Subject: Louisiana Section Managers Newsletter July 2020
LOUISIANA SECTION MANAGERS NEWSLETTER JULY 2020
Silent Keys:
Paul Strickland, WB9SUG
Roger Ley, WA9PZL
William “Hank†Toohey, N5ITX
Below is listed in August 2020 QST:
Cletus P. “Clete†Bauer, N4MPI
Mary L. McDonald, WB5LBR
Andrew L. “Andy†Pedneau, KD5LNU
Elgin W. Austin, WA5NB
Arrisia G. Sorey, KA8WZO
New Hams:
Report for 2020-07-02
Judah D Wolf, KI5JOA
Destrehan, LA 70047-2510
Christian P Counts, KI5JLF
Gretna, LA 70053-3124
Johnathan D Breaux, KI5JKQ
Marrero, LA 70072-6522
Christopher Orban, KI5JLL
New Orleans, LA 70115-2401
Will Trufant, KI5JKA
New Orleans, LA 70117-7824
Rebecca E Workman, KI5JIO
New Orleans, LA 70118-1917
Daniel Tullemans, KI5JJR
New Orleans, LA 70119-5826
John D Rawlins, KI5JJQ
New Orleans, LA 70122-5401
Thomas W Steffen, KI5JIP
New Orleans, LA 70124-1760
David B Guidry, KI5JJO
Lake Charles, LA 70611-6224
Daniel J Hebert, KI5JIR
Brusly, LA 70719
Michael P Laxen, KI5JHN
Walker, LA 70785-5221
Sabrina V Huezo, KI5JNY
Baton Rouge, LA 70808-7029
Christopher Reine, KI5JSE
Baton Rouge, LA 70809-2828
Walter D Stampley, KI5JIS
Baton Rouge, LA 70810-1627
Matthew Vicari, KI5JNZ
Baton Rouge, LA 70815-6246
Michael Evans, KI5JLC
Greenwood, LA 71033-3329
Perry A Culver, KI5JRH
Shreveport, LA 71105-2022
Eric A Reedy, KI5JSZ
Shreveport, LA 71105-4238
Gary W Lowder, KI5JIV
Eros, LA 71238-8375
Upgraded Licenses:
Report for 2020-07-02
Mark A Ferreira, KI5IVH
New Orleans, LA 70118-1917
Ronnie P Voorhies, KI5HBA
Madisonville, LA 70447-3269
David Keesling, KI5JQU
Lake Charles, LA 70601-3126
Myron C Brown, KI5ARK
Lake Charles, LA 70605-2311
Glen A Guidry, WB5WSK
Ragley, LA 70657-5912
Dawson G Andrews, KI5IMY
French Settlement, LA 70733-2540
New/Renewed ARRL Members:
Report for 2020-07-02
Christian P Counts, KI5JLF
Gretna, LA 70053-3124
Dennis A Barhorst, N5QVU
Gretna, LA 70056-5231
Austin Fellows, KF5SOA
Gretna, LA 70056-5237
Christopher Orban, KI5JLL
New Orleans, LA 70115-2401
Salvador Suau, KP4ENU
New Orleans, LA 70124-3307
Edward A Sicard, K5AZR
Folsom, LA 70437-3229
Daniel D Marsalone, AE5XK
Mandeville, LA 70448-7042
James D Dillon, N0KWA
Talisheek, LA 70464-0015
Tom Maher, N9ESR
Mandeville, LA 70471-3605
Thomas M Chapman, KF5HDK
Lake Charles, LA 70607-3651
David S Dancer
Deridder, LA 70634-3427
Andrew K Kearney, N5YGJ
Baton Rouge, LA 70809-3900
James R Giammanco, N5IB
Baton Rouge, LA 70810-1134
Dennis D Watters, WB0TAX
Elm Grove, LA 71051-8053
Henry Felan
Shreveport, LA 71105-4203
Robert W Mc Donald, WB5CMI
Bossier City, LA 71111-4822
Terry J Peek, KD5BIO
Bossier City, LA 71112-3705
Vance K Thomas, N5DUH
Bossier City, LA 71112-8713
William F Hensel, K5KYD
Alexandria, LA 71303-7741
John Gregory, KF5HLF
Gorum, LA 71434-0053
FROM THE ARRL:
The July/August Issue of Digital QEX is Now Available!
06/19/2020
The July/August issue of Digital QEX is now available for viewing on
your desktop or laptop. Click here to go the ARRL Magazines page and
scroll down to access this and other ARRL publications. QEX is also
available for reading on your Apple, Android, or Kindle Fire device.
In this issue:
â— Gene Marcus W3PM/GM4YRE, builds a project that includes a
two-channel VFO, WSPR source, frequency counter, and a clock.
â— Steve Franke, K9AN; Bill Somerville, G4WJS; and Joe Taylor, K1JT,
describe the FT4 and FT8 digital modes implemented in WSJT-X.
â— Steve Stearns, K6OIK, discusses the crest factor of sinusoidal
electromagnetic fields.
… and much more!
Rescued Radio Amateur Says, “Ham Radio Saved My Lifeâ€
06/22/2020
ARRL member Alden Sumner Jones IV, KC1JWR, of Bennington, Vermont, is
thankful for amateur radio, after he suffered a medical incident and
lost consciousness on June 15 while hiking with others along a remote
section of the Long Trail, not far from his home. An EMT from
Appalachian Mountain Rescue (AMR), who was hiking nearby, saw Jones pass
out but was unable to connect with 911 via his cell phone. Jones, 41,
regained consciousness and was successful in contacting Ron Wonderlick,
AG1W, via the Northern Berkshire Amateur Radio Club’s K1FFK repeater
on Mount Greylock, and Wonderlick initiated what turned into an 8-hour
effort to get Jones off the trail and to a medical facility, acting as a
relay among Jones, emergency crews, and other agencies involved. As the
Bennington Post reported, “The Vermont State Police also received
assistance from several licensed amateur radio operators who helped
facilitate communications, greatly assisting in the rescue.â€
Matthew Sacco, KC1JPU, headed to a staging area where rescue crews were
gathering. When he could not make it into the repeater, he employed some
ham radio ingenuity to fashion a J-pole antenna from some window line he
had on hand, casting it into a tree using a fishing pole. That did the
trick. An individual on site was able to obtain an accurate location for
Jones using the GPS on his cell phone.
After it was determined that rescuers could not reach Jones using an
all-terrain vehicle, arrangements were made to have a search-and-rescue
crew from New York retrieve Jones by helicopter. Amateur radio
participants were able to relay critical information, including an
accurate location, as preparations continued.
Jones, meanwhile, took advantage of his time with the EMT and other
rescuers to talk up amateur radio and explaining how to get licensed.
According to one account, rescuers were having trouble making contact
with the helicopter, so Jones loaned them a better antenna he happened
to have.
Jones was eventually flown to a hospital in Albany, New York, again
taking advantage of the occasion to promote amateur radio to the
helicopter pilot and crew. Jones is said to be recovering.
“Ham radio saved my life last night, and I am very thankful for how
everyone helped me,†Jones said afterward.
Registration Open, Plans Firming Up for ARRL-TAPR Digital Communications
Conference
06/23/2020
Registration is open for the 30th annual ARRL-TAPR Digital
Communications Conference (DCC), which will be a virtual event later
this year. The conference is planned for Friday and Saturday, September
11 – 12, with activities starting at 1300 UTC and ending at 2130 UTC.
Tentative plans call for having 26 half-hour timeslots.
“We will be encouraging talks from all around the world,†said Steve
Bible, N7HPR, of TAPR, who explained that times will be arranged to
favor European attendees in their afternoon. Bible said participating
speakers may submit a recorded presentation, if they wish. The plan is
for a 20-minute talk followed by a question-and-answer session. An
updated speaker schedule will be on the DCC web page.
“We also plan 15-minute slots for shorter topics, such as the
lightning talks that we have at the in-person DCC,†he added. “These
shorter slots also provide opportunities for demonstrations of projects
and ideas.â€
WSJT-X Update Released
06/23/2020
The digital modes suite WSJT-X version 2.2.2 has been released. The
update is a bug-fix release. The primary change is to incorporate the
new Radio Amateurs of Canada (RAC) Prince Edward Island (PE) Section PE
into the FT8/FT4/MSK144 contest mode for ARRL Field Day. Operators
planning to be on the air for Field Day should upgrade to this version
to enable accurate logging.
Another change: the FT8 decoder has been sped up in “normal†and
“fast†modes. This offers a decoding speed closer to that of version
2.1.2 without compromising the number of decodes. It is particularly
targeted for slower, single-board computers, such as the Raspberry Pi
Model 3 or similar.
Also, the DX grid field now clears automatically whenever the DX call
field is changed.
ARRL to Hold National Convention at Orlando HamCation in February 2021
06/23/2020
ARRL has announced that Orlando HamCation® will host the 2021 ARRL
National Convention in Orlando, Florida, February 11 – 14. The
convention will mark the 75th anniversary of HamCation— one of the
largest annual ham radio gatherings. The convention theme, “reDiscover
Radio,†is a rallying call for radio amateurs committed to developing
knowledge and skills in radio technology and radio communication.
The convention will kick off on Thursday, February, 11 with a series of
day-long ARRL Training Tracks and a National Convention luncheon at the
DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Orlando at SeaWorld. A complete program and
list of presenters will be available later this summer. Registration
will open in the fall. HamCation will host the rest of the convention
Friday – Sunday, February 12 – 14, at the Central Florida
Fairgrounds and Expo Park in Orlando.
HamCation is sponsored by the Orlando Amateur Radio Club (OARC), an
ARRL-affiliated club. OARC is supported by volunteers from radio clubs
throughout the region. This year, an estimated 24,200 people attended
all 3 days of the event. Details on tickets and information about
forums, exhibits (including information for vendors and tailgaters),
testing, travel, and preferred hotels with special rates are on the
HamCation website.
Online ticket sales begin in August. Tickets purchased (postmarked) by
December 1, 2020, will cost $15 and are valid for all 3 days.
ARRL and HamCation acknowledge that this year’s pandemic has
introduced uncertainty into any long-term planning. Both organizations
will follow all government and health requirements and guidelines as
plans are committed for the 2021 event.
QSO Today Virtual Ham Expo Set for August
06/24/2020
QSO Today podcast host Eric Guth, 4Z1UG/WA6IGR, has announced that the
first QSO Today Virtual Ham Expo will take place Saturday and Sunday,
August 8 – 9. Attendance is free to all, registration is open, and
there are early bird prizes for registering now.
Built on a live, virtual reality platform used by Fortune 500 companies
and major universities, the ARRL-sanctioned hamfest will feature a
lineup of well-known speakers. Guth and his team, including George
Zafiropoulos, KJ6VU, have assembled more than 50 of the best ham radio
mentors in multiple tracks to address this conference from the virtual
Expo’s auditorium.
Presenters will include Ward Silver, N0AX, on grounding and bonding;
Glenn Johnson, W0GJ, on DXpeditions, and John Portune, W6NBC, on
building slot antennas for antenna-restricted locations. Demonstrations
of new amateur radio gear will be presented, and attendees can speak
with exhibitors via video/audio or chat, as well as interact with others
online.
“This platform simulates a full convention experience, with an exhibit
hall and exhibit booths staffed by live attendants, speaker auditorium,
lobby, and lounges,†the announcement said. Guth, an ARRL member,
decided to go forward with the virtual event after many in-person ham
radio conventions were canceled because of the COVID-19 pandemic. ARRL
will be among the exhibitors filling the virtual exhibit hall.
Attendees will be able to share ideas and network with each other via
the virtual platform. Following the 48-hour live event, audio/video from
presentations and resources published by exhibitors will remain
available to registrants on demand for 30 days.
MARS Announces HF Skills Exercise
06/26/2020
Members of the Military Auxiliary Radio System (MARS) will conduct an HF
skills exercise July 20 – 24 to hone their operating skills and
messaging-handling capabilities.
MARS members will be reaching out to the amateur radio community via the
60-meters Channel 1 Net (5330.5 kHz dial) twice a day, the SATERN HF net
(14.265 MHz), and by contacting various stations via HFLink throughout
the exercise. MARS members will be requesting assistance with collecting
county status information as well as airport weather information, called
METARs. MARS members will also be passing ICS 213 messages to numerous
Department of Defense (DoD), federal, and amateur radio addressees.
This exercise will be announced via WWV at 00:10 and via WWVH at 00:50
starting on or about July 13. WWV and WWVH listeners will be asked to
take an online listener survey. This HF radio training event will not
impact regular communications. — Thanks to Paul English, Chief, Army
MARS
Maritime Mobile Service Network Comes to the Aid of Vessel in Distress
07/06/2020
The Maritime Mobile Service Net (MMSN) on 14.300 MHz came to the
assistance of a sailing vessel on June 25. MMSN control operator Steven
Carpenter, K9UA, took a call on 20 meters from Ian Cummings, KB4SG, the
skipper of the Mystic Lady, then some 40 miles east of Florida. Cummings
reported that his engine had failed as he was attempting to return to
his home port of Stuart, Florida. He not only had insufficient wind, but
a strong current was carrying the vessel out to sea.
Cummings had been unable to reach any station via his VHF marine radio,
since he was too far from the coast. Assisting in the call was Robert
Wynhoff, K5HUT, also an MMSN net control operator. Cummings said his
vessel, with one passenger on board, was drifting northwest toward the
South Carolina coast.
“A major concern was that the vessel was heading directly towards a
lee shore,†the MMSN reported. “Lee shores are shallow, dangerous
areas which are a hazard to watercraft. Vessels could be pushed into the
shallow area by the wind, possibly running aground and breaking up.â€
Carpenter contacted Cummings’ family, who had already called the Sea
Tow marine towing service. Sea Tow advised Carpenter to tell the captain
to head closer to shore by sailing west, if possible. Carpenter told
Cummings that if he was unable to get nearer to shore, he would notify
the US Coast Guard, which was already monitoring the situation.
As the MMSN reported, “The Mystic Lady was able to make some headway,
but it was very slow. Members of the MMSN made additional calls via
landline to the captain’s family as to the ongoing status of those on
board. The family was concerned but relieved that communication was
established and that all were well.â€
Several hours later, the captain advised that the wind had picked up,
allowing him to head close enough to shore for Sea Tow to reach the
vessel and take it back to port.
The Pacific Seafarers’ Net, which monitors 14.300 MHz from the West
Coast after the MMSN secures at 0200 UTC, kept in touch with the Mystic
Lady into the night while it was under tow.
The tired, grateful captain later messaged the net, “A million thanks
to everyone last night who helped rescue us on 14.300. Everyone chipped
in as we drifted north in the Gulf Stream 60 miles headed to a lee
shore. The MMSN net control and several others stayed with us for hours,
phoned people, and were immensely helpful. The situation on board was
dangerous. We are now safely under tow home. You folks are amazing!â€
In operation since 1968, the MMSN monitors 14.300 MHz 70 hours a week to
assist vessels and others in need of assistance. — Thanks to MMSN Net
Manager Jeff Savasta, KB4JKL
Introducing The ARRL Current
07/09/2020
ARRL has a new way to let members know when the digital editions of QST
and other publications are available. Distributed via email, The ARRL
Current offers a monthly overview of ARRL publications and member
benefits. The inaugural edition launched in June.
AMSAT-DL Submits Lunar Lander Proposal to European Space Agency
07/13/2020
Germany’s amateur satellite organization AMSAT-DL has submitted a
comprehensive proposal to the European Space Agency (ESA) for its Lunar
Amateur Radio Transponder (LunART) lunar lander — a communications
platform on the Large European Lander to support communication and
payload experiments. AMSAT-DL’s Peter Gülzow, DB2OS, and Matthias
Bopp, DD1US, say that a LunART (called “LunaART†in the AMSAT-DL
proposal) would support direct communication with Earth via amateur
radio, support university and student payloads and offer direct access
to their experiments, and expand the reach of radio science. It could
also provide backup communication capability and capacity during an
emergency, or when the ESA network is busy.
The comprehensive radio platform would use the European frequency
protocol of 2.4 GHz up and 10.45 GHz down (approximately 100 W),
pioneered in the QO-100 satellite, the first geosynchronous amateur
radio payload. The platform would also include a VHF/UHF transponder.
AMSAT-DL would develop and build the necessary hardware and software and
provide ground station support via the 20-meter dish at AMSAT-DL
headquarters in Bochum, Germany. They envision developing a smaller
ground station with an approximately 1-meter dish to support groups,
including schools and universities. Low-power beacons would transmit on
various frequencies from VHF (145 MHz) through SHF (up to 24 GHz or even
47 GHz), AMSAT-DL’s proposal says.
“This transponder would also be an ideal platform to develop new
transmission schemes with novel modulation and coding techniques
optimized for long-distance communications with the corresponding high
latency (long delays),†AMSAT-DL said. “This would provide essential
knowledge in preparation of a future Mars mission.†In addition,
LunART could include the capability to transmit still or slow-scan
television images and video to schools “from cameras attached to the
lander monitoring the moon surface and perhaps the Earth in the
background [which] would be ideal stimuli for getting school kids and
STEM organizations further interested in space.â€
The proposal is on open access at the ESA website and is now being
evaluated. AMSAT-DL’s LunART follows the Lunar Amateur Radio
Interaction Experiment (LARIE) proposal from Andy Thomas, G0SFJ. Both
refer to weak signal modes and suggest the same frequency bands. Thomas
said he welcomes LunART as a well-developed proposal and hopes ESA will
support it as well. — Thanks to Southgate Amateur Radio News,
AMSAT-DL, and ESA
ARRL Seeks Awards and Programs Assistant
07/09/2020
ARRL has invited applications for the position of Awards and Programs
Assistant at ARRL Headquarters in Newington, Connecticut. This is a
full-time, non-exempt opening in the Radiosport and Field Services
Department. The pay range is from $16.08 to 19.30 per hour.
The Awards and Programs Assistant assists with all Radiosport and Field
Services Department activities, with an initial priority on Logbook of
The World (LoTW) support. Other duties may involve supporting DXCC and
other awards programs, W1AW operations, and contest program and field
service support. This individual also may be assigned special projects
and would represent ARRL in public forums worldwide.
The successful candidate should have a well-rounded knowledge of amateur
radio, an Amateur Extra-class license, and 2 years of operating
experience; the ability to quickly understand and explain software
functionality, and proficiency in keyboarding and data entry. This
individual should have attained DXCC, regularly submit contest logs to
sponsors, use LoTW, and be able to resolve issues efficiently.
A bachelor’s degree is preferred. The ideal candidate will have
excellent interpersonal, telephone, and listening skills and be
proficient in public presentations. Some overnight travel may be
required.
To apply, submit a cover letter and resume via mail, email, or fax to
ARRL, c/o Monique Levesque, 225 Main St., Newington, CT 06111 (fax
860-594 -0298). For complete position information, visit ARRL Employment
Opportunities and scroll down to “Awards and Programs Assistant.â€
ARRL is an equal opportunity employer.
Former North Texas Section Manager Tom Blackwell, N5GAR, SK
07/14/2020
Former North Texas Section Manager Tom Blackwell, N5GAR, of Dallas,
Texas, died on May 14. An ARRL Life Member, he was 65. Blackwell served
as North Texas SM from 2005 until 2009.
Blackwell graduated from the University of Texas at Austin in the
College of Business Administration. He attended graduate school at the
University of Texas at Dallas. He was an original petitioner in the
Petition for Rule Making that resulted in a new FCC rule that allowed
radio amateurs who are employees of public safety agencies and other
entities, such as hospitals, to participate in drills, tests, and
exercises in preparation for such emergency situations and to transmit
messages on behalf of their employers during such drills and tests under
“certain limited conditions.â€
During his tenure as Section Manager, Blackwell served as State
Government Liaison, Public Information Officer, and Technical
Specialist.
FCC Announces Closing of Filing Window at its Headquarters
07/14/2020
The FCC permanently closed its filing location at FCC Headquarters —
Open Window Counter, 445 12th Street SW, Room, TW-A325, Washington, DC
20554 — effective on July 7. This change is for security measures, and
in anticipation of the upcoming FCC Headquarters move. Hand-carried
documents will no longer be accepted at the FCC Headquarters.
After COVID-19 restrictions are lifted, 9050 Junction Drive, Annapolis
Junction, Maryland 20701, will be the only location where hand-carried
documents for the FCC will be accepted. The filing window for
hand-carried documents will be open from 8 AM until 4 PM, Monday through
Friday.
“These changes are being made to enhance security measures and in
conjunction with the Commission’s upcoming relocation to a new
headquarters building located at 45 L Street NE, Washington, DC 20554,
which is scheduled to occur later this year,†the FCC said in
announcing the change.
International Lighthouse Lightship Weekend on Track for 2020
07/15/2020
Registrations for this year’s popular International Lighthouse
Lightship Weekend (ILLW) appear to have been largely unaffected by the
current COVID-19 pandemic. The event will take place this year over the
August 22 – 23 weekend. By mid-July, more than 200 entries had been
received, and some 400 are expected to have signed up by the event
weekend.
New to this year’s event is Corsica at Phare d’Alistro, which for
ILLW purposes carries the French number of FR0030. Two lighthouses in
Ghana will be on the air for the first time, as well as Buck Island
Lighthouse in the US Virgin Islands (VI0001). Germany is well in the
lead with 54 entries, followed by Australia with 29 entries, and the US
with 27 entries.
This event is designed as a fun weekend to encourage exposure to amateur
radio and lighthouses to the visiting public, and ILLW stresses contacts
should be more than just an exchange of signal reports. All participants
are urged to observe local COVID-19 safety guidelines. —Thanks to
Kevin Mulcahey, VK2CE
Radio Club of America Announces 2020 Award Recipients and Fellows
07/17/2020
The Radio Club of America (RCA) has announced its 2020 award recipients
and fellows, several of whom are radio amateurs. Recipients and fellows
will be celebrated at RCA’s 111th Banquet & Awards Presentation on
Friday, November 20, in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.
• Barry Goldwater Award: Bob Bruninga, WB4APR, for unique
contributions to the field of amateur radio.
• Edgar F. Johnson Pioneer Citation Award: Tokuzo Inoue, JA3FA, for
noteworthy contributions to the success of the radio industry.
• The Jack Poppele Award: John Schadler for important and long-term
contributions to the field of radio broadcasting.
• The Jay Kitchen Leadership Award: Michael T.N. Fitch in recognition
of achievement of a high level of success leading a wireless
association.
• The Ralph Batcher Memorial Award: Eric P. Wenaas, Ph. D., for
significant work in preserving the history of radio and electronic
communications.
• RCA President’s Award: Ron Jakubowski, K2RJ, for service and
dedication to the Radio Club of America.
• RCA Special Services Award: Ernie Blair, WA4BPS, to recognize an RCA
member who has performed significant work to advance the goals and
objectives of the Radio Club of America.
• The Sarnoff Citation: Robert Rouleau, VE2P, and Norman Pearl,
VE2BQS, for exceptional contributions of a technical or non-technical
nature to the advancement of electronic communications.
• US Navy Captain George P. McGinnis Memorial Award: CTRCM John A.
“Gus†Gustafson, USN (Ret.) for service and dedication to the
advancement and preservation of US Naval Cryptology, as nominated by the
US Naval Cryptologic Veterans Association (NCVA).
• The Vivian Carr Award: Emily Calandrelli, KD8PKR, in recognition of
an outstanding woman’s achievements in the wireless industry.
2020 RCA Fellows
Elevation to Fellow is made by nomination of members in good standing
for at least 5 years, in recognition of contributions to the art and
science of radio communications, broadcast, or to the Radio Club of
America.
• Jim Bugel
• Raymond L. Grimes, N8RG
• Tracey M. Hilburn
• Paul A. Scutieri
• Alan S. Tilles
• David Witkowski, W6DTW
A complete listing of RCA awards and previous recipients is on the RCA
website.
Field Day 2020 is Shaping Up to be One for the Record Books
07/16/2020
ARRL Contest Program Manager Paul Bourque, N1SFE, reported that ARRL has
received more than 8,700 online Field Day entries by mid-week, and
paper-only entries have started arriving too.
“As many participants chose to operate from home this year — and
given the 2020 rules waivers, we have seen a tremendous increase in
entries over last year’s event,†Bourque said. “Most of the
entries received have been through the online web app, and Headquarters
staffers have begun processing the paper entries this week. The 2020
waivers allowed individual club members to attribute their scores to
their clubs.
Participants who submitted entries online are encouraged to check the
Field Day entries received page to verify that their entries are marked
as complete, and that the club name entered is correct. Entries with a
status of “pending†are incomplete entries that are missing one or
more items, and these need to be completed for an official entry. Share
your stories and photos using the ARRL soapbox or via social media, such
as on the ARRL Field Day Facebook group.
http://www.arrl.org/arrlletter?issue=2020-06-25
http://www.arrl.org/arrlletter?issue=2020-07-02
http://www.arrl.org/arrlletter?issue=2020-07-09
http://www.arrl.org/arrlletter?issue=2020-07-16
FROM AROUND THE SECTION:
Section Traffic Managers Report:
Sessions QNI QTC QTR
17. 717 38. 485
73,
Jimmy Lewis AB5YS
Louisiana Section Traffic Manager
Section Emergency Coordinators Report:
1. ARRL Section: Louisiana
2. Month: June
3. Year: 2020
4. Total number of ARES members: 394
5. Number of DECs/ECs reporting this month: 9
6. Number of ARES nets active: 64
7. Number of nets with NTS liaison: 2
8. Calls of DECs/EC reporting: W4NDF NS5W KD5BNH KE5BMS AG5LR KD5DFL
W5GAS KD5IGZ KE5GMN
9a. Number of exercises & training sessions this month: 31
9b. Person hours: 463
10a. Number of public service events this month: 1 10b. Person
hours: 3
11a. Number of emergency operations this month: 0
11b. Person hours: 0
12a. Number of SKYWARN operations this month: 6
12b. Person hours: 137
13a. Auto Sum 9a, 10a, 11a, 12a: 38
13b. Auto Sum 9b,
10b, 11b, 12b: 603
Jim Coleman, AI5B
Section Emergency Coordinator
http://www.arrl.org/ares-el?issue=2020-06-17
http://www.arrl.org/ares-el?issue=2020-07-15
Effective immediately the following appointments are made for the
Louisiana Section ARES:
Region 5 ADEC Jimmy Miller, N0MSW.
Region 8 EC Ouachita Parish Ricky Little, KI5GEI.
Kevin Thomas, W5KGT is stepping into the role of AEC Ouachita Parish
from EC to allow more time for other activities but will remain active
in ARES.
Thanks to Jimmy, Ricky and Kevin.
Region 4:
From: Volume 60, Number 07 ACADIANA AMATEUR RADIO ASSOC., INC. - July
2020
A Message From Chris Ancelet N5MCY
June 2020 Field Day: We all understand that with the current state of
affairs, many folks were unable to attend the AARA Field Day on June
27th and 28th. We also respect the decisions that many of you chose for
this event. Whether you operated from home or attended the AARA Field
day, I am certain that everyone made several contacts across the USA.
The AARA would like to extend a special thanks to Mr. & Mrs. Steve Webre
for allowing their property to be transformed into an antenna farm for
the 24-hour event. It was an absolute pleasure to set up in a low noise
area and gain some additional function from your portable set up.
Overall the event was a success and we had a great turnout of over 25
people. When you combine Friends, Food, & Fellowship, you will always
have a winning combination. We were spared by rain showers even though
we had a few rumbles of thunder in the distance – we were not,
however, spared from the heat and humidity. We are looking forward to
future club events and we certainly hope to see you there. Veteran’s
Day Special Event Station: As of June 29, 2020, this event is still
being viewed as a possible cancellation. Due to the COVID virus, the
Veteran’s facility has been keeping a close eye on visitation and at
this point there is no end in sight. The staff has informed me that in
the event they begin to relax the visitation restrictions, they will let
us know because our presence is a big hit with the residents. July 2020
General Club Meeting: We will be hosting the July General Club Net on
Thursday July 2nd on the air. Please join us as we will begin taking
early check-ins beginning at 6:30 PM until the start of the net. This
will expedite time spent checking in and allow time for a Field Day
recap and general club information. 147.040 MHz + 0.600 PL 103.5 W5EXI
Chris Ancelet N5MCY
Wasn't a large turn out for testing but we did wind up with an upgrade
to General. The upgrades was Ronald Bertucci ~ KI5AGS ~ of Lafayette.
The VEs in attendance were Greg - K5LFT, Michael - KI5ARX & Chris -
N5MCY (1st test session ever) Great big TNX to the VES and
congratulations to Ronald.
Birthdays:
07-02 WA5KNC Eugene
07-04 KI5JMD Jake
07-19 AI5O Stephen
07-22 KI5DHK Andrew
07-23 WB5GAF Ralph
07-28 KE5AHD Greg
08-06 W9HUT Alton
08-07 KF5PCH Jackie
08-09 KF5FNP Glen
Acadiana Amateur Radio Assoc., Inc.
P. O. Box 51174
Lafayette, LA 70505-1174
Website: http://www.w5ddl.org
CHOCOLATE PEANUT BUTTER OATMEAL COOKIES (Easy) Ingredients: (can be
doubled) 1 Cup of brown sugar 3 Tablespoons white corn syrup 3 Cups of
oatmeal 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract 1 Cup of chocolate chip morsels (I
use semi-sweet milk chocolate but you could use dark chocolate**. 1/2
Cup of margarine 3/4 Cup of peanut butter 1/2 Cup of roasted chopped
peanuts or pecans Melt margarine and sugar in a saucepan. Add in all
other ingredients and melt together under low heat or in a
double-boiler. Drop by spoonsful onto parchment paper and put in
freezer. LO-CAL----HA,HA,HA **Note: Can use 1-3/4 cup of combined
chocolate/peanut butter chips.
Region 6:
From: The BRASS KEY July 2020
The Prez Sez…..
July 2020 We will not have a club Field Day at the Louisiana Department
of Wildlife and Fisheries Outdoor Education Center in Woodworth. Per
current guidelines from the state government, we cannot operate inside
the building or stay overnight at the facility. I encourage you to
operate Field Day under your own call sign, with the privileges
specified for your license, and submit the results to ARRL. You can do
this and specify credit to go to Central Louisiana Amateur Radio Club.
The information on how to do that is contained in a recent e-mail from
our club secretary, Lisa, KW5LC. Remember to spell out Central Louisiana
Amateur Radio Club correctly and with no abbreviations. During all of
the health and social chaos and the no-sun-spot-non-stellar propagation,
there have been enough openings on 6m through 40m to make life
interesting. Thank goodness we have amateur radio and the ability to
communicate with people, who are more or less in the same boat we are
in, just about anywhere from the comfort of homes or our vehicles.
Despite the best efforts of 2020 to make life miserable, we plan to have
a club meeting on Tuesday, July 7, and to conduct VEC testing. The venue
will be the Fellowship Hall at First Baptist Church Pineville. This room
is large, and we can spread out. We will send an e-mail with details.
Get on the air, and stay safe.
Vy 73 DX John N5CM
CLARC congratulates our own who again qualified for the ARRL Certificate
of Code Proficiency, improving to 15 words per minute! Check out the
July issue of QST Magazine, Page 86. KEEP UP THE GOOD WORK, STACEY!!!
REGION 6 ARES COORDINATOR SEEKING HELP As most of you know I am the
Region 6 District Emergency Coordinator for Amateur Radio Emergency
Services. I am looking for help. We have positions open for Emergency
Coordinators as well as regular ARES members. If you are interested
please contact me at kd5dfl@hotmail.com. I met with our Louisiana ARRL
Public Information Coordinator, Joe Holland, KB5VJY on Thursday, June
18th, in Pineville. Joe is from West Monroe and would love to hear from
any of our club members regarding anything ham radio. If you are putting
up an antenna, working on a radio, participating in an event, please
email me whatever you have and I'll forward it to Joe for the ARRL
monthly newsletter. 73, Scott Wren, KD5DFL La. ARRL ARES DEC
NOTICE: CLARC Sunday Evening Prayer Net to be Suspended The Central
Louisiana Amateur Radio Club Prayer Net will be suspended following the
net Sunday, June 28. An e-mail was sent to club members on 06/10/20
requesting new net control operators to volunteer to serve. There were
no responses to that e-mail. When sufficient members volunteer to serve
as net control operators and one member as a net coordinator, operation
of the Prayer Net will resume. John N5CM CLARC President
From: The BRASS KEY August 2020
The Prez Sez……
August 2020
We plan to hold the August meeting on Tuesday, 08-04-20, at the usual
time. We will announce a
location when those details have been secured. We will communicate with
Jim, AE5ZE, to determine
if testing will be available, and we will announce that information as
well.
Some of you have expressed an interest in CW. I would encourage you to
check out the Straight Key
Century Club (SKCC). Membership is free and registration can be handled
easily online. The group is
very welcoming and accommodating to new folks. Code speeds are slow to
moderate. The
requirement is that the code must be mechanically generated, no keyers
or paddles. Members can
use a straight key, a bug, and a side swiper, also known as a
“cootieâ€. The website for SKCC is:
https://www.skccgroup.com. In a typical SKCC QSO, operators exchange the
following information:
QTH (state), name, and SKCC number. SKCC frequencies (MHz) are: 50.090,
28.050, 28.114,
24.910, 21.050, 18.080, 14.050, 14.114, 10.120, 7.055, 7.120, 3.530, and
3.550. Take a listen when
you get a chance.
On 07-14-20 at 00:40 UTC, I worked Dave, K7TRT, in Billings, MT on
10.120 MHz. It was my
pleasure to be his first QSO as a new member of SKCC. He was using an
FT-891, a 130-foot long
wire, and an old Soviet army key that he bought recently. He was a bit
apologetic about his fist (ability
to send code), but it sounded good to me… gud copy.
SKCC is a good place to get your feet wet in CW. Because I was
apprehensive about my CW skills, I
joined a little while after I got back on the air in February 2018. If
you want to look at this way, it is a
“safe space†for new and returning CW operators. Members range from
complete newbies to well-
seasoned, and accomplished CW operators like Bert, W5ZR, in St.
Martinsville. I’ve heard Bert hang
with the high-speed contesters, but when he’s on SKCC, he takes it
easy.
Well, we look forward to seeing you in August assuming your
circumstances will permit it.
Get on the air, and stay safe.
Vy 73 DX
John N5C
Region 9:
From: The SELARC "Hamster" Vol. 47, No. 7 .........................
July 2020
Hammond VE Group - ARRL/W5YI - The Hammond VE Group has changed names
to: Florida Parishes VE Group. Testing sessions are now held at the new
permanent location: AmVets Post #68; 26890 Hwy 42b (jct. of Hwys 42 and
43) - Springfield, La. 70462
(approximately 3 miles south of I-12 at exit 32)
Sessions are still held on the last Sunday of each month at 2:00 pm !
K5R Special Event
Scott KD5PCK has secured the 1x1 event callsign K5R for August 28 - 30,
2020, the Anniversary of Hurricane Katrina; looking for people
interested and hoping to run the special event at the Community Center
this year.
Community News / Announcements
Sadly, Paul Strickland WB9SUG of the Ozone Amateur Radio Club and a past
EC / organizer of St. Tammany Parish's ARES group - became a silent key
on July 6, 2020. ( http://w5sla.net/sk.htm )
A new Fusion repeater is up and running down in Manchac on 444.875 +
with a DG ID of 01. Yesterday the node became active which ties the
repeater into the DWARN.org network. The repeater callsign is under
KD5KNZ. The node is being hosted by KI5FMA in Hammond.
Happy Birthday
Birthday Wishes for July go out to - Roger KG5WQI, Michael KE5KMH
If we missed your birthday, then please let us know.
Get Well Soon —
Best wishes for continued recuperation go to SELARC members Tom Simpson
N5HAY and Homer Jones KA5TRT. We look forward to hearing you on the
air!
VE Session Results
Florida Parishes VE Group - 28 June, 2020 VE Session
Congratulations to the following "NEW" Amateur Radio Operators and
upgrades!!
Technician
Lawrence Gallup - Clinton, La.
Lawrence Lima / KI5JVY - Hammond, La.
Bryan Vincent / KI5JWA - Covington, La.
Stephen Thieneman / KI5JVZ - New Orleans, La.
James Soileau / KI5JWB - Mandeville, La.
David Burnstad / KI5JWD - New Orleans, La.
General
Westin Cobb / KI5FRF - Pine Grove, La.
Justin Cline / N5ZCW - Baton Rouge, La.
Robert Lennon / KI5JWC - Bay st. Louis, Ms.
Chris Orban / KI5JLL - New Orleans, La.
Many thanks to the faithful VEs' who take the time to come out and help
with these sessions and make then a success!!! We could not give exams
for Extra class because we lacked the third Extra class VE needed!!
Please if you are an Extra class licensee, then please consider becoming
a VE with our group!!!
73
Tyrone Burns - N5XES - ARRL VE Liason
Everyone stay safe and hydrated!
