The long-awaited results from the 2014 Field Day competition are in. EARS members transmitted under the club call sign of KK4AFG, and we had a total of 406 contacts, utilizing 11 operators and we had a final score of 1,890 points.
While we finished 195th in the nation in our 3A class (3 stations operating), we were 5th in Georgia, behind North Fulton (5th overall) who had 3,484 contacts, using 356 operators and scoring 12,300 points; the Tri-City Radio Club (129th) who had 569 contacts, using 26 operators and scoring 2,724 points; NE4GA, (150th) who had 418 contacts, using 16 operators and scoring 2,364 points, and the Kennehoochee Radio Club (151st) who had 429 contacts, using 68 operators and scoring 2,350 points.
Ears averaged 36.9 contacts and 171.82 points per operator. North Fulton averaged 9.79 contacts and 34.55 points per operator. Tri-City Radio Club averaged 21.88 contacts and 104.77 points per operator. NE4GA averaged 26.13 contacts and 147.75 points per operator. Finally, Kennehoochee Radio Club averaged 6.31 contacts and 34.56 points per operator.
The winning club in the country for Class 3A was Rochester DX Association in Western NY. They had 4,068 contacts, with 30 operators and scored 14,340 points. Their per operator figures were 135.6 contacts and 478 points. Considerably better than EARS, but look what they did with a few less than 3 times our number of operators.
Based on the figures of contacts per operator and points per
operator, EARS finished 1st in GA. We just need more operators for next
year and we will be able to do much better with overall contacts and overall points.
Even though we weren't in the top echelon of contacts or points, everybody who operated had a great time. Our only regret is that we weren't able to share the fun with more EARS members.
Thursday, November 20, 2014
Monday, November 3, 2014
EARS Youngest Member Passes General Class License Test
After the Thursday October 11, 2014 EARS meeting, our youngest club member, Jimmy Hitt, KK4QGN, took and passed his General Class license test. Jimmy originally was licensed as a Technician Class operator on April 4, 2013. Please congratulate Jimmy on his new license upgrade and welcome him into the world of HF operating.
Acting as Volunteer Examiners for Jimmy's testing were David Meadows, K4LDI, EARS VE Coordinator; John Mullinix, KF4SKT and Jody Huneycutt, K4EPH.
Jimmy has also been very active in Gilmer County ARES, having earned his State ARES credentials badge last year.
Acting as Volunteer Examiners for Jimmy's testing were David Meadows, K4LDI, EARS VE Coordinator; John Mullinix, KF4SKT and Jody Huneycutt, K4EPH.
Jimmy has also been very active in Gilmer County ARES, having earned his State ARES credentials badge last year.
Saturday, October 4, 2014
Two pass License Test today
Saturday October 4, 2014, besides being unseasonably cool, was a banner day for Ross Goodall from Jacksonville, FL and Tom Cannaday, from Blue Ridge, GA. Both passed their licensing test today at the EARS 4th Quarter, 2014 VE test session.
Ross upgraded his license from General to Extra, while Tom got his initial Technician ticket.
Best wishes from the EARS membership to both. Have fun with your new privileges.
VE's for today's testing were Dave Meadows, K4LDI; Bret Smith, W4HBS and Jody Huneycutt, K4EPH. Thanks to all for donating their time to help other hams.
If you are interested in becoming a ham radio licensee, or, if already a ham with either a General, Advanced or Extra classification, and you're interested in becoming a Volunteer Examiner, contact Dave Meadows at 706-276-4043. He can tell you how.
Ross upgraded his license from General to Extra, while Tom got his initial Technician ticket.
Best wishes from the EARS membership to both. Have fun with your new privileges.
VE's for today's testing were Dave Meadows, K4LDI; Bret Smith, W4HBS and Jody Huneycutt, K4EPH. Thanks to all for donating their time to help other hams.
