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Thanks to all for a great Field Day 2008 ! *************
VISIT THE
NEW OFFICIAL ARRL
******** The MARC Website has been rated
by
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What is the MARC ? Since 1927, the Massillon Amateur Radio Club has been a diverse radio hobbyist club that is currently over 80 members strong. Active within our community as well as an ARRL Special Service Club, we are actively involved in many facets of Amateur Radio, including Public Service, Membership, Field Day, Repeaters, Amateur Television (ATV), Skywarn plus many other interests. Learn More.... Digital TV Is Coming !
Converting to DTV will also free up parts of the scarce and valuable broadcast spectrum. Those portions of the spectrum can then be used for other important services, such as public safety services and advanced wireless services. This may even benefit Amateur Radio by easing up the pressure these services have been placing on the FCC to re-alocate parts of our amateur bands to commercial service. TV stations serving all markets in the US are airing digital programming today, although most will continue to provide analog programming through February 17, 2009. At that point, full-power TV stations will cease broadcasting on their current analog channels, and the spectrum they use for analog broadcasting will be reclaimed and put to other uses. Many if not most of the members of the MARC subscribe to Massillon Cable TV (MCTV) although several are Satellite subscribers with the remainder still using traditional over-the-air TV antennas. If you are in the last group still using TV antennas to receive over-the-air signals on TV sets having only analog tuners you will need to obtain separate digital to analog set-top converter boxes to watch TV. These boxes receive digital signals and convert them into analog format for display on older style TV's. Analog sets connected to such converter boxes will display digital broadcasts, but not necessarily in the full, original digital quality. Between Jan 1, 2008 and March 31, 2009, all US households have been eligible to request up to two coupons, worth $40.00 each, to be used toward the purchase of up to two, digital to analog converter boxes. The coupons have an expiration date 90 days after mailing and must be used by that date. Many retailers carry these converter boxes for as little as $49.95 (with coupon only $9.95). Visit www.dtv2009.gov to get your coupons. If you are a subscriber to MCTV, this transition is a little easier. MCTV began the change from analog to digital technology almost 15 years ago when they installed a state-of-the-art fiber-optic broadcast cable system. Since then they have continued to enhance their system with the introduction of their high-speed internet service, digital TV and phone service, and High Definition TV (HDTV). Throughout this time they have continued to provide analog feeds to those customers still using old style TV sets. As of February 17, 2009 however, customers still using old style analog TV's will see their screen go dark unless they have obtained a converter box from MCTV. These simple boxes called the Mini-Max Converter will be provided at no cost for up to three TV's. If you already have a digital converter box in your home from MCTV, you're all set as these converters will continue to work. This will cover the set it's connected to however, any additional TV's in your home will need a set-top converter box. MCTV is contacting all of it's customers on a neighborhood by neighborhood basis to explain the transition to DTV. They have also setup a very detailed website that covers this transition to DTV and is located at www.dtvrollout.com . It would appear that Time Warner Cable TV subscribers will have it even easier during this DTV rollout and may not have to do anything at all. Have a look at their website at www.timewarnercable.com for complete links. There you find links explaining their transition to DTV service. Satellite subscribers already use special receivers to view programming but may need new DTV equipment to receive and view High Definition digital programming. You should check with your system provider for complete details. Complete details on the Digital TV transition can be found at www.dtv.gov. The ARRL received a request from the FCC asking that ARRL members provide technical assistance to their communities concerning the FCC-mandated DTV conversion. Click Here to read the full article. This MARC website article was written in an effort to provide this general assistance to both our club members and the community. QST To All Ohio Section Members
When we started this in 2006, we knew it would take a few
years. Making changes in the law and working through the political
system always takes time and patience. MARC Election Results
Current Vice-President Rodger Trompower, KA8FTS automatically advances to club President per club By-Laws. Replacing Rodger as V-P will be Carl Cunert, AB8CC. Elected in his first year of eligibility, Carl is an active club member and is looking forward to assisting with club operation in 2009. After holding the position of Treasurer for many years Anne Ballinger, N8GAF was ready for retirement and filling this important position will be long time member Joe Herrick, WD8BGW. Joe is active in both the club and many civic organizations including the Massillon Boy's Club as well as Captain of the Massillon Police Department. Current Secretary Dan Anastis, N8DZM was re-elected for another year. Finally out going President Scott McCamish, N3JJT was elected as our new Trustee. All officers will be officially installed during ceremonies held at our annual club banquet on January 10th. MARC Annual Awards Banquet
Dinner menu should be Swiss Steak and Chicken along with massed potatoes, vegetable, rolls, salad and hopefully some great pie for dessert. After dinner the highlight of the evening will be the presentation of the Annual Achievement Awards to recognize the contributions and accomplishments of deserving club members during 2008. And of course we can't forget the "FUN AWARDS" where we will poke a little good natured "FUN" at some deserving members for their unique accomplishments last year. The final event of the evening will be the introduction and swearing in of the Executive Board for 2009. Who will be the recipients of this years awards? The best way is to join us for our annual dinner, one of the best club fellowship activities we hold every year. This is an RSVP event. please contact club Treasurer Anne Ballinger, N8GAF at (330) 832 - 8612 or by email to w8au@sssnet.com with any questions or to make your reservations. You won't want to miss this gala event, please plan to join us ! Directions to the church are provided below. Massillon Holiday Parade