--------------------------------------------------------------------
ARRL Louisiana Section
Section Manager: John Mark Robertson, K5JMR
k5jmr@arrl.org
--------------------------------------------------------------------
LOUISIANA SECTION MANAGERS NEWSLETTER JUNE 2020
LOUISIANA SECTION MANAGERS NEWSLETTER JUNE 2020 SILENT KEYS: Andy Pedneau, KD5LNU NEW HAMS: Welcome to the hobby! Report for 2020-06-02 Gilberto Rodriguez-Cruz, KI5IZZ Hammond, LA 70403-4722 Stephen J Fortunato, KI5JAA Covington, LA 70433-4528 Timothy J Zenner, KI5JAB Mandeville, LA 70471-6730 Kathleen M Boudreaux, KI5IWU Lafayette, LA 70503-5220 Burke Huner, AG5ZA Lafayette, LA 70508-5372 Rodger L Ballard, KI5IYV Ragley, LA 70657-3111 Ronald K Page, KI5IZX Holden, LA 70744-0021 Cid I Dillard, KI5IZY Baton Rouge, LA 70809-6700 Jerre A Hurst, KI5IXO Bastrop, LA 71220-6870 James L Longsworth, KI5JBK Leesville, LA 71446-4110 Nicholas De La Portilla, KI5JBL LEESVILLE, LA 71448 UPGRADED LICENSES: Congratulations! Report for 2020-06-02 Brandon D Willmott, KI5IPD Kenner, LA 70065-3219 Thomas B Harang, KF5DKN Thibodaux, LA 70301-3503 Adam J Melancon, KD5QZG Lafayette, LA 70503-4730 Matthew B McKellar, KI5IPZ Lafayette, LA 70506-3634 Jeremy A Hoof, KI5GIY Church Point, LA 70525-4817 Lawrence J Arena, KF5FNT Opelousas, LA 70570-1548 Ryan J Baiad, KI5GZO Lake Charles, LA 70611-4658 Charles R Richardson, KI5ILL Holden, LA 70744-6506 Daniel W Lott, KF5TQN Baton Rouge, LA 70806-6510 Bruce E Eilts, KD5GRC Baton Rouge, LA 70810-1241 NEW/RENEWED ARRL MEMBERS: Welcome/Welcome Back! Report for 2020-06-02 Brian M White, WB5BMW Metairie, LA 70003-7632 Mark A Ferreira, KI5IVH New Orleans, LA 70118-1917 Ned J Plaisance, N5DPL Cut Off, LA 70345-3578 Brian E Wetzel, N5YHM Abita Springs, LA 70420-3417 Ronnie P Voorhies, KI5HBA Madisonville, LA 70447-3269 Matthew Lewis, KI5HQV Mandeville, LA 70448-6289 Steven K Jones, KG5RMY Ponchatoula, LA 70454-4699 George R Macri, KC9BCD Slidell, LA 70458-2218 Timothy J Zenner, KI5JAB Mandeville, LA 70471-6730 Matthew B McKellar, KI5IPZ Lafayette, LA 70506-3634 Shaina K Johnson, KC5FDO Lake Charles, LA 70607-0931 George Carr, KB5ILL Lake Charles, LA 70611-3734 Scott E Wetmore, W5RTO Deridder, LA 70634-9219 Christopher W Fuselier, AF5XP Sulphur, LA 70664-0456 Travis L Tharp, KI5ILN Denham Springs, LA 70726-7279 Joseph M Frederick, KA5VJO Baton Rouge, LA 70806-6848 Charles E Foster, KG5ZLC Baton Rouge, LA 70808-3501 John J Tate, KC5JVY Baton Rouge, LA 70809-1885 Cid I Dillard, KI5IZY Baton Rouge, LA 70809-6700 Darron W Gaddis, KD5QKP Pleasant Hill, LA 71065-4648 Joe S Frazier, N5RRC Shreveport, LA 71107-9251 Sara Howes Bossier City, LA 71111-5839 Van D McCain, AC5DM Ruston, LA 71270-3290 AROUND THE ARRL: Director, Vice Director Nominations Invited in Five ARRL Divisions 05/22/2020 Nominations are being invited in five ARRL Divisions for the volunteer positions of Director and Vice Director, for 3-year terms that start January 1, 2021. Affected Divisions are Atlantic, Dakota, Delta, Great Lakes, and Midwest. A nominee must be at least 21 years old, hold a valid amateur radio licensee, and have been a full ARRL member for a continuous term of at least 4 years immediately preceding nomination. Nominees will be asked to provide information concerning employment, ownership, investment interests, and other financial arrangements to ensure compliance with the Conflict of Interest Policy spelled out in the ARRL Articles of Association and Bylaws. The incumbent Directors and Vice Directors in the affected Divisions are: • Atlantic: Director Tom Abernethy, W3TOM; Vice Director Bob Famiglio, K3RF • Dakota: Director Matt Holden, K0BBC; Vice Director Lynn Nelson, W0ND • Delta: Director David Norris, K5UZ; Vice Director Ed Hudgens, WB4RHQ • Great Lakes: Director Dale Williams, WA8EFK; Vice Director Thomas Delaney, W8WTD • Midwest: Director Rod Blocksome, K0DAS; Vice Director Art Zygielbaum, K0AIZ. Prospective candidates or those planning to nominate an individual should obtain an official nominating petition form, which any full member living in an affected Division may obtain. Send a written request to ARRL to ceo@arrl.org, by noon EDT on August 14, 2020. Using only the official form, a candidate must obtain the signatures of at least 10 full members of the Division and provide information required to determine eligibility. Petitions must reach the ARRL Secretary by noon EDT on Friday, August 21, 2020. The Secretary will notify each candidate of the name and call sign of other candidates for the same office. Candidates will have until Friday, September 4, to submit a 300-word statement and a photo for distribution with the election ballots. If only one eligible candidate is nominated for an office, he or she will be declared elected by the Ethics and Elections Committee. Balloting in Divisions where more than one candidate qualifies to stand for election as Director or Vice Director will take place this fall, with ballots counted on November 20. The formal “Call for Nominations for ARRL Director and Vice Director†appears on page 69 of the July 2020 issue of QST. The Latest Episode of ARRL Audio News is Now Available 05/22/2020 Listen to the new episode of ARRL Audio News on your iOS or Android podcast app, or online at http://www.blubrry.com/arrlaudionews/. Audio News is also retransmitted on a number of FM repeaters. Click here and then scroll down to see the list. Temporary Rule Waivers Announced for 2020 ARRL Field Day 05/28/2020 With one month to go before 2020 ARRL Field Day, June 27 – 28, the ARRL Programs and Services Committee (PSC) has adopted two temporary rule waivers for the event: 1) For Field Day 2020 only, Class D stations may work all other Field Day stations, including other Class D stations, for points. Field Day rule 4.6 defines Class D stations as “Home stations,†including stations operating from permanent or licensed station locations using commercial power. Class D stations ordinarily may only count contacts made with Class A, B, C, E, and F Field Day stations, but the temporary rule waiver for 2020 allows Class D stations to count contacts with other Class D stations for QSO credit. 2) In addition, for 2020 only, an aggregate club score will be published, which will be the sum of all individual entries indicating a specific club (similar to the aggregate score totals used in ARRL affiliated club competitions). Ordinarily, club names are only published in the results for Class A and Class F entries, but the temporary rule waiver for 2020 allows participants from any Class to optionally include a single club name with their submitted results following Field Day. For example, if Podunk Hollow Radio Club members Becky, W1BXY, and Hiram, W1AW, both participate in 2020 Field Day — Hiram from his Class D home station, and Becky from her Class C mobile station — both can include the radio club’s name when reporting their individual results. The published results listing will include individual scores for Hiram and Becky, plus a combined score for all entries identified as Podunk Hollow Radio Club. The temporary rule waivers were adopted by the PSC on May 27, 2020. ARRL Field Day is one of the biggest events on the amateur radio calendar, with over 36,000 participants in 2019, including entries from 3,113 radio clubs and emergency operations centers. In most years, Field Day is also the largest annual demonstration of ham radio, because many radio clubs organize their participation in public places such as parks and schools. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, many radio clubs have made decisions to cancel their group participation in ARRL Field Day this year due to public health recommendations and/or requirements, or to significantly modify their participation for safe social distancing practices. The temporary rule waivers allow greater flexibility in recognizing the value of individual and club participation regardless of entry class. ARRL is contacting logging program developers about the temporary rule waivers so developers can release updated versions of their software prior to Field Day weekend. Participants are reminded that the preferred method of submitting entries after Field Day is via the web applet. The ARRL Field Day rules include instructions for submitting entries after the event. Entries must be submitted or postmarked by Tuesday, July 28, 2020. The ARRL Field Day web page includes a series of articles with ideas and advice for adapting participation this year. Temporary Rule Waivers Announced for 2020 ARRL Field Day 05/28/2020 With one month to go before 2020 ARRL Field Day, June 27 – 28, the ARRL Programs and Services Committee (PSC) has adopted two temporary rule waivers for the event: 1) For Field Day 2020 only, Class D stations may work all other Field Day stations, including other Class D stations, for points. Field Day rule 4.6 defines Class D stations as “Home stations,†including stations operating from permanent or licensed station locations using commercial power. Class D stations ordinarily may only count contacts made with Class A, B, C, E, and F Field Day stations, but the temporary rule waiver for 2020 allows Class D stations to count contacts with other Class D stations for QSO credit. 2) In addition, for 2020 only, an aggregate club score will be published, which will be the sum of all individual entries indicating a specific club (similar to the aggregate score totals used in ARRL affiliated club competitions). Ordinarily, club names are only published in the results for Class A and Class F entries, but the temporary rule waiver for 2020 allows participants from any Class to optionally include a single club name with their submitted results following Field Day. For example, if Podunk Hollow Radio Club members Becky, W1BXY, and Hiram, W1AW, both participate in 2020 Field Day — Hiram from his Class D home station, and Becky from her Class C mobile station — both can include the radio club’s name when reporting their individual results. The published results listing will include individual scores for Hiram and Becky, plus a combined score for all entries identified as Podunk Hollow Radio Club. The temporary rule waivers were adopted by the PSC on May 27, 2020. ARRL Field Day is one of the biggest events on the amateur radio calendar, with over 36,000 participants in 2019, including entries from 3,113 radio clubs and emergency operations centers. In most years, Field Day is also the largest annual demonstration of ham radio, because many radio clubs organize their participation in public places such as parks and schools. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, many radio clubs have made decisions to cancel their group participation in ARRL Field Day this year due to public health recommendations and/or requirements, or to significantly modify their participation for safe social distancing practices. The temporary rule waivers allow greater flexibility in recognizing the value of individual and club participation regardless of entry class. ARRL is contacting logging program developers about the temporary rule waivers so developers can release updated versions of their software prior to Field Day weekend. Participants are reminded that the preferred method of submitting entries after Field Day is via the web applet. The ARRL Field Day rules include instructions for submitting entries after the event. Entries must be submitted or postmarked by Tuesday, July 28, 2020. The ARRL Field Day web page includes a series of articles with ideas and advice for adapting participation this year. Huntsville Hamfest Canceled 06/04/2020 The 2020 Huntsville Hamfest has been canceled due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the event’s Board of Directors has announced. The Huntsville Hamfest was sanctioned as the 2020 ARRL Southeastern Division Convention. Full refunds to prepaid commercial and flea market vendors will be processed via the mode in which payment was made. Online ticket purchases will be credited to PayPal accounts. Embassy Hotel reservations will be automatically canceled. — Thanks to Hamfest Chairman Mark Brown, N4BCD International Postal Service Disrupted 06/09/2020 The US Postal Service (USPS) has temporarily suspended international mail acceptance for items addressed to certain destinations due to service impacts related to the COVID-19 pandemic. This situation could result in the return or loss of mail, such as QSL cards, addressed to affected parts of the world. The USPS has posted a list of affected countries, which is updated regularly. The Postal Service will, upon request, refund postage and fees on mail bearing a customs stamp that’s returned due to the suspension of service, or the sender may re-mail returned items with existing postage once service has been restored. When re-mailing under this option, customers should cross out the markings “Mail Service Suspended — Return to Sender.†ARRL Contest Program Issues Field Day 2020 FAQ 06/09/2020 The ARRL Contest Program has released some Frequently Asked Questions related to the Field Day temporary rule waivers. On May 28, the ARRL Programs and Services Committee (PSC) adopted these provisions only for the June 27 – 28, 2020, event: (1) Class D stations may work all other Field Day stations, including other Class D stations, for points, and (2) an aggregate club score will be published, which will be the sum of all individual entries that indicate a specific club. Contact the ARRL Contest Program with any questions related to Field Day 2020. Q: Several of our club members are going to operate independently and wish to attribute their scores to the aggregate club score. What call sign should they use? A: Participants should use their own call signs. Except for Class C (mobile) entries, all transmitters, receivers, and antennas must be located within a 1,000-foot-diameter circle may operate using a single call sign. This prohibits the use of a single call sign from more than one location. Under the 2020 waiver, those operating from home, including backyard operations, must use their own station call signs. Multiple home stations operating with a club call sign or modified club call sign, such as W1AW-1, W1AW-2, W1AW-3, etc, are not allowed. Q: How does my club submit an aggregate club score? Does the club need to add up each participating member’s scores and submit a club entry with the aggregate score under the club call sign? A: Each participant will submit his or her own independent entry under his or her call sign. ARRL will calculate the aggregate score based upon the club name entered on the official Field Day entry form via the web applet (preferred method) or on the paper Field Day entry form. In order for results to be tabulated correctly, all club participants must enter the club’s official name exactly the same, avoiding abbreviations or acronyms. This is important! Q: Our group is still planning to operate at the usual Field Day site, but some members do not feel comfortable gathering in a large group this year. Can we still submit an entry using the club call sign, as well as have members operating from home using their own call signs? A: Yes. If your club is still hosting a group Field Day effort, it will submit an entry as usual, using the club call sign. Club members operating at home will submit separate entries with their own call signs and will enter the club name on the entry form for club aggregate scoring. Q: Can a club member operate from home using the club call sign? A: Yes, but the call sign may only be used in one location. The member must receive permission from the trustee of the club call sign. Q: Our club normally enters Field Day in Class A. If we operate from our home stations, in which class should individual members enter in order to be included in the aggregate club score? A: Each member will operate independently and will submit the entry using whatever class that applies to their operation. Typically, home stations running on commercial ac power are Class D, while home stations running on battery, solar, generator, or the like (i.e., not from ac mains) are Class E. When the results are published, each club member will be listed in the results under the class in which they operated. For 2020 only, aggregate club scores will be listed by the club name in a separate listing. Q: Our club will have 10 members operating from home as Class D stations. Should they worry about working the same station on the same band and mode (duplicates)? A: Because members are operating as separate entries using their own call signs, the contacts are not considered duplicates. Q: Does the club need to be an ARRL-affiliated club to participate in Field Day? A: No. All clubs and groups are welcome to participate in ARRL Field Day. Q: How will bonus points be calculated for the aggregate club scores? Can individual club members still earn bonus points? A: All individual scores, including bonus points, will be added together to determine the aggregate club score. Refer to the complete rules to determine eligibility for bonus points. — Thanks to Paul Bourque, N1SFE, ARRL Contest Program Manager Volunteer Monitor Program Recognizes Good Operators 06/11/2020 Volunteer Monitor Program Coordinator Riley Hollingsworth, K4ZDH, said the program has recognized numerous radio amateurs with Good Operator Notices. “One facet of the ARRL and FCC agreement that set up the Volunteer Monitor Program calls for ARRL to recognize especially good amateur radio behavior, in order to encourage compliance with FCC rules and further the efficiency of the Amateur Radio Service,†Hollingsworth said. “Seventeen operators in 15 states received Good Operator Notices in the first quarter of 2020. The Good Operator Notices went to veteran operators as well as newcomers, including a 13-year-old in North Carolina for CW operation during the Youth on the Air Special Event, and a 14-year-old in Wyoming for SSB operation.†Hollingsworth also said that a 2-meter repeater operator received a Good Operator Report for establishing and managing a COVID-19 net in Pennsylvania, while other operators of various license classes received notices for everyday SSB and CW operation on the HF bands. Recipients were nominated on the basis of operation observed by Volunteer Monitors. According to Hollingsworth, Volunteer Monitors reported 2,035 hours monitoring on HF monitoring, and 2,856 hours monitoring on VHF/UHF and other frequencies during May. Two cases were referred to FCC. After kicking off on January 1, the new Volunteer Monitor Program ramped up to operational status earlier this spring, starting with a “soft rollout†that started on February1, designed to familiarize Volunteer Monitors (VMs) with issues on the bands and to put into practice what to report — and what to ignore, based on their training. VMs not only look for operating discrepancies, but for examples of good operating. Hollingsworth is using a system called VMTRAC — developed by a VM — to measure the work of VMs and determine instances that qualify for good operator or discrepancy notices, referral to the FCC, or follow-up with FCC requests to the VM program. — Thanks to Riley Hollingsworth, K4ZDH Youth on the Air in the Americas Announces At-Home Bonus Summer Activities 06/16/2020 Youth on the Air in the Americas is planning additional home-based activities for this summer, due to the postponement of its inaugural summer camp at the National Voice of America Museum of Broadcasting in West Chester Township, Ohio. Virtual YOTA Day will take place on Wednesday, June 24. Activities will include a series of youth-led forums and some competitions that can be done from home — even without a radio. Virtual YOTA Day begins at 1800 UTC on June 24 and continues until 2400 UTC. Those who had been selected to attend YOTA camp 2020 will be able to meet on Zoom for a day of learning and fun, plus a chance to win prizes, but anyone interested will be able to get in on Virtual YOTA Day via the official Youth on the Air YouTube channel and play along at home. Some activities will include learning how to track down the location of a transmitter without leaving your chair, sharpening contesting skills, and more. During the week of June 21 – 26, when the camp was to take place, special event station W8Y will be on the air on all bands and modes. Those selected to attend YOTA Camp 2020 will take turns operating as W8Y throughout the week from the station of their own choosing. Campers should contact Marty Sullaway, NN1C, to be added to the schedule. Youth on the Air will operate Field Day using a remote station in southwestern Ohio. Logging will be done by remote desktop. Campers can sign up at YouthOnTheAir.org for a time slot on the remote station provided by Jay Slough, K4ZLE. Contact Chris Brault, KD8YVJ, with questions. Youth on the Air will be a club choice for Field Day score submissions. Participating operators age 25 or younger choosing to operate Field Day from a home station can contribute their scores to an aggregate club score for this year only. Enter “Youth on the Air†as the club name on the Field Day entry. More information about YOTA in the Americas can be found at YouthOnTheAir.org and on YOTAregion2 on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and YouTube. FROM AROUND THE SECTION: Louisiana Section Traffic Manager’s Report: Sessions QNI QTC QTR 30. 750 42. 600 73, Jimmy Lewis AB5YS Louisiana Section Traffic ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Louisiana Section Emergency Coordinator’s Report: ARES Monthly Section Emergency Coordinators Report 1. ARRL Section: Louisiana 2. Month: May 3. Year: 2020 4. Total number of ARES members: 395 5. Number of DECs/ECs reporting this month: 9 6. Number of ARES nets active: 50 7. Number of nets with NTS liaison: 1 8. Calls of DECs/EC reporting: W4NDF NS5W KD5BNH KE5BMS AG5LR KD5DFL W5GAS KD5IGZ KE5GMN 9a. Number of exercises & training sessions this month: 36 9b. Person hours: 432 10a. Number of public service events this month: 0 10b. Person hours: 0 11a. Number of emergency operations this month: 0 11b. Person hours: 0 12a. Number of SKYWARN operations this month: 5 12b. Person hours: 21 13a. Auto Sum 9a, 10a, 11a, 12a: 41 13b. Auto Sum 9b, 10b, 11b, 12b: 453 Submitted by Jim Coleman, AI5B: Section Emergency Coordinator All Ham radio operators in the Louisiana Section are encouraged to register with ARES CONNECT. You do not have to be an ARRL member or a member of ARES to join and stay informed. Please remember that your username MUST be your call sign: https://arrl.volunteerhub.com/lp/la http://www.arrl.org/FandES/field/ares-el/?issue=2020-06-17 ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Region 2: As always please go to K5ARC.org and see the latest “Ascension Airwaves†newsletter ….! Region 4: Volume 60, Number 06 ACADIANA AMATEUR RADIO ASSOC., INC. June 2020 A Message From Chris Ancelet N5MCY Good afternoon AARA Members, I would like to welcome everyone to join in or our 2 Meter General Club Meeting Net. Last month's meeting was successful and considering that we are still unable to meet in person, I wanted to again capitalize on our ability to meet via radio. The meeting will take place on June 4th at 7pm on the 147.040 MHz + 0.600 PL 103.5 W5EXI repeater system. We will follow the same net rules as the normal Monday night net; taking check-ins by alphabetical order. Agenda: 1. Check-ins 2. Pledge of Allegiance 3. Prayer 4. General Announcements 5. 73 round for your comments We need to anticipate a large crowd so we will attempt to streamline this to the best of our ability. I am looking forward to hosting this event and hope to hear you on the air. Chris Ancelet N5MCY Birthdays: 06-05 KE5RPI Karen 06-07 K5VXX Joseph 06-08 Michael 06-11 KE5KJF Sandy 07-02 WA5KNC Eugene 07-04 KI5JMD Jake 07-19 AI5O Stephen 07-22 KI5DHK Andrew 07-23 WB5GAF Ralph 07-28 KE5AHD Greg SMOOTHIE (Peanut Butter, Chocolate & Banana) Very nutritious In a blender, mix 4 ice cubes, 1 cup of cold milk, 2 tablespoons of PB Fit powdered peanut butter (or 2 tablespoons of peanut butter), 1/2 of a ripe banana, 1 tablespoon of un-sweetened cocoa powder, and 2 teaspoons of sugar or artificial sweetener. Blend until smooth. Using 2% milk, with the PB Fit and Artificial sweetener = 220 Cal. Using 2% milk, with peanut butter, and sugar = 375 Cal. REGION 5: Submitted by George Carr, WA5KBH First up is the new DX sensation, RS-44. It's strong downlink and exceptional sensitivity has allowed for several QSOs beyond its theoretical 7,942 km maximum surface range. Hector Martinez, W5CBF, in Lake Charles, LA reports working Antonio Gutierrez, DL4EA, in Böblingen, Germany on May 26, 2020 at 23:07 UTC - a distance of 8,357km. The previous record of 8,314 km by KI7UNJ and EB1AO stood just nine days. For the QSO, Hector used an Alaskan Arrow antenna and an Icom IC-9700 on the roof of the 310' tall Capital One Tower in Lake Charles, LA, offering an exceptional view of the northern sky. -- WA5KBH Chip Carver Region 6: From the June 2020 “Brass Keyâ€: Words from our President, John Dempsey, N5CM Well, Covid-19 strikes again. Kees Park will not be available for our June 2 meeting, so the June meeting is canceled. That is a big disappointment, but it is what we have now, and we don’t have any choice in the matter. Today (05/20/20), I spoke with the manager of the Woodworth Outdoor Education Center, our Field Day site. At this point, he does not know if the facility will be open for our use or not. That decision is above his pay grade. He did say that if the situation changes for the better, he will notify us as soon as possible. Personally, I am up for having our Field Day exercise at Woodworth if the facility is available. I believe we are informed enough to conduct ourselves in a manner that we don’t compromise our own health or that of our fellow members. I do recognize, however, that some members may not feel comfortable engaging in this exercise if the facility comes open. That’s entirely understandable, and I would not think poorly of anyone if he or she chose not to participate based on concerns for health. My guess is that we will not know about the status of the facility until mid-June or a little later. One option is to plan for Field Day at Woodworth and be somewhat prepared perchance we get a more or less last-minute authorization to proceed. Let me know what you think about Field Day. Vy 73 DX John N5CM Spring Time Brings Equipment Maintenance! Some reminders from H. Ward Silver, N0AX, St. Charles, Missouri The best thing you can do for your ham radio station is to spend a little time doing regular maintenance. Maintenance works for cars, checkbooks, and relationships, so why not ham radio? Be sure to keep a station notebook. Open the notebook whenever you add a piece of equipment, wire a gadget, note a problem, or fix a problem. Over time, the notebook helps you prevent or solve problems, but only if you keep it up to date. You also need to set aside a little time on a regular basis to inspect, test, and check the individual components that make up the station. TREASURER'S REPORT Houston Polson, KD5YS, Club Treasurer Along with the equipment, check the cables, power supplies, wires, ropes, masts, and everything else between the operator and the ionosphere. Check these items when you plan to be off the air so that you don’t have to do a panic fix when you want to be on the air. Your equipment and antennas are of no use if they’re not working. You can make routine maintenance easy with a checklist. Start with the following list and customize it for your station: - Check all RF cables, connectors, switches, and grounds. Make sure all connectors are tight because temperature cycles can work them loose. Rotate switches or cycle relays to keep contacts clean and turn up problems. Look for kinks in or damage to feed lines. Be sure that ground connections are snug. - Test transmitters and amplifiers for full power output on all bands. Also, double-check your antennas and RF cabling. Use full power output to check all bands for RF feedback or pickup on microphones, keying lines, or control signals. - Check received noise level (too high or too low) on all bands. The noise level is a good indication of whether feed lines are in good shape, preamps are working, or you have a new noise source to worry about. - Check standing wave ratio (SWR) on all antennas. Be especially vigilant for changes in the frequency of minimum SWR, which can indicate connection problems or water getting into the antenna or feed line connectors. Sudden changes in SWR (up or down) mean tuning or feed-line problems. - Inspect all antennas and outside feed lines. Use a pair of binoculars to check the antenna. Look for loose connections; unraveling tape, ties, or twists; damage to cable jackets; and that sort of thing. - Inspect ropes and guy wires. Get into the habit of checking for tightness and wear whenever you walk by. A branch rubbing on a rope can eventually cause a break. Knots can come loose. -Inspect masts, towers, and antenna mounts. The best time to find problems is in autumn, before the weather turns bad. Use a wrench to check tower and clamp bolts and nuts. Fight rust with cold galvanizing spray paint. In the spring, check again for weather damage. -Vacuum and clean the operating table and equipment; clear away loose papers and magazines. Sneak those coffee cups back to the kitchen, and recycle the old soft-drink cans. Make sure that all fans and ventilation holes are clean and not blocked. - You may not want to haul the vacuum cleaner into the radio shack, but it may be the most valuable piece of maintenance gear you have. Heat is the mortal enemy of electronic components and leads to more failures than any other cause. The dust and crud that settle on radio equipment restrict air flow and act as insulators, keeping equipment hot. High-voltage circuits, such as in an amplifier or computer monitor, attract dust like crazy. Vacuuming removes the dust, wire bits, paper scraps, and other junk before they cause expensive trouble. As you complete your maintenance, note whether anything needs fixing or replacing and why, if you know. You’ll probably get some ideas about improvements or additions to the station, so note those ideas too. Over time, you’ll notice that some things regularly need work. In a mobile station, for example the antenna mounts may need cleaning, vibration loosens connectors, and cables can get pinched or stretched. Always be on the lookout for these problems. If you do routine maintenance three or four times a year, you can dramatically reduce the number of unpleasant surprises you receive. The MIGHTY Six Meter Dipole John Dempsey, N5CM Well, one of the support lines for my 6-meter dipole became abraded by the movement of the tree limbs in the wind and broke. I knew that would eventually happen when I put the antenna up. I shot a new line in the same place and had the antenna back up in short order. The little dipole has worked surprisingly well, and I have received good signal reports with it, mostly on CW. When 6 meters opens, there is quite a bit of activity between 50.090 and 50.315 Mhz. Here is what I have observed. 50.000 to 50.080 Mhz – beacons 50.080 to 50.0999 Mhz – CW 50.100 to 50.125 Mhz – DX window 50.125 to 50.160 Mhz – SSB 50.313 to 50.315 Mhz – most FT8 (LOTS of activity here during an opening) Six meters opens and closes entirely as it pleases. Some openings last for hours, and others last for minutes. Given the uncertainty of the length of the opening, CW exchanges tend to be somewhat brief and consist of an honest signal report and a 4-character grid square e.g. 569 EM31 from N5CM to another station. If an operator has some confidence in the opening, a name and QTH will be added to the exchange. A dipole for six meters is fairly easy to build, rather unobtrusive, and effective. The length of each leg of the dipole is calculated by using the equation: Length (feet) = 234/Frequency (Mhz) For a dipole centered on 50.1 MHz, the length of each leg should be: L = 234/50.1 = 4.67 feet Convert decimal feet to inches: 0.67 feet x 12 inches/foot = 8 inches. Each leg would be 4’8†log from the point at which it passes through the insulator back to the point at which the coaxial feed line is split into center lead and shield. Cut each leg around 6 inches too long and wrap the excess wire around itself. Get the finished antenna up a few feet and check the SWR. Adjust length as required, rewrap the wire at the insulator, tape it, and add a zip tire to prevent slippage. The pipe is spray painted black to help it blend into the background. I should have painted the insulators but forgot to do so. The two wires from the pipe to the insulator are pieces of coat hanger wire. They serve to support the feedline and choke and keep the weight of the feedline off the point where the feedline is split and attaches to the legs of the dipole. The choke appears to work. I have no evidence of RF getting back down the outside of the coax into the shack. My dipole is up around 60 to 65 feet between a couple of trees. The legs are oriented more or less East-West, so the antenna favors North-South propagation. On the meter on my radio, the SWR is 1:1 in the CW window of 50.080 to 50.099 MHz. The rig is happy. Thus far, I have contacts that range from Canada to Mexico to Puerto Rico and several states in between all on 100 watts and this little bit of wire. Also, I’ve had a contact with Florida and with Arizona… off the ends of the dipole! To check for a band opening, look at DX clusters such as DX Summit and DX Heat. Listen for beacons from 50.000 to 50.080 Mhz. Listen at 50.145 and 50.125 Mhz for SSB activity. Listen around 50.313 MHz for FT8 activity (15-second tones) Region 9: From: The SELARC "Hamster" Vol. 47, No. 6 ......................... June 2020 Hammond VE Group - ARRL/W5YI - The Hammond VE Group has changed names to: Florida Parishes VE Group. Testing sessions are now held at the new permanent location: AmVets Post #68; 26890 Hwy 42b (jct. of Hwys 42 and 43) - Springfield, La. 70462 70462 (approximately 3 miles south of I-12 at exit 32) Sessions are still held on the last Sunday of each month at 2:00 pm ! K5R Special Event Scott KD5PCK has secured the 1x1 event callsign K5R for August 28 - 30, 2020, the Anniversary of Hurricane Katrina; looking for people interested and hoping to run the special event at the Community Center this year. Happy Birthday Birthday Wishes for June go out to - Dean KG5AAE, Scott KD5PCK, James K5QNT, and Jason K5WDH. If we missed your birthday, then please let us know. Get Well Soon — Best wishes for continued recuperation go to SELARC members Tom Simpson N5HAY and Homer Jones KA5TRT. We look forward to hearing you on the air! Florida Parishes VE Group - 31 May, 2020 (formerly Hammond VE Group) Congratulations to the following "NEW" Amateur Radio Operators and upgrades!!!!! Technician Rebecca Workman - New Oleans, La. Thomas Steffen - New Orleans, La. Robert Beasley - Hammond, La. Daniel J.Hebert - Brusly, La. General Dawson Andrews - French Settlement, La. Walter Stampley - Baton Rouge, La. Eric Pray - Denham Springs, La. Extra Mark Ferriera - New Orleans, La. Thanks again to all the VEs' who attended to make this happen every month. Your time is greatly appreciated!!! Tyrone Burns - N5XES - VE Liason Florida Parishes VE Group (formerly....Hammond VE Group) Stay Radio active -- Hope to see you at a future meeting: to be announced. Be sure to monitor your weekly nets, e-mail, and the SELARC website at https://www.selarc.org . The Slidell EOC Hamfest has been rescheduled: 10/09/2020 - 10/10/2020 Slidell EOC Hamfest 2020 Location: Slidell Auditorium 2056 2nd Street Slidell, LA 70458 Sponsor: Ozone Amateur Radio Club Website: http://W5SLA.net Talk-In: 147.27 (PL 114.8) Public Contact: David Hartley , K5OZ Phone: 985-707-8010 Email: dehartley@charter.net Congratulations to June Prize winners! Affiliated Club: K5LSU Amateur Radio Society at LA State University (Book). ARRL LA Section Member: N5GJQ Michael O. Canady (Book). and the winner of the radio and bonus meter is KF5YBY William R. Harris. Mid-Month Prizes were won by Pat Mason, Bill Hoover, Mel Sojka, and Terry Partigianoni. Again, If you have already sent your call sign to me I still have it.....if you have not please send on Facebook, email or text me.....we will have some other prizes to give away soon and the next Book/Radio drawing will be July 1st. 73, -------------------------------------------------------------------- ARRL Louisiana Section Section Manager: John Mark Robertson, K5JMR k5jmr@arrl.org --------------------------------------------------------------------
Louisiana Section Managers Newsletter August 2020
SILENT KEYS:
Daniel Grafton Murphey, KE5YSK Bernice, LA
Paul B. Smith, AB5HA Bossier City, LA
NEW HAMS: WELCOME to the hobby!
Report for 2020-08-04
Omar Aldahir, KI5KAW
Metairie, LA 70005
Terrell F Robinson, KI5KAY
Harvey, LA 70058-2004
David C Burnstad, KI5JWD
New Orleans, LA 70114-6814
Kirsten L Watson, KI5KAZ
New Orleans, LA 70115-4118
Henry D Lipkis, KI5KAC
New Orleans, LA 70117-5635
Stephen W Thieneman, KI5JVZ
New Orleans, LA 70131-3351
Charles J Lapointe, KI5KBZ
Berwick, LA 70342-2001
Lawrence L Lima, KI5JVY
Hammond, LA 70401-4814
Ryan A Creel, KI5KAX
Covington, LA 70433-4569
Bryan A Vincent, KI5JWA
Covington, LA 70435-9204
James S Soileau, KI5JWB
Mandeville, LA 70471-8514
Roy Wygant, KI5JTZ
Sulphur, LA 70665-7210
Nicolas R Farmer, KI5KEZ
Converse, LA 71419-9648
License Upgrades: CONGRATULATIONS!
Report for 2020-08-04
Westin L Cobb, KI5FRF
Pine Grove, LA 70453-0985
Ronald J Bertucci, KI5AGS
Lafayette, LA 70506-5113
Michael P Laxen, KI5JHN
Walker, LA 70785-5221
Julius A Cline, N5ZCW
Baton Rouge, LA 70817-1367
Michael Evans, KI5JLC
Greenwood, LA 71033-3329
NEW/RENEWED ARRL MEMBERS: WELCOME/WELCOME BACK!
Report for 2020-08-04
Terrell F Robinson, KI5KAY
Harvey, LA 70058-2004
Clint L Guillot, AE5TZ
Kenner, LA 70065-1559
Brunella Falgout, KG5WOD
New Orleans, LA 70114-6130
Kenneth P Watzke, N5MON
New Orleans, LA 70129-2827
Richard S Vander Heide, K8VH
New Orleans, LA 70130-5726
William M Floberg, KF5SYT
Slidell, LA 70458-2928
Peggy M Goertz, W5PMG
Slidell, LA 70460-3636
David G VanSomeren, KI5IWA
Slidell, LA 70461-2007
Guy H McMillan, KK4WEQ
Slidell, LA 70461-5578
Karl F Bailey, W5DHP
Lafayette, LA 70508-7760
Kenneth G Goss, KI5HQ
Crowley, LA 70526-6705
Clayton J Rogers, N5FMX
Delcambre, LA 70528-2015
Dwight Hawker, KE5CHX
Lake Charles, LA 70611-3430
Wilfred F Luttrell, WB5UAX
Deridder, LA 70634-5838
Lawrence Jones, KB5GPM
Geismar, LA 70734-3244
Chris J Reine, KI5JSE
Baton Rouge, LA 70809-2828
Pamela E Welsh, KF5IPJ
Baton Rouge, LA 70809-9014
James M Wark, AG5MP
Greenwood, LA 71033-2989
Perry A Culver, KC5REV
Shreveport, LA 71105-2022
Michael R McCrary, K5TNK
Shreveport, LA 71107-2421
Joseph R Holland, KB5VJY
West Monroe, LA 71292-1219
James C Whitman, KI5DLG
West Monroe, LA 71292-8961
Bottom of Form
FROM THE ARRL:
The September Issue of Digital QST is Now Available!
08/07/2020
The September issue of Digital QST is now available for viewing on your desktop or laptop computer. Click here to go to the ARRL Magazines page to read QST and all other ARRL magazines in digital format. You can also read them on your Apple, Android, or Kindle Fire device with the ARRL Mags app.
In this issue . . .
- Make your own optical encoder.
- Build an easy-to-use portable antenna mast.
- Read the story of Caribbean shortwave giant Trans World Radio.
… and much more!
ARRL Hires Paul Z. Gilbert, KE5ZW, as Director of Emergency Management
08/12/2020
As another step in ARRL’s increased focus on strengthening its emergency communications capabilities and long-standing working relationships with federal and state agencies and private emergency response organizations, ARRL has hired Paul Z. Gilbert, KE5ZW, of Cedar Park, Texas, as its first Director of Emergency Management.
Gilbert brings more than 30 years of experience in public service in both his professional and amateur radio endeavors. Beginning with his appointment as Emergency Coordinator in 1987, he has held multiple positions in the ARRL Field Organization. Currently in his second term as South Texas Section Manager, he has also served for more than a decade as the West Gulf Division’s Assistant Director for Public Service, acting as liaison between Division leadership and local, state, and federal emergency management organizations.
Professionally, Gilbert most recently was Radio Officer, HQ Staff, for the Texas State Guard, where for the past 6 years he has been responsible for planning and implementation of the organization’s communications capabilities. Previously he was a Public Safety Radio Coordinator for a Texas agency, charged with overseeing that organization’s large-scale disaster communications response and identifying and eliminating in-state interoperability issues.
Gilbert, who has an Amateur Extra-class license, is a member of Army MARS, and holds numerous DHS certifications, including COML, COMT, COMT Instructor, and AUXCOM Communicator. He is a member of the FEMA Regional Emergency Communications Coordination Working Group (RECCWG), a graduate of the FEMA Emergency Management Institute’s Exercise Design Course, and was a founding member of the Texas Division of Emergency Management Communications Coordination Group.
In his new role, Gilbert will manage a team responsible for supporting ARRL Emergency Communications (EmComm) programs and services, including the Amateur Radio Emergency Service® (ARES®) and National Traffic System (NTS), as well as lead the continued modernization of those programs in consonance with the future emergency communications needs of the public and ARRL’s key partners.
FROM AROUND THE LOUISIANA SECTION:
Louisiana Section Traffic Manager Report:
Sessions QNI QTC QTR
- 836 42. 169
73,
Jimmy Lewis AB5YS
Louisiana Section Traffic
———————————————————————————————————————————–
Louisiana Section Emergency Coordinator Report:
- ARRL Section: Louisiana
- Month: July
- Year: 2020
- Total number of ARES members: 365
- Number of DECs/ECs reporting this month: 9
- Number of ARES nets active: 50
- Number of nets with NTS liaison: 4
- Calls of DECs/EC reporting:
W4NDF NS5W KD5BNH KE5BMS AG5LR KD5DFL K5JMR KD5IGZ KE5GMN
9a. Number of exercises & training sessions this month: 21
9b. Person hours: 235
10a. Number of public service events this month: 0 10b. Person hours: 0
11a. Number of emergency operations this month: 0
11b. Person hours: 0
12a. Number of SKYWARN operations this month: 5
12b. Person hours: 21
13a. Auto Sum 9a, 10a, 11a, 12a: 26
13b. Auto Sum 9b, 10b, 11b, 12b: 256
Jim Coleman, AI5B
Section Emergency Coordinator
————————————————————————————————————————
Region 2: Check out the latest edition of the “Ascension Airwaves” at K5ARC.org.
Region 4:
BEARS Club W5BMC in Morgan City
INTERNATIONAL LIGHTHOUSE AND LIGHTSHIP WEEKEND – August 21 – 23, 2020
BEARS will again be taking part in this international ham radio event starting the evening of August 21 and running until early morning on the 23rd. We will be set up at the Ray Rasberry Tower in Lighthouse Park on the riverfront in Berwick, Louisiana on the Atchafalaya River across from Morgan City. We will be using the call W5BMC and operating on 20 & 40 meters. More information will be posted on later e-mails. Councilman Raymond Price generously donated the new Cushcraft A3S tri-band antenna and rotor.
As soon as this event is over, we will begin advertising nationally that the tower, antenna and rotor are there for the use of any ham who would like to set up his radio and make contacts from The Southwest Reef Lighthouse located in Lighthouse Park in Berwick. This will be a first of its kind anywhere that we know of, and we are hoping we will have many visitors
RUMOR, RUMOR – There is a possibility that Franklin, Louisiana will reschedule the Black Bear Festival in November. So, we are waiting for more word. This is our most fun one right on the bayou side, so hopefully they will be able to do this. Will keep all of you posted.
Happy Birthday – Leading off, KE5DJA – Virginia, KI5IGQ – Steve, AI5BR – Carl, WD5JTZ – Mike, W5YOP – Esther
Happy birthday to each of you!!!
Congratulations BEARS – We have had TWO winners of prizes presented by John Mark Robertson. Frank-NOD was the winner of a little AM,FM, SW radio and BEARS has just won a book for our library. Thank you, John Mark.
Boy Scout RADIO MERIT BADGE – Four BEARS members attended the Thursday meeting of Boy Scout Troop 49, sponsored by the VFW. We will begin classes soon and you will be advised. The class will be conducted in the conference room on the second floor of the building at 201 Everett St. It will always be on a Thursday at p.m. and any member is invited to attend. The entire bookless will be covered in two weeks.
