NAQP and such

There's a lot going on radio wise this weekend.  I worked the NAQP phone contest a bit.   For my casual contesting approach, the N3FJP suite of contest programs works great.  I was able to easily update to the latest NAQP software and get rig control up and running using shared settings.  I tried to use rig transmit feature of the software, using .wav files to send my call and exchange.  While the software keys my rig (TS590s) the microphone input was active and not the radios sound card.  I suspect this a rig control issue and not an N3FJP software concern.   I ended up working the contesst "live" without problems.   I like the contest because it's designed for low power, 100 watts or less.  However, I can't help but think I was often competing with QRO stations who were 20+ dB over on my S meter.  Maybe folks don't read the rules?

I checked into the Empire Slow net on 3.569 at 1800h local time and got a warm welcome from Anne - much appreciated.  I then had an opportunity to receive some traffic on our local NTS VHF traffic net WESCON.  Thanks to Lee KB1NAL who is very active on VHF packet in our region.

Connecticut ARES Information Net - ARES Connect

Announcement for CT ARES Informational Net 
ARES Connect
Information Session by W8ZY, CT SEC

ARES Connect is a new volunteer management system being developed by ARRL.  ARES Connect will allow each ARES Group to track their membership, training, activities, etc through a national online reporting platform.  ARES Groups (State, Region, Local Emergency Coordinators) will register on ARES Connect with a unique identifier number.  This program will be constructed throughout 2018, and implemented January 2019.  Only ARES Groups will require a unique identifier.   Application forms for ARES Connect IDs will be postedon the ARRL website.  Individual  ARES members will be able to develop a member profile in the future, but do not require an ARES Connect ID.   More information will follow.