If you are interested in becoming a ham radio licensee, or, if already a ham with either a General, Advanced or Extra classification, and you're interested in becoming a Volunteer Examiner, contact Dave Meadows at 706-276-4043. He can tell you how.
EARS Members help provide ARES radio communications at Georgia Jewel
From early Saturday morning, September 27 thru early Sunday morning, September 28, EARS member and Gilmer County ARES (Amateur Radio Emergency Service) Emergency Coordinator (EC) Jim Hadder, KE4ZX, and his crew of radio operators manned the radio station set up on Manning Mill Road on the Pinhoti Trail in south Walker County, for the 2014 Georgia Jewel trail race.
They passed traffic on runner locations and safety with continuous updates from radio stations all along the 100 mile course of the Jewel, providing race officials with an almost real-time picture of how the race was progressing and making sure that any injuries or lost runners were reported to the appropriate officials as quickly as possible.
Assisting Jim on the early morning shift, running from about 9:00 a.m. thru 4:00 p.m. were Ron Pace, AA4RP and Don Nickle, KK4HJP.
Manning the late afternoon/evening shift were Sharon Huneycutt, KK4NTD; Jody Huneycutt, K4EPH and James Huneycutt, KM4AUX. Jim worked with that shift also, while trying to get a few hours of sack time in the front seat of his pickup during the early evening hours.
Coming on at midnight were David Ross, KK4NTC and Jimmy Hitt, KK4QGN, and Jim was right there with them, all night, until the end of the race, around 8 a.m.
No flooding was reported this year.
They passed traffic on runner locations and safety with continuous updates from radio stations all along the 100 mile course of the Jewel, providing race officials with an almost real-time picture of how the race was progressing and making sure that any injuries or lost runners were reported to the appropriate officials as quickly as possible.
Assisting Jim on the early morning shift, running from about 9:00 a.m. thru 4:00 p.m. were Ron Pace, AA4RP and Don Nickle, KK4HJP.
Manning the late afternoon/evening shift were Sharon Huneycutt, KK4NTD; Jody Huneycutt, K4EPH and James Huneycutt, KM4AUX. Jim worked with that shift also, while trying to get a few hours of sack time in the front seat of his pickup during the early evening hours.
Coming on at midnight were David Ross, KK4NTC and Jimmy Hitt, KK4QGN, and Jim was right there with them, all night, until the end of the race, around 8 a.m.
No flooding was reported this year.
EARS Foxhunt Report
On Saturday October 4, 2014, the Ellijay Amateur Radio Society held it's 1st foxhunt (ARDF - Amateur Radio Direction Finding event). The hunt was held at the ETC pavilion on Legion Road, immediately after Bama's annual Ham Operator picnic.
Four EARS members attended the picnic and stayed over for the fox hunt. Winn Hall, WA4KKW; David Ross, KK4NTC; Jody Huneycutt, K4EPH and Kirk Kirchgasler, KK5USA. Sharon Huneycutt, KK4NTD also attended the picnic, but did not participate in the foxhunt.
The first fox was hidden by Winn, and hunted by Kirk, Jody and David. Then Jody hid the fox so that Winn had an opportunity to try out the antennas. This fox was a low power one, provided for our use today by member Ed (Fitz) Fitzsimmons.
On the second hunt, only one hunter searched and the fox was found after several false starts. The fox transmitter for this hunt was a higher power model than the first one, and in addition to transmitting a carrier wave, it also transmitted a code identification, W4HHH, the club callsign. This antenna is also an Ed Fitzpatrick design and build, using an old HT for a transmitter.
Several owners of fox hunt antennae were unable to attend, due either to other commitments or to illness. We missed you all and hope you can come next time we have a hunt.
Don't forget our regular monthly meeting next Thursday evening at 6:30 for fellowship and 7:00 for the meeting, United Community Bank. See you there.
Four EARS members attended the picnic and stayed over for the fox hunt. Winn Hall, WA4KKW; David Ross, KK4NTC; Jody Huneycutt, K4EPH and Kirk Kirchgasler, KK5USA. Sharon Huneycutt, KK4NTD also attended the picnic, but did not participate in the foxhunt.
