ron Ramsey AB4A (Silent Key)
Vice President: Phil Roark K4WFO
Secretary: Nancy Wood KG4ETP
Treasurer: Ray Pillow KK4HR
JT Flannery, KF4ONR, (silent key) suggested having a ladie’s net to get more ladies involved in ham radio.
Hams mentioned on the Log
K5JCT Jimmy L. Powell (now lives in Supply, NC) Ham of the Year for keeping the repeater 146.985 up and running.
Hams who got a license or upgraded:
WB3JJT Roger Tabor Fairlawn, VA
KJ4QOF E Drake Breeden Buchanan, VA
KG4YJC Kenyon Hooven License expired
KE4RBT Fred Mahone Silent Key
KJ4QOE Austin Warren Now Ada M Warren, Hollins, VA
VE’s that helped:
AG4RW Leroy Maxey?
WA4AJG Lee (Le Baron Moseley?) License expired
K4JKA John
KI4GOT Karen Anderson
N4LYO Ken Wieringo?
K4VPI Phil
AB4SK Charlie Draper
News from HQ
2009 was a banner year for new Amateur Radio licensees with more than 30,000 new licenses issued. In 2009 there were 682,500 licensed Amateur Radio operators in the US, with 17,084 Novices, 334,245 Technicians, 150,970 Generals, 60,795 Advanced and 119,403 Amateur Extras.
Silent Key
K4JCY Richard L. Anderson: Dick passed away Saturday, Nov. 14, 2009. Born July 27, 1930, he was raised in Hutchison, KS and lived in the Roanoke Valley for the past 41 years. He enjoyed golf, coaching little league football, and amateur radio.
January 2009 W4CA Log
President: Ron Ramsey AB4A (Silent Key)
Vice President: Mike Hevener KF4PHW
Secretary: Karen Anderson KI4GOT
Treasurer: Ray Pillow KK4HR
Board of Directors: Appointed Positions:
Phil Roark K4WFO Net Manager: Russ Abby KG4MAV
David L. Kinsey KS4BO RVARC Chef: Bob Anderson K4UMK
David R. Jones, Jr. N4JED Membership: Fred Krack K
Jerry D. Haislip K1SO Log Editor: Charlie Draper AB4SK
Lack of net participation and overall lack of repeater use.
It was recommended that every club member monitor the repeater and participate in the net. It is the best method to gain information about club events and special needs of community and members.
New Contest: 985 Coloring Book Contest Supporting the Virginia QSO party by operating from Bath County. Since everyone else in the United States is trying to work all of the counties in Virginia, Bath County being a rare county, we will have a lot of people looking for us. This is a low pressure contest with an easy exchange, making it a great contest for newcomers. We will be operating at Douthat State Park on March the 21st and 22nd. A cabin is used, and some hams rent other cabins to stay.
Fox Hunts Organized by Pat Lewis, N3AYW
Many people using just a handheld, a map, and some patience have come in first. First place is won by the hunter (or team) with the least mileage no matter who gets there first; AND THE REAL WINNERS ARE THOSE WHO TAKE HOME NEW TRICKS. ◊
Other Events:
April 18: Annual Kite Festival: Ham radio operators helped with communication and parking.
May 9: ITT Scout Safety Day: Boys get their Radio Merit Badge, among others.
Hams who got a license or upgraded:
KJ4JBS Sarah Prescott
K4FJP Frank Palmieri
KJ4JBU Jeffery Gruver
K8MIH Onnie Carr
KJ4JRC Scott D. Pritchard
KJ4JRB John M. McIntosh
Other Hams mentioned on the log
N4XE Willie Carr
KJ3Y Robert Yates
W4VPI Anthony P. Sweeney?
NS4TT Fred Krack
W4PLS Bill Reed
WA4AJG Lee Moseley
W4VZH Tom King
KK4WW Dave Larsen
KE4UGF Doug Clemens (Silent Key)
W4VZH Tom King
KK4HR Ray Pillow
K4JKA John
WR4PS Gary
N4JED David Jones
K4WVS Doug Moore (Silent Key)
W4GMX Coy Weaver Sr
KI4HDI Joshua J. Whitlow
NC4WT Woody Thompson
May 2009 W4CA Log
The RVARC helped with a Red Cross Simulated Emergency Training (SET) called Deep-Freeze. 65 amateur radio operators passed 1025 pieces of traffic across the state of Virginia.
The May 9th ITT Scout Safety Day needed more volunteers so they could handle the number of participants, with radio being the most popular merit badge. In 2008 they had 108 scouts involved.
New and interesting web sites
By Russ Abbey KG4MAV
Morse Code
www.justlearnmorsecode.com
www.g4fon.net.
For the New Ham
www.arrl.org: This is the Amateur Radio Relay League.
www.ac6v.com: more aids to the ham than any other site out there. W
ww.qrz.com
eham.net: BUT remember that in an online forum you need to take the advice you receive and verify it. While there are a lot of reputable hams out there, there are bunches that think they know more then they do. Also be aware that in the forums some of the folks like to be idiots and will try to get you riled. DON’T let them get to you or get discouraged. Just ignore them and like ice they will melt away.