Volume 60, Number 08 ACADIANA AMATEUR RADIO ASSOC., INC. – August 2020
A Message from Chris Ancelet N5MCY: Good morning AARA Members, I have been contacted by Mr. Lamperez with the 2020 Tour du Teche race. I have been asked if we would be willing to participate in this 3 day event. The dates are October 2, 3, &4. Just like the events in the past, we would be manning the various checkpoints and providing real time information to the command post. Even though the event is scheduled, there is still a chance that this event will be cancelled due to our current situation. What we need to provide to the committee, is a list of people wanting to participate. I have received 1 confirmation from Tom Dischler thus far and we will need the following spots filled as well as someone that wants to coordinate the event. Unfortunately, I will not be able to spearhead this event due to my work schedule. Below are the checkpoints that need to be filled. Please let me know if you are wanting to chair this event and/or want to man a checkpoint. We will need to get this information to the committee as soon as we can. Check Pts. Location Operator Name Call Sign Friday October 2nd
- Arnaudville, LA ??? Myrans’ Maison de Manger 1023 Neblett St 30.396282° N & 91.930858° W
- Breaux Bridge, LA ??? Poche’s Market & Restaurant 3015 Main Hwy 30.311667° N & 91.904167° W
- St. Martinville, LA ??? St. Martinville Festival Grounds 30.124556° N & 91.826111° W
Check Pts. Location Operator Name Call Sign Saturday October 3rd
- New Iberia, LA New Iberia City Park ??? 30.003889° N & 91.811667° W
- Charenton, LA ??? Chitimacha Boat Launch 3548 Chitimacha Trail 29.883055° N & 91.528888° W
- Franklin, LA ??? Parc Sur la Teche 29.792222° N & 91.499444° W Sunday October 4th
- Calumet, LA ??? East Gate, Calumet Cut Atchafalaya Levee 29.702256° N & 91.368989° W
- Berwick, LA ??? Southwest Reef Lighthouse Atchafalaya River 29.692500° N & 91.215278°
Chris Ancelet N5MCY 337-591-8871
Our next club meeting will be held on the air on August 6, 2020 on the W5EXI repeater. Check-in will begin about 6:30 PM with the meeting beginning at 7:00 PM. Repeater: 147.040 MHz + 0.600 PL 103.5 W5EXI
A BLAST FROM THE PAST Field Day 2001 Some of you “older” AARA members may remember 2001 AARA Field Day that was held on June 23 & 24 at Cajun Field. That was some 19 years ago, It was a good time with many good friends, some are now Silent Keys. It was one of our better Field Days. A lot of paperwork (crossing “T”‘s and dotting “I”‘s) went into procuring this site thanks to Field Day Chairperson Phil Caubareau KB5EKD. Our tower trailer had a winch driven telescoping tower which would reach in excess of 100 feet. We had it near 100 feet with a American Flag which could be seen from anywhere around Cajun Field especially from Congress Street and Bertrand Drive. A husband & wife were driving down Bertrand Drive and noticed the tower with the flag and both were ham radio operators just passing thru Lafayette on their way to San Antonio, TX to visit his father and decided to investigate. The couple were Skip & Cindy Douglass KA9DDN & KA9PZG of Grafton, Wisconsin. They came over to our Field Day site and visited for a while. We exchanged e-mails and after a short while they continued on their trip to San Antonio. I managed to keep in touch with them. Between 2001 and the present time, they have passed thru Lafayette and visited me at my QTH on four or five occasions. The main reason for this article is that Skip KA9DDN became a Silent Key on July 17, 2020. Skip was an avid amateur radio operator KA9DDN and belonged to the Ozaukee Radio Club. He also was a member of the Ozaukee Amateur Radio Emergency Services, the Saukville Rifle and Pistol Club, and had a passion for photography, woodworking, building computers, camping with his family, and loved listening to music. Ham radio can be fun and one way to meet people and become good friends is on Field Day. 73 de Herman KN5GRK
EGG CREAM A New York Egg Cream contains three ingredients: milk, seltzer water, and chocolate syrup. Ironically, it contains neither egg nor cream. 1 Cup Cold Milk ¼ Cup Seltzer Water Cold 2 Tbs Chocolate flavored syrup Place a 12 oz. Glass in the freezer to chill. (This is important to keep the theme.) Pour the cold milk into the glass. Pour the seltzer into the glass until the white head reaches the top of the glass. Spoon the syrup into the glass and stir to combine. Serve with a straw. Note: If you follow the directions exactly, you will have a white foam at the top. This is called the Brooklyn-style. If you mix the chocolate with the milk before adding the seltzer water, it will have a brown foam. This is the Bronx-style.
Region 7:
Shreveport Amateur Radio Assn. (SARA):
Saturday, September 5, 8:30AM: Ham & Coffee Breakfast at the Greenwood Flea Market Cafe.
Tuesday, September 8, 6:00PM: September General Meeting, Century 21 Elite Training Room. Park in rear, enter last door on the right.
As always, each Thursday evening brings a parade of scheduled nets on which SARA is well-represented. During this pandemic the nets are a great place to keep in touch with other Ark-La-Tex hams.
K5SAR Net (KC5PQL net control): Thursdays, 6:30PM, 146.820MHz
10-10 Steamboat Net (KD5DE net control): Thursdays, 7:00PM, 28.430MHz
N5SHV Net (KB5LE net control): Thursdays, 8:00PM, 146.760MHz (186.2 tone in/out)
In addition, please monitor k5sar.com and the SARA Facebook Page for news updates.
Region 8:
Louisiana Delta Radio Club KC5DR
Attention!! The Louisiana Delta Radio Club is proud to announce its First Annual Swap Fest honoring the courage and perseverance of Carter Robertson, son of John and Sunni Robertson, Carter’s strength is a beacon for all those who have obstacles to overcome. Saturday, October 24, 2020 at 8:00 AM CDT
The Fest will be at the Cheniere Lake Pavilions 1 B and 1 C. Located about 2 miles SW of West Monroe, Louisiana
The Grand Prize will be an Icom IC-705
Second Prize a Yaesu FTM-300 VHF/UHF Mobile Third Prize a Yaesu FTM-70R VHF/UHF HT Door prizes given out every hour starting at 9:00am. Doors open at 6:00 am for vendors 8:00 am for the public. Admission is a$5.00.
Ricky Little KI5GEI will be whipping up a huge pot of Jambalaya , Hot Dogs, drinks and Chips..
Vendor, and flea market tables Spaces (if you bring your own tables) is $5.00 per table. If you need a table it will wan additional $5.00 and electricity another $5.00. Tail gating area $5.00 per spot.
LIMITED SPOTS.. most spots under the pavilions are directly accessible for loading and unloading.
Current Vendor List:
Palmetto Antennas
Brinson Bling – $5.00 Jewelry
Rhonda’s Vinyl Creations (callsign license plates, window stickers) Hosted by Joe Holland KB5VJY and Louisiana Delta Radio Club – KC5DR
Region 9:
The SELARC “Hamster”
Vol. 47, No. 8 ……………………. August 2020
Special Events, Other Hamfests & VE Sessions
OARC / Slidell EOC Hamfest and Amateur Radio Symposium – Oct. 9 – 10 – http://w5sla.net/hamfest-2020.htm
The Greater New Orleans Hamfest – Nov. 14, 2020 – Hamfest page
Florida Parishes VE Group – Testing sessions are scheduled for the last Sunday of each month [with the exception of holiday conflicts] at AmVets Post #68; 26890 Hwy 42 (jct. of Hwys 42 and 43) – Springfield, La. 70462 (approximately 3 miles south of I-12 at exit 32) at 2pm with $15 testing fee. Bring photo ID and any appropriate CSCE. For more information contact n5xes@arrl.net or Find an Amateur Radio License Exam in Your Area.
K5R Special Event
Scott KD5PCK has secured the 1×1 event callsign K5R for August 28 – 30, 2020, the Anniversary of Hurricane Katrina; looking for people interested and hoping to run the special event at the Community Center this year.
Community News / Announcements
MSBike Tour 2020 – Cancelled
For your information, I received notice that the MSBike 2020 ride scheduled for Oct. 3 & 4 has been cancelled. I’m sorry we will not be doing the tour this year, but I certainly appreciate and thank you for your past participation. More info can be found at VolunteerMS@nmss.org 73, Bob WB5FBS
Happy Birthday
Birthday Wishes for August go out to – Mark WX5RN, Trent KD5PCM, Tyrone N5XES, and Carmen KF5VXO.
If we missed your birthday, then please let us know.
Get Well Soon —
Best wishes for continued recuperation go to SELARC members Tom Simpson N5HAY and Homer Jones KA5TRT. We look forward to hearing you on the air!
VE Session Results
Florida Parishes VE Group – 28 June, 2020 VE Session
Congratulations to the following new Amateur Radio Operators and upgrades!!
Technician
Richard Braniff – Prairieville, La.
Brandon Farris – Pride, La.
Justin Richter – Denham Springs, La.
Daniel Daigle – Jefferson, La.
General
Lawrence Gallup / KI5JVX – Clinton, La.
Omar Aldahir / KI5KAW – New Orleans, La.
Extra
Robert Deeb / N5BKG – Covington, La.
Julius Cline Jr. / N5ZCW – Baton Rouge, La.
Another great session this month, thanks go out to all the volunteers.
The new facility is working out great!!!
73
Tyrone Burns – N5XES – ARRL VE Liason
Tyke’s TidBits
Greetings to all members and visitors to our newsletter page. I hope that this newsletter, finds everyone in somewhat decent spirits and that you have not had the misfortune of being sick from the COVID-19 virus that seems to have everyone in a tizzy!! Stay safe and remember SOCIAL DISTANCING and FACE-MASK in PUBLIC….it does work, if you do it properly!!!
Things have really been on the quiet side for SELARC repeaters lately, but hopefully that will soon change with the activation of the 444.250 machine on the somewhat statewide DWARN linked repeater system. There are quite a few surrounding region repeaters on this link now, with probably the greatest majority from the Region 1, Region 2, Region 3 and Region 9 areas. These repeaters are a variety of brands and digital modes. I am not yet familiar with all the different talk groups and how to access them, but that will come with trial and error and a lot of keyboard time.
If you are interested in finding out what DWARN is, just go to their website at http://www.dwarn.org and read up on it.
They also show a coverage map that is very accurate for our terrain. The DWARN system uses a combination of Yaesu-System Fusion and DMR equipment and I think even has some P-25, Moto-Turbo and NexEdge format talk groups. If you cannot access a repeater in your are….no problem…..all you need is a digital format HT, and a RF Hotspot that uses the VHF/UHF HAM bands for access. The HotSpots work through your Wifi or hard-wired internet connection. There are also WiFi Bridges that can be use with your cellphone, if it has Hot-Spot capabilities through your provider!
If you are not sure of what digital format repeaters may be in your area, go to the following link : http://www.repeaterbook.com/repeaters/index.php?state_id=22.
This page shows all the different types of links, reflectors and networks available!
Currently, I think most groups are hosted on Brandmiester…. on DMR….3122 statewide is one and also 31225…not sure of others as there are so many in the state!!
Now for those of you who are kind of new to SELARC, the old 444.250 machine earned the nickname “THOR” for many years because of the BOOMING voice ID’er….. it was very bassy and may have even had a touch too much deviation…but it was definitely a presence when it ID’ed!!! It is now sitting in retired status, but is sitting there ready to go back in service if needed. Maybe, it is possible to clone the audio from that old Controller board and put it on a voice module to interface into the new machine…..who knows….anything is possible in this day and time!!!
Take care and hope to see you on ZOOM for the virtual club meeting!!!
73
Tyrone – N5XES
*** Last day to send in your nominations for 2020 Louisiana Section Amateur of the Year is August 31, 2020. Email me for the nomination form and instructions: K5JMR@ARRL.ORG ***
### As of today, we have TWO interesting disturbances that may enter the gulf next week. Everyone please keep your eye on the weather updates as it pertains to Louisiana.
From Jim Coleman, AI5B
Louisiana Section Emergency Coordinator as of Noon today:
Emergency Managers of Southeast Louisiana and Southern Mississippi –
Here is an update concerning newly named Tropical Storm Laura (formerly TD 13) and Tropical Depression 14.
Changes from previous update:
TD 13 has strengthened slightly and is now TS Laura The forecast tracks for both storms have shifted slightly westward The forecast intensity for TD 14 has also decreased slightly as it moves into the northwestern Gulf
Overview:
Tropical depression 14 and TS Laura could both bring impacts to the northern Gulf Coast region during the Monday through Thursday time frame next week
Confidence: We have average confidence in the potential for heavy rainfall across the area next week. We have lower confidence in the potential for wind and tidal impacts or where the heaviest rain might fall. Please continue to monitor the latest official forecast for updates as the expected impacts could change.
Impacts:
- There is higher than normal uncertainty in specific impacts due to the complexity of the forecast and how the systems may interact with each other
- Currently, heavy rainfall currently appears to be the greatest threat to the local area, mainly during the Monday through Thursday time frame. 2 to 6 inches of rainfall is forecast through Thursday, with locally higher amounts possible.
- Strong winds and elevated tides could affect portions of the area depending on the eventual tracks and intensities of the two systems
Additional Information and Resources:
NWS New Orleans Website: www.weather.gov/neworleans
NWS New Orleans DSS Website: http://www.weather.gov/lix/embrief
NWS New Orleans Tropical Page: https://www.weather.gov/srh/tropical?office=lix
River Gauges and Forecasts: http://water.weather.gov/ahps2/index.php?wfo=lix
NWS New Orleans Facebook: www.facebook.com/NWSNewOrleans
NWS New Orleans Twitter: https://twitter.com/NWSNewOrleans
Online Severe Weather Reporting: https://www.weather.gov/lix/submit_storm_report
National Hurricane Center Website: https://www.nhc.noaa.gov/
Next Update and Contact Information:
The next update will be sent following the 4pm advisory. If you have any questions in the interim or need additional information, please do not hesitate to contact us. We can be reached by phone at 504-522-7330 or 985-649-0429. Use extension 4 to speak with a forecaster. Alternatively, you can reach us by email by replying to this message or sending an email to sr-lix.forecasters@noaa.gov. Both methods will be delivered to the forecasters on shift at the office.
Regards, Danielle Manning
Meteorologist
NWS New Orleans/Baton Rouge
Request For ARES Assistance
The following has been received from:
Steve Irving
DST Lead
Louisiana Region
American Red Cross
“The approaching storms may require the opening of several Red Cross shelters in Regions 6, 7 and 8. If shelters are opened Red Cross will need ARES operators to provide backup communications. Red Cross will provide PPE for all operators who are deployed to assist in shelters. The number of shelters and location will be determined by the evolution of the storm situation. For planning purposes we need to know the number of operators available to assist”.
Based on this request,
COML, COMT and RADO personnel interested in providing assistance should contact the American Red Cross via :
steve.irving2@redcross.org
Steve Irving
225 933-4993
DST Lead
Louisiana Region
American Red Cross
Everyone be safe!
73,
Louisiana Section Managers Newsletter May 2020
LOUISIANA SECTION MANAGERS NEWSLETTER MAY 2020
SILENT KEYS:
Richard “Buddy” Brown, N5BUD
Jeffrey J. “Jeff” Tircuit, N5SOE
Mary McDonald, WB5LBR
NEW HAMS: Welcome!
Report for 2020-05-04
Kenny J Skidmore, KI5IUO
Metairie, LA 70003-1139
Mark A Ferreira, KI5IVH
New Orleans, LA 70118-1917
David G Vansomeren, KI5IWA
Slidell, LA 70461-2007
UPGARDED LICENSES:
None
NEW/RENEWED ARRL MEMBERS: Welcome/Welcome Back!
Report for 2020-05-04
Brandon D Willmott, KI5IPD
Kenner, LA 70065-3219
Mark S Poche, N5GFK
Meraux, LA 70075-2812
Thomas A King, KJ4TAK
Saint Bernard, LA 70085-5020
Richard J Harris, W3GLE
New Orleans, LA 70122-6132
Luke A Cressionie, K5ALL
Gheens, LA 70355-2216
Michael E Galler, WD5JTZ
Morgan City, LA 70380-2803
William H Rogers, KG5TQP
Covington, LA 70433-8854
Elisha B Wilson, KI5ADM
Covington, LA 70435-2246
Daniel J Williams, KA5RFS
Robert, LA 70455-1818
Raoul D Breaux, W5OIM
Lafayette, LA 70503-4755
Jason T Olivier, K5DZL
Arnaudville, LA 70512-3527
Kevin C Thompson, KE5ZZG
Lafayette, LA 70598-1021
Ryan P Phillips, KI5FWJ
Lake Charles, LA 70605-0616
Joshua M Johnson, KC5JMJ
Lake Charles, LA 70607-0931
Roger L Shellenbarger, W5RNJ
DeRidder, LA 70634
Robert A Tarver, KD5ZTW
Greenwell Springs, LA 70739-5438
Kirk N Brown, KN1B
New Roads, LA 70760-2803
Ann Brown, W5ANB
New Roads, LA 70760-2803
Louis F Melancon, KA5TSZ
Paulina, LA 70763-2320
William P Sellers, KB5SCW
Baton Rouge, LA 70810-1152
Greg G Cobb, KA5UCH
Baton Rouge, LA 70810-3406
Dorothy Arceneaux, W5DCA
Baton Rouge, LA 70815-1016
Gary A Fulton, KG5TBN
Baton Rouge, LA 70817-2800
Joyce L Thompson, KB9TFE
Shreveport, LA 71107-8598
Gary Lowder
Eros, LA 71238-8375
Mark F Kelley, AG5DT
Pineville, LA 71360-5496
Will D Butterfield, KI5IPJ
Pollock, LA 71467-3942
FROM THE ARRL:
RSGB’s RadCom Magazine May Edition Available to All Online
05/04/2020
As another facet of the Radio Society of Great Britain (RSGB) “Get on the air to care” campaign, the May edition of RadCom magazine is being made available to radio amateurs around the world online as a sample edition. A number of International Amateur Radio Union (IARU) member-societies have taken similar steps. — Thanks to RSGB General Manager Steve Thomas, M1ACB, via IARU
Ham-Com Cancels 2020 Show
05/04/2020
Ham-Com will not take place in 2020, due to the COVID-19 pandemic. “While we have held out hope that this year we would be able to host Ham-Com 2020 as a light at the end of the long tunnel of the COVID-19 virus, it is with great sadness that we must inform all that we are canceling Ham-Com 2020, with the event postponed until June 17, 18, and 19, 2021,” Ham-Com Board of Directors President Bill Nelson, AB5QZ, said in a statement. “Payments made to Ham-Com for the 2020 event for general admission, vendor booths, and flea market tables will also be rolled to the 2021 event. Thank you for your understanding and we are looking forward to the next Ham-Com.”
AMSAT Solicits Nominations for the 2020 Board of Directors Election
05/04/2020
AMSAT is soliciting candidate nominations for the 2020 Board of Directors Election set for later this year, to fill the seats of three incumbent Directors whose 2-year terms expire in 2020: Tom Clark, K3IO; Mark Hammond, N8MH, and Bruce Paige, KK5DO. AMSAT members may further elect up to two Alternate Directors for 1-year terms. Valid Director nominations must be in writing and require either one “member-society” or five current individual members in good standing to nominate an AMSAT member.
Send written nominations — in electronic form, including email, or electronic image of a paper document — including the nominee’s name, call sign, and contact information, as well as the nominators’ names, call signs, and contact information, to AMSAT Secretary Brennan Price, N4QX, 300 Locust St. SE, Unit E, Vienna, VA 22180-4869, with a copy to AMSAT Manager Martha Saragovitz. Fax transmissions cannot be accepted, because the AMSAT office is closed.
Petitions must be received no later than June 15.
Planning Your ARRL Field Day 2020 Operation
05/14/2020
For most of us, ARRL Field Day 2020 is going to look quite different than it did in past years. Considering the impact of social distancing due to the pandemic, many radio clubs and large groups will not gather in their usual Field Day locations this year. Whether you are a seasoned veteran or a Field Day first-timer, there are many questions about how to participate in amateur radio’s largest annual on-air event under these unusual circumstances. Here are some tips and suggestions to help you plan this year’s operation.
Don’t Forget 6 Meters
Remember, Field Day is a non-adjudicated operating event and not a “full speed ahead” contest. It is also not an HF-only event. All amateur radio bands above 50 MHz may be used during the event too.
This includes 6 meters, which often offers significant propagation enhancements in the summer months around Field Day weekend, to help you make contacts. The band is available to amateurs holding a Technician-class license or higher. If you have an HF/VHF/UHF multi-mode transceiver, try making SSB, CW, or digital contacts on 6 meters. You don’t need fancy beams or large antenna arrays. A simple vertical or dipole will allow you to experience operating on the “Magic Band.”
Activities for Techs
One suggestion for clubs to consider in order to increase participation among their Technician-class members is to schedule specific times where these club members will monitor designated VHF and UHF simplex frequencies for Field Day activity. Keep in mind that the published national FM simplex calling frequencies should be avoided, and the use of repeaters is prohibited for Field Day contacts. This way, members who have equipment capable of VHF/UHF-only operation may be able to participate from their homes or vehicles. Your club can choose a list of frequencies and scheduled times in advance, and publish them in the club newsletter, or via email or other electronic means before the start of the event.
On the HF bands, Technician-class licensees have CW privileges on 80, 40, and 15 meters, as well as RTTY/data and SSB phone privileges on 10 meters. If you aren’t a CW operator, try calling CQ on 10-meter SSB in the late afternoon and early evening on Saturday and see if conditions are favorable for long-distance communications. Try experimenting with a simple wire antenna for 10 meters. You might discover that the band can offer plenty of unexpected propagation.
Get Set Up for Digital Modes
You might want to explore one of the newer FT4/FT8 digital modes on 10 meters, 6 meters, or even the VHF/UHF bands. These modes offer an opportunity to make weak-signal contacts when band conditions often do not support voice communication. There have been reports of some great 6-meter openings in recent weeks, and these are likely to occur more frequently as the summer months approach. If you’ve never experimented with digital modes, perhaps this year is an opportunity to give them a try.
Setup is relatively straightforward. You’ll need a computer and a digital interface to connect the radio to the computer, and you’ll need to download one of the digital mode software packages such as the free WSJT-X suite, which incorporates FT8 and FT4. Many modern transceivers have built-in support for digital modes, so in those cases, all you’ll need is the proper cable to connect the radio to the computer’s USB port. You’ll need software that supports the ARRL Field Day exchange (WSJT-X version 2.0 or later, for example). ARRL’s book Get on the Air with HF Digital (2nd Edition) is also a great primer for anyone beginning to explore the digital modes.
The Excitement of Ham Satellites
Another area you might wish to explore is operating via one of the amateur radio satellites, or “birds,” as they’re often called. Many hams have had success making contacts via the FM satellites by using a VHF/UHF handheld radio and a small handheld directional antenna, or a multi-mode VHF/UHF transceiver for the linear (SSB and CW) satellites. You’ll only be able to work the satellites when they are overhead, so you’ll need to know when they will be visible at your operating location. Visit AMSAT’s Online Satellite Pass Prediction page to see which ones will be orbiting overhead, and at what times they’ll be visible. You can find many satellite operating tips and resources on the AMSAT website too.
An Opportunity for Learning
ARRL Field Day 2020 may be the year you decide to participate solo, or with other members of your household. You may want to focus on expanding your knowledge base and experiment with new modes or bands that you never thought of using before. If you’re a mentor to a newer ham, Field Day can be an opportunity to share some of your knowledge, and for you to expand your own operating horizons. This might be the year to leave your Field Day comfort zone and try something new!
FROM AROUND THE SECTION:
Region 2: As always “The Ascension Airwaves” latest edition is full of information, please go to K5ARC.ORG to see it.
The Ascension Amateur Radio Club will meet on Zoom on Wednesday June 3rd at 19:00 local. Everyone is welcome to attend from the comfort of your home.
Ascension Amateur is inviting you to a scheduled Zoom meeting.
Topic: Ascension Amateur’s Zoom Meeting
Time: Jun 3, 2020 06:30 PM Central Time (US and Canada)
Join Zoom Meeting
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/81213900476?pwd=cHN3SWJ5THRXK0VENVFFa2tzbkM3Zz09
Meeting ID: 812 1390 0476
Password: 858446
One tap mobile
+13462487799,,81213900476#,,1#,858446# US (Houston)
+16699009128,,81213900476#,,1#,858446# US (San Jose)
Dial by your location
+1 346 248 7799 US (Houston)
+1 669 900 9128 US (San Jose)
+1 253 215 8782 US (Tacoma)
+1 312 626 6799 US (Chicago)
+1 646 558 8656 US (New York)
+1 301 715 8592 US (Germantown)
Meeting ID: 812 1390 0476
Password: 858446
Find your local number: https://us02web.zoom.us/u/kct6eOuOB
Elmer Tatum, N5EKF
Region 2 PIO
Region 4:
From: Volume 60, Number 05 ACADIANA AMATEUR RADIO ASSOC., INC. – May 2020
VE Test Session April 25, 2020 73, de Greg ~ K5LFT
April 25th was a successful Saturday morning for AARA VE testing. 3 VEs were able to organize a test session that would meet FCC VE rules as well as comply with the CDC social distancing guidelines. The location was not an ideal one. Some folding tables and lawn chairs spaced apart inside a garage. Even with those conditions three candidates jumped at the opportunity to test. So it was during a humid morning with a drone of weed eaters and lawnmowers that all three candidates were able to get the license they had studied for. And the results are in. Adam Melancon ~KD5QZG~ upgraded to Extra; Jeremy Hoof ~KI5GIY~ upgraded to General; and Kathleen Boudreaux of Lafayette got her Technical License. VEs present were Galen Wilson ~KF5BET, Charles Morrison ~N5WE, and Michael Cavell ~KI5ARX. Best of luck, Michael Cavell ~KI5ARX
Dennis Charles Butler N5OTH – Silent Key
Dennis Charles Butler born on March 29, 1949 in Wichita, Kansas as the first child born to the union of Joe and Lois (Hamm) Butler. A resident of Carencro, LA, Dennis passed away on Thursday, March 5, 2020. After graduating from Delhi High School (1968) in Delhi, LA, Mr. Butler was drafted into the Army during the Vietnam War. His time was served honorably as a member of the military police. Upon his detachment from military service and with the support of his father, Mr. Butler began working for Michigan Wisconsin Pipeline. His intelligence coupled with a no-nonsense work ethic paved the way for a successful career in the natural gas industry. He survived a multitude of company buyouts and eventually retired from El Paso. Whether at work or at home, Mr. Butler chose to live life on his terms. Although he selected a life of solitude, his friendship circle included those who respected his private life and supported his peaceful way of living. He enjoyed the simple qualities of life; such as camping and fishing with his dearly departed friend Brenda; having a couple of drinks and solving the countries issues with his deceased friend, Buddy; early morning Facebook sessions with his close friends and family members during his morning coffee ritual; daily drives to the post office to see what he would be throwing away today; and his weekly drives to pick his nephew up from school. He gave generously and loved endlessly.
Birthdays:
05-01 KB3THK David
05-06 W4HVH John
05-11 Deborah KC5VDH
05-18 KE5HSY Linda
05-24 KC5HNO Ramona
05-26 KD5TJZ Kathy
06-05 KE5RPI Karen
06-07 K5VXX Joseph
06-11 KE5KJF Sandy
Crockpot Ribs 3-4 Lbs. Pork Ribs 1 Cup Ketchup ½ Cup Molasses 2 Cups Chicken Broth 1 tsp Salt 1 tsp Garlic Powder ½ tsp Hot Sauce 1-½ Cups BBQ Sauce Cut into individual ribs. Spray a 6-quart or larger slow cooker with non-stick spray. Add ribs in an even layer. Mix all ingredients in a small bowl and pour over ribs. Cover the ribs and cook for 8 hours, until they are tender. Serve immediately. You can use spare ribs, baby back ribs, or country-style ribs. I found that if you season your ribs the day before, and seal them in a Ziplock bag, the flavor goes through and through. I also tried this method with a large chuck roast, cutting the meat into 2-by-2 squares. Talk about tender and falling apart.
Region 5:
Recently, our club in Lake Charles (SWLARC) held two virtual exam sessions.
Examiners were KI5EE, AE5LB and me.
The first test was administered in the morning to KC5JMJ, who successfully upgraded from technician to general class. The second was in the afternoon with KI5GZO who also upgraded from technician to general class.
Our aim was to ensure the integrity of the testing as we required that we had good vision of the applicants’ surroundings before as well as during the tests. The exam itself was secured before, during and after the exam – from when it was placed in the applicant’s hands until it was graded by three examiners and subsequently mailed to the ARRL. (Should you wish to know these exact precautions and procedures, I can detail them for you.)
George Carr
WA5KBH
V.E.
Region 6:
From: The BRASS KEY May 2020
A Publication of the Central Louisiana Amateur Radio Club
Words from our President, John Dempsey, N5CM
May 2020 I feel a bit like Abraham Lincoln as I’m writing this on April 22, 2020 at 10:00 PM local time by the light of a lantern. This is the second time this week that I’ve had to resort to the use of an indoor antenna for 2-meter communication due to foul weather. When we have lightning, I disconnect feed lines to antennas and for a really intense electrical storms such as the one tonight, I unplug the power supplies from the 120- volt wall receptacles. I learned years ago that lightning cannot read. It was a bit worse tonight as we had a tornado pass through Woodworth. No damage here at N5CM or at W5LD (also in Woodworth) other than a few limbs down. An indoor antenna is very handy if you are far enough away from the repeater site that your handheld won’t quite make the trip. Mine is a home brew ground plane (a/k/a TDTMODVR [Temporary Deployment Two Meter Omni-Directional Vertical Radiator]). It works well when connected to my hand held radio and gives solid contact into the 147.330 repeater. Plans for it are on the CLARC website. If you’re a little farther out, you might want to look into a yagi (a/k/a “beam). These can be home brewed as well. It you don’t have a metal roof, you could install one in your attic. Due to unavailability of our Kees Park meeting space, we had to cancel our May meeting. Hopefully, the current Covid-19 crisis will be far enough behind us in June to resume normal operations. As I write this, we have about two full months until Field Day. What are your thoughts on conducting our normal Field Day exercise? Please email me with your comments: johndgex@aol.com Stay well. Vy 73 es DX, John, N5CM
CLARC Members Host Repeater Scanner Feeds Kevin Walker, KG5SGI
I’d like to share with you some information about the CLARC Repeater Scanner Feeds that I’m hosting on RadioReference.com and Broadcastify. I’ve been hosting two of the feeds since 2016. You can use them when you have internet access and no radio handy to listen, or if you are out of the area and would like to listen to the nets or traffic hosted by CLARC repeaters. Those feeds can also be helpful if you are checking your transmitter and would like to hear how you are transmitting. There is about a 30 second delay for the transmission from my scanner to the Broadcastify host. You can hear the feeds via web browser, Android or IOS Apps. Using your web browser can access the scanner Feeds at the following address: https://www.broadcastify.com/listen/ctid/1148 I often use the Android App, Scanner Radio to listen on my phone. This app is also available for IOS devices. Currently I am hosting three Amateur Radio feeds: *The first Feed Alexandria and Pineville Area Amateur Repeaters monitors the 147.330, 147.375, 443.3, 53.23, 147.105, and 444.975 MHz frequencies. *The Second Feed KC5ZJY, 147.3300 MHz CLARC Repeater monitors the 147.330 MHz Frequency. *My newest and third feed is the KC5ZJY, 145.470 MHz Salt Grass System CLARC Repeater and it monitors the 145.470 MHz Frequency which is usually on the East Coast Reflector. Some of the hardware and software that I use to host these feeds are Windows Laptops, Windows Operating system, Raspberrypi 3 computer, Raspian Operating system (Linux), Radio Shack Pro2026 scanner, Uniden BCT15x scanner, and a Whistler WS1010Wp scanner. It’s not complicated to become a feed provider, you just need a stable internet connection, some hardware, and to fill out an application at RadioReference.com. Here are some of the benefits of becoming a feed provider: *A solid, scalable broadcast platform designed to support tens of thousands of listeners per Feed. *An audience of over 500,000 registered RadioReference members and tens of millions of smartphone users. *A RadioReference.com Premium Subscription worth $30 a year when your feed is online. *Access to detailed charts and statistics about your feed, including listeners per hour, uptime,and max listeners. *A full 180 day archive of all of your feed’s content split into 30 minute mp3 file chunks and readily available for download. *A feed provider badge on your RadioReference forums profile. *Active promotion of your feed to the RadioReference and social media community when something newsworthy occurs on your feed. * A lot of grateful listeners and a warm fuzzy feeling in your heart! If there is an interest, I can provide the mp3 archives of most of the 2020 Sunday ARES/RACES TRAINING NET and Prayer Nets and can make them available for download. My thanks to KF5YRN, Kenneth, who provides one of the computers that is used to broadcast. Please contact me if you have any further questions.
73s and I hope you enjoy the feeds.
Kevin Walker, KG5SGI walkerkevinr@gmail.com
Worked a Light Bulb on a Dead Band John Dempsey, N5CM
I’m trying my best to complete 5-Band Worked All States (WAS) on CW. Qualification for the 5-Band WAS award requires a confirmed contact with at least one station in each state on the “legacy” bands, 10, 15, 20, 40, and 80 meters. So far, I have worked all fifty states on 160, 80, 40, and 20 meters on CW, but I still need a few on 10 and 15 meters. I call CQ on 10 and 15 meters just about every day. Given that the Sun has steadfastly refused to enter Cycle 25 with any gusto whatsoever, calling CQ on 10 and 15 meters is about as productive as fishing for crappie in my neighbor’s kiddie pool. OK, I do get an answer once in a while, but these are few and far between. Even if you do get an answer, there is no guarantee that it will be from a state you need… NE, WY, VT, RI etc. So, on March 30, 2020 at 15:31 UTC (Coordinated Universal Time), I get an answer from K8AQM. His signal wasn’t stellar, but it was OK. I sent him a report, my name, QTH, and SKCC (Straight Key Century Club) number. He came back, but his signal was as weak as a kitten. I did not get his name or QTH but was able to copy his SKCC number. I told him I was unable to copy anything but his number. Well, then he came back with a solid 579 signal. Huh, what’s going on? Later that day, I got the following e-mail: “Hi John, I happened to be working on the computer at that station and nearly fainted when I heard your CQ today. Here is the cool part…I had the “light bulb” (really) antenna on the rig and forgot but you were Q5 copy. I quickly answered you and it wasn’t until you said you lost every thing but my number because of QSB that I realized I was on the lightbulb. I switched to the two element yagi at 70 feet and even switched on the KPA 500 for my final 73 and tnx. Just thought you’d get a kick out of knowing you worked a light bulb antenna on a “dead” band! — 73, Ted K8AQM/VE9AQM”
Special Events Commemorate the End of World War II
05/05/2020
Several special event stations are on the air to mark 75 years since the end of World War II. In the UK, GB4VVV (“V for victory”), and G0SFJ will operate through May 11. Listen for GB75VET through May 28. The Guernsey Amateur Radio Society is operating GU75LIB May 6 – 12 to mark the liberation of Guernsey in World War II. The RSGB Contest Club will field special call signs GB1945PE, GB1945PJ, and GB75PEACE through May and again during August 1 – 31 to mark victory in Europe and Japan. From Norway, LI8MAI celebrates the end of World War II in Europe on May 8, 1945. Operation will continue through the end of May. From Israel, 4Z75V and 4X75V will be on the air until May 10. From Serbia, listen for YT5DP until May 31. Many Russian stations will use special prefix RP75 until May 9. The letter P stands for “pobeda,” which means “victory.” This is not intended to be a comprehensive list of special event stations marking the end of World War II. — Thanks to The Daily DX
Region 9:
The SELARC “Hamster”
Vol. 47, No. 5 ……………………. May 2020
Hammond VE Group – ARRL/W5YI – Testing usually scheduled for the last Sunday of each month at North Oaks Diagnostic Center has been postponed until further notice due to COVID-19.
Club Membership Rolls
A club membership roll was posted in the April newsletter, but the following updates and corrections are made since “Hamster” No. 4a of April 2020:
+ Correction: Thank you to KG5WQI – Roper, Roger who also sold 20 tickets in January.
+ Dues paid for: KE5GOC – Carol Redmond; KD5GUQ – Labat, Jerome
Special Events, Other Hamfests & VE Sessions
2020 ARRL Field Day – June 27-28, 2020
Happy Birthday
Birthday Wishes for May go out to – Walter N5RYI
Get Well Soon —
Best wishes for continued recuperation go to SELARC members Tom Simpson N5HAY and Homer Jones KA5TRT. We look forward to hearing you on the air!
Recent Donations
The club received a donation of $400 towards the repeater funds thanks to the Priez Family, Bob WB5FBS, in celebration of his birthday.
There are still items from Walter Sarrat’s equipment donation for sale — please contact Ernie Bush for details:
Kenwood 281 2m Mobile
Yaesu FT 2800 Mobile VHF Mobile $35.00
MFJ 6 Position Manual Coax Switch with some connector Cables $20.00
Tentec Corsair II Base, Tuner & Power Supply / Tuner all in operating condition. $350
VE Session Results
2 May. 2020 Special VE Session – Hammond VE Group
Congratulations to the following new Amateur Radio Operators and upgrades!!
Technician
Ronald Page – Holden, La.
Cid Dillard – Baton Rouge, La.
Stephen Fortunato – Covington, La.
Timothy Zenner – deville, La
General
Johnny Shaw / KZ7TUE – Covington, La.
Bruce Eilts / KD5GRC – Baton Rouge, La.
Gilbert Rodriguez-Cruz – Hammond, La.
Charles Richardson / KI5IU – Holden, La.
Extra
Lawrence J. Arena / KF5FNT – Opelousas, La.
John Young / W7JDY – Prairieville, La.
Many thanks to the VEs who attend to support this session and to AmVets Post #68 in Springfield, for the use of their facility!!!
Stay safe es 73
Tyrone Burns – N5XES
VE Liaison – Hammond VE Group, Hammond, La.
******************************************************************************
Section Traffic Managers Report:
Sessions QNI QTC QTR
- 557 38 642
Jimmy Lewis AB5YS
Louisiana Section Traffic Manager
******************************************************************************
Section Emergency Coordinators Report:
ARES Monthly Section Emergency Coordinators Report
- ARRL Section LOUISIANA
- Month MAY
- Year 2020
- Total number of ARES members 413
- Number of DECs/ECs reporting this month 9
- Number of ARES nets active 57
- Number of nets with NTS liaison 1
- Calls of DECs/EC reporting: W4NDF NS5W KD5BNH KE5BMS AG5LR KD5DFL W5GAS KD5IGZ KE5GM
9a. Number of exercises & training sessions this month 33
9b. Person hours 321
10a. Number of public service events this month 0 10b. Person hours 0
11a. Number of emergency operations this month 0
11b. Person hours 0
12a. Number of SKYWARN operations this month 9
12b. Person hours 75
13a. Auto Sum 9a, 10a, 11a, 12a 42
13b. Auto Sum 9b, 10b, 11b, 12b 396
http://www.arrl.org/FandES/field/ares-el/?issue=2020-05-20
*****************************************************************************
Please remember that the Louisiana Section is on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram:
https://twitter.com/ARRLLASection
https://www.facebook.com/LA.ARRL
https://www.instagram.com/arrllouisianasection
May Section Giveaway Winners:
ARRL Books: Washington ARC Affiliated Club & KD5L Mark Brown of Homer ARRL Member.
