Waupaca County ARES
Amateur Radio Emergency Communications
Past Events
17 participants participated on Saturday, February 10th, 2024, in a 2-Meter Copper J-Pole Build held at Sabertooth Enterprises in Waupaca, WI.
Three antennas were built in teams and tested to SWRs of 1.1 to 1.6.
Each antenna was raffled off amongst the participants.
The winners of the three antennas were:
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Trace Frost (KD9ZRB) from Coloma, WI
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Cody Lind (KD9QXL) from Manawa, WI
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Steve Leitzke (KD9WYC) from Green Bay, WI
Everyone who participated had a great time.
More photos will be coming soon!
Winter Field Day 2024 Comments Received:
George Lampere, AB9CQ
Steve & Kelley Becker W9DXE & KD9LQW
Don Lesch, K9MOI
George Lampere, AB9CQ
15% Off All Items
Thank You to Our Amateur Radio Photographer
Shelly Young
Hams & Eggs
Held Saturday ~ January 27th, 2024
at 9 am
at Crystal Cafe - Iola
Come one, Come All
for Good Friends and Good Food
195 Water Street, Iola, WI 54945
Waupaca County ARES/RACES
celebrated their
Post-Holiday Banquet
on Thursday, January 11th, 2024
at the Thirsty Perch in Iola
Cocktails began at 5:30 pm Meal began at 6:00 pm
Members and their family enjoyed a great time.
Waupaca County ARES members enjoyed a December monthly meeting and Gift Exchange on December 14, 2023. See Photos Below
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WI ARES/RACES Conference 2023
Held Saturday, November 4th, 2023, at McMillan Memorial Library in Wisconsin Rapids, WI
Waupaca County Members: EC Chuck Fritz (AC9F); AEC Dave Chroninger (WB9GBG); Carol Young (KD9WRY); Carl Young (KD9RMZ); Cody Lind (KD9QXL); Joe Walesewicz; Waushara County EC George Lampere; and DEC Stan Piekarczyk
all enjoyed the 2023 WI ARES/RACES Conference on Saturday, November 4th.
Presentations at the event included:
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WeComm Linked Repeaters and Website
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SimCom 2023 Comments
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MoUs (Memorandum of Understanding) Importance with Hospitals
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WI Section of ARRL Website and Contacts
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WEM (WI Emergency Management)
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AuxComm (Auxiliary Communications)
During the 2023 Wisconsin ARES/RACES Conference, attendees were divided into two groups during the afternoon session.
One group (pictured to the right) attended a session about "Memorandum of Understanding" documentation. Jeff did a great job explaining the importance of having MoUs with hospitals and locations where amateur radio equipment and stations are setup.
Both Waupaca County ARES/RACES and Outagamie County ARES/RACES attendees were present with other ARES/RACES at this session of the conference.
A Video is published on the Waupaca County ARES/RACES
YouTube Channel.
To the Right is an image of the Finished Multi-Band HF Linked Dipole Antenna
imulated
mergency
est
On Saturday, October 7, 2023, Waupaca County ARES/RACES operators conducted a Simulated Emergency Test to determine their readiness to provide amateur radio emergency communications to hospitals, served agencies, and partner agencies throughout Wisconsin. This is a nationwide ARRL annual SET exercise that provides strengths and improvements needed to support emergency communications in times of needs. The Waupaca County ARES/RACES Net Control Station (Dan Bekeris), Emergency Coordinator (Chuck Fritz), and operators (Steve Leitzke, Brady DeCamp, and William Lund) were set up at the Taste of Norway event in Iola in the Amateur Radio Communications command unit in front of the Iola Historial Fire Station. The day was a success and communications were transmitted and received to and from the Thedacare Waupaca Hospital operators (Dave Chroninger and Carol Young) and King Veterans Home operators (Carl Young and David Wedde). Voice/SSB/Phone communications were also successfully sent and received via Bob Martin (Liaison located in Weyauwega) to the state Wisconsin Badger Emergency Net and WI ARES/RACES Coordinators.
