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 1984 Quad-County Fall Picnic (Photo by K3LIX) Stroll down Memory Lane this month on Saturday, October 15th, as The Quad-County Amateur Radio Club revisits the Ed Golla QTH for a revival of our Fall Picnic activities. Old Timers will remember with fondness the many good times we shared at that QTH for Field Days and Fall Picnics. Thanks to the generosity of Ed Golla, Jr. K3AHS, we have been invited to return to the home of so many Quad-County activities.
The picnic is for our members, former members, guests and others interested in our club or amateur radio in our area. The club is providing hamburgers and hot dogs, with condiments and soft drinks. You are encouraged (but not required) to being a covered dish to share with the group. This will be a wonderful opportunity to spend some time with your ham radio friends, old and new. Please plan on attending.
The picnic will be held, rain or shine, and in case of blizzard, shovels will be provided.
Directions
From Reynoldsville: Take PA-310 south for 3.5 miles. Watch for the Quad-County sign on the right at the driveway (1.8 miles beyond the Lakelawn Cemetary entrance). Proceed up the driveway past the gray house (with a “G” on the chimney) and back through the field along the trees to the picnic grounds. Talk-in on the 147.315 Quad-County repeater.
From Punxsutawney: take PA 310 north for 9.0 miles. Watch for the Quad-County sign on the left at the driveway (2.1 miles beyond the Amish Restaurant / old PA-952 intersection). Proceed up the driveway past the gray house (with a “G” on the chimney) and back through the field along the trees to the picnic grounds. Talk-in on the 147.315 Quad-County repeater.
GPS Coordinates:
- 41.062992,-78.927251 (driveway)
- 4366 Pennsylvania 310, Reynoldsville, PA 15851
- 41.065015,-78.92907 (Picnic area)
 The Quad-County ARC License Class finished on Thursday, August 11 with a VE exam session. The results were two new Technicians and one upgrade to General.We welcome new Technicians Greg Donahue KB3WKD and Bob Thunberg KB3WKE, both from Du Bois. (Bob is the former N3DIR, but his license lapsed many years ago. Welcome back, Bob.) Ed Neeper KB3VWX from Curwensville upgraded to General. Congratulations to all!
Our recent Clearfield Licensing Class was a success. We welcome new and upgraded hams to our ever-growing ranks! [Photo (L-R): Bob Thunberg KB3WKE (ex-N3DIR), Greg Donahue KB3WKD, Bev Hudsick, Ed Neeper KB3VWX]
 OOn Saturday, August 13, 2011, members of the Quad-County Amateur Radio Club set up an Amateur Radio Demonstration station on the grounds of the Super 322 Drive-In in Woodland, PA. The station used a typical mobile antenna system, but was still able to work stations all along the East Coast, and DX stations in the Caribbean as well!
Additionally, our members fielded questions from over 20 visitors, and offered the opportunity for members of the public to say hello to a distant Amateur Radio operator over the air. Many of the guests took us up on the offer, including the reigning Clearfield County Fair Queen Ms. Melanie Swartz and her Court. Each of the YLs made contact with a station in Florida, who encouraged them to consider getting their licenses.
The owners of the Drive-In were very happy with our operation, and enthusiastically invited us to return next year. Club members who participated included Lars Kvant KB3WBT/SM7FYW, Ed Neeper KB3VWX, Herb Murray W3TM and Joe Shupienis W3BC. Hopefully, by next year we will be able to mention those who visited and their new callsigns!
Photos:
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- Our Station
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- On the air, and doing a good job!
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- the Crew
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- Wherever you go, there we are!
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- Nice weather, classic cars, ham radio -- what more could you ask for?
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- The next best thing to top billing
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- And we're proud of it!
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- All signs point to a good time
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- One of our visitors gives a shout out to the US Virgin Islands.
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- Bev and her daughter stopped by to say hello!
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- Amy and her Mom take turns on the air
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- Send us a SASE for the QSL Card!
TTHE BIG DAY is here! All the planning and preparation comes together today at the Old Town Sportsmen’s Pavilion on the Clearfield County Fairgrounds. This morning, we are setting up antennas and radios and computers, and the grill… and everything else!
The contest portion begins at 2:00 pm and ends Sunday at 2:00 pm. Help will be needed to tear down as well, so please stop by. Many hands make light work, you know!
The Public and media are invited, and this year we’re trying something new – a GOTA station. If you don’t know what that is, it’s a “Get On The Air” station to allow unlicensed people, new hams and old-timers who haven’t been active lately to make some contacts at a more leisurely pace.
We are there now, come on over!!!