The First Field Day
By Charlie Draper, AB4SK
The first Field Day was in June, 1933
QST: “International Field Day – June 10th – 11th” “CLUBS, 56-mc. operators, all hams with licenses for portable stations, attention!! Starting Saturday at 4 p.m. local time (June 10th) and ending Sunday at 7 p.m. local time (June 11th), all U.S.A. and Canadian station owners are invited to schedule ‘field activities,’ excursions with concentrated operation of portable transmitters and receivers. Only portable stations in the field, away from the ‘home’ address are eligible to submit field day scores.” “The object will be for each ‘portable’ station to work as many other amateur stations as possible – each to count one point toward a score. …..”
The announcement went on to give the rules, not unlike the rules today. Sections were multipliers and each contact counted one point, 2 points if with a portable or DX station. I expect all stations operated CW in the contest. The announcement bore the name of F. Ed Handy, W1BDI, an ARRL Communications Manager at the time. Ed Handy reported the results on page 35 in the September, 1933 QST: “The first Field Day was pronounced an unqualified success, according to about 50 accounts of station participation received. The winner was W4PAW with 62 contacts, 28 sections and/or DX, and 1876 points, from Indian Rocks Beach, Florida.
Events
April 4: Fox Hunt
9 amateurs with 5 teams. The winner, Pat N3AYW Lewis and Ken KJ4GWO found the fox in 25 miles, at 3 ½ hours.
Hams who got a license or upgraded:
KD8JYF Michael Tolley Hico, WV
KF4ONR JT Flannery Silent Key
KJ4HJR Christopher Davis Roanoke
KJ4JBU Jeffrey Gruver Bent Mountain
KJ4KNU Ben Gruver Bent Mountain
KJ4KNV Debi Bard Jamestown, NC
KJ4KNW Shawn Jones not on QRZ
AK4HY Otis Harris Roanoke
W4NJE Charles Bruington Glade Hill, VA
KJ4LNC Ben Rice Moseley, VA
KJ4LND MIchael White Roanoke
KJ4LNE John Akers Shawsville
KJ4LNF Victoria Taylor license expired
KJ4LNG John Coggin Blacksburg
KJ4LNH Glenn Clements Roanoke
KL2QZ Richard Anderson Juneau, AK
Hams mentioned on the Log
K4TFC Theodore Crutchfield
N4LYO Ken Wieringo Roanoke
WA4AJG Lee Moseley license expired
W4PLS Bill Reed license expired
KJ4KTQ Devin Taylor Sandy Level, VA
July 2009 W4CA Log
Laurence Hammack wrote an article about Field Day for The Roanoke Times.
Roanoke Valley Amateur Radio Club finds the right frequency
Members of the Roanoke Valley Amateur Radio Club made it their mission to seek out fellow radio enthusiasts across North America. By Laurence Hammack
Field Day, an annual exercise across the country, is an opportunity for ham radio operators to test their ability to relay information.
DALEVILLE — Of the 3,077 counties across the United States, Jerry Haislip has contacted a fellow ham radio operator in all but nine.
Four of the counties Haislip is still trying to reach are in Idaho; If he’s going to complete his national sweep — a goal he’s been pursuing since 1991 — Haislip figures he’ll have to contact someone on a mobile unit.
“Some of those counties in Idaho don’t have anything but cows and trees,” he said.
For amateur radio enthusiasts as dedicated as Haislip, last weekend offered the perfect opportunity to binge.
In a meadow near Daleville, members of the Roanoke Valley Amateur Radio Club erected a makeshift antenna tower, fired up a gas-powered generator and manned radio equipment set up in campers and under tents.
Their mission: To contact as many places in the United States and Canada as possible within 24 hours.
Known as Field Day, the annual exercise takes place across the country on the fourth weekend of June. The idea is to test the ability of ham radio operators to relay information during emergencies.
Working the airwaves nonstop from 2 p.m. Saturday to 2 p.m. Sunday, the club was expected to reach more than 2,000 members of the emergency contact network.
Ham radio operators have long been known for their knack in reaching areas cut off from communication by floods, hurricanes, earthquakes or other natural disasters.
They also stand by closer to home, ready to assist local police and rescue agencies should their communication systems fail.
Public service is what appeals to most ham radio operators, said Ron Ramsey, president of the Roanoke Valley Amateur Radio Club. But there’s also the allure of chatting with like-minded people, no matter where they might be.
“When I key the mike and call CQ [a general call to anyone] I may get Australia or I may get Floyd County,” Ramsey said. “It just fascinates me that I can talk from that distance to somebody on just a little piece of wire.”
The result is a close-knit community of people, well-versed in the technical jargon of their field and who are likely to refer to themselves by the call signals issued to them by the Federal Communications Commission. For Ramsey that would be AB4A; Haislip goes by K1SO. “That’s what they know me by,” Haislip said. “They may not know my name, but they know what my call signal is.”
A Very Special Ham Radio Picnic
By Ron Ramsey AB4A
Recently I was invited to a really nice get-together at Longwood Park (Salem) where I encountered some very warm and friendly People. Good Clean Family Fun… With wonderful helpings of Fellowship, Music, Technology, and Food.
