W6SD March 20 Meeting:
Julian Vargas, N1CA, on Adaptive Technologies for Blind and Low-Vision Hams
Photo by Bernard Falkin, KG6FBM
The W6SD March 20 meeting will feature a presentation by Julian Vargas, N1CA,a mobile access technology specialist who believes low-vision users can use mobile devices to harness specialized and mainstream technologies to live fuller and richer lives.
As a trainer, Julian teaches people with limited vision how to use popular mobile solutions such as the iPhone and Android phones and the iPad, along with the many powerful apps associated with these devices, to increase independence and productivity. Through consultation and training he helps people make informed choices that will best serve their individual, specific needs.
At our meeting, Julian will also give an overview of the M1KE handheld WLAN IP transceiver from Shark RF. The M1KE lets users easily connect to and communicate with other hams using many of today’s popular digital modes including DMR, D-Star, YSF, Allstar, and Echolink.
With a wireless internet connection via Wi-Fi or mobile hotspot, users can chat with others across a room or the world.
Julian will discuss accessibility enhancements that have been added to the M1KE as a result of input from fellow blind hams who worked with SharkRF to make the product more blind-friendly.
Our General Meetings are held on the third Friday of each month at 7:30 pm, in the LAPD West Valley Station Community Room, at 19020 Vanowen St, Reseda, CA 91335. (Click for a map or set your GPS to: 34°11’34.4″N 118°32’55.4″W.) Parking is behind the library.
(Exceptions to this schedule include our Holiday Dinner in December, and occasions when the room is required for use by police officers.)
Meetings are hybrid, with attendance also available via Zoom. See our Zoom links page.
W6SD Wants To Help Hams Affected By the Southern California Wildfires
Are you one of the Los Angeles-area hams affected by the January, 2025, wildfires, or do you know one of these hams? W6SD wants to help.
Our club has radios and other equipment we can provide to help you get back on the air. We know this won’t undo the damage and devastation that these fires caused, but hope this support can help you get back on the air and involved in our hobby. To learn more, click here.
W6SD Weekly Social Get-Togethers
W6SD holds monthly speaker meetings on the third Friday of each month, at 7:30 p.m., via Zoom. We also hold informal social get-togethers every Monday morning via Zoom.
Many members meet for breakfast at 7:00 a.m. on Thursday mornings at the Denny’s restaurant at 16575 Sherman Way, west of the Van Nuys Airport. All are welcome.
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W6SD – The San Fernando Valley Amateur Radio Club
ARRL Affiliated Club #1684
Founded in 1946, The San Fernando Valley Amateur Radio Club, Inc. (SFVARC) is open to anyone interested in Amateur Radio as a hobby. The Club is affiliated with the American Radio Relay League and the Los Angeles Council of Amateur Radio Clubs, Inc.
San Fernando Valley Amateur Radio Club
P.O. Box 5472
West Hills, CA 91308
info@w6sd.com
Interested in joining W6SD? Whether you are brand new to the hobby of ham radio or are an Extra Class expert, you are welcome here. Click here for information.