PCARS (K8BF)

Date: 05/04/2026

Time: 7:00 PM

PCARS Headquarters

Attendees

 Chairperson: Greg Ash

 Board Members: Greg,Tom,Gene,Bob,Paul

 Secretary: no

 Guests: Russ, Mike, Rick,Ken,N8wcp, Chuck and Nick on Zoom

Agenda

1. Call to Order; Greg
2. Approval of Previous Meeting Minutes , Approved
3. Financial Report; by Paul: 12,840.27 current; 156.00 collected for 50/50 78.00 paid out; 200.00 donation Mat Fox new member. 50.00 state tax pd bill ; Liability ins is due; 150.00 collected for youth forum and chk sent for 500.00 to them. 350.00 pd by the club.
4. Presidents report; Discussed Fliers for trunk fest, they have been made and paid for. Signs are being looked at for directing traffic for parking and the president has up to 500.00 in discretionary spending without approval. Paul will order the porta-potti for trunk fest. Gene has donated some radios for 50/50 door prizes and has determined that 2 out of the 4 mobile radios in storage are not working and will be destroyed and the other 2 need some work. Nick and his family is the hi-lited club member this month. John has updated the board on IO Groups. Echo link is working and outside light has been replaced. Still looking for Secretary.
5. Vice Presidents report: Discussed upcoming program by Mike Pryce. Discussed an on line site for pcars gear. I am looking for prizes for the Nov meeting as donations. I am also going to invite other club members to come to our meetings and enjoy our programs.
6. Senior Trustee Report: Nothing to report.
7. Old business; John discussed IO Groups and pcars QST stays the same. QST from officers informing members of QST e-mail change from Constant Contact to PCARS-QST group.io. Field Day was discussed; Bill will be CW captain, GOTA Station will be same as last year. Questions about power and it was decided that 2 Honda Generators would be rented. If the CW station needs computer Ken can supply it.
8. New Business; Roast your Acorns was discussed, and the club will pay for Hot Dogs and Burgers. Please donate Ice, Buns and charcoal. Parky has info for flyers for RYAO. Gene and Mike will be cooks.
9. GOOD OF THE CLUB; Shed will be moved soon. Ron W8AHC had a pacemaker surgery. Please keep him in your prayers. Motion to close by Gene and seconded by Tom. Motion approved and meeting closed.

Greetings PCARS Members, ARRL Officials, Amateur Radio Clubs and all interested people.

The latest issue of THE RADIOGRAM is on the web and ready for you to enjoy. Check out all of the latest happenings with PCARS!

In this issue: Hamvention wrap-up – PCARS Field Day Plans – Linux NOW! – The NOMAD project – and much, much more!

Please feel free to share this newsletter with anyone who has an interest in ham radio or the Portage County Amateur Radio Service in Ohio (PCARS).

Thanks & 73!

J.C. – KC8JC
PCARS Newsletter Editor

To all PCARS Members:

To all Amateur Radio Clubs:
The ARRL has officially declared 2026 the Year of the Club, and we’re answering that call with a brand‑new on‑the‑air event built specifically to energize your members and put your club front and center.
Introducing the Club QSO Party — the operating event designed FOR clubs, BY clubs.
Other than Field Day, there are very few true club‑focused operating activities. That changes now!
Your club’s station will operate using your call sign plus your club’s age — for example: K2AA/110 — instantly showcasing your club’s history and identity every time you hit the air.
Why your club will love this event
Every mode counts — Phone, CW, Digital
Every platform counts — Repeaters, DMR, EchoLink, and more
Every band counts — All amateur bands except WARC
Every member counts — The more members who contact your club station, the bigger your club multiplier

This is truly an all‑inclusive event. If it gets RF (or even VoIP) out into the world, it counts.
Event Dates – June 20th 00:00 UTC through June 21st 23:59 UTC
How to participate
Individual operators: Get on the air and work as many clubs and operators as possible.
Clubs: Put your club station on the air or allow members to operate using the club call with trustee permission. (Or both there are no geographical restraints)
Your mission:
Rally your members. Activate your club station. Show the amateur radio community who you are.
Full rules and details: www.clubqsoparty.org
Questions? Email info@clubqsoparty.org
73’s
Ken K2WB
Sponsored by the South Jersey Radio Association, Phil-Mont Mobile Radio Club, Gloucester County Radio Club, South Jersey Radio Foundation, Kent Amateur Radio Society and the South Jersey Mountain Toppers ARC.
We will be discussing this at the next Contest SIG on the 26th of this month.

—
73 – Chuck W8PT