John Maag

NIARA at Patrick Henry Highschool

Association Events /

North East Indiana Amateur Radio Association (NIARA) Showcases Ham Radio
Operations at Patrick Henry High School Student Appreciation Day
Hamler, Ohio – May 19, 2023 – The North East Indiana Amateur Radio Association
(NIARA) is thrilled to announce its participation in the recent Student Appreciation Day
at Patrick Henry High School in Hamler, Ohio. The event provided students with a
unique opportunity to explore the world of amateur radio and witness firsthand the
fascinating capabilities of this time-honored hobby.

NIARA, in collaboration with the KE8VNL Student Radio Club, demonstrated ham radio
operations within the NIARA communication trailer. This mobile unit serves as a fully
functional radio station, equipped with state-of-the-art equipment, capable of
establishing connections with fellow operators in the local area, nationally and
worldwide.

Throughout the day, students had the chance to engage with local hams using area
repeaters, gaining insight into the importance of reliable communication during
emergencies and community events. Additionally, they witnessed the power of long-
distance communication by participating in conversations on the High Frequency (HF)
bands, enabling connections with operators across the country such as Oklahoma,
Texas, New York, Virginia, and Arkansas and thanks to John, WG9K for making this
happen. Also thanks to Chuck, WD9IKW and John, KD9QDL for helping setup the
trailer for this presentation. NIARA is excited to join forces with the KE8VNL Student Radio Club to showcase the possibilities of amateur radio to the students of Patrick Henry High School, said Jeff DeLucenay (KB9QG), Vice President at NIARA. 

We believe that introducing young individuals to this hobby will not only foster their interest in science, technology,  engineering, and mathematics (STEM), but also provide them with valuable communication skills that can be utilized throughout their lives." The demonstration highlighted the versatility of ham radio and its role in promoting emergency preparedness, community service, and global communication. The event aimed to inspire students by exposing them to the rich history and ongoing innovations within the amateur radio community.

Patrick Henry High School Student Appreciation Day is an annual celebration that  recognizes the dedication and achievements of the school students. NIARAs participation adds an educational and interactive element, enabling students to discover the exciting world of amateur radio.

The North East Indiana Amateur Radio Association (NIARA) is a dedicated group of
amateur radio operators based in northeastern Indiana. Committed to promoting the
amateur radio hobby, NIARA organizes educational programs, community events, and
emergency communication drills. With a focus on fostering technical knowledge and
community involvement, NIARA aims to inspire and support amateur radio enthusiasts
of all ages.

NIARA at Patrick Henry Highschool Read More »

NEW FCC rules on RF Exposure from the ARRL

Association Events /

Introduction

Amateur Radio is basically a safe activity. In recent years, however, there has been considerable discussion and concern about the possible hazards of electromagnetic radiation, including both RF energy and power-frequency (50-60 Hz) electromagnetic fields.  To allay such concerns, the FCC set limits on the amount of RF energy people can be exposed to. Some stations now need to be evaluated to ensure they are in compliance with RF exposure limits.

As detailed in a May 2023 QST article by Greg Lapin, N9GL, the rules which took effect on May 3, 2021 now require amateur radio operators to perform station evaluations.  The Amateur Radio Service is no longer categorically excluded from certain aspects of the RF exposure rules, and licensees can no longer avoid performing an exposure assessment simply because they are transmitting below a given power level.  

A two year transition period was implemented to allow existing stations to make any necessary changes, but as of May 3, 2023, the transition period ends and all transmitters operating in the US are expected to comply with the exposure rules.  The ARRL has on its website an RF Exposure Calculator to assist amateurs in performing station assessments.  

 

ARRL RF Exposure Resources

These links are to ARRL resources and tools related to RF exposure:

Frequently Asked Questions about the May 3, 2021 changes to the FCC RF-exposure rules

100th Edition ARRL Handbook’s RF safety section as a PDF

ARRL’s RF Exposure Calculator

ARRL Learning Network video on RF exposure 

 

FCC RF Exposure Resources

These links are to resources documentation that is on the current FCC web site. Some of this information has not yet been updates to reflect the recent changes in the rules.  The information on how to evaluate a station is the most current information that the FCC has available. Information on station exemptions has been superseded by new methods that all radio services use to determine whether a particular installation needs to be evaluated or not.

 

Articles

The following links are to ARRL articles on RF safety:

April 12, 2021 ARRL announcement of rule changes:  The FCC has announced that rule changes detailed in a lengthy 2019 Report and Order governing RF exposure standards go into effect on May 3, 2021.

July/August 2021 QEX article, written by Richard (Ric) Tell, K5UJU, titled Amateur Portable Radios (Handheld Transceivers): Exposure Considerations Based on SAR

September 2021 QST article, written by Ed Hare, W1RFI on new RF exposure rules

May 2023 QST article by Greg Lapin, N9GL, titled FCC Exposure Rules Soon to Affect Every US Radio Amateur

NEW FCC rules on RF Exposure from the ARRL Read More »

ARRL members – Dues Survey

Association Events /
There is an ARRL dues survey underway.  The ARRL says they are in need of raising dues.
ARRL members can access the survey by logging in to the ARRL website and on the home page clicking on the Dues Survey link.
The survey continues to the end of the month.
The results from the survey will be tabulated and shared with the ARRL Board of Directors. The results will also be shared with members on the ARRL website in June. Your responses will aid our analysis and discussions, and ultimately help guide the future of ARRL.