Another treat was the invitation to break out my fiddle and attempt to learn some old-time hymns/ ballads/ mountain and country music songs… A very patient group of “real” musicians (real are those that play from the heart) which included Base, Dobro, and Guitar— Let me sit in and harmonize…. Now that is what I call a HAM RADIO BAND….(Hi, sorry Brother Floyd…)…
I sure did feel like family, as a matter of fact everyone there did. The big shock for me was that with all the comfortable chit chat it seemed like everyone was from the same family which now somehow included me, that actually wasn’t the case. We were just kinfolk with at least 2 things in common: The love of Ham Radio and having been befriended by Doc Adams (KC4DPY)…
Some new and some old web sites
For the new ham, go to:
www.ac6v.com For everything Amateur Radio related. Including operating procedures.
www.eham.net Good for help and used equipment.
www.qrz.com Good for used equipment and forums.
www.qth.com Excellent for used equipment.
www.arrl.org National organization for Amateur Radio.
www.aprs.org All the info in one place for the Amateur Position Reporting System.
www.amsat.org For the current satellites we can use.
www.w4ca.us The web site for the Roanoke Valley Amateur Radio Club.
www.n3fjp.com: radio software
Youth Activities
May 9: ITT Safety Scout Day
Had only one 2M and HF radio station functioning, with 9 hams assisting. So only 51 scouts were able to earn the merit badge. There were 700 scouts in attendance.
May 14-16: Hidden Valley High School Licensing classes.
Events
July 18: Star City Event
July 25: Fox Hunt starting at Cross Roads Mall Advance Auto parking lot.
August 1: Hamfest
Vendors: Cedar City Sales, Quicksilver, Hamfesters (make custom embroidered hats and badges.
September 19-20: Blue Ridge Bonanza
Hams who got a license or upgraded:
KJ4MID Micah Green Hidden Valley High School
KJ4MIE Zack Carney Hidden Valley High School
KJ4MIF Jake Moles Hidden Valley High School
Hams mentioned on the Log
AB4A Ron Ramsey Silent Key
N4LCL Linda Lucas
KJ4HJR Chris Davis
W4IXC Winston Corbett
WB4MMW Ed Francisco
WR4PS Gary Yohe
K4WFO Phil Roark
AB4YZ Ray
KI4GOT Karen Anderson
KI4HDI Josh Whitlow
KJ3Y Bob Yates
WA4AJG Lee
KZ4VT Richard Turner
KG4MAV Russ Abbey
WD6FLL John Garrett
KC4DPY Tommy “Doc” Adams
September 2009 W4CA Log
On October 3, 2009, a wide area emergency communications exercise was conducted, replicating Hurricane Hazel in 1954. The drill involved the National Weather Service, multiple hospitals and Red Cross units.
President Ron Ramsey brought up in The President’s Corner, what every club and organization suffer from—lack of participation. He wrote a quote from his childhood that I’ve never heard, but I like it, so I want to pass it on.
“There are Wishbones, who spend all their time wishing somebody else would do something about this, or something about that. There are the Jawbones, who do all the talking, but very little of anything else. Next comes the Knucklebones, who knock everything that others are trying to do. Finally, there are the Backbones, who get under the load and do the work.
Events
2009 Hamfest
323 tickets sold
Records from old files show that the highest number of ticket were sold in 1999 (421) and then in 2000 (406). Then attendance dropped off, down into the 200’s, and came back to 300 in 2008.
Hams who got a license or upgraded:
AJ4SJ Sterling Ellsworth
KJ4NUH Rarry McDaniel Tallahassee
KJ4NUG Ben Corbett Roanoke
KG4ZPN Robert Folden Salem
AJ4RZ Alan Hoover Roanoke
KJ4OAR Charles Minucie Salem
KJ4OAS Edward Varner Stuarts Draft
KD4GMU James Lugar Forest
KF4CPK Benny Mullins Christiansburg
KJ4OAQ John Oliver Blacksburg
KJ4OAP Kevin Stern Blacksburg
KJ4OOE David Rettig Blacksburg
KJ4OOF Walter Marsden New Castle
KJ4OOG Thomas Wilcox Roanoke
KJ4))H Jamie Poorman Rocky Mount
KJ4GWO Kennie Harris Roanoke
KJ4OOD Jimmy Carroll Roanoke
Hams Mentioned on the Log
KF4PHW Mike Hevener
W4GHS Glen Sage
N3AYW Pat Lewis
AB4SK Charlie Draper
KI4GOT Karen Anderson
KJ4GWO Kennie Harris
KG4MAV Russ Abbey
K4WFO Phil Roark
KF4ABM Doug Slate Pulaski
KI4HFH Van Knight Gretna
K4JKA John (not on QRZ)
N4XE Willie Carr
W5WMD Wally Dennison
AG4RW Leroy Maxey
AB4SK Charlie Draper
W4PLS Bill Reed
N4LYO Ken Wieringo
AI4FP Floyd Ponton
N4JED David Jones
WA4AJG Lee
W4VPI Phil Sweeney
WA4DQ Darian Stultz
KS4JB Dave
W4VZH Tom King Middleburg, FL
K4WVS Doug Moore (Silent Key)
February 2008 W4CA Log
President: Ron Ramsey AB4A (Silent Key)
Vice President: Charlie Draper AB4SK
Secretary: Karen Anderson KI4GOT
Treasurer: Floyd Ponton KB4WYW
Board of Directors: Appointed Positions:
Phil Roark K4WFO Net Manager: John Anderson K4JKA
David L. Kinsey KS4BO RVARC Chef: Bob Anderson K4UMK
David R. Jones, Jr. N4JED Membership: Fred Krack NS4TT
Ray Pillow KK4HR Club Call Trustee: Ray Crampton AB4YZ
Jerry D. Haislip K1SO Log Editor: Charlie Draper AB4SK
75th Anniversary Celebration
January 25: 78 members plus guests attended. The week of January 21-27 was declared by Roanoke County and City as “Amateur Radio Appreciation Week”.