In the early years of the parade, we
provided only communications support to the Massillon JC’s
organization who handled the staging of all the parade units. When
they disbanded, the city struggled to find volunteers willing to
take on this task. Since the MARC handled communications support,
somehow we got nominated to take on this responsibility as well. A
few years later, Massillon Cable began filming the parade in
conjunction with the Massillon High School Communications
Department and again the club was called upon to assist with this
part of the parade also. Last minute omissions or changes to the
parade line up are passed on to the production crew so that the
announcers can follow along with the parade units. We had
experience with this as well as amateurs routinely handle staging
activities including TV production control relay duties at the
Hall of Fame Festival Kickoff Parade. The Holiday Parade has
depended on this ever since. Over the past several years the parade has
been sponsored by the Downtown Merchants Association with
President Donald Harwig serving as Parade Chairman. During this
time and before the club has always been there to make sure the
parade is properly staged and starts on time down the parade
route. We have become an integral part of the parade and I wonder
if they could pull it off without us. I’m glad to report another successful public service event with very few problems thanks to our communications and parade skills. Over 41 years and counting Santa has arrived in the city in no small part thanks to the MARC. Special thanks to the following club members for volunteering this year. They are; Wade – WD8MIU, Sarah – KC8ZCS, Scott – KC8ZCT, Gary – WC8W, Anne – N8GAF, Jim – WA8GXM, Terry – N8ATZ, Joe – WD8BGW (providing double duty as both amateur radio communications and his primary role for the Massillon Police Department), Igor – K8INN, Mike – KD8ENV, Rex – KD8ELX, Steve – KD8ACF, Don – W8DEF, Linda – K8MOO, Jason - KC8LIN, Scott – N3JJT, Carl – AB8CC, Mike – KD8ENV, Charlie – KB8STV and Communications Coordinator Perry – W8AU. Also assisting us this year from the Summitt Co ARES was Bruce Brown – KC8RKS. This event annually provides over 80 hours of community service. Field Day Results Are In !
2009 VEC Exam Schedule
Dates are as follows. February 28th and May 9th will be held at the EOC. August 29th at the Massillon Senior Citizens Center and October 25th at the Annual Massillon Hamfest. Additional details are covered on our VEC page. MARC HAMFEST
Thanks everyone for another great hamfest !. Complete details along with pictures of the event will follow in a few days. MARC Wins Ohio Newsletter Contest
Public Information Coordinator Emily Wells, KC8RAL officially announced this years newsletter winners at the September Ohio Section Conference. The Ohio Ham Radio Newsletter Contest, originated in 1992, is administered by the Public Information Coordinator, is not only conducted to reward excellence in our newsletters but to reward growth and improvement among all participants. Both printed and electronic based newsletters participate. This is the only such regular section newsletter contest among the 71 sections nationally in the ARRL. Points are awarded in categories with the intent to reward service and value to readers over attractiveness of display and editing. MARC newsletter editor Gary Kline, WC8W was surprised and grateful for this esteemed recognition and thanks his many regular contributors to the newsletter who also share in this achievement. Gary noted, "This award will certainly motivate myself and our contributors to continue to bring the members this award winning newsletter!" The club was awarded a certificate of achievement in recognition of our 2nd place finish. A Bit of Repeater History !
Since 1927, the Massillon Amateur Radio Club has been a diverse radio hobbyist club that is currently over 80 members strong. Active within our community as well as an ARRL Special Service Club, we are actively involved in many facets of Amateur Radio, including Public Service, Membership, Field Day, Repeaters, Amateur Television (ATV), Skywarn plus many other interests. You are welcome to join us at our monthly club meetings held on the first Friday of each month at 8:00 PM at the Massillon Senior Citizens Center, located at 39 Lincoln Way West, Massillon, Ohio 44647. We usually monitor the club's 147.18 repeater, give us a call and we'll guide you in ! MARC owns and operates repeaters
in the 2 meter and 70 centimeter bands. Our annual Hamfest
is held at the Massillon Boy's & Girls Club in Massillon. We have a large indoor
hamfest area, as well as ample outdoor parking. The prizes are
some of the best you'll find at any area hamfest and the bargains
are many.
Reach us at info@marcradio.org Number of Contacts with this site
Counter Courtesy of digits.com This page was last updated on 01/04/09 Site best viewed in 800 x 600 Resolution
2009 MARC
ARES®, Amateur Radio Emergency Service and the ARES logo are registered trademarks of the American Radio Relay League, Incorporated and are used by permission.
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Still Interested in looking at our Holiday webpage ? Click Here to have a look !
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(Dec 31, 2008) -- Actually,
it's already here. Many of the broadcast networks have been
transmitting digital in addition to standard analog television for
quite some time. Digital Television (DTV), is an advanced
broadcasting technology that will enhance everyone's viewing
experience. DTV enables broadcasters to offer television with
better picture and sound quality. It offers multiple programming
choices, something traditional analog TV can't provide.
(Nov 2, 2008) -- ARRL VE Gary Kline, WC8W has informed us
that the exam schedule for 2009 is set. 
(Nov 2, 2008) -- The MARC presents our 48th annual hamfest
on Sunday, October 26, 2008.
(Oct 5, 2008) -- Congratulations to the Massillon Amateur
Radio Club and newsletter editor Gary Kline, WC8W on achieving 2nd
Place in the Ohio Section Annual Newsletter Contest. The club
missed first place by only a single point.
The
clubs 147.18 Repeater is the high profile wide area
coverage repeater in Western Stark county and has been for quite
some time. But it wasn't always so, in fact at one time it was not
even a repeater at all ! Learn about the colorful history of
the repeater thanks to an early issue of the clubs newsletter that
I recently found. 
The
club owns an emergency response 
Greetings
from Jim Weaver, K8JE your ARRL Great Lakes
Director.
