Author Archives: dlehrer

LHARG Monthly News – November, 2025

Several members provided support for the Tour de Lincoln bike event. Driving support vehicles and manning rest stops while providing radio contact throughout was very appreciated by riders and sponsors. These events allow us to test our equipment and hone our skills. In the event a rider needs help either with equipment or has an injury, we can radio into our Net Control Operator and make sure help is provided.

An annual simulated earthquake event called “The Great Shakeout” allowed us to report status via our Winlink Gateway access over the air. Answering questions regarding intensity, broken objects etc. on a Radiogram Form 213 and then transmitting that form over the air provides experience in the event of a real earthquake. Meetings are held at the South Tower every Monday night at 6:30 PM. Our club conducts a weekly radio network at 7:00 PM every Monday on the W6LHR Repeater at 147.030 MHz, 167.9 PL. If you are looking for a way to engage in the community and have an interest in amateur radio, please check out the LHARG. We can help with programming handheld radios. For more LHARG information visit our Website, the URL is: lharg.us or email dlehrer72@gmail.com

LHARG Monthly News – October, 2025

Art, KI6GYY, Dan, KN6DRN and Richard, KO6JUF manned the table at the Annual Club Expo. Art & Dan helped out at the New Resident Orientation event. We met several interested visitors and educated folks on our goals and activities. .

We participated in a RTTY contest and successfully contacted approximately 100 stations from all over the country and world. This included over 25 foreign countries including Costa Rica, Slovenia and Japan. We also participated in the California QSO Party. Stations from all over the US and Canada call into California to make contacts with only California stations.

Several members also helped out at the local Hamfest sponsored by the Western Placer Amateur Radio Club. This annual event brings Hams in from all over the area looking to buy second hand equipment or just socialize with fellow Hams.

Meetings are held at the South Tower every Monday night at 6:30 PM. Our club conducts a weekly radio network at 7:00 PM every Monday on the W6LHR Repeater at 147.030 MHz, 167.9 PL. If you are looking for a way to engage in the community and have an interest in amateur radio, please check out the LHARG. We can help with programming handheld radios. For more LHARG information visit our Website, the URL is: lharg.us or email dlehrer72@gmail.com

LHARG Monthly News – September, 2025

John, NQ6Q shared with us his extensive study of our Repeater’s coverage. John also discussed Cross Band Repeaters and handed out notes describing their unique ability to extend reach of signals. Please visit our website under “Ham Education” for his article as well as other informative presentations. Art, KI6GYY gave an informative demo on Hex Beam antennas. Although they resemble umbrellas, they have excellent range and gain.

Rick, WR6C shared a website (rdio.placer-radio.com:3000) that allows the user to listen in to emergency services providers such as Police and Fire in Placer County. Certainly a valuable tool for hams to have. We also discussed the newest Icom 7300 MK2 radio and its new features. We suspect some members will be tempted to buy or upgrade, with spousal approval, of course.

Meetings are held at the South Tower every Monday night at 6:30 PM. Our club conducts a weekly radio network at 7:00 PM every Monday on the W6LHR Repeater at 147.030 MHz, 167.9 PL. If you are looking for a way to engage in the community and have an interest in amateur radio, please check out the LHARG. We can help with programming handheld radios. For more LHARG information visit our Website, the URL is: lharg.us or email dlehrer72@gmail.com

LHARG Monthly News – August, 2025

The past month was a mixture of learning and fun. Jim, K6GYM gave an informative presentation explaining Solar Indices. Jim brushed us up on the meaning of the A, K, SSN and SFI indices, all of which help the Ham operator know atmospheric optimal or sub optimal conditions. Jim’s handouts were very helpful and were also sent out to members who could not attend the meeting.

Additional resources for understanding conditions was demonstrated by Dan, KN6DRN. A free online model called VOACAP helps identify when and what bands are optimal. This model has many features that allow the user to specify specific antennas, locations, bands and can even go back in time for additional analysis.

Our Hams & Coffee get-together was well attended and sparked a wide range of discussions from radio to submarines. Our Director of Hospitality, Mark, KM6HDI eased our muffin cravings, thanks, Mark.

Meetings are held at the South Tower every Monday night at 6:30 PM. Our club conducts a weekly radio network at 7:00 PM every Monday on the W6LHR Repeater at 147.030 MHz, 167.9 PL. If you are looking for a way to engage in the community and have an interest in amateur radio, please check out the LHARG. We can help with programming handheld radios. For more LHARG information visit our Website, the URL is: lharg.us or email dlehrer72@gmail.com

LHARG Monthly News – July, 2025

Field Day 2025 was a smashing success. We made close to 500 contacts across the USA and Canada. These contacts were made up of 240 Phone (SSB) and 260 Digital modes covering 46 States and 4 Canadian Provinces. Our operators set up their antennas and radios near the Sports Pavilion. Despite the intense heat of the day, we operated both days. 

Over the course of the weekend, we had the pleasure of meeting with many visitors both residents and non-residents and informed them about Ham radio and our capabilities in emergency situations. We of course also discussed the fun aspects of the hobby. In addition to making contacts over the air we sent emails via radio without the use of the Internet or electricity, an important skill in case of emergency. A Get-On-the-Air (GOTA) station was set up which gave visitors, both young and old, the opportunity to make contacts across the country.