Club History
By Doug Moore K4WVS
The RVARC first met at the Colonial Presbyterian Church in October, 1973. We had the privilege of using that facility for 25 years until we started meeting at the American Red Cross in January of 1998.
The presidents of the club while we were at Colonial Presbyterian:
1973 – Bob Anderson, K4UMK
1974 – Dick Bishop, K4SR
1976 – Bill Bowles, WB4HNG
1977 – Ben Booth, W4LBS, AG4I
1978 – Tom Shupe, WA4YJF (Still active)
1979 – Dave Oxley, WD4NZP
1980 – Mark Witt, N4CIR
1983 – Jack Waddell, WA4V (still active) Blue Ridge VA
1984 – Bill Johnson, W4NLC
1985 – Rich Adamy, KA4GFY (still active) Alexandria, VA
1988 – Tom Brownlee, AF2D (still active) Middletown, VA
1991 – Danny Pendleton, N4NPD (still active) Roanoke, VA
1998 – Claude Slumschesky, KE4UVO
The Club participated in the March Of Dimes Walkathon for the first time in April of 1972. The Club sponsored the Virginia State Convention at the National Guard Armory in Roanoke in 1978. The guest speaker at the convention was Vic Clark, W4KFC, then Vice President of the ARRL.
Two meters was the band most on our minds. The two meter band was first opened for amateur use by the FCC in November, 1945. The club had struggled along with old and outdated repeater equipment for several years. In 1990, at the direction of Ronnie Bratton, KA4YUY, the Club started a drive for donations to purchase a new and modern repeater. The total raised and the final cost for all this equipment was over $12,000 dollars. In 1992 the Club purchased a new Motorola MSR 2000 repeater, a new repeater controller, Station Master Antenna, and DB Products DB-4062/6 cavity set. That MSR2000 Repeater has been on the air 24 hours a day 7 days a week for over 15 years without a transmitter failure. Another repeater with a long history in the area was the 146.28/88 machine put on the air in Salem in 1973
Events
Blue Ridge Bonanza: September 21-22, 2007
Five other clubs including Lynchburg, Covington, and Franklin County, put 13 stations in operation along the parkway in Virginia and North Carolina. Locations included Apple Orchard Mountain, Peaks of Otter, Explorer Park, Groundhog Mountain, Fancy Gap, Blue Ridge Music Center, and Cumberland Knob.
2007 Artie Levin Memorial Bike Ride: September 23, 2007
Six mobile stations supported the bike ride, acting as SAG (Support and Gear) vehicles. There were 3 course routes: the 100-mile loop (Buchanan – Goshen – Lexington-Buchanan), the 70-mile loop (Buchanan – Effinger – Denmark – Lexington – Buchanan), and the 50-mile loop (Buchanan-Effinger-Plank RoadBuchanan). 240 bikers were supported as they left the starting gate at 8:00am. The final bikers returned at 6:00pm.
The amateur-radio support was particularly important. There are many cell phone dead spots along the route. The Rockbridge repeater, 147.33 MHz, was the only dependable source of emergency communications during the event. In addition to emergency communications, the SAG vehicles carried water, first aid supplies, tire tubes and pumps.
Recognition by School Board
The William Byrd High School (WB4HS) and the William Byrd Middle School (K4WBM) Amateur Radio Clubs, their members and volunteer advisors were recognized by the Roanoke County, Virginia School Board at the Board’s October 24, 2007 meeting. The two Clubs were acknowledged for their successful programs in educating students about radio, electronics and communications and for their two First Place wins in the October 2006 School Club Roundup and second place finishes in the February 2007 Roundup. Both schools are recipients of ARRL Big Project grants.
New Hams or upgraded:
KE4AAR Skip
AG4RW Leroy
KB4KOC George
KI4QMF Joyce
KI4QME Don
K4KIS Gordon Stephen Hayward
KJ4AUX of Fancy Gap VA
Winston Corbett, KI4RKG
Hannah Bennett
Josiah Bennett, KJ4AMV
Deannah Bennett, KJ4AUW
Charles Bruington, WB4FLM
Randall Glover, KJ4BPL (formerly KA5WMU)
Hams Mentioned in the Log
Linda Lucas N4LCL
Phil Sweeney W4VPI
Floyd Ponton KB4WYW
Rick Crutchfield K4TFC
John Anderson K4JKA
Ken Wieringo N4LYO
Bob Yates KJ3Y
Rick Crutchfield K4TFC
Leroy Maxey AG4RW
Dave Miller KS4JB
Charlie Draper AB4SK
Phil Sweeney W4VPI
Blue Ridge Bonanza--Douthat State Park
75th Anniversary
April 2008 W4CA Log
Events
School Club Roundup: Feb 11-15, 2008 involved William Byrd High School, William Byrd Middle School, and Hidden Valley High School.
