The Ak-Sar-Ben Amateur Radio Club would like to invite everyone interested in learning more about radio communications to attend “Field Day” the largest amateur radio event in America.   Field Day is a national wide emergency drill in which amateur radio operators and clubs set up radio operation away from their normal stations and compete with each other to see which group can talk to the moststations.

At this event you can:

• Get on the radio
• Talk to other stations around the country or even around the world
• See amateur radio operating in simulated disaster mode
• See all the ways amateur radio operators communicate
• Amateur Television
• GPS Position Tracking
• Text Messaging
• Digital Voice
• and other modes

If, after you try amateur radio, you want to get involved, the members of the AARC will be happy to help you.   If you are between 14 and 20 years of age, perhaps you’d like to be part of a Venture Scouting Crew that the club is forming.  For adults (and the kids)  we can help you study for your own amateur radio license.  The club sponsors classes and test sessions.  You will find that hams are always happy to help!

Lots of new callsigns are being heard on the air!  Make sure you take a moment to welcome them to amateur radio.   If you are a new ham!  Welcome to a great hobby! 

We know it can be a bit intimidating getting on the air for the few few weeks, but every ham was once a "newbie".  Don't worry about messing up a little.  We all have!  Ham radio should be fun so don't get too worried. 

The AARC has a list of area repeaters on the VHF/UHF bands. 146.94 (K0USA) and 443.775 (W0EQU) are by far the widest coverage repeaters located on KETV and KPTM towers respectively. But you will find activity on other frequencies as well. 

The ARRL offers a great program on using repeaters.  Click here for some pointers and info about repeaters.

The 2008 edition of  Omaha Cycling Weekend and the Dave Babcook Memorial Stage Race will be held in the Omaha Metro area on July 12 & 13.   This is a great event and an awesome time to see professional racers in Nebraska.   Bring the family to watch the action!

The proceeds from the race go to the Babcook Family Research Fund which raises funds and awareness for pancreatic cancer research at the UNMC Eppley Cancer Center.    We need radio operators for Saturday Morning starting about 8:00 a.m., Saturday Afternoon  into evening as well as Sunday Morning and Afternoon.  More details about the times will be forthcoming.  You can work part of the day, or all day.   

Last year more than 120 cyclists from across the Midwest participated in the two-day event, named in honor of Dave Babcook, a cyclist and research associate at UNMC who died of pancreatic cancer in 2000. Proceeds the event are donated to the Eppley Cancer here in Omaha center in Babcook's memory.

Mobiles and handhelds will both be useful on this event.  Mobiles for Saturday morning's time trial.   And handhelds for the criterium  events.  

If you'd like to help out this great cause or if you have more questions, contact Pat K0CTU 

Don't forget that the minutes from the monthly club meetings are posted as PDF files.   The minutes can be found in the meetings link on main menu.   73, Doug NG0K,  Secretary.  

Not getting Your Ham Hum.... please check with the membership chair so we can check the records.   Thanks.