Tag Archives: Coconino Amateur Radio Club

What is this Amateur Radio?

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Glen Davis, KG7YDJ

An amateur radio operator, Yvette Cendes, KB3HTS. Wikipedia photo

You might have heard of Amateur—or “Ham”—radio, but do not really know what it is about. You may be familiar with Citizens Band, or CB, radio and have seen it in movies. Perhaps you purchased those bubble packs of walkie-talkies off of the shelves at Walmart. These are nothing compared to amateur radio. This article will attempt to explain the differences between these radio services and how you can obtain a license.

We should explain where you can find the rules about the radio services, first. The radio services and radios mentioned above are regulated by the Federal Communications Commission. The regulations are found in the Code of Federal Regulations. You can simply search for 47 C.F.R. and you will find all of the FCC regulations. Part 97 of those regulations cover Amateur Radio and Part 95 of those regulations cover CB and other radio services. “In the business,” we simply refer to Part 95 or Part 97.

We will start with a brief explanation of Part 95. The regulations for Citizens Band, General Mobile Radio Service (GMRS) and Family Radio Service (FRS) are covered in Part 95. There is another little used radio called Multi-Service Radio Service (MURS). CB, FRS and MURS are “licensed by rule.” That means that you can use these services without getting a “hard copy” license from the FCC. If you break the rules in Part 95, however, the FCC can track you down and fine you and order you to stop using them.

You are required to get a license from the FCC to use the GMRS frequencies. Even if you have those walkie-talkies you purchased from Walmart a few years ago. On some of those radio they combined FRS and GMRS channels. To use the GMRS channels, you are required to get a license. The reason is that GMRS uses more power than the other services and can use some features found in amateur radio. A ten-year license costs $75. Only the head of the household needs to obtain the license and all family members can use the same call sign assigned by the FCC.

The difference between the aforementioned radio services and amateur radio is power. Amateur radio uses more power and a broader spectrum of frequencies. You are not allowed to modify Part 95 radios discussed above. In amateur radio, however, you can modify radios for special uses and even build your own radio.

Amateur radios can be used to control radio controlled planes, robots, cars, boats or whatever. Although you cannot use the full power of amateur radio for this purpose, you can use more power than the controllers that come with normal models you put together giving you longer range.

Amateur radio can be used with the Internet to allow you to connect to different locations around the world. With the appropriate license, you can use amateur radio frequencies and power to contact people direct. You can also use radio frequencies and equipment to send and receive digital messages and send emails. You can use a simple handy talkie (HT)—what amateurs call walkie-talkies—to talk through satellites.

Amateur radio operators set up a trailer in Flagstaff to continue emergency communications as the Museum Fire threatened communication facilities on Mt. Elden.

There is more to amateur radio, but on a more practical level all of these radio services can be used in an emergency. In fact, anyone can use any radio service to call for help to prevent “…the immediate loss of life or property.” Amateur radio is used at the Emergency Operation Center in Flagstaff. At the beginning of the Tinder Fire in 2018, cell phones were useless. An amateur radio operator sent evacuation notices from the scene to the Emergency Operation Center in Flagstaff.

There are three-levels of amateur radio licenses. From lowest to highest they are Technician, General and Amateur Extra. You are NOT required to learn Morse code for any of the licenses. Most people are happy with a Technician license because you can do a lot even though you are limited in frequency privileges. The General license gives you access to most of the frequencies available in the amateur radio portion of the spectrum. The Amateur Extra is much harder to obtain and gives you just a few more frequency privileges over the General.

We should point out that you are not allowed to use any of the radio services if you have a felony conviction on your record. If you get your rights restored, however (which is not difficult to do), you can obtain a license. It might take a little longer.

Another thing about amateur radio is you are NOT required to join any club or participate in emergency communication programs, such as the Amateur Radio Emergency Service, to use the radio. Once you are licensed, you can use the frequencies appropriate to your license level. It is intended, first and foremost, as a fun hobby.

For more information you can consult the following web sites:
Amateur Radio Relay League
Bill Williams Mountain Radio Club
Coconino Amateur Radio Club

Winter Field Day in Williams hailed a Success.

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The Coconino Amateur Radio Club and Bill Williams Mountain Radio Club set up for Winter Field Day in the Visitor Center parking lot.

