Latest News

Club contract with Insite Towers is now available on website

RVWARS Club Documentation

Coming soon is RVWARS 501c3, Agreement with Village of Philmont and Articles of Incorporation.

Next regular RVWARS Meeting is Monday, Sept. 18, at the Churchtown Firehouse

Vice President Joe Sacco, KC2JMS, presided over the July 17 meeting. The updated Bylaws were presented to the members and after discussion a motion was made to accept the bylaws. Members with dues paid in full will soon receive an email to cast their vote on the changes

Club meetings are at 7 pm, at the Churchtown Firehouse, 2219 County Route 27 in the hamlet of Churchtown.

2017 Field Day Enjoyed by Many

Claverack--Field Day Chairman Pete Franklin, NX2X was pleased with the outcome of this year's field day event at Claverack Town Park in Mellenville.

Several members showed up early Saturday to setup the antennas and equipment and operate the rigs. The event kicked off at 2 pm. Pete said the the weather cooperated and the bands were very good.

The club operated 3A, or three transmitters at a maximum of 100 watts each. Pete, NX2X also operated his satellite station during several passes of Amateur satellites.

The site was visited by several members of the public, including some local officials.

The club even held an educational antenna building session where 2 meter ground plane antennas were made.

The attendees were well fed with an assortment of dishes including hot dogs, hamburgers and pepperoni subs as well as various salads. Sunday morning breakfast included sausage and eggs.

Breakdown and cleanup started at 2 pm on Sunday, by the weary, but satisfied crew. More details to follow as they become available.

Pete, NX2X and Club Vice President Joe Sacco, KC2JMS operating the rigs, while Dick Franklin, WB2UWR, (Pete's dad) looks on.

(l. to r.) Shelly Evans, AA2Y, Club President Wayne Gearing, K2WG and Jules Maday, K2KGJ administering the VE session held on Sunday.

Club Treasurer Jack Griffin. AA2JM. attending to the Field Day culinary duties.

RVWARS Members Participate in Scouting Event

CHATHAM--Members of Rip Van Winkle ARS participated in the Twin Rivers Council Spring Camporee on Saturday, May 20th, demonstating amateur radio for several scouts. Several contacts were made on voice and PSK-31, including first contacts by scouts. The event was held at the Chatham Fairgrounds.

Chris Carlsen, N2PBN, a long time participant with scouting, was joined by Barry Thompson, WA2KLP, Sean Madey, KD2GRA, Vincent "Otter" Vispo, KD2LIO and Marty Miller, N2LDR.

Several scouts look on as Sean Madey, KD2GRA makes a PSK-31 digital contact

Who said CW is dead...?

Constitution and Bylaws proposed revisions discussed at May 15th RVWARS Meeting

CHURCHTOWN--Secretary Christian Sweningsen gave the group a presentation about the thinking that went into the proposed changes to the club's Constitution and Bylaws. The Constitution and Bylaws Revisions Committee, comprised of Christian, Vice President Joe Sacco, KC2JMS, Shelly Evans, AA2Y and Sean Madey, KD2GRA, have met several times over the last few months to work out the proposed changes.

The membership will soon be emailed a Draft of the new Constitution and Bylaws Revisions, for comments. The membership will vote on them at the upcoming June 19th meeting.

Also, the June meeting is the last meeting before field day, so be sure to attend to get the latest info on this yearly event. The field day committee, headed by Pete Franklin, NX2X, will be meeting in the next two weeks to work out the details for field day which is scheduled to be held on June 24 and 25 at Claverack Town Park, on Church Street in Mellenville.

Secretary Christian Sweningsen, KD2LIN, President Wayne Gearing, K2WG and Treasurer Jack Griffin, AA2JM (from left) presiding over the May 15th RVWARS meeting.

Upcoming Special Event Station at Columbia County Fairgrounds !!

Event: Columbia County Fair

Call sign: K2F

Dates/Times: Starting August 30, 2017 at 10:00 hours, ending September 4, 2017 at 20:00 hours.

Location: Chatham, NY 12037

Frequencies: 3.850 MHz, 7.250 MHz, 14.245 MHz, 21.300 MHz and local VHF/UHF repeaters

Certificate/QSL Contact: Wayne F. Gearing - K2WG, 11 Real View Drive, East Chatham, NY 12060

Field Day 2016

2016 was another successful year for the Rippers at field day. Here are some of the moments.