Wouxun Radio and Surge Protector (bonus) is David Pechon, KC5DP of Tickfaw.
Congratulations to our May winners!
***Beginning June 1st, I will start accepting nominations for the 2020 ARRL Louisiana Section Amateur of the Year. I will accept nominations until August 31st. The winner will be announced at the Slidell Hamfest October 10th. Email me to get your nomination form and instruction sheet.***
————————————————————————————————————————————
Amateur Radio Gulf Coast Hurricane Special Event 2020
ARRL Mississippi Section Manager Malcolm P. Keown (W5XX) announced in May that Larry Morgan (AG5Z) has organized the Gulf Coast Hurricane Special Event 2020.
Dates: Wednesday, 2020 May 27 through Friday, May 29
Frequencies: 3.862 MHz, 7.240 MHz, 14.255 MHz, 21.300 MHz
Purpose: To recognize the following:
1. To bring attention to, and awareness of, the beginning of the 2020 Atlantic Hurricane Season on 2020 June 1.
There is already one tropical storm off the coast of North Carolina called Arthur with winds to 50 mph
2. The 15th Anniversary of Hurricane Katrina in 2020.
Event Plan: Special Event Stations for the five states (Florida, Alabama, Mississippi, Louisiana and Texas) most often impacted by Gulf Coast Hurricanes will be operating on the frequencies listed above. Certificates will be available for working these stations. QSL cards will be handled by AG5Z with SASE (Self-Addressed-Stamped-Envelope). More info on www.ag5z.net.
None of the SATERN Nets will be actively engaged in this event, but please inform other who may be interested.
73,
Ken G
AG6SV
SATERN 20m Net Manager
73,
John Mark Robertson
K5JMR
Louisiana Section Managers Newsletter April 2020
ARRL LOUISIANA SECTION MANAGERS NEWSLTTER APRIL 2020
I hope all of you are well!
Since the Hamfest in West Monroe was canceled our next one is scheduled for July in Slidell. I sure hope that things will be back to normal by then. I know that many are disappointed with Hamvention being canceled as well.
SILENT KEYS: As listed in May QST
Larry LeBlanc, KE5KJD
David Romano, KG5OPB
NEW HAMS: CONGRATULATIONS AND WELCOME!
Report for 2020-04-02
Brandon D Willmott, KI5IPD
Kenner, LA 70065-3219
James M Chauvin, KI5IPC
Houma, LA 70364-3010
Matthew B Mckellar, KI5IPZ
Lafayette, LA 70506-3634
Jason T Olivier, KI5IQB
Arnaudville, LA 70512-3527
Victor L Baudoin, KI5IMV
Jeanerette, LA 70544-8211
Jason O Noel, KI5IQA
Opelousas, LA 70570-0537
Chad A Comeaux, KI5IPY
Youngsville, LA 70592-6302
Dawson G Andrews, KI5IMY
French Settlement, LA 70733-2540
Elienne A Blanchat, KI5IPK
Natchitoches, LA 71457-3582
Will D Butterfield, KI5IPJ
Pollock, LA 71467-3942
UPGRADED LICESNES: CONGRATULATIONS!
Report for 2020-04-02
Justin M White, KI5IBP
West Monroe, LA 71291-8856
John L Eubanks, KI5HVM
Pineville, LA 71360-5801
New/Renewed ARRL members: WELCOME/WELCOME BACK!
Report for 2020-04-02
Janice W Liang, WA5RDR
Metairie, LA 70003-1925
Abdulbasit N Mahmud, KD5BKW
Metairie, LA 70003-6339
Daniel R Sicuro, W5KKZ
Kenner, LA 70062-6040
Steven P Schwenker, K2JY
New Orleans, LA 70122-5915
Anja B Urner, KF5NKW
River Ridge, LA 70123-1126
Thomas B Harang, KF5DKN
Thibodaux, LA 70301-3503
Hubert J Cavalier, K5HCV
Napoleonville, LA 70390-8515
Moise M Collins, N5TSQ
Slidell, LA 70461-2910
David J DeCourt, KI5DHH
New Iberia, LA 70563-0053
Bradley Bordelon, KE5VLB
Lake Charles, LA 70611-6208
David B Guidry
Lake Charles, LA 70611-6224
Dustin K Royer, KG5AFX
Dequincy, LA 70633-4629
Lisa D Jacobs, KC5ACA
Deridder, LA 70634-3640
Lonnie P Jacobs, AC5A
Deridder, LA 70634-3640
Anthony Savant, KE5YXW
Kinder, LA 70648-3532
Jeff W Waldrop, N1JWW
Westlake, LA 70669-3102
John J Barnes, N5WWL
Denham Springs, LA 70706-0631
Robert A Davis, W1DOS
Baker, LA 70714-6061
August J Levert, KF5NA
Greenwell Springs, LA 70739-3909
Larry J Simms, KB5KKL
Plaquemine, LA 70765-0024
Justin M White, KI5IBP
West Monroe, LA 71291-8856
William C Huddleston, KE5CMC
Alexandria, LA 71306-0452
Michael W Stokes, AA5ES
Pineville, LA 71360-5550
Dennis P Vaughan, KG5FNU
Campti, LA 71411-4104
Thomas J Bird, WJ5Y
Many, LA 71449-5375
David A Mcnair, AC2WU
Fort Polk, LA 71459-3630
Jerry W Penfield, KG5UPA
Zwolle, LA 71486-3078
FROM THE ARRL:
http://www.arrl.org/arrlletter/?issue=2020-03-26
http://www.arrl.org/arrlletter?issue=2020-04-02
http://www.arrl.org/arrlletter?issue=2020-04-09
http://www.arrl.org/arrlletter?issue=2020-04-16
http://www.arrl.org/arrlletter/?issue=2020-04-23
Field Day 2020 — A Time to Adapt
03/27/2020
Many individuals and groups organizing events for Field Day 2020 have been contacting ARRL for guidance on how to adapt their planned activities in this unprecedented time of social distancing and uncertainty.
“Due to the unique situation presented this year, this can be an opportunity for you, your club, and/or group to try something new,” ARRL Contest Manager Paul Bourque, N1SFE, said. “Field Day isn’t about doing things the same way year after year. Use this year to develop and employ a new approach that is in line with the current circumstances.”
Social distancing and state and local requirements very likely will impact just how — and even whether — you are able to participate in Field Day this year. ARRL continues monitoring the coronavirus situation, paying close attention to information and guidance offered by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). If social distancing means that Class A with a 30-member team set up in a city park won’t work this year, then it’s time for a Plan B. Part of the Field Day concept has always been adapting your operation to the situation at hand. At its heart, Field Day is an emergency communication demonstration. Field Day rules are flexible enough to allow individuals and groups to adjust their participation and strategies in a way that still addresses their needs while being fun. Some possibilities:
Encourage club members to operate from their home stations on emergency power (Class E).
Use the club’s repeater as a means for individual participants to keep in touch during the event.
Family members interested in operating Field Day and unable to participate as part of a larger group may want to consider setting up a portable station in the backyard with a temporary antenna.
One big impact this year will be a decline in public visibility and any interaction with the visitors. Prudence may dictate dispensing with the ham radio PR table to attract passersby, should you set up in a more public location. It’s okay not to score all the bonus points you may have attempted in the past. Local and served agency officials may be unwilling to visit, which is understandable under the circumstances. Do be sure to reach out to them as part of your preparations and remind them that you look forward to continuing your working relationship with them in the future.
The impact will differ from place to place, so ARRL recommends that all amateur radio clubs participating in Field Day stay in regular contact with local or state public health officials for their advice and guidance on hosting Field Day activities.
Demonstrating an understanding of the health crisis we all face and your willingness to adapt will show that you and your club or group are good working partners with local or served agencies.
“With any emergency preparedness exercise, it’s not about adapting the situation to your operation, it’s about adapting your operation to the situation that presents itself,” Bourque said. “Try something different. Learn something new about how you prepare. It may be a challenge, and you may have to ask yourself if you’re up to the challenge. We hope to hear you on the air over the June 27 – 28 weekend.” — Thanks to Paul Bourque, N1SFE, and Dan Henderson, N1ND
COVID-19 Affects Space Station Crew Transition
03/30/2020
International Space Station (ISS) Expedition 62 crew is readying its Soyuz MS-15 vehicle for an April 17 departure back to Earth. Expedition 62 members are NASA Flight Engineer Jessica Meir; Flight Engineer Andrew Morgan, KI5AAA, and Commander Oleg Skripochka, RA0LDJ. The Expedition 63 crew members who are to replace them are nearing an April 9 launch aboard the Soyuz MS-16 vehicle.
NASA astronaut Chris Cassidy, KF5KDR, and Roscosmos cosmonauts Anatoly Ivanishin, and Ivan Vagner arrived this week at the Baikonur Cosmodrome in Kazakhstan for final training. The Expedition 63 trio is scheduled to live aboard the station for a little longer than 6 months, with Cassidy as commander. Because of travel limitations due to the COVID-19 pandemic, Cassidy’s family will watch from home when he blasts off on April 9. Launch day at Baikonur is usually a festive affair.
“But it’ll be completely quiet,” Cassidy said in a Spaceflight Now satellite interview from Star City, Russia. “There won’t be anybody there.” A NASA protocol has long been in place to prevent astronauts from carrying disease microbes into space. All astronauts going to orbit must go through a 2-week “health stabilization” quarantine period. This way, NASA can make sure the crew is not incubating any illnesses before launch. NASA said it “will continue to evaluate and augment this plan, in coordination with its international and commercial partners,” if needed.
Russia’s state space corporation Roscosmos has shut down all media activity surrounding the Soyuz launch, barring journalists from covering the mission in person. Russia will still live-stream the launch; NASA typically carries all of its crewed launches online via its NASA TV channel. The mid-April return of the Expedition 62 crew would typically involve a large number of recovery personnel.
SpaceX will be ready to send its first crew of NASA astronauts to the ISS aboard its Crew Dragon capsule sometime in May. NASA has not said what might happen if those operations should change in light of the pandemic. — Thanks to AMSAT News Service
International Marconi Day 2020 has been Canceled
03/31/2020
The annual International Marconi Day (IMD) ham radio operating event that was set to take place on April 25 has been canceled because of the coronavirus pandemic. The 24-hour amateur radio event celebrates the birth of Marconi on April 25, 1874. Sponsored by the Cornish Radio Amateur Club, which operates as GB4IMD, International Marconi Day features participating stations operating at sites having a personal connection to Marconi, including places where he set up transmitting and receiving stations.
Former ARRL DXCC Manager Don Search, W3AZD, SK
03/31/2020
Former ARRL DXCC Manager Donald B. “Don” Search, W3AZD, of Davie, Florida, died on March 26. Search was widely known throughout the DXing community and was a fixture at many hamfests and conventions, including the Dayton Hamvention®, where he checked cards for years. An ARRL Life Member, he was 80. A skillful DXer, Search was on the DXCC Honor Roll with 378 entities confirmed on phone. He and his partner Hope Smith, WB3ANE, were early members of the National Capitol DX Association (NCDXA) — traveling from Florida to attend monthly meetings as recently as 2018. He also belonged to the Potomac Valley Radio Club (PVRC).
According to reports, Search had struggled with health issues related to a fall last December in which he struck his head.
A nearly lifelong radio amateur, Search worked as an electronics technician in Maryland before serving for about 15 years as ARRL DXCC Manager from the late 1970s until the early 1990s. In addition to ham radio, his interests included astronomy. Arrangements are pending.
Circuit Board for Bare-Bones Ventilator Moves Toward Production with Radio Amateurs’ Help
04/01/2020
Radio amateurs continue to play key roles in developing the electronic control system for an open-source/architecture, modular, low-cost human patient ventilator. The device itself was designed by researcher Sem Lampotang and his team at University of Florida Health — the school’s academic health center — using such commonly available components as PVC pipe and lawn-sprinkler valves. The idea is to create a bare-bones ventilator that could serve in the event of a ventilator shortage.
“The way I looked at it is, if you’re going to run out of ventilators, then we’re not even trying to reproduce the sophisticated ventilators out there,” Lampotang said. “If we run out, you have to decide who gets one and who doesn’t. How do you decide that? The power of our approach is that every well-intentioned volunteer who has access to Home Depot, Ace, Lowe’s, or their equivalent worldwide can build one.”
His team is working on adding safety features to meet regulatory guidelines, then they will run engineering tests to determine safety, accuracy, and endurance of the machine, which can be built for as little as $125 to $250.
Dr. Gordon Gibby, KX4Z — a retired associate professor of anesthesiology at the University of Florida and an electrical engineer — is among those involved in the project, developing control-system prototypes. He reports that a trial printed circuit board is being created, populated, and tested prior to large-scale fabrication. “This should lead to a documented open-source design that can be replicated or improved upon by any interested manufacturer,” Gibby said, noting that the board could be built anywhere in the world, based on the Arduino Nano microcontroller.
“A huge amount of work has gone on in the design of the circuit boards,” Gibby told ARRL. “We have at least two, maybe three designs, ready for fabrication.” Current design specifications and a video of prototypes have been posted online. The Arduino-based control software will set the respiratory rate and other key parameters in treating critically ill coronavirus victims. Other radio amateurs involved in the control system aspect of the project include Jack Purdum, W8TEE, and uBITX transceiver maker Ashhar Farhan, VU2ESE.
Using a Groups.io forum, up to 140 volunteers have been studying or working to push the project to completion. Software is being created by multiple volunteers, with amateur radio operators involved in that phase as well.
The ventilator’s valves will precisely time the flow of compressed oxygen into a patient with lungs weakened by viral pneumonia in order to extend life and allow time for the body to clear the infection.
Among the project’s assumptions: The Food and Drug Administration will waive clearance for the bare-bones design, if a massive shortage develops; traditional medical components and supplies used in ventilators will be in short supply, and transportation will be impaired or disrupted.
Contest Entry Features Multiple Operator Locations and Remote Transmitter-Receiver Site
04/01/2020
Restrictions on gatherings due to the COVID-19 pandemic recently prompted a novel approach to multioperator/multi-transmitter operation. The WW2DX entry in the CQ World Wide WPX SSB Contest over the March 28 – 29 weekend featured 10 operators, each at separate locations around the US and in Europe, all operating via a single remote site on the coast of eastern Maine. WW2DX entered in the multioperator high-power category, racking up a claimed score of 32,026,176 points. NR6O operated remotely from the west coast with a smaller complement of remote operators in the same category.
“It was so much fun to work this contest,” one of the WW2DX operators, 17-year-old Connor Black, W4IPC, remarked. “This was the most fun I’ve had in a contest ever. We had no equipment failures and pulled off, hopefully, a new US record.”
In soapbox comments on the 3830scores.com website, Lee Imber, WW2DX, expressed his belief that this year’s contest would be viewed as a turning point in multioperator contesting. Participants had nothing but a web browser and a USB headset to operate, with the closest team partner some 625 miles away. “No radio, no hardware, no traveling, and no external logger,” he noted.
Team members brainstormed various configurations. Rock Schrock, WW1X, custom-engineered the requisite software. In addition to Black, the team included a few other young — but experienced — contesters: 13-year-old Charles Hoppe, AA4LS; 17-year-old Mason Matrazzo, KM4SII, and 21-year-old Tucker McGuire, W4FS. The more senior team members were K1LZ, K3JO, W1ADI, W2RE, WW1X, and WW2DX.
“We also used Slack and created a channel for the team to stay connected over the weekend, and this ended up being half the fun,” Imber said. “Game time.” Another feature included the “multi bell,” which would chime whenever a new multiplier was logged. He said it was “awesome having seasoned pro operators sharing and mentoring these young contesters.”
“The world is experiencing something on a whole new level,” he observed. “I think it’s clear that multi-multi contesting in general is also going to see big changes moving forward. I am looking forward to that.”
The ARRL Contest Update Editor Brian Moran, N9ADG, said in this week’s newsletter, “Until restrictions on gatherings are relaxed, this is a winning model for multi-multi efforts. Perhaps this is also the model of future big-gun multi-multi stations.”
Use of Special Call Sign Suffixes in the US During COVID-19 Pandemic
04/06/2020
Some countries have authorized selected radio amateurs or organizations to identify with longer-than-normal suffixes that relate to the COVID-19 pandemic, such as “STAYHOME.” FCC Part 97 Amateur Radio Service rules do not provide for amateur call sign suffixes longer than three characters, but a potential workaround exists.
As §97.119(c) of the FCC’s Amateur Radio Service rules states: “One or more indicators may be included with the call sign. Each indicator must be separated from the call sign by the slant mark (/) or by any suitable word that denotes the slant mark. If an indicator is self-assigned, it must be included before, after, or both before and after, the call sign. No self-assigned indicator may conflict with any other indicator specified by the FCC Rules or with any prefix assigned to another country.”
While ARRL has no plans to sponsor or support an effort as an ARRL contest-based activity, licensees desiring to do this as a one-off stay-at-home event are welcome to do so.
Icom Announces Delay in Delivery of New IC-705 Transceiver
04/06/2020
Icom has announced that delivery of the new IC-705 HF – 430 MHz all-mode 10 W transceiver, which was scheduled to be released in March, has been pushed back to later this year because the coronavirus pandemic has delayed the delivery of some components. “We are sorry to share this disappointing news,” Icom said, “and as soon as we have more information, we will post it on our website and social media pages.” Many radio amateurs had made reservations for the IC-705.
Randy Thompson, K5ZD, Named as Interim CQ WPX Contest Director
04/06/2020
Randy Thompson, K5ZD, is filling in as CQ WPX Contest Director. CQ’s Rich Moseson, W2VU, announced the appointment of Thompson as interim director following the resignation of Terry Zivney, N4TZ, who had been the director for 7 years. Thompson previously served as director of the CQ World Wide Contest and is a long-time CQ Contest Committee member. Anyone interested in taking on the WPX Director position on a permanent basis should contact Moseson.
Japan to Expand Access to 160 Meters
04/06/2020
Yoshi Shoji, JG7AMD, reports that Japan’s Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications is about to expand access to 160 meters for radio amateurs and permit SSB on that band. The current 160-meter band in Japan consists of 1810 – 1825 kHz (CW) plus 1907.5 – 1912.5 for CW and data. Japan will allocate 1800 – 1810 kHz and 1825 – 1875 kHz for all amateur radio modes. The effective date has not yet been announced.
Spain Grants Unlicensed Individuals Permission to Use Amateur Stations During Lockdown
04/02/2020
Spain’s International Amateur Radio Union (IARU) member-society URE has obtained temporary permission from the country’s telecommunications regulator for unlicensed people to use amateur stations during the coronavirus lockdown.
“The main objective of the request is to disseminate and promote amateur radio among schoolchildren who must be confined at home,” the announcement from the Ministry of Economic Affairs and Digital Infrastructure said. “This activity offers young people the opportunity to gain practical experience in telecommunications technology, promotes education in technological subjects, and is a socially enriching family activity.”
The temporary authorization would be in place while the state of alert and mandatory confinement measures are in effect in Spain. Non-licensed individuals could operate an amateur station only under the direct supervision of the licensee, under current amateur radio rules and regulations.
Ned Stearns, AA7A, Appointed as ARRL Southwestern Division Vice Director
04/07/2020
ARRL President Rick Roderick, K5UR, has appointed Edward J. “Ned” Stearns, AA7A, of Scottsdale, Arizona, as ARRL Southwestern Division Vice Director, succeeding Mark Weiss, K6FG, who resigned.
This will mark the third time Stearns has held the post. He served as Southwestern Division Vice Director for 2005 – 2006 and again for 2017 – 2019.
A retired electrical engineer, Stearns has been licensed since 1963 and is active on all bands from 160 meters through 23 centimeters. His principal interests are DXing, contesting, VHF, moonbounce, antenna design, and homebrewing.
New TQSL Version 2.5.2 Provides Better LoTW Rover Support, Other Improvements
04/07/2020
The latest version of TrustedQSL (TQSL), version 2.5.2, offers improved Logbook of The World (LoTW) support for operations from several locations, as well as the ability to detect uploads that contain incorrect location data. The primary new feature in TQSL 2.5.2 allows logging programs, in conjunction with TQSL, to avoid incorrect contact uploads, while adding mechanisms to allow easy uploading of logs for roving stations. LoTW had required rovers to identify each location used as a separate location in TQSL. The new version of TQSL allows these operations to be handled much more smoothly by using information from the station’s logging program.
When a log is signed by TQSL, the station details — call Sign, DXCC entity, grid square, and other location details provided by the selected station location (and call sign certificate) — are compared with the details in the log. If the US state and station location in a log do not agree, TQSL 2.5.2 will reject the contact, detecting errors in instances when an incorrect station location has been chosen. This feature will necessitate changes in many logging programs, because it requires that the log provide station details previously not used by TQSL. Once a logging program supplies these (MY_STATE, MY_DXCC, MY_CQ_ZONE, etc.), then TQSL will validate them against the log. Currently, Cabrillo logs use the CALLSIGN field to verify that the contacts are for the correct call sign.
Optionally, a station performing roaming operations (e.g., from multiple grid squares) can choose to have TQSL assume that the log is correct. When call sign or home station are provided with the log, TQSL will automatically update the details on the upload. Select “Override Station Location with QTH Details from your Log” on the “Log Handling” preference page to enable this feature.
This release also includes an update to the most recent TQSL configuration file. — Thanks to Rick Murphy, K1MU
World Amateur Radio Day on April 18 Celebrates 95th Anniversary of the IARU
04/07/2020
Saturday, April 18, is World Amateur Radio Day (WARD), this year marking the 95th anniversary of the International Amateur Radio Union (IARU). Around the world, amateur radio special event stations — most sponsored by IARU member-societies — will mark the event on the air, starting on April 18 at 0000 UTC and continuing until April 19, at 0000, honing skills and capabilities while enjoying global friendship with other amateurs worldwide. The theme for WARD is “Celebrating Amateur Radio’s Contribution to Society.” IARU President Tim Ellam, VE6SH/G4HUA, notes that the COVID-19 pandemic casts the event in a different light than in years past.
“A few short weeks ago, many of us could not imagine the levels of isolation that we are now dealing with and the sacrifices of many on the front lines of the pandemic,” Ellam said. “As we have done in past challenges to our society, amateur radio will play a key part in keeping people connected and assisting those who need support.”
Ellam said he’s coming off his own 14-day isolation after returning from overseas. “I am touched by the kindness of strangers who assisted me when I was unable to leave my house,” he said. “It strikes me amateur radio operators, who give so much during these times of crisis are not limited to assisting over the air. Amateurs are true volunteers, and I would encourage everyone to assist in the community as they are able to.”
On April 18, 1925, the IARU was formed in Paris, with ARRL cofounder Hiram Percy Maxim, 1AW, in attendance. Radio amateurs were the first to discover that shortwave spectrum could support worldwide propagation, and in the rush to use these shorter wavelengths, amateur radio found itself “in grave danger of being pushed aside,” as IARU history puts it. Two years later, at the International Radiotelegraph Conference, amateur radio gained allocations still recognized today — 160, 80, 40, 20, and 10 meters. From an initial 25 countries, the IARU has grown to include 160 member-societies in three regions.
How to Participate
- Get on the air. Create your own personal “event” to talk about amateur radio. (To list your World Amateur Radio Day event, contactIARU Secretary David Sumner, K1ZZ.)
- Check into the Echolink World Conference and IRLP 9251. The special event call sign will be W7W.
- Look for and contact stations using the W7W call sign.
- Create and hold a special net on World Amateur Radio Day to draw attention to the event and allow hams to start talking about our hobby.
- Spread the word. If you’re responsible for club publicity, send a press release and do public relations outreach to highlight the event.
- Promote your personal World Amateur Radio Day activity on social media by using the hashtag #WorldAmateurRadioDayon Twitter and Facebook.
- Use the posterand flyer that IARU provides in publicizing the event, amateur radio, and your group or club.
World Amateur Radio Day is not a contest but an opportunity to talk about the value of amateur radio to the public and our fellow amateur colleagues. It is also a great opportunity to talk about your club and amateur radio in local media.
In this time of social isolation, amateur radio continues to remain relevant in bringing people together. “Social distancing” has long been a positive practice in the hobby by bringing people together culturally through radio while providing essential communication in the service of communities.
“My wish for this World Amateur Radio Day is for everyone to stay safe, follow the advice of medical professionals and use amateur radio and your skills to help us through this crisis,” Ellam said.
New Volunteer Monitor Program is Up and Running
04/10/2020
After kicking off on January 1, the new Volunteer Monitor Program has ramped up to operational status. A “soft rollout” of the program began on February1, designed to familiarize Volunteer Monitors (VMs) with issues on the bands and to put into practice what to report — and what to ignore, based on their training. The VMs not only will be looking for operating discrepancies, but for examples of good operating. The VM program has, at least for the moment, put Riley Hollingsworth, K4ZDH, back in the center of amateur radio enforcement as the Volunteer Monitor Coordinator (VMC). He was brought aboard to get the program up and running, and ARRL will eventually take over the VMC function.
Hollingsworth is using a system called VMTRAC — developed by a VM — to measure the work of VMs and determine instances that qualify for good operator or discrepancy notices, referral to the FCC, or follow-up with FCC requests to the VM program. Hollingsworth reported that during March, the 165 active VMs logged upward of 2,300 hours of monitoring on HF, and nearly 2,000 hours on VHF-UHF and other frequencies.
“I am extremely pleased with the number of hours devoted to monitoring this early in the program,” Hollingsworth said. No stone is being left unturned. Two VMs constantly monitor FT8 watering holes and have developed programs that alert them if a licensee is operating outside of privileges accorded to that license class or if a license has expired. “That has occurred in a half dozen cases so far,” he said.
“We have 30 open cases, five of which are good operator cases,” Hollingsworth said. “Regarding open cases relating to rule violations, none have yet had to be referred to the FCC.” He said he’s experimented with letters, telephone calls, or emails to the subjects of discrepancy reports where they could be identified. While he’s still waiting for replies to his written correspondence, he has received responses to his calls and emails, and the violations have either stopped or were explained. “They were violations such as expired licenses, Technicians operating on General frequencies, unauthorized use of a call sign, and deliberate interference,” he said.
One case “being groomed for FCC referral,” he said, involves long-standing interference to a repeater in the Philadelphia area by someone using an unauthorized call sign. Hollingsworth said he worked with net control operators of nets on 75 and 40 meters that had been suffering serious interference, and so far the solutions are working.
“It is becoming apparent that if informal contact can be made by the VMC with a known offender, the problem can sometimes be stopped,” Hollingsworth said. “If this continues to work, it will minimize FCC referral and make those we do refer more worthy of FCC resources and more severe action. We do not want to call upon the FCC unless absolutely necessary, but when we do, the subjects should understand that FCC action will be expedited. I think our own enforcement outreach may resolve all but our very worst cases. At the present time, we have only one in which we do not have a suspicion as to who is causing the problem.”
ARRL VEC Issues Statement on Video-Supervised Online Exam Sessions
04/13/2020
Very few ARRL Volunteer Examiner teams have successfully conducted in-person exam sessions (following social distancing guidelines) and video-supervised exam sessions using fillable PDF exams and documents. So far, we have found that both types of sessions take volunteer teams two to three times longer to conduct and accommodate fewer candidates than sessions conducted prior to the COVID-19 pandemic. So far, the video sessions have included only one examinee per session.
We ask the community to be patient with our volunteer teams as they navigate uncharted territory. Please remember with the introduction of significant new processes such as these, that there should be proof of concept, establishment of protocols and procedures, and beta testing before expanding to a larger audience. Video-supervised exam sessions require a different skillset than in-person exam administration. Not all teams will be equipped to deliver video exams right away.
The ARRL Volunteer Examiner Coordinator (VEC) has been investigating options for an online examination system.
Fillable PDFs are cumbersome within a video-supervised exam session process. We recognize that online testing would represent a large-scale solution for our thousands of VEs and would make session procedures easier for our teams, but this will not happen overnight.
The ARRL VEC will continue to adapt and respond to the evolving crisis as we search for viable and easy-to-use online examination system solutions and conduct exam sessions in innovative ways.
New 144 MHz Transatlantic Record Reported
04/13/2020
The claimed transatlantic record on 2 meters has been extended to nearly 4,760 kilometers (2,951 miles).
“The incredible tropo conditions between Cape Verde Islands and the Caribbean continue to amaze with transatlantic contacts on 144 MHz and 432 MHz being made,” John Desmond, EI7GL, said in a blog post. The April 8 FT8 contact was between D4VHF in the Cape Verde Islands and PJ2BR on Curacao. The distance covered was some 300 kilometers greater than the previous transatlantic record, set last summer by D41CV and NP4BM.
The new 2-meter transatlantic record distance is about 10 kilometers short of the IARU Region 1 tropospheric propagation record on that band, Desmond said.
On April 7, an operator at D4VHF and Burt Demarcq, FG8OJ, on Guadeloupe completed the first direct transatlantic contact on 70 centimeters, spanning 3,867 kilometers (2,398 miles) using FT8.
Fresh Crew Arrives on ISS
04/13/2020
Astronaut Chris Cassidy, KF5KDR, and two Russian cosmonauts arrived on April 9 as the Expedition 63 crew on the International Space Station, temporarily restoring the orbiting laboratory’s population to six people. A Soyuz spacecraft transported Cassidy, Anatoly Ivanishin, and Ivan Vagner on a four-orbit, 6-hour flight after launching from Baikonur Cosmodrome in Kazakhstan.
The Expedition 63 crew will live aboard the station for a bit longer than 6 months, with Cassidy as commander.
The Expedition 62 crew of Jessica Meir, Drew Morgan, KI5AAA, and Oleg Skripochka, RA0LDJ, will head back to Earth on April 17.
Hamvention QSO Party Set for Saturday, May 16
04/09/2020
The Hamvention QSO Party, a sort of virtual Dayton Hamvention®, will take place on the HF bands on May 16, which would be the Saturday of the now-canceled event. “Let’s celebrate the many years we have all had at the Great Gathering we call Hamvention,” said an announcement over the signatures of Tim Duffy, K3LR, and Michael Kalter, W8CI.
“We also want to remember Ron Moorefield, W8ILC, who never missed a Hamvention and contributed to our club until his recent death. Let’s light up the airwaves with our remembrances of Hamventions of the past! See you on the air!”
The Hamvention QSO Party will be a 12-hour event, 1200 UTC until 2400 UTC on May 16. Operate CW or SSB on 160, 80, 40, 20, 15, and 10 meters, exchanging signal report and the first year you attended Hamvention. If you have never attended Hamvention, send “2020.”
Designated members of Hamvention’s host, the Dayton Amateur Radio Association (DARA), will activate DARA’s W8BI. Participants can add 10 points for each band/mode contact with W8BI (12 available). Post scores (number of contacts) to 3830scores.com within 5 days of the event. An online certificate will be available to print. No logs will be collected. N1MM Logger+ has provided a User Defined Contest module for the event. More information is on the N1MM Logger+ website.
ARISS Altering its Approach in Light of COVID-19 Pandemic
04/14/2020
In a message to Amateur Radio on the International Space Station (ARISS) team members, sponsors, and educational institutions, ARISS International President Frank Bauer, KA3HDO, outlined how ARISS is transforming its activities as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic.
“Our primary objective in these challenging times is to protect all students, faculty, astronauts, and our volunteer team in all we do,” Bauer said, noting the international scope of ARISS and the space station. “Each one of us, around the globe, is dealing with the COVID-19 virus in one way or another. Each area of the globe is unique in the virus spread as well as in the government policy to protect their people. And the situation in each location is changing rapidly.”
ARISS has postponed school/group contacts in Georgia, Tennessee, and California, as well as in South Africa and Romania. At least one school/group contact in the UK has been canceled altogether.
“ARISS needs to be prepared for a longer term effect — months,” Bauer said. “As a result, we have instituted an immediate response effort followed by a more strategic, longer term, initiative to protect all. ARISS leadership, working with a physician on the leadership team, is carefully reviewing all of our procedures in light of the evolving COVID-19 recommendations. We will continue to monitor the local and global situations and will modify our local and global planning as these situations change.”
Bauer said that over the short term, ARISS mentors will work with each school or organization in the ham radio contact queue “to determine the way forward.” He said ARISS would rely on local government COVID-19 policy for guidance in deciding whether to cancel or postpone a contact or to modify the contact schedule. “But in each case, we are encouraging all to put health and safety first. And each contact decision is being carefully scrutinized by the senior ARISS International leadership team,” he said.
Bauer said that several initiatives are in the works over the longer term “to transform how we interact with students and host educational institutions in light of COVID-19” by engaging with students and educational institutions virtually. One possibility, he said, is ARISS “virtual school” contacts, employing ARISS telebridge ground stations around the world to link individual students at home with audio and streaming video. Typically, telebridge stations serve as ground stations for ARISS contacts with schools not in the footprint of an ISS orbital pass. “ARISS plans to transition into this model in the next couple of weeks,” Bauer said.
ARISS also is planning several slow-scan television (SSTV) sessions, during which images from the ISS would be transmitted to at-home students. “These can be received directly, if a student has a radio, or indirectly, if a student connects to a remote station via internet or goes to the ARISS SSTV Gallery, where all downloaded images can be posted and reviewed,” Bauer explained.
Bauer characterized the ARISS long-term approach as “a huge pivot” for the organization, but said ARISS considers it “a great strategic move” going forward. “It should be noted that one reason we were allowed to set up ARISS on ISS was to help astronauts improve their psychological well-being by allowing them to freely talk to students, friends, and ham radio operators on the ground,” he said. “We are now at a juncture, with COVID-19, to help do the same for students — in other words, providing a psychological well-being STEM motivation to students, faculty, and the local community through ARISS on-orbit connections — virus free!”
Remotely Administered Amateur Exam Systems Showing Promise
Facing a growing demand for amateur radio exam sessions in a time of social distancing and stay-at-home orders, sponsors of some Volunteer Examiner (VE) teams have risen to the challenge and are developing systems to remotely proctor test sessions.
“Many of our VEs and VE Teams have been working on remotely proctored exam session ideas, employing both video and in-person components — following social distancing protocols,” ARRL Volunteer Examiner Coordinator (VEC) Manager Maria Somma, AB1FM, said. “We have been receiving interesting and innovative suggestions, and we appreciate the dedication and ingenuity our examiners have shown.”
The Spalding County Amateur Radio Club in Georgia is among those that have come up with plans to remotely administer amateur exams while complying with ARRL VEC testing standards during COVID-19 stay-home mandates and social distancing guidelines. Current systems leverage Zoom video-teleconferencing technology, the “Fill & Sign” feature of Adobe PDFs, reliable email, appropriate computer equipment and internet connection, and no volunteer examiners (VEs) present at individual remote test sites. The Georgia club collaborated and shared ideas with the Emergency Amateur Radio Club (EARC) in Hawaii, which has successfully conducted sessions since 2011 with its own remote testing system, initially with paper exams with a proctor on site and now with fillable PDFs, with no on-site proctor.
The Georgia club obtained ARRL VEC approval to administer video-supervised exams. The club’s David Robinson, K4WVZ, said the first exam session took place this week, with another set for next week, and “many more in the pipeline” going forward.
“We have started with testing just one candidate at a time but are planning to ramp up to multiple candidates — probably two or three — simultaneously,” Robinson told ARRL. “Before we do that, we want a few more single sessions under our belt and a few more Video VEs trained. It also gives us an opportunity to garner lessons learned from each test session and upgrade our procedures accordingly.” Robinson said this week’s session went “exceedingly well,” and the candidate passed the test.
The club’s procedures entail a pre-exam video interview with candidates to ensure they understand all the requirements and procedures. “This also allows us to test the candidate’s ability to work with the video and computer technology before the actual exam,” Robinson explained. “Training sessions were conducted for VEs to make sure they understood their role and how to use the technology.”
Following the exam, the VEs score the test and sign off on the paperwork, with the VE Team Leader submitting the application online and by mail, per ARRL VEC instructions. Application and successful exam are first accepted and then submitted to the FCC for processing.
New England Amateur Radio Inc (NE1AR), an affiliate of New England Sci-Tech, (NESciTech), has taken it one step further, Somma said. It got the approval of ARRL VEC to begin trials of what it describes as “completely online testing with strict rules and protocols for maintaining the integrity of the testing environment.” NE1AR is limiting candidates to one exam per candidate, due to the current candidate backlog and the “difficulty of administering exams online.” Candidates must agree to a list of protocols, which include no visitors (or pets) in the exam room and a cell-phone camera scan of the entire room and exam area “to show that there are no materials or people [in the room] that could aid in taking the exam.” If the VE team suspects the possibility of cheating, the exam may be terminated and the candidate barred from future online exam sessions.
“We began a series of trials on April 1 under ARRL VEC review and have now been asked to help train more VE Teams on the process,” NE1AR President Bob Phinney, K5TEC, told ARRL. “We have now tested 12 applicants and are still working on streamlining the process. We are working with the software developer of the exam delivery system to help them adapt the system for video-supervised testing.” At present, Phinney said, only one person at a time can be tested. Another time-related issue is how long it takes a candidate to go through the NE1AR security protocol. “Sometimes, the setup and follow-up for an exam take far longer than the exam itself, in order that we provide complete integrity of the exam session,” he said.
With pressure continuing to build to provide testing compatible with COVID-19 guidelines and stay-home orders, ARRL VEC Manager Maria Somma, AB1FM, has asked the amateur radio community to be patient. “Please remember that with the introduction of significant new processes such as these, that there should be proof of concept, establishment of protocols and procedures, and beta testing, before expanding to a larger audience,” she said this week. Somma said video-supervised exam sessions require a different skillset than in-person exam administration, and not all teams will be equipped to deliver video exams right away.
“ARRL is pleased to be one of the leaders in providing an opportunity, although limited initially, for video-supervised exams in this time of social distancing and isolation required by the current health situation,” Somma said.
COVID-19 Net Now Running Wednesdays on 40 Meters
04/20/2020
The Medical Net, a special COVID-19 net, is running Wednesdays, 0130 UTC, on 7.222 MHz. The net deals with correct data on COVID-19 epidemiology care, care issues, and more. Net control will be Dr. Harry Przekop, WB9EDP, a past president of the Medical Amateur Radio Council Organization (MARCO) and now a director at large.
Przekop is a specialist in infectious diseases and biomedical physics and is board-certified as an expert in HIV care.
Participants do not need to be physicians or medical providers to check in, ask questions, and otherwise take part, but no diagnoses can be rendered. The regular MARCO Grand Rounds Net is held on Sundays, 1500 UTC, on 14.342 MHz.
ARRL/TAPR DCC Going Virtual
04/20/2020
Due to the coronavirus pandemic, the 2020 ARRL and TAPR Digital Communications Conference (DCC), originally planned for Charlotte, North Carolina, will take place as an online virtual conference on the same dates, September 11 – 13. Details of the virtual DCC will be announced in the coming months as event plans are finalized. Plans call for holding the 2021 DCC in Charlotte.
