October 29, 2020

Department of California ham station progressing

By Robert D. King KM6BNY
Ham Radio
Department of California ham station progressing
The mobile ham setup in King's car. (Photo via Robert King)

California is the only department to have a station at its HQ building.

[Editor's note: this was originally submitted to the Amateur Radio category of the Legiontown site.]

Hello, all. My name is Robert D. King KM6BNY. I am the control operator at the Department of California Amateur Radio Club, located above Department HQ in Sanger.

I was tasked with the project of establishing the station by John (Doc) Bart in about September 2016. I filled out all required paperwork and submitted it to the ARRL for approval. In December 2016, I was granted the license KM6HCQ. I then began to purchase antennas, coax, a power supply, a 2m/440 mobile radio and an HF radio, and got it all installed. Up on the roof I have a mast with an Anteon 99 and my OCFD feed point. This wire antenna covers 10m through 160m. I have another mast with a 2m/440 antenna. To date, California is the only department to have a station at its HQ building.

I continue to stay active with TALARS and CALARS. I serve as the Earley Monitor every Saturday on air with the Western Public Service System, 3.952 MHZ. I'm a member of the Clovis Amateur Radio Club.

I am a member in good standing at William Lee Netzer American Legion Post 23 in Sanger, where I have served as sergeant-at-arms twice, Riders head two years and commander two years.

 

For the good of the order,

Robert D. King

KM6BNY/ KM6HCQ

  • Ham Radio