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SM: Malcolm Keown, W5XX. Mississippi Section Web Site at arrlmiss.org. Web Master: W5UE.
ASM: KB5HC, KA5ICO, N5OMK, K0UPW, W4WLF, KB5YEE, AG5Z, KB0ZTX; ACC: W5VMS, PIC: K5RFL, SEC: KC5IMN, ASEC: AA1NA, W5DIX; SGL: AK5J; TC: N5JGK.
Just three more weekends until the Mississippi QSO Party (April 1). Plans are already in motion for portable operations from Wilkinson, Tishomingo, Neshoba, and Newton Counties. Also mobile operations in the Delta and Northeast Mississippi and POTA operations in East Central Mississippi. We have plenty of rare counties that can be activated, so please make arrangements and keep W5XX informed so he can put your county on the national County Activation Map.
Once on the air and the pile ups start .... don`t panic. You are in control of the pileup. Once you can pick a letter or two out of the pile up just keep saying `Only looking for station with X and Y in the Call.` Eventually everyone else will stop calling. New contesters, who don`t operate CW or FT8, will find the most contacts on 20 SSB and 15 SSB during the day and 40 SSB and 3862 SSB later in the QSO Party.
Need more info on the QSO Party? Check out the blue tab on the left-hand side of www.arrl.miss.org. Need yet more additional info? Contact w5xx@arrl.org.
And if that is not enough excitement, Mississippi will host W1AW/5 during the weeks of March 29 through April 4 and November 15 through November 21 as part of the ARRL yearlong Volunteers on the Air (VOTA) operating event (see January QST). Larry, AG5Z (ag5z@comcast.net) is the March-April coordinator and Randy, W5UE (w5ue@w5ue.net) for the November operation. Note: W1AW/5 will be on during the QSO Party.
This is the first time W1AW has been in Mississippi since 2014. Here is an opportunity to put your station on the air as W1AW/5. W5UE has put together a real time, on-line registration form so that you can sign up for one-hour slots to fit your schedule. No planning ahead of time. Once you have been provided the link to reserve band/mode/time slots from the coordinator you can use it at any time during the two weeks. Pick out one or more one-hour slots, use the coordinator provided access link to sign up, and then get on the air.
Stations MUST utilize logging software capable of producing an ADIF formatted file. AG5Z will be providing the Mar/Apr sign-up link around 15 March. to those who have notified him of their desire to operate. There is a view-only operations schedule currently posted on the Section Website, https://arrlmiss.org . This link is updated in real-time as operators reserve slots. This gives others around the world an opportunity to see where MS is operating at any given time during our two weeks. If you have any questions about using the schedule itself, please feel free to email W5UE directly at the address above.
N5OCT reports the Mississippi Coast ARA met at the QTH of WB4YBY for the club`s annual participation in the CQ Worldwide 160-meter Contest ending up with a total of 305 contacts. N5FTY had his famous chili for everyone to enjoy. Other MCARA members brought cookies, sandwiches, chips, drinks, etc. for meals when not on the radio. As usual, the fellowship and comradery were probably the favorite part of the contest to many. Overall N5OCT speaks for everyone in saying that the contest was a great turn out and they all had a great time. The MCARA club membership would like to especially say thank you to WB4YBY and his XYL for opening up their home to the club.
Project Coordinator KG5YEE reports that the Vicksburg ARC provided communications support for the 44th annual Run Thru History on March 4. The 5K Walk/ 10K Run was held entirely within the Vicksburg National Military Park, celebrating the 160th anniversary of the Vicksburg Campaign (1863-2023). Radio operators called out race positions throughout the event, and were on hand to help with the kid`s 1 mile Fun Run. Supporting this year`s event were: KG5YEE, KG5OVR, AF5OQ, KC5IBO, W5WAF, K5IMT, N5JGK, K5VXV, W5SFL, KC5VTN, and N5KWT. Perennial visitor from Virginia KD5QCN participated as a runner carrying his radio, and as a note, Gary has participated in every one of the 44 years of racing in the park!
MCARA Past Pres KF5BA reports that the Diabetes Foundation of Mississippi held a fundraising walk in Gulfport, March 4 including a 1 mile fun walk and a 3 mile Run/Walk. MCARA has provided communications needs along the route for the last two years.. Twelve operators were stationed in locations along the courses providing information about the progress of this year`s walk and fun run. MCARA members assisting were KF5BA, coordinator, and K5OP, net control. On the 1-mile course, KF5KDL KI5OWU, and AI5OI monitored walker progress. For the longer course, at Rest Station 1, W5SPH, AG5ZH, and W5JDH provided progress reports. At Rest Station 2 KJ4NJT, KI5YZA, and N5KSS, provided reports. MCARA was fortunate enough to have KG5UN as Rover station on an E-Bike providing information from various points along both courses.
