It’s different…
In case you haven’t noticed, the President’s Corner is now the President’s QST, published in a new format with a whole new look. Andrew, W5AWS, has agreed to continue with the newsletter while Richie, W5OKL, is recuperating from a stay in hospital.
We’re also looking forward to receiving newsletter articles written by club members and others, interesting articles from other publications and of course, pictures. So get your favorite pen or keyboard and write something for the TARC newsletter.
Deadline for any submission is the 25th of each month.
Would you contribute something if I told you we were paying cash for original articles? Well we’re not, but submit it anyway. You will look good in print.
The Tinkerfest is history…
September 20th was the Discovery Lab’s Tinkerfest. We had the Comm 1 trailer there and youthful visitors made about a dozen contacts from the trailer to hams around the Tulsa area. Each child received a First Contact certificate, and they all seemed to have a lot of fun talking on the radio. Thanks to: Jeff, AE5ME; Cody, KJ5JDO; and Debbie, K5DBE for helping make the contacts fun and interesting not only for the kids, but also for the adult accompanying them.
Ky, KY5VAR, came by and put up a dipole antenna with a CW transceiver, so we could listen to some CW: Thanks Ky!
James, KI5DAZ, brought out his Winlink operation complete with a fishing pole to hold up his antenna, solar panels and the TAEMA truck: Thanks James!
Linda KI5VYF did her usual best teaching the kids to tap out their names in Morse code. She had a wonderful idea to ask each child’s name and write on a little “lunchbox” note card. She would then have them look up each individual letter in their name, and she would write the dits and dahs next to their name. It was then just a matter of looking at the letters and the dits and dahs on the card and tapping out their name. It was genius: Thanks Linda!
The Discovery Lab people were very helpful with tables and chairs, and they even had a room with snacks and lunch for us.
And Steve, K5TPD, also made an appearance a few times to check on us. None of this would have happened if Steve had not suggested that we participate: Thanks Steve!
Cody, KJ5JDO, also towed the trailer to the Tinkerfest, and Rusty KJ5MGC towed it back to it’s resting place: Thanks Cody and Rusty!
September has been a busy month…
We did Route 66 on the Air, the Dam J. A. M. bike ride, the Tinkerfest that is like MakerFair except it’s at the Discovery Lab, the BSA Council Camporee, and the Simulated Emergency Test―ok…well, that’s the first weekend in October.
After September, things for TARC start to wind down for the rest of the year, then we can take a rest.
Our next Tech Night is October 7th…
We’re changing the time from now onward to 7:00 PM―not 6:30 PM, but 7:00 PM.
We have two presentations lined up for October and November. It’s either Winlink or Parks On The Air. Help us decide. Drop me an email at wa5ma.mark@gmail.com with your choice for October.
If it’s Winlink, Jeff AE5ME will be asking that everyone bring in their radios, computer and anything else that’s needed, and he says he won’t let you leave TU until it’s working.
On the other hand, we’re looking for one of our POTA experts in the club to talk about what they do to be successful at this fast growing part of ham radio and TARC.
Our next monthly meeting will feature…
A wrap up of this year’s Route 66 on the Air Special Event; and Ky, KY5VAR, has asked Ben, WB5VST, to be in the Member Spotlight. Ben has been licensed for many, many years and has an extensive home station and mobile setup. He is an ARES Region Emergency Coordinator for Tulsa County and has been helping with bike rides for many years also. It’ll be an interesting and informative presentation and who knows what else we may talk about.
Many TARC members have expressed an interest in…
Doing a Parks on the Air activation. During a conversation with Tony KA5TRO, he suggested that we could make a POTA activation once a month, or once a quarter, a club activity. Judging by the number of hams that have said “yes” they’d like to do that I think that’ll be a success. I think it’s a great idea, too. Keep an eye on the TARC Facebook page, Tuesday net and the website for more information as we get these planned out. Should be a load of fun and learning about POTA. Everyone is welcome!