WILLIAMS – Every year on the last full weekend in June, the amateur radio community conducts an operation called Field Day to practice setting up emergency operations and introduce people to amateur radio. The summer exercise is conducted by the Amateur Radio Relay League. Another group of amateurs felt it was just as important to be able to set up in winter conditions. They formed the Winter Field Day Association and held the first Winter Field Day January 13 and 14 in 2007.

On Saturday January 26 and Sunday January 27, the Coconino Amateur Radio Club (CARC) and Bill Williams Mountain Radio Club (BWMRC) combined talents to conduct the first Winter Field Day in Coconino County. Williams was selected as the location and it was set up in the Williams Visitor Center parking lot.

“Thanks to the City of Williams, our first Winter Field Day was a success,” said Glen Davis KG7YDJ. “It was a short notice operation and they worked with us to get this thing going.”

Jacob Miller KI7WNS, who organized the event said, “Thank you all for a great Winter field day. Over 200 contacts were made and we couldn’t have done it without your help and support setting up, maintaining that generator, and breaking down. ”

“We definitely learned a number of lessons from this winter field day and look forward to more winter field days for years to come,” he added.

Joe Hobart W7LUX shoots a fishing line over a lamp post to raise one end of the antenna used for the operation.

A high frequency antenna is strung from one lamp post to another across the parking lot. This antenna allows operators to make contacts across the country.

During these Field Day exercises, amateur radio operators set up amateur radios and try to make as many contacts as possible through all of the frequency ranges that amateur radio, or Ham, operators are allowed to use. During actual emergencies, amateurs have the capability and latitude to operate outside of their normal frequencies. For example, transmitting on general mobile radio serive (GMRS) frequencies with an amateur radio is illegal during normal conditions. In an emergency situation where there is a possibility of loss of life or property, however, anyone is allowed to use any frequency to summon and respond to a summons for help.

Volunteers from CARC and BWMRC set up the CARC emergency trailer for the Winter Field Day. The trailer is set up to perform several modes of communication.

Amateur radio emergency communications has existed almost since amateur radio began in the early 1900s. During the cold war, the Federal Communications Commission developed the Radio Amateur Civil Emergency Service (RACES) to respond with emergency communications in the event of a nuclear engagement. RACES required special licenses and training and only responded to nuclear war. The Amateur Relay Relay League established the Amateur Radio Emergency Service (ARES Pronounced air-ease) to respond to all emergency situations. The special license requirement for RACES has been dropped over time and their role has expanded. ARES and RACES groups now work together toward the same goal.

Coconino ARES members provide emergency communications in a variety of situations. They provide emergency communications for different events, such as the Lion’s Club Route 66 Labor Day run in Williams and the 100 mile Stagecoach race from Flagstaff to Tusayan. At the beginning of the Blueridge Fire, cell communications were unavailable. Amateur radio was used to communicate with the Emergency Operations Center in Flagstaff to relay evacuation notices which was credited with saving lives.

The next ARRL Summer Field Day will be held June 22-23, 2019.

Volunteers from CARC and BWMRC set up the CARC emergency trailer for the Winter Field Day. The trailer is set up to perform several modes of communication.

Joe tests the radios during the set up phase of the Winter Field Day.

Morgan Conklin KI7WTS and Jacob Miller KI7WNS start making contacts for Winter Field Day.

Amateur Radio Winter Field Day 2019 is January 26 to 27

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FLAGSTAFF – The Coconino Amateur Radio Club participates each year in the American Radio Relay League Summer Field Day the last weekend in June. This year they are working on participating in the Winter Field Day sponsored by the Winter Field Day Association.

The Winter Field Day Association (WFDA) sponsors the 2019 running of Winter Field Day, January 26 to 27. WFDA says that the ability to conduct emergency communication in a winter environment is just as important as the preparation and practice that take place each summer, but with some additional unique operational concerns.

“We believe that maintaining your operational skills should not be limited to fair-weather scenarios,” WFDA said in announcing this year’s event. “The addition of Winter Field Day will enhance those already important skills of those that who generously volunteer their time and equipment to these organizations. Preparedness is the key to a professional and timely response during any event, and this is what local and state authorities are expecting when they reach out to emergency service groups that offer their services.”

