Announcing the New EARS Website Design!
We’re excited to officially roll out the new and improved Edmond Amateur Radio Society website at k5eok.org!
Over the past couple of weeks weeks, we’ve been working behind the scenes to refresh the look, improve usability, and make it easier than ever for members and visitors to stay connected with everything happening in the club.
🖥️ A Fresh, Modern Look
The new design brings a cleaner, more modern layout that better reflects who we are as a club. You’ll notice:
- A streamlined homepage with quick access to key areas
- Improved readability with updated fonts and spacing
- A consistent color scheme aligned with EARS branding
- A more intuitive layout for both desktop and mobile users
📅 Improved Events & Activities Section
Keeping up with club events is now easier than ever:
- A redesigned events list with clean, easy-to-read cards
- Better spacing and organization for dates and times
- A dedicated events page that matches the homepage style
- Quick access to event details and calendar integrations
⚡ Quick Links & Navigation Enhancements
We’ve made it faster to get where you need to go:
- Prominent quick-link cards for popular sections
- Simplified navigation menus
- Better organization of key resources like:
- License information
- Events
- Ham Corner articles
- Club activities and programs
📱 Built for All Devices
The new site is fully responsive, meaning it works great whether you’re on a desktop, tablet, or phone. Whether you’re checking into the net, looking up an event, or reading an article, the experience is smooth and consistent.
🔧 Ongoing Improvements
This redesign is just the beginning. We’ll continue refining the site, adding new content, and improving features based on feedback from members.
If you notice anything that doesn’t look quite right—or have ideas for improvements—we’d love to hear from you!
🌐 Check It Out!
Take a few minutes to explore the new site:
We hope you enjoy the updated look and improved experience. Thanks to everyone who provided feedback and support during this redesign!
Steven, N5ZQ
Stay in Your Lane: A Friendly Reminder on Frequency Privileges
One of the fundamentals of amateur radio—whether you’re brand new or have been licensed for decades—is understanding where you’re allowed to transmit and making sure you stay within those privileges.
A recent notice from the FCC provides a helpful real-world reminder of why this matters and how easily things can go sideways, even with good intentions.
What Happened?
In this case, an amateur operator was found transmitting on 470.4375 MHz, a frequency used by a public safety system. The radio had been configured in a way that unintentionally retransmitted that signal, acting almost like a small repeater. This resulted in interference to a 911 emergency communications channel.
The operator was licensed, but the transmission occurred outside of the amateur bands, which made it unauthorized. Once the issue was identified, the interference stopped—but it serves as a valuable learning moment for all of us.
Why This Matters
Situations like this are uncommon, but they highlight a few important reminders that apply to every operator:
1. Know Your Privileges (and Revisit Them Occasionally)
When you first get licensed, you spend a lot of time learning band limits and privileges. Over time, it’s easy to forget some of those details—especially if you upgrade or start exploring new modes.
Taking a few minutes to review a band chart now and then can be a great refresher.
2. Modern Radios Are Powerful—and Complex
Today’s radios can do a lot more than the handhelds many of us started with. Features like:
- Wideband transmit
- Cross-band repeat
- VOX and audio relay functions
- Computer-based programming
…can all introduce unexpected behavior if we’re not careful. It’s easier than ever to accidentally enable something you didn’t intend.
3. Programming Matters More Than Ever
Many of us rely on software like CHIRP or pre-built codeplugs. While those tools are incredibly helpful, they can also introduce errors if something is imported incorrectly or not fully understood.
A quick review of your programmed channels—especially anything outside the usual repeater list—can help catch mistakes early.
4. The Impact Can Be Bigger Than We Think
Most of the time, a mistake might just cause interference on a local frequency. But in some cases, like this one, it can affect critical services like public safety communications.
That’s not something anyone intends—but it’s a good reminder of why careful operation matters.
5. We’re All Stewards of the Spectrum
FCC rules place responsibility on the control operator to ensure proper operation. That’s not meant to be intimidating—it’s really about trust. Amateur radio has a long history of self-policing and responsible use, and that’s part of what keeps our bands available to us.
