W9AB

As many of you know Indiana is in the path of the solar eclipe on April 8, 2024. While Michiana is not in the path of the total eclipse, South Bend will have 96.9% coverage. To learn more about the solar eclipse go to the Nasa website https://science.nasa.gov/eclipses/future-eclipses/eclipse-2024/where-when/.

HamSCI is sponsoring several events related to the eclipse. More information can be found at https://hamsci.org/eclipse. One of those events is the Solar Eclipse QSO Party. The rules are at https://hamsci.org/seqp-rules.

I am taking off my Board Member hat for a minute and want to talk to you ham to ham.

I just sent a donation to a ham because I use his repeater. I would also urge any of you who use someone's repeater to do the same.

The cost of a repeater and it upkeep is not an inexpensive venture. There are the upfront cost of equipment, computers, coax, and antennas but there are also ongoing costs like electricity, Internet access, and repair.

So if you share in the benefit of a repeater please consider sharing in the cost of the same repeater.

The views and opinions expressed in this article do not necessarily reflect the views of the Michiana Amateur Radio Club, its board, or membership. The views and opinions expressed are solely those of the author.

A New feature coming to the MARC Website is a member directory.

1. This directory will be OPT-IN.
2. It will only include information about you that you want to share.
3. It will be in the Member's only section of the club website.
4. It will also include Elmer information.

What do those four points mean. First there is a form you can fill out to be in the directory. If you don't fill out the form you will not be in the directory.

The directory has several fields you can fill out. If you don't some information shared don't fill out a field. There is only four required fields:

1. Your email. The this email will not be shared in the directory. It is only used to contact you with questions. If you want to include an email there a field later in the form to do so.
2. Name.
3. Callsign.
4. Do you want to be an Elmer.

If you want to be an Elmer in some area click yes to the Elmer question and you will be presented with an additional section to provide information about how you would like to assist members of the club.

The directory will be in the Member's Section so only members will be able to view your information.