Welcome to Fort Pierce Amateur Radio Club
Our Repeater Tower
At WQCS Radio Station
Please allow browser "Pop-ups" if web page links do not work.
If you like our website changes, please email our president, vice-president or secreatary and let them know.
FOR WEEKLY NET INFO PLEASE CLICK OUR EVENTS TAB ABOVE OR SCROLL DOWN THIS PAGE TO WEEKLY NETS.
NO FPARC MEETING FOR NOVEMBER OR DECEMBER 2023
The next meeting of the Fort Pierce Amateur Radio Club will be Wednesday, January 10, 2024.
TREASURE COAST HAMFEST - December 2, 2023
The Vero Beach Amateur Radio Club is holding their Treasure Coast Hamfest on December 2, 2023 at the Indian River Fairgrounds, 7955 58th Ave, Vero Beach, FL. Please go to the Treasure Coast Hamfest webpage for more details. https://www.treasurecoasthamfest.com/
TREASURE COAST HAM NEWS
The Treaasure Coast Ham News Winter 2023 issue is here. Enjoy!
SPECIAL NOTICE
FPARC plans to hold officers and directors elections in 2024. The club needs members to step up and volunteer to serve on the FPARC board to support the club, please contact: Pete, Secretary at KD4SPW@aol.com for more information.
SKYWARN Recognition Day - December 2, 2023
The 2023 SKYWARN Recognition Day (SRD) is December 2 from 0000z to 2400z. The event honors all SKYWARN storm spotters and amateur radio operators for their contributions to the National Weather Service (NWS) during severe weather. Amateur radio operators also provide vital communication to the NWS and emergency management when normal communications fail.
The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) website is now updated with the SKYWARN registration form, mapping form, and rules and information you'll need to check in for this year's event.
It's important to review the following event resources on the NOAA website:
. Operating procedures
. Participant registration lists
. SRD 2023 contact log sheet
. SRD 2023 NWS office contact log sheet
. SRD 2023 NWS operational details
. Social media planning document
SRD was developed in 1999 by the NWS and ARRL. Amateur stations exchange contact information with as many NWS stations as possible on 80, 40, 20, 15, 10, and 6 meters, plus the 2-meter and 70-centimeter bands. Contacts are also permitted using repeaters. Non-amateur radio spotters can exchange information with NWS offices using social media.
To learn how to become a trained NOAA storm spotter visit Spotter Training (weather.gov) .
In 2022, more than 5,000 spotters participated in SKYWARN Recognition Day.
(from ARRL Letter)
SPECIAL NOTICE TO ARRL MEMBERS
To ensure uninterrupted delivery of printed QST or On the Air magazines you must subscribe before November 30, 2023. As of January 1, 2024 these magazines will cost $25 per year in addition to yearly dues. If you are an ARRL Life Member plese contact ARRL Member Services about your eligilibility to receive a printed magazine.
At the ARRL Board Meeting in July 2023, the Directors approved increasing the regular membership dues rate to $59 a year starting January 1, 2024. They also decided to separate the printed version of all magazines from membership, effective January 1, 2024, making these available as add-on subscriptions. All ARRL members will continue to enjoy access to the digital editions of all ARRL magazines: QST, On the Air, QEX, and NCJ.
Members will receive their last printed editions of QST and On the Air magazine as part of membership by December 31, 2023. To continue receiving a printed magazine the ARRL has several options:
Option 1
Members who prefer to continue reading the magazines online do not have to do anything. All members can access the digital editions of ARRL magazines at www.arrl.org/magazines, or by using the ARRL Magazines app available from the Apple App Store, Google Play, and Amazon Kindle.
Option 2
Members who prefer to continue receiving a printed magazine may add-on a pro-rated print subscription now. A print subscription is $25 per year. Your magazine subscription will be synced up with your current membership term. Please subscribe before November 30, 2023, to ensure uninterrupted delivery of your print magazine. You may subscribe online at www.arrl.org/myARRL (you must be logged into the ARRL website). Look for ADDING PRINT DELIVERY toward the bottom of the web page. Select the “Add Print Delivery” button. On the PAY BALANCES screen, click the box for the open order with a balance due, and select the order number to complete the transaction for the subscription. Or subscribe by phone at 888-277-5289 (toll free in the US), Monday – Friday during business hours.
