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Club
Meetings & Net Information Page
The Senior Citizens Center is located in downtown Massillon directly North of the Hampton Inn Hotel. Take State Route 21 North or South to Massillon. Exit at the State Route 172 (Lincoln Way Exit). Turn right onto Lincoln Way heading East for about 1/8th of a mile. The Senior Citizens Center is on your right. Parking is available either in the Senior Center parking lot or in the shopping plaza just West of the Senior Center. Doors are usually open by 7:30 PM. Just come on in !
We usually listen to the club's 147.18 + Repeater prior to meetings if you need additional assistance or directions. Currently Not active, we are looking for a volunteer to take over this net !
All check ins are encouraged and accepted from the local amateur community. Current net manager is Don Wade - W8DEA is seeking extra net control operators for our net. This is a great way to increase you public service skills, Don will provide you with all the training and resources needed. Please consider volunteering you time to our net. Contact Don with any questions at 318 - 655 - 4309 or by email to w8dea1@juno.com. ******************************** The Massillon CW Net convenes every Sunday, Tuesday & Thursday evenings on 3599.5 Khz at 7:30 PM. This net is designed to provide code practice to all participants regardless of skill level. Please join us by participating in either or both of our weekly nets ! W8NP The Club Station of the MARC
The club station of the MARC is fully equipped for all bands and modes of operation. Current station equipment includes a Ten Tec Trition 4 for HF plus a Kenwood 2 Meter all-mode transceiver. The club recently added a IBM class 500 Mhz computer system that runs a packet station. Antennas include an HF log periodic plus a 100 foot long wire. Other equipment is available when needed. Executive Board for 2012
Standing Committees
The MARC Club Library
The Current Inventory Revised June 5, 2004
Click Here to download the current inventory as an Excel Spreadsheet. The Antenna Compendium - Volume 3 The Radio Buyers Sourcebook - 1991 Edition Antennas and Techniques for Low Bank Dxing PREVIOUS MEETING PROGRAMS MARC July Meeting Program
I will bring some examples of "HEAVY METAL" that range from smaller to heaver... and that are either partially done and finished or are in the "Q" waiting their turn on the bench. I will chat about parts, tools, how to bits and pieces of what we've learned about rehab and operating the Big Iron on the air. Gene talk covered the tools and techniques on restoring Heavy Metal equipment and had several examples of equipment currently on the bench. Thanks Gene for an interesting and informative program ! March Program Recap
The program for March was presented by club member Perry Ballinger, W8AU, himself a Navy veteran, it included a great account of Naval communications history and followed Perry's journey aboard the USS Myles C. Fox - DD829 Destroyer and his recent involvement with the LST Landing Crafts that were used to ferry soldiers from the big ships to the beach during wartime. Perry served in the Navy
from 1958-1961 aboard two Destroyers (2nd Fleet and 6th Fleet) as
Electronics Technician 2nd Class. Saw service in Meditteranean,
Arctic Circle, Atlantic, St. Lawrence River,
The USS Myles C. Fox, DD829 Perry's account of his involvement with the LST program is covered on the LST Memorial website available by clicking here. The USS Myles C. Fox ship history is available by clicking here. The ARRL also covered Perry's travels with the LST's in a great story available by clicking here. A special thanks to Perry for this very interesting program! May Club Program
Now living in Marshal, Texas, Don is kept very busy these days as a FEMA Response Manager. Most recently, Don was active in disaster response during Hurricane Ike providing assistance to those displaced by the hurricane. Don actually holds various positions at FEMA from Communications to managing Recovery Centers which are active around the clock. He also leads a group that does damage assessment when requested by the State. This activity keeps Don on the move all over the Southeastern US. When he does have some free time, Don is also an active member of the Marshal Texas Amateur Radio Club which supports several repeaters that are used for public service quite often. It was great to have our short visit with Don during the meeting and we hope to see him again soon. Safe travels Don and keep up the great work you're doning at FEMA ! September Program on Safety
Bill's program was very informative and included a simulated demonstration of the extreme hazardous situations that occur with downed power lines and the danger that exists when working around high voltage. The program also covered the means by which power plants deliver electricity to our homes. Our thanks to both Bill and Carl for taking time to give us this program. As we approach Fall and antenna projects are on your agenda, take a moment and remember the valuable lessons and safety suggestions given during this program.
