How does the Playground Team take flight? We go to an air show! Our fellow member Steve and his friend Joe went to Wichita Falls Texas and attended an air show for a fun day  on a flight line ramp and spectacular aerial performance!

The purpose of an air show is to demonstrate the capabilities of military and civilian aircraft through aerial displays and static exhibitions. This helps raise public awareness and appreciation for aviation technology and achievements. This same “give back” is the mantra of Amateur Radio and all of our capabilities. While not necessarily Ham related, the take away here should be that we all share. It provides a sense of purpose and meaning in life by allowing you to make a positive impact on causes you care about and serve your community. Volunteering gives a feeling of accomplishment and pride.

Thanks Steve for sharing aspects of life you enjoy and being a valuable part of the Playground Amateur Radio Club!

Hey and howdy fellow communications enthusiasts!

Today we met up once again for our weekly Pile-Up! Contacts were made, new members signed up, and of course, the excitement of multiple projects! The continuation of working on Wires-X, repairing members coaxial runs, reviewing rotators and controllers with new hams, looking up the callsigns of recent contacts and seeing their shacks (virtually of course). Believe it or not, there’s more! Our members help each other out and we went over and performed some minor vehicle repairs as well! We are more than just an Amateur Radio Club, we are participants that matter in each others lives.

As we continue to expand our horizons into our ever evolving hobby we encourage lifelong learning and intellectual growth. By pursuing new interests and challenging ourselves, we open up avenues for continual learning and development. We build meaningful connections and expand our social circles. Joining clubs, classes or online communities related to our hobbies allows us to meet new people who share our passions. This can lead to the formation of new friendships, collaborations and a broader understanding of different perspectives.

Find your passion, find your area of expertise, and share it with others. You never know who you inspire, or what you will learn!

Meet the Moroccan Ham!

KC4R, John,  originally licensed as WA4RHU in Morocco while deployed on active duty with the United States Navy in 1963 (20 year Veteran) had not only the Playground Team but the North Okaloosa Team come out for completion work on a beam and rotor install (from a previous build) located in gorgeous Gulf Breeze Florida!

While in Morocco John recalls details of DX’ing along with the former King of Morocco CN8MH! That’s right!!! Amateur Radio is fit for a King and for all of you as well (depicted below)!

The stacks of the QSL cards that John has offers a long history and informational view point of how the hobby has evolved over the years and remained worthy of the crown! Depicted below is KI4ZER, KN4UDS, KQ4FRB and Michelle (studying in progressish). As you can see in the photos, John’s shack has great equipment and is simple to use. His tilt over tower and beam are manual crank (like the catapults you’ll still find in Morocco! <-True Story, look it up! The weather was perfect for this task and the shade provided by a beautiful tree!

Be sure to listen for John, KC4R in CW across the bands but this time, from the wonderful coast of Florida!