The first fox was hidden by Winn, and hunted by Kirk, Jody and David. Then Jody hid the fox so that Winn had an opportunity to try out the antennas. This fox was a low power one, provided for our use today by member Ed (Fitz) Fitzsimmons.
On the second hunt, only one hunter searched and the fox was found after several false starts. The fox transmitter for this hunt was a higher power model than the first one, and in addition to transmitting a carrier wave, it also transmitted a code identification, W4HHH, the club callsign. This antenna is also an Ed Fitzpatrick design and build, using an old HT for a transmitter.
Several owners of fox hunt antennae were unable to attend, due either to other commitments or to illness. We missed you all and hope you can come next time we have a hunt.
Don't forget our regular monthly meeting next Thursday evening at 6:30 for fellowship and 7:00 for the meeting, United Community Bank. See you there.
Monday, September 15, 2014
EARS Members work Fannin Preparedness Fair
On Saturday, September 13, 2014, Fannin County CERT volunteers held a Preparedness Fair, at the park along the railroad in downtown Blue Ridge. Several E.A.R.S. members participated in the event, in various roles.
Representing the Gilmer County ARES organization were KE4ZX, Jim Hadder; KK4NTC, David Ross; K4EPH, Jody Huneycutt; KK4QGN, Jimmy Hitt and KK4NTD, Sharon Huneycutt.
Working as an event organizer for the Fannin CERT group, was KK4QGO, Geron Crawford.
Working as a representative of Georgia Carry was KF4SKT, John Mullinix.
Observing the Preparedness Fair for future reference and to support the Fannin CERT group was KJ4BJO, Ray Hughes, who is in charge of the Gilmer County CERT organization.
Please find below, some photos of some of our members at this event.
Representing the Gilmer County ARES organization were KE4ZX, Jim Hadder; KK4NTC, David Ross; K4EPH, Jody Huneycutt; KK4QGN, Jimmy Hitt and KK4NTD, Sharon Huneycutt.
Working as an event organizer for the Fannin CERT group, was KK4QGO, Geron Crawford.
Working as a representative of Georgia Carry was KF4SKT, John Mullinix.
Observing the Preparedness Fair for future reference and to support the Fannin CERT group was KJ4BJO, Ray Hughes, who is in charge of the Gilmer County CERT organization.
Please find below, some photos of some of our members at this event.
Monday, September 1, 2014
Dow Hoffman, N4VYU, Silent Key
It is with great sadness that I report that Dow Hoffman, N4VYU, passed away on Saturday August 30 from complications relating to congestive heart failure and his recent surgery. Dow was EARS Treasurer for two terms, our cook at several club cookouts and could be counted on to participate in almost every Monday Night 2M Net. He is survived by his wife, Lois. He will be sorely missed.
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| Dow Hoffman, N4VYU |
Wednesday, July 16, 2014
Addendum to previous post
Well, it's time for me to eat crow regarding something I said in my previous post. I relied on an incorrect interpretation of events regarding Ed Fitzpatrick's antenna design and I didn't go to the source for the correct story.
After talking with Tom Koch this afternoon, I found out that Ed's antenna worked just fine. Tom just had to leave and didn't have the extra cable mentioned in Dave Meadows' e-mail after last week's meeting, so he couldn't determine which direction to go, forward or reverse from the way the antenna was pointed, to find the fox. He also didn't have time to triangulate to determine which was the correct path to the transmitter.
I would like to apologize to everyone for my error and I hope that I didn't alarm those who bought and put together Ed's antenna kit. And, most of all, I apologize for any negative reaction to Ed's design. No attenuator is needed. I just screwed up in my reportage of what happened. I didn't check well enough before speaking (or actually writing, in this instance). Mea Culpa.
Please forgive me. Lesson learned.