FCC Seeking World Radiocommunication Conference Advisory Committee Members
04/20/2020
The FCC has announced that it’s looking for individuals or entities to serve on its World Radiocommunication Conference Advisory Committee. The committee will provide advice, technical support, and recommended proposals in the run-up to World Radiocommunication Conference 2023 (WRC-23). In particular, the committee will focus on international frequency spectrum issues identified on the WRC-23 agenda.
The committee will be charged with gathering data and information necessary to formulate meaningful recommendations for these objectives. The FCC seeks applications from interested individuals, organizations, institutions, or other entities in both the public and private sectors.
Selection will be based on factors such as expertise and diversity of viewpoints necessary to effectively address the questions before the committee. Applicants should describe both their specific interests and their expertise or experience as it relates to the questions before the committee, including such matters as wireless communications infrastructure and equipment, telecommunications, fixed, mobile, broadcasting, satellite, and other radiocommunication services, consumer advocacy, and underserved populations.
It’s anticipated that the committee will meet in Washington, DC, up to three times per year in preparation for WRC-23. Submit nominations, including contact information and the statement of qualifications, by email no later than May 29, 2020.
ARRL/TAPR DCC Going Virtual
04/20/2020
Due to the coronavirus pandemic, the 2020 ARRL and TAPR Digital Communications Conference (DCC), originally planned for Charlotte, North Carolina, will take place as an online virtual conference on the same dates, September 11 – 13. Details of the virtual DCC will be announced in the coming months as event plans are finalized. Plans call for holding the 2021 DCC in Charlotte.
FCC Seeking World Radiocommunication Conference Advisory Committee Members
04/20/2020
The FCC has announced that it’s looking for individuals or entities to serve on its World Radiocommunication Conference Advisory Committee. The committee will provide advice, technical support, and recommended proposals in the run-up to World Radiocommunication Conference 2023 (WRC-23). In particular, the committee will focus on international frequency spectrum issues identified on the WRC-23 agenda.
The committee will be charged with gathering data and information necessary to formulate meaningful recommendations for these objectives. The FCC seeks applications from interested individuals, organizations, institutions, or other entities in both the public and private sectors.
Selection will be based on factors such as expertise and diversity of viewpoints necessary to effectively address the questions before the committee. Applicants should describe both their specific interests and their expertise or experience as it relates to the questions before the committee, including such matters as wireless communications infrastructure and equipment, telecommunications, fixed, mobile, broadcasting, satellite, and other radiocommunication services, consumer advocacy, and underserved populations.
It’s anticipated that the committee will meet in Washington, DC, up to three times per year in preparation for WRC-23. Submit nominations, including contact information and the statement of qualifications, by email no later than May 29, 2020.
Contest University (CTU) 2020 will be Free and Online
04/21/2020
Tim Duffy, K3LR, has announced that Contest University (CTU) USA 2020 will be held online via Zoom on Thursday May 14, starting at 1245 UTC. CTU 2020 is free. The CTU course outline has been posted online. Connection details to the CTU Zoom bridge will be posted on the Contest University site one week prior to CTU. Sessions will be recorded for viewing any time after May 14. Slide decks will be posted on the CTU website as well. At the end of CTU 2020, Dave Siddall, K3ZJ, will present the 2020 CQ Contest Hall of Fame awards.
Nomination Deadline Extended for Philip J. McGan Memorial Silver Antenna Award
04/22/2020
In light of the coronavirus pandemic, the ARRL Public Relations Committee has extended the nomination deadline for the Philip J. McGan Memorial Silver Antenna Award until Monday, June 15, 2020.
The Philip J. McGan Memorial Silver Antenna Award is presented annually to a radio amateur who has demonstrated success in his or her public relations efforts on behalf of amateur radio and who best exemplifies the volunteer spirit of the award’s namesake, journalist Philip McGan, WA2MBQ (SK). McGan was the first chairman of the ARRL Public Relations Committee, which helped reinvigorate ARRL’s commitment to public relations. To honor McGan, members of the New Hampshire Amateur Radio Association joined with the ARRL Board of Directors to establish an award that would pay lasting tribute to the important contributions he made on behalf of amateur radio.
Public relations activities for which the McGan Award is presented include efforts specifically directed at depicting amateur radio in a positive light in the media and for the general public. This may include traditional methods, such as issuing news releases or arranging interviews, or by less-traditional methods, such as hosting a radio show or serving as an active public speaker.
The ARRL Board of Directors will choose the award winner at its July 2020 meeting, based on recommendations from the ARRL Public Relations Committee. The Committee has responsibility for reviewing the nominations and supporting material.
Eligible nominees must be full ARRL members in good standing at the time of nomination. The award is given only to an individual, and nominees may not be current ARRL officers, directors, vice directors, paid staffers, or members of the ARRL Public Relations Committee. Nominees must not be compensated for any public relations work involving amateur radio — including payment for articles.
A nominee’s efforts must fit the definition of public relations and recognize the promotion of amateur radio to the non-amateur radio community.
Nominations must be received at ARRL Headquarters by the close of business on Monday, June 15, 2020. Nominations must be on an official entry form. Anyone may make a nomination.
For more information, contact ARRL Public Relations Committee Chair Sid Caesar, NH7C, or send an email to the ARRL Headquarters Public Relations mailbox
ARRL 2020 Teachers Institute Sessions are Canceled
04/22/2020
The landscape of education in the US has been greatly affected by the current pandemic. As K – 12 school systems and universities have been forced to move entirely to remote learning, teachers and students have had to make dramatic adjustments to their teaching and learning methods. After considering these educational challenges, along with travel restrictions and restraints on the ability to gather in groups, ARRL leadership feels it is appropriate and necessary to cancel the 2020 Teachers Institute. We look forward to bringing back this important program in 2021, so that we can continue promoting amateur radio in the classroom through our Education and Technology Program (ETP).
Japan’s Radio Amateurs Gain Expanded Access to 160 and 80 Meters
04/22/2020
Effective on April 21, Japan radio amateurs have new privileges on 160 and 80 meters. The new allocations are 1800 – 1810, 1825 – 1875, 3575 – 3580, and 3662 – 3680 kHz. ARRL Life Member Kenji Rikitake, JJ1BDX/N6BDX, said the new regime allows Japanese radio amateurs to operate FT8 on 80 meters (3574 ~ 3577 kHz), and on 160 meters (1840 ~ 1843 kHz) as well as WSPR (1836.6 kHz).
On 160 meters, the allocations are:
1800 – 1810: All modes (new assignment)
1810 – 1825: CW only
1825 – 1875 kHz: All modes (as secondary service, new assignment)
1907.5 – 1912.5: CW and data (A1A, F1B, F1D, G1B, and G1D)
On 80 meters, the allocations are:
3500 – 3520: CW (A1A) only
3520 – 3535: CW and data (A1A, F1B, F1D, G1B, and G1D)
3535 – 3575: CW, phone, and image, and data only permitted for making contacts with non-JA amateurs
3575 – 3580: All modes (as secondary service, new assignment)
3599 – 3612: CW, phone, image, and data
3662 – 3680: All modes (as secondary service, new assignment)
3680 – 3687: CW, phone, and image
3702 – 3716, 3745 – 3770, and 3791 – 3805: CW, phone, and image (no data).
Additional details are on the Japan Amateur Radio League (JARL) website. — Thanks to Kenji Rikitake, JJ1BDX/N6BDX
Ballot Counting Postponed in Four ARRL Section Manager Elections
04/23/2020
During these unprecedented times of social distancing and staying at home, the ARRL Ethics and Elections Committee (E&E) has postponed ballot counting for four contested Section Manager elections.
Since March 23, ARRL Headquarters staff has been working remotely under the Governor of Connecticut’s mandate, which is currently in effect through May 20 and may be extended into June. The ballots for the Section Manager races in Illinois, Indiana, Oregon, and Maine were scheduled to be counted on Tuesday, May 19 as directed by the ARRL rules and regulations for Section Manager elections. Due to the circumstances, ARRL Interim CEO Barry Shelley, N1VXY, asked the E&E Committee for an extension that would allow ballot counting to happen as soon as practicable before mid-June.
Although this extension was granted, it does not change the Friday, May 15, 2020 deadline for ballots to be received at ARRL HQ. Standard operating practice dictates that any ballots received after this deadline will not be counted. The Governor’s mandate and social distancing practices do not affect this section of the election rules.
Terms for election winners are scheduled to begin on July 1, 2020. ARRL hopes to see the Governor’s restrictions relaxed in time to have a team of tellers inside HQ to count the ballots and publish the elections’ results in enough time that the terms of office will not change. The E&E Committee will have to decide the course of action, should any unforeseen circumstances not allow the ballots to be counted by mid-June.
International Marconi Day Canceled
04/24/2020
Add International Marconi Day (IMD) to the roster of amateur radio events canceled due to the COVID-19 pandemic. IMD celebrates the role of wireless pioneer Guglielmo Marconi played in the development of radio technology. The 24-hour event is held annually to celebrate Marconi’s birthday on April 25, 1874, and is typically held on the Saturday in April closest to that date. This year, IMD would have fallen on Marconi’s actual birth anniversary. The event would have involved amateur radio operations from historic Marconi sites. — Thanks to Southgate Amateur Radio News via Ronny Plovie, ON6CQ
The safety of our staff and members remains the highest priority as we work through these difficult times. Thank you for your understanding.
ARRL Suggests Taking a Creative Approach to Field Day 2020
04/22/2020
This year, ARRL Field Day promises to be a unique iteration of this annual event, with many individuals and groups coming up with new and interesting ways to adjust their approach. As an event, Field Day is structured to be versatile and can be adapted for any situation.
Many groups have asked how they can adjust their Field Day planning to address social-distancing guidelines that may be in effect in many areas of the country, as gathering at their traditional Field Day site may not be feasible or safe. Instead of participating in a group event this year, consider operating as a Class B, C, D, or E station, utilizing your own call sign.
ARRL will include club names for all participating stations in the published results, so the efforts of your club’s members can be acknowledged. While we will not publish an aggregate club score, seeing the name of your club associated with various individual member’s results is certainly a way to highlight your club’s activity.
Myriad opportunities are possible in this year’s Field Day setting. These are just a couple.
- Consider having an intra-club competition among members, seeing who can make the most contacts during the event. You can award prizes or distribute certificates at a club meeting. This can be a fun way to bolster the activities of individual club members, even though they cannot all gather together at the same location this year.
- Set up a Field Day Challenge with rival clubs in neighboring communities. See how many members of each club get on the air from their own stations and participate in the event. In addition to “bragging rights,” perhaps certificates to the top-scoring individual entries in each category can be presented as part of this inter-club camaraderie.
One club is planning to conduct its Field Day as a 4A club group, with participants spaced to comply with social distancing guidelines within the required 1,000-foot diameter circle and operating individual stations. This club also plans to set up a “Get on the Air” (GOTA) station. The club’s plan is to have the GOTA coach at the Field Day site, while GOTA operators participate via remote link.
Another club is planning to set up a remote-controlled station at its usual Field Day site, with club members taking turns controlling the station from their homes. The club is developing a schedule that outlines when each member of the club will be at the helm via the remote link.
Whatever approach you take to this year’s Field Day, keep up to date with the current guidelines issued by local and state health agencies that may impact your proposed operation.
ARRL invites your stories about the interesting and creative ways you’re planning to use to adapt your Field Day operation. Share these on the ARRL Field Day Facebook page.
For the latest news and updates, visit the Field Day webpage. — Thanks to ARRL Contest Program Manager Paul Bourque, N1SFE
Contest Calendar
June 2020
13-15 June VHF
20 Kids Day
27-28 Field Day
July 2020
11-12 IARU HF World Championship
August 2020
1-2 222 MHz and Up Distance Contest
15-16 10 GHz & Up – Round 1
16 Rookie Roundup – RTTY
September 2020
12-14 September VHF
19-20 10 GHz & Up – Round 2
12-13 EME – 2.3 GHz & Up
October 2020
19-23 School Club Roundup
10-11 EME – 50 to 1296 MHz
November 2020
7-9 Nov. Sweepstakes – CW
21-23 Nov. Sweepstakes – Phone
28-29 EME – 50 to 1296 MHz
December 2020
4-6 160 Meter
12-13 10 Meter
20 Rookie Roundup–CW
FROM AROUND THE SECTION:
REGION 2:
Check out the latest “Ascension Airwaves” at K5ARC.ORG….it is ALWAYS full of great information!
REGION 4:
From Volume 60, Number 04 ACADIANA AMATEUR RADIO ASSOC., INC. – April 2020
A Message from our President Chris Ancelet N5MCY Dated March 16, 2020
As we continue to deal with the COVID-19 situation, it is important to be mindful of your own personal health and well-being. After the closure of gatherings greater than 250 from the Governor, many of us were having smaller conversations regarding AARA General Meetings. I felt it necessary to draft some correspondence to everyone on how we will proceed until these state of affairs are behind us.
- AARA Annual Banquet – At this time, we will postpone this event until a later date that is more suitable for larger gatherings. It was brought up to even incorporate this into the 2020 ARRL Field Day. That is one of many options that will need to be investigated further.
- April General Meeting – According to Paul McCasland, the Lafayette Science Museum has temporarily suspended operations and, in turn, will impact our ability to gather as a club. At this time, the April 2nd meeting will be canceled. In the interim, I would encourage every to become more active in the weekly nets that are already in play and that everyone can attend without compromise.
VE Test Session March 5, 2020 73, de Greg ~ K5LFT Started off this month with a straight win. Four for Four tonight. The candidates were Chad Comeaux ~KI5IPY ~ of Youngsville, Matthew McKellar~KI5IPZ ~ of Lafayette, Jason Noel ~ KI5IQA ~ of Opelousas, and Jason Olivier ~ KI5IQB ~ of Arnaudville All got their tickets/ Congratulations to the testees & a great big thank you to the VEs in attendance…… The VEs for this session were: Michael Cavell KI5ARX William Redfearn N4ELM John Cunniff W4HVH Galen Wilson KF5BET Richard Wallace KF5KFL.
Dated March 15, 2020 General Messsage to the AARA Clubmembers There comes a time in every organization when you are faced with adversity and how you fair is directly proportional to the strength of your team. The Acadiana Amateur Radio Association was faced with this exact adversity for the 60th Annual Hamfest. From logistics, volunteers, vendors, venue, city officials, etc, we all know how difficult a task of this scale can be and it takes a machine firing on all cylinders to be successful. Months of planning go into a successful hamfest and this year proved to be the most challenging yet. While just kicking off the 60th Annual AARA Hamfest, we began receiving notifications on local news outlets and social media sites, that the Governor just declared a state of emergency amidst the COVID-19 virus. Most of us didn’t think much of it until shortly later, the Mayor of the City of Rayne called to advise that we would be able to continue the Friday portion of our venue but the Saturday gathering would have to be canceled due to the event size. Our initial reaction was similar to the wind being taken out of your sail, but there was no hysteria. The AARA leadership gathered and discussed the news and rather than panicking about how this would impact our organization, the conversation was more along the lines of the following: How do we make the most out of the remaining hours of the event? Vendor notification. Visitor notification. How do we make everyone whole? It was decided to continue as though we were in the final hours of the “Day 2” event and to continue to raffle off everything that we had on hand. Pull all vendors in privately to break the news and ask for feedback. Make a general announcement to the public about the situation and the plans moving forward and finally, offer reimbursement to the folks who had pre-registered and did not make it yet. As I sat back and observed, I saw the leadership of the AARA remain calm and rational; keeping everyone who had traveled to our venue a 1st priority. As the news was delivered, you could see the disappointment in the air but everyone understood that these decisions were made at a higher level and it was completely out of our control. You would have expected that everyone would have started flooding to the doors to leave, but that wasn’t the case. We began to receive an overwhelming amount of support from everyone there. Some approached me and said “Hey man, it’s OK. Nothing you guys could have done to prevent this”, or “Don’t worry about this, we are already planning to come back next year”. These conversations were meaningful, it proved to me that we were doing things in the right manner. We even received a monetary donation from a Louisiana Club, who wanted to remain anonymous. They approached me and said that they understood the countless number of manhours that go into making a successful event and they wanted to contribute to offset some of the cost. To that Louisiana Ham Club, your act of professionalism & humbleness was greatly appreciated. On behalf of the AARA we wish you continued success and well-being.
To all who traveled near and far, we thank you for the continued support. We are grateful to have such an understanding ham community and none of this would be possible without the support of everyone who attends. Soon, this viral outbreak will be in our rear view mirror and we will get back to a sense of normalcy. In the interim, please keep our country in your prayers. I opened by mentioning that how you fair is directly proportional to the strength of your team and the members of the Acadiana Amateur Radio Association truly demonstrated continued strength through this unnerving situation. We are a stronger club than we were a year ago, and I am grateful to each of you for your continued contributions. While this Hamfest proved to be challenging it is important to remember that individually we are impressive, together we are unstoppable. Respectfully, Chris Ancelet – N5MCY President – Acadiana Amateur Radio Association
Raffle Ticket Winners AL-811 AMP & MFJ-994B Tuner KA5RKH David Fullerton, Church Point, LA MFJ-259D Antenna Analyzer W5TGK – Robert Wells, Centerville, LA MFJ-4230MV Power Supply N5XES – Tyrone Burns, Springfield, LA MFJ-1126 Power Strip K5CNU – James Romero, Maurice, LA
A time of crisis has come upon us. Because of this, all of our lives have been turned upside-down to various degrees. Due to a decree from our Governor’s Office, our 60th Annual Hamfest was cut short. Many who wanted to attend on the Saturday were unable to. Since then, many changes have been made to the way we travel and spend time away from our houses. In many places, fewer people are out shopping. In other places, some people act like they don’t want to hear the message. I want to let everyone to know that your health, your family’s health, and your friends’ health are important. Take care of yourself. Use some common sense. Next year will be different. For better or worse, it is not in our hands. Joseph “Moe” Meaux K2JDM Editor of LARC Newsletter.
AARA Monday Night 2 Meter Net / Net Controllers will rotate each week and held on the 146.820 W5DDL Repeater only. The AARA Monday Night Net and the Silent Key Memorial Net is being held on the 146.820. The March 2020 schedule can be downloaded and printed in Adobe Acrobat .PDF from the club website.
REGION 4 SKYWARN NET Each Tuesday night at 7:00 PM (local), the Region 4 Skywarn Net will take place on the 145.370 Skywarn Repeater in Lafayette, LA. Net Control Operators will alternate each week. In case the 145.370 repeater fails, the net will be held on the 146.820 W5DDL repeater PL Tone 103.5. The March 2020 schedule can be found at this link: Net Schedules When using the Skywarn 145.370 repeater, be sure to use the receiver PL tone for your area as follows: NW Quadrant 114.8 – NE Quadrant 127.3 – SW Quadrant 141.3 – SE Quadrant 94.8 – Central 103.5 See our website for additional information: http://www.w5ddl.org/repeaters.htm.
REGION 9:
From: The SELARC “Hamster”
*Serving Amateur Radio Since 1974*
Published Monthly by the Southeast Louisiana Amateur Radio Club Inc.
Visit our website: www.selarc.org
Vol. 47, No. 4 ……………………. April 2020
* Club Meeting *
April Meeting Postponed: No meeting on the 14th,
Due to the COVID-19 pandemic as of April 2: Louisiana, Gov. Edwards has put a Stay at Home order in force until April 30th, and,
Local and National guidance are in effect that include
(from http://ldh.la.gov/index.cfm/page/3878, CDC.gov, and US-CERT)
- Louisiana health officials advise all members of the public to practice social distancing by not gathering with groups larger than 10 people.
- Only leave your home if it is necessary for essential work or for essential items.
- Maintain a Social Distance of 6ft.Social distancing means keeping at least 6ft. of physical space between yourself and others.
- Cover your cough. Wash your handsfrequently and thoroughly with soap, for at least 20 seconds every time..
- Clean frequently-touched surfacesusing soap and water and then disinfect using EPA-registered household disinfectants.
- Stay home especially if you are sick. Symptoms of COVID-19 include fever, cough and shortness of breath.
- Use Cloth Face Coveringsto Help Slow the Spread of COVID-19
- People at highest risk: Older Adults (age 65+) or with other medical conditions: take additional precautions.
- Caution is suggested online regarding plenty of inaccurate informationbeing circulated, and cybercriminal groups are actively exploiting covid-19.
2020 Hurricane Season – June 1st – This is just over 2 months away and early predictions have forecast an “above-average” season: Projected numbers for this year:
- Tropical Storms: 14 – 18
- Hurricanes: 7 – 9
- Major Hurricanes: 3 – 4
Please review and test your equipment while you have time. Be ready.
Special Events, Other Hamfests & VE Sessions
2020 ARRL Field Day – June 27-28, 2020
The Greater New Orleans Hamfest – Nov 14, 2020 – Hamfest page
Milton Amateur Radio Club 25th Annual Hamfest – July 10-11, 2020 – 2020 Flyer
Happy Birthday
Birthday Wishes for April go out to – Blake KG5UZW, Judy AA5UZ, and Robbie KG5JSK
If we missed your birthday, then please let us know.
Get Well Soon —
Best wishes for continued recuperation go to SELARC members Tom Simpson N5HAY and Homer Jones KA5TRT. We look forward to hearing you on the air!
Bike Tour
(Bob WB5FBS): The MS Bike Tour is coming 3-4 October
ARES
(Pat EC): There is a statewide exercise coming up in April.
Stay Radio active — The April meeting is postponed, but hope to see you at a future meeting: to be announced. Be sure to monitor your weekly nets, e-mail, and the SELARC website at https://www.selarc.org .
——————————————————————————————————————————
Section Traffic Managers Report
Sessions QNI QTC QTR
- 427 38. 463
Jimmy Lewis AB5YS
Louisiana Section Traffic Manager
Section Emergency Coordinators Report
ARES Monthly Section Emergency Coordinators Report
- ARRL Section: Louisiana
- Month: March
- Year: 2020
- Total number of ARES members: 431
- Number of DECs/ECs reporting this month: 9
- Number of ARES nets active: 50
- Number of nets with NTS liaison: 2
- Calls of DECs/EC reporting: W4NDF NS5W KD5BNH KE5BMS AG5LR KD5DFL W5GAS KD5IGZ KE5GMN
9a. Number of exercises & training sessions this month: 29
9b. Person hours: 215
10a. Number of public service events this month: 0 10b. Person hours: 0
11a. Number of emergency operations this month : 0
11b. Person hours: 0
12a. Number of SKYWARN operations this month: 5
12b. Person hours: 39
13a. Auto Sum 9a, 10a, 11a, 12a: 34.0
13b. Auto Sum 9b, 10b, 11b, 12b: 254.0
Submitted by Jim Coleman, AI5B
Louisiana Section Emergency Coordinator
http://www.arrl.org/ares-el?issue=2020-03-18
http://www.arrl.org/FandES/field/ares-el/?issue=2020-04-15
CONGRATULATIONS April winners: Books
ARRL Affiliated Club: Minden Amateur Radio Assn. (MARA).
ARRL LA Section Member: Herman Campbell, KN5GRK of Lafayette.
Radio winner: Robert Johnston, KG5FDX of Metairie.
Next drawing May 1st.
ARRL.ORG
LAARRL.ORG
73,
John Mark Robertson
K5JMR
Louisiana Section Managers Newsletter March 2020
ARRL LOUISIANA SECTION MANAGERS NEWSLETTER MARCH 2020
As you probably know by now, the AARA Rayne Hamfest was impacted by the
current Coronavirus situation. We had just set the ARRL table up when
the announcement came. The club was allowed to serve the crawfish and
have the guest speaker go ahead and give his presentation and then ALL
of the prizes were drawn for…..
MFJ, HamWorld, The Signman of Baton Rouge and Diamond Antennas had all
set up their tables and displays. After supper they began to rig down
and load up and I can only imagine the disappointment on their part as
well as the AARA Club and everyone planning to come and enjoy a full day
on Saturday. We were looking forward to a really good and informative
ARRL forum on Saturday. At this point it will be a wait and see how
this will affect hamfests scheduled next month and the months to come.
Hamfest Update: As of March 18, 2020 the Northeast Louisiana Hamfest in
West Monroe has been canceled.
***Some suggestions from ASM Matt Anderson, KD5KNZ:
Here a few of the services that may be helpful to clubs to keep in touch
with their members during the "Shelter-in-Place"
Facebook Live
www.facebook.com
Free; Requires a Facebook Page
Expected resolution: 720p (1280 x 720) at 30 frames per second
8-hour maximum length
Allows viewers to comment or ask questions during the event
Embed your live stream in a website
Free Conference Call.Com
https://www.freeconferencecall.com/
Pay What you can - Suggested $4
Host up to 1,000 participants
Dial-in # or VoIP calling
Chat
Remote Desktop
Screen Sharing
Video Conferencing
Zoom
zoom.us
Host up to 100 participants
Free plans allow calls up to 40 min each
Paid plans start at $14.99 / host / month
Message from Norm Fusaro W3IZ Director of Operations ARRL:
Here at HQ we’ve received lots of communications from our members
either asking for guidance or offering suggestions during the current
crisis. We hope everyone is adhering to CDC and local health
department
guidelines by staying home, maintaining safe distances when around
people, and following sanitary practices.
With many hams staying home there are opportunities to get on the air
and call CQ or gather around the local repeater. We certainly don’t
need a reason to get on the air, after all, that’s what hams do.
In terms of ham radio preparedness, this current crisis has not
disrupted communications on a national scale. We know many of our
members practice and train for a personal radio communication
capability
that can be called on when disaster strikes. ARES volunteers and our
partners in providing emergency communications already routinely
monitor
the information and requests from Emergency Coordinators and the like.
Station and skills readiness are tenets of the Amateur Radio Service
–
and this current crisis hasn’t changed this.
We can encourage members to remain safe, and to follow the guidelines
and requests of their national and local government officials and
public
health leaders. For those members who are healthy and safe at home, we
can encourage them to get on the air:
Get on the air. As online fatigue and a feeling of isolation will
inevitably creep into our “new normal,†being on-air will introduce
variety into our communication practices. As many of us are now
homebound or working and studying from home, turning on a radio to
connect with your ham radio peers will be welcome respite!
Radio Clubs. Think of this current challenge as an opportunity to
encourage our club’s members to get on the air. Move (short) meetings
to the club’s repeater, and encourage check-ins. Organize skeds,
nets,
and challenges. Try different bands (HF, VHF, UHF…) and modes. This
will also help new radio amateurs gain practical operating experience.
Readiness. Station and skills readiness are tenets of the Amateur Radio
Service. Any time we spend on the air will contribute to developing and
practicing our personal radio communication capability.
If you are a radio amateur serving your community through the ARRL
Amateur Radio Emergency Service® (ARES) or by volunteering with any of
our partners in providing public service communications, thank you.
ARES
members routinely monitor the information and requests from their ARES
Emergency Coordinators. We are grateful for all the ways you
stand-ready
to support the emergency service personnel in your communities when
disaster strikes.
73,
Norm Fusaro, W3IZ
Director of Operations
ARRL, the national association for Amateur Radioâ„¢
225 Main Street, Newington, CT 06111-1494 USA
Telephone: (860) 594-0230 FAX: (860) 594-0259
e-mail: w3iz@arrl.org
web: www.arrl.org
SILENT KEYS (As reported in April QST)
Bertram L. Locke, WA5GXH Bossier City
Harry L. Viosca, W5OSD Mandeville
Milam C. “Lucky†Young, KA5SUR Sulphur
New Hams: WELCOME!
Report for 2020-03-04
Kenneth Grevemberg, KI5IIY
Metairie, LA 70005-3734
Wilbert J Duhe, KI5IGY
Destrehan, LA 70047-4031
Phillip J Malbrough, KI5IJK
Houma, LA 70363-5803
James J Macareo, KI5IDM
Morgan City, LA 70380-2882
Hubert J Cavalier, KI5IDL
Napoleonville, LA 70390-8515
Kisha A Richard, KI5IHY
Maurice, LA 70555-3033
John D Young, KI5IDB
Prairieville, LA 70769-3862
Daniel D Plants, KI5IJG
Ida, LA 71044-8750
Jacob A Dickson, KI5IIP
Shreveport, LA 71106-7718
Hal H Moore, KI5IJQ
Bossier City, LA 71111-6920
Arvil A Parish, KI5IIR
Bossier City, LA 71112-3104
David G Jason, KI5IIQ
Dubach, LA 71235-2263
Justin M White, KI5IBP
West Monroe, LA 71291-8857
Bethany W Butterfield, KI5IGT
Pollock, LA 71467-3942
Upgraded License: CONGRATULATIONS!
Report for 2020-03-04
Royce J Griffin, KI5HDD
New Orleans, LA 70123-6070
Ronnie P Voorhies, KI5HBA
Madisonville, LA 70447-3269
Adam G Chapman, KG5TOD
Ville Platte, LA 70586-2049
Matthew C Wiggins, KI5HLC
Deridder, LA 70634-4552
James A Harvey, KG5TBL
Denham Springs, LA 70706-0358
Bruce E Eilts, KD5GRC
Baton Rouge, LA 70810-1241
New/Renewed ARRL Members: WELCOME/WELCOME BACK!
Report for 2020-03-04
Walter R Rogge, KA5ATW
Metairie, LA 70003-4305
Timothy G Lynch, AG5XK
Hammond, LA 70401-1004
Homer W Jones, KA5TRT
Independence, LA 70443-3742
Joel H Freeland, N5XQT
Slidell, LA 70458-2224
Burke Huner
Lafayette, LA 70508-5372
Kenneth J Turner, KG5YYL
Lafayette, LA 70508-8100
Gregory Lavigne, AD5HA
Washington, LA 70589-4059
Nathan J Daigrepont, KF5HXB
Denham Springs, LA 70706-8578
Christopher J Winfough, K0CJW
Denham Springs, LA 70726-2626
Daniel W Schmolke, KI5CTN
Denham Springs, LA 70726-2915
Clay Runfalo, KF5SCV
Prairieville, LA 70769-5870
Jacob A Dickson, KI5IIP
Shreveport, LA 71106-7718
Samuel C Feldhaus, KC5NJF
Monroe, LA 71201-3551
William M Drouilhet, KF5JLX
Leesville, LA 71446-6213
Bethany W Butterfield, KI5IGT
Pollock, LA 71467-3942
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
FROM THE ARRL:
FCC Turns Down Amateur Licensee’s Appeal
02/26/2020
In a Memorandum Opinion and Order (MO&O) released on February 20, the
FCC turned down an appeal by William F. Crowell, W6WBJ, of Diamond
Springs, California, of an Administrative Law Judge’s (ALJ) dismissal
of Crowell’s amateur radio license renewal application. Chief ALJ
Richard L. Sippel, ruled in 2018 that Crowell “failed to prosecute his
application by refusing to attend a hearing scheduled by the judge,â€
and that this warranted dismissal of Crowell’s 2007 renewal
application. The FCC Wireless Telecommunications Bureau had designated
Crowell’s renewal application for hearing based on allegations that he
had violated the Communications Act and FCC rules by causing intentional
interference and by transmitting one-way communications, indecent
language, and music on amateur frequencies. The hearing was set to be
held in Washington, DC, and Crowell filed a notice of appearance
certifying that he would appear and present his case.
The case was interrupted by what the FCC in the MO&O called “a hiatus
of several years, during which Crowell’s petition to disqualify the
Judge was pending.â€
In August 2016, the FCC imposed a $25,000 fine on Crowell for
intentional interference and transmitting prohibited communications. The
FCC said in a Forfeiture Order (FO) that the penalty “is based on the
full base forfeiture amount as well as an upward adjustment reflecting
Mr. Crowell’s decision to continue his misconduct after being warned
that his actions violated the Communications Act and the Commission’s
rules.†The FCC noted that Crowell did not deny making the alleged
transmissions but argued in large part that they were protected by the
First Amendment of the Constitution,†the Forfeiture Order said. The
February 20 MO&O does not reference the Forfeiture Order nor its
disposition.
When the renewal application litigation resumed in 2017, Crowell asked
that the hearing be moved to the Sacramento, California, area, arguing
that he could not afford to travel to Washington. Sippel denied the
motion.
“In the Dismissal Order, the Judge responded to Crowell’s refusal
to
attend a hearing in Washington, D.C., by granting the Enforcement
Bureau’s motion to dismiss Crowell’s application,†the FCC
said in
its MO&O. The ALJ held that Crowell’s refusal to attend a hearing in
Washington, DC, “constituted a failure to prosecute and thereby
effectively violated Section 1.221(c) of the rules, which requires
dismissal if an applicant fails to commit to appear on the date fixed
for hearing.†The Judge agreed with the Enforcement Bureau that many
of the arguments Crowell raised on appeal “are not properly before us
in reviewing the Dismissal Order and should be disregarded.â€
Crowell’s amateur license expired in 2007, but he has been permitted,
under FCC rules, to operate while his renewal application remains
pending.
Partially Submerged NEMO-1 WSPR Buoy Retrieved by Fishing Boat
02/26/2020
The NEMO-1 WSPR buy buoy launched by AMSAT-Argentina (AMSAT-LU) on
January 30 was retrieved 12 days later by a fishing vessel. The buoy
transmitted WSPR on 14.095.6 MHz and APRS on VHF FM using the call sign
LU7AA. The captain of the tuna vessel Juan Pablo II considered that the
buoy was partially submerged, decided to retrieve it, and informed
AMSAT-LU.
The NEMO-1 traveled another 8 days aboard the tuna vessel, arriving at
Mar del Plata on February 19, where members of the Mar del Plata Radio
Club were holding it until members of AMSAT-LU could recover it. The
buoy will be reconditioned, and a new launch is planned, this time
taking the buoy more than 200 kilometers (124 miles) offshore, so that
it will navigate freely.
Coronavirus Fears Postpone Another DXpedition
02/26/2020
Alex Gromme, 5B4ALX, has postponed his March 18 – April 2 T30ET
DXpedition to Tarawa (West Kiribati) because of the coronavirus
(COVID-19) outbreak. The Kiribati Ministry of Health told Gromme that he
would need to be quarantined for 14 days in Honiara, Solomon Islands,
before getting medical approval to continue on to Kiribati. “T30ET is
currently postponed, not deleted,†Gromme said on his website. He’s
now looking at October 2020, assuming the COVID-19 situation is resolved
by then.
Last week, travel restrictions imposed on individuals entering American
Samoa as a result of the coronavirus outbreak caused Swains Island W8S
DXpedition organizers to postpone that DXpedition until later in the
year. The team members were unable to comply with a 14-day mandatory
quarantine in Hawaii. The DXpedition announced tentative dates of
September 23 – October 6.
ARRL Seeks a New Chief Executive Officer
02/27/2020
ARRL is seeking an experienced radio amateur to be Chief Executive
Officer (CEO) at its headquarters in Newington, Connecticut. The CEO is
the top compensated employee in ARRL’s management structure and
oversees all operations in collaboration with the President and the
Board of Directors, in accordance with ARRL’s Articles of Association,
Bylaws, and Board policies. The successful candidate will ensure
day-to-day management of ARRL, including fiscal operations and will
oversee and make certain that its fund-raising, marketing, human
resources, technology, advocacy, and governance strategies are
effectively implemented.
Essential CEO functions include:
• Leading the headquarters staff and field volunteers, in response to
Board policy, in the development and implementation of effective
programs for the promotion and growth of amateur radio and the provision
of services to members.
• Planning, developing, organizing, implementing, directing, and
evaluating ARRL’s operational and fiscal performance.
• Providing leadership, directing headquarters staff, and maintaining
performance standards in headquarters operations.
• Participating, in collaboration with officers, Directors, and staff,
in developing ARRL’s plans and programs.
The successful candidate will be a strategic thinker with a record of
significant amateur radio experience and a broad understanding of its
operational, technical, regulatory, and social facets. The CEO will be
responsible for effective financial and operational management and
oversight.
CEO candidates should possess a bachelor’s degree or equivalent
(master’s degree preferred), be an active radio amateur who has
initiated or led a significant amateur radio activity within the past 10
years, and have 10 years of management and supervisory experience.
Candidates should be able to demonstrate ability in providing effective
leadership and management of business operations.
The position is located at ARRL Headquarters, and the successful
candidate will be required to establish a residence in the Hartford,
Connecticut, area.
The CEO Position Announcement includes details. Interested candidates
should submit a cover letter and resume via e-mail to ARRL Human
Resources Assistant Monique Levesque.
International Space Station Resupply Mission to Carry New ARISS Ham
Radio Gear
02/28/2020
The scheduled March 7 SpaceX CRS-20 mission to the International Space
Station (ISS) will include the initial Amateur Radio on the
International Space Station (ARISS) Interoperable Radio System (IORS)
flight unit. The IORS is the foundation of the ARISS next-generation
amateur radio system on the space station. The ARISS hardware team built
four flight units, and the first will be installed in the ISS Columbus
module.
A second flight unit expected to be launched on a later 2020 cargo
flight will be installed in the Russian Service Module. NASA contracts
with SpaceX to handle ISS resupply missions.
The IORS represents the first major upgrade of on-station ARISS
equipment. The package will include a higher-power radio, an enhanced
voice repeater, and updated digital packet radio (APRS) and slow-scan
television (SSTV) capabilities for both the US and Russian space station
segments.
The IORS consists of a custom-modified JVCKenwood TM-D710GA transceiver,
an AMSAT-developed multi-voltage power supply, and interconnecting
cables. Once at the space station, the IORS will be stowed for later
installation.
State of Maine Bicentennial Special Event Set for March 16 – 22
03/01/2020
A special event to mark Maine’s bicentennial will take place during
Statehood Week, March 16 – 21, with the on-air event extending to
March 22. Volunteers around the state will be on the air with special
event call signs from the nine counties that existed in 1820, when Maine
became independent of Massachusetts: W1C (Cumberland); W1H Hancock; W1K
Kennebec; W1L Lincoln; W1O Oxford; W1P Penobscot; W1S Somerset; W1W
Washington, and W1Y York.
Three other special event stations will be K1J Jameson Tavern in
Freeport; K1P Portland, and K1B Boston, in recognition of their
contributions to Maine’s Statehood.
CW, SSB, and digital operation will be continuous on HF, VHF, and UHF
for the duration of the event. The event is sponsored by the Maine
Bicentennial Special Event Committee. Maine stations may sign up to
participate as special event stations. Certificates will be available.
Additional information is available on the event website. Email
questions with the subject line “Maine 200 Special Event.â€
Saint Patrick’s Day Special Event Set
03/06/2020
Many radio amateurs around the world will celebrate Saint Patrick’s
Day on the air as part of the St Patrick Award. The 48-hour event will
take place from 1200 UTC on March 16 until 1200 UTC on March 18. Saint
Patrick’s Day is March 17. SWLs are invited to take part. Awards will
be in five categories: SPD Station Award (for registered stations);
Fixed/Portable Station Award; Digital Station Award; Mobile Station
Award, and Short Wave Listener Award. Register to be an official
participating station. Visit the event’s Facebook page. — Thanks
to
Bobby Wadey, MI0RYL
Outer Space is Your Next Radio Frontier!
03/06/2020
You can make contacts through amateur radio satellites, and even with
the International Space Station, using equipment you probably own right
now! All it takes is the right information, which you’ll find in
ARRL’s new book Amateur Radio Satellites for Beginners.