Wisconsin Parks on the Air (WIPOTA) 2023
Each year amateur radio operators participate in the annual WIPOTA contest sponsored by the FCARC. This year, Waupaca County ARES/RACES members KD9RMZ, KD9WRY, and KD9QXL with his son Nicholas activated in Hartman Creek State Park (Park K-1455) for the WIPOTA. It is a great way to make contacts, bring awareness of the hobby and assets that the ARES/RACES provides, and test equipment and operations in remote areas. During the 11 am to 6 pm contest on Saturday, September 16th, campers, bikers, and other people visiting the park noticed the antennas and banners and asked the operators questions about amateur radio. While operating, testing of reducing interference by running vertical and horizontal antennas and using a band pass filter provided valuable information. KD9RMZ and KD9QXL were able to operate both digital and voice modes on the same bands without interference. KD9WRY operated on 10 meters with an ottophone antenna very close to KD9RMZ's antenna without interfence also. All and all it was a fun, educational, and great day for operating WIPOTA. KD9QXL had the most contacts (approximately 49) while operating FT8; KD9RMZ operated voice only on 20, 40, and 80 meters and had about 30+ contacts; and KD9WRY and Nicholas made 20 contacts on SSB...one that Nicholas received was from Victoria, British Columbia.....very exciting!
Bear Creek Kraut Run
Saturday, Sept. 9, 2023
Waupaca County ARES members joined the Outagamie County ARES members in providing communication assistance at the Bear Creek Kraut Run 5K, 10K and Kids 1/4 mile and 1/2 mile run fundraiser for Bear Creek First Responders and Fire Department.
The race began and finished at 109 Prospect Street in Bear Creek, Wisconsin.
ARES members were stationed throughout the race and provided communications as needed.
![Resized_20230909_071154[1].jpg](https://static.wixstatic.com/media/331ba7_af6fa6e80d6e4ea0b7b2c2305a1f9fdb~mv2.jpg/v1/crop/x_0,y_0,w_1244,h_1703/fill/w_64,h_87,al_c,q_80,usm_0.66_1.00_0.01,blur_2,enc_auto/Resized_20230909_071154%5B1%5D.jpg)
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2023 Waupaca Area Triathlon
Waupaca County ARES/RACES Members were stationed throughout the Waupaca Area Triathlon Bike Race on August 19th, 2023, to provide Emergency Communications Assistance.
Waupaca County ARES/RACES member, AC9JA (Dan Bekeris) provides bike racers a clean surface at his station location.
Tuesday
August 1st, 2023
4:30 - 6:30 pm
New London Police Department
Waupaca County ARES/RACES participated with our Amateur Radio Communications Trailer in the 6th Annual National Night Out with the New London Police, Fire, and Community partnerships to bring awareness and help build safer, stronger, more caring communities to live in.
The New London Community was able to learn about amateur radio and people had an opportunity to "Get-on-the-Air" with licensed operators.
Embarrass Parade & Fun Daze
Held Saturday, July 29th, 2o23
Members of the Waupaca County ARES/RACES participated on Saturday, July 29th, 2023 in the Embarrass Fire Department's Parade and Fun Daze in Embarrass, Wisconsin. The Waupaca County ARES Communications trailer was set up for the public to come in and try amateur radio with a licensed operator nearby. An information booth was also set up outside the trailer to provide information about amateur radio and display a to-go-bag and the items packed inside the to-go-bag to demonstrate what an ARES/RACES member might take with them when activate. A raffle drawing and candy were also at the information booth. Served agencies from Clintonville, Shawano, Embarrass, Bear Creek, Lebanon, and other surrounding areas came with to the Embarrass Parade and Event to be part of the event and demonstrate how to put out a fire, CPR , and much more. There were two live bands and lots of good food and people present.
Meet the Fleet
2023 Photos
A Special Thank You to
Waupaca County Sheriff's Department for Sponsoring the "Meet the Fleet"
and to everyone who participated or came to this year's spectacular event!
Waupaca County ARES/RACES
2023 ARRL Field Day Exercise
Field Day Drone Photos
![IMG_2987[1].jpg](https://static.wixstatic.com/media/331ba7_4ade45bc52564b8f86550e6b3b1ce3f3~mv2.jpg/v1/crop/x_87,y_33,w_543,h_372/fill/w_121,h_83,al_c,q_80,usm_0.66_1.00_0.01,blur_2,enc_auto/IMG_2987%5B1%5D.jpg)
May 7th, 2023
Waupaca County ARES/RACES operators participated in Emergency Services Communications Assistance at the Iola Bump & Jump Bike Races by stationing the Net Control Operator in the communications trailer and relaying with nine Waupaca County ARES station operators..
Photos/Video provided by Waupaca County ARES/RACES, 2023.