Virginia QSO Party: March 15-16. Over a dozen club members met at Douthat State Park on March 15 and 16. They rented cabins, put up antennas and put Bath County on the air in the Virginia QSO Party. Ray, AB4YZ, reports that W4CA made over 600 contacts and scored 103,000 points with the club’s Yaesu FT-990.
Kite Festival: April 19, 2008
Annual Club Auction: April 26, 2008
ITT Scout Day: May 10, 2008. Located at ITT Plant just off of Plantation Road in Hollins. We teach the Radio merit badge to Boy and Girl Scouts.
Festival in the Park: May 24-25, 2008 our best opportunity to present amateur radio to the public
Field Day: at “Crampton State Park” (actually the Crampton’s home) in Botetourt County.
New Hams or Upgrades
KJ4BKW Claudio Silva
KJ4CGQ Dennis Hartman
KA4USI Gwendolyn Bruington
KJ4CGP Paul Williamson
KJ4CGR Myra Roach
KJ4CGO Philip Roach
KJ4CGN John Walke
KJ4CGM John Snyder
KJ4CGL Harry Farley
KG4NIQ Brian Brindle
KJ4CGJ Joseph Shaw
KJ2CGK Lloyd Bible
AJ4GL Gary Yohe
KF4ONR Theron Flannery
KF4WWY David Deel
Hams Mentioned on the Log
KI4EVA Catherine Jones
KI4VQV Tyler Shell
KI4UBA Taylor Thurston
KZ4VT Richard Turner
KI4ICW Pat Smith
K4JKA John
K4HVB Fred
KG4NIQ Brian
KI4HDJ Terry
AB4A Ron
N4LCL Linda
K4WFO Phil Roark
KS4BO Dave Kinsey
AB4A Ron Ramsey
N4JED David Jones
W4TU Woody Thompson
N4LCL Linda Lucas
K4JKA John Anderson
KI4GOT Karen Anderson
KS4JB Dave Miller
K4WVS Doug Moore
W4GMX Coy Weaver
AB4SK Charlie Draper
KI4DKY Steve Sizemore
KJ3Y Bob
AG4RW Leroy
N4LYO Ken
W4VPI Phil
KB4WYW Floyd
KS4JB Dave Miller
W4VPI Phil Sweeney
School Roundup & Virginia QSO Party
June 2008 W4CA Log
Ron Ramsey, President, wrote an article on the club.
Ham radio clubs operate to meet the needs and interests of the amateur radio community. How do we do this? We do this by listening to the members of the community. We heard the following comments at our recent club auction:
• RVARC is a clique that prevents some from being included or accepted.
• We behaved coldly towards them to the point that they felt shunned.
• We take an attitude that we are superior to other hams.
It’s extremely important that we make everyone feel welcome, whether a brand-new individual seeking a radio licensing class or one of our older distinguished hams who is returning after a long absence. RVARC is listed as a Special Service Club. These are clubs that go the extra mile to provide on-going training and support for the benefit of the amateur radio community. Most of us do this because it is fun. We need to make sure our club meetings and activities are a fun place for hams to go and they will return to them again and again.
Events:
Field Day: June 27-29
The GOTA (Get on the Air) station provides the opportunity for new hams, hams that have not been on the air for at least a year, or non-hams to experience HF. It’s a great way to be introduced to the hobby.
Meals offered:
ITT Scout Day
Over 600 scouts attended. RVARC presented radio merit badge to 108 Boy Scouts. Our club participated in ITT Scout Day since it began. We are the only sponsor there every year. Radio merit badge is one of the most popular merit badges offered at the ITT Scout Day. 20% of the scouts attended our presentation.
Festival in the Park: More than a dozen RVARC members participated. Most of the people who stopped by to ask questions were not hams. All of the club flyers were passed out.
Festival in the Park & Field Day
Silent Key
K4MAR Mike Marsh
New Hams or Upgrades
W4PLS Bill Reed
KJ4EMQ Ryan Letchford
KI4HDI
Other hams mentioned on the log
KB4WYW Floyd
N8MPQ Jim Draper
AB4SK Charlie
K4WFO Phil Roark
NC4BL Bill Lundy
KS4BO Dave Kinsey
KJ4WEGX Marion
KK4HR Ray
KG4KRB Ron
KG4NIQ Brian
W4IP John
K4QXS Fred
N4LCL Linda
AB4A Ron
K4DCF Fletch
KI4GOT Karen
K4JKA John
AB4YZ Ray
W4IXC Winston
KJ3Y Bob
AB4SK Charlie
K4HVB Fred
AB4YZ Ray
August 2008 W4CA Log
Events
Field Day June 28-29: 61 members and guests operated from Ray AB4YZ and Diane KG4HOA’s home in Troutville. They had 3 HF stations plus a GOTA (get-on-the-air) station and a VHF/UHF/ Satellite station and worked 80, 40, 20, 10, 6 and 2 meters. They made 1701 contacts and 87 on CW. At the GOTA station, 8 of those making contacts were not hams. Ron, the President, was interviewed by Channel 10 and the interview was broadcast Sunday evening.
