| Sunday | Monday | Tuesday | Wednesday | Thursday | Friday | Saturday |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 2 7pm - TECH Net 146.900 & 147.220 |
3 11am - Trivia Lunch Mabank Cafe |
4 | 5 11:30am - Lunch Various Restaurants 7pm - Rag Chew Net 146.900 & 147.220 Repeaters |
6 DFW Ham Expo Lewisville, TX |
7 DFW Ham Expo Lewisville, TX |
| 8 | 9 | 10 11am - Trivia Lunch Mabank Cafe 7pm - A.R.E.S. Net 146.900 & 145.330 |
11 | 12 11:30am - Lunch Various Restaurants 7pm - Rag Chew Net 146.900 & 147.220 Repeaters |
13
Friday the 13th!
|
14 10:00am - C.C.A.R.C. Meeting @ St. Peter by the Lake Lutheran Church, Gun Barrel City |
| 15 Father's Day |
16 | 17 11am - Trivia Lunch Mabank Cafe 7pm - ARRL License Exam (Gun Barrel Computer) |
18 | 19 11:30am - Lunch Various Restaurants 7pm - Rag Chew Net 146.900 & 147.220 Repeaters |
20 | 21 9:00am - Athens ARC Club Meeting @ First Presbyterian Church, Athens |
| 22 | 23 | 24 11am - Trivia Lunch Mabank Cafe |
25 | 26 11:30am - Lunch Various Restaurants 7pm - Rag Chew Net 146.900 & 147.220 Repeaters |
27 | 28 FIELD DAY! |
| 29 FIELD DAY! |
30 |
Introduction to Amateur Radio
Equipment and Operations
Sept. 8, 2025 @ 6:00pm
OR Scan the QR Code Below:
by Jody Vincik, KE5RPW
Henderson County acquired two Rescue42 Cellular on Wheels (COWs) in December of 2024.
We are able to carry the COW on the receiver hitch of a vehicle and deliver to the desired location. At present time we deployed a COW in Athens, at Puris Creek State Park, Cross Roads and Gun Barrel City to demonstrate the capabilities. Several departments have been trained to deploy the COWs including the IT Department, Sheriff's Office and Emergency Management. The Texas Division of Emergency Management (TDEM) has also been involved with one of the training deployments. Henderson County schedules deployment of each COW monthly for software/firmware updates and training purposes. Any questions regarding the COWs can be emailed to etxin@henderson-county.com.
These units allow for FirstNet cell phone and internet service anywhere we have clear view of the southern sky.
The specifications are:
Henderson County covers 948 square miles and we have areas with spotty cell phone coverage. These COWs will allow us to deploy to the scene of an incident, disaster or even a scheduled event and supply coverage dedicated to first responders.
From the President's Desk. . .
Field day is upon us. We all need to be thinking of what WE can do, individually, to contribute (I will be smoking a briskit as usual). There is a lot to discuss; and some decisions have to be made. Some, but not all of the decisions are listed here:
We will discuss these items and any other items that may come up at the June Meeting.
73, Charles, KG5RSV
On May 6, 2025, the Cedar Creek Lake Area Volunteer Examiner (VE) Team held a remarkable amateur radio exam session hosted by Doug Earnest, KI5UFQ and the Martin Springs Baptist Church in Chandler, Texas. Seven young individuals (4 of whom were siblings), and one 11 year old; came together to showcase their growing passion for ham radio. The event highlighted the growing interest in amateur radio among the next generation and the VE Team's commitment to fostering this enthusiasm. These young radio enthusiasts, who had prepared through online resources, as well as instruction and mentorship from Doug, KI5UFQ; arrived ready to tackle the Technician and General license exams. VE Team, comprised of Tex, KA5Y; Charles, N5SER; Tom, K5WWN and RC, N5ORO: all exprienced amateur radio operators and VE's; ensured a supportive environment, offering encouragement and answering last-minute questions. Of the seven candidates, Four successfully passed the Technician Exam, earning their entry-level amateur radio licenses. This achievement grants them access to a wide range of frequencies and the ability to communicate locally and, under certain conditions, globally. For three of these four, the Technician license marks the beginning of their journey in the world of ham radio, opening doors to activities like emergency communications, satellite operations, and radio experimentation. One of the candidates, a standout, after passing the Technician Exam, went on to take and pass the General Exam in the same session. This impressive feat grants them additional privileges, including access to high-frequency (HF) bands that enable long-distance communications across the globe. The VE Team and attendees celebrated this accomplishment, noting the candidate's determination and thorough preparation.
The atmosphere was one of excitement and focus, as the candidates reviewed their study materials and discussed radio concepts before the exams began.
The success of this exam session demonstrates the continuing vitality of amateur radio and its appeal to younger generations. The VE Team looks forward to seeing these new operators on the air and watching their progress in the hobby. All four now have call signs (including the 3 brothers). They are:
By: RC Wetzel, N5ORO
The Role of the Cedar Creek Lake Area VE Team
As the only American Radio Relay League (ARRL) Accredited VE Team in, at least, half a dozen surrouind counties. The Cedar Creek Lake Area VE Team, as a Non-Partisan group, has been instrumental in supporting the amateur radio community in our part of East Texas. By organizing regular exam sessions, the team provides opportunities for aspiring hams to earn their licenses and join a global network of radio operators. Their May 6 session at Martin Springs Baptist Church was a shining example of their dedication, particularly in encouraging young people to explore the technical and social aspects of ham radio.Why Amateur Radio Matters for Youth
Amateur radio is more than a hobby—it’s a gateway to learning about electronics, physics, and communication technologies. For young people, it provides hands-on experience with STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math) concepts, as well as opportunities to develop problem-solving and teamwork skills. The hobby also fosters a sense of global citizenship, as operators connect with people from diverse backgrounds and contribute to emergency communications during disasters. Events like the Chandler exam session demonstrate how amateur radio can inspire and empower youth. The success of the three Technician licensees and the General licensee serves as an inspiration for others in the community, while the participation of younger candidates, like the 11-year-old, highlights the hobby’s accessibility.
We are pleased to announce our Field Day Leadership Team:
Please join us in thanking these volunteers for stepping up to these important roles! And let them know what YOU will do to help!
By: Author Unknown, (I couldn't find anyone to take credit for it!?)
Meet Gary, Amateur Call Sign G0BLE. He's the 3873 Irregular's Official Mascot. Although he's from the U.K. he checks into the morning mix whenever propagation allows. You have to really listen closely because he has a very heavy accent (Welsh maybe??) Sometimes all you can make out is his call sign; which he repeates with great athority. Mart, K5FMN is really the only one who understands him well, and tries to translate; as best he can... Anyway, it just goes to show that anyone can be an Irregular: even if you're a Turkey! Check in some week day to 3.873 MHz at or about 7:30am Local, and you're a lifetime member! Just ask Gary! ~ 73
The intent of this periodical is to provide a Monthly, Non-Partisan, Area Wide publication for the entire Ham Community. Your participation is essential; indeed critical, for its success and long term survival. You don't have to be an Author, send in the info, and, if you desire, I will take care of the rest.
That said; Send your Stories, or Story Ideas or things that may interest another Ham, to: submit.news@n5oro.com. If you don't believe you are on the mailing list, but would like to be; send: "Subscribe" to subscribe.news@n5oro.com
~ 73,
RC, N5ORO; Editor