October 16 @ 1:00 am – October 18 @ 7:30 am UTC-8

http://pacificon.org

Note: Registration Closes @ Midnight on October 1st!

• Over $11,000 was given out as prizes.

• Three jumpers made parachute mobile contacts.

• People Got On The Air at the Special Event Station W1AW/6 hosted by paara.org.

• Elecraft released the KH1 radio and we gave one away as a grand prize to an attendee. Wayne Burdick N6KR interview by KK6USY.

• Pete Harris was awarded Volunteer of the Year.

• Our super Hospitality efforts kept vendors and staff going!

• theEpochTimes.com article

Pacificon℠ gives you three great days of activities for one low cost:

* A full slate of outstanding Forum presentations about a wide range of amateur radio topics

* An all-day Antenna Seminar (additional fee required)

* Gordon West, WB6NOA: Author, educator, speaker and irrepressible promoter of all things ham radio

* Large Vendor and Nonprofit expo filled with exciting products and exhibits

* Events including an outdoor Swap Meet

* Youth Activities

* Parachute Mobile contacts

* Electronics kit building and soldering instruction

* A One Day License Prep Class to prepare you to pass the amateur radio Technician license examination and get your first amateur radio license

* A One Day License Prep Class to prepare you to upgrade to the GeneralClass level

* Two days of License Testing

* A Special Events Station W1AW/6 where you can operate and contact other hams worldwide, even if you don’t have a license

* Our annual Wouff Hong Initiation ceremony

* A chance to hear about and discuss important national amateur radio issues with top ARRL leaders

* A chance to win radios and other great prizes throughout the convention

* M17 digital voice mode (patent free) and MMDVM talk and booths. M17 will be supported by our repeater W6CX soon.

And perhaps the best part – a chance to interact and share information with lots of other amateur radio enthusiasts to further (or begin) your own knowledge and to advance the hobby. 

Click here for the flyer: 

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Scroll through this presentation or download the whole file to view it any way you prefer. Enjoy.

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ORIGINAL POST HERE

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W6PHO

We are now entering the “Solar Maximum” part of Solar Cycle 25, which could mean four years of excellent conditions for DXing. Maximum solar activity increases ionization in the “F” region of the ionosphere (150-250 miles up) which facilitates daytime 20 to10-meter propagation and nighttime 40 through 10-meter propagation.

If you’re wondering when to look for DX, the SN (Sunspot Number) may help. While the SN is the result of observation and calculation with some tricky statistics thrown in (for a “smoothed” number), it is often a good indicator of conditions for DXing. The highest SN count in 20 years was this past June, at a level of 163.4, but higher values are predicted for late 2023 and early 2024.

Another indicator is the SFI or Solar Flux Index. This is strongly correlated to the degree of ionization of the F2 region.

Finally, the K-index quantifies disturbances in the earth’s magnetic field that cause, for us, background radio noise. When this index is 2 or less — and the SFI has been at 150 or more for a few days (to “charge” the F2, DX should be great!

A K-index over 3 can mean high absorption, i.e. poor reflection of radio waves, and a K of 5 to 9 means a geomagnetic storm is probably going to cause interference. The A-index, a summary of world K-index readings, also relates to geomagnetic stability, and low (1-6) numbers are best, 11 up worst). The Boulder K index, updated every three hours on WWV, is probably the most accurate one to use at our latitude.

Current solar data (SN, SFI, K, A, etc.) are readily found at QRZ.com, and a full page of current information is at the K7RA solar update. The ncdxc.org/propagation/ page also has alert messages about strong space weather (solar storms) that may lead to radio blackouts. Finally, spaceweather.com is an interesting resource. For activity on the sun and what it means for us, check out Dr. Tamitha Skov’s podcast (spaceweatherwoman.com).

Space weather charts will indicate which bands are good, poor, or closed for DX contacts. You can also figure this out by listening for beacons, digital signals, and WWV stations. You can generally tell from others’ spots (see below) if the band is open for us. You can also learn, e.g. from spaceweather.com, about CMEs and flares that can shut down the bands. For more information and links go to arrl.org/propagation-of-rf-signals.

How about where to look?

If you want help finding DX, try a spotting service. I like to use DXSummit.fi, which will give you VOACAP propagation predictions when you put in your location (e.g. CM98tb for Columbia). It will also show where you and the desired station are on the map AND in relation to that magic “gray line” when there may be an especially strong connection with that DX station. Note that this will apply to any station in the same geographic area.