Dozens of spacecraft are in orbit just waiting for your signals, and
more are being launched every year. This book is your guide to a whole
new world of operating enjoyment. Inside you will be able to locate
satellites and determine when they will be available in orbit, gain tips
for building your own “satellite station, find a simple step-by-step
guide to making your first contacts, and discover satellite antenna
projects you can build at home.
“Even with just a dual-band FM transceiver and a mobile antenna, you
can make contacts through an amateur satellite!†said ARRL author and
QST Editor Steve Ford, WB8IMY.
Building amateur radio satellites is difficult; communicating through
amateur satellites is not. Amateur Radio Satellites for Beginners will
introduce you to new experiences that you may have thought were out of
your reach. Start reading and discover how easy it can be!
Amateur Radio Satellites for Beginners is available from the ARRL Store
or your ARRL Dealer. (ARRL Item no. 1304, ISBN: 978-1-62595-130-4),
$22.95 retail, special ARRL Member Price $19.95. Call (860) 594-0355 or,
toll-free in the US, (888) 277-5289. It will also be available as an
e-book for the Amazon Kindle.
ARISS Celebrating Successful Launch Carrying Interoperable Radio System
to ISS
03/10/2020
Amateur Radio on the International Space Station (ARISS) is celebrating
the successful launch and docking of the SpaceX-20 commercial resupply
mission to the International Space Station (ISS). One payload on the
flight is the ARISS Interoperable Radio System (IORS), which ARISS calls
“the foundational element of the ARISS next-generation radio systemâ€
on the space station. Amateur radio has been an integral component of
ISS missions since 2000. The Dragon cargo capsule docked successfully
with the space station on March 9. ARISS-US Delegate for ARRL Rosalie
White, K1STO, said hundreds of ARRL members contributed to make the IORS
project happen, and ARISS is celebrating the 4-year-long IORS project.
“ARISS is truly grateful to ARRL and AMSAT for their co-sponsorship
and support of ARISS since day one,†White said. “ARISS greatly
appreciates the hundreds of ham radio operators who have stood by ARISS,
sending financial support and encouragement. A robust ham station is on
its way to replace the broken radio on the ISS, and tens of thousands of
hams will enjoy strong ARISS packet and ARISS SSTV signals as a result.
In addition, thousands of students will discover and use ham radio to
talk with a ham-astronaut. We hope to see the trend continue where more
ARISS teachers and local clubs set up school ham clubs.†The new
system includes a higher-power radio, an enhanced voice repeater,
updated digital packet radio (APRS), and slow-scan television (SSTV)
capabilities for both the US and Russian space station segments.
White called the March 7 launch, “beautiful, flawless.†ARRL
President Rick Roderick, K5UR, told ARISS that he had his fingers
crossed for a successful launch.
According to NASA Mission Control, it will take the three ISS crew
members up to a month to unload and stow the 4,300 pounds of cargo on
board the Dragon capsule, and the IORS is not a priority. The actual ham
equipment will be installed in the ISS Columbus module. Another IORS
unit is in line to be launched and installed in the Russian segment of
the ISS later this year.
The IORS consists of a custom-modified JVCKenwood TM-D710GA transceiver,
a multi-voltage power supply, and interconnecting cables. The ARISS
hardware team will assemble four flight units — and 10 IORS units in
all — to support onboard flight operations, training, operations
planning, and hardware testing.
ARISS-International Chair Frank Bauer, KA3HDO, said earlier this year
that future upgrades and enhancements to the next-generation system are
in various stages of design and development. These include a repaired
Ham Video system — currently planned for launch in mid-to-late 2020,
an L-band (uplink) repeater, a microwave “Ham Communicator,†and
Lunar Gateway prototype experiment.
Dayton Hamvention Announces Cancelation of 2020 Show
03/15/2020
For the first time in its 68-year history, Dayton Hamvention® will not
take place this year, due to concerns about the coronavirus outbreak.
The glum news was not entirely unexpected, given widespread
cancellations of public gatherings and a national state of emergency.
“The Hamvention Executive Committee has been monitoring the COVID19
pandemic. We have worked very closely with our local and state health
departments. It is with a very heavy heart the Hamvention Executive
Committee has decided to cancel Hamvention for this year,†Hamvention
General Chair Jack Gerbs, WB8SCT, said in announcing the cancellation on
March 15. “This decision is extremely difficult for us, but with
around 2 months until the Great Gathering we felt this action necessary.
More specific details regarding the closure will soon be posted. Thank
you for your understanding in this time of international crisis.â€
The Dayton Hamvention cancellation comes less than a week after the
International DX Convention in Visalia, California, called off this
year’s show. The Dayton Amateur Radio Association (DARA) sponsors
Hamvention.
Since 2017, Hamvention has been held each May at the Greene County
Fairgrounds and Expo Center in Xenia, Ohio. The international gathering
attracted more than 32,000 visitors in 2019.
Hamvention’s announcement has caused the cancellation of other
associated events. These include Contest University, the Contest Dinner,
and the Top Band Dinner.
Canceled Ohio ARES State Conference Morphs into Statewide Communication
Exercise
03/17/2020
Ohio Amateur Radio Emergency Service (ARES) canceled the Ohio ARES State
Conference set for April 4 due to the coronavirus pandemic and
repurposed the date for a statewide communication exercise, with an
emphasis on communicating from home.
“Ohio has a high-profile station at the state Emergency Operations
Center (EOC), with regular weekly EOC nets,†ARES Section Emergency
Coordinator Stan Broadway, N8BHL, said. “But with the national
emphasis on staying home, we turned the vacated day into a 2-hour series
of nets designed to have amateur operators check in using their home
stations.â€
The exercise was the brainchild of Assistant SEC Tim Price, K8WFL, who
suggested it would be a great way to showcase amateur radio’s
capabilities for state and community leaders. The Ohio HF Emergency Net
will take check-ins on 40 and 80 meters (SSB), with the Ohio Digital
Emergency Net (OHDEN) operating on 80 meters. Then, around 1 PM ET, a
linked digital radio system will be brought into play, using DMR’s
Ohio talk group linked to the Fusion “Ohio Link†group. Broadway
said stations will simply check in; no traffic will be handled.
“It’s just designed to prove we can communicate from home, while
locked down, and still get the job done,†he told ARRL.
“This is the same network topology used for the Ohio Watch Desk
Project, providing statewide reporting during such events as the
Memorial Day tornado outbreak last spring,†Broadway said. The reports
are fed directly to the watch desk at Ohio’s state EOC, to enhance
situational awareness for state emergency managers. “We plan to video
an operator on the Statehouse steps, talking statewide using a small
handheld,†Broadway said. “This demonstration can be used to enhance
our discussion of amateur radio with local and state officials.â€
Broadway said HF can be problematic most of the time if storms are
moving across, producing static, and digital modes fill in the gap.
“We used this [approach] during a couple tornado outbreaks to bring
real-time local observation to the Ohio Emergency Management Agency
Watch Desk,†he said. — Thanks to Stan Broadway, N8BHL
Errata to 2020 – 2024 Amateur Extra-Class Question Pool Released
03/18/2020
The NCVEC Question Pool Committee has issued errata to the new (2020 –
2024) Amateur Extra-class question pool that goes into effect on July 1.
Most changes are minor, involving typographical or style errors.
In the syllabus at the top of the pool:
E1C — Changed “bandwith†to “bandwidthâ€
E3B — In sub-element heading, deleted “graylineâ€
E9D — Changed “feedpoint†to “feed pointâ€
In sub-element 3, changed “41 questions†to “40
questions.â€
In the question pool:
E1C13 — In answer C, changed “Utilities Telecom Council†to
“Utilities Technology Council (UTC)â€
E1C14 — In question, changed “Utilities Telecom Commissionâ€
to
“Utilities Technology Council (UTC)â€
E1D03 — In answer, choices C and D, changed “earth†to
“Earthâ€
E2A02 — In question, changed “inverted†to
“invertingâ€
E3B — In sub-element heading, deleted “graylineâ€
E3B08 — Question withdrawn from pool and marked as deleted. The
remaining questions in E3B were not renumbered, leaving 11 questions.
E5B04 — In question, changed “220 microfarad†and “1
megohmâ€
to “220-microfarad†and “1-megohmâ€
E7C09 — In answer B, added a space between “1†and
“kHzâ€
E8C10 — In question, changed “symbol†to “dataâ€
E9C02 — In question, changed “1/4 wavelength†to
“1/4-wavelengthâ€
E9C03 — In question, changed “1/2 wavelength†to
“1/2-wavelengthâ€
E9D — in sub-element heading, changed “feedpoint†to
“feed
pointâ€
E9E09 — Removed brackets after answer (C).
The Amateur Extra-class question pool will be updated to reflect these
changes. Submit feedback or questions to the Question Pool Committee.
FCC Levies $18,000 Fine on Louisiana Amateur Radio Licensee
03/18/2020
In an enforcement case prompted by complaints filed in 2017, the FCC has
imposed an $18,000 forfeiture on Jerry W. Materne, KC5CSG, of Lake
Charles, Louisiana, for intentional interference and failure to
identify. The FCC had proposed the fine in a Notice of Apparent
Liability (NAL) in the case in July 2018, and, based on Materne’s
response to the NAL, the agency affirmed the fine in a March 12
Forfeiture Order (FO).
As the FCC recounted in the FO, an FCC agent “observed Materne causing
intentional interference to a local repeater by generating digital noise
into an analog radio.†The agent further reported that Materne failed
to transmit his call sign, as required.
Materne disputed the FCC’s findings, arguing that the NAL should be
canceled because the agent “was mistaken in his determination that the
source of the interference was Materne’s station†as his radio was
not capable of operating on the repeater frequency in question, the FCC
said in the NO. Materne also asserted that he is unable to pay the fine
and suggested in his response that the FCC should be able to access his
financial information.
The FCC countered that the radio the agent observed in Materne’s
possession was capable of operating on the frequency in question. “We
therefore are unpersuaded…that the proposed forfeiture should be
cancelled because, he alleges, he was not the party causing interference
to the repeater and the radio in his possession could not operate on the
frequency in question,†the FCC said in affirming the findings of the
NAL. “We are also unpersuaded by Materne’s argument that he lacks
the ability to pay the full $18,000 forfeiture.†The FCC said Materne
failed to provide the FCC with proof of inability to pay, as required by
the NAL.
The FCC gave Materne 30 days to pay the fine, or face having the case
turned over to the US Department of Justice for enforcement.
K3YV Wins the March QST Cover Plaque Award
03/19/2020
The winning article for the March 2020 QST Cover Plaque award is
“Leaky†Antenna Switches by Ellwood (Woody) Brem, K3YV.
The QST Cover Plaque Award -- given to the author or authors of the most
popular article in each issue -- is determined by a vote of ARRL members
on the QST Cover Plaque Poll web page. Cast a ballot for your favorite
article in the April issue today.
Ham Radio Clubs Connect Amid Social Distancing
03/20/2020
As college campuses have sent students home to finish their classes
online, members of the K7UAZ Amateur Radio Club in Tucson — a student
organization at the University of Arizona — have moved their radio
club meetings to, well, the radio. K7UAZ Station Manager Curt Laumann,
K7ZOO, said that when the university largely shuttered its campus, club
president Ken Gourley, KM6BKU, immediately transitioned regular meetings
to an on-the-air format using the university repeater. The club already
was holding a weekly net on Monday nights, but the added on-air club
meetings offer another opportunity to get on the radio.
In recent months, in-person K7UAZ club meetings have hosted
presentations on such topics as EME (Earth-moon-Earth) communication and
an AMSAT CubeSat simulation. As meetings move on the air, Gourley
explained, he will send out a copy of meeting presentation slides so
members can follow along. “I will lead the net and start with
check-ins,†he said. “We will work our way through the slides,
discussing previous events, upcoming activities, the treasurer’s
report, projects, etc. I will take new check-ins every 5 – 10 minutes.
We will conclude with officer comments and general comments. Hopefully
it won’t take more than 30 – 45 minutes.â€
ARRL staff member Bob Inderbitzen, NQ1R, who liaises for the ARRL
Collegiate Amateur Radio Initiative (CARI), underscores the importance
that all radio clubs encourage on-the-air activity in this challenging
time. “While I know many businesses and schools have moved to online
meetings and learning, I can think of many advantages for a radio club
to move club meetings to on-air,†Inderbitzen said. His list
includes:
Holding short meetings on the air will encourage individual club members
to practice their personal radio communication capabilities. Station and
skills readiness are tenets of the Amateur Radio Service.
Nets generally help new radio amateurs gain practical operating
experience. Think of this current challenge as an opportunity to
encourage your club’s new hams to get on the air.
As online fatigue and a feeling of isolation will inevitably creep into
our “new normal,†being on-air will introduce variety into our
communication practices. As many of us are now homebound working or
studying, turning on a radio to connect with your ham radio peers will
be welcome respite!
At K7UAZ, experienced club members provide instruction for members to
access the K7UAZ ARC repeater from 2 meters and via Echolink. The club
also offers members the opportunity to borrow handheld radios or to be
patched in via HF or videoconferencing, if they live too far away from
the repeater.
ARRL is encouraging university radio clubs to network with other clubs
and students via ARRL’s CARI Facebook group. “Keeping our campus
radio clubs going will ensure we are, together, advancing the art,
science, and enjoyment of amateur radio. It’s our collective
mission,†Inderbitzen said.
Refund Procedures in Place for Dayton Hamvention-Associated Social
Events
03/20/2020
Refunds are being processed for Dayton Hamvention-associated social
gatherings, including Contest University, Contest Dinner, and Top Band
Dinner. Each event has its own procedures. Those who signed up for the
DX Dinner will be able to obtain refunds via PayPal. An email to all
registrants will provide details. — Thanks to Tim Duffy, K3LR, SWODXA
Long Island CW Club Offering Free, Online Morse Code Instruction for
Homebound Youngsters
03/20/2020
The Long Island CW Club in New York is offering free, online Morse code
instruction for the “many youngsters at loose ends as a result of
school closings due to COVID-19 concerns.†The club’s co-founder,
Howard Bernstein, WB2UZE, pointed out that learning Morse code is “a
fun and educational activity for children of all ages that can fill part
of the gap left by the current unfortunate situation that has closed so
many schools across the country.â€
Ongoing classes will take place Monday through Friday, specifically for
school-agers anywhere across the country or overseas, via Zoom online
video conferencing. A computer equipped with a microphone and camera is
required. Classes for elementary schoolers run 30 minutes starting at
1600 UTC, followed by 45-minute classes for middle- and high school-aged
students starting at 1645 UTC. Parental permission is required through
advance registration. Contact class instructor Rob Zarges, K2MZ, by
e-mail or call 508-831-8248. — Thanks to Mel Granick, KS2G, ARRL New
York City-Long Island Section Public Information Coordinator
FCC Commissioner Michael O’Rielly Nominated for Another Term
03/20/2020
President Donald Trump has nominated FCC Commissioner Michael O’Rielly
for another 5-year term on the Commission. The nomination was sent to
the US Senate on March 18. O’Rielly was initially appointed to the FCC
in 2013 by President Barack Obama.
“During my tenure at the Commission, I have advocated for preserving
and advancing American free market principles to develop common sense
regulation and eliminate unnecessary rules that hurt consumers,â€
O’Rielly said in a statement, expressing appreciation to President
Trump.
“I hope to continue this work should the Senate decide to approve my
nomination.†If the Senate confirms O’Rielly’s nomination,
the new
term would date retroactively to last July and end in 2024.
In a statement, FCC Chairman Ajit Pai praised O’Rielly’s work in
such areas as 3.5 GHz spectrum policy.
ARRL Headquarters Remains in Operation, Many Staffers Working Remotely
03/20/2020
Interim ARRL Chief Executive Officer Barry Shelley, N1VXY, informed
members on March 20 that ARRL will remain operational to meet their
needs during the coronavirus pandemic. Shelley noted that ARRL is taking
steps to help protect the health and safety of ARRL Headquarters
employees, in line with the recommendations provided by US and
Connecticut health officials and government leaders.
“We have arranged for many of our staff, depending on their job
responsibilities and requirements, to work remotely during this
unprecedented time,†Shelley said. “This helps the organization
reduce the number of people in the building and improve our ‘social
distancing’ capabilities.â€
At present, all departments at ARRL Headquarters are functioning, and
customer service representatives remain available to answer members’
questions or direct them to the appropriate department for assistance.
Shelley advised that ARRL is encouraging members to use email as the
preferred method of communication with ARRL, in order to get a timely
response.
The ARRL Volunteer Examiner Coordinator (VEC) has been dealing with a
higher-than-normal volume of emails and phone calls and is asking for
members’ patience as they attempt to answer everyone’s questions
as
promptly as possible. “There has been some significant disruption to
VE exam session schedules, given the restrictions imposed on gatherings
in many locales,†Shelley pointed out. “As with our employees, the
health and safety of our Volunteer Examiners is a top priority, and we
have informed our VEs that they need to follow their local community’s
guidelines and then use their best judgement when deciding whether to
conduct, postpone, or cancel an exam session.â€
As previously announced, ARRL has suspended all tours and guest visits
to ARRL Headquarters and to W1AW until further notice. ARRL has also
posted a statement relating to Field Day and the coronavirus situation.
“We will continue to monitor conditions from this outbreak and follow
any additional guidelines provided by federal and state health
professionals and government officials. We thank you for your
understanding and patience during this difficult time,†Shelley said.
2020 ARRL Field Day Update:
Coronavirus & Field Day 2020
With 2020 ARRL Field Day – one of the biggest events on the Amateur
Radio calendar – just about 15 weeks away, ARRL officials are
monitoring this situation with the coronavirus very closely and paying
close attention to all of the information and guidance being offered by
the CDC's Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
(https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/index.html).
At its core, Field Day is a local event and an opportunity for local
amateur radio clubs to showcase the skills, science and technologies
that make radio communication such a wonderful hobby and a valuable
public service. Since the impact of the coronavirus outbreak has been
very different in different parts of the country, we recommend that all
amateur radio clubs participating in Field Day be in regular contact
with their local or state public health officials for their advice and
guidance on hosting Field Day activities. This also offers an
opportunity for amateur radio clubs to bolster or re-establish their
relationships with local and state public health and emergency
management officials.
Because of the unique circumstances presented this year, this can be an
opportunity for you, your club and/or group to try something new. Field
Day isn't about doing things the same way year after year - use this
year to develop and employ a new approach that is in line with our
current circumstances.
Local club officials are the most appropriate people to be making
decisions about their specific Field Day programs. We are all concerned
about protecting the health and safety of those participating in or
attending Field Day activities, and so we trust local club officials to
take the appropriate steps to monitor local conditions and make
decisions in the best interest of their communities.
ARRL officials strongly believe that following the guidelines of local,
state and national health care professionals will help ensure everyone's
safety in the coming weeks and months.
ARRL Field Day is always held on the 4th full weekend in June -- 27-28,
2020.
2020 Field Day results will appear in December QST.
ARRL Headquarters is Closing
03/23/2020
ARRL Headquarters will comply with an executive order from Connecticut
Governor Ned Lamont that all non-essential businesses and not-for-profit
entities reduce in-person workforces by 100% no later than March 23,
2020, at 8 PM. ARRL will equip as many Headquarters staffers as possible
to work remotely.
W1AW bulletin and code practice transmissions will continue. Customer
service representatives will be available to take calls, although
response times could be longer than usual. Operations at the ARRL
Volunteer Examiner Coordinator (VEC) will also continue, and the best
way to receive a timely response is via email, as call volume has been
heavy. The ARRL publication schedule will remain unchanged.
The ARRL warehouse will be working with a reduced staff, so orders will
be delayed, and ARRL will not be able to respond to expedited shipping
orders. ARRL Headquarters will remain open until 5 PM on March 23, as
managers and staff prepare for the shutdown.
ARRL will keep members posted on this situation.
Radio Amateurs Team Up to Help University Design Low-Cost Ventilator
03/23/2020
Amateur radio volunteers from around the world have volunteered to
assist University of Florida Professor Sam Lampotang and his engineering
team in their quest to rapidly develop an open-source, low-cost patient
ventilator that can be built anywhere from such commonly available
components as PVC pipe and lawn-sprinkler valves. The amateur radio
volunteers are developing Arduino-based control software that will set
the respiratory rate and other key parameters in treating critically ill
coronavirus victims.
Multiple volunteers responding to a call for help from Gordon Gibby, MD,
KX4Z, included noted software developer Jack Purdum, W8TEE, and uBITX
transceiver maker Ashhar Farhan, VU2ESE. University of Florida
physicians are working to address the critical legal aspects as the
design moves closer to fruition.
The ventilator’s valves would precisely time compressed oxygen flow
into patient breathing circuits under Arduino control, allowing
exhausted patients with “stiff†lungs impacted by viral pneumonia to
survive until their body can clear the infection. The software design
team is also adding simple features such as an LCD display, encoders to
choose parameters, and watchdog safety features. -- Thanks to Gordon
Gibby, KX4Z
FROM AROUND THE SECTION:
Louisiana QSO Party Announcement:
Fellow Ham Radio Operators,
I'm Scott, W5WZ, President of the Louisiana Contest Club. We sponsor
the
annual Louisiana QSO Party.
Please accept this invitation to participate in the 2020 edition of the
Louisiana QSO Party.
The 2020 edition of the Louisiana QSO Party will run from 14:00 UTC,
April
4, 2020 to 02:00 UTC, April 5, 2020 (9:00 AM to 9:00 PM CDT Saturday,
April
4, 2020).
The rules, and all other pertinent information is found online at:
http://laqp.org/
I do hope you'll join us on the air!
73, Scott W5WZ
ARES:
ARES Monthly Section Emergency Coordinators Report
1. ARRL Section: Louisiana
2. Month: February
3. Year: 2020
4. Total number of ARES members: 427
5. Number of DECs/ECs reporting this month: 8
6. Number of ARES nets active: 51
7. Number of nets with NTS liaison: 2
8. Calls of DECs/EC reporting: W4NDF KD5BNH KE5BMS AG5LR KD5DFL W5GAS
KD5IGZ KE5GMN
9a. Number of exercises & training sessions this month: 44
9b. Person hours: 562
10a. Number of public service events this month: 2 10b. Person
hours: 125
11a. Number of emergency operations this month: 0
11b. Person hours: 0
12a. Number of SKYWARN operations this month: 1
12b. Person hours: 10
13a. Auto Sum 9a, 10a, 11a, 12a: 47
13b. Auto Sum 9b, 10b, 11b, 12b: 697
Reported by: Jim Coleman, AI5B
ARRL Louisiana Section Emergency Coordinator
http://www.arrl.org/ares-el?issue=2020-03-18
***Please congratulate our newest Emergency Coordinator appointee from
Beauregard Parish, Lonnie Jacobs AC5A. Welcome to the Team Lonnie.
Louisiana Traffic Net Report:
Sessions QNI QTC QTR
16. 353 27 416
Reported by:
Jimmy Lewis, AB5YS
Louisiana Section Traffic Manager
The Louisiana Traffic Net will run six days a week Sunday through Friday
during the pandemic. I would encourage each one of you with a General
class license and above to check-in with us. We meet at 6:00pm CDT on
3.910MHZ.
Jim Lewis AB5YS Louisiana Traffic Net Manager
REGION 4:
ACADIANA AMATEUR RADIO ASSOC., INC. - March 2020 Volume 60, Number 03
VE Test Session February 6, 2020 73, de Greg ~ K5LFT Started off the
year pretty good. Two new Techs & one upgrade to Amateur Extra. The
candidates were Kisha Richard ~KI5IHY ~ of Maurice & Louis Truxillo
~KI5IHZ ~ of Breaux Bridge both earned their Technician. Adam Chapman
~KG5TOD~ from Ville Platte Upgraded to Extra. Congratulations to the
testees & a great big thank you to the VEs in attendance...... The VEs
for this session were Michael Cavell KI5ARX, John Cunniff W4HVH, Richard
Wallace KF5KEL, Archibald Hill W5AG, and Galen Wilson KF5BET
JOY BREAUX N5YCS - SILENT KEY It is with great sadness that the Amateur
Radio World and the Acadiana Amateur Radio Association, Inc. (AARA)
loses another member. On the evening of February 7, 2020, Joy Breaux
N5YCS passed away after being on life support for a while. Her wishes
were that her body to be donated to science, no obituaries, or funeral
announcements to be published. A little about Joy for those who or who
did not know her. Joy was a long time member of the AARA and served as
past treasurer for 12 years. Joy and Rick shared in being "backyard bird
watchers" among other hobbies such as traveling, attending hamfests,
especially the AARA hamfest where you could usually find her at the
front door at the registration desk. Joy and Rick also participated in
many special event activities. Joy & Rick were long time members of the
QCWA Chapter 109 in Baton Rouge. I am sure all that knew Joy will miss
the beautiful smile and kind words she had for everyone. Our prayers go
out for the Breaux family.
Randy Rushing KG5KFI - Silent Key Thanks to Greg Dolan II - K5LFT, it
was just noted that Randy Rushing KG5KFI, age 53 of Breaux Bridge,
became a Silent Key on January 7, 2020. Randy was a proud United States
Veteran. He served honorably in the U.S. Army, and was a member of the
American Legion Post #69, Blind Veterans Association, Veterans of
Foreign Wars, Disabled American Veterans, and the Acadiana Honor Guard.
He was also a Amateur Radio Operator (KG5KFI) and a member of the
Acadiana Amateur Association, Inc. in 2016. Obituary:
https://www.waltersfh.com/obituary/Randy-Rushing
SPANISH RICE 2 Tbs Olive Oil 1 Onion, finely chopped 1 Garlic, minced 2
Cups long-grain Rice 3-1/4 Cup Chicken Broth 1 Cup diced Tomato, drained
½ tsp Oregano 1 tsp Salt Heat olive oil in large skillet on medium/high
heat. Add the rice and stir it so that the rice coats with the oil.
Cook, stirring often, until much of the rice has browned. Add the onion
and cook, stirring frequently another 3 minutes, until the onions begin
to soften. Add the garlic and cook until the onions are translucent and
softened, about a minute more. Combine broth, tomato, oregano, salt, and
browned rice with onions and garlic. Bring to a boil Cover; reduce heat
to a low simmer. Cook for 20-30 minutes, depending on the type of rice
and the instructions on the rice package. Remove from heat for 5
minutes. Fluff with a fork to serve.
REGION 6:
FROM: The Brass Key April 2020 A Publication of the Central Louisiana
Amateur Radio Club
Attendance at the March 2020 meeting, during which we had Skywarn Basic
Storm Spotter Training, was encouraging. Andy Patrick,
Meteorologist-in-Charge at the National Weather Service in Lake Charles,
conducted the training and did a fine job. In addition to presenting the
required information on the slides, he added some personal observations
about storms in our area based on his 35 years of experience in the
weather business. We had several in attendance who were not club members
including five deputies from Rapides Parish Sheriff’s Office, a city
marshal, Tyler Hall of KALB Weather, and the Executive Director of
Rapides Parish 911/Office of Homeland Security and Emergency
Preparedness (OHSEP), Sonya Wiley-Gremillion. The Executive Director
expressed an interest in having amateur radio operators participate in
emergency preparedness and communication. Based on her expressed
interest in participation by amateur radio operators, I met with the
Director for an hour and a half at her office. I learned that our
147.330 and 443.300 repeaters were purchased with grant money connected
to the Radio Amateur Civil Emergency Service (RACES). I learned that
these repeaters are housed in an environmentally controlled,
government-owned facility, and that the antennas are on a
government-owned tower. The cost of continuing operation, utilities and
tower space, of these repeaters is borne by 911/OHSEP; therefore,
Central Louisiana Amateur Radio Club (CLARC) is, in a manner of
speaking, somewhat “joined at the hip†with Rapides 911/OHSEP.
Utilities and tower space are valuable commodities, and CLARC is getting
them for free. During our meeting, the Director cited some actual
emergency events when she needed amateur radio communication, both HF
and VHF, but it was not forthcoming. She expressed an interest in having
amateur VHF and HF capabilities available to her when the need arises.
During our meeting, we identified a location for an amateur radio
operating position at Rapides 911/OHSEP. Anyone who serves at the 911
center will need to be vetted, which includes a criminal history
investigation. Before anyone takes me to task, I am fully aware that
CLARC and the Amateur Radio Emergency Service (ARES) are separate and
distinct entities. CLARC is, however, the largest organized group of
amateur radio operators within the parish, and as stated above, has a
relationship with Rapides 911/OHSEP. Currently, that relationship is
oneway. Local amateur radio operators are deriving benefit and providing
nothing in return. We need to identify an ARES Emergency Coordinator
(EC) and an assistant or deputy EC for Rapides Parish, and we need ARES
radio operators. The people in these roles need to be accessible,
responsive (in a timely fashion), and responsible if called by
911/OHSEP. If the EC is away, then the assistant needs to be able to
respond in a timely fashion. With the exception of some man-made
emergencies, our events usually involve weather-related problems, and in
most cases, we know in advance that there may be power outages, property
damage, and injuries. Membership in ARES does not mean that one is “on
call†24x7x365. It does mean that if one is not providentially or
otherwise seriously hindered, one should agree to serve. Public service
of this nature is a gratifying experience. As a communicator, you are
part of the solution, you are helping fellow citizens, and given that
you are working with the decision-makers, you know what is happening
during an emergency event. When the ARES organization for Rapides Parish
is up and running, it will exist more or less independently of CLARC
under the guidance of the EC and not in competition with CLARC. Please
think about volunteering for ARES service if you have not already done
so. I’ll remind you that one of the primary reasons you have an
amateur radio license is “Recognition and enhancement of the value of
the amateur service to the public as a voluntary noncommercial
communication service, particularly with respect to providing emergency
communications,†and I’ll remind you that the reason CLARC has two
nice repeaters with free rent and utilities is for public service. I was
disappointed that we had to cancel the April meeting, VE testing, and
board meeting, but we had no choice. At this point, you know as much as
I know about our May meeting. Hopefully we will be somewhat back to
normal by then and be able to meet. We have some good programs waiting
to be presented not the least of which is Skywarn Advanced Storm Spotter
training that is scheduled for the May meeting. For the June meeting, we
will need to discuss Field Day plans. Field Day is scheduled for
Saturday, June 27 and Sunday, June 28. Assuming we are free of current
restrictions, we will begin to set up on Friday, June 26. We will
conduct Field Day at the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries
Outdoor Education Center in Woodworth, which is the same location we
used for our successful Winter Field Day. One of our members has
suggested that we have some building sessions. Those interested could
agree on a common project for the building session. The common project
could be a code-practice oscillator, a balun, a wire antenna of some
sort or whatever else. The project would be up to those interested in
building something. Building something and actually having it work well
is an educational and satisfying experience. Building sessions could be
held at a mutually agreeable time and place but not during a club
meeting. The rationale behind this is to learn a little more about
electronics, to learn how to build things we might otherwise buy, and to
build a quality product for our own use. A building session or sessions
will not be of interest to everyone in the club, and it doesn’t have
to be. It would be, however, a way for a few members to get together,
learn something, have some fun, and walk away with some new equipment.
73 and good DX, John, N5CM CLARC President
Many of us are self-isolating due to the Corona Virus threat, but this
does not mean that we have to isolate without communicating. I think
that most of us are staying in touch with our friends and relatives via
phone and social media, and we need to keep that up. To increase
socialization we cannot forget about ham radio. If all you have is your
technician license you have a number of ways to communicate with the
outside world while still staying physically isolated. Starting with
local methods of ham radio communications we have our club repeaters.
Start by throwing out your callsign on the 147.330. This is the club's
main frequency. Many hams monitor this frequency throughout the day. Our
secondary repeater is 147.375. Next are our linked repeaters, 444.975
and 145.470. These two repeaters are internet linked. If you key up and
say your call sign someone may come back to you from almost anywhere in
the U.S.. Don’t forget about using Echolink on your phone to get into
the 147.330 repeater. CLARC congratulates new hams Will Butterfield,
KI5IPJ and Etienne Blanchat, KI5IPK, for passing their Technician Class
exam on March 3. Congrats go to John Eubanks, KI5HVM, for upgrading to
Amateur Extra! CLARC also welcomes Will to our club as its newest
member! On the HF front: HF activity has picked up since the Corona
virus threat has hit the U.S. 80 and 40 meters are usually open most
evenings and during the daytime it’s not uncommon to find someone to
have a QSO with on 15, 17 and 20 meters. If you have any questions about
how to get active on the bands please get with me or one of our other
club members. We will help you. Some of your questions can be answered
by going to the club’s website at www.clarc.us
Thanks, Scott Wren, KD5DFL Vice President, CLARC
Update on ALLSTAR The repeater committee has successfully linked the
444.975 and 145.470 repeaters to the new controller. The link is now
active, but we are still tweaking the settings and we should have full
ALLSTAR accessibility in the very near future. This project has been
ongoing, and due to the technical nature of the system and everyone's
schedules lining up as well as a little luck and Pixie Dust we have made
significant headway and foresee the project being complete in the very
near future. I would like to thank Scott KD5DFL for his extensive
efforts working with Matt Anderson KD5KNZ, Angelo Glorioso N5UXT, and
would like to thank Dave Van Rood KG5POW for his help with this project
as well. I also helped in this endeavor but not nearly to the extent
that these other gentleman have and their efforts are greatly
appreciated and the All Star system is going to be a great asset for all
members of CLARC. The system is up, and the repeaters work locally as
they should for the moment, we are doing some tweaking of the system and
it's not fully operational but the hard part is done and now we just
have to tweak the All Star system and it should be fully operational
shortly.
Marlin, KG5RPZ
NOTE: More information on ALLSTAR, see allstarlink.org/
As many of you already have discovered, a CLARC Members only Facebook
group has been recently created. Our President, John N5CM, and Marlin
KG5RPZ, are the administrators. As an administrator and moderator, our
president has the power to delete or make changes as he sees fit.
Members can and are encouraged to invite other Members and we also
welcome anyone else who wants to join, the group web page is:
https://www.facebook.com/groups/673431650062145/ any CLARC Members that
want to join need only list their call signs and either John or Marlin
can approve them. The Group was created to give CLARC Members a medium
to share ideas, projects all things Amateur Radio related, and encourage
fellowship between members between meetings. We also encourage Elmering
or if members just have a question please feel free to ask and someone
from the group will try and help them.
REGION 9:
The SELARC "Hamster"
*Serving Amateur Radio Since 1974*
Published Monthly by the Southeast Louisiana Amateur Radio Club Inc.
Visit our website: www.selarc.org
Vol. 47, No. 3 ......................... March 2020
Happy Birthday
Birthday Wishes for March go out to - Joe KG5HZU, Jerry N5GKJ, and Bob
WB5FBS
If we missed your birthday, then please let us know.
Get Well Soon —
Best wishes for continued recuperation go to SELARC members Tom Simpson
N5HAY and Homer Jones KA5TRT. We look forward to hearing you on the
air!
VE Session Results
Hammond VE Group - 23 Feb, 2020 - VE Session Results
Congratulations to the following new Amateur Radio Operators and
upgrades
Technician
Charles Richardson / KI5ILL - Holden, La.
Johnny Shaw / KI5ILM - Covington, La.
Travis Tharp / KI5ILN - Denham Springs, La.
General
Billy Orehowsky / KI5HZE - Saucier, Ms.
Tyrone Burns - VE Liason - Hammond VE Group
March Prize Drawing winners: CONGRATULATIONS!!!
ARRL Publications:
Club: Southeast Louisiana Amateur Radio Club (SELARC)
ARRL Member: Daniel W. Delcambre, KE5UM
ELECTRONIC PRIZE (Scanner): Daniel R. Vandervort, AD5NW
NEXT DRAWING IS APRIL 1ST.
As always before I send out my newsletter, I feel like I have left
something out. Please send me or one of our Section’s PIO’s/PIC
Joe
Holland KB5VJY anything you would like to see in future newsletters!
LAARRL.org
73,
--------------------------------------------------------------------
ARRL Louisiana Section
Section Manager: John Mark Robertson, K5JMR
k5jmr@arrl.org
--------------------------------------------------------------------
Louisiana Section Managers Newsletter February 2020
ARRL LOUISIANA SECTION MANAGERS NEWSLETTER FEBRUARY 2020
The Hammond Hamfest was very successful and well attended. We had
approximately 50 in the ARRL/ARES Forum. Jim and Corey gave us a great
ARES presentation. WE gave away some very nice prizes! Next hamfest is
in Rayne in March. I hope to see many of you there.
SILENT KEYS:
Milam Columbus "Lucky" Young, KA5SUR
Joy Breaux, N5YCS
**I was asked recently to include the city for each person listed below;
and am doing so in hopes that you will be able to see those in your area
and include them in your local activities…..
NEW HAMS:
Report for 2020-02-04
Daniel R Sicuro, KI5HVO
Kenner, LA 70062-6040
Patrick M Brown, KI5HSL
Hammond, LA 70403-0431
Hailey R Doucet, KI5HTC
New Iberia, LA 70563-3320
Chad D Durr, KI5HSK
Opelousas, LA 70570-1360
Adam C Permenter, KI5HZD
Clinton, LA 70722-5260
Devin B Martin, KI5HZC
Greenwell Springs, LA 70739
James D Pastorick, KI5HSM
Greenwell Springs, LA 70739-3854
Colton W Byrd, KI5HVR
West Monroe, LA 71291-4740
Bryan R Fussell, KI5HVJ
Alexandria, LA 71303-2126
Jeffrey P Foley, KI5HVK
Pineville, LA 71360-0623
John L Eubanks, KI5HVM
Pineville, LA 71360-5801
Corey Paulk, KI5HVL
Pineville, LA 71360-9718
LICENSE UPGRADES:
Report for 2020-02-04
Bradley K Vincent, KG5KZR
Gueydan, LA 70542-3725
Tiphanie Clark, KI5DUG
Baton Rouge, LA 70810-1627
Ricky L Little, KI5GEI
West Monroe, LA 71292-0421
Jason M Bowen, KB5VXX
Newellton, LA 71357-5002
Christopher A Wright, KI5HDW
Pineville, LA 71360-5479
NEW/RENEWED ARRL MEMBERS:
Report for 2020-02-04
Michael S Foster, KC8PZA
Metairie, LA 70005-4034
Andre P Granier, KI5BBO
Luling, LA 70070-4242
Albert D Geier, KW5PAN
River Ridge, LA 70123-2723
Elizabeth E Wotawa, KI5HRA
New Orleans, LA 70123-6147
Federico M Lertora, KI5HQU
New Orleans, LA 70123-6169
William R Hare, N5WRH
Abita Springs, LA 70420-3312
Christopher J Ancelet, N5MCY
Egan, LA 70531-3011
Bradley K Vincent, KG5KZR
Gueydan, LA 70542-3725
Paul T Holcomb, KI5ARR
Maurice, LA 70555-3825
Chad D Durr, KI5HSK
Opelousas, LA 70570-1360
Carl W Service, KG5GGL
Lake Charles, LA 70605-6527
Matthew C Wiggins, KI5HLC
Deridder, LA 70634-4552
Henry H Forrester, KG5GVV
Clinton, LA 70722-4849
Dawson Andrews
French Settlement, LA 70733-2540
Toby J Latino, KI5ERB
Prairieville, LA 70769-3341
Robert Gray, KI5GYO
Blanchard, LA 71009-0245
William W Barrett, WW5MB
Keithville, LA 71047-8806
Grantham P Frederick, KI5GBD
Shreveport, LA 71106-2209
Elizabeth O Miller, N5UIJ
Shreveport, LA 71107-2408
Richard E Hayes, AC5EU
Monroe, LA 71203-2230
Stephanie E Miller, KD7KWS
Monroe, LA 71203-9575
Carolyn Morris, KM5YL
Downsville, LA 71234-3410
James L Wilhelm, WW5L
Sterlington, LA 71280-0427
Robert A Moore, W5OPF
West Monroe, LA 71292-1625
Bryan Fussell, KI5HVJ
Alexandria, LA 71303-2126
Jeffrey W Hall, KA5YZQ
Alexandria, LA 71303-4152
Frederic W Smith, KG5PKG
Alexandria, LA 71303-4160
Jason M Bowen, KB5VXX
Newellton, LA 71357-5002
Jeff P Foley, KI5HVK
Pineville, LA 71360-0623
John L Eubanks, KI5HVM
Pineville, LA 71360-5801
FROM THE ARRL:
ARRL On the Air Podcast Premieres on January 16
01/14/2020
ARRL’s new On the Air podcast for those just getting started on their
amateur radio journey, will debut this Thursday, January 16, with a new
podcast posted each month. The podcast is a companion to the new
bimonthly On the Air magazine, which is already on its way to member
subscribers. On the Air magazine editor Becky Schoenfeld, W1BXY, will be
the host of the new podcast. Both the podcast and the magazine are aimed
at offering new and beginner-to-intermediate-level radio amateurs a
fresh approach to exploring radio communication.
