2023

A lift truck from the park and a JARC work party was used to address the following.
One of the SteppIR 40/30 sweeps was reinstalled and the other sweep was secured.
Classic – This antenna was removed from the utility pole
Six Meter Beam – This antenna was removed from the utility pole and is currently being rebuilt.
An agreement has been reached with SELCOM which provides a
DMR repeater for those in the Metairie/Jefferson area that wish to use DMR, YSF, or P25.
In support of disaster communications SELCOM is currently in the process of obtaining additional internet access for the systems at Ochsner Hospital that are on generator backup.
A Winlink/Packet/APRS system is in the works and will be completed prior to hurricane season. Equipment for a Winlink/packet station at the clubhouse has been approved and is in progress.
Cell Tower Maintenance – The cell company was contacted regarding maintenance of the tower including replacing missing and loose bolts. The cell company agreed to do the work and has completed the project
ARRL DX - Eight members used callsign W5GAD in the two weekends to work 102 different entities using CW and SSB to achieve DXCC in two weekends!
Katrina-Ida Special Event – several operators participated in the second year of this special event organized by Brian
ARRL Field Day – Eight operators made 743 QSOs on 7 bands using 3 stations.
ARRL Sweepstakes (CW/SSB) - A total of nine members operated W5GAD in the sweepstakes.
The SSB group made a clean sweep by working all 85 sections.
The CW group focused on QSO rate, making over 800 QSOs but missed a clean sweep by two
NAQP(CW/SSB) - Ten members (aged 10 – 80) operated W5GAD in the August NAQP.
ARRL VOTA Program - A member operated as W1AW/5
The club participated in Give NOLA Day
A scout troop was hosted at the clubhouse
JARC Net – the number of check-ins ranged between 8-12 on a fairly regular basis
Provided support to a Texas group interested in our experience with on-line testing
Completed the Selcom Agreement which provides a DMR repeater for those in the Metairie/Jefferson area that want to use DMR,YSF or P25. SELCOM is working on getting additional internet access for the systems at Ochsner Hospital that are on generator backup for disasters .
Website – An IT group was formed to address problems with administration of the website.
The VEC successfully transitioned to web-based in-person testing which is more compliant with the FCC requirements for creating a unique test for every applicant. Expenses have been reduced to the extent that we only charge $5 per applicant regardless of number of tests passed..
ARRL DX - Eight members used callsign W5GAD in the two weekends to work 102 different entities using CW and SSB achieving DXCC in two weekends!
Katrina-Ida Special Event –second year of this special event organized by Brian - KG5GJT
ARRL Field Day – Eight operators made 743 QSOs on 7 bands using 3 stations.
ARRL VOTA Program - One member operated as W1AW/5 in support of the VOTA program
NAQP (CW & SSB) - A total of ten members operated W5GAD in the North American QSO Parties
ARRL Sweepstakes (CW/SSB) - A total of nine members operated W5GAD in the sweepstakes. The SSB group made a clean sweep by focusing on that goal. The CW group focused on QSO rate, making over 800 QSOs but missed a clean sweep by being unable, or forgetting, to work two of the eighty-five sections.

2022

COVID

2021

COVID

2020

Satellite Contact Expedition to EL58 (mouth of the river)…....Brian,KG5GJT
Photos of the Midway Island DXpedition .…………………….David, W5XU
DXpedition to Cat Island and Isl du Pitre……………….…….. Hickey, W5ULR
FT8 (Digital radio mode) Round table……………Doug, WF5O, Mike, K5DKQ, Brian, KG5GJT
Station Grounding Theory and Practice……………………...Doug, WF5O
CW Study Group……………………………………………...Chuck, NO5W, Jim, N5HZ
How to DX …………..………………………………………. John, AG5JW, Jim, W5TUF
ZOOM Training Lecture ……………………………………...Chris, W5CMM
Photo Tour of Italy’s Begali Key Factory……………………..Jim, N5HZ
HamNation podcast and HamTalk presentations ...…………...Jim, N5HZ
LA QSO Party in early April, LA operators earn credit for contacts
LA Purchase Event in late April commerating the Louisiana Purchase
Weekly CW-ops (Morse Code practice)
444 MHz FM Weekly Net for member check-in and Amateur Radio News
D-Star (digital radio) Monthly Net
Encouraged home station operating and mobile set ups
Remote Field Station development and implementation by setting radios up at various locations
(Stay at Home) Field Day using “Genie” sign up
Contest University training on YouTube
CW/SSB (Morse Code/Voice) ARRL Sweepstakes Contest
NAQP CW contest (North American Contact Party) using Morse Code
IARU Championship (International Amateur Radio Union) worldwide contest
Slowly over the year members worked diligently to add drainage and pumps outside the club house. All termite damaged wood inside was removed and replaced with non-wood, the floor cleaned and painted, sheet rock and water proof panels replaced the damaged walls. Ceiling tiles were replaced. New tables for stations were purchased. The electrical system was attended to. The metal building and all equipment has a new central radio grounding system. This was accomplished with notable project leaders and several member contributors. Here are a few leader names:

