PAMLICO AMATEUR RADIO SOCIETY (PARS) June 27, 2026 MEETING NOTES
* Twenty-three members, visitors and guests attended the 9am Saturday
breakfast meeting at Brantley’s Village Restaurant chaired by President
Bruce Perkins, K4ONC.
* Bruce delivered the Treasurer’s report on behalf of Wally. ORG
expenditures since our last meeting were for the new steel roof for
“our” building at the Kershaw tower site; PARS’s were for the FOX hunt
and PO Box renewal.
* AI4WL’s PROPAGATION Report: For the past few days solar activity was
low. The forecast is for quiet conditions, but we could still have major
flares from solar region 4478. The Six Meter band is now into its active
summer season bringing E-layer skip into Europe, TEP into Central and
South America. It’s not predictable. Of late, the best chance is mid-day
to late afternoon. Some times it seems we’re in a black hole, activity
all around but none here… the MAGIC BAND is just that. As the cycle
slows, DX activities still abound. They include the South Shetland
Islands, Chatham Islands, Cook Islands, and Benin.
* Bruce thanked Louise Beasley KR4CYB for doing an excellent job as net
control on the PAMLICO COMMUNICATIONS NET this past week. Louise and
Wayne will share the NCS role in July, Charlie WA4GSI has it in August.
* The next AUXCOM/PAMLICO COMMUNICATIONS TEAM meeting scheduled for
July 11th has been cancelled due to the conflict with the Eastern Branch
Office open house the same day. [See the announcement elsewhere-ed.]
* Paul K4MMB reported 339 visitors to the WEBSITE in the past 30 days.
WordPress is recording over 30,000 BOT intrusions blocked every month.
* Bruce reported over 140 people participated in the recent statewide
COMMEX hosted by the EHPC on June 25th, three of those were from PARS at
home, Lor W3QA and Bruce deployed to Greenville. A special track was
added specifically for “solo” non-AUXCOMM hams with tasks based on H.
Helene experience… The “annual” National Weather Service Hurricane
awareness briefing for Oriental newcomers (and old timers too) is being
scheduled. Bruce will talk about GMRS.
* An Oriental Repeater Group Meeting will follow this meeting.
* All were welcomed to join several members at the Oriental Recreation
Park for a low key Field Day. The park has been reserved, power turned
on. Wayne KO4OJC, Jim AI4WL, and Bruce plan to operate QRP. With
Thunderstorms expected, activity and operation will be weather dependent.
* Last month’s FOX HUNT and Annual PARS Picnic was a great success.
Nine teams participated in the hunt; over 30 members, family and guests
at the Picnic. Thanks went to Mike K4NLC for his efforts at the grill.
Bill Olah K4RLO announced his retirement as the chief fox so he could
finally join the hunters. Appears Wayne has volunteered set up the next
course, possibly in the Fall. Since only 3 teams found the fox, Bill and
Wayne are offering advice and practice fox hunt sessions on Wednesdays
at Bill’s shop. Contact Bill for specifics.
* Our next meeting will be on Saturday, July 25th.
* Drawing winners: Guest Doreen had the ticket for the Brantleys Gift
Certificate, Ray KR4ABZ took home a DX Engineering baseball cap.
* There being no further business, the meeting was adjourned at 10:03am.
PARS’ FIELD DAY AT THE PARK
As expected, the weather played the major role in the 2026 annual ARRL
Field Day weekend in Oriental. Despite the hot stormy day, participation
was better than expected. Wayne KO4OJC, Jim AI4WL, and Bruce K4ONC, were
joined by Lor W3QA, Paul K4MMB, and later, Brian N2PZG, all with their
equipment to operate at the Oriental Recreation Park. Only 4 stations
were actually set up each operating on a different band. Three of them
were QRP (less than 5 watts and battery powered). Two stations were
IC-705’s, one FTX-1, and Paul’s PARS Jeep with a non-QRP IC-706. Other
members showed up due to curiosity, to be loggers, or just to chin-wag.
All activity was under the open sided park shelter. Family, visitors and
at least one friendly neighborhood dog came and went. QRN, QRM, thunder,
lightning, and blowing rain prevailed. Radio operation gave way to talk.
When the operators finally gave in and packed up two hours into Field
Day, the rain stopped and the sun appeared. It was still a fun day and
they’re ready to try again next year.
NC EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT EASTERN BRANCH OFFICE (EBO) OPEN HOUSE
The Eastern Branch Office in Kinston is hosting its 2026 Amateur Radio
Emergency Communications Open House from 10AM to 2PM on Saturday, July
11th. Like last year’s event, expect this to be an informative event for
all amateur radio operators who want to support emergency communications
in preparation for the Hurricane Season: come see the EBO comm center,
the EHPC comms van, hear about current plans based on H. Helene lessons
learned and connect with fellow radio operators and emergency management
leaders. Reservations are required for the meeting at the EBO located at
3802G Highway 58 North, Kinston, NC 28502. For more information contact
Bruce Perkins, K4ONC, 252-626-2730 or K4ONC@aol.com. Sign up link:
https://nc.readyop.com/fs/4l3x
NET NEWS
Monday night Pamlico C4FM Net: On June 22nd seven folks participated in
the round-table hosted by KO4OJC (KR4LO, KR4ABZ, AI4WL, K4HPS,
KM4PA-Brevard and KM4COD). Storm forecast, counter tops, World Radio
League logs, field day plans and more made the table. The net closed at
8:20pm. For local users via RF, the repeater’s on 145.390MHz. Remote
users can join via the Wires-X room, for now it’s still “KO4OJC-Room 3”
(ID 64163).