ARRL members – Dues Survey Read More »

Leonard Schaffer (WD9CVX) Silent Key

Silent Key /

Leonard Shaffer, age 83, of Auburn passed away on Friday, January 13, 2023 at Parkview DeKalb Hospital in Auburn. He was born on July 22, 1939 in Auburn to Lewis and Alice (Church) Shaffer. He was a 1957 graduate of Garrett High School. Mr. Shaffer honorably served his country in the United States Air Force for four years. He married Jean Bowman on August 7, 1963 in Greybull, Wyoming. She resides in Auburn.  Leonard worked as a machinist at Zollner Piston in Fort Wayne for 31 years. After retiring from Zollner Piston, he worked as a master electrician for many years. Most recently Leonard owned and operated Len’s Lock Service from 2000 until 2019. During this time he served the community as a reserve officer with both the DeKalb County Sheriff’s Department and the Auburn Police Department for 42 years. He also served with the DeKalb County Civil Defense and the mounted DeKalb County Posse. Leonard served the Lord as a United Methodist minister for 20 years, the last 10 of which he served as the pastor at the Spencerville United Methodist Church. He also served as the chaplain of the Auburn Police Department for 10 years. He and Jean were the sextons of the Sedan Cemetery for 25 years.
He was a member of the Maple Grove United Methodist Church, Bluegrass Fiddle Association, lifetime member of the Auburn American Legion Post 97 and a member of the HAMM Radio Association since 1972. For 10 years he was a safety inspector for the DNR’s Hunter Education Program. Leonard was enjoyed listening to country and bluegrass music and traveling, especially bus trips.

Survivors include:
His wife of 59 years; Jean Shaffer of Auburn.
Son and daughter-in-law; Terry and Lisa Shaffer of Auburn.
Daughter and son-in-law; Lori and Don McDaniel of Auburn.
Four grandchildren and their spouses; Marissa and Andrew Jones, Kendra McDaniel, Jama and Nathan Young and Paige Shipe.
Six great grandchildren; Aiden Jones, Aubree Jones, Peyton McDaniel, Madilynn Young, Connor Young and Rhett Shipe.
Brother and sister-in-law; Doc and Carol Shaffer of Alamosa, Colorado.
Brother and sister-in-law; Mike and Phyllis Shaffer of Columbia City.
Brother; Blain Shaffer of Alamosa, Colorado.
Leonard was preceded in death by his parents and one brother; Tom Shaffer.

Visitation will be held on Thursday, January 19, 2023 from 3:00 to 7:00 PM at the Feller and Clark Funeral Home, 875 South Wayne Street in Waterloo. Additional visitation will be held one hour prior to the funeral service Friday morning from 10:00 to 11:00 AM at the funeral home.

Funeral services will be held on Friday, January 20, 2023 at 11:00 AM at the funeral home with Pastor Jim Kemerly officiating.
Burial will take place at Sedan Cemetery in Corunna.
Memorial donations may be given to the Maple Grove United Methodist Church, 1948 CR 28, Corunna, Indiana 46730.

Condolences may be sent to the family at www.fellerandclark.com and on our Facebook page at Feller and Clark Funeral Homes.
Arrangements have been entrusted to Feller and Clark Funeral Home in Waterloo.

Leonard Schaffer (WD9CVX) Silent Key Read More »

The NIARA has joined the Straight Key Century Club (SKCC)

Association Events /
The NIARA has joined the Straight Key Century Club (SKCC).  SKCC is an international club that has over 25,000 members that operate CW.
 
SKCC exchanges include RST, QTH, name, and SKCC number.  Here is the exchange info for the club call W9OU:
 
QTH:  IN
Name:  NIARA
SKCC#: 26699

A link to their website is:  https://www.skccgroup.com/

The NIARA has joined the Straight Key Century Club (SKCC) Read More »

Communication Trailer Update August 14th, 2022 – The communications trailer is finished and ready for use for K9A.

Digital Communications Trailer /
 
 

August 14, 2022

The communications trailer is now complete.  It is ready for use for K9A later this month. 

Communication Trailer Update August 14th, 2022 – The communications trailer is finished and ready for use for K9A. Read More »

Communication Trailer Update July 7th & 8th, 2022 – Storage Cabinets and lights installed.

Digital Communications Trailer /
 
 

July 7th & 8th, 2022

Dave painted the trailer as it was constructed. Dave and Jeff  built the storage cabinet across from the bench. While Jd finished the wiring and the lights. 

Communication Trailer Update July 7th & 8th, 2022 – Storage Cabinets and lights installed. Read More »

Communication Trailer Update July 1, 2022 – Coax feed through installed

Digital Communications Trailer /
 
 

July 1st, 2022

JD, KD9QDL made the coax feed thru to connect outside antennas to radios. Jeff. KB9QG and Dave, KC9YY installed it on the trailer.
Monitors were installed along with drawers under the bench for each station. KD9QDL has been working on the wiring for the light and equipment.

2022-07-01 Digital Communications Trailer Update

Communication Trailer Update July 1, 2022 – Coax feed through installed Read More »