Club Renovation………………………………...Joe, KG5EFR
Station Construction……………………………..Doug, WF5O
Operating Guidance……………………………...Chuck, NO5W
Electrical Review ..………………………………Don, WA5W
Security System Replaced ...……………………..Ron, KG5LQ
Computers and Network replaced with new ……..Chris, W5CMM
Generous equipment donations from ………...…. Walt N5NV, John W5ZE, and Del ND5L

2019

Museum Ships Weekend (in conjunction with the Ozone Amateur Radio Club) – June
Lighthouse & Lightships Weekend – August
ARRL Field Day – June
North American QSO Party SSB – August
Tested at least monthly throughout the year and had ~50* successful passers for new, upgrade or renewal licenses.
Instituted branch testing group on the New Orleans Westbank.
Instituted the first JARC-VEC Policies and Procedures Handbook.
Participated with National Conference of VECs on annual phone conference. e. Fully implemented the new Form 605 from NCVEC.
Adopted new software for FCC internet submission of testing results. g. Instituted new testing pricing of $10 for adults, $0 for 17 and under for 2019. 6.
Equipment for WIRES-X room purchased and installed.
Star Wars Night at JARC – May 4
Mini Makers Faire – May
Contraflow – November
Provided software support for CW Pileup Competition at Dayton - May
Provided software Support for CW Pileup Competition at Orlando Hamcation – February
Participation in the annual Simulated Emergency Test.
Field Day.
2 Public Service Events (mentioned above)
Regular participation in ARES conferences at ham fests and conference calls
19 of 37 Region 1 ARES members are also active members in JARC
Development of quarterly drills in conjunction with JARC (in progress)
Maintenance:

a. Building gutted to the external walls.
b. New metal doors, both front and back were installed.
c. Closed-cell spray insulation installed on walls.
d. New electrical wiring and computer network wiring installed.
e. Electrical, network, and A/V outlets were installed.
f. New drop ceiling installed.
g. Metal base for the air conditioner was fabricated and installed.
h. Double-Reflective insulation installed above drop ceiling.
i. Sheetrock and pressure-treated plywood was hung on walls and painted. j. Floors were ground and epoxy paint was applied.
k. Wireless access point was purchased and mounted.
l. Trim boards installed.
m. Computer networking rack and associated equipment (UPS, surveillance DVR and cameras, and shelving) purchased. Installation was started.
n. Cement walkway and old generator platform behind the building were demolished.

2018

Eight JARC members provided communications support for the MS-150 bicycle race – 10/6-7/2018
“All The Way in a Day” one day Technician study and review session - 7/28/2018 and 12/29/2018
Jamboree on the Air (JOTA) - October
ARRL Sweepstakes SSB – November
Museum Ships Weekend – June
Lighthouse & Lightships Weekend – August
WW2 Museum Radio Days – September
One Day Technician Training Program
Five (5) members attended the D-Star “Triple D + 1” symposium in Lafayette on 5/5/2018
Maintenance:

Two (2) new Yaesu repeaters acquired and installed, replacing existing repeaters.
Icom IC-7300 HF Transceiver purchased and installed.
Icom IC-7100 HF/VHF/UHF Transceiver purchased and installed.
Two (2) MFJ-993B autotuners purchased and installed.
Flex 3000 transceiver on loan from N5HZ/K1DW.
Both Icom IC-756 Pro III HF transceivers sold.
Kenwood TS-2000 HF/VHF/UHF transceiver sold.
Hy-Gain AV-640 vertical antenna relocated.
80m/40m fan dipole built by WF5O installed on cell tower.
Large inventory of surplus equipment sold to club members.
Flood gate installed.
Front door rehung.

2017

a) North American QSO Party (NAQP) - CW January
b) Louisiana QSO Party - March
c) Museum Ships Weekend at PT-305 – June
d) ARRL Field Day
e) NAQP - CW August
f) NAQP - SSB August
g) Solar Eclipse QSO Party - August
h) Lighthouse/Lightship Weekend at New Canal Lighthouse - August i) CW Ops CWOpen - September
j) Jamboree On the Air (JOTA) – October
k) WWII Air, Land and Sea Festival Special Event Station - October
l) ARRL Sweepstakes CW - November
m) ARRL Sweepstakes SSB - November
n) CW Ops CWT - Many (~50)
July- a group operated from KN5O as one of the ARRL HQ Stations in the IARU HF Championships
March - two members participated as a mobile in the Louisiana QSO Party c) April - two members participated as a mobile in the Mississippi QSO Party d) April - two members participated as a mobile in the Florida QSO Party e) December two members participated in the Stew Perry Top Band (160) Challenge 4) Public Service Events
Mardi Gras 2017 – assist New Orleans office of Emergency Preparedness
Assisted City of New Orleans in Evacuation Exercise – May 17, 2017
Assisted Region 9 ARES with Water Rescue Drill-September 14, 2017
Assisted Region 9 ARES with Antenna Installation at Tangipahoa EOC 5)
Stennis Space Center Tour, July 29, 2017
Special Technician Exam Session after one-day Study Session
Participation at the National Volunteer Examiner Conference
Field Day – June 2017
Jamboree on the Air, Scouts visit club October 22, 2017.
Governmental Affairs

a) Meeting with Council Woman on Cooperative Endeavour Agreement – March 6, 2017
b) Cooperative Endeavour Agreement Approved by Council and signed
c) Meeting with Jefferson Parish Recreation Department staff on various issues d) Council Woman Van Vranken visits club to view Flood Damage