Ladies Meeting:
The first informal social gathering of women—eight hams and 2 non-hams—happened on August 23rd at the Red Cross prior to the regular club meeting. They enjoyed a time of fellowship and had an open discussion on ways to improve the club. Six concerns were noted. They decided to meet quarterly before the regular meeting on the 4th Friday of the month at 7:00pm at the Red Cross with the next meeting set for January 23, 2009. No mention of this gathering was made in later logs, so we don’t know how long they lasted.
Hamfest, 2008: August 2. Sold 300 admission tickets, 33 inside table tickets, and 23 tailgate tickets, gleaning $450 profit from the event.
Open House: September 12th, showcasing Roanoke Valley Amateur Radio Club. State Senator Ralph Smith will present the state proclamation.
New Hams or Upgrades
KJ4FTQ Shaun Bennett
KJ4FTR James Dearing Jr
N4VSI Robert Bryden
KG4MAV Russ Abbey
KD4CXN Thomas Witten III Roanoke
KJ4FTS Stephanie Via Roanoke
KC4EPL Teresa Via
KI4GSX Matthew Via
KD4ZDQ Joshua Cease
KJ4FTT Mark Woolwine
KJ4FTU Cynthia Creamer
KJ4FTV Roger Bohon
K4FDS Floyd Singleton
Other hams mentioned on the log
KI4KAM Greg Motley
AG4RW Sarah Maxey
N4ATV Tom Lawrence
KK4PWS Perry Spangler
KQ4DW Bob Hearn
KK4HR Ray Pillow
KJ4EGX Marion Roark
K4KHZ Ron Sokol
K4FDS F. D. Singleton
KI4EVA Catherine Jones
N4JED David Jones
N4LYO Ken Wieringo
KI4GOT Karen Anderson
W4PLS Bill Reed
WA4AJG Lee
AJ4FM William D. Dunkelberger
AG4RW Leroy Maxey
KG4OMJ Don Page
KJ3Y Bob Yates
K4JKA John
W4VPI Phil Sweeney
AI4FP Floyd Ponton
WA4DQ Darian Stultz
KS4JB Dave Miller
NS4TT Fred Krack
January / February 2007 W4CA Log
Morse Code Requirement Ends
It was the end of an era. Early in 2007, the FCC officially dropped the Morse code requirement for all amateur radio license classes.
“The public interest is not served by requiring facility in Morse code,” the FCC wrote, acknowledging that voice and digital modes had become the primary means of communication..
For some, it was bittersweet. For others, it was a moment of celebration and new opportunity. ARRL CEO David Sumner (K1ZZ) summed it up well: “Now that the debate is over, we can focus on learning Morse code simply for its own sake.”
It was a new beginning for many who had long been waiting for their chance to get on HF.
From the President’s Corner
President Floyd (KB4WYW) welcomed members into 2007 with warmth and optimism. The year had closed with a memorable Christmas dinner — 33 members and guests gathered for a night of food, laughter, and appreciation.
Outgoing President Ray Crampton (AB4YZ) opened the evening, followed by a blessing from Debbie Kavitz (KE4SBZ) and a feast fit for a ham. Roast beef and chicken cordon bleu filled the plates, with apple pie for dessert.
The highlight of the night was the annual awards and recognition ceremony. Officers and directors were honored for their service, and the prestigious “Ham of the Year” award went to Ron Ramsey (AB4A) for his outstanding dedication to the club and community.
Floyd also took a moment to recognize the club’s Life Members — a group whose quiet contributions had shaped RVARC for decades. Among them were Sam Kent (K4CEK), Dick Bishop (K4SR), Stan Reas (K4UK), Bob Anderson (K4UMK), Doug Moore (K4WVS), Frank Cupp (KE4PIC), Dave Kinsey (KS4BO), and Danny Pendleton (N4NPD).
Two new Life Members were also nominated: Ray Crampton (AB4YZ) and Phil Roark (K4WFO).
“Amateur Radio is our hobby,” Floyd reminded everyone, “and public service is our passion.”
Ham Classes Begin
A new round of ham radio classes began January 11 at the Roanoke Red Cross. The ten-week course, led by Phil (K4WFO), drew fresh faces eager to earn their first license. “Be there before seven,” the notice reminded, “and bring your curiosity.”
Looking to the Skies
The issue included a feature from NASA predicting an especially strong Solar Cycle 24, expected to peak around 2010 or 2011. Scientists forecast one of the most intense sunspot cycles in half a century.
Raleigh Court Parade
The club once again joined the Raleigh Court Christmas Parade, a local favorite that kicks off the season each year.
Doug (K4WVS), Leroy (AG4RW), Charlie (AB4SK), and Ron (AB4A) braved the chill to represent W4CA, carrying the message of amateur radio through the streets. Frank (KE4PIC) offered thanks to all who turned out, reminding everyone to “have fun and stay safe.”
