I’ve got two favors to ask for today:
1. If you try to reply to those Section Managers emails, it’s not going to work. They are sent from a server at ARRL HQ that just permits me to do bulk emails to about 3500 ARRL members in East Pennsylvania, but does not forward your response to me.
Please use w3gwm@arrl.org to reply. Add me to our addressbook. It really is important to me that I stay in touch with you.
2. If a DMR Repeater in your area has added the EPA Section Talkgroup (31426), please let me know. I’m trying to compile a list of repeaters that have us on them. Our Talkgroup is getting busy and I have enjoyed chatting with many of you on the EPA Section TG.
No news on Field Day.
We’re at the mercy of Governor Wolf for what we can do. Some of us may be able to have a Field Day with no more than 25 people at our sites. Others will probably still be on lock down.
The best advice I can give you at this late date is to plan on operating as a category 1E station. Try to set up emergency power either with a generator or battery and get on the air.
200 bonus point are available by sending me a message that you are operating in Field Day 2020. If you have Winlink available, please send me the reports via Winlink. It makes it easier for me.
I will be on the Eastern Pennsylvania Emergency Phone and Traffic Net (3917 KHz) starting at about 4:30 PM prior to the start of the net. The net begins at 6 PM and will stay on the air as long as necessary to receive radiograms. I will have help to receive messages if there are too many for me to handle.
CW buffs, don’t forget about the Pennsylvania Traffic Net (PTN) at 7 PM. I won’t be on PTN but relays may be available to forward traffic to me.
I’m thinking about holding a Zoom Meeting were we can discuss what various groups are going to do for Field Day. Let me know if you are interested. I’m limited to 500 people, but I think we can make this work.
13 Colonies Special Event
Another operating event to plan for is the 13 Colonies Special event from July 1st through the 7th. Information is at http://www.13colonies.us/
If you operate DMT, the EPA Section TG will be used for the Pennsylvania DMR link. Look for a lot of activity, especially between 8PM and 9PM.
Expect to see the rare Great Britain 13 Colonies group GB13COL and our own Pennsylvania WM3PEN show up. Don’t forget to look for them on the low bands. Due to our distance, propagation will probably be best on 80 and 40 Meters.
Pennsylvania State Convention
One final note, our Pennsylvania Statewide Convention at the Firecracker Hamfest scheduled for July 4th in Harrisburg has been canceled. The college where the hamfest is held is closed until at least September. Just another disappointment.
Looks like this is going to be remembered as the Year With No Hamfests.
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Stay Safe, Keep Healthy and Get On The Air!
73,
George Miller W3GWM
Eastern PA Section Manager
W3GWM@arrl.org
293 Woods RD
Wyalusing, PA 18853
Cell: (570) 250-1007