Jody Huneycutt
K4EPH
After talking with Tom Koch this afternoon, I found out that Ed's antenna worked just fine. Tom just had to leave and didn't have the extra cable mentioned in Dave Meadows' e-mail after last week's meeting, so he couldn't determine which direction to go, forward or reverse from the way the antenna was pointed, to find the fox. He also didn't have time to triangulate to determine which was the correct path to the transmitter.
I would like to apologize to everyone for my error and I hope that I didn't alarm those who bought and put together Ed's antenna kit. And, most of all, I apologize for any negative reaction to Ed's design. No attenuator is needed. I just screwed up in my reportage of what happened. I didn't check well enough before speaking (or actually writing, in this instance). Mea Culpa.
Please forgive me. Lesson learned.
Jody Huneycutt
K4EPH
EARS Members Attend North Fulton Fox Hunt
On Tuesday evening, July 15, 2014, EARS members David Ross and Jody Huneycutt attended the July meeting of the North Fulton Amateur Radio League (NFARL) at the invitation of Tom Koch, who is a member of both organizations. The program was Fox Hunting and NFARL members possessing radio location antennas brought them in anticipation of a Fox Hunt on the grounds of the North Fulton Park where the meetings are held.
The hunters were divided into four groups, each with a group leader (anyone who brought an antenna). Since only three NFARL members brought antennas, the leader of the 4th group was EARS member Jody Huneycutt, who brought his tape measure Yagi-type antenna to the meeting.
One of the other three groups was led by Tom Koch's neighbor, who brought his Ed Fitzpatrick design antenna (made from one of the two antenna kits Tom bought at June's EARS meeting).
As to the results of the hunt, none of the groups with the specific fox hunting antennas found the fox in the five minutes allotted to each group. The signals were too strong and all the antennas indicated the same signal strength in every direction. None of the antennas had any provision for attenuating the signal.
The only person actually finding the fox (a transmitter identical to the one featured in the video shown at our January meeting, wherein the hunt was for a missing Easter bunny) was an NFARL member who used his HT with the small rubber duck antenna, and who shielded the antenna using his body and a sheet of aluminum foil wrapped 3/4 of the way around the radio. When he got a nulled signal in this manner, he knew the transmitter was in the direct opposite direction from which he was facing.
The hunt and the presentation were enlightening. The presenter had won a wall plaque trophy in a fox hunt held in Texas in the late 70's. The slide show can be accessed via the NFARL website at www.nfarl.org/, and is well worth watching.
It appears that when we have our fox hunt later this year, we should make some provision for acquiring variable strength attenuators for our antennas. Trying tuning slightly off-frequency or using the 3rd harmonic of the transmitted frequency did not work to attenuate the signal. It was either absent completely, or overwhelmingly strong.
Please think about these two, or any other alternatives you might think of before next months meeting.
The hunters were divided into four groups, each with a group leader (anyone who brought an antenna). Since only three NFARL members brought antennas, the leader of the 4th group was EARS member Jody Huneycutt, who brought his tape measure Yagi-type antenna to the meeting.
One of the other three groups was led by Tom Koch's neighbor, who brought his Ed Fitzpatrick design antenna (made from one of the two antenna kits Tom bought at June's EARS meeting).
As to the results of the hunt, none of the groups with the specific fox hunting antennas found the fox in the five minutes allotted to each group. The signals were too strong and all the antennas indicated the same signal strength in every direction. None of the antennas had any provision for attenuating the signal.
The only person actually finding the fox (a transmitter identical to the one featured in the video shown at our January meeting, wherein the hunt was for a missing Easter bunny) was an NFARL member who used his HT with the small rubber duck antenna, and who shielded the antenna using his body and a sheet of aluminum foil wrapped 3/4 of the way around the radio. When he got a nulled signal in this manner, he knew the transmitter was in the direct opposite direction from which he was facing.