Members of the Warren County (NY) Radio Club (WCARC) will activate Maxim Memorial Station W1AW during 2019 Winter Field Day. Club members will work a rotating 24-hour operating schedule to ensure the most band/mode coverage.

The Winter and Summer field Day events are a chance for amateur radio operators to test equipment and alternate emergency power sources. The event is open to all radio amateurs.

For anyone wanting to get an amateur radio license or upgrade their current license, the Coconino Amateur Radio Club (CARC) is holding a license exam session in Flagstaff. The exams will be held at North Country Health Care Center at 2920 N. 4th Street in Flagstaff.

County activates Emergency Operations Center in support of Tinder Fire

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FLAGSTAFF – Coconino County Emergency Management (CCEM) has activated an Emergency Operations Center in support of the Tinder Fire. The center opened at 8 a.m., April 28 and personnel are preparing and coordinating services in the event the fire spreads.

The Tinder Fire started at 11 a.m. on April 27 in East Clear Creek of the Blue Ridge area, southwest of Arizona State Highway 87. The U.S. National Weather Service expects winds from the southwest to increase to 30 mph throughout the day increasing fire danger.

The communities of Starlight Pines, Moqui Ranchettes, Clear Creek Pines, Tamarron Pines and Blue Ridge Estates are currently under a pre-evacuation notice. If an evacuation occurs, CCEM has coordinated with the American Red Cross and set-up a shelter at the Winslow Junior High School, 1100 N. Colorado Ave. The shelter is operational if residents want to self-evacuate.

As wind conditions increase, smoke from the fire may impact the communities. Air quality monitors from the Arizona Department of Environmental Quality have been requested. In the event of smoke, Coconino County health officials are encouraging individuals to take precautions to protect themselves from health effects of wildfire smoke. People with pre-existing conditions should avoid exposure to the smoke as much as possible, and consult their physician if they have any questions.

The Emergency Operation Center (EOC) collects resources necessary to handle a specific emergency. This operation likely has representatives from fire departments, the Coconino County Sheriff’s office and medical personnel who might need to send members of their organizations to assist. There is, also, a finance manager tracking the cost of the operation. The Coconino Amateur Radio Club (CARC) Amateur Radio Emergency Service® (ARES®) group is providing backup communications.

Coconino Amateur Radio Club presents special award

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FLAGSTAFF – The Coconino Amateur Radio Club met for their regular business meeting at the Sizzler in Flagstaff Thursday, July 13. In addition to the business, however, they had a prestigious award to present. In addition to the normal routine—such as winning the 2017 Field Day trophy—they made the presentation to the Arizona Amateur Radio Ham-of-the-Year.

Joe W7LUX (left) receives Ham of the Year award from Jack KD7RCJ.


Joe Hobart W7LUX, was awarded the Ham of the Year award for 2017 by ARA Staff member Jack Lunsford KD7RCJ.

Joe Hobart is the area coordinator for the Amateur Radio Emergency Service (ARES) and technical representative for the Arizona Repeater Association in Flagstaff.

Amateur radio operators prepare to activate Amateur Radio Emergency Service

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FLAGSTAFF – The Amateur Radio Emergency Service (ARES – Pronounced air-ease) is a component of the Amateur Radio Relay League. They activate in times of natural or man-made disaster. ARES in Flagstaff is operated by the Coconino Amateur Radio Club. There has recently been a move to create a group in Williams.

ARES was not activated during the recent Christmas eve storm, but may be activated by Coconino County Emergency Management Friday and Saturday in preparation for what may occur during the upcoming storm.

SKYWARN weather spotters are also encouraged to report snow fall amounts and unusual weather conditions. SKYWARN is sponsored by the National Oceanographic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA). You can also monitor the NOAA weather frequencies available on most FRS/GMRS radios. You can learn more about SKYWARN at their web site.

ARES operators in Flagstaff and Williams will monitor the ARES repeater located on Mount Elden in Flagstaff. Williams operators will also be monitoring the repeater located on Bill Williams Mountain operated by the Bill Williams Mountain Radio Club for emergency traffic. GMRS channel 22 will also be monitored for emergency traffic. Unless you have a GMRS license, you may only use channels 15-22 of FRS/GMRS multi-use radios to call for help to prevent loss of life or property according to FCC regulations.