UW-Green Bay Campus &
Eau Claire County Expo Center
Click on the button below, and download a Word document of each day's events and registration information
Effective communications are paramount for facilitating emergency response and recovery in the wake of a catastrophic event. To be prepared for such an event, the communications community must gather together periodically to practice in a multi-agency and multi-discipline environment. SIMCOM, an HSEEP compliant functional exercise, is intended to display, educate, coordinate and test mobile emergency communications platforms from federal, state, local, tribal, military, volunteer and private organizations. "This exercise is being supported by funding through the Homeland Security Exercise Grant Program" SIMCOM provides an opportunity for all participants to exercise their systems across organizational lines and tiers of government responders. In addition, all of the participants will have the opportunity to share information on mobile communications assets, develop relationships, understand the capabilities of other agencies and share lessons learned. The networking accomplished during SIMCOM builds the groundwork that pays immediate dividends in real world emergencies or incidents. SIMCOM 2023 will be held at UW-Green Bay campus (2420 Nicolet Dr, Green Bay, WI 54311). The remote location this year will be held at the Eau Claire County Expo Center/Fairgrounds (5530 Fairview Dr, Eau Claire, WI 54701). Online registration will be opening soon…watch for further information If you have any questions, please contact one of the core SIMCOM Planning Team members: James Williams (WEM) Email: james.williams@widma.gov Cell: (608) 982-6963 Paul Hughes (WEM) Email: paul.hughes@widma.gov Cell: (608) 575-2533
Waupaca County ARES/RACES and
members of Fox Cities Amateur Radio Club (FCARC)
Participated in an Antenna Build Day at the Waupaca Library
on Wednesday, April 26th, 2023.
The Build Project was a fun time to build friendships, learn how to build a portable J-Pole Antenna, and test the SWR (Standing Wave Ratio) of their builds.
Everyone in attendance expressed how much fun this build project was.
Thank you to everyone who participated!
If you are interested in the instructions on how to make the 2-Meter Half-Wave J-Pole Antenna,
click on the instruction button below.
Waupaca County ARES/RACES
Participated in Wisconsin's Statewide Tornado Drill
on Friday, April 20th, 2023
at 1:45 pm and 6:45 pm (CST)
Waupaca County ARES/RACES
Celebrated
World Amateur Radio Day
Waupaca County ARES/RACES Participated In
World Amateur Radio Day 2023
April 18, 2023
by Carol Young, Waupaca County ARES/RACES Public Information Officer
“Each year, World Amateur Radio Day is celebrated worldwide by amateur radio operators and their national associations which are organized as member-societies of the International Amateur Radio Union (IARU).” (ARRL, 2023)”
“It was on April 18, 1925, that the IARU was formed in Paris. American Radio Relay League (ARRL) Co-Founder Hiram Percy Maxim was its first president.” (ARRL, 2023)
“Amateur radio experimenters were the first to discover that the short-wave spectrum could support long-distance radio signal propagation. Today the IARU is a federation consisting of more than 160 national amateur radio organizations in as many countries and separate territories.” (ARRL, 2023)
Source Cited: ARRL. World Amateur Radio Day. (n.d.). Retrieved April 19, 2023, from http://www.arrl.org/world-amateur-radio-day
This year, on April 18th, the Waupaca County ARES/RACES celebrated World Amateur Radio Day by holding several Nets on the Air on their 146.925 repeater, PL 118.8. Nets were held at 9 am, Noon, 3 pm, 6 pm, and 9 pm throughout the day. Amateur Radio Operators checked in to the Net Control Operator and provided their callsign, name, QTH (location), and their favorite amateur radio moment. Each net had approximately eight check-ins. Everyone who checked in had a great time reminiscing amateur radio experiences.
Some “Favorite Amateur Radio Moments” that were expressed on the Waupaca County ARES/RACES Nets on April 18, 2023, are as follows:
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Getting new radio equipment
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First time on the Air after getting an amateur license.
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Building Friendships!
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Sharing Military memories with other amateurs.
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Building antennas and other equipment and testing how they work.
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Contesting in State QSO parties and Parks On The Air (POTA).
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Talking to amateur operators worldwide!
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Participating at events like Winter Field Day, Iola Bump & Jump Bike Race, Waupaca Triathlon, ARRL Annual Field Day, SET at Taste of Norway, STEM Build Days, etc.
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Training exercises for Storm Spotting.
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Working large pileups on the Air.
Amateurs checked-in to the Net from Shawano, Clintonville, Iola, Weyauwega, Stevens Point, Waupaca, Manawa, New London, Wautoma, and King.