TO ALL FPARC MEMBERS
This is your club. We can not exist without your participation. Attending meetings, serving as an officer or director, participating in weekly nets, and being a part of club activities are critical. As we move forward to get the club back on track we need your active support and paying of yearly dues.
St Lucie County ARES
St. Lucie County ARES monthly net will take place on WEDNESDAY, December 6 at 7:30 pm. This net will take place on the County/W4SLC repeater (147.240) which requires a tone of 107.2 for access.
You DO NOT need to be a member of St. Lucie County ARES to participate in this net. The net is an excellent opportunity to check both the operability and reliability of your 2 meter communications equipment prior to needing it in an emergency. ARES members are strongly encouraged to participate on a regular basis.
St Lucie County ARES Winlink Wednesday
Every Wednesday, please check-in anytime with a Winlink Form (any mode: Telnet, Packet, Vara HF, Vara FM, etc.) with the "Form of the Week".
For the coming week, please complete the Winlink Check In General Form.
All Winlink messages should be sent to the tactical address SLCEOC-2 or W4ISZ.
If you are new to Winlink
Start by downloading the latest version of Winlink Express from here.
Winlink Setup Info and Account Log In can be found here.
Hope to hear you on the air Wednesday.
73, Paul Horner, W4ISZ
Emergency Coordinator
St. Lucie County ARES
PLEASE SEE OUR EVENTS CALENDAR FOR MORE TREASURE COAST EVENTS.
FPARC new mailing address:
The FPARC meets the 2nd Wednesday of the month (Dates to be announced) at Indian River State College, 3209 Virginia Ave, Ft. Pierce, Classroom Building "R", Room 124. The meeting starts at 7:30 PM. All area hams and interested parties are welcome and invited to attend. Our next in person club meeting will be January 2024.
Club members may get together for diner before the meeting at 6:15pm. Please inquire at our weekly club nets to see who plans to be there.
We are looking to organise a FPARC Christmas Dinner at Sacred Grounds Cafe (formerly Dinos'). Club members report the food is much better now. Please contact: Pete, Secretary at KD4SPW@aol.com for more information.
Weekly Nets
Rag Chew/Traders (analog) Net: 8 pm Tuesdays on our 147.345(+), tone 107.2. Weekly Net Controls are: 1st week - Barry AL7LJ, 2nd week - NEED VOLUNTEER, 3rd week - Jon Hall KN4QQF, & 4th week - Pete KD4SPW. If the month has a 5th week - Dave KG4ORQ
When using ECHOLINK: W4AKH-R node:2004
D-Star Net: Tuesdays at 8:30p.m. (immediately following the Rag Chew/Traders Net) on our W4AKH 444.500 +5 Port B repeater, link to Reflector 78C.
DMR Net: Tuesdays at 9:00pm on DMR 31123. Contact Kevin, W4KKW
Suggested Etiquette for Radio and Echolink is to wait 3 seconds before talking to give others a chance to break in.
Events Calendar (click here to go to the calendar)
For the latest club and ham activities, please check out the Events Calendar.
Membership, Dues and Donations
Individual Member Dues are $25 per year. Family Membership Dues are $30 per year.
($5 of your dues goes to WQCS and IRSC)
If paying by check please write your callsign on the check.
Mail to:
Fort Pierce Amateur Radio Club
c/o Peter Amar, Secretary
1046 Trinidad Ave. Ft. Pierce, FL 34982
You can also bring a check or cash to a quarterly membership meeting to pay dues.
PayPal is also available. Click here Pay Dues Here via PayPal
If you need a Membership Application Form please go here: Membership Application
If you like our website changes, please email our president, vice-president or secreatary and let them know.
FOR WEEKLY NET INFO PLEASE CLICK OUR EVENTS TAB ABOVE OR SCROLL DOWN THIS PAGE TO WEEKLY NETS.
NO FPARC MEETING FOR NOVEMBER OR DECEMBER 2023
The next meeting of the Fort Pierce Amateur Radio Club will be Wednesday, January 10, 2024.
TREASURE COAST HAMFEST - December 2, 2023
The Vero Beach Amateur Radio Club is holding their Treasure Coast Hamfest on December 2, 2023 at the Indian River Fairgrounds, 7955 58th Ave, Vero Beach, FL. Please go to the Treasure Coast Hamfest webpage for more details. https://www.treasurecoasthamfest.com/
TREASURE COAST HAM NEWS
The Treaasure Coast Ham News Winter 2023 issue is here. Enjoy!
