Uncategorised
- Details
- Written by: Gerry, KG8RRY
- Category: Uncategorised
- Hits: 5140
Are you considering becoming a Ham Operator?
Becoming a Ham Operator has several advantages, such as:
-
Emergency Communications: During natural disasters or emergencies, amateur radio operators can provide communication when traditional communication methods are down.
-
Technology: It is a great way to get hands-on experience with radio and communication technology.
-
Ham radio operators can join clubs or groups where they can meet like-minded people and participate in events and contests.
-
Personal Development: It also builds skills such as communication, problem-solving, and technical expertise.
Amateur Radio is an exciting hobby that continues to grow in popularity. It provides opportunities for personal growth, education, and building relationships with people all over the world.
Join the Massillon Amateur Radio Club on the first Friday of each month for our monthly get together! And for more information about our club visit our Facebook page or email:
- Details
- Written by: admin
- Category: Uncategorised
- Hits: 4978
“If you don’t like change, you’re going to like irrelevance even less.” (General Eric Shinseki – U.S. ARMY)
Things move fast these days in almost every aspect. It seems that some days can be a blur, leaving us wondering if everything is out of control. I read an article recently that mentioned we have at our fingertips (cell phones, computers, Google etc.) more information available in a single hour than the average 80-year could forgather in an entire lifetime of reading books, attending universities, or studying giant manuals of engineering or scientific theories! This wasn’t all that long ago! While not all of this “information” is helpful or even useful, it is sometimes difficult to summarize it all and put it to work in any practical way.
With everything moving at the speed of light, how do we make heads or tails of what needs to be accomplished ? First and foremost, we can’t be afraid of change. But this change can come at us at a pace that can feel awkward, uncomfortable and in a manner that we aren’t used to digesting.
The current generation is often referred to as the “microwave generation.” -- Seemingly, void of much thought, difficulty or sacrifice. Pushing a few buttons and obtaining an “answer” to just about anything feels like the norm. We're not talking about this kind of "change" - which can be noisy or without regard to thoughtfulness, lacks wisdom or is whimsical.
How does any of this relate to the world of amateur radio or the Massillon Amateur Radio Club ? No matter the pace of the information flow (or change), what we can provide is nearly 100 years of solid, consistent and thoughtful growth. In almost a century we’ve been able to hold onto the most important aspects that have served us well, and will take us well beyond next 100 years. This is one particular aspect that we hope will never change. But, If we continue to challenge ourselves to work on getting better at change – the sky is the limit!
Communication is the hallmark of any organization, and we don’t always succeed in our own organization. Doing this with a real, live human being is where the challenge always lies. Tom Sly (WB8LCD – ARRL Section Manager) gave a recent talk at a hamfest forum. He shared - “That for a hobby that focuses on communication, we aren’t very good at it most of the time.” With everyone having a thought, an idea, a suggestion, or a solution to just about everything we’re trying to accomplish, how do we make anything work at all? This can make any change even more difficult.
I would suggest that sometimes in order to go faster, move farther, or remain relevant, that we slow down and listen, even in the face of all of the ongoing, fast-paced changes! Listening seems to be a lost art these days. We’re all eager to provide that lightning-bolt of an answer. I’m my own worst enemy at times, but I work on being a better “listener” every single day!
But, if we don’t “listen” to the newest voice or a different idea for change, we can easily slide back into the old routine of “this is how we’ve always done it,” forfeiting even a flicker of a solution that could possibly be transforming in a million ways!
We aren’t in competition with anyone (…except actual operating events – hi, hi). We aren’t trying to be the biggest or the smartest. We aren’t trying to be just like the “so and so” club. We aren’t trying to “out-do” anyone. We aren’t searching to be in the limelight. What we ARE, is a place and a space for people to feel welcome and to be encouraged to grow and learn at whatever pace someone chooses to pursue. Our biggest challenge is listening to someone new who may well in fact provide a solution (change) to something we’ve thought we couldn’t tackle in almost 100 years!
It isn’t particularly helpful or positive to keep mentioning that many amateur radio clubs across the country are continuing to fade, and in some cases, completely fold. My speculation is that in many situations, change is not happening. If MARC is going to continue to be a strong, vibrant, growing and relevant organization, we cannot stand against change! This is not a haphazard path and without restriction kind-of-change. We have benchmarks and checks-and-balances in place to facilitate smooth movement forward! We want everyone to feel that their contribution is acceptable and know that we are good listeners!
In a 2002 book written by Jason Jennings (in referring to organizations) he wrote a book titled -- “It’s not the BIG that eat the small, It’s the FAST that eat the SLOW”! While we’re not in a race (other than the human race), we can all work on being better at CHANGE -- But, maybe at a little faster pace than we’re used to!
73,
Don Rankl – N8IVJ
- Details
- Written by: KG8RRY
- Category: Uncategorised
- Hits: 4353
MARC is recognized by the ARRL as a Special Service Club (SSC). You may be wondering, “What is an SSC, and how does this affect me?”
What is a Special Service Club?
A club that exists to go above and beyond for their communities and for Amateur Radio is what defines a Special Service Club (SSC). They are the leaders in their Amateur Radio communities who provide active training classes, publicity programs, and actively pursue technical projects and operating activities.
What about MARC?
As an ARRL Special Service Club, we have met our agreement to develop our skills in specified areas during the past two years in accordance with the guidelines in the ARRL SSC Active Club On-Line Primer.
We have worked closely with our Affiliated Club Coordinator throughout the year to develop these skills. We schedule regular, active training classes to help prospective hams study to pass their required FCC license testing. We have a recently improved publicity program to educate the community with regards to our function.
We have club members who actively pursue technical projects and operating activities. We sponsor and participate in important ARRL and hobby related events such as Field Day.
Bottom Line
How can MARC assist you in your ham radio journey? Let us know by sending us a note at:
- Details
- Written by: admin
- Category: Uncategorised
- Hits: 6165
Here is our MARC Club newsletter, The FEEDBACK.
2025
| January | February | March | April | May | June |
| July |
2024
| January | February | March | April | May | June |
| July | August | September | October | Nov/December |
2022
| None | None | March | April | May | June |
| July | August | September | November | December |
2023
| Jan | February | March | April | May | June |
| July | August | September | October | November | December |