We have some good news…
Our Treasurer, Jerry KE5PMK, says the sinking fund for repeater maintenance is growing and is up to $6,846 on our way to our goal of $15,000 and now with Bob W5RAB’s passing we’re taking over maintenance on several more repeaters, so we would really appreciate any contributions from club members and others as well. Contributions can be tax-free since TARC is a non-profit organization. Help ensure that the life-saving services of the Tulsa Amateur Radio Club continue into the future by making a donation to Sinking Fund through the Repeater Go Fund Me account: Thank you!
https://www.gofundme.com/f/ensure-tarcs-lifesaving-services-continue
To continue the charitable theme…
Here is some information on a different Q code… QCD, Qualified Charitable Distribution. Check it out!
Understanding Qualified Charitable Distributions (QCDs)…
A Smart Way for IRA Owners to Support Charities and Reduce Taxes is to make a Qualified Charitable Distribution (QCD), a tax-savvy strategy that allows individuals aged 70½ or older to transfer funds directly from their Individual Retirement Account (IRA) to a qualified charity. QCDs offer significant tax advantages, making them a popular choice for retirees who want to support their favorite causes while managing their tax liability.
How do QCDs work?…
With a QCD, funds are sent directly from your IRA to an eligible charitable organization, bypassing your taxable income. The distribution amount can count toward your Required Minimum Distribution (RMD) for the year, helping you meet IRS withdrawal requirements without increasing your adjusted gross income (AGI), and therefore your tax liability.
Who can make a qualified charitable distribution?…
• You must be at least 70½ years old at the time of the distribution.
• The QCD must come from a traditional IRA (not a 401(k) or similar employer plan.
• The distribution must go directly to a qualified public charity, not a donor-advised fund or private foundation.
Benefits of making a qcd…
• Tax Savings: QCDs are excluded from your taxable income, which can help lower your overall tax bill and potentially keep you in a lower income bracket.
• RMD Fulfillment: The amount donated via QCD can count toward your annual RMD, helping you avoid penalties for missed withdrawals.
• Charitable Impact: QCDs provide immediate support to qualified charities, allowing you to see the benefits of your philanthropy in action.
• Medicare and Social Security: Lowering your taxable income may reduce the impact of income-based surcharges on Medicare premiums and the taxation of Social Security benefits.
Key rules and limits…
• The maximum annual QCD allowed is $108,000 per individual for 2025 and is adjusted annually for inflation.
• You must arrange for the IRA custodian to send the funds directly to the charity; distributions made to you first and then donated do not qualify.
• You cannot claim a charitable deduction for a QCD, since it is not included in your taxable income.
How to make a qualified charitable distribution…
1. Contact your IRA custodian or financial advisor to initiate the QCD process.
2. Specify the amount and the charity to which you wish to direct the distribution.
3. Ensure the charity provides a receipt for your records, as the IRS may request verification.
4. Report the QCD on your tax return as a non-taxable IRA distribution: Consult your tax advisor for details.
Is a qcd right for you?…
If you are required to take RMDs and want to support charitable organizations, a QCD might be a smart and effective way to achieve your goals. Always consult with a financial or tax advisor to ensure that a QCD aligns with your overall financial plan and meets all IRS requirements.
QCD conclusion…
Qualified Charitable Distributions are a win-win for retirees and charities alike. By donating directly from your IRA, you can support the causes you care about, fulfill your RMD obligations, and potentially reduce your tax burden. Take advantage of this valuable opportunity to make a difference in your community and your financial future.
Contributions can be tax free since the Tulsa Amateur Radio Club is a non-profit organization.
Can’t make the monthly meetings…
We’re streaming and recording video of the monthly meetings and showing them on Zoom for those unable to attend in person. Recorded meetings will be on the http://w5ias.com/ website in the Recent Posts on the front page. If you’re interested in learning more please contact Jack W5JHC for info: Thanks Jack!
We all should be proudly wearing our club logo apparel…
Robert, KI5WDD, said that we now fill orders for TARC apparel through 1907 in Broken Arrow by opening the club shop quarterly. The new system seems to be working well. You can get to the club shop via this link: https://w5ias.com/adverts/. When you get there, look below the picture, there are arrows for pictures 1 through 8 of men’s and women’s shirts long sleeve and short sleeve, hats, T-shirts and polo shirts. Wear them proudly since as Ky, KY5VAR, likes to say “you are among the 1 percent!”