Listeners can find the On the Air podcast at Blubrry, Apple iTunes (or
by using your iPhone or iPad podcast app (search for On the Air), and
Stitcher (or through the free Stitcher app for iOS, Kindle, or Android
devices). Episodes will be archived on the ARRL website.
Each On the Air podcast will take a deeper dive into the articles and
issues raised in the magazine, including advice and insight on topics
covering the range of amateur radio interests and activities: radio
technology, operating, equipment, project building, and emergency
communication.
Supplementing On the Air will be a new Facebook page for those who share
a love of radio communication and are looking to learn and explore more
about their interests.
The biweekly Eclectic Tech podcast for experienced radio amateurs will
launch on February 13. Hosted by QST Editor Steve Ford, WB8IMY, Eclectic
Tech will highlight topics involving amateur and non-amateur technology,
offer brief interviews with individuals involved in projects of interest
to amateurs, and include practical information of immediate benefit to
today’s hams. Eclectic Tech will be available via iTunes and
Stitcher.
The ARRL Mags apps including QST and On the Air are now live on Apple
iTunes and Google Play. The digital edition of On the Air magazine is
now live and linked from the On the Air page on the ARRL website.
YOTA Month Reported a Success in the Americas
01/15/2020
For several years now, Youngsters on the Air (YOTA) has sponsored YOTA
Month each December, primarily involving young radio amateurs in Europe
and Africa. In December, youth-operated amateur radio stations in the
Americas picked up the ball to contribute more than 12,000 contacts to
the worldwide event. Eighteen operators aged 25 or younger deployed
special event 1 × 1 call signs — K8Y, K8O, K8T, and K8A — to
promote youth in amateur radio. Fifteen young operators across the US
took turns using these call signs throughout December. They logged
10,474 contacts using those call signs on SSB, CW, digital modes, and
satellites. Some operators also aired the call signs during contests.
Participants in the Americas offered opinions on what made the event
special for them.
“Operating-wise, it was definitely the pileups…I love a good
pileup,†said Mason Matrazzo, KM4SII. “Apart from that, it was great
getting to be part of a group of youngsters that are all into the hobby.
Even though we weren’t physically working together, we all got to be
part of the YOTA program over the air.â€
Audrey McElroy, KM4BUN, also cited the on-air camaraderie. “My
favorite part of YOTA month was getting the wonderful experience of
talking to other youth all over the world and sharing our
experiences,†she said. “It gives us hope to know the future of
Amateur Radio is in the hands of these great kids.†Her brother Jack,
KM4ZIA, also took part.
In Canada, David Samu, VE7DZO, signed VE7YOTA in December, making 458
contacts on CW. “My favorite part was seeing all the YOTA stations on
the air throughout December and seeing all the high energy youth
activity,†he said.
Mathias Acevedo, CE2LR, activated XR2YOTA, and met another young
operator from Chile, Manu Pardo, CA3MPR, through YOTA month. Between
them, they put 1,535 contacts into the log on CW, SSB, and digital
modes.
Bryant Rascoll, KG5HVO, coordinated the efforts of the 17 participants
and the logs for the US stations. “I learned much during the month
about the importance of teamwork and communication...just like
baseball,†Bryant said about his role as coordinator. “I think YOTA
month was a great success considering the short amount of time we had to
plan this all out. I had a lot of fun operating this event, but it was
even more rewarding to see other youth here in the Americas make tons of
QSOs during December.†Bryant managed Logbook of The World accounts
for the US stations and QRZ.com pages for all call signs, maintained an
operator schedule, worked with YOTA Month Award Manager Tomi Varro,
HA8RT, and reported in to the YOTA Camp Committee in the Americas.
Globally, nearly 129,000 contacts were logged using 48 call signs, all
operated by hams under the age of 25 or younger. More than 2,500
operators of all ages requested and received awards based on the number
of YOTA contacts they had made. Statistics are available.
The first Youth On The Air camp in the US will take place next June 21
– 26 at the National Voice of America Museum of Broadcasting in West
Chester Township, Ohio.
For more information about YOTA in the Americas, contact YOTA Month in
the Americas Coordinator Bryant Rascoll, KG5HVO, or YOTA in the Americas
Camp Director Neil Rapp, WB9VPG.
New Book from ARRL: Amateur Radio Contesting for Beginners
01/17/2020
Contesting is one of the most exciting aspects of amateur radio — and
for some, it’s their primary ham radio activity. Amateur Radio
Contesting for Beginners by contesting veteran Doug Grant, K1DG, offers
practical information and ideas that will help you to get started in
contesting — “radiosport†— or to build your skills,
if you’re
already active.
Contesting tests station capability and operator skill, and it really is
a sport, with a typical objective of contacting as many stations and
multipliers — ARRL Sections, states, grids, or DXCC entities, for
example — within the contest period.
“Doug Grant has written the ideal guide for anyone interested in
contesting,†said QST Editor Steve Ford, WB8IMY.
Grant’s book explains what equipment you need, typical contest
formats, details of some more popular events, operating techniques, how
to submit an entry, and how to improve your scores. No matter how modest
your station or experience, you can compete, too!
A couple of events over the January 18 – 19 weekend to get you started
include the ARRL January VHF Contest (CW, phone, and digital) and the
North American QSO Party, SSB. See the ARRL Contest Calendar for
information on other events.
Amateur Radio Contesting for Beginners is available from the ARRL Store
or your ARRL Dealer. (ARRL Item no. 1243, ISBN: 978-1-62595-124-3,
$27.95 retail, special ARRL Member Price $24.95). Call 860-594-0355 or,
toll-free in the US, 888-277-5289. It’s also available as an e-book
for the Amazon Kindle.
For more information about ARRL-sponsored contests, including rules and
results, and to view the contest photo gallery visit the ARRL Contests
page.
Barry Shelley, N1VXY, to Become ARRL Interim CEO
01/19/2020
At its meeting this weekend, the ARRL Board of Directors did not elect
Howard Michel, WB2ITX, as the ARRL Chief Executive Officer. Beginning
Monday, January 20, Barry Shelley, N1VXY, will become interim CEO. Mr.
Shelley was ARRL’s Chief Financial Officer for 28 years and CEO during
2018 before his retirement. The board has created a search committee to
select the next CEO. More details on this and other matters which took
place at the board meeting will be released shortly.
ITU Development Sector Publication Highlights Amateur Radio’s Role in
Emergency Communication
01/21/2020
Amateur radio is featured in the publication, ITU Guidelines for
national emergency telecommunication plans, published by the
International Telecommunication Union (ITU) Development Sector (ITU-D).
The publication notes that radio amateurs have supported communication
in emergency situations on a voluntary basis since the dawn of radio.
“They are experts in radio communications and have the equipment,
skills and necessary frequencies allocated by ITU to deploy networks in
emergency events quickly and efficiently,†the publication says. ITU-D
said amateur radio support offers “great coverage due to the large
number of amateur radio stations available;†training programs and
exercises have been developed for emergency communication; “qualified
temporary volunteers who provide skills and experience essential for
emergency telecommunications;†problem-solving skills and an ability
to work with “often very limited resources,†and the ability to work
with alternative power sources.
Past ARRL President and IARU Secretary Rod Stafford, W6ROD, represents
the International Amateur Radio Union at ITU-D meetings. — Thanks to
Southgate Amateur Radio News; IARU
ARRL Events App is Available for Apple iOS and Android Devices
01/21/2020
The ARRL Events app is available to use with Apple iOS and Android
devices. A web-browser version, optimized for most browsers and other
types of mobile devices, is also available. ARRL Events will be featured
at Orlando HamCation 2020, February 7 – 9, which has been sanctioned
as the 2020 ARRL Northern Florida Section Convention.
AMSAT Says its GOLF-TEE Initiative has Met a Major Milestone
01/21/2020
AMSAT reports that an array of GOLF-TEE (Greater Orbit Larger Footprint
– Technology Evaluation Environment) satellite prototype boards
transmitted telemetry for the first time on January 14.
“The boards are laid out on a bench as a ‘flat-sat,’ with
interconnecting wires, bench power supplies, and a dummy load on the
transmitter,†AMSAT said. The interconnected boards include an early
radiation-tolerant internal housekeeping unit (IHU, i.e., computer)
prototype; a control interface prototype, and a set of spare boards from
HuskySat-1 that act as prototypes for the legacy IHU and legacy VHF/UHF
RF components.
“Now that the development team has reached this point, it has RF to
use as a basis for developing a GOLF-TEE decoder for FoxTelem, the
ground telemetry receiver software,†AMSAT said. “Thousands of hours
of work by many AMSAT volunteers have gone into the hardware and
software that got GOLF-TEE this far, with much work yet to be done
before flight units are ready.â€
GOLF-TEE is designed as a low-Earth orbit testbed for technologies
necessary for successful CubeSat missions to a wide variety of orbits,
including medium- and high-Earth orbits. AMSAT invited donations to
further the project. It’s also seeking additional volunteers. —
Thanks to AMSAT News Service.
ARRL to Argue for Continued Access to 3-GHz Spectrum as FCC Sets Comment
Deadlines
01/24/2020
At its January meeting, the ARRL Board of Directors instructed the
League’s FCC counsel to prepare a strong response to protect amateur
access to spectrum in the 3 GHz range. In its Notice of Proposed
Rulemaking (NPRM) in WT Docket 19-348, the FCC proposed to relocate all
non-federal operations, including amateur uses, to spectrum outside the
3.3 – 3.55 GHz band. The Commission anticipates auctioning this
spectrum to expand commercial use of 5G cellular and wireless broadband
services, if agreement can be reached on relocation of — or sharing
with — the federal incumbents that operate in the same band.
Publication of the NPRM in the Federal Register on January 22
established deadlines of February 21 for comments and March 23 for reply
comments.
The FCC has requested comment on the uses radio amateurs make of the
spectrum and appropriate relocation options. Complicating matters is the
fact that radio amateurs must consider the possibility that the
immediately adjacent 3.1 – 3.3 GHz band is included in the spectrum
that Congress has identified for similar study. FCC Commissioner Michael
O’Rielly, in a December statement, referenced the fact that the lower
band may also be considered for non-federal reallocation, potentially
limiting relocation possibilities.
Amateurs make substantial use of the 3.3 – 3.5 GHz band that would be
hard to replicate elsewhere, and they have filed more than 150 comments
before the designated comment period even began. Among users looking at
options are those who use this spectrum for Earth-Moon-Earth
(moonbounce) communication, mesh networks, experiments with
communication over long distances, radiosport, and amateur television. A
portion of the band also is designated for use by amateur satellites in
ITU Regions 2 and 3 (the Americas and Asia/Pacific).
A report is due by March 23 from the National Telecommunications and
Information Administration (NTIA) evaluating the feasibility of having
federal users share all or part of the 3.1 – 3.55 GHz band with
commercial wireless services. This report is required by the Making
Opportunities for Broadband Investment and Limiting Excessive and
Needless Obstacles to Wireless (MOBILE NOW) Act. The results of the NTIA
report will impact how much spectrum ultimately may be re-allocated for
auction to wireless providers.
ARRL urges amateurs who comment to inform the FCC about the uses they
make of the 3 GHz spectrum. Short comments and longer statements may be
filed electronically. Visit the FCC “How to Comment on FCC
Proceedings†page for more information. Commenters should reference WT
Docket 19-348.
Swains Island DXpedition Team is Ready to Roll
01/27/2020
The W8S DXpedition team heading to Swains Island in the Pacific in March
reports, “All lights are green.†Team members will leave from home
in early March, and all will convene in Pago Pago, American Samoa, to
board the vessel Manu Atele, which will transport everyone to the atoll.
The voyage will take 24 hours.
Smaller vessels will ferry the operators and equipment to the island at
high tide, which the update called “a serious challenge.†The ship
will not remain offshore while the DXpedition is under way, “hopefully
picking the team up again after 14 days.†An international team of 10
operators will be active from March 10 to March 25 on all HF bands on
CW, SSB, FT8, and RTTY. Operation will be 24/7 from two separate camps
on the island, each with two stations.
Visit the Swains Island 2020 DXpedition website for more information.
New Amateur Extra Question Pool Released
01/27/2020
The new Amateur Extra-class license examination question pool, effective
from July 1, 2020, through June 30, 2024, has been released and is
available at the National Conference of Volunteer Coordinators (NCVEC)
website.
The 2020 – 2024 Extra-class pool incorporates significant changes
compared to the current 2016 – 2020 question pool, which expires on
June 30. The number of questions in the pool was reduced from 712 to
622. The result was 239 modified questions, 49 new questions, and 139
questions removed due to changes in what was felt to be an abundance of
outdated questions, while areas of new technology and subjects were
added.
In addition, an effort was made to balance the difficulty level,
removing or replacing some questions deemed too easy or too difficult
compared to the rest of the pool. The 2020 pool has 10 diagrams, which
have been renumbered because the new question pool has two fewer than
the 2016 question pool.
State QSO Party Challenge Announced
01/28/2020
The State QSO Party Challenge is a competition comprised of other
contests, namely state and provincial QSO parties. As explained on the
website, the annual cumulative score program is open to any radio
amateur who participates in any approved state QSO parties (SQPs).
Participants just need to submit their QSO party scores to
3830scores.com to enter the challenge. Participants’ cumulative scores
will be calculated by totaling up the number of reported contacts and
multiplying by the number of SQPs entered in the year to date. Periodic
standings will be posted to 3830scores.com, the QSOParty Groups.io
forum, and the StateQSOParty.com website.
“Using the number of QSO parties entered as a multiplier is expected
to encourage radio amateurs to enter more state/province QSO parties,â€
the program’s organizers said. “The first SQPs in 2020 are the
Vermont, Minnesota, and British Columbia QSO Parties in the first
weekend of February.â€
Entrants must make at least two contacts in a QSO party for it to count
as a multiplier. Full details are available on the State QSO Party
Challenge website. Challenge sponsors expressed appreciation to Bruce
Horn, WA7BNM, for developing the SQP Activity Tracker on
3830scores.com.
ARRL Expands its Roster of Online Discussion Groups
01/29/2020
ARRL’s Committee on Communication with Members has launched three new
online discussion forums as part of its ongoing efforts to enhance and
improve communication between ARRL leadership and members or prospective
members. The new forums, which focus on antenna law, regulatory issues,
and support for new amateur radio licensees, will go live on Thursday,
January 30, at 0400 UTC.
The committee launched the three new discussion groups on the basis of
requests from the amateur radio community, to support ARRL’s efforts
to provide more resources for beginner-to-intermediate operators.
The online discussion program launched last fall with three forums —
contesting, awards, and the International Amateur Radio Union (IARU) —
all open to the amateur radio community. The program was based on the
success of the online ARRL-LoTW Group, which, for the past several
years, has served to answer questions and generate discussions about
ways to improve the service.
ARRL New England Division Director and attorney Fred Hopengarten, K1VR,
will moderate the Antenna Law and Policy Forum. Hopengarten is the
author of Antenna Zoning for the Radio Amateur.
ARRL Regulatory Affairs Manager Dan Henderson, N1ND, will moderate the
Regulatory Affairs forum.
QST Editor and ARRL Publications Manager Steve Ford, WB8IMY, will
moderate the New Hams forum.
ARRL IT Manager Michael Keane, K1MK, worked with Groups.io to set up the
new groups. Those wishing to subscribe must use a Groups.io username and
password, if they have one, or create a Groups.io account if they
don’t.
The new groups join an ARRL discussion forum lineup that already
includes:
ARRL-Contesting, moderated by ARRL Contest Advisory Committee Chairman
Dennis Egan, W1UE.
ARRL-Awards, moderated by ARRL Radiosport and Field Services Manager
Bart Jahnke, W9JJ.
ARRL-IARU, moderated by IARU Secretary David Sumner, K1ZZ.
ARRL-LOTW, moderated by ARRL IT Manager Michael Keane, K1MK.
Everyone who subscribes to an ARRL Group is automatically subscribed to
“ARRL Groups,†an administrative feature that allows ARRL to convey
routine announcements to subscribers of all ARRL groups, such as planned
system outages.
ARRL expects to create additional online groups that focus on other
areas of interest to radio amateurs, including ARRL activities,
services, initiatives, and policies.
ARRL currently hosts some “members-only†online forums that include
the topics of Awards and Contesting. While these forums will continue to
operate, participants are being encouraged to post new topics in the new
Groups.
All questions will be welcome, no matter how many times they have
already been asked and answered, or how obvious the answers might be.
Neither personal attacks nor foul language will be tolerated. Violators
will immediately be placed on “moderated†status, meaning their
subsequent posts will require Moderator approval. Civility and courtesy
are expected, even when disagreeing.
The Committee believes that providing more opportunities for two-way
discussion between the organization’s leaders and the entire ham radio
community will assist ARRL in truly serving the needs of this community.
— Thanks to ARRL Communications Manager Dave Isgur, N1RSN
Foundation for Amateur Radio Invites 2020 – 2021 Academic Year
Scholarship Applications
01/29/2020
The Foundation for Amateur Radio Inc. (FAR) has invited applications for
the 2020 – 2021 academic year for the scholarships it administers.
Applications must be submitted via the online form. Several questions
ask for essay responses. The deadline for initial submissions is April
30, 2020. Applicants may amend their applications until May 7.
All applicants must hold a valid amateur radio license and be enrolled
or accepted for enrollment at an accredited university, college, or
technical school. Applicants attending school outside the US must
provide a brochure describing the school. Students do not apply for
specific scholarships; each application will be considered for all of
the scholarships for which the applicant is qualified. QCWA scholarships
and the Chichester Memorial Scholarship all require recommendations to
be awarded. Data entered onto the application goes directly into an
encrypted, password-protected PDF file available only to the review
committee. No part of the application is stored online.
More information is available on the FAR website.
ARRL Board of Directors Re-Elects President Rick Roderick, K5UR
02/10/2020
Meeting January 17 – 18 in Windsor, Connecticut, the ARRL Board of
Directors re-elected ARRL President Rick Roderick, K5UR, to a third
2-year term. Roderick outpolled the only other nominee, Pacific Division
Director Jim Tiemstra, K6JAT, 8 – 7. New England Division Vice
Director Mike Raisbeck, K1TWF, was elected First Vice President,
succeeding Greg Widin, K0GW, who did not seek another term. Raisbeck was
the sole nominee. A successor will be appointed to fill the Vice
Director seat that Raisbeck has vacated. Bob Vallio, W6RGG, was
re-elected as Second Vice President as the only nominee.
On a 9 – 6 vote, the Board voted not to re-elect Howard Michel,
WB2ITX, as Chief Executive Officer. Michel was in the post for 15
months. Former ARRL Chief Financial Officer and Chief Executive Officer
Barry Shelley, N1VXY, has come out of retirement to serve as interim
ARRL CEO. He also was elected as Secretary. Shelley was ARRL’s CFO for
28 years and served as CEO during 2018 before his retirement, following
the departure of former CEO Tom Gallagher, NY2RF. The ARRL Board has
appointed a committee to spearhead the search for a new CEO. That panel
will screen suitable CEO candidates, presenting three to the Board for
consideration.
Former ARRL President and IARU Secretary Rod Stafford, W6ROD, was
elected International Affairs Vice President, succeeding Jay Bellows,
K0QB, who did not seek another term. Also re-elected by the Board were
Treasurer Rick Niswander, K7GM, and Chief Financial Officer Diane
Middleton, W2DLM.
Elected as members of the Executive Committee were Atlantic Division
Director Tom Abernethy, W3TOM; Central Division Director Kermit Carlson,
W9XA; Roanoke Division Director Bud Hippisley, W2RU; New England
Division Director Fred Hopengarten, K1VR, and Great Lakes Division
Director Dale Williams, WA8EFK. The Executive Committee addresses and
makes decisions regarding ARRL business that may arise between scheduled
Board meetings.
Hudson Division Director Ria Jairam, N2RJ, was elected as a member of
the ARRL Foundation Board for a 3-year term. Tim Duffy, K3LR, and Jim
Fenstermaker, K9JF, were elected to the Foundation Board for 3-year
terms as non-ARRL Board members.
Relief from Private Land-Use Restrictions
The Ad Hoc Legislative Advocacy Committee provided the Board with drafts
outlining three legislative approaches to address relief for radio
amateurs facing private land-use restrictions impacting outdoor
antennas. The Board signed off on the draft legislative approaches “as
presented and possibly modified†and directed the committee “to
proceed to obtain congressional sponsorship, employing any of these
three approaches and using its best judgment on any alterations or
modifications that our advisors or sponsors may require or suggest.â€
HF Band Planning
Outgoing chair of the HF Band Planning Committee Greg Widin, K0GW,
presented the panel’s report and entertained questions. Board members
noted that staff turnover and funding limitations at the FCC might
impact ARRL’s efforts to tweak the bands. The Board agreed that ARRL
would post the report and solicit comments from members on it.
Contests and Operating Awards
The Board approved raising the maximum number of contacts a Field Day
GOTA station can make to 1,000. It amended the ARRL RTTY Roundup rules
to add Multi-Two and Multi-Multi categories and to permit multioperator
stations to operate for the entire contest period, and it divided entry
categories into RTTY only, Digital only (i.e., no RTTY), and Mixed (both
RTTY and digital).
Matt Holden, K0BBC, presented the DX Advisory Committee report, telling
the Board that the panel engaged in extensive discussion on a proposal
to change the 5-Band DXCC award from the current required bands to offer
credit for any five bands. The committee unanimously rejected the
proposal.
ARRL Elections
The Board revised rules governing ARRL Division and Section Manager
elections to clarify some terminology, to extend the campaign period
from the call for nominations to the deadline for ballots received, and
to make other miscellaneous changes. Revisions will become effective by
February 15, 2020.
In the interest of “openness and fairness,†the Board also approved
a measure that would offers candidates and members an opportunity to be
present during the counting of ballots. Candidates also may designate
one ARRL member to attend as a surrogate if they’re unable to observe
ballot counting, or to accompany them at the count. The Board further
approved an amendment to permit ARRL members, upon petition, to travel
at their own expense to witness the counting of ballots from their
Division.
The Board charged the Programs and Services Committee to consider
changes to the ARRL By-Laws that would give members, upon petition, the
opportunity to attend the public portion of the Annual Meeting in
January. The number of members permitted to attend would be subject to
available space and fire code regulations.
Public Service Enhancement Working Group Chair, Roanoke Division
Director Bud Hippisley, W2RU, reported that with field adoption of the
2019 ARES Plan now under way, the group is putting increased focus on
the National Traffic System, including plans for dialog with
representatives of Radio Relay International.
Reduced Dues for Younger Applicants
The Board approved an amendment giving the CEO discretion to raise the
eligibility age for reduced full ARRL membership dues from 22 to 26,
provided the rate not be less than one-half of the established rate. In
addition, the Board approved the establishment of a reduced-rate,
revenue-neutral Life Membership for individuals age 70 or older, with
cumulative annual membership of 25 years or more, at an initial rate of
$750. Headquarters staff will work out the administrative details of the
program, subject to approval of the Administration and Finance
Committee.
The Board also agreed to allow for a “digital-only†access
membership, at the discretion of the CEO, discounted no more than 10%
from the established dues rate.
Other Business
In other business, the Board:
• approved a grant of $500 to the Youth on the Air (YOTA) in the
Americas program, which is sponsoring a camp in June for young radio
amateurs. Neil Rapp, WB9VPG, a former ARRL Youth Coordinator, is heading
the initiative, which is funded through the non-profit Electronic
Applications Radio Service Inc.
• authorized creation of an Emergency Management Director Selection
Committee, with its chair and members to be named by the president.
The minutes of the January Annual Meeting of the ARRL Board of Directors
are posted on the ARRL website.
Mississippi ARES® Emergency Coordinator Credits Training for Effective
Tornado Response
02/21/2020
Amateur Radio Emergency Service® (ARES®) volunteers in DeSoto County,
Mississippi, devoted several days in January to assisting local
emergency managers in responding to tornado damage in the region. Desoto
County Emergency Coordinator Ricky Chambers, KF5WVJ; Assistant EC Gene
Adams, KF5KVL; Tate County EC Brad Kerley, KG5TTU, and Andy Luscomb,
AG5FG, reported at 3 AM on January 11 to the DeSoto County Emergency
Operations Center (EOC) to open a SKYWARN weather watch. After a tornado
warning was issued for DeSoto County, Chambers activated an emergency
net on a local repeater. Ten minutes into the net, however, the repeater
went down, and the net switched to simplex. The net subsequently moved
to another operational repeater.
Initial reports of downed trees blocking roadways and an eyewitness
report of a possible tornado southwest of Hernando came in just after 5
AM. The ARES team at the EOC began taking damage reports, answering the
telephone, and monitoring and taking calls from public safety
dispatchers. When the deputy EMA director requested traffic control in
Lewisburg, three of the ARES volunteers accompanied EMA director Chris
Olson to Lewisburg. Chambers and Kerley assumed traffic control, and
Olson asked that Chambers put out a call for ARES/RACES volunteers and
EMA reservists to report to the EOC. The ham radio volunteers also
handled welfare checks.
A dozen ARES/RACES and EMA reservists returned the next day to conduct
door-to-door damage assessment. For the next 10 days, Chambers reported,
the DeSoto County volunteers assisted in handling telephone traffic in
the EOC, freeing up first responders to do their primary jobs.
“I attribute our effective response to the training we have conducted
on a monthly basis,†Chambers said, noting that training included
recommended ARRL courses. “We were able to see how the Incident
Command System worked on a first-hand basis as the incident unfolded,
based on the ICS training courses we have taken. My group went from 0 to
110 MPH in seconds, never missing a beat [and] everyone performed on a
professional level.†— Thanks to DeSoto County and EMA Reservist
Coordinator EC Ricky Chambers, KF5WVJ
ARRL Opposes FCC Plan to Delete the 3.4 GHz Band
02/25/2020
ARRL has filed comments opposing an FCC proposal to delete the 3.3 –
3.5 GHz secondary amateur allocation. The comments, filed on February
21, are in response to an FCC Notice of Proposed Rulemaking () in WT
Docket 19-348 in which the FCC put forward a plan to remove “existing
non-federal secondary radiolocation and amateur allocations†in the
3.3 – 3.55 GHz band and relocate incumbent non-federal operations. The
FCC’s proposal was in response to the MOBILE NOW [Making Opportunities
for Broadband Investment and Limiting Excessive and Needless Obstacles
to Wireless] Act, enacted in 2018 to make new spectrum available for
mobile and fixed wireless broadband use. ARRL noted that amateur radio
has a long history of successful coexistence with primary users of the
band.
“There is no reason suggested by the Commission, or known to us, why
the secondary status for amateur radio operations should not be
continued for the indefinite future,†ARRL said in its comments. “We
understand that secondary commercial users are less flexible than
amateur radio users and may desire to relocate to protect continued
provision of services and service quality. Radio amateurs, by contrast,
benefit from having technical knowledge and no customer demands for
continuous service quality, more flexibility to make adjustments, and
often have the technical abilities necessary to design and implement the
means to coexist compatibly with the signals of primary users.â€
ARRL pointed to amateur radio’s “decades-long experience observing
and experimenting with radiowave propagation†in the 3.3 – 3.5 GHz
band that includes mesh networks, amateur television networks, weak
signal long-distance communication, Earth-Moon-Earth (moonbounce)
communication, beacons used for propagation study, and amateur satellite
communications. In its comments, ARRL argued that it would be
“premature†to remove the current secondary amateur radio
allocation.
“This spectrum should not be removed from the amateur radio secondary
allocation and left unused,†ARRL told the FCC. “Only at a later
time may an informed assessment of sharing opportunities be made in the
specific spectrum slated for re-allocation…. This depends upon the
Congressionally-mandated NTIA studies of sharing or relocation options
that have yet to be completed and, if all or part of this spectrum is
re-allocated, the nature and location of buildout by the non-federal
users.†The NTIA oversees spectrum allocated to federal government
users. ARRL noted that radio amateurs have established extensive
infrastructure for the current band and are engaged in construction and
experimentation that includes innovative “mesh networks†and amateur
television networks that can be deployed to support public service
activities.
With the NTIA report addressing the 3.1 – 3.55 GHz spectrum not
expected until late March, ARRL said, “we do not yet know how much
spectrum below and above the amateur secondary allocation may be
reallocated to non-federal users and what opportunities may exist or be
developed to share [that] spectrum†with new primary users and
systems.
“Even if suitable new spectrum could be found for the existing amateur
uses — which is difficult before the spectrum musical chairs activity
is concluded — the costs to radio amateurs would be significant and be
borne with no countervailing public benefit,†ARRL told the FCC.
“If the advent of new primary licensees forecloses some types of
secondary operations, the amateur community will reevaluate the
situation when some certainty exists,†ARRL concluded.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
FROM AROUND THE LOUISIANA SECTION:
ARES Monthly Section Emergency Coordinators Report
December 2019
1. ARRL Section: Louisiana
2. Month: December
3. Year: 2019
4. Total number of ARES members: 428
5. Number of DECs/ECs reporting this month: 9
6. Number of ARES nets active: 48
7. Number of nets with NTS liaison: 5
8. Calls of DECs/EC reporting: W4NDF KD5MLD KD5BNH KE5BMS AG5LR KD5DFL
W5GAS KD5IGZ KE5GMN
9a. Number of exercises & training sessions this month: 42
9b. Person hours: 385
10a. Number of public service events this month: 1 10b. Person
hours: 12
11a. Number of emergency operations this month: 4
11b. Person hours: 100
12a. Number of SKYWARN operations this month: 5
12b. Person hours: 112
13a. Auto Sum 9a, 10a, 11a, 12a: 52
13b. Auto Sum 9b,
10b, 11b, 12b: 609
Submitted by Jim Coleman, AI5B
ARRL ARES
Section Emergency Coordinator
ARES Monthly Section Emergency Coordinators Report
January 2020
1. ARRL Section: Louisiana
2. Month: Janaury
3. Year: 2020
4. Total number of ARES members: 427
5. Number of DECs/ECs reporting this month: 9
6. Number of ARES nets active: 54
7. Number of nets with NTS liaison: 3
8. Calls of DECs/EC reporting:
W4NDF KD5MLD KD5BNH KE5BMS AG5LR KD5DFL W5GAS KD5IGZ KE5GMN
9a. Number of exercises & training sessions this month: 39
9b. Person hours: 535
10a. Number of public service events this month: 13 10b. Person
hours: 92
11a. Number of emergency operations this month: 1
11b. Person hours: 18
12a. Number of SKYWARN operations this month: 3
12b. Person hours: 80
13a. Auto Sum 9a, 10a, 11a, 12a: 56
13b. Auto Sum 9b,
10b, 11b, 12b: 725
Submitted by Jim Coleman, SAI5B
ARRL ARES
Section Emergency Coordinator
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Louisiana Traffic Net Manager’s Report
December 2019
Sessions QNI QTC QTR
17. 418 44. 393
January 2020
Sessions QNI QTC QTR
16 342 31. 467
73,
Jimmy Lewis/AB5YS
Louisiana Section Traffic Manager
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
REGION 2:
As always, the Ascension Airwaves has an AWESOME Newsletter for
February:
http://k5arc.org/main/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/Feb-20-AA1.pdf
REGION 4:
From: Volume 60, Number 02 ACADIANA AMATEUR RADIO ASSOC., INC. - a
501(c)3 Corporation February 2020
60th Annual 2020 AARA Hamfest Each year the AARA hosts it's annual
Hamfest to support club activities as well as the purchase and
maintenance of club equipment. The upcoming 2020 Hamfest will be held
March 13 - 14, 2020 at the Rayne Civic Center in Rayne, LA. The event
will be open to the public from 3:00 PM until 8:00 PM on Friday. It will
reopen to the public from 8:00 AM until 3:00 PM on Saturday. Plenty of
good food will be available on site. Boiled crawfish will be served at
6:00 PM on Friday but pre-registration is required. Pre-registration
forms are available at the w5ddl.org website Preregistration form
Additional information regarding vendors, prizes, forums, etc will be
posted on this website once that information becomes available.
VE Test Session January 2, 2020 73, de Greg ~ K5LFT Started off the year
pretty good. One new Tech & one upgrade to Amateur Extra. The candidates
were Hailey R. Doucet ~KI5HTC ~ of New Iberia (Tech) & Bradley K.
Vincent ~KG5KZR ~ of Gueydan (KG5KZR) upgraded to Amateur Extra. The VEs
helping out were: Greg ~ K5LFT, Dave ~ N4ELM, Archie ~ W5AG, Michael ~
KI5ARX, & a new Ve Raymond Costilla ~ N5KIR. Congratulations to the
testees & a great big thank you to the VEs in attendance......
What is a Net? By Joseph “Moe†Meaux K2JDM
When someone first gets into the Ham radio hobby, one of the first
questions they may ask is “What is a net?†The general definition of
a Net (or Network) “is to allow people to be helpful to each other
professionally, particularly in finding a better job, or moving to a
higher position†doesn’t exactly apply to the Ham radio hobby. It
is
close! A Net in Ham radio is a gathering of people used to share
information and to train in proper radio etiquette or protocols. Most
radio nets are held at a regular scheduled time and frequency. There are
two formats of any net; Formal and Informal. A FORMAL NET has one
operator that is in control for maintaining order on the net, “making
sure that traffic is passed in a timely manner and that more than one
person doesn’t talk at the same timeâ€. The operators in the field
must first ask permission to talk typically by giving their callsign
only. The net control station will acknowledge that they have traffic
and give them permission to pass said traffic or to tell that person to
standby if there is higher priority traffic that needs to be passed
first. Once the field operator has finished with whatever traffic they
need to pass, they will clear with their callsign per FCC regulations.
The net control station will then log the information and/or pass the
traffic to where it needs to go to. Formal nets are often more efficient
than informal ones because someone is basically directing traffic.
INFORMAL NETS still have a net control station, but they do not control
the flow of traffic. Instead, they keep a log of traffic and stand by in
case something major happens and the net needs to be changed to a formal
net forum. This format allows field operators to call other field
operators without having to ask permission first. This type of net is
often used when it is not really important to have an organized flow of
traffic. An example of this informal net would be if the local skywarn
team sees that there is a major storm coming but is still a little ways
away from the area. This allows the field operators to get to their
spots before the storm makes your area to allow as much coverage as
needed. Once the storm gets closer, the net can change to a formal
style. What types of nets are there? Well, there are several types. One
of the most common is the SKYWARN Net. This is storm spotting in a
formal format and in conjunction with the National Weather Service and
your local Emergency Management Office. These are only activated by the
NWS or your local EMC. Hams will be activated and meet on a
predetermined frequency and will “watch†the storm as it comes into
your area, passing on what they see to the net control so the
information can be in turn relayed to the nearest NWS office. SKYWARN
personal are very important to the NWS because after a couple of miles
from their radar station, it can not see below about 10,000 feet.
Spotter on the ground have to fill in the blanks for the meteorologists
the NWS office. Information and/or Training Nets is also a common net.
These are typically done in a formal format to help train operators how
to operate during a net, how to pass traffic, or just give news of
upcoming events. They are usually done as club nets on a VHF or UHF
repeater, at a scheduled time and frequency. This type is good to get a
new ham over their fear of talking over a radio. Rag Chew Nets are
typically done in a semi-formal or informal format. These types are held
on HF and sometimes on UHF or VHF. These are usually done when a bunch
of people come together at the same time and same frequency to talk
about there day, what they are doing, or just general discussions. SWAP
Nets are used to buy or sell equipment. Well, per the FCC regulations,
you can not actually conduct business on the air, you can say what you
have that you want to sell, the price you are looking for, and the phone
number where they can contact you. You can not negotiate prices or talk
about the price on the net or on any over the air frequencies. These
nets are semiformal. RACES and ARES Nets are both formal nets used
during and after a natural disaster or a large scale event. A RACES Net
is used during the actual emergency event, while the ARES Net is used
after the emergency event. The ARES Net operators will typically do
things like search and rescue, damage assessments, clean up, etc. More
information on these two types of nets can be found at the ARRL.org
website. ARRL.org ARES / RACES FAQ As you can see both formal and
informal nets are used in a wide variety of types of nets, and can be
interchanged at a moments notice to help facilitate the amount of
traffic.
Slidell EOC Hamfest, 7/24-25/2020 in the New Slidell Auditorium
My name is David Hartley (K5OZ) and I am the 2020 Ozone Amateur Radio
Club (OARC) Hamfest coordinator. Our Club is located in Slidell,
Louisiana 25 miles northeast of downtown New Orleans (w5sla.net). This
year’s Hamfest will again be a big one; we will be combined the second
year in a row with the W9DYV Vintage Radio Symposium
(www.cemultiphase.com). Last year our event combination drew over 500
hams and this year we expect it to be more than 1000 because we have
located the symposium/forums in the same building as our hamfest. This
building is the new Slidell Auditorium and features Forum Rooms and over
10,000 square feet of trading space. In addition, Slidell offers a great
tourist spot to see New Orleans and other local area attractions while
you are here. We would love to have your company join us as a Hamfest
vendor July 24-25, 2020. This year we are considering a one and one half
day hamfest because our symposium is a full two days; i.e., 1) on Friday
we will have vendor setup from 8:00 am to 2:00 pm, 2) Flea market setup
from 12 to 2 pm and 3) doors opening at 2:00pm to 5:00pm for
Symposium/Hamfest attendees and Saturday 8:00 am to 2:00 pm for all
attendees. Tear down will be from 2:00pm to 5:00pm Saturday afternoon.
Let us know your thoughts on this day and one half idea. The attached
file shows the layout for the vendors and flea market tables. Please
save the date and get your request in early via my email below. The
vendor tables (blue) along the walls are 3’ x 8’ and are $15 each.
Flea market tables (Green) are $10 each. Thank you for your amateur
products and please consider participating in our Hamfest in Slidell, LA
this year. Please let us know as soon as possible so we can advertise
your attendance on our flyers. David E. Hartley, K5OZ
dehartley@charter.net 985-707-8010.