The: Central Mississippi ARA and the Vicksburg ARC have formed a GMRS committee to investigate implementation of GMRS repeaters in the area. The group will study hardware acquisition and siting opportunities. The inter-club cooperation is an effort to incorporate the personal radio services with Amateur Radio, providing additional capability and redundancy for emergency communications. Members are WM5A (chairman), KI5OTA, K4UNK, and W5VMS.
The ARRL will offer a series of instructive training webinars for club officers to strengthen club operations. The first of these will be for Club Secretaries on Mar 30, 2023, at 7:00 PM Eastern Time (US and Canada). Early registration is at:
https://us06web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_AzCmCTdORru OmPu5gm2W_g
In DEC/EC Reports from around the State …
DEC KF7DLW reports that on February 11 the Petal Children`s Task Force 5K Run took place in downtown Petal. Nine ARES Volunteers helped with communications along the route. The Race started at 7:00 AM and came to an end at 8:00 AM. Participants were KG5FXN, KI5YTQ, N5MZ, N5MES, KF5JJV, NT5DB, WB5TJK, KF5GGX, and KF7DLW. They are currently working on two big events which are the Hattiesburg 1/2 Marathon which is April 1 st and the Farm to Fork 60+ mile bike race May 13. Anyone wanting to help please sign up using this link.: http://volunteers.lcares.us/signup.php
From Warren /Claiborne Counties EC W5VMS met with Skywarn Coordinator N5XXX and discussed National Weather Service (Skywarn) activities for Warren and Claiborne Counties. The intent is to strengthen participation in Skywarn. N5XXX pledged support and assistance, additional details to be worked out.
Hinds County EC KD5SQZ reports that due to the loss of some repeaters in the area, Central MS ARES has been testing various options to determine which repeaters provide the best coverage for our five-county area. While none of the remaining local repeaters are ideal for all areas, a decision has been made to use 145.450 as primary for conducting training nets, SKYWARN and Emergency nets. Backup repeaters will be 146.760, 145.345, and 145.380. They also utilize Echolink to enable stations unable to reach the primary repeater to participate in our activities.
Attached for your information below is the current status (updated from last month) of known upcoming Ham events in and around Mississippi:
- Columbus Hamfest, March 25, POC: W4GMI, 205-557-0295
- W1AW/5 VOTA from Mississippi March 29 - April 4, POC: AG5Z
- 2023 Mississippi QSO Party, April 1-2, 2023, POC: W5XX
- April Fool`s Hamfest, April 1-2, Corinth, POC: K5WHB
- EMCOMM Checkin on 3862, 6:00 PM, April 6 (1st Thursday Each Month)
- Field Day, June 24-25, see June 2023 QST for announcement.
- SET, August 12, POC: KC5IMN
- W1AW/5 VOTA Operation from Mississippi Nov 15-22, POC: W5UE
Does anybody have additional information? Thanks to all who helped pull this information together. This list will be updated in future Section Reports.
Welcome to the following new Amateurs in Mississippi in February: KI5ZOP, Jason - Brandon; KI5ZOQ, Deanne - Pearl; KI5ZOR, Eric - Mendenhall; KI5ZRU, Charles - Brandon; KI5ZRV, John - Jackson; KI5ZQZ, Steve - Fulton; KI5ZVC, Richard - Byhalia.
What to do with this list? Club Officers and members, if you see a local on this list that you are not familiar with, locate and ask them to visit your next club meeting. Ask W5XX for contact information, also ask if they need help getting on the air.
Welcome to the following new ARRL members in February: AI5BB, Richard - Long Beach; KD5KMS, James - Pontotoc; AE5MA, Mark - Amory; KF5MMR, Marie - Southaven; KA9MQI, Gary - Perkinston; KI5OAI, Darrin - Richton; KD5OSA, James - Natchez; K3OSH, William - Starkville; KG5PBJ, Keith - Walls; KI5SNQ, James - Mc Henry; W5TOD, Michael - Southaven; KF5TQL, Heather - Tylertown; KI5YFH, Michael - Fulton; K0YP, Douglas; - Moss Point.
ARRL Membership in Mississippi is ??? No report from ARRL Headquarters since January.
Remember, if a member signs up through your club, the club gets a rebate of $15 for new members and $5 for a current member renewal. See Club Reconciliation Form on the ARRL Website.
Welcome to KD5SBP as OES.
