LWRA Ham Bytes – Week of 2/16/26

Good morning LWRA!

What a GREAT meeting, we had so many folks say what a great time that was. Some of your projects were impressive and creative. Thanks to Dan and Dave H for creating Google link and for Russ for creating from that YouTube accessible program. I’ll include the link on this page. We had a couple of new folks that STOPPED BY; we are always glad to have people joining our club almost every month. As most of you know we have started a Post Card Campaign to remind or inform folks in the area where we have a club that would certainly love to have them come check us out. We reported during the meeting that three folks have inquired about the LWRA and unfortunately located a couple that are SKs. After the meeting a gentleman came up to me and said he had received one of those cards. Now he has been a HAM since 2022… stick with me here because this is the very reason, we wanted to try this project. He has been a HAM since 2022 and NEVER talked on the radio. After seeing the ‘show and tell’ was very excited about this hobby again. I have talked to him and said we can cure that talking on the radio very easily. He was encouraged to hear we had a QRP coming up so he maybe could talk on and/or put his hands on operating equipment. In my mind this is why we do what we do; it yes has a social aspect… but encouraging and education and HELPING folks learn or repair or install or program or whatever the adjective makes LWRA a GREAT club! I look forward to seeing us continue to grow and make this hobby a household name. Speaking of that if you have influences for local service clubs like Kiwanis, Rotary, LIONS, SERTOMA or any place that could use a program we have the presentation ready to go. Even if your coffee klatches at your communities, we would be glad to speak. If your CERT meeting needs a class on HAM radio, we can do that as well. Just let me know.

CAMARADERIE AND EDUCATION USING HAM RADIO is our motto.
Meeting video https://youtu.be/15vEwsSCNdc

Please use these and our other repeaters. As was stated by the Emergency Manager for Polk County earlier this year, push PTT; if we don’t use them, we lose them.’

FLAVOR OF THE WEEK—– Fusion Bartow (C4FM) radio required

Topping of the week… WC4PEM linked repeater system see https://polk ares.org for repeater closest to you. Remember Echo Link is available for this repeater.

NET TUESDAY!

The NET will be on the UHF repeater with Mike KB4FHP as net control. Join us on the net for practice and testing your equipment. We will have a question on the ‘round table following the regular net.
We need a list of substitute net controllers. Email KB4FHPLWRA@PROTON.ME IF INTERESTED. I still need the last Tuesday NC for February GMRS net. I will be out of town. I have adjusted my travel and will be able to do the third Tuesdays nets.

We still net a few net controllers for our GMRS associated nets.

I will NOT be available for NEXT Week’s GMRS net if someone want to try a net let me know.

Dan’s W5DBH Haines City Net on Fridays 462.55 127.3 he needs subs and controllers for his 7 PM Friday net.

I need a third- or fourth-week controller for the Polk GMRS net for Tuesday at 7PM each week. 462.725 141.3. Also, standby subs for all three nets would be great. Let me know about any 863-412-2467

Thanks, Russ, for the celestial updates. Great net reminders on SIGNAL each day… a wonderful tool!

Net information on the next page

Don’t forget use LWRA Signal Club & Swap group to find or create great deals on this medium. One average item only stays active for a few days before they are sold.

Several items have been listed in the last few days and lasted mere minutes.

Several items are still available on SIGNAL if interested.

If you are NOT on SIGNAL and want info email me jml610@comcast.net

One last thing.

Check out WINLINK Monday with Gary today, you can find more information on the Polk ARES web site.
Also, Winlink WED is another opportunity.

73 and I hope to ‘see ya on the air.’

Mike
KB4FHP jml610@comcast.net call 863-412-2467
KB4FHPLWRA@PROTON.ME