So how do I find DX?

Be sure to look for DXpeditions, especially in the Pacific region that’s relatively easy for Californians to reach, especially in the late afternoon or evening.

A fuller list — going into 2024 — can be found at ng3k.com; thanks to Pat, WA6SCW, for this. The ARRL puts out a weekly DX bulletin. Information on propagation was inspired by George, N6GEO’s, recent “3rd Tuesday TCARES Tech Net” (@ 7:30 pm). Errors and confusions are of course my own!

How do I work DX?

DX-pedition stations are much sought after, and there will be pileups of US stations calling them. Finding the pileups can be a shortcut to finding DX, but be sure not to tune up on a calling frequency or, worse, on top of the DX station! DXing often requires operating “split,” with you calling up a kHz or more. The DX station will specify “up.”

Use your operating skills to figure out what frequency the DX is listening on! Another place to find DX (and pileups) is in contests. A couple of these that are useful for grabbing DX and coming up in the next few months are the CQ Worldwide DX Contest (SSB Oct. 28-29 and CW Nov. 25-26). A full contest list is found at WA7BNM’s page (times/dates in UTC).

You can also find DX from a spotting site, by hearing a CQ, or calling CQDX yourself. These are the most satisfying contacts and may involve more conversation than the minimum signal report required for a confirmed contact!

There are 340 DX entities currently on the official list, and 64 that have been withdrawn, mainly for political reasons. Most are familiar countries (e.g. UN member states), some are remote territories, or some uninhabited reefs or islands. You learn a lot of geography while DXing!

By the time of the next Newsletter the solar maximum should be close to its peak. Please send reports of your ATNOs (all time new ones) and what you’ve observed of the bands and times that are especially good for DX, so I can share them with the club in the next Newsletter.

Get out those world maps and start marking places you’ve contacted! Please write to dmcneil36@gmail.com with your comments, questions, and reports of your DX successes for inclusion in a future column.

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September 20, 2025 @ 11:00 am – 3:00 pm PDT

C.A.R.S to provide Hot Dogs, Hamburgers, Condiments, plastic ware and the BBQs.

TCARES to provide water, soda, ice, sliced tomatoes and Onions.

All attending, please bring a side dish or desert.

The location has a covered seating area perfect for rain or shine.

A table will be provided for a swap meet.

Questions? Call Steven Airola, CARS President, W6RXK, 209 770 3263.

LOCATION UTICA PARK https://maps.app.goo.gl/npCTPFTYU4nvgfvD9

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June 13 @ 10:00 am – 3:00 pm PDT

2026 Father’s Day Fly-in Public Info Table

TCARES ham radio club will set up a public information and radio demonstration trailer at the 2025 Father’s Day Fly-in with other vendors and public agencies and organizations.

Will you volunteer? The information booth will be open for about 6 hours on Saturday, can you work a 2 or 3 hour shift and help hand out flyers and demo radios? if so, please email info@tcares.net and indicate when you can help in the booth.

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June 15, 2024 @ 9:00 am – 3:00 pm PDT

TCARES ham radio club will set up a public information and radio demonstration table at the 2024 Father’s Day Fly-in with other vendors and public agencies and organizations.

Will you volunteer? The information booth will be open for about 6 hours on Saturday, can you work a 2 or 3 hour shift and help hand out flyers and demo radios? if so, please email info@tcares.net and indicate when you can help in the booth.

Schedule of Events – Saturday

(from https://fathersdayflyin.org/event-schedule)

9:00 – Vendor Booths Open & Rides Begin

11:30 am to 3:00 pm – Runway Closed for Aerial Demonstrations

8:00 am – Admission Gates Open

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June 15, 2024 @ 9:00 am – 3:00 pm PDT

TCARES ham radio club will set up a public information and radio demonstration table at the 2024 Father’s Day Fly-in with other vendors and public agencies and organizations.

Will you volunteer? The information booth will be open for about 6 hours on Saturday, can you work a 2 or 3 hour shift and help hand out flyers and demo radios? if so, please email info@tcares.net and indicate when you can help in the booth.

