TALARC/K9TAL EchoLink Conference Net Report for Jan. 9, 2021

TALARC/K9TAL EchoLink Conference Net Report for Jan. 9, 2021
Net Control Station operator W9WMJ conducted the monthly net on *FMCA-ARC* EchoLink Conference Node on Saturday, Jan. 9, 2021. The net was opened at 1200 ET [1700Z] and closed at 1257 ET [1757Z]. Twelve check-ins participated in today’s operations, including the Net Control Station.

Contact with the following radio operators was logged:
W9WMJ, Marty; Greenwood, IN [Net Control Station]; MD Post 180 [TALARC K9TAL]
N3JBX, Bill; Oxon Hill, MD; Post 275 [TALARC N3TAL]
W2FTV, Larry; Myrtle Beach, SC; Post 178 [TALARC KA4TAL at SC Post 111]
WO6BRO, Scotty; Yorba Linda, CA; Post 679
AC8AL, Doc; Crestview, FL; Michigan Post 297 [TALARC KD8PGT]
N6XLS, Doug; Sunnyvale, CA; Post 564
K8DHH, John; Taylor, MI; Michigan Department HQ Post
WA3DVO, Everett; Palmer Park, MD; Post 275 [TALARC N3TAL]
N3UBI, Colin; Oxon Hill, MD; Post 275 [TALARC N3TAL]
KB3IIE, Ken; Upper Marlboro, MD; Post 275 [TALARC N3TAL]
N3TFS, Edgar; Landover, MD; Post 275 [TALARC N3TAL]
KC3AZD, Karen; Hyattsville, MD; Post 275 [TALARC N3TAL]

Announcements were read that included:
1) “Share Your Military Service Story.” A request originally extended by the Library of Congress for all war veterans to relate their experiences for inclusion in the LOC archives.
2) New Digital Wires-X up and running at Maryland Legion Post 275 is the newest net within TALARC.
3) 2021 HamVention. It was noted that those who coordinate this annual activity were optimistic that it would take place, in spite of COVID restrictions, in May of this year. [But just as this report was being drafted word came that HamVention 2021 has been canceled.]
4) FCC has reduced application fees – originally proposed at $50 – to $35 for requests other than change of address for email and snail mail.

Discussion was had by several on the net. Doc AC8AL noted that in-person activities at his post would resume soon. John K8DHH reported that he had recently accepted an appointment as an ARRL liaison in his area. Ken KB3IIE announced that N3TAL will sponsor a Special Event Station to honor Dr. Martin Luther King on Jan. 17-18, 2021. Operating frequencies will be 7.275 MHz and 14.275 MHz; modes will include SSB, PSK31 and Wires-X in the Post 275 Room, DTMF 21433.

The TALARC/K9TAL EchoLink Net for January closed at 1257 ET [1757Z].

Submitted by Marty W9WMJ