SPECIAL NOTICE
FPARC plans to hold officers and directors elections in 2024. The club needs members to step up and volunteer to serve on the FPARC board to support the club, please contact: Pete, Secretary at KD4SPW@aol.com for more information.
SKYWARN Recognition Day - December 2, 2023
The 2023 SKYWARN Recognition Day (SRD) is December 2 from 0000z to 2400z. The event honors all SKYWARN storm spotters and amateur radio operators for their contributions to the National Weather Service (NWS) during severe weather. Amateur radio operators also provide vital communication to the NWS and emergency management when normal communications fail.
The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) website is now updated with the SKYWARN registration form, mapping form, and rules and information you'll need to check in for this year's event.
It's important to review the following event resources on the NOAA website:
. Operating procedures
. Participant registration lists
. SRD 2023 contact log sheet
. SRD 2023 NWS office contact log sheet
. SRD 2023 NWS operational details
. Social media planning document
SRD was developed in 1999 by the NWS and ARRL. Amateur stations exchange contact information with as many NWS stations as possible on 80, 40, 20, 15, 10, and 6 meters, plus the 2-meter and 70-centimeter bands. Contacts are also permitted using repeaters. Non-amateur radio spotters can exchange information with NWS offices using social media.
To learn how to become a trained NOAA storm spotter visit Spotter Training (weather.gov) .
In 2022, more than 5,000 spotters participated in SKYWARN Recognition Day.
(from ARRL Letter)
SPECIAL NOTICE TO ARRL MEMBERS
To ensure uninterrupted delivery of printed QST or On the Air magazines you must subscribe before November 30, 2023. As of January 1, 2024 these magazines will cost $25 per year in addition to yearly dues. If you are an ARRL Life Member plese contact ARRL Member Services about your eligilibility to receive a printed magazine.
At the ARRL Board Meeting in July 2023, the Directors approved increasing the regular membership dues rate to $59 a year starting January 1, 2024. They also decided to separate the printed version of all magazines from membership, effective January 1, 2024, making these available as add-on subscriptions. All ARRL members will continue to enjoy access to the digital editions of all ARRL magazines: QST, On the Air, QEX, and NCJ.
Members will receive their last printed editions of QST and On the Air magazine as part of membership by December 31, 2023. To continue receiving a printed magazine the ARRL has several options:
Option 1
Members who prefer to continue reading the magazines online do not have to do anything. All members can access the digital editions of ARRL magazines at www.arrl.org/magazines, or by using the ARRL Magazines app available from the Apple App Store, Google Play, and Amazon Kindle.
Option 2
Members who prefer to continue receiving a printed magazine may add-on a pro-rated print subscription now. A print subscription is $25 per year. Your magazine subscription will be synced up with your current membership term. Please subscribe before November 30, 2023, to ensure uninterrupted delivery of your print magazine. You may subscribe online at www.arrl.org/myARRL (you must be logged into the ARRL website). Look for ADDING PRINT DELIVERY toward the bottom of the web page. Select the “Add Print Delivery” button. On the PAY BALANCES screen, click the box for the open order with a balance due, and select the order number to complete the transaction for the subscription. Or subscribe by phone at 888-277-5289 (toll free in the US), Monday – Friday during business hours.
TO ALL FPARC MEMBERS
This is your club. We can not exist without your participation. Attending meetings, serving as an officer or director, participating in weekly nets, and being a part of club activities are critical. As we move forward to get the club back on track we need your active support and paying of yearly dues.
St Lucie County ARES
St. Lucie County ARES monthly net will take place on WEDNESDAY, December 6 at 7:30 pm. This net will take place on the County/W4SLC repeater (147.240) which requires a tone of 107.2 for access.
You DO NOT need to be a member of St. Lucie County ARES to participate in this net. The net is an excellent opportunity to check both the operability and reliability of your 2 meter communications equipment prior to needing it in an emergency. ARES members are strongly encouraged to participate on a regular basis.
St Lucie County ARES Winlink Wednesday
Every Wednesday, please check-in anytime with a Winlink Form (any mode: Telnet, Packet, Vara HF, Vara FM, etc.) with the "Form of the Week".
For the coming week, please complete the Winlink Check In General Form.
All Winlink messages should be sent to the tactical address SLCEOC-2 or W4ISZ.
If you are new to Winlink
Start by downloading the latest version of Winlink Express from here.
Winlink Setup Info and Account Log In can be found here.
