Category Archives: Club News

In our nation’s present highly contentious political climate, we are surrounded by controversy and incivility amplified and broadcast for all the world to see and hear. Despite this uncomfortable reality, I am continually impressed by the kindness of most of our local radio operators both on the air and off. Despite the tremendous diversity of our individual backgrounds, opinions, experiences, education and interests, our local radio operators can be counted on for civility and professionalism. With this new year comes a new beginning and opportunities to reaffirm our commitment to a welcoming, inclusive and respectful community of radio amateurs. In today’s video, Dave Casler – KEØOG, the famed licence course YouTuber, reminded his viewers of The Radio Amateur’s Code, which is printed in each edition of the ARRL Handbook. I hope you’ll take a moment to re-read this 93-year-old code and continue your noble efforts to amplify and transmit civility. We are all a part of ensuring fraternity, friendship and goodwill here on the K6TZ repeater network and on airwaves across the globe in 2021 and beyond. The Radio Amateur is CONSIDERATE…He/[She] never knowingly operates in such a way as to lessen the pleasure of others. LOYAL…He/[She] offers loyalty, encouragement and support to other amateurs, local clubs, the IARU Radio Society in his/[her] country, through which Amateur Radio in his/[her] country is represented nationally and internationally. PROGRESSIVE…He/[She] keeps his/[her] station up to date. It is well-built and efficient. His/[Her] operating practice is above reproach. FRIENDLY…He/[She] operates slowly and patiently when requested; offers friendly advice and counsel to beginners; kind assistance, cooperation and consideration for the interests of others. These are the marks of the amateur spirit. BALANCED…Radio is a hobby, never interfering with duties owed to family, job, school or community. PATRIOTIC…His/[Her] station and skills are always ready for service to country and community. – adapted from the original Amateur’s Code, written by Paul M. Segal, W9EEA, in 1928   Levi C. Maaia, K6LCM K6TZ Trustee

On Saturday, January 2, 2021, SBARC President Brian Milburn (K6BPM) presented Bill Talanian (W1UUQ) with a plaque dedicating the Club’s communications facility atop the Mesa in Bill’s name. Bill has worked tirelessly for decades as the K6TZ trustee. Due in a major part to Bill’s efforts, SBARC maintains repeaters and data systems at prime locations throughout Santa Barbara County in cooperation with government agencies and other private, non-profit organizations. The Talanian Communications Facility building was erected in 2011 atop the City of Santa Barbara’s Vic Trace Reservoir site with grant funds secured by Bill Talanian and Andy Seybold (W6AMS). Since then, the facility has been the hub for the SBARC communications network and is home to the Club’s flagship repeater on 146.790 MHz. The facility was dedicated by unanimous action of the SBARC Board of Directors.     

We are pleased to end 2020 with the announcement of some exciting new capabilities on the SBARC repeater network … Two linked FM repeaters on Santa Cruz Island join the K6TZ linked repeaters on La Vigia (146.79) and Santa Ynez Peak (145.18). Diablo Peak 2-meter Repeater Output: 146.655 Input: 146.055 PL 131.8 Diablo Peak 1.25-meter (220 MHz) Repeater Output: 223.920 Input: 222.320 PL 131.8 Both the 2-meter and 220 MHz repeaters at Diablo Peak on Santa Cruz Island are in service with FM voice linked via microwave to our hub at La Vigia. The two Diablo repeaters offer excellent dual band coverage for coastal stations in Ventura and Santa Barbara counties. At 2,429 feet above sea level, Diablo Peak is the tallest mountain on an ocean island in the contiguous 48 states. SBARC and the Santa Barbara Wireless Foundation maintain public safety and amateur radio telecommunications facilities there. A crew of volunteer amateur radio operators set out to Diablo with the help of the Santa Barbara County Air Support Unit (and its newly acquired Black Hawk “Firehawk” Helicopter) to perform maintenance and install linking capabilities on December 2, 2020.

The audio archive of this net can best be followed by downloading the .mp3 file for the appropriate date here and listening with the media player of your choice. You can move the progress slider forward or backward to the subject of interest to you. We had another interesting net tonight with 9 check-ins plus net control Frank, K6FLD. Tonight’s topics included: Logging/Logging software. Should I go straight to DMR and forget HF since I can talk all over the world on DMR? Tune in to the SBARC TM&E Net every Thursday at 8:00 PM local (2000 Hrs) and see what interesting ham radio questions might arise or ask some of your own! All club members and visitors are encouraged to check in to the net each week.

With in-person gatherings out of the question for most of this year, we have been holding General Club Meetings online using Zoom and YouTube Live Streaming since April. While most of us miss being able to see our amateur radio colleagues, remote technologies have enabled more members than ever to gather virtually. In May we welcomed Andy Seybold – W6AMS, SBARC member and acclaimed wireless communications guru. Andy gave a fantastic presentation on AT&T FirstNet and the future of interoperable digital and 5G cellular communications in the public safety sector from his home station in Arizona! We have been able to archive monthly meeting presentations on the SBARC YouTube channel, thanks to our virtual gatherings. Since April, monthly membership participation in our meetings has risen considerably with members, like Andy, joining our local crew from far and wide.  Meanwhile, YouTube recordings of the meeting archives have generated nearly 1,000 views.