We're Growing!
Macomb County ARPSC is a growing force of volunteers who want to help the community while participating in the hobbies we love. There's never been a better time to get involved!
We're Officially a 501(c)(3) Non-Profit!
Hat's off to EC Dave Purdle and DEC Mike Slupinski for this incredible achievement! This status allows us to maintain momentum, properly serve the community, and offer you the support you need in the community around you.
What's Happening Now
Weekly ARPSC Net
Join us every Thursday at 7:00 PM on the WA8MAC repeater (147.200 MHz, PL 100.0) for our weekly net. This is a great opportunity to practice your radio skills, stay connected with fellow operators, and stay informed about ARPSC activities.
Monthly In-Person Meeting
Location: Macomb County MISD Building
Address: 44001 Garfield Rd #1100, Clinton Township, MI 48038
Time: 7:00 PM (3rd Thursday of each month)
Get DirectionsNext Meeting
Tomorrow
Tomorrow night
In-Person Meeting
No net this week
Next In-Person Meeting
To Be Determined
Check back soon for updates. We might have a super secret squirrel topic that we can't discuss here!
Stay tuned for more details...
Top Secret
Coming SoonLast In-Person Meeting: Tape Measure Yagi Antennas
What is a Tape Measure Yagi?
A tape measure Yagi antenna is a lightweight, portable directional antenna made from common steel tape measures. It's a popular DIY project in the amateur radio community because it's inexpensive, easy to build, and highly effective for directional signal work. While these antennas are typically built for VHF frequencies (2 meters / 144 MHz), we built UHF versions (70 cm / 440 MHz) as a hands-on training experience!
The antenna consists of three elements made from tape measure material:
- Reflector â The longest element, positioned behind the driven element
- Driven Element â Connected to your radio, this is where the signal is fed
- Director â The shortest element, positioned in front to focus the signal
The flexible tape measure material allows the antenna to be folded up for transport and springs back into shape when deployedâperfect for portable operations!
Radio Direction Finding (RDF)
Radio Direction Finding (RDF), also known as "fox hunting" or "T-hunting," is a technique used to locate the source of a radio transmission. The tape measure Yagi is ideal for RDF because:
- Directional pattern â The antenna receives strongest signals from the front, allowing you to "point" toward the transmitter
- Portable & lightweight â Easy to carry while walking or driving to track a signal
- Null detection â The sharp side nulls help pinpoint direction more accurately
RDF skills are valuable for emergency communicationsâlocating downed aircraft ELTs, finding interference sources, or tracking lost persons with radio beacons. It's also a fun competitive activity at hamfests!
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Why Learn RDF?
- Locate sources of interference on repeaters
- Find emergency locator transmitters (ELTs)
- Participate in "fox hunt" competitions
- Assist search and rescue operations
- Develop practical radio skills
Go-Kits Are Being Deployed!
ARPSC has started deploying Go-Kits to members for testing and emergency readiness training. These portable kits will permit us to operate with our own infrastructure throughout the county using our own self-deployable resources.
You might see us setting up at a local park one day for practiceâbe sure to come by and say hi!
We Need YOU!
We are actively looking for new members. As we grow, we need the manpower to provide the impact we aim for.
Without you, we cannot make this happen!
Request Our Services
We don't just need you to join usâwe need you to reach out to us for help!
If your organization is running a festival, road parade, or other large-scale state or city-approved event, ARPSC would love to help show our support.
Services We Can Provide:
Hospital Net Support
ARPSC is positioned to secure hospital nets, permitting net control operators to help facilitate hospital-to-hospital logistics coordination in the event of larger-scale failure of normal communications infrastructure.
Why Join ARPSC?
Free Education
Get hands-on training with ham radio equipment and emergency preparedness. Learn from experienced operators in a supportive environment.
Forward Thinking
Be part of an organization that's always evolving, exploring new technologies, and expanding our capabilities.
Community
Join a welcoming group of like-minded individuals who share your passion for radio and helping others.
Ever-Evolving Possibilities
From direction finding to Go-Kit deployments to hospital netsâthe envelope of what we can accomplish keeps expanding.
Come Make a Difference Today!
Whether you want to join us, request our help at an event, or support our missionâwe'd love to hear from you.