Hope to hear you on the air Wednesday.
73, Paul Horner, W4ISZ
Emergency Coordinator
St. Lucie County ARES
PLEASE SEE OUR EVENTS CALENDAR FOR MORE TREASURE COAST EVENTS.
FPARC new mailing address:
Fort Pierce Amateur Radio Club
c/o Peter Amar, Secretary
c/o Peter Amar, Secretary
1046 Trinidad Ave. Ft. Pierce, FL 34982
Club MeetingThe FPARC meets the 2nd Wednesday of the month (Dates to be announced) at Indian River State College, 3209 Virginia Ave, Ft. Pierce, Classroom Building "R", Room 124. The meeting starts at 7:30 PM. All area hams and interested parties are welcome and invited to attend. Our next in person club meeting will be January 2024.
Club members may get together for diner before the meeting at 6:15pm. Please inquire at our weekly club nets to see who plans to be there.
We are looking to organise a FPARC Christmas Dinner at Sacred Grounds Cafe (formerly Dinos'). Club members report the food is much better now. Please contact: Pete, Secretary at KD4SPW@aol.com for more information.
Weekly Nets
Rag Chew/Traders (analog) Net: 8 pm Tuesdays on our 147.345(+), tone 107.2. Weekly Net Controls are: 1st week - Barry AL7LJ, 2nd week - NEED VOLUNTEER, 3rd week - Jon Hall KN4QQF, & 4th week - Pete KD4SPW. If the month has a 5th week - Dave KG4ORQ
When using ECHOLINK: W4AKH-R node:2004
D-Star Net: Tuesdays at 8:30p.m. (immediately following the Rag Chew/Traders Net) on our W4AKH 444.500 +5 Port B repeater, link to Reflector 78C.
DMR Net: Tuesdays at 9:00pm on DMR 31123. Contact Kevin, W4KKW
Suggested Etiquette for Radio and Echolink is to wait 3 seconds before talking to give others a chance to break in.
Events Calendar (click here to go to the calendar)
For the latest club and ham activities, please check out the Events Calendar.
Membership, Dues and Donations
Individual Member Dues are $25 per year. Family Membership Dues are $30 per year.
($5 of your dues goes to WQCS and IRSC)
If paying by check please write your callsign on the check.
Mail to:
Fort Pierce Amateur Radio Club
c/o Peter Amar, Secretary
1046 Trinidad Ave. Ft. Pierce, FL 34982
You can also bring a check or cash to a quarterly membership meeting to pay dues.
PayPal is also available. Click here Pay Dues Here via PayPal
If you need a Membership Application Form please go here: Membership Application
FPARC NEWS ITEMS (please click the Events tab at the top of the page for current events)
Silent Key - Harold Levy, N3UK
Many Treasure Coast hams will remember Harold Levy N3UY (SK). Harold had lived in Fort Pierce and was an active member of the Fort Pierce Amateur Radio Club (FPARC) for many years. Harold also had served as club president and board member. He was active in Saint Lucie County ARES where he served as Technical Operations Officer. The club and ARES benefited greatly from his expertise.
Upcoming Hamfests
Palm Beach Ham Radio Festival – November 25, 2023
Location: 1100 Fairfield Drive, West Palm Beach / Mangonia Park, FL
Website: http://www.palmswestradio.org/hamfest/
Sponsor: Palms West Radio Club
Talk-In: 147.045 PL 110.89
Public Contact: Robert Pease , KS4EC
11894 Brier Patch Ct E Wellington, FL 33414
Phone: 561-358-9999
Email: ks4ec@att.net
Treasure Coast Ham News - Fall 2023 Issue Click here to read
Treasure Coast Ham News (TCHN) is not affilicated with any amateur radio club. It is free and published quarterly for the benefit of all area hams and interested parties. If you would like to be included in their email newsletter list, please send an email to: tchamnews@gmail.com. TCHN is always looking for articles of interest. If you or your club have an item please email the publishers at the address above.
Amateur Radio Exam Opportunities
There are multiple opportunities available to take amateur radio exams.
The Port St. Lucie Amateur Radio Association offers testing 4 times per year. Additional exam sessions may be available on a case by case basis. Their next testing session is November 4th, 2023, 10am at the Indian River State College, Pruitt Campus, Veteran's Resource Center, 500 NW California Blvd, PSL. For more information please contact - Robert Brown, AI4RB, VEC at brownpsl@comcast.net
The Vero Beach Amateur Radio Club offers testing on the 3rd Thursday of the month at 7:30 PM,, Indian River County Emergency Operations Center. For more information please contact Bud at WA4ASJ@arrl.net.
