By Ron Smith

I’m a relatively new ham using primarily a Yaesu HT60 and a small mag mount antenna on my car. I am only an occasional user, but am always interested in new, simple ways to communicate with my HT.

Recently, I found the SARnet , a network of linked UHF repeaters , tying into the Florida DOT microwave system and giving even small HT’s statewide repeater coverage. There are close 30 repeaters covering the entire state.

All the information you need is on http://sarnetfl.com, and shows a statewide coverage map, with frequencies, and tones. I believe they all use a +5 offset.

Already, from the Lakeland and Tampa repeaters, I have contacted Chipley, Jacksonville, and tonight monitored Sarasota.

Since it is linked statewide you do have to allow approximately 2-3 second both in keying up, and waiting for a reply.

Try it out and have some fun!

Ron Smith
KK4JEA

Two new Generals chilling out after passing their exams. Left to right,
VE’s Richard and Glen next to, Bob KM4BAO new General, Janice KM4IEY new General, followed by VE Ron.

Not shown, but also receiving an upgrade to General was Yisrael Freedman, KA4PNE. Yisrael had to leave early, but it will be worth your time to visit his QRZ site http://www.qrz.com/lookup/ka4pne

The following images were taken during the evening. Snapshots by Bill, and Character studies by Sarah.
Click Here

A big thank you goes to the following who participated in the march.
Bill KJ4IAI “grasshopper”, David Ki4WRX “doughnut”, Larry KI4DNO, Bob KM4BAO, Rich N4ESS, Jim W4XDS, Glenn W4JGT, Ernie KG4YNI Net Control, Bill KI4ZMV walker

Click Here For More Images

A big thank you to Sparks for stepping up and taking the net. We had 16 check-ins, same as last weeks total. Good job!

The march will not be the same without Don, but his talents are needed elsewhere. Manning the satellite Up-link transmitter to the satellite is a tough job, but someone has to do it.

I hope it was nothing I said. I hope we can still be friends. We go back a lot of years mate. A lot of years.

From left to right, club president Rich N4ESS, VE coordinator Peggy N4PEG, Brian Noriega KM4JVY, Leroy Doughty KM4JVX, and past club president Ernie KG4YNI. Congratulations to all for a fine job. Now get on the radio. 🙂

Shown here being congratulated by Peggy N4PEG and Ernie KG4YNI is Ray Valdez KM4JVZ. It is great to know that you are never too old to learn. That said, sometimes larger print can make all the difference in the world. 🙂 Great job Ray. Hope to hear you on the radio some time in the near future.

A special thanks has to go to Billy Swartz KH6POI for his part in preparing these fine young men to take the test. That’s what ham radio is all about. 

View Larger Map

Date: Saturday, April 25, 2015
Time: 8:00AM
Registration Time: 7:00AM
First Presbyterian Church
175 Lake Hollingsworth Dr
Lakeland, FL 33801

Note, parking is limited. Plan to arrive early so that you can find a space in the church parking lot. 

Those that want a field day T-shirt will need to bring a new colored T-shirt (not white) to the May meeting, and deliver it to George Gafford, KI4NBE. Please write your call sign on the neck tag. The LARC Logo will be printed on the front over the pocket, if one exists. The larger artwork will be printed on the back. A mockup of the back follows. (Yes, I know it is the front, but few folks publish pictures of the backs of T-shirts. )

Darker colors are better.

Andrew will have the shirts ready for the June meeting, just in time for field day. Expect the fee to be ~$5 per shirt.

Bill KI4ZMV