For the Communications/Emergency Net last Wednesday, June 24th, we
recorded 17 WinLink and 18 voice check-ins. Pete AG7C, Bill K2TNO and
Bill K2ONN checked in by EchoLink. Louise KR4CYB was substitute net
control. During the net EchoLink users were unable to hear the net
control station while all others could. Despite the confusion that
resulted, the net controller maintained control. Without advance
warning, she tasked net members to respond to her call via an HT. All
but one responded. This indicates good net viability. A job well done by
our newest net controller.
Five members checked-in to the DownEast/Pamlico 6 Meter net on June 25th
(WA4GSI, K4ONC, AI4WL, KO4OJC, and N1IG).
SOLAR NUMBERS TODAY
NOAA reported that solar activity was low during the 24 hour period
ending yesterday at 5 p.m. local. The Space Weather Prediction Center
expects solar activity to be low today through Wednesday with a 50%
chance for M-class flares each day. Radio blackouts reaching the R1
level are likely.
There were 6 numbered sunspot regions on the Sun facing Earth yesterday
at noon. There were 3 last Sunday.
Sunday’s noon Solar Flux Index (SFI) observation at Penticton was 186,
last Sunday’s was 128. The index is predicted to measure 175 today, 180
Tuesday and 175 on Wednesday. The SFI 90 day trailing average was 127
yesterday. It was 126 last Sunday.
The geomagnetic field was quiet yesterday. The SWPC expects the field to
be quiet to minor storm levels today and Tuesday, quiet to active
Wednesday. The planetary K-index at 5 a.m. this morning was 0.33
indicating quiet conditions.
Current conditions (1154Z/29June26): Poor day on 80 and 40 Meters, good
at night; good day and night on 30 & 20; good day and night 17 & 15;
good day, poor at night on 12 and 10. Please go to
https://www.n4prs.org/looking-
DX THIS WEEK–
Extracted from ARRL’s ARLD024 & 025 DX NEWS and DXWorld.net:
–TANZANIA, 5H. Chas, NK8O, will be QRV as 5H3DX through July 2.
Activity will be on 40 to 6 meters using CW, FT8 and FT4.
–FO, FRENCH POLYNESIA. Didier, F6BCW is QRV as FO/F6BCW from Tikehau
Atoll, Tuamotu, until mid-July. Activity is on 80 to 6 meters using CW
and SSB.
–VP5, TURKS AND CAICOS. Nobby, G0JVG is QRV as VP5G from June 17 to 30.
Activity is on HF and 6 meters using CW, SSB, and FT4/8.
–VP0/H, SOUTH SHETLAND ISLANDS. Rafal, SQ4O, is operating HF0PAS from
the Arctowski Polish Antarctic Station on King George Island. Activity
includes 6 meter EME.
–AlSO look for ZL7 CHATHAM ISLANDS, ES1 COOK ISL, TY5 BENIN. For the
details, see www.DXWorld.net.
HAM EQUIPMENT FOR SALE, TRADE, OR WANTED
Send me your amateur radio related items that are for sale, trade, or
wanted and your contact information. PLEASE let me know when you have
have sold your item or if your listing is no longer needed. Listings
will EXPIRE AFTER 60 DAYS unless I hear otherwise. Thanks, Jim.
* AVAILABLE-MAKE AN OFFER, MAKE IT TO GO AWAY:
Motorola Mobile radios – VHF & UHF
CDM-125o, 1550, M1225
Motorola Repeater (2)CDR 750 VHF & UHF
Multiple 2m ,70cm and HF mobile antennas
CAT 5 patch cables various lengths
Cat 5 Cable rolls
Contact Bob WA2FIS, wa2fis@att.net (20260615)
* FOR SALE – Spring cleaning items for sale:
–Gabil GRA-7350T 80m/6m portable vertical antenna. Complete with 4′
copper ground stake with pl259 and radials. Great for quick
deployments. $125.
–Radioddity HF-009 60m/6m portable vertical antenna. Complete kit and
ready to deploy. $125. 4′ copper ground stake with 3/8 x 24 stud mount
if needed, $25.
–16.4′ stainless telescoping whip with pl259 adapter and ground stake. $25.
–MFJ Deluxe Versa Tuner II – MFJ-949E manual tuner. Great for
experimenting with wire antennas. $100.
–MFJ HF/VHF SWR Analyzer – MFJ-259B analyzer with wall wart and new
rechargeable batteries. $125.
–Baofeng UV-9G GMRS handheld ht, programmed ready to go. $25.