The hunt and the presentation were enlightening. The presenter had won a wall plaque trophy in a fox hunt held in Texas in the late 70's. The slide show can be accessed via the NFARL website at www.nfarl.org/, and is well worth watching.
It appears that when we have our fox hunt later this year, we should make some provision for acquiring variable strength attenuators for our antennas. Trying tuning slightly off-frequency or using the 3rd harmonic of the transmitted frequency did not work to attenuate the signal. It was either absent completely, or overwhelmingly strong.
Please think about these two, or any other alternatives you might think of before next months meeting.
Wednesday, July 2, 2014
Field Day Update
I've gotten some feedback from others regarding Field Day 2014 that I want to share.
Ron Pace says, "PSK was one of the first "digital" modes, and most of the contacts with my station were digital using PSK31. Our first contact was with Hungary (Europe), and we had a number of Canadian contacts.
We also worked about 25 stations using CW."
Great info, Ron. Thanks for the explanation and correction.
Sharon Huneycutt says, "Jody, when you suggest they check out the web site, put the URL in your email next time so all they have to do is click on it."
Sharon, you are so right. I should have done that. Guess I thought since I had the EARS website bookmarked, I thought everyone did.
Dallas Miller sent in the following photos. Thank you, Dallas.
Ron Pace's antenna - middle section
Ron Pace's antenna - upper section
Ron Pace's antenna - bottom section
Winn Hall's Buddipole antenna
L-R: David Ross, Jody Huneycutt, Winn Hall & Paul Craft
Dave Meadows said, "It was good to be out there and see everyone. Wish I could have stayed longer."
Dave, we wish you could have also. Best wishes that your recovery continues.
After talking with Jim Hadder, who headed up the technical part of Field Day this year, I have a correction on the number of contacts. The digital station run by David Ross, Winn Hall and Paul Craft made 20 contacts. If Ron's 25 CW contacts are included in the 167 reported, that gives us a total of 401 contacts; if not, then it's 426. Not too shabby either way.
Ron Pace says, "PSK was one of the first "digital" modes, and most of the contacts with my station were digital using PSK31. Our first contact was with Hungary (Europe), and we had a number of Canadian contacts.
We also worked about 25 stations using CW."
Great info, Ron. Thanks for the explanation and correction.
Sharon Huneycutt says, "Jody, when you suggest they check out the web site, put the URL in your email next time so all they have to do is click on it."
Sharon, you are so right. I should have done that. Guess I thought since I had the EARS website bookmarked, I thought everyone did.
Dallas Miller sent in the following photos. Thank you, Dallas.
Dave Meadows said, "It was good to be out there and see everyone. Wish I could have stayed longer."
Dave, we wish you could have also. Best wishes that your recovery continues.
After talking with Jim Hadder, who headed up the technical part of Field Day this year, I have a correction on the number of contacts. The digital station run by David Ross, Winn Hall and Paul Craft made 20 contacts. If Ron's 25 CW contacts are included in the 167 reported, that gives us a total of 401 contacts; if not, then it's 426. Not too shabby either way.
Tuesday, July 1, 2014
Field Day 2014
On Friday, June 27, David Ross, David Reece, Ron Pace, Sam McInturff, Kirk Kirckgasler, Ray Hughes, Jody Huneycutt, Jimmy Hitt, Jim Hadder, Ed Fitzpatrick, Paul Craft and David Barlitt met at 4:00 p.m. at the Lions Club Fairgrounds and installed the antennas needed for the Saturday/Sunday Field Day operations. The usual pizza supper was omitted because a pouring, driving thunderstorm started just about the time all the antenna installations were completed.
On Saturday, the same group, plus Winn Hall and Marsha Greenwood were on hand to operate one or more of the 3 stations that EARS and Gilmer County ARES had on the air. Dallas Miller, EARS member and Gilmer County Commissioner, came by for a visit to all the stations.
