LATEST NEWS and Activities:

California International Marathon:

On December 7th, 2008 Vince KI6NHP and I worked the California International Marathon providing radio communications to one of the Medical Aid Stations.  It was great to get out early and promote Amateur Radio to the public.  Many people asked what we were doing, and were amazed at how well "linked" all 20 Aid stations were via Ham Radio.


Clarksburg Fun Run:

Sunday November 9th, 2008 I was part of the River City ARCS team that provided check point communications for the Clarksburg Fun Run.  It was a great time and always fun to operate with my fellow club members and Hams!  I look forward to doing this for many years to come.  I would encourage all Hams to volunteer to work these types of events.  It is very rewarding.

California QSO Party 2008

N6NA Operated the California QSO Party from Alpine County, California.  Operators were L-R:

Andy Stephens W6AWS
Vince Cracchiolo KI6NHP
Robert Lupo KG6SKA
Bill Mungaven N6EF

We had a great time and made alot of contacts.  Although it rained all day Saturday, we were warm inside the cabin.  2 stations (1 SSB and 1 CW) were operating 100w and accomplished a score of 45,765 points.  We used 1 Buckmaster OCF Dipole at 65' and 2 verticals.  Setting up in the rain was an experience for sure!  For our first attempt at a County Expedition, we are pleased.  Look for us next year!



Clubs I am affiliated with:

    
River City Amateur Radio Communications Society
N6NA                                          

   
Western Placer Amateur Radio Club
K6PAC



North Hills Radio Club
K6IS


  
Sacramento County RACES  
   



                                                    













                                                       

My name is Andy Stephens and I live in Orangevale, a suburb NE of Sacramento, California.  I am 45 years old and married 20 years  to my bride Kim.  I am also the proud dad of two wonderful children.  Son Joshua (9) and Daughter Jordan (5).   Amateur Radio is not just a hobby for me, it is an ADDICTION!  I enjoy light contesting and the occasional "Ragchew" on 40 and 80 meters.  Recently I have enjoyed some decent DX on 20m.  I am also an Extra Class VE.  One of the things I enjoy about Amateur Radio is the great friendships I have developed with other "HAMS".  You will not meet a more friendly group of people. 

Thanks to my wife Kim for her understanding of this affliction called "Ham Radio".

I currently serve as a the 2008 President of N6NA, the River City Amateur Radio Communications Society (RCARCS) www.n6na.org in Sacramento.  Please visit the N6NA website for meeting information.  If you are ever in the Sacramento area the first Tuesday of the month, please come and join us for our Monthly meeting.  We also meet for informal club breakfasts on the 3rd Saturday of the month after the RCARCS sponsored VE session.  Please email me for location if you are in the area.  We would welcome you joining us! 

With the recent elimination of the Element 1 portion of the Amateur Radio License process we have an excellent opportunity to expand the participation in our great hobby!  Whether or not you agree with the decision by the FCC, we as Amateur operators should embrace the opportunity to increase the participation in the HF portions of the bands.  Element 1 was a "stumbling" block for many excellent/quality operators.  The arguement that HF will now become "11 meters" is unfounded (as the last several months have proven).  Take the time to encourage the Technician Class operators to upgrade so they too can experience the fun of their first DX contact. 

***Don't forget to sign my GUESTBOOK!***

Hope to work you on HF!

73,

Andy (W6AWS)