Emergency Preparedness

a) NOAA Hurricane Conference, March 19, 2017
b) Participation in ARES Conference Calls throughout year

Maintenance:

a) Termite Damage and remedial repairs to ceiling
b) Flooding at Building
c) Installation of Sandbags to prevent Flooding

Repeater Maintenance/Acquisition

a) Repair to Fusion DR-1X 444.000 Repeater
b) 444.000 Antenna Relocated
c) 444.000 Duplexers repaired
d) DStar 2m Module returned for repair and tuning
e) Club approves purchase of new VHF/UHF Antennas for Tower

Equipment Maintenance/Acquisition

a) 756 Pro III repaired
b) VHF/UHF Stations Installed and Fine Tuned
c) VHF/UHF Antennas Installed at club
d) Echolink connection testing ongoing
e) Antenna Tuner Repaired
f) Receiver Guards Installed
g) Windom Repaired
h) Coax Replaced on various antennas
i) Two new HF Radios acquired, IC-7100 and IC-7300

2016

Contesting – The club participated in a number of contests including:

North American QSO Party - CW
ARRL Sweepstakes – CW
ARRL Sweepstakes – SSB
Several State QSO Parties
Weekly CWops CWT

Field Day – The Club operated Field Day from the clubhouse as a 3E station (3 transmitters on emergency power) capturing 1st place in 3E – LA, 1st place in 3E-Delta Division, 4th place overall in LA, 4th in 3E in North America, 21st in all categories in Delta Division, and 240th in all categories in North America.

The club operated under a special Call Sign W5G and celebrated it’s 60th Anniversary during Field Day.

National Parks on the Air – Club members activated two National Park units in recognition of the 100th Anniversary of the National Park Service. Two activations of Chalmette Battlefield (unit of Jean Lafitte National Park) and an activation of the New Orleans Jazz Heritage Park resulted in 502 SSB contacts and 216 CQ contacts. Several members attained “activator” and “chaser” status during this national year-long event.

International Lighthouse/Lightship Weekend – JARC members activated the New Canal Lighthouse (historic Lighthouse) on the New Orleans Lakefront over a two-day period to participate in this event. Members made several HF contacts during this activation.

Public Service Events - JARC members provided communications support assisting the New Orleans Office of Emergency Preparedness during Mardi Gras 2016. Members staffed First Aid/Lost Child Stations along the parade route and operated within the Mobile Command Post.

Members assisted the Southeast Louisiana Amateur Club with communications support during the Special Olympics in Hammond, LA in May and during the MS150 Bicycle Ride in October.

JARC members participated in the annual Simulated Emergency Drill in Louisiana.

Antenna Work – The Steppir IR control box was damaged during a lightning strike and a new box was acquired, installed and calibrated. In addition, the antenna control is now synced with the IC-756 Pro III to adjust antenna element length when frequency or band is changed.

Operating Positions – VHF and UHF stations were installed and new digital radios were acquired. The Icom ID-1 1.2ghz and Kenwood D710 were installed along with a new PC to use for digital operations on these rigs. In addition, an Icom ID-5100 DStar and a Yaesu FTM-450 Fusion, both VHF/UHF radios were acquired and installed. New antennas need to be acquired and installed to make this operating position fully functional.

Station grounding issues were resolved prior to Field Day.

Building Improvements – Andrew Vincent, the son of SK Chris Vincent and an Eagle Boy Scout lead several work parties to clean up the club grounds. Scouts removed trash and broken antennas from the club yard, power washed the club and storage building and painted both buildings. Club members also routinely attempt to mitigate termite infestations with routine spray of insecticides. Cosmetic damage to the building south side wall was repaired prior to Field Day. The club continues to be prone to flooding whenever Jefferson Parish uses the park as a flood reservoir.

Education – JARC members led an Extra Class Study Group in March and April. JARC instructors taught a Technician Level Licensing Class in May and June.

Parish Relations – JARC members are working with the Jefferson Parish Council were successful in have a Portable Toilet installed in close proximity to the club. Negotiations are underway to install a “handrail” and renegotiate the club lease for future occupancy.

Volunteer Examination Committee – JARC VE’s conducted monthly examination sessions offering tests to 41 individuals during 2016. A new VEC Manual was produced to provide guidelines for VE activities.