At 1:00 p.m. Saturday, Ed Fitzpatrick provided the technical expertise to guide several of our club members during a Fox Hunt Antenna build workshop. Geron Crawford, David Barlitt, Jody & Sharon Huneycutt, Charlie Stemman, Rose Denehy and her grandson, Brandon Carney, Ray Hughes and Kirk Kirchgasler worked on constructing these antennas. Later this year, the club will sponsor a fox hunt, where these antennas can be used. The antenna design, circuit design, circuitboards and kit assembly was done by Ed 'Fitz' Fitzsimmons, who also brought equipment to test the final completed antennas.
A cookout was held in conjunction with Field Day. 22 members and their guests participated. The Club provided plates, tableware, iced tea, and cooking was by Winn Hall. The burgers, which were excellent, were provided by Darlene Hitt, Jimmy's Mom. Chicken/apple sausage was provided by Jim and Sherry Hadder. The side dishes were brought by all participants - and all of them were good.
Several members stayed through the night, making contacts with other hams all over the country. We didn't contact all states, but we were close. Even Alaska and Washington were contacted. One contact we could hear, but weren't able to speak with, was E51AND, transmitting from Rarotonga, in the Cook Islands in the South Pacific, between Fiji and Tahiti. The pile-up was too big, we were too far away to break through it, and the ham on Rarotongo, Andy Duncan, got tired and quit before the pile-up thinned out. (Check out Andy's page on QRZ.com- very interesting)
All-in-all, though, at last count, we had 214 SSB contacts and 167 PSK contacts. Digital contacts, unfortunately, were few because of technical problems with feed lines and computers. Those working digital, however, deserve just as much recognition for their efforts as those doing SSB or PSK. They worked even harder, trying to find out the source of their difficulties. Much of it appeared to be due to a damaged coax.
Check out the attached photos to see how much fun we all had at Field Day 2014.
Antenna build on Friday afternoon
Rose & her grandson, Brandon Carney, with their completed antenna
David Barlitt operating SSB while Jimmy Hitt logs in the contacts
David Ross, Winn Hall and Doug Barker try working the digital station
Sharon Huneycutt - circuit board building - Fox Hunt antenna
Jim Hadder operating SSB
Digital station on the left; Antenna workshop in the center; PSK station on the right
Marsha Greenwood and Paul Craft at the digital station
Paul Craft -logging contacts; Jim Hadder - operating SSB; Ray Hughes - in background
Ron Pace - operating PSK
Winn Hall and Ron Pace - Operating PSK
Ron Pace setting up his PSK station
Ron's power source for his station - true emergency operations
Sharon Huneycutt & Brandon Carney solder components on their circuit boards
Geron Crawford inserts antenna wire in the PVC antenna enclosure
Note: Please excuse caption placement. The software is not cooperating on this placement.JEH
On Saturday, the same group, plus Winn Hall and Marsha Greenwood were on hand to operate one or more of the 3 stations that EARS and Gilmer County ARES had on the air. Dallas Miller, EARS member and Gilmer County Commissioner, came by for a visit to all the stations.
At 1:00 p.m. Saturday, Ed Fitzpatrick provided the technical expertise to guide several of our club members during a Fox Hunt Antenna build workshop. Geron Crawford, David Barlitt, Jody & Sharon Huneycutt, Charlie Stemman, Rose Denehy and her grandson, Brandon Carney, Ray Hughes and Kirk Kirchgasler worked on constructing these antennas. Later this year, the club will sponsor a fox hunt, where these antennas can be used. The antenna design, circuit design, circuitboards and kit assembly was done by Ed 'Fitz' Fitzsimmons, who also brought equipment to test the final completed antennas.
A cookout was held in conjunction with Field Day. 22 members and their guests participated. The Club provided plates, tableware, iced tea, and cooking was by Winn Hall. The burgers, which were excellent, were provided by Darlene Hitt, Jimmy's Mom. Chicken/apple sausage was provided by Jim and Sherry Hadder. The side dishes were brought by all participants - and all of them were good.