Update Saturday 10:00 pm
Channel 6 News visited our Field Day site and depending on the other stories (of course) plans on airing their coverage of us tonight on the 11:00 news. Catch us tonight, and stop by in person Sunday after 10 am. The contest period ends for us at 2 pm, but we’ll be cleaning up and enjoying a hotdog and conversing with old friends for hours after that!
 WWhat else could possibly be the main topic of the June meeting except Field Day? After getting the meeting started, things settled into a businesslike pace as minutes were read, and reports were given. W3BC reported the club’s ARRL Special Service Club status was renewed after many years of inactivity. He further commented that the Field Day Press Release had been picked up and published by several local news outlets, and that a television news camera crew is expected. The subject turned to Field Day, and visitors Lee and Mary Lewis (N3NWL and N3UDN) shared with us some very useful Field Day pointers from their years of experience at putting on a really great Field Day operation in Ridgway.
Hams from four counties gathered at the Clearfield County EMA Center for their June Meeting. Guests helped finalize Field Day plans, newcomers introduced themselves and guest Steve Waltman KB3FPN presented an engaging technology program to round out yet another good old QCARC meeting! Mike WB3EQW raised the question of why the club covers four counties, and Club Founder Joe W3BC related the history of the Club’s creation and the rationale behind the large geographic area.
Under new business, W3BC suggested a new program for members wishing to do more for the club — the Dime-A-Day Donor Program. Club members may voluntarily contribute an additional $36.50 each year to go toward the Club’s Educational and Outreach programs. In recognition of these voluntary contributions, they will receive the status of “Sustaining Member” and a certificate bearing witness to that fact. Several contributions were given to the Treasurer. 15 members and guests were in attendance.
After the meeting, Coffee and Donuts were enjoyed, and a 50-50 drawing was held. 
The program was then presented by Steve Waltman KB3FPN from Brookville, with help from Tom W3KWT. The program was a demonstration of the capabilities of a Communications Monitor, and how amateur transmitters could be tested easily to be sure they measured up to specs.
Photo Gallery
(Click any image to begin slideshow, press [ESC] to stop)
FIELD DAY IS many things to many people, but among amateur radio operators, it is popular! In the words of Francis E. Handy W1BDI (SK) the “Father” of Field Day, it offers “a great opportunity to get out in the open in this fine spring weather…”
All radio amateurs and people interested in personal communications in our entire Quad-County area are invited to participate in this year’s Quad-County Amateur Radio Club Field Day operation at the Old Town Sportsmen’s Booth on the Clearfield County Fairgrounds. This is a location open to the public, and there is plenty of free parking. Above and beyond that, there is a shelter where we will be setting up shop, and this will protect us from the inevitable showers and Mother Nature’s many otherinconveniences.
 Quad-County Field Day historically has been a family affair, and we continue that tradition this year. There are facilities for a cookout, so we will have one, and a place to sit and eat in comfort! We emphasize again that we intend to make this a family affair and everyone is invited.
Activities begin on Saturday morning, June 25th, and continue around the clock until 5 pm on Sunday. Field day is the largest event in Amateur Radio. Participate with your local club this year and get in on the fun! W3BC is bringing a couple contest-grade radios which he has used to achieve numerous contest awards, and is fine-tuning the networked computer logging system. There are several recently licensed hams locally, and we are setting up a “GOTA” (Get On The Air) station for recently licensed amateurs, those without licenses yet, and long time hams who have not been active lately.  The GOTA station is the ideal way for amateur radio newcomers and unlicensed family members to enjoy a meaningful part in the festivities by making actual contacts with other Field Day stations that will contribute to the Club’s overall score!
We also plan on having a VHF station on hand so if 6 meters and 2 meters open up we will be ready to go! Four transmitters, food, a public information area, shelter from the elements… It sounds like a large order, but we’ve done it before and we will do it again this year! There is a lot to be finalized at the meeting on Friday, June 17th, so plan on attending that important meeting!
 The Quad-County ARC May meeting was held Friday, May 20. Despite being the weekend of the Dayton Hamfest, there was a reasonable turnout. Routine business was conducted, the outstanding Spring Banquet bills were submitted for reimbursement, and several people volunteered for Club support positions.
Beginning his term as Technology Specialist is Lars Kvant SM7FYW. If anyone has technology questions, feel free to ask Lars! It’s only natural for Joe W3BC to accept the duties of Public Information Officer, which he did at the meeting.
Field Day discussion resulted in the formation of a committee to look into a location for this year’s effort. By a poll of members present, it will not be held at the EOC this year, but at the Fairgrounds or another suitable park. More details will follow as soon as arrangements have been made.
After the Business Meeting, the coffee and donuts were served, and the evening’s program began. Lars SM7FYW and Don KB3LES put on a very interesting program about radio fox hunting, and discussed the antennas, techniques and technology it takes to find an unknown transmitter.
