Hamming From The RV — The Amateur Radio Chapter

By Dick Stroud, F152667, W9SR

Have you ever parked at an FMCA convention near a coach that sported a high antenna with strange call letters prominently displayed on the back? You probably were near one of the hundreds of FMCA members who pursue ham radio as another hobby. Of these, most are members of the Amateur Radio Chapter (ARC).

Hams, or amateur operators who are licensed and regulated by the Federal Communications Commission (FCC), are known by their call letters, which begin with the letters A, K, N, or W in the United States. Many motor coaches sport two sets of call letters — one each for the husband and wife if they're both amateur operators.

Hams are known the world over for their public service in times of disaster. FMCA members who belong to the ARC are no exception. Several are involved as official weather observers and are active in Emergency Preparedness planning and drills. Their expertise and equipment are available at any time in case of an emergency.

The chapter publishes a quarterly newsletter called "The Transmitter," which introduces and welcomes new members, contains such items as technical articles relating to radio and motorhomes, discusses upcoming rallies, and chronicles member activities. There is also a section dedicated to women's activities, which includes favorite recipes and craft projects.

The majority of our members are retired and come from a wide variety of occupations, including law, law enforcement, farming, and teaching. We hold at least two rallies per year, normally near the FMCA international conventions. Our rallies are like most, with plenty of food and fellowship, but we also hold radio and technical seminars, take tours to local places of interest, and include flea markets oriented toward electronics. Adjusting and checking antennas is one of our regular activities. The ladies often have a course on various craft projects, and many craft items appear at the flea market. In addition, we often contact local radio clubs and invite them to get-acquainted activities, such as a cookout or flea market visit.

Each day we hold on-the-air "nets" with a specific time scheduled for the women (YLs, or "young ladies") and then for the men (OMs, or "old men"). On these nets we can keep in daily contact with other chapter members, seek answers to RV and radio problems, and generally socialize, either from the home station or the motorhome. On the VHF (very high frequency) we have a maximum range of approximately 20 to 25 miles between coaches while traveling in a convoy. Towed cars are also equipped with FM equipment, which makes it convenient when the OM is sent out for groceries!

On a larger scale, the range of the HF (high frequency) equipment is essentially unlimited; contacts across North America are an everyday occurrence, and contacts to countries such as Europe and Australia are not uncommon. It is permitted to handle third-party traffic from most countries, but a few are restricted by regulations. Band conditions greatly influence the distances obtained on the HF frequencies. Conditions vary depending on the time of day, the season, and sunspot numbers.

The coach antenna for VHF equipment is short, usually about 19 inches long, while the HF antenna can be rather elaborate and several feet high. The longer antennas normally nest on the top of the coaches for travel and are raised into the operating position, either manually or with a motor drive, when the motorhomes are parked. Once when we were parked, an onlooker gazed at our 23-foot antenna and asked seriously, "How do you get through bridges?" I couldn't resist saying, "We have to get a running start!"

Membership in the ARC is open to any FMCA member whose hobby is amateur radio. Our Web site (www.rvweb.net/club/fmcarc/index.html) offers information about the chapter, lists upcoming rallies, shows links of interest, and contains application forms. The chapter normally presents a seminar at FMCA's international conventions with information for those interested in becoming a ham and also conducts license exams during the conventions.

If you have questions about the Amateur Radio Chapter, call FMCA's Chapter Services Department at (800) 543-3622.