Meetings are held at the South Tower every Monday night at 6:30 PM. Our club conducts a weekly radio network at 7:00 PM every Monday on the W6LHR Repeater at 147.030 MHz, 167.9 PL. If you are looking for a way to engage in the community and have an interest in amateur radio, please check out the LHARG. We can help with programming handheld radios. For more LHARG information visit our Website, the URL is: lharg.us or email dlehrer72@gmail.com

LHARG Monthly News – June, 2025

After much discussion, we finalized our new poster for events such as New Resident Orientations, Club Expos, and Field Days. Thanks to the Team for all the ideas generated and a special thanks to Art, KI6GYY for all your hard work. We congratulate Richard on passing the Technicians exam. Richard studied long and hard taking uncounted practice tests in preparation for the big day, now the fun begins!

Dan, KN6DRN and Sal, WC6SAL earned their DXCC Certificates. This award requires the operator to contact and confirm 100 foreign countries. A variety of modes may be used such as voice, digital or CW (Morse code) to qualify. This is a prestigious award taking a long time to achieve.

We had outdoor meetings throughout the spring, testing our equipment from a new location as well as enjoying the beautiful Lincoln Hills views. We have returned to the South Tower. Field Day results will be reported in a future article.

Meetings are held at the South Tower every Monday night at 6:30 PM. Our club conducts a weekly radio network at 7:00 PM every Monday on the W6LHR Repeater at 147.030 MHz, 167.9 PL. If you are looking for a way to engage in the community and have an interest in amateur radio, please check out the LHARG. We can help with programming handheld radios. For more LHARG information visit our Website, the URL is: lharg.us or email dlehrer72@gmail.com

LHARG Monthly News – May, 2025

We attended the Annual Club information meeting and brushed up on Compass guidelines, room reservations procedures and other pertinent information. The meeting also served to make face to face contacts with staff we often interact only thru email.

 Field Day 2025 will be held near the Sports Complex Saturday, June 28th 11:00 AM thru Sunday the 29th, ending 2:00 PM. Several operators will be on hand to demonstrate their radios and techniques. On Field Day, Ham operators attempt to contact as many other stations throughout the US and Canada as possible. Using various methods of sending messages such as voice, digital and Morse code hones our skills. The event helps us practice for emergencies, serves as an informal contest and most of all is fun!  We will have a “Get on the Air” station where you can also try sending a message. So, stop on by and have a chat with us or someone across the country.

Meetings are held at the South Tower every Monday night at 6:30 PM. Our club conducts a weekly radio network at 7:00 PM every Monday on the W6LHR Repeater at 147.030 MHz, 167.9 PL. If you are looking for a way to engage in the community and have an interest in amateur radio, please check out the LHARG. We can help with programming handheld radios. For more LHARG information visit our Website, the URL is: lharg.us or email dlehrer72@gmail.com

LHARG Monthly News – April, 2025

Our Group participated in the CQ World Wide Single Side band contest. Successful contacts were made to 21 foreign countries as far away as Croatia, Ireland, Czech Republic and Japan. We also contacted 20 American stations including Alaska and Hawaii. The 15 meter band was the most active band with favorable propagation conditions. John, NQ6Q conducted a cross training session to familiarize members on our Winlink and Echolink equipment and software. Maintaining and understanding these modes gives us confidence to help our community, especially in the event of an emergency. Julian, KO6EPL, conducted his first Monday Net with great success, well done Julian.

Meetings are held at the South Tower every Monday night at 6:30 PM. Our club conducts a weekly radio network at 7:00 PM every Monday on the W6LHR Repeater at 147.030 MHz, 167.9 PL. If you are looking for a way to engage in the community and have an interest in amateur radio, please check out the LHARG. We can help with programming handheld radios. For more LHARG information visit our Website, the URL is: lharg.us or email dlehrer72@gmail.com

LHARG Monthly News – March, 2025

We participated in the ARRL International DX Contest and made close to 40 contacts. This Single Side Band contest yielded 20 different countries including Italy, Sweden, France, Bosnia-Herzegovina, Caribbean Islands and several South America nations. Single Side Band is a mode where the operator speaks into a microphone directly with another station. Our Hams & Coffee get together generated stimulating conversations and laughs covering diverse topics.

We continue to brainstorm the items to include on our renovated poster board. There are so many wonderful aspects of ham radio to convey it is hard to put them all on one board! Stand by for future developments. Meetings are held at the South Tower every Monday night at 6:30 PM. Our club conducts a weekly radio network at 7:00 PM every Monday on the W6LHR Repeater at 147.030 MHz, 167.9 PL. If you are looking for a way to engage in the community and have an interest in amateur radio, please check out the LHARG. We can help with programming handheld radios. For more LHARG information visit our Website, the URL is: lharg.us or email

LHARG Monthly News – February, 2025

For Winter Field Day we contacted 140 stations using phone, PSK31 and JS8Call. Over a dozen States were recorded and several Canadian Provinces as well. Our participation in the 2025 World Wide RTTY Contest yielded over 40 contacts, including 17 States and 5 International contacts. Art, KI6GYY has undertaken a redesign of our Club Information Portable Display Board. The Group has discussed possible exhibits for the display. This display is brought to the Lincoln Hills Annual Club Expo, New Resident Orientations, Field Days and other outings. It highlights activities, goals, emergency communication capabilities and of course the pure fun of Ham radio.

Meetings are held at the South Tower every Monday night at 6:30 PM. Our club conducts a weekly radio network at 7:00 PM every Monday on the W6LHR Repeater at 147.030 MHz, 167.9 PL. If you are looking for a way to engage in the community and have an interest in amateur radio, please check out the LHARG. We can help with programming handheld radios. For more LHARG information visit our Website, the URL is: lharg.us or email dlehrer72@gmail.com