Holiday City Amateur Radio Club - W2HC

The warmer weather is a welcome change from the harsh winter we endured. Sitting on my porch and thinking about the many facets of amateur radio made me realize how many interests our hobby provides. From CW to voice communication to experimentation to antenna design to digital communication and the list goes on and on. With all these areas at our disposal we must not forget the basic mission of amateur radio. The mission of our hobby is summarized in the FCC Regulations Part 97.1. These five regulations are:

1.) "A voluntary noncommercial service, particularly with respect to providing emergency communications." This does not mean that you must join an emergency group if it is not in your interest, however, you should be prepared for an emergency for yourself. Having a generator and a list of amateurs (and their call signs) in your area will provide emergency communications for yourself and make you available to assist others.

2.) "Continuation and extension of the amateur's proven ability to contribute to the advancement of the radio art." Many advances in science and technology have come from radio amateurs. Even new products have been developed as the result of the amateur community. Do not be shy with your ideas. Collaborate with other amateurs to expand your thoughts and knowledge.

3.) "Encouragement and improvement of the amateur service through rules which provide for advancing skills in both the communication and the technical phases of the art." Guidelines should be established which will motivate amateurs to pursue both the technical and communication portions of amateur radio. Technology by itself is only part of the advancement process. Communication in both written and oral form completes the advancement process.

4.) "Expansion of the existing reservoir within the amateur service of trained operators, technicians, and electronic experts." This is where all of us can have the greatest impact. We need to advertise our hobby to others either by direct contact or by example. Be proud of your hobby and invite others to participate at a club meeting or other event such as Field Day. And most importantly become a "mentor" to a new member of amateur radio. I have seen many people attend one or two events and then simply lose interest because no one has taken them “under their wings.

5.) "Continuation and extension of the amateur's unique ability to enhance international good will." This may seem obvious but can easily be overlooked. Not only does this apply internationally but it also applies to every contact we make. Our hobby is judged by your actions and words, and you should promote politeness and professionalism due amateur radio. As you enjoy the portions of our hobby that interest you, please keep our mission statements in mind.

Doug Poray KC2TZC

The Holiday City Amateur Radio Club (HCARC) invites all hams or prospective hams to join our club. We are an ARRL affiliated club and have members eager to help others to achieve licensing or to up-grade their present license privileges.

Members of the HCARC have a sense of friendship and concern for each others welfare and interest. This extends to helping each other with problems associated with their station, rigs, computers and more.

We meet the first Thursday of the month, in the evening at 7:00 PM. Our meeting place is in the Club House complex of Holiday City South off Mule Road (Corner of Mule Road and Santiago Drive) in the Toms River area.

We always have an interesting monthly program that in the past have consisted of discussions about APRS, DX, Computer Aids, Power Line Surge Protection, the Battle Ship N.J. Amateur Radio Station and many other topics. The club has arranged for tours of such places as the Naval Engineering Station at Lakehurst (location of the famed Hanger 1 and the Hindenburg disaster) and the Nuclear Power plant at Cedar Creek. Guest speakers from the world of elder law, medical professionals, club members presenting alternative hobbies, and speakers from other Amateur Radio Clubs, have also provided interesting and educational presentations. We have annual get-togethers. These include our holiday party and a Field Day picnic at the Toms River Park. Luncheons, including XYLs and friends, take place from time to time at local restaurants and an every other Monday luncheon for members are also part of our regular routine. At each meeting we provide refreshments; coffee, cake and cookies and quarterly we host a pizza meeting. XYLs are in the picture at all social events held during the year, assisting and helping to plan such activities. Our club has sponsored technician and general class license classes that included learning or increasing ones Morse code ability. We think the club has something to offer each member and would be delighted if you participated.

We here at the Holiday City Amateur Radio Club welcome all who venture into the ranks of Amateur Radio. Like all radio operators there comes a point when we attempt to set up a working radio station and get "on the air". Many questions come to mind such as, What radio should I buy and where to buy it?, What type antenna should I use?, Can I install an antenna where I live?, or if I have already set up my station, When do I push the transmit button?. We here at the Holiday City Amateur Radio Club are here to help answer those questions. All you have to do is ask. You may contact me at my email address: n2wlh@yahoo.com