The Joe Simonet WØTBC Memorial Award
2014 SARA Officers
2020 S.A.R.A. EXECUTIVE OFFICERS
Fitzgerald Crew 2011
Fitzgerald Crew 2012
New Radio Gear For Some SARA Members!
SARA Does Skywarn
Ice Station WØJH 2014
AGØH 2013
2021 W0TBC Memorial Award

SARA This Week July 30 – Aug 5

SARA’s Radio in the Parks Thursday

The Eyeball QSO Party is outdoors SARA’s Radios in the Park summer season. We gather at various area parks on Thursday evenings through early September.

The schedule of park locations and dates is:

  • August 3: Brekke Park, 5500 Omar Ave N. Oak Park Heights (revised location)
    Antenna Test: Verticals & EFHWs, Radials & Counterpoises
    Brian KB9TBB will lead an antenna test of vertical and EFHW antennas and how adding radials or a counterpoise affects the performance of the antenna. A NanoVNA will be utilized, and the results shown via NanoVNA Saver computer app.
  • August 10: Valley View Park, 5421 N Osgood Ave, Oak Park Heights
  • August 17: Croix Boom Site Scenic Overlook on Hwy 95 north of Stillwater
    (St Croix National Scenic River K-0673 activation)
  • August 24: Otto Berg Park, 90th and Norell, Stillwater Township
  • August 31: Valley View Park, 5421 N Osgood Ave, Oak Park Heights
    SARA Swap Shop – Tabletop & Tailgate Micro Hamfest
  • Sept 8: Browns Creek State Trail (K-9386) at Browns Creek Park 8312 Neal Ave N, Stillwater

Folks begin arriving at the park around 5:30 PM and we’re there until about 8:00 PM.

In case of inclement weather, Collin KEØIYN has offered the “shed” and “The Diner” at his QTH on Osgood Ave south of Valley View Park as a covered location for those evenings.

The Eyeball QSO Party moves back indoors at the Stillwater Public Library beginning September 14.

General Class License Classes begin September 21

Fall is approaching and that means that SARA education team is preparing for the General Class License class sessions. Classes will begin Thursday September 21 and will run 8 weeks, followed by a VE Session the 9th week. The ARRL General Class License Manual Tenth Edition, updated for new question pool now valid through June 30, 2027, will be the study guide for the class. For more information or to sign up for the class, contact Bob WØGAF at w0gaf@me.com.

It’s a Minnesota Meetup!

All POTA activators and hunters in MN, WI, and beyond are invited to The MN POTA Meetup Saturday August 12 at Wild River State Park (K-2529) near Almelund, MN. The Stillwater Amateur Radio Association has reserved the Picnic Shelter at the park from 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM CDT for this Meetup, and all are welcome to join us!

Hot dogs and brats will be available, please consider bringing something to share (chips, veggies, fruit, salads or desserts). Water will be provided, otherwise bring your own non-alcoholic beverage. A collection will be taken to defray the costs of food, supplies, and site.

There is plenty of space and numerous “antenna supports” in the immediate area, plus a very nice pavilion. The park is large with plenty of additional spots to set up and operate, including 2-fer possibilities along the St. Croix River. There will be an opportunity for everyone to work on another within the park using HTs on 2 meters and 70 cm. Don’t forget to bring your HT!

Share your POTA stories, show-n-tell your POTA activating gear, exchange tips and tricks, and enjoy eyeball QSOs with fellow POTA enthusiasts.

SARA POTA Challenge ‘23

The June POTA Challenge update is on the radioham.org website now.

If you are a SARA member AND have registered on the POTA website https://parksontheair.com/# (sign up is under the Help/Getting Started tab), you are included in the SARA Challenge 2023.

A thorough source of information for those that want to get started POTA hunting or activating is also found on the POTA website. The https://docs.pota.app/ page is a great resource of all info for POTA. Start with the Getting Started with POTA page and go from there.

This week’s SARA activities

SARA’s on-air, in-person, and virtual activities are a great way to stay connected with others.

  • “Sunday Fusion” Digital Voice Hangout July 30
    19:00 Central (00:00 UTC)  
    SARA Repeater 147.060+ MHz (DCS/DTCS 026 Normal)
    or connect via WIRES-X to the W0JH-Room 63969
    System Fusion digital voice hangout to expand use and familiarity with the digital voice capabilities available on the WØJH repeater.
  • SARA Top Band Ragchew
    Nightly
    20:00 Central (01:00 UTC)
    Frequency:  1.966 LSB +/- QRM or 3.813 LSB +/- QRM
    Alternates: 21.316 MHz +/- QRM (USB) 50.166 MHz +/- QRM (USB)
  • SARA Monday Morning 75-meter Ragchew July 31
    08:15 Central (13:15 UTC)
    Frequency:  3.856 LSB +/- QRM
  • SARA Two Meter Tuesday (TMT) Round Robin Ragchew Aug 1
    7:00 – ~8:00 pm Central (or until we finish!)
    SARA Repeater 147.060+ MHz (DCS/DTCS 026 Normal)
    1st Tuesday is Emergency Power Night – participants are encouraged to operate the stations on emergency power.
    The Tuesday evening on-air round robin ragchew
    Featuring the “Ask the Elmer” segment
    The group leaders focus on encouraging any and everyone, especially those new to the airwaves, to join the session via the repeater.
  • SARA’s Summer in the Parks Thursday Aug 3
    ~5:30 PM to 8:00 PM
    Brekke Park, 5500 Omar Ave N. Oak Park Heights
    Antenna Test: Verticals & EFHWs, Radials & Counterpoises