KL7JFU Matanuska Amateur Radio Association: Exploring the Vast Matanuska-Susitna Borough's Amateur Radio Community

Introduction: Hello, today we will introduce the Matanuska Amateur Radio Association (KL7JFU), a dedicated community of amateur radio enthusiasts serving the expansive Matanuska-Susitna Borough in Alaska.

Overview of Matanuska Amateur Radio Association (KL7JFU):

• Establishment and Coverage: Founded on September 16th, 1978, the club serves the Matanuska-Susitna Borough, which spans 25,258 square miles, larger than the state of Virginia. The club covers areas from Denali Park to Palmer, Sutton/Chickaloon, and Eklutna.
• Meeting Information: Monthly meetings are held on the last Friday of each month from 7 PM to 9 PM at the Valley Church of Christ, 1125 Majestic View Circle, Wasilla, AK.
• Contact Information: For inquiries, contact Shelia K. Olson KL3SRO at kl7jfu@arrl.net or (907) 631-2356.

Specialties and Activities:

• Specialties: The club focuses on digital modes, DXing, general interest in radio science, public service/emergency communications, and operates repeaters. They also support school or youth groups and VHF/UHF enthusiasts.
• Services Offered: They provide a club newsletter, entry-level and advanced license classes, hamfests, license test sessions, mentoring, a packet radio BBS, and repeater support.

Community Involvement:

• Membership: The club has 90 members, all of whom are voting licensed amateur radio operators, and 70 ARRL members.
• Leadership: Key officers include Shelia K. Olson KL3SRO (Contact/Secretary/Editor), Scott L. Mc Cormick KL7SLM (President), John M. Carrington KL1XM (Treasurer), and Kenneth L. Hudson KL2HF (Vice President).

Promoting Radio Science and Community Service: The Matanuska Amateur Radio Association is dedicated to promoting the enjoyment of radio science and educating its members on various aspects of amateur radio. The club plays a vital role in providing emergency communication capabilities and services to the Matanuska-Susitna Borough. They support local agencies, CERT teams, and community events such as emergency preparedness fairs, scout activities, dog mushing events, triathlons, and charity walks or bike races.

Facilities and Equipment: The club operates two communication trailers, one a complete comm center with various radio equipment and the other a support trailer with a 35' tower and diesel generator. They can operate on battery, battery/small generator, or with an 8.5 KW Kubuto Generator. The club also has go kits for team deployment and positions in the Borough Mobile Communication Van. Their repeaters are on 146.85 (minus shift, no tone), packet node on 147.96, and DMR system in Wasilla on 443.800 (plus shift, CC1, Slot1). They also have an Emcomm Winlink VHF node on 145.190 in the Palmer-Wasilla area, KL7JFT-10, and access to several southcentral repeaters.

Annual Hamfest and License Testing: The club sponsors an annual Hamfest held in early May. Monthly VE sessions are conducted on the fourth Saturday at the Wasilla Senior Citizen Campus. The annual meeting and elections take place in October.

Online Presence and Contact:

• Website: Visit their website for more information and updates.

Conclusion: Thank you for learning about the Matanuska Amateur Radio Association (KL7JFU)! For more details about their activities and how to join, visit their website at kl7jfu.com.

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