THE SPARK GAP

A monthly publication of the Meridian Amateur Radio Club November 2025

 

 Bible Verse

Two Kinds of Wisdom

James 3:13-18 --- Who is wise and understanding among you? Let them show it by their good life, by deeds done in the humility that comes from wisdom. But if you harbor bitter envy and selfish ambition in your hearts, do not boast about it or deny the truth. Such “wisdom” does not come down from heaven but is earthly, unspiritual, demonic.

For where you have envy and selfish ambition, there you find disorder and every evil practice. But the wisdom that comes from heaven is first of all pure; then peace-loving, considerate, submissive, full of mercy and good fruit, impartial and sincere. Peacemakers who sow in peace reap a harvest of righteousness.

 

President's Report

Greetings fellow HAMS,

To start I'd like to recognize our Vice President Buford Rochester KI5HCM who has done a great job on our ARRL grant and mailed it off. Prayers and finger crossings are now needed for its success.

At our next meeting we should make our final preparations for the Collinsville Winter Festival. Also, if time allows, I would like to have a "show and tell" at our next and possible future meetings. I've already seen some very interesting projects from you.

Our next meeting will be November the 1st at the Queen City truck stop side dining room. We will be ready at 9am for breakfast, drink and social. Looking forward to seeing you there.

73's
Wayne Myhre KC5HPU

 

Next MARC Business Meeting

IMPORTANT NOTE: MEETING TIME AND LOCATION

The next business meeting will be held in the side room at the Queen City Truck Stop from 9am until... on Saturday November 1st. Come join us for breakfast, coffee, and fellowship.

 

JS8CALL

“If anyone would like to learn more about the new weak signal mode, JS8CALL, please contact Fred, WB5BNV. I’m good in QRZ.”

Thanks Bnv

What JS8Call Does

• Enables text-based communication over HF (short wave) radio using weak-signal digital modes.

• Operates where voice or other data modes might fail — ideal for low-power, long-distance, or emergency communication.

• Uses the same modulation as FT8, but supports free-text messaging, directed messages, and automatic relaying.

 

 

Meridian ARRL Volunteer Exams

The next testing date is: Nov 22, 2025

Testing begins at 10:00AM. 

Location: Lauderdale County EOC (LEMA)
2525 14th Street
Meridian, MS 39301

Pre-Registration preferred. Please call or email Eldon Richardson if you are interested in testing: Email or call (601) 227-6690

 

2025 Repeater Roundup

From AG5ND in Starkville. The 2025 Repeater Roundup will be on Nov. 1, from 7 AM until 7 PM. That's 12 hours to work as many repeaters as possible, log lots of QSOs, and snag some helpful multipliers.

We'd like to see as much of North Mississippi as possible take part, which means adding more repeaters. It needs to be a challenge, but still something a new ham can enter and not only have fun but also rack up some serious points. This is a contest for all Hams, regardless of experience or gear. A handheld Baofeng can do just as well as an Icom 820H, if the Ham is willing to put in the miles and the effort.

Last year, some folks wanted to see more repeaters added to the list, so here is your chance to shape the future. If you'd like to suggest a 2 meter or 440 repeater for the Roundup, email your suggestions to ag5nd@arrl.net. Last year's repeater list is available from ag5nd at the same email address.

 

Alabama Pecan Festival Special Event - W4P

 

Presenting - The Third Annual Alabama Pecan Festival Special Event 2025

Mobile, Alabama

Celebrating the growing, harvesting and sale of Pecans in Alabama - and all the goodies made from them.

Hosted by The Mobile Amateur Radio Club - and - Deep South Amateur Radio Club

The Alabama Pecan Festival is gearing up for another year of live music, rides, and well, pecans. The annual event will kick off on Friday, Nov. 7, and run to Sunday, Nov. 9. It will take place at the W. C. Griggs Elementary School.The event offers various vendors, food, animals, antique vehicles, model railroads, and lots of pecans. Attendees can also expect free admission and parking.

Look for W4P mainly on 40 an 20 meters SSB. Other bands depending on propagation.

Beautiful QSL Cards for the event can be had by sending an SASE to:

Alabama Pecan Festival
6674 Hwy 19N
Meridian, MS 39305

 

Upcoming Hamfest

November 8, 2025
Montgomery ARC Hamfest
Alcazar Shrine Temple
555 Eastern Boulevard
Montgomery, AL 36101
Web site: https://w4ap.org/marc/index.php/hamfest/hamfest-2023

January 30-31, 2026
Capital City Hamfest, , POC: AK5J

 

Reminder

A free, weekly, live, Amateur Radio General Class Licensing course on Zoom will begin on Thursday, October 30 and will run through Thursday, January 8 (9 sessions with no class on Thanksgiving or Christmas). The three-hour sessions will start at 6:30 PM Eastern Time.

These are the classes that we have been holding for years sponsored by the Amateur Radio Club of the National Electronics Museum. Participants in the course should have or be studying for the Amateur Radio Technician license. Those wishing to sign up should email roland.anders@comcast.net.

 

Quote of the Month

“November’s sky is chill and drear, November’s leaf is red and sear.” – Sir Walter Scott

 

Have a BLESSED month!