Several members stayed through the night, making contacts with other hams all over the country. We didn't contact all states, but we were close. Even Alaska and Washington were contacted. One contact we could hear, but weren't able to speak with, was E51AND, transmitting from Rarotonga, in the Cook Islands in the South Pacific, between Fiji and Tahiti. The pile-up was too big, we were too far away to break through it, and the ham on Rarotongo, Andy Duncan, got tired and quit before the pile-up thinned out. (Check out Andy's page on QRZ.com- very interesting)
All-in-all, though, at last count, we had 214 SSB contacts and 167 PSK contacts. Digital contacts, unfortunately, were few because of technical problems with feed lines and computers. Those working digital, however, deserve just as much recognition for their efforts as those doing SSB or PSK. They worked even harder, trying to find out the source of their difficulties. Much of it appeared to be due to a damaged coax.
Check out the attached photos to see how much fun we all had at Field Day 2014.
Geron Crawford putting together his Fox Hunt Antenna
Note: Please excuse caption placement. The software is not cooperating on this placement.JEH
Monday, June 9, 2014
Tom Tanner, W4WOK, Silent Key
On the morning of June 9, 2014, W4WOK, Tom Tanner, passed away at home from a heart attack. While Tom had been feeling bad recently, he had no history of heart problems. He is survived by his wife Lisa, KI4WSU and their daughter, Gail. No services have been scheduled at this time, as per the family's wishes. Please keep Lisa and Gail in your prayers. Tom will be sorely missed by family, friends and fellow hams. He had recently been very active in both the EARS Monday night net and in the Gilmer County ARES Monday night net.
Saturday, March 1, 2014
EARS Members Provide Emergency Radio Availability for 3rd SORBA Bike Race
March 2, 2014
As they have done for the first two of the three SORBA Bike Races this Winter, EARS members provided emergency radio availability for the 3rd and last SORBA Mountain Bike Race, Saturday, March 1st. David Ross, Kirk Kirchgasler, Jimmy Hitt and Jody Huneycutt worked the 400+ participant race along with Hams from several other northwest Georgia counties. All are also members of the Amateur Radio Emergency Service (ARES), an ARRL affiliated group that works with local government and Emergency Management agencies in case of local or regional disasters where normal modes of communication are unavailable either because of direct damage or lack of electrical power.
The EARS members were deployed to an Aid Station location at the end of the Forest Service Road off Stover Creek Road near the community of Carbondale, southwest of Dalton, GA. The Aid Station location is on top of the ridge of Middle Mountain where the Pinhoti Trail runs up to the ridge crest on it's way back north for the approximately 8.5 mile leg to the Trade Center at Dalton, where the finish line is located. The two races run simultaneously are a 17 mile race, starting at Snake Creek Gap on GA Hwy 136 and a 34 miles race starting at a parking area on East Armuchee Road in south Walker County, south of the community of Villanow. Both races end at the Trade Center west of I-75 at the Walnut Street exit.
As they have done for the first two of the three SORBA Bike Races this Winter, EARS members provided emergency radio availability for the 3rd and last SORBA Mountain Bike Race, Saturday, March 1st. David Ross, Kirk Kirchgasler, Jimmy Hitt and Jody Huneycutt worked the 400+ participant race along with Hams from several other northwest Georgia counties. All are also members of the Amateur Radio Emergency Service (ARES), an ARRL affiliated group that works with local government and Emergency Management agencies in case of local or regional disasters where normal modes of communication are unavailable either because of direct damage or lack of electrical power.
The EARS members were deployed to an Aid Station location at the end of the Forest Service Road off Stover Creek Road near the community of Carbondale, southwest of Dalton, GA. The Aid Station location is on top of the ridge of Middle Mountain where the Pinhoti Trail runs up to the ridge crest on it's way back north for the approximately 8.5 mile leg to the Trade Center at Dalton, where the finish line is located. The two races run simultaneously are a 17 mile race, starting at Snake Creek Gap on GA Hwy 136 and a 34 miles race starting at a parking area on East Armuchee Road in south Walker County, south of the community of Villanow. Both races end at the Trade Center west of I-75 at the Walnut Street exit.