Schedule of Events – Saturday

(from https://fathersdayflyin.org/event-schedule)

9:00 – Vendor Booths Open & Rides Begin

11:30 am to 3:00 pm – Runway Closed for Aerial Demonstrations

8:00 am – Admission Gates Open

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March 16, 2024 @ 7:00 am – 12:00 pm PDT

https://www.w6ek.org/activities/hamfest

2.5 Hours of travel time from SONORA (up Hi-way 49)

The first Hamfest of 2024 at the historic Loomis Train Depot.  There will be plenty of coffee and donuts for you to enjoy while you shop for gear at our Club Table and swap meet, attending presentations.  Come on out rain or shine!!

DEPOT TIME

Depot Time is where you get to learn new things. Currently, we are working hard in our shack to bring you informative and exciting topics. Stay tuned and check back often.

ELMER TOURS

Are you a new ham? Or just wondering what all this stuff is and how to use it? Then an Elmer Tour is for you! Elmer tours are FREE and conducted by experienced members of the Sierra Foothills ARC. They will walk you through the swap meet showing you all the neat ham gear available. More importantly, they will explain why you would want it and how you might use it. They are there to answer all your questions! Inquire at the Test Table …

TEST TABLE

Need to test equipment you are thinking about buying? Bring it over to the Sierra Foothills ARC Test Table. There will be power supplies, antennas, antenna analyzers, and other test equipment to check out your potential purchase. The table will be staffed by experienced SFARC Elmers. You don’t have to go home wondering if you bought a boat anchor.

ARRL BOOTH

Loomis Hamfest 2024 is, once again, an ARRL sanctioned hamfest. Drop by the ARRL Booth and visit with your Section Manager and other local ARRL staff. While you are there, pick up the new color US Amateur Radio Bands chart. Learn how ARRL membership can enhance your Ham experience. Let ARRL help you!

SELLERS

Sellers can purchase spaces on a first-come-first-served basis on the day of the event. Spaces range in size from a standard parking stall to 8′ x 8′.  All spaces, regardless of size, cost $10 each.  Sellers may purchase as many stalls as desired.  SFARC staff will make every effort to accommodate requests for specific locations.

Sellers may arrive starting at 6:00 AM to set up.  Follow the “Seller” signs or ask our parking staff for directions to the Seller’s entrance.  Sellers may park in their stalls.  Vehicles must fit within the area purchased.  Additional parking is available at no additional cost.

​Sellers need to bring their own tables, chairs, pop-ups, generators, etc… No equipment will be provided.  No electrical power will be available to sellers.

Show up early on the day of with your $10 bill, get a spot, and join us for a day of fun!

SPECIAL NOTICE

California law requires Swap meet operators to obtain information on all sellers who conduct activities on premises.  Sellers are be required to fill out the State of California, Department of Tax and Fee Administration, Form 410d: Swap Meets, Flea Markets, or Special Events Certification.  This form is available at:  www.cdtfa.ca.gov/formspubs/cdtfa410d.pdf.  To expedite entrance into the Swap meet, please print and bring with you a completed and signed form.  Thank you!

Event Information:
Event Name and Place:  Loomis Hamfest, Loomis, Calif.
Event Date:  March 16, 2024

Forms will be available for you if you forget yours.

All sellers will be required to complete the form prior to setup.

Additional information is available in Publication 111, Operators of Swap Meets, Flea Markets, or Special Events on the California Department of Tax and Fee Administration website.

PARKING

Parking is FREE at Loomis Hamfest.

We have several lots to park vehicles.  Please follow SFARC parking staff directions.  They will direct you to the closest available spot.

​Disabled parking is available adjacent to the Hamfest site.  To access ADA parking, cross Taylor Road and turn right into the ally way behind Taylor’s Restaurant.  Please let the SFARC parking staff know you are looking for the disabled parking lot and they will guide you.

Sellers may park in their stalls.  Vehicles must fit within the area purchased.  Additional off-site parking is available at no additional cost.

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June 6, 2024 – June 9, 2024 PDT

The Northwest’s Largest Ham Convention

and the ARRL Northwestern Division Convention

To stay in formed about SEA-PAC, subscribe to the low volume eMailing List by sending an email with your name and callsign to info@seapac.org.
Commercial Exhibits – Giant Flea Market – Workshops – Seminars

Banquet – Prizes – VE Testing – DX & YL Luncheon

and lots more…

On the beautiful Pacific Ocean beach

Information: info@seapac.org

Facebook: SEA-PAC

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