Waupaca County ARES/RACES operators provide emergency communications when disasters happen and communication support to events.
Interested in Amateur Radio, visit our website: https://www.waupacacountareswi.org
or Find Us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/W9WAP
A Special "Thank You" to All Amateurs Who Participated on the Air!
Beekeeping Presentation
by Glenn Haroldson (N5IIA)
Waupaca County ARES/RACES -- March 9, 2023 Meeting
Glenn presents the topic of "Beekeeping" to W-C ARES members
Members in attendance at the March 9, 2023, meeting listen and watch a beekeeping presentation
Members in attendance at the March 9, 2023, meeting listen and watch a beekeeping presentation
Glenn explains the layers of a beehive: Telescoping top lid; Intercover; Queen Excluder, Final Bottom Board
Where bees can enter the hive and guard bees stand guard to protect the hive.
It keeps the queen from laying eggs and larva in with the honey!
Ham & Eggs Gathering
at Crystal Cafe-Iola
February 25, 2023
Waupaca County ARES|RACES Participated in Winter Field Day 2023
Our Winter Field Day 2023 was held in Manawa, Wisconsin near the Manawa Veteran's Park 'Fishing for Freedom' Ice Fisheree Event.
The public was welcome to check out amateur radio operators participating in Winter Field Day.
Operators were able to test communications, equipment, antennas, and field readiness operations in cold winter weather conditions.
The event was held on Saturday, Jan. 28th from 1-7 pm outdoors with two stations being operated under our club's callsign W9WAP. We had a great time!
![20230125_112125[1].jpg](https://static.wixstatic.com/media/331ba7_c4841b4d1eec4658bf561f2db109ba2e~mv2.jpg/v1/crop/x_1275,y_0,w_3333,h_3456/fill/w_76,h_79,al_c,q_80,usm_0.66_1.00_0.01,blur_2,enc_auto/20230125_112125%5B1%5D.jpg)
Watch Videos of the event on our Video page of our website or on our Facebook Video page!
Ham & Eggs Gathering
at Crystal Cafe-Iola
January 28, 2023
Point to Point Communication
Held on Sunday, December 18, 2022
During the Waupaca County ARES Sunday Night Net on December 18, 2022, members checked in to NCS operator Jesse (W9JLL) on the 146.925 repeater.
After everyone checked in, each individual member switched one at a time over to SSB 28.958 to relay the following information:
“This is (state call sign and repeat phonetically) transmitting on ???? MHz as part of the Waupaca county, WI ARES 10M HF communication survey. This transmission is directed toward Waupaca county, WI ARES operators participating in the weekly NET that meets on the 146.925 repeater.
I am transmitting on a(n) _________ (radio type) with a power level of _____ watts. My antenna is ____________(describe your antenna configuration: type, height, orientation, etc.) (State call) clear.”
As each operator completed the message, all the other participants recorded whether they could hear the operator's 10M HF SSB transmission, the quality of the reception (which included the S meter reading).
When all operators had a turn at transmitting the message above, each participant then emailed their results to EC, Chuck Fritz so the results could be tabulated in a matrix. The matrix will allow everyone to see who can receive them and who could potentially act as a relay between stations via 10M HF SSB in the event of local repeaters being unavailable
The objective of this PTP communication was to determine the viability of PTP communication between the members of the Waupaca County ARES operators via 10M HF SSB and to establish which members are in direct 10M HF SSB communications in the Waupaca County area and which ones would require one or more relays for traffic.
This event was successful and had a great turnout of participants.
Thanks to all who participated!
Download and print a copy here
SET Day at Iola's 'Taste of Norway Event'
Held on Saturday, October 1, 2022
This is a Statewide Emergency Training day that tests the operators abilities to send and receive emergency traffic using multiple communications modes.
Field Day 2022
Held June 25-26, 2022
Field Day is an annual amateur radio exercise, widely sponsored by IARU regions and member organizations, encouraging emergency communications preparedness among amateur radio operators.
Iola Bump and Jump 2022
Waupaca Triathlon
2022
![20221126_091205[1].jpg](https://static.wixstatic.com/media/331ba7_2822ed739fe54915afaa548ae6f80f25~mv2.jpg/v1/fill/w_107,h_80,al_c,q_80,usm_0.66_1.00_0.01,blur_2,enc_auto/331ba7_2822ed739fe54915afaa548ae6f80f25~mv2.jpg)