ST. LUCIE COUNTY ARES
St. Lucie County Amateur Radio Emergency Service (ARES) needs volunteer emergency communicators. You do not have to be skilled in emergency communications to belong, only an interest in serving the public and county in times of emergency. Training is available. Please contact Paul, ARES Emergency Coordinator at W4ISZ@outlook.com.
WINLINK VARA FM FOR RADIO MESSAGING - VHF & HF
VARA FM is a very fast mode for WinLink messaging. ARES organzations use this software application for sending and receiving messages.or
St. Lucie County ARES has a weekly WINLINK Wednesday practice session. (Please contact Paul, W4ISZ at w4isz@outlook.com for details.
If you are unfamiliar with VARA FM you can practice by sending an Ecomm Practice Message using the following: (Winlink Net info: https://W4AKH.NET/)
TO: W4AKH
SUBJECT LINE: FL WL NET, FIRSTNAME, CITY, ST (2 CHARACTERS), MODE(VARA FM,PACKET, HF, TELNET ANY MODE)
Connection Info:
Winlink RMS VHF station W4SLC-10 Packet 145.530 or VARA FM 144.990 at St. Lucie County EOC for radio email.
Also KG4ORQ-10 144.990 VARA FM in Vero Beach, K2JJK-10 144.990 VARA FM at Vero Beach EOC
Note: You can also use W4AKH-2 for a via Digipeater for Packet. For VARA FM you can digipeat any station.
John KK4SHF has offered to help get you up to speed.
Page Revsion: v3
The Port St. Lucie Amateur Radio Association offers testing 4 times per year. Additional exam sessions may be available on a case by case basis. Their next testing session is November 4th, 2023, 10am at the Indian River State College, Pruitt Campus, Veteran's Resource Center, 500 NW California Blvd, PSL. For more information please contact - Robert Brown, AI4RB, VEC at brownpsl@comcast.net
The Vero Beach Amateur Radio Club offers testing on the 3rd Thursday of the month at 7:30 PM,, Indian River County Emergency Operations Center. For more information please contact Bud at WA4ASJ@arrl.net.
ST. LUCIE COUNTY ARES
St. Lucie County Amateur Radio Emergency Service (ARES) needs volunteer emergency communicators. You do not have to be skilled in emergency communications to belong, only an interest in serving the public and county in times of emergency. Training is available. Please contact Paul, ARES Emergency Coordinator at W4ISZ@outlook.com.
WINLINK VARA FM FOR RADIO MESSAGING - VHF & HF
VARA FM is a very fast mode for WinLink messaging. ARES organzations use this software application for sending and receiving messages.or
St. Lucie County ARES has a weekly WINLINK Wednesday practice session. (Please contact Paul, W4ISZ at w4isz@outlook.com for details.
If you are unfamiliar with VARA FM you can practice by sending an Ecomm Practice Message using the following: (Winlink Net info: https://W4AKH.NET/)
TO: W4AKH
SUBJECT LINE: FL WL NET, FIRSTNAME, CITY, ST (2 CHARACTERS), MODE(VARA FM,PACKET, HF, TELNET ANY MODE)
Connection Info:
Winlink RMS VHF station W4SLC-10 Packet 145.530 or VARA FM 144.990 at St. Lucie County EOC for radio email.
Also KG4ORQ-10 144.990 VARA FM in Vero Beach, K2JJK-10 144.990 VARA FM at Vero Beach EOC
Note: You can also use W4AKH-2 for a via Digipeater for Packet. For VARA FM you can digipeat any station.
John KK4SHF has offered to help get you up to speed.
John, KK4SHF has provided the club a logging application to use for our nets. By going to Logger.PlumTX.com, activity in real time can be watched. The logger includes check-in, mapping and archiving.
HAMFEST VIRTUAL TICKETING
John, KK4SHF has written a computer application to use at hamfests for attendee ticketing. Contact PLUMTX.COM if interested.
HAMFEST VIRTUAL TICKETING
John, KK4SHF has written a computer application to use at hamfests for attendee ticketing. Contact PLUMTX.COM if interested.
Page Revsion: v3
Note: Right click on any menu link and open page in a new TAB to work on both pages.