UPARC

Jim Keller, W4WWJ — SK

By Jason Esterline on August 1, 2019

It is with deep sadness to announce the passing of one of our original UPARC founding members, Jim Keller W4WWJ. Jim was a heck of a good guy, he helped me out a bunch getting my D-Star hotspot up and running a few years ago. He was always willing to help, and had a true love for all aspects of HAM radio. Jim will be sorely missed by many. RIP W4WWJ. 73.

Memorial services for James M. Keller, will be held Wednesday August 7, 2019 @ 2:00 PM @ Curlew United Methodist Church Dunedin, FL 34683.

Military Honors & Burial will be at Bay Pines National Cemetery on Thursday August 8, 2019 @ 1:00 PM @ 10,000 Bay Pines Blvd … Read the rest

September 2019 Meeting

By Tom Schaefer NY4I on July 25, 2019

Our next meeting is Saturday September at 10:00 AM. Please join us at Palm Harbor Fire Station 65.… Read the rest

PHFD Chief Maciuba Retires after 35 years

By Jason Esterline on July 14, 2019

We would like to thank Chief Maciuba for his support of UPARC over the past 5 years, and more importantly — his 35 years of service to the citizens of Palm Harbor. Alan W4UB, Kevin KV4CT, and myself attended his retirement ceremony as he passed responsibilities over to the new Chief.

He’s leaving big shoes to be filled, but I can tell you that bay at Station #65 was filled with great fire fighers in which he’s certainly had a big hand in developing.

THANKS CHIEF MACIUBA for all you’ve done for us, and Palm Harbor. Enjoy retirement, you deserve it.… Read the rest

Field Day 2019 Wrapup

By Tom Schaefer NY4I on July 3, 2019

One could not have asked for better weather. An old standard is that ARRL Field Day is the fourth full weekend of rain in June. This year, that axiom proved false as there was not any rain in site the entire weekend. Of course, this being Florida, no rain at the tail end of June means heat—and it was HOT!

Antennas

Therefore, the antenna crew got an early start on Saturday June 22, raising the beam on the tall fire tower. The location was our now familiar Field Day site, the Clearwater Fire Training Center. The participants were members of the Clearwater ARS, the St. Petersburg ARC and the Upper Pinellas ARC.

With the beam installed, next came the sloper, … Read the rest