Practical Tips to Stay on Track
A few simple habits can make a big difference:
- Keep a current band plan handy
Especially useful when trying new bands or modes. - Double-check your programming
Take an extra look at frequencies, offsets, and tones before transmitting. - Be cautious with wideband-capable radios
If your radio can transmit outside amateur bands, treat that capability carefully. - Take time to learn your radio’s features
Features like cross-band repeat or audio relay can behave differently than expected. - Label and organize your channels clearly
Good naming conventions can help avoid selecting the wrong frequency. - When in doubt, pause and verify
A quick check is always better than a quick mistake.
A Good Reminder for All of Us
It’s easy to think this kind of situation only happens to someone else—but as radios and software continue to evolve, it’s becoming easier to unintentionally misconfigure something.
This FCC notice isn’t just about enforcement—it’s a reminder that even experienced operators can run into issues if we’re not paying close attention.
Final Thought
Amateur radio is built on a foundation of learning, experimenting, and helping one another. Staying within our privileges and operating thoughtfully helps protect critical communications and keeps the hobby strong.
A quick double-check today can prevent a problem tomorrow—and help keep the airwaves safe for everyone.
Steven, N5ZQ
The KM5GZ Inventory & Bid Worksheet is now available, and we are currently accepting written bids and offers through April 13th.
An Open House sale and item pickup will be held on April 18th from 10:00 AM to 3:00 PM at:
3612 NE 140th Street, Edmond, OK 73013 (East of Memorial and Bryant)
It is now time—Bob Coxsey’s (KM5GZ, silent key) ham radio and electronics estate is available. For those who may not know, Bob had a fantastic inventory of hundreds of new and used components, accessories, connectors, and more, along with a well-established collection of equipment.
An Open House will be held at Bob’s home on April 18th where you can pay for and collect your purchases and any winning bids. We are aiming to minimize individual meetups by consolidating everything into this event.
Bidding Process
If you are interested in any of the items listed on the bid worksheet, please send inquiries to km5gz@n5ret.us.
Include the following:
- Name
- Call sign
- Phone number
- Item number
- Your bid or offer
Bids and offers will be accepted through April 13th. We will acknowledge your inquiry and notify each person if they have won their item(s) prior to the Open House.
Details
Bob also had an extensive collection of spare parts for various projects. He especially enjoyed working on and restoring tube amplifiers and power supplies, and he accumulated a large selection of components and equipment to support those projects. There is also a “bone pile” of useful parts—items many of us recognize as things we might need one day.
The majority of the available equipment is numbered and listed in the KM5GZ Inventory & Bid Worksheet (PDF attached).
At this time, the condition of most items is unknown unless otherwise noted. Some items may have been in perfect working order, while others may have been projects Bob intended to complete later. Limited testing has been performed on select items to provide a general indication of condition, but we have not verified calibration, full power output, or functionality across all modes.
Some antennas will also be available for sale at the Open House, and attendees will have the opportunity to explore and examine items in person.
Additional Items
John Garnett (N5RET) will also have a table at the Open House with additional items available for sale (see the bottom of the attached worksheet for details).
Thank you all for your interest and support,
Sharon KM5GV & John N5RET
EARS Monthly Training & Mentoring Session – April 14th at 6:00 PM
The Edmond Amateur Radio Society (EARS) hosts a monthly Training and Elmer Session before each board meeting. Whether you’re a new ham or a seasoned operator, these sessions provide valuable information and a chance to grow your skills.
📅 Date: Tuesday, April 14th
🕕 Time: 6:00 PM
📍 Location: Edmond Fire Station 5 – 5300 E Covell Rd
April Topic: Other non-amateur frequencies to listen to
Presenter: Clay, WA6LBU
We look forward to seeing you there!