Looking to give back to the community?…
Looking to have some fun playing radio and hanging out with other hams? You found the right place.
ARES is always in need of volunteers, but to participate you must complete a self-paced training course and get an Oklahoma Medical Reserve Corps (OKMRC) badge that gives you access to the places where amateur radio operators can help with communications during emergencies. OKMRC badges are FEMA-approved and therefore involve a background check. ARES involves volunteer training, ARES nets, hospital nets, and Simulated Emergency Tests, but operating practice comes in the form of bike rides, Field Days and other events that you can participate in anytime.
Contact Paul, WB5ANX, at paulteel@gmail.com, Mark, WA5MA, at wa5ma.mark@gmail.com or Bart at bjpick@cox.net if you,d like to learn more or sign up to be an ARES Volunteer.
If you’re already an ARES Volunteer…
You should be checking in to the ARES Net every Thursday at 8:00 PM on the designated repeater. We’re going to start doing some cool things on the Net and you need to be a part of it for training purposes, working equipment verification and communications protocols. Keep an eye out for upcoming comms checks by email, text, and over the air.
After we get through this busy time of year we’ll be offering Net Control Operator training classes and more in-person ARES training.
The Tulsa County ARES Net…
Uses the following frequencies:
• Weeks 1 – 3 on 145.170 (PL 88.5)
• Weeks 4 – 5 on the Superlink Repeater System 443.850 (PL88.5) in Tulsa.
Check the https://w5ias.com/ website on the Repeater dropdown for system frequencies.
We still have 100-Year Anniversary Celebration pins…
…mugs and shirts. If you want one contact Robert KI5WDD at rkerns007@gmail.com or you can purchase at a club meeting. Here’s some of what’s available…
Looking for a club logo T shirt, hat, hoodie or other TARC club merchandise…
We now have more apparel with the club logo. Robert KI5WDD has done a great job adding more merchandise to the website. Go to this link: https://w5ias.com/adverts/.
TARC hats and shirts remain available for purchase.
Original TARC T-shirts are still available. You specify your callsign for printing on the shirt when you place your order.
Here are the current club activities…
• Tech Night―1st Tuesday of each month. 7:00 PM at TU.
• Monthly meeting―3rd Tuesday of each month. 7:00 PM at TU.
Attend the meeting to support your club and club officers who do so very much for the club with activities, nets, events and keeping the club running smoothly.
We have 204 members, which means we need at least 41 members present at each meeting to form a quorum for voting.
• Weekly TARC Net on the Superlink System, Tuesdays at 8:00 PM
• CW Net, Mondays and Thursdays at 7:00 PM on 7.037 MHz +/- QRM
• NCO training, ARES training―TBD in 2025
We also have member spotlight…
Member Spotlight is now a part of our monthly meetings. Want to show and tell your station or your love for a particular part of ham radio? Contact Ky, KY5VAR, and let him know. He’ll get you scheduled.
KY5VAR also starting a show-me-your-shack presentation, so take some pictures and show us your ham shack.
Tulsa amateur radio club and tulsa university…
We are still working to partner with the University of Tulsa. Our goal is to enhance their curriculum with ham radio knowledge and help each student get their Amateur Radio license. There is the possibility that TU may be able to place a ham radio station on campus as a teaching aid for the students to use, as well as for UTARC and TARC members. CJ, WW0CJ, has been reunited with the University club callsign, KC5TU. Included in the discussions is a remote Internet link to the station.
Every month is a contest month…
Go to ARRL.com; click Contest Calendar; scroll to Contest Corral; click on the month you want to check. Try POTA or SOTA. Call CQ. Go to a local park, grab one of the club go boxes, throw up a wire and get on the air.
Start now while the weather is good and the bands are hot.
President clear and monitoring…
Be safe, Be a good friend, Get on the air!
Mark, WA5MA,
President―Tulsa Amateur Radio Club.