Bill Oles, WB8UAE from AEP May Program on R/C Modeling
Rich has been an active Radio Controlled model builder and flyer for many years and brought an assortment of his airplanes, boats and even a helicopter for a show and tell program. Rich covered the basics of the hobby from equipment to batteries for both electric and gas powered models. At the conclusion of the program Rich fired up the helicopter and flew it around the Senior Center for a live demo. A Special Thanks to Rich for giving us a glimpse into this fascinating hobby ! April Program on D-Star
The April program on D-Star presented by Local D-Star system operator Eric Marang, WD8KNL was well attended and included a very interesting PowerPoint presentation covering the basic D-Star System and was followed by an actual on-air contact with several stations from both Atlanta, Georgia and near Dallas, Texas. This was yet another great program for the club courtesy of our new Vice-President Rodger Trompower, KA8FTS.
Representatives from MAPS gave a program to the club during our rescheduled meeting on Friday, March 21st. This program included a powerpoint presentation that covered the history of the museum and a sneak peep of the many vintage aircraft currently on display and the several currently undergoing restoration at the facility. The Museum is also planning on establishing a Ham Station sometime this year with the assistance of MARC member Rick Welaman, K8RIC who is an active member of the museum restoration committee and works on restoring the original radio equipment used in the various aircraft. The club is also been invited to participate in this summers Collings Foundation Weekend which will be held the weekend of August 15 - 18. The MARC will operate a Special Event Station from the Museum grounds using the club EComm Trailer. We will issue a Special Certificate commemorating the weekend event. More details will follow later. A special thanks to the folks at MAPS for this terrific program and also to our program manager and V-P Rodger, KA8FTS for yet another great club program. Want to learn a bit more about MAPS ? Click Here to visit their website ! February Program on QRP
QRP operation does require good technique and sometimes a lot of patience but as Tom pointed out gives great rewards. Tom noted that there are many contests just for QRP operators and many clubs dedicated to this facet of Amateur Radio. This was a terrific program to start off the new year and we really appreciated PCARS sharing this with us. It also looks like we may have several more great programs coming up in the next few months. Watch the club newsletter and this website for updates on future programs.
We had a packed house for our February club program on QRP Operation. Thanks again to the PCARS folks ! Direction Finding The Easy Way
Joe Leggio's website contains a complete description, assembly and tuning instructions for this simple yet effective antenna. Click Here to see Joe's website. Tom also showed a simple Offset Attenuator that is an essential part of ARDF work. The attenuator is available as either a kit for $15.00 or fully assembled for $18.00. Complete details are available on K0oV's website at http://www.west.net/~marvin/K0oV.htm. August Meeting Program From Coast Guard Auxiliary
The program included a video "Eyes on the Water", which explains the USCG Aux current mission of assisting with Homeland Security by patrolling the nations waterways. The Cleveland Flotilla routinely patrols the the coastline of Lake Erie checking areas at high risk such as major bridges, overpasses and around the restricted areas of nuclear power plants. Larry also explained what local citizens are doing to assist in this mission. An all volunteer service, the auxiliary currently has a need for experienced radio operators, a need that could be easily filled by licensed amateur radio operators. Larry discussed the Cleveland Flotilla and what we as radio operators can do in support of this service. "Ordinary citizens can sign up as volunteers with no experience", explained Larry. He also explained that local Flotilla's currently exist in Canton, Akron as well as the Cleveland group. He also noted that the Cleveland Flotilla is currently establishing a communications trailer to further assist the role of the USCG Auxiliary. Our special thanks to Mr Larry Gowin for visiting our meeting. If you would like to learn more about the Unites States Coast Guard Auxiliary, please visit their website at http://www.cgaux.org. Don Wade - W8DEA FEMA Report
Now considered a Full/Part Time Disaster Specialist, Don's final time was spent much the same as his full tour there, leading special "teams" assessing the needs and conditions of Florida's residents trying to recover from the after effects of the three major hurricanes that caused millions of dollars in damages and displaced thousands of families. The teams proceeded county by county over several months
assessing damages and establishing the basic necessities of life
for displaced residents. Don's presentation included a slide show that covered some of his many duties and the incredible efforts made by FEMA to provide assistance to area residents and help them recover. Amateur Radio played a large role during Don's "tour of duty". Much of the infrastructure was destroyed making both conventional telephone and cellular service unreliable. Many FEMA teams included amateur radio operators who utilized two meter simplex to relay important safety and logistical communications. Don is currently enjoying some much needed time off but with the 2005 hurricane season right around the corner and forecasters predicting another potential year of multiple hurricanes, Don may once again be donning his FEMA ID for yet another tour of duty. If you didn't get an opportunity to read our earlier story on Don's involvement with FEMA, click here to read the full account. February Program Mel Vye, W8MV
