Category Archives: Blog

Enhance Your Ham Radio Experience: Ideas for BARC Activities

In my travels from North Carolina to Maryland and back, I have five hours of driving each way where I listen to podcasts and other Ham Radio outlets. While listening, I hear ideas that might be fun to incorporate into BARC activities. There have been several ideas that have surfaced that I would love toContinue reading “Enhance Your Ham Radio Experience: Ideas for BARC Activities”

Enhancing Emergency Response with Solar Power

Today, the BARC ARES trailer has gotten a major upgrade! Nick Peaden KQ4PXG has engineered a solar charging system. He purchased and installed three large solar panels on the roof of the trailer. He also installed the controllers to charge the battery. I have helped him by buying the large lithium ion battery and helpContinue reading “Enhancing Emergency Response with Solar Power”

Recap of Field Day 2025: Antennas, Heat, and Recognition

By Beth KN4FZB Our field day 2025 was small, but still a great learning experience and a chance to build the ham community. We ran a 2A operation from the ARES trailer, but set up three antennas, with the idea of switching out as necessary. We also had access to the band room in OakwoodContinue reading “Recap of Field Day 2025: Antennas, Heat, and Recognition”

Exploring POTA: A Journey from Greenville to Orlando HamCation

Gary NG9T and the author traveled from Greenville, NC, to Orlando for HamCation, stopping at various parks for POTA activations. Gary succeeded with CW contacts, while the author faced challenges with FT8 digital mode. They enjoyed their trip, experiences at parks, and the Hamfest, before returning home to watch the Super Bowl.

Parks On The Air: A Challenging Activation Experience

On Saturday April 26th 2025 approximately 15 amateur radio operators descended on VOA game lands in Washington, NC for a Parks On The Air (POTA) activation.  During this activation several operators made 38 SSB contacts to 19 states.  As POTA activations go, this one was tough.  The band conditions were not in our favor soContinue reading “Parks On The Air: A Challenging Activation Experience”

A Farewell to a Pioneering RF Engineer

On March 25, 2025, the world lost a talented RF Engineer who was a good friend and collaborator. He passed away from a heart attack while visiting family in Colombia. Known for his contributions to amateur radio and satellite communications, his legacy includes innovative projects and lectures. He is survived by his family.