Membership: All amateurs licensed for 25 years or more are encouraged to join the Quarter Century Wireless Association (QCWA) and we hope that you will consider joining our local (ArkLaTex) chapter (Chapter 85). Members of Chapter 85 engage in various projects around the Shreveport-Bossier area, but the main focus of our group is fellowship. Annual dues are $6.00. Contact: John Stewart, AA5KV, for further information.

Meetings: Members of Chapter 85 meet quarterly at the Bossier City Main Library at 2206 Beckett St in Bossier City. The meetings for 2008 are: January 26, April 26, July 26 and October 25. Meetings begin at 1400 hrs (Local) and are usually concluded about 1500 hrs (Local).

Weekly Net: Members of Chapter 85 hold a weekly net on the Amateur Radio Club of Shreveport (ARCOS) repeater (146.67 minus 600). Roger Ley, WA9PZL, is the net control. The net begins at 2000 hrs (Local) during Daylight Savings Time and 1930 hrs (Local) during Central Standard Time. The net begins with a roll call of all Chapter 85 members, followed by general check-ins. All amateurs, regardless of their QCWA membership status, are welcome to participate.

Current Projects: Our current project involves placing a VHF receiver at the Sci-Port Discovery Center. The receiver will monitor amateur radio communications from the International Space Station (ISS). Located in downtown Shreveport, the Sci-Port Discovery Center is a science and entertainment center with thousands of visitors annually, including many area school children. Listening to radio communications from the ISS will give visitors an appreciation for the radio "footprint" of an orbiting satellite and highlight the role of amateur radio in the space program.

Luncheons: Chapter 85 members meet weekly, on Thursdays, at Luby's Cafeteria at 2958 E Texas St in Bossier City. The group congregates at 1100 hrs (Local). All amateurs and non-amateurs are welcomed.

Last Update: March 25, 2008