Road Trip to Texas
Jerry (K1SO) shared his story of a 2,800-mile road trip to Dallas alongside Jim (W1VA), turning the long drive into a county-hunting marathon.
Over the course of the journey, they operated mobile HF from Virginia to Texas and back, activating more than a hundred counties and making over 600 contacts along the way.
Franklin County ARC Earns National Recognition
Stan (K4UK) proudly reported that the Franklin County Amateur Radio Club (W4FCR) placed 9th in the nation in the Battery category for Field Day 2006, earning 8,365 points.
Meanwhile, RVARC placed 12th nationally in its own category. Proof that the valley’s operators continue to make a mark on the amateur radio landscape.
In the Shack and On the Air
The issue also included notes on the ARRL’s updated QSL Bureau rates, a nod to DXers everywhere.
It marked the 100th anniversary of Reginald Fessenden’s first transmission of voice over radio. A reminder of how far amateur radio has come since those first words crossed the air in 1906.
And closer to home, congratulations went out to Ken Sturgill (WS4V) of Marion, who submitted 151 grid squares confirmed on 6 meters for VUCC. “Cards approved and application forwarded,” noted David (N4JED).
Hams Mentioned in This Log
Floyd Ponton (KB4WYW)
Ray Crampton (AB4YZ)
Ron Ramsey (AB4A)
Phil Roark (K4WFO)
Charlie Draper (AB4SK)
Karen Anderson (KI4GOT)
Leroy Maxey (AG4RW)
Dave Kinsey (KS4BO)
Ray Pillow (KK4HR)
Russ Abbey (KG4MAV)
Bob Anderson (K4UMK)
Fred Krack (K4HVB)
David Jones (N4JED)
Catherine Jones (KI4EVA)
Debbie Kavitz (KE4SBZ)
Sam Kent (K4CEK)
Dick Bishop (K4SR)
Stan Reas (K4UK)
Doug Moore (K4WVS)
Frank Cupp (KE4PIC)
Danny Pendleton (N4NPD)
Jerry Walker (K1SO)
Jim (W1VA)
Stan (K4UK)
Ken Sturgill (WS4V)
Gordon Miller (NQ4K)
March / April 2007 W4CA Log
It was a season of change for amateur radio and a time of pride for the club. The CW requirement had finally faded into history, new hams were discovering HF, and the Roanoke Valley Amateur Radio Club was preparing to celebrate its 75th year on the air.
Element 1 No More
February 23, 2007, marked the end of the Morse code test requirement for amateur radio licensing. While some cheered and others reminisced, everyone recognized it as a milestone.
It was, as many said, a new chapter in amateur radio and one that would bring fresh voices to the bands.
Red Cross Station Opens Early
With the code requirement now gone and new operators eager to test their HF privileges, the Red Cross station began opening an hour early before regular meetings.
Vice President Charlie (AB4SK) took the lead, helping newer hams get comfortable with HF operation. Ron (AB4A) joined him, offering demonstrations and guidance before the February 23 meeting.
The President’s Corner
President Floyd (KB4WYW) reflected on the club’s milestone year: seventy-five years of continuous activity since the Roanoke Amateur Radio Club first became an ARRL affiliate in 1932, using the call W3CA, later W4CA.
Floyd reminded members that such longevity doesn’t come by chance. “It was achieved through the hard work and dedication of our members, past and present,” he wrote.
He looked ahead with optimism, imagining the club’s 100th anniversary just 25 years away and challenging everyone to help carry the torch forward. “Each of us is responsible for our success,” he said. “Our success depends on your participation.”
School Club Roundup
February brought another spirited round of the School Club Roundup, with both William Byrd High School (WB4HS) and William Byrd Middle School (K4WBM) stations back on the air.
Despite a few setbacks: a computer glitch that lost logs, a snow day that shut down operations, both schools turned in higher scores than the previous year!
K4WBM made 337 contacts for 78,521 points, while WB4HS logged 401 contacts and an impressive 103,859 points.
Catherine (KI4EVA) clinched the high school’s 50th state, Wyoming, with help from AB4A.
Thanks went to RVARC mentors who spent the week at the mic or the key: Phil (K4WFO), Ron (AB4A), Charlie (AB4SK), and K4WVS.
Fox Hunts Return
After a long winter break, the RVARC fox hunts were set to resume April 21. The first event would start at Crossroads Mall at 9 a.m., with participants using homemade 2-meter quads built earlier in the month at Charlie (AB4SK)’s workshop.
The club reminded everyone: it’s not a race. The winner isn’t the fastest, but the one who finds the fox with the fewest miles on the odometer.
Even non-hams could take part using scanners and beams, keeping the focus on fun, teamwork, and the thrill of the hunt.
New Hams and Upgrades
The February 18th VE session, the last before the CW test was officially dropped, brought several new and upgraded hams into the fold.
Upgrades:
Laura Floss (KI4AXY) – Upgraded from Technician to General after passing both the CW and written exams.
William Hedge (KI4NHH) – Upgraded from General to Amateur Extra.
