JCARA Introduction
Amateur Radio
Amateur Radio, also known as HAM Radio, is comprised of thousands of organizations thoughout the United States and the World. In the United States, the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) has set aside distinct frequency bands that may be used by licensed Amateur Radio operators.
Upon successful completion of testing, an individual will be licensed to operate on specific frequencies within these bands. There are three license classes: Technician Class, General Class, and Amateur Extra Class. Further study and testing may eventually qualify one to use all Amateur frequencies. (For more information about Amateur Radio we encourage you to read the American Radio Relay League [ARRL] web page.)
In emergency situations (floods, tornadoes, etc.) HAM radio provides support, as needed, to disaster teams. Additionally, HAM radio clubs regularly support community activities (parades, walks, runs, bike rides, etc.) with radio communications and volunteers for civic minded functions.
Field Day
One weekend each year - usually the last weekend in June - Amateur Radio organizations gather throughout North America for Field Day. Field Day allows each team to set up their equipment at their selected site in an "emergency" operational mode and practice their skills in communicationg with others. Different modes of communications are available including Morse Code, Phone (voice), Packet (computer), and Amateur Television (ATV). Each club keeps score of contacts made and, in friendly competition, seeks to best their own previous records and those of the clubs around them.
Johnson City Amateur Radio Association -
W4ABR
The Johnson City Amateur Radio Association (JCARA) is located in Johnson City, Tennessee, in the Northeast area of the state. It provides a forum to socialize and meet with others who share an interest in HAM radio and an opportunity to learn and build skills. Our club's call-sign is W4ABR which is used during nets, on Field Day and to identify our repeater on Buffalo Mountain in south Johnson City.
We welcome you to join us on Meeting Days if you're in the Johnson City, Tennessee area.
Membership
Membership in JCARA is open to anyone with a genuine interest in amateur radio, whether or not a currently licensed Amateur Radio Operator.
Dues
Annual JCARA dues are $16 for individuals, good through December 31 of each year. Student memberships are available for $8 and family memberships are $24, for the entire family. Memberships entered July through December are one-half the annual individual rate or $8.
Mail the check for your dues - payable to: JCARA - to the following address:
JCARA
c/o Tom Cook
240 Hartman Road
Jonesborough, TN 37659
E-mail: JCARA Treasurer
Dues are used to maintain the club's VHF repeater on Buffalo Mountain with its phone patch, insurance for club activities - like Field Day, and vaious costs as determined by membership vote.
JCARA Leadership 2008
| President
|
Wendell Messimer | K4ZHK |
| Vice-President
|
Mike Wechsler | N4OFA |
| Secretary
(VE) |
Ed Ingraham | WX4S |
| Treasurer
|
Tom Cook | KB3HZA |
| Activities Manager | Bob Brundige | N1UAN |
| Trustee | Jim Widener | W4VJ |
| Net Manager | Frank Stout | KD4UZR |
| Technical Committee
(VE) |
C.V. Jayne | W4NHT |
| Technical Committee
(VE) |
Ed Ingraham | WX4S |
| Technical Committee | Clayton Massey | KI4IYD |
| ARES Washington County, TN |
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| ARES District 9, TN |
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| SKYWARN Washington County, TN |
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Club Correspondence
Or hardcopy correspondence should be directed to:
JCARA
c/o E. Ingraham (WX4S)
377 A. A. Deakins Road
Jonesborough, TN. 37659