A drawing was held for one of Don’s antennas that he kindly donated to the club. The lucky winner was Bryan Simanic WA3UFN from DuBois.
Next month’s meeting will be the finalization of Field Day planning, and the program will be Tweak and Peak night. Steve Waltman, KB3FPN will bring a commercial communications service monitor to help check out rig performance and tuning. Bring your VHF and UHF equipment, and Steve will help you get the most out of it!
Photo Gallery
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 On Saturday, May 14, 30 local Radio Amateurs and family members gathered at the Fort Worth Hotel Restaurant in downtown Du Bois to take part in the Quad-County Amateur Radio Club Spring banquet. Those attending were from Du Bois, Clearfield, Emporium, Brookville, Big Run, Curwensville, Strattanville, Falls Creek, Rockton, Morrisdale, Centre Hall, Brockway, Bradford and Butler.
 After an enjoyable buffet dinner of pot roast and stuffed chicken breast entrees, dessert was served from a cake featuring the Quad-County Amateur Radio Club Emblem. Club Founder and Master of Ceremonies Joe Shupienis W3BC, Publisher of The Parasitic Emission newsletter and the ARRL guest speakers presented Author Awards to all those present who contributed to the newsletter.
The longest-licensed and the newest Amateurs were recognized for their contributions to Amateur Radio and to their communities. Those who serve as Volunteer Examiners were also honored for their service.
 John Rodgers N3MSE, Western Pennsylvania Section Manager of the American Radio Relay League, the National Organization for Amateur Radio, gave an update on current activities in the Western Pennsylvania Section and important information on matters affecting Amateurs nationwide. At the conclusion of his remarks, he introduced the evening’s keynote speaker, Bill Edgar N3LLR, who serves on the ARRL Board of Directors as the Atlantic Division Director.
 Director Edgar gave a very inspiring talk about the importance of local Amateur Radio Clubs, saying the local club is “where the rubber meets the road.” He discussed the services the ARRL offers local clubs, and strongly encouraged all in attendance to contact the ARRL for assistance in making their club stronger and more vital. He congratulated the Quad-County ARC on its 36-year history, and for its current accomplishments.
Following the keynote address, Club President Doug Rowles W3DWR was assisted by MC Joe Shupienis W3BC and the ARRL guests in distributing awards and certificates to the club members. Herb Murray W3TM received the Outstanding Service Award for 2010 in recognition for outstanding service to the club and membership while serving as Program Coordinator. The long-overdue Charter Member certificates were presented to those charter members in attendance: Sham Hollopeter W3QOS, Bill Zavatsky K3QEQ, Bryan Simanic WA3UFN and Club Founder Joe Shupienis W3BC (WA3IHK).
Certificates of Appreciation were presented to speakers Bill Edgar N3LLR and John Rodgers N3MSE both for their participation in our banquet and in recognition of their extraordinary service to all amateurs in our ARRL Section and Division.
Finally the prize drawings were held, with Janet Lovesky KB3ABK taking home the Grand Prize, a brand new Puxing PX-2A portable UHF transceiver. After that, everyone stayed on and chatted with old friends and new for quite a while while the restaurant staff bussed the room.
The food was great, the speakers were interesting, the prizes were much appreciated, and the conversation shared with friends was extraordinary! Our thanks go out to everyone who participated and we look forward to seeing everyone again soon at our next event!
Photo gallery
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There are a few extra programs left over from the Banquet. If you would like one for your scrapbook, or to send to a friend, or for whatever reason, please contact W3BC.
 The April Quad-County ARC meeting featured a very interesting program on APRS presented by Carmine Prestia K3CWP and Woody Brem K3YV. Twenty-one amateurs were in attendance—some from as far away as Clarion and Emporium—and all four counties were represented. President Doug W3DWR called the meeting to order and during the brief business meeting the upcoming Spring Banquet plans were finalized, Field Day discussion was opened and committee reports were heard.
The business meeting was adjourned and the program was presented. Carmine K3CWP and Woody K3YV discussed their use of APRS to track Santa as he visits the neighborhoods in State College every year. They explained how parents can see when Santa’s firetruck will be approaching their neighborhood and take their kids out to see him every Christmas Eve, and the positive public response this has generated.
Carmine demonstrated how this worked by showing their path to the meeting using the online map at aprs.fi. Woody explained the construction of the “dot-box” which is the self-contained APRS rig he constructed inside a toolbox. AS Woody passed his dot-box around the room for the members to look at, Carmine discussed how the boxes were mounted on the firetrucks.