New Technicians:
Sherry Roberson (KI4TWF) – Radford, VA
Crystal Rhodes (KI4TWD) – Radford, VA
Tracy Rhodes (KI4TWE) – Radford, VA
Ray (KK4HR) thanked all of the volunteer examiners who gave their Sunday afternoons to make it happen.
Auction Coming Up
Members were reminded to clean out their shacks for the annual RVARC Auction, scheduled for April 28 at the Roanoke Red Cross building. Doors would open at 8 a.m. with the first item hitting the block at 9.
Donations and consignments were encouraged, with breakfast and lunch available on site.
Ham Mentioned In This Log
Floyd Ponton (KB4WYW)
Charlie Draper (AB4SK)
Karen Anderson (KI4GOT)
Leroy Maxey (AG4RW)
Phil Roark (K4WFO)
Dave Kinsey (KS4BO)
Ron Ramsey (AB4A)
Ray Pillow (KK4HR)
Russ Abbey (KG4MAV)
Bob Anderson (K4UMK)
Fred Krack (K4HVB)
Ray Crampton (AB4YZ)
David Jones (N4JED)
Catherine Jones (KI4EVA)
Harold Thompson (W8PHB)
Steve Thompson (no call listed)
Gordon Miller (NQ4K)
Laura Floss (KI4AXY)
October / November 2007 W4CA Log
There’s something about the tail end of summer in the valley, the air a little softer, the evenings a little shorter, and the bands just beginning to stretch again. The club stayed busy through it all, sharing food, fellowship, and plenty of radio talk.
A Picnic on the Mountain
July 21st found us once again up on Mill Mountain, where the view is good and the company even better. Attendance was down a bit, but spirits were high. The W4CA station went on the air, though not without a few adventures involving a stubborn G5RV antenna.
We even celebrated Leroy (AG4RW) and his birthday, a “significant milestone,” though no one dared put a number to it. There was cake, of course, and maybe even a few second helpings.
From the President’s Corner
President Floyd (KB4WYW) shared some thoughtful words about service and continuity, how every club, just like every good net, needs someone to take the hand-off and keep things moving forward. He reminded us that success depends on everyone, not just the officers.
He also had a gentle plea: send in articles, notes, and stories. “Let’s help make The Log the best ever,” he said. A reminder that our hobby is as much about people as it is about propagation.
Backbones of a Club
Reprinted from years past, this little piece hit home. It talked about the wishbones, jawbones, knucklebones, and backbones that make up every organization. You can guess which kind keeps a club alive.
The wishbones hope someone else will take care of it. The jawbones talk about how it ought to be done. The knucklebones knock every idea that comes along. But it is the backbones who quietly get under the load and lift. They show up early, stay late, and do the work that keeps the signal strong.
If you stop and think about it, you can probably name a few of those backbones right now. They are the folks who never make a fuss, who can be counted on to bring the coffee, help with field day, repair the feed line, or lend an extra pair of hands when someone is putting up an antenna. They are the heart of the RVARC, steady and unshaken since 1932.
Maybe that is why this club has lasted so long. Every generation has its share of backbones who take pride in keeping the tradition going. If you are new to W4CA, there is always room for another one.
Roanoke Hamfest 2007
August 4th brought the annual Roanoke Hamfest at William Byrd High School in Vinton. Hot, bright, and buzzing with conversation, just how we like it.
Phil (K4WFO) reported a good crowd of about 270 hams, friends, and families wandering through tables of gear, parts, and treasures. A few lucky folks took home big prizes: a Yaesu, an Icom, an Alinco, and a P. Buckley Moss print that went to Nancy (KG4ETP).
Thanks went out to all who helped, including the VE team led by Ray (KK4HR), who welcomed new Technicians and upgrades. The club even managed to come out $778 ahead, proof that good radio and good fellowship can still pay dividends.
Hams Mentioned In This Log
Floyd Ponton (KB4WYW)
Charlie Draper (AB4SK)
Karen Anderson (KI4GOT)
Leroy Maxey (AG4RW)
Phil Roark (K4WFO)
Kathy Page (KG4PBX)
Ray Crampton (AB4YZ)
Ron Ramsey (AB4A)
Ray Pillow (KK4HR)
John Anderson (K4JKA)
Bob Anderson (K4UMK)
Fred Krack (K4HVB)
Richard Turner (KZ4VT)
Jimmy Powell (KS4KX)
New Technicians
Jennifer Via (KI4YOI) – Roanoke, VA
Jeff Witten (KI4ZAD) – Roanoke, VA
Pat Lewis (N3AYW)
Glen Sage (W4GHS)
Henry Wyatt (K3AYR)
Chris Abbey (XYL of Russ, KG4MAV)
Mac Debusk (KI4AMD)
Bill Hickman (W2BZO)
Nancy Wood (KG4ETP)
Gene Kitts (WA4ZSU)
Bob Cooke (VE3BDB)
Jennifer Via (KI4YOI)
Jeff Witten (KI4ZAD)
Steven Greene (KE4SBE)
Richard Vassar (KA4TUE)
Upgrading Hams
Steven Greene (KE4SBE) – Upgraded to General
Richard Vassar (KA4TUE) – Upgraded to Amateur Extra
