W3BC

Episode 055 - Joe Shupienis - W3BC

According to Joe Shupienis, W3BC, a “real ham” is an active ham, who takes part in any aspect of the hobby. Joe is the founder of the Quad Counties Amateur Radio Club, over 40 years ago, and he continues to lead the hobby with his ham radio blog, mentoring, volunteer examiner, and contributions to the club newsletter. Besides being active on the air, Joe is the ARRL WPA club coordinator under ARRL Section Manager, Tim Duffy, K3LR.  W3BC joins 4Z1UG on QSO Today.

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Sam Photofacts - the standard source of technical manuals and schematics

First License: WN3FOZ, March 1966
General Upgrade: WA3IHK, June 1967
Advanced Upgrade: 1972

First Elmer: Jim Albert, K3TFL - Jim is remembered on Page 2 of this issue of Parasitic Emission. 

First Rig: 

• Receiver: RAS-5 from World War 2 surplus
  
• Transmitter: Borrowed from K3TFL, Freq: 3718 Khz
  

First Contact:   Jim Albert, K3TFL

First Field Day: 
WA3BUX, Dick Flanders using Heathkit "SB" line  

"Ham Radio is a gateway that allows kids to communicate with adults"

Education: Penn State 

Penn State Amateur Radio Club

Collins "S-Line" 

Joe was a teacher of Electronics Technology at Jeff Tech  

Quad County Amateur Radio Club - Joe was the founder. 

Art Kunst, W3WM - a "hams ham". Video interview

ARRL Straight Key Night - 24 hour event where everyone uses a straight key or bug.

Joe's Straight Key Night Rigs: 

• National NCX5 Receiver
  
• Heathkit HT-40
  

Riley Hollingsworth, K4ZDH - head of the FCC Enforcement Bureau until 2008

TIP: Powering Up Your Radio Safely with a Dim-bulb Tester

Variac variable transformer

Clubs: 

• Steel City ARC
  
• Quad-County ARC (Founder)
  
• Punxsutawney Area ARC
  
• Elk County Amateur Radio Association
  
• Breezeshooters
  

Special Service Clubs 

Editor of Parasitic Emission - newsletter of the Quad County Amateur Radio Club

Creator of The W3BC Report - Joe's blog since 2004  

"Real" Ham Radio - an article by Joe in The W3BC Report.  A real ham is active

W3SO Vhf Contest Team  

EZNEC Antenna Software

Maidenhead grid squares - explained by the ARRL

Current Rig Home: 

• Icom IC-756 Pro III
  
• Icom IC-751A
  
• Icom R-70E
  
• Icom IC-2KL amplifier 
  
• Icom IC-AT500 Tuner 
  
• modified G5RV at 45 feet.
  

Current Rig Mobile: 

• Icom IC-7000 with hamstick clones, 
  
• Yaesu FTM-400DR 
  
• TYT TH9800
  

Favorite Single Engine Aircraft: Piper Archer Arrow

Advice to new and returning hams: 
Get an elmer, speak regularly.

The Hamshack Net on W3WAN system. The Ham Shack net no longer meets, but may be revised in the future. 

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WW2 RAS-5 Receiver

National NCX-5 Transceiver

Icom IC-756 Pro III

Yaesu FTM-400DR