The program was very well received, as indicated by the number of questions from the hams in attendance. There was ample opportunity to discuss APRS technology with the guests and our members who have been using APRS. There were a number of APRS stations on display. Scott W3EOD brought his Kenwood TM-D7 Hand-held APRS transceiver and wrist-mounted GPS that he uses on the trail, W3BC brought his Kenwood TM-D710A and his “Frankenstein” rig, which he constructed from old equipment in his junkox for very little cash outlay. WA3UFN’s Yaesu FTM-350R flexed its APRS muscles, and the equipment used to support the N3QC-2 APRS Fill-in digipeater at the EOC was on display as well.
According to many comments received this was the best Quad-County meeting in quite a while, and we are trying to have more meetings like this one in the future. We hope to see you at the next one!
Photo Gallery
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We all remember the “Good Ole Days” with fondness. I remember—and I’m sure you do too—the fun and good times we all shared participating in Quad-County ARC activities: Building a repeater, the good food and great times at Field Day, especially at Ed Golla’s picnic grove, the chance to visit our many friends at each meeting… The list is almost endless and the happy memories warm my heart every time I think about them. How about you?
You may be visiting this website after reading the card we sent you. Some of us are still very active hams, while some of us are taking a smaller part in ham radio activities. If I had to point out one thing which made ham radio more fun for me and for many other hams I know, I’d have to say that the most fun we had was when we gathered together as a club and did interesting and exciting things. The Halloween patrols, traveling as a group to hamfests, teaching classes, giving exams, “BUX burgers,” K3BFO’s “special” weather reports… We may not have known it then, but those are the things we remember best about those days.
The Quad-County Amateur Radio Club turns 36 on April 17th. Sadly, many of us have gone to the “antenna farm” in the years since. The reins have been passed several times, and fewer and fewer of our members have been coming back. This is sad, because a healthy, active ham radio club makes our favorite hobby so much more fun. I think we can recapture some of that youthful enthusiasm, give the club a shot in the arm and reap the benefits—all we have to do is start showing up and doing things together.
As I prepared those postcards and put the stamps on them, I couldn’t help but experience deja-vu, and remember how I did the same thing almost a lifetime ago. The results back then were nothing short of amazing! All of us joined together and raised up a very successful club. For its part, the club provided us with enjoyable activities for many years.
I believe  the same can happen today. All it will take is the same as it took all those years ago: You.
We have a nice place to meet at the Clearfield County Emerency Operations Center just behind the old County Home, and we have an interesting meeting planned for Friday April 15th at 7:30 pm. If you have trouble driving that far at night, let me know and I’ll try to line up someone to give you a ride. Every Sunday evening, the Quad-County FM Net meets at 7:00 like it always has, now on the 147.315 repeater. Our Spring Banquet is coming up on May 14th at the Fort Worth Restaurant in Du Bois. We are sponsoring a VE testing session on Friday, April 8th at the Du Bois Diner at 6:00 pm. I’m still publishing The Parasitic Emission, now as a full-color, PDF electronic magazine. Click here to download the latest issue, or click here to see many of our back issues.
Won’t you please join with us again for these and all the other activities we are planning? Having you take part will make a much better club, which in turn will make your Amateur Radio experience more fun than it is when you try to do it all alone. So how about it? Will you give us a little of your time to check us out and see what we can do for you? We will be happy to welcome you home, and your participation will add to everyone’s enjoyment of our favorite hobby!
73!
Joe Shupienis W3BC (ex WA3IHK)
Founder, Quad-County Amateur Radio Club
 The Quad-County Amateur Radio Club is pleased to host a multi-club Spring Banquet on Saturday, May 14 from 5:30 to 9:00 pm at the Fort Worth Restaurant, downtown DuBois. All radio amateurs and guests in the Quad-County area are invited, regardless of club affiliation.
There will be a multi-club awards ceremony, and valuable door prizes awarded after the dinner. The featured speaker of the evening is the ARRL Atlantic Division Director, Bill Edgar, N3LLR.
The Menu
Dinner Buffet, Including:
Stuffed Chicken Breast or Pot Roast of Beef
With Carrots, Celery and Onions in Gravy
Butter and Parsley Potatoes
Spring Vegetable Medley
Rigatoni with Alfredo Sauce
Soup or Salad
Fresh-Baked Bread or Dinner Roll with Butter
Choice of Beverage: coffee, hot tea, iced tea, lemonade, punch or Coca-Cola brand soft drink
(Legal beverages available at cash bar)
$13.95 + tax/gratuity at door
$17.30 per person
Reservations Required by May 7
Reservation email to: banquet@qcarc.org
Guest Speaker:
Mr. Bill Edgar N3LLR
Atlantic Division Director
American Radio Relay League
Awards Ceremony
Door Prize Drawings:
ARRL Publications (Courtesy N3LLR)
Handheld Transceiver (Sponsor: Parasitic Emission)
Drawing Tickets will be sold at door
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