John, N5RET
help@k5eok.org
EARS Monthly Board Meeting – April 14th at 7:00 PM
The Edmond Amateur Radio Society (EARS) holds its monthly board meeting on the second Tuesday of each month. Our next meeting will be Tuesday, April 14th at 7:00 PM at Edmond Fire Station 5, located at 5300 E. Covell Rd, just east of I-35.
The meeting will be held in the training building, located down the hill near the tower. The blue pin on the map below marks the exact location.
If you have any trouble finding us, just call on the repeater and we’ll be happy to guide you in.
All are welcome—we hope to see you there!
Steven, N5ZQ
EARS Bi-Monthly Dinner – April 16
Our next EARS bi-monthly dinner will be held on Thursday, April 16 at 6:30pm at a location to be determined.
Have a favorite spot you’d like to suggest? We’d love to hear your recommendations!
We’re also looking to form a small social events committee to help plan these dinners and other club gatherings throughout the year. If you’re interested in getting involved and helping make these events a success, please reach out to me or Clay, WA6LBU.
We hope to see you there!
Steven, N5ZQ
Antenna Removal Assistance – Volunteers Needed
A retired Oklahoma Christian University professor and fellow amateur radio operator recently became a silent key. While most of his equipment has already been sold, a few antennas remain at the residence and need to be taken down.
We’re looking to gather a small group of volunteers to assist the family with removing these antennas over the weekend of April 19–20. One of the antennas is an HF vertical, along with a few others.
The antennas are free for the taking for those willing to help with the removal.
If you’re interested in helping out, please let me know. This is a great opportunity to support the family of a fellow ham while possibly picking up some useful equipment.
Steven, N5ZQ
Did you know?
📡 The First Voice Transmission Across the Atlantic Was Made by a Radio Amateur
In the early 1920s, amateur radio operator Frank Conrad (callsign 8XK) made history by experimenting with voice transmissions long before broadcasting became mainstream.
While early transatlantic radio success was mostly limited to Morse code, amateur operators were among the first to push voice (radiotelephony) across long distances. These experiments directly paved the way for reliable voice communication over HF bands.
Conrad’s amateur station eventually led to the creation of KDKA—widely recognized as one of the world’s first commercial broadcast stations.
👉 Why this matters for hams:
- Amateur radio operators were pioneers of voice communication, not just Morse code
- Many modern communication methods started as ham experimentation
- The tradition of innovation in ham radio continues today (digital modes, weak-signal work, etc.)
Quick takeaway:
Amateur radio operators didn’t just use radio—they helped invent how we use it today.Metal structures can re-radiate signals
Why Space Weather Matters for Radio Operators
Space (solar) weather plays a significant role in radio communication. While its most noticeable effects are often seen on HF bands, solar activity can also impact VHF, UHF, and even higher frequencies under certain conditions.
Understanding space weather helps us better predict band conditions, plan operations, and troubleshoot unusual signal behavior.
Below is a recommended video from a trusted YouTube channel that shares updates on solar activity and space weather about every two weeks. The presenter breaks down complex topics in a way that’s easy to follow and incredibly informative.
📺 Watch the latest space weather report
If you haven’t already, I encourage you to follow her channel. It’s a valuable resource for amateur radio operators at all levels!
Upcoming Contests
Here are a few upcoming HF contests to keep an ear out for! These events offer a great opportunity to sharpen your operating skills, test your equipment, and connect with hams across the country—and the world.
For a more comprehensive list, check out the ARRL Contest Corral in QST Magazine, available as a downloadable PDF from the ARRL website.
