Butler County VHF Association W8CCI
2024 Wednesday Night Meetings
The Amateur Radio Emergency Communications Center Update
OPS-1 is on the air and fully functional on 6 through 20 meters. We are looking to add 40 and 80 meter capability via ham sticks in the spring.
OPS-2 is now on the air with the new 7 band off center fed dipole! In testing it out on 1-3-2024 our first contact was in Florda with a 20 + signal on both sides of the QSO. The next contact was in Australia with a S9 signal report and our third contact was in Spain all on 20 meters!
We made quick QSO's on 80, 40 and 17 meters also just to make sure we were being heard on those bands. Further testing is needed on the other bands as well so come up and give it a try. So far, I am very impressed with the performance of the OCF dipole over the 5 band fan dipole.
REMINDER: Membership dues are now being collected for 2024, you do not have to be a member to attend the meetings!
W 8 C C I - Our Amateur Radio Club Callsign and Providing Community Service Since 1958
Who we are:
Butler County VHF Association (BCVHFA) is a leading amateur radio (ham radio) association in Butler County, Ohio. The organization is located just north of Cincinnati near Hamilton, Ohio. BCVHFA is a non-profit 501(c)(3) organization, and has been serving our community with non-commercial communications during emergency conditions since the formation of our club in 1958. Members operate with a license granted by the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) and operate primarily under regulations contained in U.S. CFR Title 47, Part 97, "Amateur Radio Service." BCVHFA specializes in Very High Frequency (VHF) and Ultra High Frequency (UHF) radio technologies and participates in amateur radio activities using VHF and UHF equipment. High Frequency (HF) radio operation also complements VHF/UHF capability for extended range communications. Some members operate microwave amateur stations as well.
What we do:
Emergency communications support to local officials during emergencies after their communications have failed.
Homebrew Equipment - Kit building, repeaters.
Club Upgrades - 4 operator club station, club generator, club operating accessories, club tower/antenna systems.
Participate in a weekly net on Thursday 7:30 P.M.
Contesting Lite - State Parks On the Air, Field Day, Lighthouse special events, several other contests that members participate in annually.
Training - Weather Spotting, Emergency Support, Club Equipment Operation.
Digital Communication - VHF/UHF Packet, APRS, AIRMAIL, D-Star, Echolink, Fusion, P25, ircDDBgateway, HF Digital Modes such as digipan, FL-DIGI, HF-ALE, WINLINK 2K etc.
Amateur radio computer platforms - Windows, Raspberry Pi, BeagleBone Black, Banana Pi, Arduino.
Amateur Radio Software - Winlink2000, HF-ALE, DigiPan, FLDigi, G8BPQ, Ham Radio Deluxe, Linux
Amateur radio licensing - Assist non-hams acquire FCC amateur radio license.
New Licensee Mentoring - Help new ham radio licensees get started operating radios.
Seek new members for BCVHFA - We are always looking for good hams to become members of BCVHFA.
When we do it:
Main Meeting: First Wednesday of each month starting at 7:00 P.M.
Where we do it:
BCVHFA holds activities at Butler Technology and Career Center 3603 Hamilton Middletown Road Hamilton, OH 45011 - Room 107 or the Amateur Radio Emergency Communications Center (ARECC)
Why we do it:
"Because We Can" Radio Amateurs enjoy communicating with other amateurs both locally and all over the world; promoting international good will. Many have made friends for life through ham radio contacts. Radio amateurs enjoy constructing their radio station from store bought equipment and/or homebrew equipment sometimes advancing the "state of the radio art."
How we do it:
BCVHFA amateur radio operators are licensed by the FCC. Each license upgrade allows the use of expanded radio frequencies. Potential ham operators must pass an exam showing they understand basic radio communication concepts and regulations before obtaining their license. Each operator can have a home "base" station as well as mobile and handheld radio stations. According to regulations, amateur radio operators can support community officials after a declared emergency when community owned radio systems fail to operate.
Please Join The BCVHFA Organization And Enjoy Amateur Radio With Us !!
Link to Butler County Amateur Radio Communications (BCAREC) - Click Here
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