There are no provisions currently in place to monitor citizens band Channel 9.

The Bill Williams Mountain repeater operates on Frequency 146.780, tone of 91.5 with a standard negative offset of 600 hertz. The ARES repeater operates on 146.980, tone of 162.2 with a standard negative offset. In Williams, operators have agreed on the frequency of 146.940 for SIMPLEX communications. The cooperation of amateur operators in keeping these free for emergency traffic if ARES activates is appreciated.

The operators attempting to form an emergency communications group has a Facebook page for more information.

CARC Amateur Radio license exam January 21

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The Coconino Amateur Radio Club will hold a regular amateur radio license examination session on Saturday, January 21 at 9 a.m. The examination will be held at North Country Healthcare, 2920 N 4th Street in Flagstaff.

You need to bring the following:

  1. Photo ID (Driver’s license, passport, or school ID)
  2. A copy of your amateur radio license (if you have a license)
  3. Federal registration number or your Social Security Number.
  4. Fee: $15
  5. Black ink pen
  6. Pencils

Optional: A simple calculator
A valid email address for your application

A Federal Registration Number is recommended over a SSN. If you use your SSN, you will have to wait until the FCC assigns you an FRN prior to getting your license. If you plan to take the examination and have not filed for a FRN, you should apply on the FCC Universal Licensing System as soon as possible.

Find out more about the license session at the ARRL web site.

The next scheduled license exam will be 22 April 2017.

Flagstaff Mayor Jerry Nabours is a HAM!

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Corrected 6:43 am; 6/26
ARRL-Field-Day-16-06-25-01FLAGSTAFF — The Coconino County Amateur Radio Club participated in the Amateur Radio Relay League annual Field Day Event. The event is designed to demonstrate the abilities of amateur radio. Part of the demonstration includes allowing people to operate gear even without a license.

The event also allowed amateur radio operators, also called “Hams,” to demonstrate the usefulness of communications in an emergency situation. All of the units demonstrated were operated on alternative power, such as battery or generators.

ARRL-Field-Day-16-06-25-04Ron KG7OH and other CERT members displayed the equipment received after successful training. They were available for questions on the program and what you should carry when you hike in the woods in northern Arizona.

The Coconino Amateur radio club has an Amateur Radio Emergency System (ARES) team which provides emergency communications in times of distress. They operate in conjunction with CERT or separately depending on the situation. ARES is the ARRL version of what the Federal Communication Commission calls RACES or Radio Amateur Civil Emergency Service. Last year Arizona lost all telephone and Internet service when a fiber optic cable was cut and the FBI is investigating the cutting of fiber optic cables in California at least eleven-times. In these instances, amateur radios still work. Amateur radio operators have assisted in emergency communications in virtually every disaster faced by America. Including 911 and the devastation in Katrina.

ARRL-Field-Day-16-06-25-05COCO President, Sandy Meadowcroft, KF4JHC, demonstrated how amateur radios can be used to track a person in an emergency using GPS and a basic amateur hand held unit. She also demonstrated how Ham radio operators can pass emails even when the Internet is down. Glen, KG7YDJ, displayed a small radio and basic car jump starter can be used as an emergency communication system.

Mayor Nabours (left) discusses amateur radio with CARC vice-president Tom Sheehan.

Mayor Jerry Nabours (left) discusses amateur radio with CARC vice-president Tom Shehan, KY7WV.

Flagstaff Mayor Jerry Nabours even stopped by to get a sample of the many uses of amateur radio.

People also got to see the fun side of amateur radio. Amateur operators constantly work to improve their equipment and communication skills by making contacts as far away as they can. While Morse code is no longer a requirement for a license, many Hams still use it as a viable communication skill today.

While some Ham operators purchase radios and antennas from various outlets, others still build their own. Communications using digital computer programs are popular. There is even amateur radio television.

Joe, W7LUX, sets up solar telescope for interested people to see the sun.

Joe, W7LUX, sets up solar telescope for interested people to see the sun.