You can also find up-to-date contest schedules and detailed information at:
contestcalendar.com
| New Mexico QSO Party | 1400Z, Apr 11 to 0200Z, Apr 12 |
| Missouri QSO Party | 1400Z, Apr 11 to 0400Z, Apr 12 and 1400Z-2000Z, Apr 12 |
| Georgia QSO Party | 1800Z, Apr 11 to 0359Z, Apr 12 and 1400Z-2359Z, Apr 12 |
| North Dakota QSO Party | 1800Z, Apr 11 to 1800Z, Apr 12 |
| Florida State Parks on the Air | 1200Z-2359Z, Apr 17 and 1200Z-2359Z, Apr 18 and 1200Z-2359Z, Apr 19 and 1200Z-2359Z, Apr 20 |
| Texas State Parks on the Air | 0000Z, Apr 18 to 2359Z, Apr 19 |
| Georgia State Parks on the Air | 1200Z, Apr 18 to 2359Z, Apr 19 |
| Michigan QSO Party | 1600Z, Apr 18 to 0400Z, Apr 19 |
| Ontario QSO Party | 1800Z, Apr 18 to 0300Z, Apr 19 and 1200Z-2000Z, Apr 19 |
| Quebec QSO Party | 1300Z-2400Z, Apr 19 |
| ARRL Rookie Roundup, SSB | 1800Z-2359Z, Apr 19 |
| Nebraska QSO Party | 1400Z, Apr 25 to 0200Z, Apr 27 |
| Florida QSO Party | 1600Z, Apr 25 to 0159Z, Apr 26 and 1200Z-2159Z, Apr 26 |
| 7th Call Area QSO Party | 1300Z, May 2 to 0700Z, May 3 |
| Indiana QSO Party | 1500Z, May 2 to 0300Z, May 3 |
| Delaware QSO Party | 1700Z, May 2 to 2359Z, May 3 |
| New England QSO Party | 2000Z, May 2 to 0500Z, May 3 and 1300Z-2400Z, May 3 |
| Canadian Prairies QSO Party | 1700Z, May 9 to 0300Z, May 10 |
Web Links
Here are a few links to other websites that may be of interest.
- ARRL (American Radio Relay League) – https://arrl.org
- CORA (Central Oklahoma Radio Amateurs) – https://coraok.org
- Ham Holiday (OKC Hamfest) – https://hamholiday.com
- ARRL Oklahoma Section – https://ok.arrl.org
- South Canadian Amateur Radio Society (SCARS)
- DMR Info – https://w5nor.org/okdmr/
- They have lots of other good info on their website such as modes of operation, weather/emergency info etc.
- ARES
- ARRL ARES – https://www.arrl.org/ares
- OK ARES – https://aresok.org
- Winlink – https://winlink.org
- AREDN – arednmesh.org
- POTA (Parks on the Air) – https://pota.app
Upcoming Events
- Monday Night Information Net – Every Monday at 8pm
- Route 66 10m Net on 28.390 – Every Monday Following the Information Net
- EARS Breakfast – Every Saturday at approximately 6:30am at Around The Corner, 11 S. Broadway, Edmond
- EARS Breakfast Net – Every Saturday at 7am on 147.135 and 443.425
- Spring Technician License Class – Wednesdays Starting on March 4, 2026
- Green Country Hamfest – Friday and Saturday, April 10-11
- April Mentoring Session and Training – Tuesday, April 14th at 6pm at Edmond Fire Station 5, 5300 E Covell
- April Board Meeting – Tuesday, April 14th at 7pm at Edmond Fire Station 5, 5300 E Covell
- EARS Dinner – Thursday, April 16th at 6:30pm – Location TBD
- EARS Licensing Testing – Saturday, May 2nd – Sign Up on License Testing page
- Edmond Siren Test – Saturday, May 2nd at 11:30am – Send email to sirens@k5eok.org
- All Ham Dinner – Thursday, May 21, 2026, at 6pm – Pickles Steakhouse, 1201 S Meridian Ave, Oklahoma City, OK 73108
Monday Night Information Net
Route 66 10-meter HF Net
Spring Technician License Class
Green Country Hamfest
Saturday Morning Breakfast
Saturday Morning Breakfast Net
Green Country Hamfest
Monday Night Information Net
Route 66 10-meter HF Net
Monthly Mentoring and Training
Monthly Board Meeting
Spring Technician License Class
We’d love to feature your original content! If you’ve written—or would like to write—an article, we’d be happy to include it in an upcoming issue of the EARS newsletter.
Steven Christy, N5ZQ
n5zq@n5zq.us