The new year also began with a super club program. Mel Vye, W8MV long time friend of Perry Ballinger, W8AU and of the Massillon Amateur Radio Club again captivated us with his most recent DXpedition memories. You will remember last year at our February meeting Mel presented a terrific program on his journey to St. Pierre & Miquelon Islands (FP land). This year was just as exciting as Mel recounted his trip last July to Midway Island in the South Pacific. One of the world's last unspoiled, secluded paradises, it was closed to the public for more than 50 years and just recently opened to visitors. Midway Island is known primarily for World War II's decisive "Battle of Midway". Serving as a United States Naval Base from before the war until 1996, when Midway Phoenix Corporation and the United States Fish & Wildlife Service entered into an agreement which opened the island as a travel destination. Only 100 visitors are permitted at any one time as this island is more of a quiet resort, lacking the traditional commercialism of most other tourist sites. The Naval Base is now used for tourist use and this is where the modest ham shack is located, appropriately set in the old communications shack on the base. Complete with a nice tri-band beam and several other antennas, it also has several Kenwood radios left behind by the Navy. Imagine the radio traffic that has passed through this tiny shack over 50 years ago !. Talk about radio atmosphere ! It is from here that Mel spent a great deal of his time, racking up over 3000 contacts during his week long stay. He did take some time to enjoy the natural beauty of this paradise island, taking many wonderful slides that detailed the true beauty of this island including the famous Gooney bird (the Laysan Albatross). It was a terrific program and many thanks to Mel for allowing us to escape with him to this South Pacific Paradise if only for a short time in the dead of winter ! What a great place for a Club Field Day operation, I wonder if our meager treasury could swing it !!!!. I wonder what far off exotic world Mel might be off to next ?. I hope Mel will share it with us next year ! If you would like to learn more about this spectacular island paradise go to www.midwayisland.com for lots of great information. March Meeting Program Jeff Covelli, WA8SAJ Avid ATV'er
April Meeting Program on The Civil Air Patrol
Don, a 6 year veteran, hold the rank of 1st Lieutenant and is currently a Communications Officer over 10 squadrons in the Akron/Canton Wing. The CAP was established on December 1, 1941 and is the civilian Auxiliary of the U.S. Air Force and organized along military lines. There are more than 1,700 active units across the United States. Organized to perform vital support functions in its early years, today's CAP has specialized programs in Aerospace Education, Cadet Programs that continue to introduce thousands of young people to aviation and perhaps best known for its Emergency Services role. CAP air & ground teams perform 85 percent of the inland Search and Rescue missions across the United States.
Their communications network is not unlike our own in the Amateur Radio Service using both simplex & duplex communications as well as both data & video, except that operations are carried out on specific frequencies assigned to the CAP. We even found out that they often use Fastscan Television in many of their Search & Rescue missions. This was a fastening program and we want to thank Don and the entire Civil Air Patrol organization for our April program. Don is the MARC's only active CAP member but after this fascinating program he may have a few prospective volunteers ! To learn more about the Civil Air Patrol, you are encouraged to check out their excellent website located at http://www.cap.gov .
This page was last updated on 02/09/12 Site best viewed in 800 x 600 Resolution
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The Massillon Amateur Radio Club
meets on the first Friday of every month at the Massillon Senior Citizens Center located
at 39 Lincoln Way West in downtown Massillon at 8:00 PM. Club meetings are open to all
visitors and you are welcome to attend. We conduct a short business meeting followed by a
break and if we're lucky a dynamite program! 
The
West Stark Information Net takes place every Friday evening
(except the first Friday of the month club meeting night) on the
club's 147.18 Mhz Repeater beginning at 8:00 PM. This is a general
information net that includes general club news and other
announcements concerning Amateur Radio. 
The MARC Club Library is a new service available
exclusively to club members. Available during club meetings, amateur magazines,
as well as amateur books, CD's and various club newsletters (including both
current and back issues of our own "FEEDBACK") maybe signed out for a
two month period or articles & stories may be photocopied at no charge.
Periodicals are constantly being added & updated to better serve our
members. The list below is currently inventoried and available. Contributions to add missing
issues are always welcome, contact us if you have something to add to our
library ! 
(July 2, 2011) -- The July meeting program was
presented by Gene, W8KXR who spoke on his favorite part of
Amateur Radio - HEAVY METAL ! As told by Gene ....
