Members during new shack
construction
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Old Club shack operating positions
W4KPR – Kings' Point Amateur Radio Club
Sun City Center, Florida 33573
Open Office 11/01/10
History of the Kings' Point Amateur Radio Club
Club Information
September 29, 1983: the SUN carried an article "KP moves closer to Amateur Radio
Station.", written by Jeannine Mjoseth. The first paragraph reads, "What recourse
would Kings Point have if a hurricane or tornado blew down telephone lines? If the
new Disaster System gains the necessary finance, Kings Pointers could turn to a
corps of radio operators to save lives, said Bob Gordon, head of the Emergency
Communications Committee". It is estimated that $4,000 would be needed to
purchase the equipment. W-G Development Corp. committed to a contribution.
November 24, 1983, the SUN carried an article offering a 10 week course in Amateur
Radio that teaches theory, regulations, and Morse Code to enable anyone to get a
license after taking the FCC exam. Bob Gordon, N4HEJ, was listed as the contact for
club membership. Harry Wolf, W6NKT, taught the first course, with two applicants
passing the exam for their Novice license.
A group of licensed amateurs got together to see if there would be interest in starting
a new Club, to be known as the Kings Point Amateur Radio Club. They were:
Callsign Look-up
Peter Kurdeka, N1ASJ; Ray Black, W2PKM; Vance Gallagher, WA2WWP; Bob Sutter, W3SOB;
Harry Wolf, W6NKT; Lou MacQuestin, WA8BUX, and Jean Hall, WA8OXL .
DX Spots
Items of Historical note:
W4KPR Member email
The first equipment purchased on January 9, 1984.
In February 1984, the club secured a room (closet) in the West Dance room from W-G (WCI)
W4KPR Weather-APRS
The first transmission as W3SOB recorded on March 21, 1984, by Harry Wolf, W6NKT, on 10
and 15 meters, from 18:01 to 19:50.
Second Transmission recorded was March 26, 1984 by Vance Gallagher, WA2WWP,
on 15 meters during a SCC net.
First Meeting was May 9, 1984.
March 6, 1985, Vance Gallagher cranked the old (south) beam antenna up to full height: 40 feet.
February 29, 1988 - Informal club meetings begin
December 19, 1988- First Organizational meeting of KPARC
In May 2007, the new beam antenna was installed on the East side of the clubhouse.
On September 10, 2007, the Club moved to its new facilities from the old ‘closet’ in the dance room.
In January 2008, the club callsign was changed from W3SOB to W4KPR.
Telephone: (813) 642-0651
1900 Clubhouse Drive, Sun City Center, FL 33573