Category Archives: Coconino Amateur Radio Club

Amateur Radio, Amateur Radio Organizations, Coconino Amateur Radio Club, Event, Flagstaff, News

CARC radios for Dave McKay Memorial run

Joe (W7LUX) keeps an eye on participants at one of the CARC stations.
Joe (W7LUX) keeps an eye on participants at one of the CARC stations.
FLAGSTAFF — On August 13, 2016, Flagstaff held their annual Dave McKay Memorial half marathon and 5K run/walk to benefit Big Brothers and Big Sisters of Flagstaff. The Coconino Amateur Radio Club (CARC) provided radio communications. This is just one of the major events in which CARC participates.
Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) members also participated.
Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) members also participated.
I was called in to assist. I was to go to a point on A-1 Mountain road as assigned by Ron (KG7OH); the coordinator for CARC. Unfortunately we had a really good monsoon and my vehicle could not make it. So I wandered around taking pictures.
800-hmr-16-08-13Other commitments have taken up my time (video games) so I am just now getting around to reporting on it. In between the event and this post, my cell phone expired when I tossed it out of the window of my vehicle. The information I gathered from this event was irretrievable.
One of the many CARC stations along the run. Due to the loss of my equipment, I cannot remember who these folks are. (Okay. Send me emails)
One of the many CARC stations along the run. Due to the loss of my equipment, I cannot remember who these folks are. (Okay. Send me emails)
Important equipment tip. Don’t throw your “smart phone” out the window of your vehicle. If you are patient, it will get around to doing what you want it to.
Of course credit for the success of the event goes to the runners.
Of course credit for the success of the event goes to the runners.

800-racer-16-08-13-01800-racer-16-08-13-03800-racer-16-08-13-04
We end with a picture of cattle.
We end with a picture of cattle.

Amateur Radio Organizations, Coconino Amateur Radio Club, Flagstaff, News, Personal

My first VE experience

Today I had my first experience as a volunteer examiner with the Coconino Amateur Radio Club in Flagstaff, Arizona. It turned out to be Friday the 13th part 2.

It started out quite pleasant. As I traveled east toward Flagstaff on I-40, I contacted Ken (KF7DUR). I found out that he was one of the other experienced volunteer examiners also heading into Flagstaff on I-17. I took the first exit in Flagstaff to Milton Avenue.

I heard Joe (W7LUX) and Ken discussing a traffic situation at the Butler exit. A truck hauling a trailer apparently jack-knifed. It was probable that they would not make it exactly at the time the exam would take place. I arrived at the Flagstaff Public Library and radioed that I would let anyone who was looking lost find their way.

It wasn’t long before I realized that I was lost. I was at the main branch when the test was being held on the east side of Flagstaff at the Fourth Street branch. By the time I found my way, the other examiners were all there.

Other than that, the test went well and I congratulate those new Amateur Radio operator (Or soon to be as soon as they appear in the FCC data base) who passed the examination.

I received a lot of good information. I still have my two Certificate of Successful Completion of Examinations for my Technician examination and my upgrade to Extra. Ken was one of the examiners on my Technician exam. I failed the General at that exam, so I guess I can blame him. Beside the fact that I wasn’t ready at all for the General.

I got a chance to learn about the paperwork and how it is organized and where all the dotted i’s and crossed t’s go. I learned of ways to help people with special needs take the examination if they cannot make it to the site. Volunteer examiners go through great lengths to help anyone get their license. Classes, special tests and so-forth. Of course they still have to comply with all of the Volunteer Exam Coordinator (VEC) requirements.

It was a good experience and I look forward to assisting with the next exam at the ARA Hamfest July 22 -24 in Williams.

The rest of Friday the 13th Part II went downhill from there.