Welcome to the following 2023 club officers:
Lowndes County ARC: Pres - KI5IKJ, VP - KI5GIG, Sec - K5TCO, Treasurer - W5ORC
Alcorn County ARES: Pres - KI5PCF; VP - W5OA, Sec - N5NCB, Treasurer - K5RBF
Congratulations to the following on their upgrades in February 2023: KD5EDV, Mark - Madison; KI5GUO, Robert - Biloxi; KI5IZ, Robert - Brandon; N5RWM, Robert - Brookhaven; KI5YZA, Ralston - Pass Christian; KI5ZCF, Robert - Batesville; KI5ZKS, Douglas - Byhalia; KI5ZCW, Kenneth - Lumberton; KI5ZNE, Greg - Vicksburg;
SEC/DEC Reports for February 2023: KC5IMN (SEC), KF7DLW (SE MS), KD4VVZ (Gulf Coast), KB0ZTX (NW MS)
EC Reports for February 2023: N5AAS (Forrest) , N5CRS (Jasper), N5EYZ (Jackson), AE5FK (Walthall), KC3HLT (Lamar), NI5I (Perry), KF5IAY (Carroll), KA5ICO (Chickasaw), KF5IMA (Lafayette), KG5IXV (Newton), N5MIS (Pontotoc), AG5ND (Oktibbeha), AF5NG (Marion), K1REZ (Scott), KI5SAG (Winston), AA5SG (Jones), KG5SQZ (Hinds), KB5SZJ (Lauderdale), KG5TTU (Tate), N5UDK (Stone), W5VMS (Warren/Claiborne), KD4VVZ (George/Greene), KF5WVJ (DeSoto), KB5ZEA (Attala), KB0ZTX (Marshall)
TS Report for February 2023: K7QI
Club Newsletters (Editor): the Meridian ARC Spark Gap (W5MAV), the Mississippi Coast ARA Splatter (N5OCT)
Regret to report the passing of KG5HZU of Tylertown. Joe was a retired welder, a regular checkin to the MSPN, and EC for Washington Parish, Louisiana.
Note: The legend for the following net reports is number of sessions held/checkins/formal traffic.
HF Net Reports - sessions/QNI/QTC (Net Manager)
Magnolia Section Net 28/1143/17 (KA5ICO)
MS Baptist Hams Net 4/14/0 (WF5F)
MSPN 28/2578/7 (W5JGW)
PBARC 10M Net 4/31/0 (KD5XG)
VHF Net Reports - sessions/QNI/QTC (Net Manager)
Capital Area EM Net 4/51/0/ (K5XU)
Central Mississippi ARES Training Net 4/119/0 (KG5SQZ) 1 Skywarn Activation
Delta ARES EM Net ?/193/0 (KF5IAY) 2 Skywarn Activations
DeSoto County Training and Information 4/86/0 (KF5WVJ)
Jackson Area EM Net 4/47/0 (K5XU)
Forrest County ARES 2/26/0 (N5AAS)
George County ARES 4/43/0 (KD4VVZ)
Jackson ARES EM Net 4/47/0 (K5XU)
Jackson County ARES Net 4/72/0 K9EYZ)
Jones County ARES Net 4/24/0 (AA5AG)
Lamar County ARES Net 2/21/0 (KC3HLT) 1 Skywarn Activation
Lowndes County ARC Net 4/59/2 (K5TCO)
Marshall County ARES - Trains with Desoto County ARES (KB0ZTX)
Marion County ARES 4/21/0 (AF5NG)
Meridian ARC EM Net 4/18/0 (KB5SZJ)
Mississippi Coast ARA 4/123/0 (W5JGW)
Northeast Mississippi Skywarn 4/57/0 (W5BAQ)
PBARC 2M Net 4/49/4 (KD5XG)
PBARC 2M Simplex Net 1/13/0 (KD5XG)
Pontotoc ARES Skywarn WX Net 4/59/2 (N5MIS)
South MS ARES Training Net 2/26/0 (N5AAS)
Sundancer ARES Net 4/57/0 (KA5ICO)
Tate County ARES 4/86/0 (KG5TTU)
University of MS ARES Net 4/41/0 (KF5IMA)
Vicksburg ARC/MLEN 4/65/0 (KG5YEE)
Walthall County ARES Net 4/47/0 (AE5FK)
Digital Net Reports - sessions/QNI/QTC (Net Manager)
Central Mississippi ARES Digital Net 4/34/24 (KI5JCL)
(2 VHF nets and 2 HF nets)
Traffic: WV5Q 56 and W5XX 3
PSHR: WV5Q 116 and W5XX 72
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