Monday, February 24, 2014
February Activities
The February, 2014 meeting of EARS was held on Wednesday, the 19th, 6 days later than usual, due to a snow & ice storm and dangerous road conditions on the normal meeting day of Feb 13. Approximately 25 members attended. A new member was voted in - Rose Denehy- and she accepted the position of Club Secretary. A motion to hold a HamFest on Saturday March 15 was approved.
Several members attended the Dalton Hamfest on Feb 22. Among them were Paul Craft, David Ross, Tom Koch, Jim Hadder and Jody Huneycutt. Tom Mullinix was there, promoting our up-coming HamFest.
Several members attended the Dalton Hamfest on Feb 22. Among them were Paul Craft, David Ross, Tom Koch, Jim Hadder and Jody Huneycutt. Tom Mullinix was there, promoting our up-coming HamFest.
Saturday, February 1, 2014
EARS Members Participate in Emergency Radio Stations for SORBA Mountain Bike Race
SORBA Mountain Bike Race #2 of 3
On February 1, four EARS members, Kirk Kirchgasler, KK5USA; David Ross, KK4NTC; Sharon Huneycutt, KK4NTD and Jody Huneycutt, K4EPH, participated in providing emergency radio communications for the SORBA Mountain Bike Race, held on the Pinhoti Trail in Walker and Whitfield Counties. This was the 2nd of a series of 3 races held on the first Saturdays of January, February and March, this year. 401 Bikers raced in two events, taking place simultaneously - a 17 mile race and a 34 mile race - both ending at the Trade Center in Dalton, GA. Our members manned the Stover Creek Aid Station, situated on the ridge of Middle Mountain, about 4 miles west of the Carbondale Road Exit on I-75.
A few photos, typical of the day, are shown below.
On February 1, four EARS members, Kirk Kirchgasler, KK5USA; David Ross, KK4NTC; Sharon Huneycutt, KK4NTD and Jody Huneycutt, K4EPH, participated in providing emergency radio communications for the SORBA Mountain Bike Race, held on the Pinhoti Trail in Walker and Whitfield Counties. This was the 2nd of a series of 3 races held on the first Saturdays of January, February and March, this year. 401 Bikers raced in two events, taking place simultaneously - a 17 mile race and a 34 mile race - both ending at the Trade Center in Dalton, GA. Our members manned the Stover Creek Aid Station, situated on the ridge of Middle Mountain, about 4 miles west of the Carbondale Road Exit on I-75.
A few photos, typical of the day, are shown below.
Sunday, January 26, 2014
This past Saturday, January 25, several of our Club members, Paul Craft, Jim Hadder and Jody Huneycutt, attended the 2014 State ARES Convention at the Georgia Public Safety Training Center in Forsyth, GA. One of our club members, who is a part-time resident of Gilmer County, but who lives in North Fulton, Tom Koch, was awarded "HAM OF THE YEAR".
CONGRATULATIONS, TOM. We are pleased that you are a member of EARS.
CONGRATULATIONS, TOM. We are pleased that you are a member of EARS.
Tuesday, January 21, 2014
2014 Georgia Death Race
Gilmer County ARES (Amateur Radio Emergency Service), in conjunction with the Ellijay Amateur Radio Society (E.A.R.S.), will be providing radio communications again this year for the Georgia Death Race, a 60 mile footrace through the North Central Georgia mountains, from Vogel State Park, south of Blairsville, to Amicalola Falls State Park, between Ellijay and Dahlonega, on Saturday/Sunday March 15 & 16, 2014. Amateur radio operators interested in volunteering to work this event as communicators can contact the Incident Commander, Jim, KE4ZX, via his e-mail, jehadder@comcast.net, for further information. Over 40 operators are needed.
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