Joe, W7LUX, set up telescopes so that people could see activities on the sun. Unfortunately we are currently in a solar minimum, so there was not much to see. Joe still answered questions about how solar activity acts on the atmosphere of the earth to provide long distance communication.

The ARRL Field Day runs until 11 a.m. tomorrow and the Coconino Radio Club will start to break down the demonstration. If you are interested in amateur radio, the Coconino Amateur Radio Club meets every 2nd Thursday of the month (Except December) at 7 p.m. at the Sizzler on Route 66 and Fanning Drive in Flagstaff. You can also visit their web site.

Amateur Radio Field Day active Saturday

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CARC Photo

FLAGSTAFF — The Coconino Amateur Radio Club will be participating in the annual Field Day event sponsored by the Amateur Radio Relay League. The event will be held at the Silver Saddle Outdoor Market on Highway 89a in Flagstaff. In Prescott, the Yavapai Amateur Radio Club will be hosting an event at the Jeep Posse building.

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CARC Photo

Amateur radio clubs across the nation participate in this event allowing the uninitiated a chance to find out what Amateur radio is all about. You DO NOT have to have an Amateur radio license to get a chance to work the equipment. If you are new to Ham radio, this is an opportunity to check out various HF operations.

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CARC Photo

Amateur radio has more to offer in this technologically advanced age. Most people do not realize that, with the Internet and Voice Over the Internet Protocol, you do not even need to purchase a radio. Echolink is a popular program that you can download and use on your computer and smart phone. You must have at least a technician license to use the program. There are web sites that allow you to operate over HF frequencies if you have the proper credentials.

Demonstrations at the Flagstaff location include:

  • SINGLE SIDE BAND RADIO
  • G.O.T.A (Get On The Air) STATION (You can talk of the radio)
  • DIGITAL STATION – sending message from radio to internet to radio, or, peer-to-peer
  • Auto Patch – Radio to phone
  • RIMLINK – Relaying radio messages from repeater to another repeater to reach Phoenix
  • APRS – Automatic Packet Reporting System
  • Alternative power sources – solar, hand cranked generator

Amateur radio groups across the country will operate at the exact same time and have similar activities. In Arizona the main operation will be from Saturday, June 25 at 11 a.m. ending Sunday at 11 a.m. In Flagstaff, the Coconino club will be setting up at 9 a.m. on Friday and members will be available in the afternoon for questions and possibly some demonstrations.

At 9 a.m. on Saturday at the Flagstaff location, the CARC will be giving the test for Amateur Extra for those who desire to get the license before the new examination is issued July 1. You must provide a picture I.D., copy of Amateur Radio license, and $15 fee. You need to bring a pencils for filling out the answer sheet and black pen for filling out the applications. You may bring and use a simple calculator.

Are you ready to get your Amateur Radio License?

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UPDATED 20160423 9:38 a.m.
800-UV-2501-16-01-08-3If you have been studying to get your Amateur Radio license, you have two chances coming up in May.

The Coconinco County Amateur Radio club is planning an exam for all classes of license on May 14 from 9:00 – 11:00 AM. The examination will be held at the North County Health Care classroom. The North County Health Care center is at 2920 N 4th Street in Flagstaff. Visit their web site for information on what you are required to bring for the exam.

In Yavapai county you have an opportunity to become licensed by the Yavapai Amateur Radio club. They require you to obtain an Federal Registration Number (FRN). The requirements can be found on their web site. Their next exam is also scheduled for May 14 and you can take a practice exam on Tuesday May 10. You must pre-register online. The exam will be held in the Jeep Posse Building 1200 Commerce Drive in Pioneer Park behind the outdoor hockey rink (MAP).

The fee for the examination at either location is $15. You can take all three levels of exam unless you fail one along the way. You must pay another fee to continue or you can choose to take what you get and go home to study.

You are not required to know Morse code for any of the exams. That requirement has been stricken. However you can go on to learn Morse code for fun later.

Amateur radio is becoming more popular since lower priced hand held radios have been dumped on the market. They give you more range than those cheap Family Radio Service (FRS) and General Mobile Radio Service (GMRS) radios you purchase in department stores. It also gives you access to more frequencies and propagation modes using amateur satellites and even bouncing a signal off of the moon.

There are many other aspects to Amateur Radio including emergency communications during disasters.