–Radioddity GM-30 GMRS handheld ht, programmed ready to go but no
cables. $20.
–Quansheng UV-K6 VHF/UHF handheld ht, currently programmed and flashed
with IJV 3.21 software. Great little handheld to experiment with
software modifications, SSB on VHF, HF 6m and 10m. $15.
–Yaesu FT-60 VHF/UHF handheld ht. Wall wart, charging base and extra
batteries. $75.
–HamStick base, whips, parts and pieces. Ask if you are looking for
something in particular.
–Let’s talk, Wayne – KO4OJC – 252-241-1962 (20260608)
* FOR SALE: I have a SquareSDR v1 for sale. This is the original
version, not the v2 which was released last month and costs almost $600
(when available). The Square SDR (https://www.wideservis.cz/squ
is an upgraded design of the Hermes Lite 2 using better components and
with the N2ADR filter board built in, eliminating a common failure point
of the original HL2. Runs Thetis and multiple slices on older PCs no
problem. Software sees it as identical to the HL2.
I’m the original owner of this radio, and it has worked extremely well
the entire time. This is an incredible little radio with an unbelievable
price to performance ratio. $400 for PARS members. You can see this
radio on my QRZ page at https://www.qrz.com/db/N1IG. Ant Crook N1IG, at
N1IG@proton.me or 240-575-3700 (20260427)
PARS CALENDAR:
* Jul 11, PAMLICO COMMUNICATIONS TEAM (PCT) MEETING, Saturday,
9-10:30am. CANCELLED. For more info, contact Bruce Perkins, K4ONC,
252-626-2730 or K4ONC@aol.com
* Jul 25, PARS MONTHLY MEETING, Saturday, 9am, Brantley’s Village
Restaurant, Oriental. For more info, contact Bruce Perkins, K4ONC,
252-626-2730 or K4ONC@aol.com
SELECTED LOCAL REPEATER/NODE/BEACON STATUS
(See www.n4prs.org/frequencies/ for set-up)
N4ONC VHF FM Oriental (147.210MHz+ CTCSS 88.5Hz) — Operational
KO4OJC VHF FM/C4FM-YSF/Wires-x Oriental (145.390MHz- FM CTCSS 100.0Hz)
— Operational. Call will change to N4ONC soon.
N4ONC UHF FM Oriental (444.350MHz+ ENC 85.4Hz) — Standby
GMRS Repeater WSFL439 Oriental (Ch 21, Rptr 7 or 462.700MHz+) — Operational
NC4ES DMR Arapahoe (NC4ES Network)(147.285MHz+ CC1) — Operational
NC4ES FM Arapahoe (147.285MHz+ ENC 88.5Hz/DEC 100Hz) — Standby
NC4ES DMR Florence (NC4ES Network)(445.6625MHZ- CC1) — Operational
WM3X-ONC C4FM/WIRES-X NODE Oriental (145.530MHz smplx) — Operational
KE4TZN Aurora FM/C4FM-YSF/WIRES-X (145.270MHz- FM CTCSS 131.8) —
C4FM/Wires-X Operational, FM mode off for repair.
KE4TZN Aurora DMR (PRN Network) (440.550MHz+ CC1) — Operational
Cedar Isl Mark’s Beacons: K4FWS/b FM14ux 144.282 CW; K1MAP/b FM14ux
222.055 CW; K1MAP/b FM14ux 432.305 CW (Very low power for rcvr,
propagation tests)
LOCAL NETS OF INTEREST TO PARS MEMBERS:
* Mondays, “Wayne’s World C4FM Net”, 7:30 pm local, using the C4FM
digital mode on the KO4OJC Oriental FM/C4FM/WIRES-X repeater
(145.390MHz). Those outside RF range may join via Wires-X room
“KO4OJC-Room 3″ (ID 64163. This is a round-table open to all.
Discussions vary with member interest. Radio topics/questions/issues
welcomed.
* Wednesdays,”Pamlico Communications Net”, 7:30 pm local, N4ONC
(Oriental) VHF Repeater, 147.210+ (CTSCC Tone Squelch 88.5). A directed
net open to all. Net activates on call as the “Pamlico Emergency Net”
during emergencies.
* Thursdays, “DownEast/Pamlico Six Meter Net”, 8 pm local, 50.200 MHz,
USB. A non-directed open net to promote operation on the ‘Magic Band’.
** (For more nets see www.arrl.org/arrl-net-director
PARS WEBSITE: https://www.n4prs.org/
Our Web Master is Paul Jodoin, K4MMB, PARSwebman@gmail.com. You can find
archived PARSgrams, articles, meeting notes, propagation information,
and photos of PARS activities there. Paul welcomes articles and
especially photos of member activities.
73, Jim AI4WL Editor
——–
This email is sent to members and friends of the Pamlico Amateur Radio
Society. We are pleased that you asked to receive our weekly newsletter
and hope that you enjoy reading it. This and previous PARSgrams are
archived on the PARS Website. If you no longer wish to receive the
PARSgram please let us know by reply email or to pamlicoham@pamlico.net.