(UPDATED) (Mar
7, 2010) -- HAM RADIO ON THE HIGH
SEAS ! Amateur Radio owes
it's beginnings to early Wireless experiments and Marconi's
practical adaptation of these to commercial marine shipping, which
the Navy also adopted. The Navy Department, being the most
important early user, originally controlled Radio Communications
in the USA.
(May 2, 2009) -- The
program originally scheduled for May had to be postponed but we
were fortunate to have club life member Don Wade, W8DEA who
currently works for FEMA back in town for a family visit attend
the meeting who caught us all up-to-date on his activities since
relocating nearly two years ago.
(Sep 6, 2008) -- The September club meeting program on High
Voltage Safety was presented by AEP Employees Bill Oles, WB8UAE
and Carl Mani, K7CE.
UPDATED
! (Apr 5, 2008) -- D-STAR
is a new ham radio system which offers digital voice and data
communication. It connects repeater sites over microwave links and
the Internet and forms a wide area ham radio network. The DSTAR
system provides a new capability and functionality to the ham
radio world and increases the efficiency of emergency
communications. 
(Mar
22, 2008) -- Military Aircraft Preservation
Society. (MAPS) is a museum for all military aircraft including a
Russian Mig, F-14 fighter, several recon aircraft, open bi-wing
and many others from the F.W. Martin Airfield right here in Stark
County. The museum is located on the West side of the Akron-Canton
Airport just off State Route 241. 
(Feb 6, 2008) -- The MARC played host to several members of
the Portage County Amateur Radio Service (PCARS) for our February
club meeting program. Tom Sly, WB8LCD, President of PCARS
presented a great program on the world of QRP Operation. QRP in
Ham Speak means Low Power, typically around 5 watts output. Tom's
program which included a powerpoint program and a selection of QRP
Radios and several antenna types covered nearly every aspect of
QRP Operation from basic home stations to remote station
operation.
(Sep 19, 2007) -- The September meeting program was
presented by Tom Gill, KC8QOD and was on a homemade ARDF Antenna
called the Tape Measure Yagi. Tom's version was based on the
design from Joe Leggio, WB2HOL and is a significant improvement
over earlier designs. Notable upgrades include the use of Velcro
on the ends to both protect it from damage and as an aid to
storage. It also used pop rivets to hold the tape measure securely
in place. Tom has used this antenna during several club
sponsored Fox Hunts with good results.
(Aug 9, 2005) -- The August program of the MARC was
presented by Mr Larry Gowin from the United States Coast Guard
Auxiliary (USGC Aux). The USCG Aux was established by Congress in
1939 to assist the Coast Guard in promoting boating safety. It
includes more than 30,000 members who assist the Coast Guard in
non-law enforcement programs such as public education, vessel
safety checks, safety patrols, search & rescue missions plus
many other duties.
(Jun 11, 2005) -- The
program for our June meeting was presented by club member Don Wade
- W8DEA who recounted his final days in Florida during last years
hurricane outbreak working for FEMA, the Federal Emergency
Management Association.
During this time the teams were subjected to very tough living
conditions themselves as both alligators and snakes posed a
constant threat in the area. As part of his responsibilities, Don
supervised the assembly of massive mobile home "cities"
to be used as temporary housing. These cities were composed from
as few as 35 single family units to as many as 200. 
The MARC officially began its 2001 season with Don Finley, W8DEF at the helm
and new Vice-President Gene Beckwith, W8KXR as second in command. Gene already
tested the waters by deciding that coffee should be ready before the meeting. He
must have needed a jolt to calm the nerves !
Jeff indicated that some fantastic "DX" contacts are also possible
during certain atmospheric band openings, he is especially proud of his
confirmed contact with a station over 500 miles away a few years ago using ATV.
A number of MARC members are currently experimenting on this mode. Evenings and
weekends tune your TV to cable channel 58, 59, or 60 and listen to either the
147.18 repeater or 144.34 simplex (the ATV talk about frequency) and you just
might see one of our smiling faces having a great time using this exciting new
mode of amateur radio ! A special thanks to Jeff for sharing his hobby with us
! 
Don's specialty
as Communications Officer is the training and maintaining of the vast data &
voice communications network built to survive the loss of civil communications.
Don's program included a short video of the history and current mission of the
CAP, discussions of several recent CAP missions right here in the greater Ohio
area as well as question & answer session after the formal program.