H e l l o   and   W e l c o m e

 

 

This site supports the efforts of amateur radio ARES/RACES operators in Benzie County by providing a link and in-sight of public service, communications and disaster preparedness

 

 

 

 

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Happy New Year

 

2023

 

Soon it will be 2023.  Radio is about 138 years old.  From the 1st tinkering and transatlantic transmission we have come a long way.  Amateur radio has been from the beginning, since there were no standards prior.  Hams created, developed, trained, and endured periods of downright deplorable treatment.  Yet we have prevailed, not without a fight.  Hams can talk, rag chew, contest, be part of public service, use digital, CW, video, am, FM and SSB.  We can bounce signals off the moon and meteor scatter to communicate with others 1000’s of miles away.  What’s all the fuss since any cell phone can call anywhere in the world.  You pay for the cell phone then you pay for the service.  Don’t forget a cell phone is a radio and digital platform.  Ham radio is free to use, in fact it’s against the law to profit from its use.  No other radio service has that limitation.  Ham radio is the only service that is allowed to build, modify and repair its own equipment.  At the end of the day using a cell phone is the easiest way to talk.  But if your go back 138 years and know the history of radio, it becomes a nostalgic way to talk.  We use it at home, in the car, on the boat, in the airplane and from the highest mountain top.  Today the ARRL fights to keep our precious frequency allotments. We don’t pay for our spectrum as does the commercial operators.  We need to show usage and value for what we do.  Days of God given rights are long gone.  Today we litigate rights, tomorrow, well anyone can read the trends, the future is unpredictable.  So, join the ranks of the ARRL, get on the air and use the equipment you have.  Build a new antenna for a band you do not or have not every worked.  Join a local ARES/ RACES group and most importantly, show the great hobby in a positive light.  73, KG8CW.

 

 

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Christmas 2022 is over and well attended

 

  The food was good and the camaraderie was great.  The group was given a state of BARF if you will as to equipment, funds and work ahead.  The weather was cool but snow was not an issue this year.  Help was ask for to sell our wares durning the Cherryland Swapfest this Febuary.  I know a picture was taken and will be added as soon as I get it.  Happy New to all. 

 

 

 

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4 Pictures does not tell the whole Story.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Hurricane Ian Leaves a wake of damage on the west coast of Florida.  

 

 

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W8BNZ’s 442.600 repeater back on the air 9/30/22

 

 

After a set of new finals, a receiver adjustment, a pl tune and a new firmware install the Benzonia repeater is back on the air.  Currently it’s at 20 watts output which is being changed upon equipment upgrades.  Remember on C4FM both this and Crystal Mountain 04 are linked.  

 

 

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Cherryland Ham Fest 2022

 

 

 

 

 

Hamfest 2023 in February.  Volenteer to Help.

 

 

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Benzie Rotary Sunrise Bike Ride 2022

 

 

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Get your ham radio license

 

  Not a Amateur radio operator or you have your amateur license but not your ARES/RACES certifications.  Find out how to earn your  license and certifications from the ARRL link above under training and join the Benzie County ARES/RACES team.  Get Started here.

 

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The Benzie County office of Emergency Management’s  FaceBook Page Link  click here 

 The Benzie County office of Emergency Management’s WebPage  click here

 

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 2 0 2 3  Area  Ham Fests

 

 

ARRL Hamfest Calendar      click here  

Feb   11   Cherryland Ham fest 

May 07             Cadillac  ARC 

May 19-21       Xenia Hamvention

Sep                   Finlay Ham fest

Sep 17             Adrian ARC  

Nov                  Fort Wayne

 

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