The West Central Ohio Amateur Radio Association is a group of amateur radio operators based in the Dayton, Columbus, and surrounding regions. This group has formed around systems that originally were developed under the old Kettering Medical Center Amateur Radio Association (KMCARA). It is wholly independent of the Kettering Medical Center (KMC) and the KMCARA but does have some working relations with the KMC through memorandums of understanding with KMC.

New Transmit Antenna Installed

Just after Hamvention our new transmit antenna finally made it's way up the tower. It was discovered that we had a bigger problem than we thought. We knew we had 1 element of the 4 loop vertical dipole array that was busted. As it turns out we in fact had 3 elements busted. Yes, that is correct, we were operating on 1 of the 4 loops. The transmit profile is greatly improved and will get better as we are still not running the amp. Keep in mind we are still in the process of getting some remote receivers back on line so you may have places in which you can hear the system that you can't get in from without at least a decent external antenna. More to follow, hopefully real soon.

Construction Notice

For those who did not attend the February Meeting you may not know but the main entrance to the hospital is under construction and completely blocked. If you arrive and are familiar with the route of entry through the Polen Plaza elevator this is best. If not, and you require assistance we will try our best to have someone monitoring 147.075+ to assist you.

June Meeting

The June meeting of the West Central Ohio ARA will be held on Monday June 22, 2009 at 7:00 PM in Dining Room 2B (lower level across from Dean Ampetheatre). Don Parker will plan to give his presentation on gathering evidence at our meeting.

2009 Field Day Info

Field Day 2009 is now in the books. Go to the 2009 Field Day Page for info.

2009 Picnic

Please plan to attend the WCOARA August 2009 Picnic. The picnic is scheduled to occur at Irelan Park picnic shelter in Kettering, Ohio, Sunday, 16 August 2009. Jeannette, KD8AFR, reserved the shelter for the whole afternoon. The picnic is a potluck dinner, so bring your food items, beverages, plates and utensils. The current plan is to arrive at 2:00 P.M., and start eating at 2:30 P.M.. Family, guests, and any amateur radio operators, or persons considering becoming amateur radio operators, who would like to attend the picnic, are welcome. Note also that those members, who wish to, are encouraged to set up and demonstrate antennas and/or other radio equipment they have built or recently acquired. Our picnic is an opportunity to enjoy fellowship, in a relaxed environment, with club members, their friends, and other amateur radio operators. Unfortunately, this is not always possible during our club meetings, and some of our other events, so do not miss this opportunity. If you do not know, the park is at the Southeast corner of East David and Marshall Road in Kettering. The picnic shelter is conveniently located next to a small parking area, which is at the East end of the park, with entry from an access road from East David, named Presidential Way. (Same location as last year.)

Association Email List

Click her for the association's email list. It is a moderated list and you must be aproved to be added. To be aproved you must be a current member.

Be sure to check out our new (or slightly recycled) Officers.