Milam Columbus "Lucky' Young KA5SUR – SK Lucky Young KA5SUR KA5SUR,
92, a resident of Sulphur passed away January 19, 2020 after a short
illness. He was born May 13, 1927 in Kenedy, Texas. Graduated from South
Park High School, Beaumont, Texas in 1945. Joined U S Navy in 1945 and
served honorable in WW II and continued in the navy reserves until 1987
retiring after 42 years of service.
AARA Monthly Meeting Presentation Topics In the January 2020 meeting, we
had great discussion on the continuation of a monthly training topic.
Many ideas were presented, and I was able to capture all of the ideas
put on the table. I am excited to see what our members will bring to the
meeting as the Q4 meetings of 2019 were a big hit. I am certain that the
demonstrations on the Raspberry Pi and Batteries eased the frustration
of some and opened an avenue for others. With that said, I will list the
topics that were brought up and a suggested name on each topic. As you
read through the list, please reply to me stating whether or not you
would be willing and/or able to present on the topic. This will allow us
to build a schedule for the 2020 year and we can make reservations on
the agenda. 1. Grounding – Fred Marshall 2. Contesting – Scotty
Menard/Charlie Morrison 3. Different types of coax and their application
– Dave Redfern 4. Solar Panels – Fred Marshall 5. Traffic
Generation
and relaying that information – (OPEN) 6. Winlink – Glen
Thibodeaux
7. Antenna Building – (OPEN) This can take on so many roles from
Dipoles, to J-Poles, to Emergency Communications. 8. Soldering (Possible
conflict with LSM policy – Paul McCasland to check) 9. Radio Etiquette
– (Chris Ancelet – February Topic) 10. Antenna Q&A – (Dave
Redfern) 11. How to build a J-Pole – (Danny Daigle – Possible
Summer
Field Day Project) 12. How to Build a Home brew Yagi for 2m – (OPEN)
13. SDR Radio – (OPEN) 14. 3D Printing – (Paul McCasland) So, with
the list, we have over a year’s worth of topics that could potentially
be presented in our monthly sessions. I am looking forward to seeing who
will step up to the plate and share their knowledge. If there are any
additional topics you would like to see on this list, please feel free
to send me an email or bring it up at one of our next meetings. Chris
Ancelet N5MCY
No-Bake Lemon Icebox Pie 1 Graham Cracker pie shell 8 oz cream cheese
– softened 1 can (14 oz) sweetened condensed milk ½ cup lemon juice 1
Tsp grated lemon peel – optional Chill pie crust about 1 hour. In
large bowl, beat Filling ingredients until smooth. Spread evenly in
crust. Refrigerate 4 hours but no longer than 8 hours. Serve with
whipped topping
REGION 6:
Winter Field Day 2020
This has been one of the better Winter Field Days that our club has
seen. The turnout was great, the food was delicious and the friendship
was boundless.
We set up multiple dipole antennas as well as the triband beam for 10,
15 and 20.
The bands did not cooperate with us. 20 and 40 were open a little
during the day and 40 and 80 a little at night. The morse code
operators had better luck than the voice operators.
It rained off and on from Friday afternoon through shut down on Sunday.
This did not slow us down a bit.
We discovered shortly after setting up that we were missing a box of
supplies. The box is plastic and translucent. It has headphones,
jumpers, a bandpass filter (missing from pelican case), and many other
supplies.
Thanks to everyone who supplied food, radios, and hard manual labor.
Special thanks to Kevin/ and Chris/KI5HDW for helping with the login
software (N3FJP) and logging.
Our score is 7322 for Winter Field Day. 2166 points for contacts—159
morse and 43 phone contacts.
Bonus points: 1500 for generator power, 1500 for setting up away from
home, and 1500 for SOAPBOX
Bonus of 3000 (for entering information to Winter Field Day group?)
We are already set up for summer field day 2020 at the same location at
the Wildlife and Fisheries Education Building in Woodworth, Louisiana.
Scott, KD5DFL
From: The Brass Key
February 2020
A Publication of the Central Louisiana Amateur Radio Club
Prior to the conclusion of Winter Field Day, I was at a bit of a loss
for this month’s column, but
on the way home from the event, the content of the column became clear.
Winter Field Day, 2020, was a success. Members came to the event and
brought radios,
antennas, ancillary accessories, tools, supplies, food, and drinks.
Members participated in the
assembly of four stations on Friday and Saturday. Members got on the
air. Members had a
great supper on Saturday evening, complete with some outstanding
desserts, all prepared by
members. Members participated in the disassembly of four stations on
Sunday and “field-
dayed†the site. In Marine Corps jargon, the term field day is often
used as a verb and means ‘to
clean a site, stow equipment, make it spotless etc. Members had fun at
the event, and members
made it a success.
Band conditions were abysmal. Forty and eighty meters died completely
in the wee hours of
Sunday morning and they weren’t much to brag on even when they were
open. They came
back for a while on Sunday morning, and twenty meters opened to an
extent on Sunday
morning. Unlike the case in previous Field Day and Winter Field Day
events, fifteen meters
never showed its face, ten meters likewise.
Although I didn’t conduct a formal census, I believe about ten members
stayed at the site for
the duration of the event. Some took advantage of the sleeping
accommodations in the rear of
the building.
We had good participation for installation of antennas and assembly of
stations on Friday and
Saturday. Except for an hour or so beginning around 03:00 local time on
Sunday, members
persevered and stayed on the air for the duration of the event despite
the dismal band
conditions.
The disassembly of stations and field-day of the site on Sunday after
1:00 PM local time was a
particular success. All of those who were on site for the duration and
those who returned to
the site for this effort participated and contributed. These members
knew what had to be done,
and they got it done. The mobile command unit was cleaned, equipment
was stowed, the
generator was shut down properly, and all switches were left in the
proper positions as
instructed by the representative of the Rapides Parish Sheriff’s
Office. The kitchen, dining, and
operation areas were cleaned well, trash was taken to the dumpster,
floors were cleaned, and
furniture was restored to the configuration in which it was found. The
requirement for use of
these facilities was to leave them as we found them, and club members
made that happen.
ARRL Field Day, 2020, is June 27 and 28. Mark your calendar.
Good DX and 73!
John N5CM
Many thanks to our president, John, N5CM, our field day coordinator,
Scott,
KD5DFL, all those who helped with set-up and take down, Jack W5ETL for
creating the masterpiece gumbo, all those who contributed to the gumbo
supper, and especially all those hams who came out to operate! It was
nice to see so many new faces! Everyone made this field day one of our
best ever!
We thank the LDWF for the use of their facility, and the RPSO for the
use of
their mobile command post again this field day. The generosity of both
of
these agancies continues to help CLARC to better its operating skills.
Additional photos of the Field Day can be viewed at the link below.
Scott KD5DFL Photos:
https://photos.app.goo.gl/jcojSNLUG5RUPpxE6
Kevin, KG5SGI Photos:
https://photos.app.goo.gl/ZkYwM9rYGfuHn9Cc8
• ** March 3 - CLARC Meeting - SKYWARN Certification Class - NWS
Meteorologist
Roger Ericson. Location: Kees park Community Center, Pineville. Doors
will open at
•
5:30 PM for VE Testing and fellowship. There will be no Board or
business meeting
tonight.
Class will start at 6:00 PM.
** April 4 - 5 - LOUISIANA QSO Party - The 2020 edition of the
Louisiana QSO Party
will run from 14:00 UTC, April 4, 2020 to 02:00 UTC, April 5, 2020 (9:00
AM to 9:00 PM
CDT Saturday, April 4, 2020). For further info, see: http://laqp.org/
** May 5 - CLARC Meeting - Advanced Skywarn Certification Class - This
is the
Advanced Class for those who took the Basic Class in March - NWS
Meteorolgist
Roger Ericson. Location: Kees park Community Center, Pineville. Doors
will open at
5:30 PM for VE Testing and fellowship. There will be no Board or
business meeting
tonight. Class will begin at 6:00 PM.
From: The Brass Key
March 2020
A Publication of the Central Louisiana Amateur Radio Club
Given the severe weather events we’ve experienced during the past few
months, the program at the March meeting, SkyWarn Basic Storm Spotter
Training, is very appropriate. By serving as trained spotters during
severe weather events, we serve our respective communities as well as
our fellow club members. This service to our communities provides a
means to fulfill a portion of the basis and purpose for the Amateur
Radio Service, “Recognition and enhancement of the value of the
amateur service to the public as a voluntary noncommercial communication
service, particularly with respect to providing emergency
communications.†Our communities provide for the Central Louisiana
Amateur Radio Club (CLARC). For example, most of our repeater sites are
provided by a local government entity as is our monthly meeting site,
and the site for our last Field Day and Winter Field Day. In each case,
space and utilities are provided by the community at no cost to CLARC;
therefore, it is only fitting that we train and use our unique
capabilities to give back to the community. Perhaps we could look at
opportunities, in addition to SkyWarn, to use our communication
capabilities and equipment to give back to the communities that support
us. Foot races, triathlons, bike rides, festivals etc. could be venues
where our talents, skill, abilities, and equipment could be used not
only to serve the community but also to highlight amateur radio and
CLARC. Think about it. Scott, KD5DFL, investigated CLARC’s status as
an “inactive†ARRL Affiliated Club. He made appropriate contacts,
and our affiliation is back to “active†status. Thank you, Scott!
Kudos to Josh, KI5DDA, for calling the Sunday evening ARES net. I admire
his courage and determination to step into this new role. Young people
such as Josh are the future of amateur radio and our club. Well done,
Josh! ARRL Field Day, 2020, is June 27 and 28. Mark your calendar.
73 and good DX! John, N5CM
NOTICE OF MARCH 3 MEETING LOCATION CHANGE!!! March 3 - CLARC Meeting -
SKYWARN Certification Class - Due to a scheduling conflict at Kees Park
. . . the March meeting location has changed to: Pineville Main Street
Community Center, 708 Main Street, Pineville. NOTE: VE testing will
begin at 5:00 PM due to the Skywarn class start time. There will be no
club business meeting tonight. Skywarn Class will start at 6:00 PM.
REGION 9:
From: The SELARC "Hamster"
________________________________________
*Serving Amateur Radio Since 1974*
Published Monthly by the Southeast Louisiana Amateur Radio Club Inc.
Visit our website: www.selarc.org
Vol. 47, No. 2 ......................... February 2020
SELARC 2020 Hamfest
The SELARC 39th Annual Hammond Hamfest was held on Saturday January 18,
2020; thanks to all those who sold tickets and participated in the
event. The results of the main prize drawing are shown below:
o 1st Prize: Yaesu FT-450D — Lyle Wales–KD5JRY
o 2nd Prize: Yaesu FTM-400XDR — John Beicher–KF5OPB
o 3rd Prize: AA-230 Zoom Antennae Analyzer — Ralph Shaw–K5CAV
o 4th Prize: Yaesu FT-70DR — Bob–WB5FBS
Special Events, Other Hamfests & VE Sessions
60th Annual Acadiana Hamfest 2020 - http://www.w5ddl.org/hamfest.htm
2020 ARRL Field Day - June 27-28, 2020
Hammond VE Group - ARRL/W5YI tests are scheduled for the last Sunday of
each month [with the exception of holiday conflicts] in Room "B" of the
North Oaks Medical System Diagnostic Center at 2pm with $15 testing fee.
Bring photo ID and any appropriate CSCE. For more information contact
n5xes@arrl.net or Find an Amateur Radio License Exam in Your Area.
Happy Birthday
Birthday Wishes for February go out to - John Guthans AA5UY, Pat KE5KMM,
David N5QOX, and Lyle KD5JRY
If we missed your birthday, then please let us know.
Get Well Soon —
Best wishes for continued recuperation go to SELARC members Tom Simpson
N5HAY and Homer Jones KA5TRT. We look forward to hearing you on the
air!
VE Session Results
Congratulations to the following new Amateur Radio Operators and
upgrades!!
18 Jan 2020 - Hammond Hamfest - Hammond VE Group
Technician
Billy Orehowsky / KI5HZE - Saucier, Ms.
Adam Permenter / KI5HZD - Clinton, La.
Devin Martin - Greenwell Springs, La.
General
Randall Davis / KF5TEW - Picayune, Ms.
Extra
Charles Freeman / W5CCF - Summit, Ms.
John Barnes Jr. / N5WWL - Denham Springs, La.
26 Jan, 2020 - Hammond VE Group
Technician
Joel McClure / K5KZX - Madisonville, La.
Many thanks to all the VEs' who came out and helped with the sessions!
Your time and dedication is greatly appreciated!!!
73
Tyrone / N5XES - Hammond VE Group
UPCOMING EVENTS:
60th Annual Acadiana Hamfest 2020, ARRL Louisiana State Convention
HAMFEST/CONVENTION
03/13/2020
Start Date: 03/13/2020
End Date: 03/14/2020
Location: Rayne Civic Center
210 Frog Festival Drive
Rayne, LA 70578
Website: http://www.w5ddl.org/hamfest.htm
Sponsor: Acadiana Amateur Radio Association and The City of Rayne, LA
Type: ARRL Convention
Talk-In: 146.820 MHz -0.600 (PL 103.5) W5DDL
Public Contact: Brandon Stelly , KG5LQMPhone: 337-205-2112
Email: hamfest@w5ddl.org
Northeast Louisiana Hamfest, ARRL Louisiana Section Convention
HAMFEST/CONVENTION
04/17/2020
Start Date: 04/17/2020
End Date: 04/17/2020
Location: West Monroe Convention Center
901 Ridge Avenue
West Monroe, LA 71291
Sponsor: NorthEast Louisiana Amateur Radio Club (NELARC)
Type: ARRL Convention
Talk-In: 146.85-
Public Contact: Scott Dickson , W5WZ
Phone: 318-355-2220
Email: w5wz@arrl.net
Please remember that anyone who wishes to see something published in the
monthly newsletters please email me at k5jmr@arrl.org or contact our
Section PIC or any of the Region PIOs:
Public Information Coordinator(PIC): Joe Holland, KB5VJY
kb5vjy@gmail.com
PIOs by Region:
R1: Joey Falgout, N5TWR n5twr@outlook.com
R2: Elmer Tatum, N5EKF elmer.tatum21@gmail.com
R4: Ed Roy, WA5TNK edroy@edroy.com
R6: Jim Bookter, N5NVP n5nvp@arrl.net
R7: Marcel Livesay, N5VU n5vu@yahoo.com
R8: Joe Holland, KB5VJY kb5vjy@gmail.com
Our next Monthly Book/Prize drawing is March 1st…..If you have not
sent me your call sign please do at k5jmr@arrl.org
I will draw for our ARRL Louisiana Section Affiliated Club(Book), ARRL
Louisiana Section Member(Book) and for a ARRL Louisiana Section Member
for the Electronic item. Good Luck to ALL!
See you in Rayne/73,
--------------------------------------------------------------------
ARRL Louisiana Section
Section Manager: John Mark Robertson, K5JMR
k5jmr@arrl.org
--------------------------------------------------------------------
Louisiana Section Managers Newsletter January 2020
Louisiana Section Managers Newsletter January 2020 I hope this finds each of you happy and healthy as we enter the new year. The Hammond Hamfest is coming soon; January 18th. I hope to see many of you there. We will have two hours for our ARRL/ARES Forums and I will have some nice prizes to give away. Silent Keys: (as listed in the February 2020 QST) Randall B. Prewitt, K4LJA New Hams: Welcome to the hobby! Report for 2020-01-03 Henry D Flanagan, KI5HQT Tobi Provenzano, KI5HQW Geoffrey M Single, KI5HQX Todd J Rudloff, KI5HNX Shane J Stokes, KI5HQZ Nicholas B Dykes, KI5HQR Salvatore Esola, KI5HQS Christopher Biernat, KI5HQP Federico M Lertora, KI5HQU Elizabeth E Wotawa, KI5HRA Luke A Cressionie, KI5HQQ Eric G Benoit, KI5HQO Matthew M Lewis, KI5HQV Charles R Smith, KI5HQY Heather B Heaney, KI5HOF James A Johnson, KI5HQC Upgraded License: Congratulations! Matthew C Wiggins, KI5HLC New/Renewed ARRL Members: Welcome/Welcome back! Elise G Karcher, N5LIT Kenneth A Bell, WB5UYN Esdy S Agoro Trygve E Reid, KI5HFU James Boyd, KI5HLN Mary L Matamoros, KF5AXR Steve P Webre, AF5VR Randal J Castille, N5MLJ Willis E Shobe, W6LKT Kaleb Morgan, KG5AAF Paul J Mccrory, KF5MHG John C Marston, KG5VWN Jeffrey G Welsh, KF5ENP Robert E Hobbs, N5ULA Cheryl Ellis, KA5VOP Robert M Ellis, KA5NGO Emily Laprarie, KI5GJB Dustin W Howell, W5CFI Randall F Ford, KF5EZR Connor Wiedemeier, KF5MTQ James Johnson, KI5HQC ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- From the ARRL Computer Bulletin Board System Co-Inventor Randy Suess, ex-WB9GPM, SK 12/31/2019 The co-inventor of the Computer Bulletin Board System, Randy Suess, ex-WB9GPM, died on December 10. He was 74. According to his obituary in The New York Times, Suess and IBM engineer Ward Christensen collaborated on the system in 1978, during the dial-up era, a year before Compuserve began offering online consumer service. The computer bulletin board was a forerunner of today’s proliferation of social media outlets. Suess and Christensen were members of the Chicago Area Computer Hobbyists’ Exchange (CACHE), and the system was initially developed so that club members could more easily communicate with one another. By the time the Chicago BBS was retired in the 1980s, it had been accessed more than 500,000 times. — Thanks to Wes Plouff, AC8JF New England Radio Amateur Hosts Video on Tower Safety 12/31/2019 Jim Idelson, K1IR, of Sudbury, Massachusetts, recently provided a club meeting program on ham radio tower safety for the Billerica Amateur Radio Society (BARS). Kayla Creamer, W2IRY, recorded and edited the presentation and made it available online. It runs approximately 1 hour and 10 minutes. In his presentation, Idelson said an estimated 38,000 amateur radio towers are standing in the US, with 24 hours of climbing time per tower each year. He noted that two tower-climbing fatalities have occurred in the past year, with a calculated fatality rate that’s twice that of commercial tower workers. In more than half of amateur tower incidents, the climber fell while tied into the tower, while another 37% involved falls. Idelson advised radio amateurs to plan, identify, and mitigate risks in advance of a climb, to focus and be patient, and not to get distracted. “Risks of tower work are far too high,†Idelson told his audience. “Success depends on creating a culture that values safety.†http://www.arrl.org/news/new-england-radio-amateur-hosts-video-on-tower-safety Yahoo Groups Shutdown has Ham Radio Interest Groups Seeking to Save Content 12/31/2019 Yahoo Groups, which has hosted a considerable number of ham radio interest groups over the years, is shutting down. All previously posted content on the site became unavailable in mid-December, but Yahoo is processing requests to download content until January 31, 2020. Yahoo also has provided group administrators (“adminsâ€) a way to export data ahead of that deadline. Groups will continue to live on in some limited fashion, but all groups will become private, and nearly all of the functionality that made them popular in the first place will disappear. Around since 2001, Yahoo Groups, now owned by Verizon, has provided online repositories of communications and information on a wide variety of specialized subjects and activities, including Amateur Radio. Yahoo Groups for nearly every radio have been established, where owners could exchange information and ask questions. Other groups on the Yahoo platform offered a watering hole for those interested in a particular ham radio activity as well as for those who want to buy and sell gear and components. Some clubs and ham radio logging software users have taken advantage of Yahoo Groups. New platforms such as Groups.io, Facebook, and Google are looking to assume the role that Yahoo Groups is stepping away from. Groups.io charges fees to migrate content onto its platform, however, and Facebook and Google lack the ability to import content at all. With Groups.io as the most likely successor platform, many admins have assumed the migration expense and relocated group content so it would not be lost. Not all groups have been as fortunate, however, putting them into the position of starting from scratch and losing years of conversations, files, polls, and data. Web application developer Andy Majot, K5QO, of Sellersburg, Indiana, took the initiative to download archives of Yahoo Groups devoted to individual ham radio gear and uploaded them to his personal website. “I hope to have them hosted in perpetuity for future hams to use,†Majot told ARRL. “It should be noted that I backed up groups regardless of whether they are living on in other platforms; I wanted to snapshot the groups as they were on Yahoo prior to their deletion.†Majot noted that several of the groups he has archived have already migrated their content to Groups.io, but many more have not. Majot said an organization called Archive Team is helping to save as many Yahoo Groups as possible and has been backing these up since the closure announcement in October, but, Majot said, progress has nearly halted since Yahoo cut off access to many group features in mid-December. Majot invited those seeking to relocate Yahoo Groups archives to contact him. “I would be happy to host these files, alongside my other archives,†he said. — Thanks to Andy Majot, K5QO Texas Scout Leaders Promote Amateur Radio as a Communication Resource 12/31/2019 In 2017, Category 4 Hurricane Harvey left the region of Texas where Assistant Scoutmaster Scott deMasi, KC5NKW, lived under water. With roads flooded, bridges washed away, and cellular service and power out, deMasi said it soon became clear that his Scout troop’s emergency preparedness plan wasn’t designed for a storm of this magnitude. It was frustrating, deMasi says, to discover he couldn’t reliably reach all of Troop 839’s 100 Scouts and their families to check if they were okay or to organize relief efforts as a unit. Something had to be done. After the waters receded, deMasi and Assistant Scoutmaster David Godell came up with a plan that would not leave the troop incommunicado after a major weather disaster. With 15 years’ experience as a radio amateur, deMasi suggested encouraging Scouts and parents trained to become ham radio licensees. “It’s a lifesaving skill, and it helps us to be prepared,†Godell said. (“Be Prepared†is the Boy Scouts motto.) An initial interest meeting was set, and Scouts were given links to study materials and offered transportation to examination sites, but participation was low. So, deMasi and Godell worked with a local radio club, the Texas Emergency Amateur Communicators, to organize a 1-day Technician licensing class that also would fulfill most requirements for Scouting’s Radio merit badge. In addition, the two Assistant Scoutmasters bought inexpensive handheld radios that they programmed to frequencies the troop would use, so after the class, the Scouts would receive the equipment needed to continue using their new skills. Armed with their radios, more than two dozen licensed Scouts and adults began utilizing their newly earned communication capability at Scouting events. During campouts, they radioed information to patrols across the camp. On these occasions, the troop practices a “no cell phone†policy; ham radio provided the means to stay in touch with others. At service projects, they communicated directions to Scouts spread throughout a wide area. Having radios and opportunities to regularly use them gave the Scouts confidence to get on the air. Seeing licensed Scouts with their handheld radios also encouraged other Scouts to get licensed as well. “Once the Scouts got radios, others wanted radios,†Godell said. Some Troop 839 members participated in the annual Jamboree on the Air (JOTA), talking with other Scouts in several other states and in Central America. “You could see eyes light up,†deMasi recalled. — Adapted from a Scouting Magazine blog post by Michael Freeman MIT Radio Society W1MX Announces January Lecture Series on “Everything Radio†01/02/2020 The Massachusetts Institute of Technology Radio Society (W1MX) and the Department of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science are hosting a lecture series in January that may answer some of your questions about such topics as radar techniques, interferometry, imaging, and radio astronomy, to antenna design and modern chip-scale RF devices. No prior experience with radio is necessary, and all are welcome. All lectures will take place in the Green Building — MIT’s tallest academic building. Sessions will be live streamed and archived for later viewing. The lectures kick off on January 10 with “The Next Generation of Weather Radar.†Other topics include “Lightning Interferometry†(January 13); “Radio Noises from the Sky†(January 15); “EDGES: Measuring the Early Universe†(January 22); “Antennas†(January 24), and “Chip-Scale THz Circuits and Sensors†(January 29). Lectures begin at 5 PM ET and conclude at 7 PM. The club’s Daniel Sheen, KC1EPN, noted that the rooftop W1XM facilities in the Green Building are scheduled for removal as part of a renovation project. A capital campaign is under way to establish a new facility with improved capabilities for academic research and recreational activity. W1AW to be on the Air for Winter Field Day 01/02/2020 Members of the Warren County (New York) Amateur Radio Club (W2WCR) will activate Maxim Memorial Station W1AW for Winter Field Day 2020 over the January 25 – 26 weekend. Winter Field Day is sponsored by the Winter Field Day Association (WFDA), which believes that emergency communication is important throughout the year. Winter Field Day is open to radio amateurs worldwide. The WFDA’s goal is to help enhance operating skills and to prepare participants for all environmental conditions. Winter Field Day runs for 24 hours. Station set-up may start no earlier than 1900 UTC on the day before the event and may not take any longer than 12 hours in total. Expect activity on all amateur bands except 12, 17, 30, and 60 meters. All modes that can handle the required exchange are welcome; this does not include FT8. Entry categories include indoor, outdoor, and home. Full details are on the Winter Field Day website. https://www.winterfieldday.com/ New 60 MHz Beacon Now on the Air from Ireland 01/03/2020 The first — and so far only — beacon on 60 MHz went on the air on December 16. The call sign is EI1KNH. In early 2018, the 60 MHz (5-meter) band was allocated to radio amateurs in Ireland on a secondary, non-interference basis. The beacon is on 60.013 MHz and runs 25 W into a vertical folded dipole. The new 5-meter beacon is sharing a site already occupied by EI0SIX on 6 meters, and EI4RF on 4 meters, about 12 miles south of Dublin in IO63VE. An 8-meter beacon is scheduled to be on the air in the next few months. It will operate on 40.013 MHz. Australian Bushfires Causing Major Telecommunication Outages, Hams Asked to Remain Alert 01/03/2020 Wireless Institute of Australia (WIA) President Greg Kelly, VK2GPK, says the bushfires in Australia have caused or are expected to cause significant disruption of telecommunication services in the states of Victoria and New South Wales. “The scope and range of these impacts is unknown at this stage but are predicted to cover all internet and phone (fixed and mobile) and other commercial radio services,†he said. Kelly has asked radio amateurs in International Amateur Radio Union (IARU) Region 3 to monitor the emergency communications frequencies, per the IARU Region 3 band plan, whenever possible, as well as repeaters. “Amateurs seeking to establish emergency communication should use these EMCOMM frequencies in the first instance, or repeaters if available,†he said in a statement posted on the IARU Region 3 website. “Radio amateurs who are volunteers for [emergency communication organizations] should keep themselves updated. Emergency communication is one of the main reasons radio amateurs have access to RF spectrum. Please assist if and when you can.†The IARU Region 3 emergency “center of activity†frequencies are 3.600, 7.110, 14.300, 18.160, and 21.360 MHz. These are not net frequencies, but they are recommended as starting points for emergency traffic, and activity may extend 5 kHz above or below the designated center frequency. San Joaquin Valley Section Manager Dan Pruitt, AE6SX, SK 01/03/2020 ARRL San Joaquin Valley Section Manager Dan Pruitt, AE6SX, of Fresno, California, died on December 27. He was 68. At the time of his death, Pruitt had been hospitalized as a result of a fall. First licensed in 1965, Pruitt had served as SJV SM since 2009 and earlier this year began a new 2-year term. A successor will be appointed. Pruitt had previously served as Fresno County Emergency Coordinator, and his focus has been on improving emergency communication in his region, working with the Radio Amateur Civil Emergency Service (RACES), the National Traffic System, the Military Auxiliary Radio System (MARS), the American Red Cross, the Community Emergency Response Team (CERT), and the System for Administration, Training, and Educational Resources for NASA (SATERN). He had also served as SJV Public Information Officer. South Orkney Islands DXpedition will Use VP8PJ 01/03/2020 The Perseverance DX Group’s DXpedition to South Orkney, set for February 20 until March 5, will use the call sign VP8PJ. The group initially announced that it would use VP8/VP8DXU. “Alan Armstrong, VK6CQ, a recent addition to the team, holds the call sign VP8PJ that was issued to him for operation from the British Antarctic Territory,†the DXpedition has announced. “After submission of a copy of Alan’s license, ARRL has issued us a new LoTW certificate for the use of this call from South Orkney for the duration of our expedition.†Contact the DXpedition via email. http://www.arrl.org/news/south-orkney-islands-dxpedition-will-use-vp8pj YOTA Month Reported a Success in the Americas 01/15/2020 For several years now, Youngsters on the Air (YOTA) has sponsored YOTA Month each December, primarily involving young radio amateurs in Europe and Africa. In December, youth-operated amateur radio stations in the Americas picked up the ball to contribute more than 12,000 contacts to the worldwide event. Eighteen operators aged 25 or younger deployed special event 1 × 1 call signs — K8Y, K8O, K8T, and K8A — to promote youth in amateur radio. Fifteen young operators across the US took turns using these call signs throughout December. They logged 10,474 contacts using those call signs on SSB, CW, digital modes, and satellites. Some operators also aired the call signs during contests. Participants in the Americas offered opinions on what made the event special for them. “Operating-wise, it was definitely the pileups…I love a good pileup,†said Mason Matrazzo, KM4SII. “Apart from that, it was great getting to be part of a group of youngsters that are all into the hobby. Even though we weren’t physically working together, we all got to be part of the YOTA program over the air.†Audrey McElroy, KM4BUN, also cited the on-air camaraderie. “My favorite part of YOTA month was getting the wonderful experience of talking to other youth all over the world and sharing our experiences,†she said. “It gives us hope to know the future of Amateur Radio is in the hands of these great kids.†Her brother Jack, KM4ZIA, also took part. In Canada, David Samu, VE7DZO, signed VE7YOTA in December, making 458 contacts on CW. “My favorite part was seeing all the YOTA stations on the air throughout December and seeing all the high energy youth activity,†he said. Mathias Acevedo, CE2LR, activated XR2YOTA, and met another young operator from Chile, Manu Pardo, CA3MPR, through YOTA month. Between them, they put 1,535 contacts into the log on CW, SSB, and digital modes. Bryant Rascoll, KG5HVO, coordinated the efforts of the 17 participants and the logs for the US stations. “I learned much during the month about the importance of teamwork and communication...just like baseball,†Bryant said about his role as coordinator. “I think YOTA month was a great success considering the short amount of time we had to plan this all out. I had a lot of fun operating this event, but it was even more rewarding to see other youth here in the Americas make tons of QSOs during December.†Bryant managed Logbook of The World accounts for the US stations and QRZ.com pages for all call signs, maintained an operator schedule, worked with YOTA Month Award Manager Tomi Varro, HA8RT, and reported in to the YOTA Camp Committee in the Americas. Globally, nearly 129,000 contacts were logged using 48 call signs, all operated by hams under the age of 25 or younger. More than 2,500 operators of all ages requested and received awards based on the number of YOTA contacts they had made. Statistics are available. The first Youth On The Air camp in the US will take place next June 21 – 26 at the National Voice of America Museum of Broadcasting in West Chester Township, Ohio. For more information about YOTA in the Americas, contact YOTA Month in the Americas Coordinator Bryant Rascoll, KG5HVO, or YOTA in the Americas Camp Director Neil Rapp, WB9VPG. Puerto Rico Earthquake Relief Effort Continues, with Help from Ham Radio 01/15/2020 In Puerto Rico, Amateur Radio Emergency Service (ARES) volunteers continue to operate from the American Red Cross distribution center in Yauco — one of the towns hit the hardest by the recent earthquakes and ongoing aftershocks on the island. The Red Cross requested assistance last week to identify undeclared refugee camps and to report on close or damaged roadways and bridges. ARES District 5 Emergency Coordinator Herb Perez, WP4ZZ, who is among those volunteering for the Red Cross at Yauco, reported on January 14 that he, Melvin Velazquez, WP4RAP, and Yolanda Garcia, WP4QZF, are on duty there. “Today, we were able to occupy our space with no major incident other than the usual shaking of the entire structure. More than 10 per hour,†Perez said. “One of our members Jared Martinez, KP4LCO, was able to search near his hometown of Lajas and was able to locate more than 10 unidentified campsites around the area.†Perez said such reports enable the Red Cross to provide necessary assistance to those left homeless as a result of the earthquakes. Perez said volunteers were able to collect food for isolated communities in the mountain region from a church-run food pantry in Sabana Grande. He said local members of the GMRS and Citizens Band radio communities have been pitching in. Operations from Yauco have been on VHF and UHF, although commercial telecommunication services remain in operation for the most part. Another station has been established at the Red Cross Headquarters in the capital of San Juan, which is not in the earthquake zone. Puerto Rico Section Manager Oscar Resto, KP4RF, said the stations are operating as a backbone, in the event of new or stronger earthquakes. HF equipment has been safely stowed if communications fail, Resto said. Most of Puerto Rico now has power and water. ARRL is shipping six VHF/UHF base/repeater antennas and six 50-foot rolls of LMR-400 coax, through the Ham Aid Fund. Resto said a new Red Cross warehouse will be place in Mayagüez, where he will install a third station for backbone communication. “That is the reason for the new antennas,†he said. “We already have the radios. In case we need to escalate to HF, we are ready with ARRL go-kits from Hurricane Maria.†The ARES team in Yauco has also been handling health-and-welfare traffic from the earthquake zone. Operations are running from 9 AM until 5 PM each day. A magnitude 6.4 earthquake struck the southwestern part of Puerto Rico on January 7, fast on the heels of a magnitude 5.8 tremor the day before. The worst-impacted cities were Guayanilla, Peñuelas, Yauco, and Guánica, where most homes are no longer habitable. AM Rally 2020 Gets Under Way on February 1 01/15/2020 The fourth annual AM Rally operating event will take place February 1 – 3 (UTC). The annual AM Rally encourages all operators to explore amateur radio's original voice mode by showcasing the various types of AM equipment in use today, ranging from early vacuum-tube rigs to the newest SDR-based transceivers. “Both new and experienced ops are discovering that AM can sound quite good, enhancing the enjoyment of contacts,†said Clark Burgard, N1BCG, an enthusiastic promoter of the event. “The AM Rally provides a great reason to give it a try.†The AM Rally is open to all radio amateurs capable of running full-carrier, amplitude modulation (standard AM) using any type of radio equipment — modern, vintage, tube, solid-state, software-defined, military, boat anchor, broadcast, homebrew, or commercially manufactured — are encouraged to join in the AM fun on 160, 80, 40, 20, 15, 10, and 6 meters. Details are on the AM Rally website or contact Burgard via email. The AM Rally is sponsored by ARRL, Radio Engineering Associates, and iNetRadio. From around the Louisiana Section: Region 4: From: Volume 60, Number 01 ACADIANA AMATEUR RADIO ASSOC., INC. - a 501(c)3 Corporation January 2020 A New Start For 2020 On December 12th, 2019, the members of the Acadiana Amateur Radio Association got together for our Christmas Dinner at the Golden Coral. It was a time to celebrate and mingle while enjoying each others company. And this year was extra special for us all. Herman Campbell KN5GRK had an accident earlier this year and was hospitalized for several weeks. Luckily, Ramona Jobe KG5HNO spent her time and love helping him to recover. After the several years they have been friends, those two decided to surprise everybody. Herman and Ramona decided to make their friendship more permanent. Congratulations to these two!! Since this dinner was not to talk about the club, time was spent talking and discussing ideas and seeking advice for our hobby in some cases. And merely ragjawing in others! Friendship and camaraderie were the key points. 2019 MARS COMEX Involves ARES, RACES, Others During October and corresponding with the ARRL Simulated Emergency Test (SET), Military Auxiliary Radio System (MARS) reached out to the amateur radio community to continue building working relationships and improving interoperability. As part of this effort, MARS promoted the use of a serial phase-shift keying protocol, Military Standard 188-110 (M110) on the 60-meter interoperability channels. Radio amateurs are authorized to use this digital mode there. Starting on November 2 and continuing until November 17, the MARS community executed Department of Defense (DOD) Communications Exercise (COMEX) 19-4. MARS members use the exercise to continue training and refining their operator skills to provide situational awareness such as county status reports and weather observations. The exercise culminated on November 16 with military stations sending M110 messages to the amateur community on 60-meter channel 1 (5330.5 kHz USB). [When the results have been compiled and reported out, we will publish them here. - ed.] MARS rep Ralph Brigham, AAR4IG, said "In future DOD Communications Exercises, I suspect that more participation between MARS and the Amateur Radio Service will be encouraged." He said "a good analogy of what MARS does for DOD is as SKYWARN is the eyes and ears for the NWS at the local ground level, MARS acts as a relay of state and local reports from ARES, RACES, and other served agencies up the Department of Defense communications network." - Thanks, Ralph Brigham, AAR4IG Merry Christmas and Happy New Year! Thanks for all that you do. 73 Glen KF5FNP Oldest Known US Ham Receives ARRL Centurion Award The oldest known US radio amateur, Cliff Kayhart, W4KKP, received his ARRL Centurion Award plaque in November. The award recognizes hams who have achieved centenarian status. Kayhart, who lives in White Rock, South Carolina, is 108. The ARRL Board of Directors conferred the award on Kayhart at its July 2019 meeting. At the November meeting of the Dutch Fork Amateur Radio Group in Little Mountain, South Carolina, ARRL Roanoke Division Director Bud Hippisley, W2RU, headed an ARRL delegation that presented the Centurion Award plaque to Kayhart, who was first licensed as W2LFE in 1937 (he's also held W9GNQ). With Hippisley for the presentation were Roanoke Division Vice Director Bill Morine, N2COP, and South Carolina Section Manager Marc Tarplee, N4UFP. Kayhart served in Iwo Jima during World War II, shortly after the US victory there, setting up long-range radio communication from the island to Tokyo to arrange for the eventual surrender by Japan. Kayhart remains active, checking into several nets from his assisted living facility. Centurion Award recipients have their annual ARRL membership fees waived while continuing to receive QST and other ARRL member benefits. Kayhart was profiled in the June 2018 issue of QST. Emergency Communications VS Radio Prepping By Joseph “Moe†Meaux In a natural emergency such as a major wildfire breakout or a hurricane, Emergency Communications (EmComm) will go up to try to provide assistance for the people in the area. All EmComm situations will have several Federal, State, and Country departments and Organizations involved to provide whatever aid is needed. Although the EmComm situation may last for days or weeks, it will eventually end. The people and equipment will go back home eventually. Its not that the situation has changed, its just that the situation has changed from an emergency. Yes, the situation is still bad, but help has come and the situation will get better. Participants will rotate out and may return. The equipment EmComm uses is usually personal GO Kits and generators. EmComm needs radios with lots of power and current to get the signals out of the area to get help. A QRP radio and a battery pack won’t cut the mustard. You need QRO Power and Currents to be effective. EmComm is very limited in scope. Usually it is to help provide immediate services, but it will end once those services are in place. Operators know that they will be able to go home soon, even if it is several weeks that they are deployed. Radio Prepping is different. The operator is preparing for the Worst Case Scenario; whether is Nuclear War, World War 3, or a Meteor Strike. Preppers are looking out for themselves, their immediate family, and maybe some friends. The Prepper is not trying to get tons of help. The Prepper is trying to evaluate the situation and see if they can get to help. The Prepper has no support infrastructure. They are on their own. The situation may last for months or years. Such an operator must consider what he or she may need. This involves the mode of transportation. If a vehicle is available, they must consider how long will the vehicle last as transportation before it breaks down or runs out of fuel. You can put more in a vehicle, but if you have to abandon it, what you have you will need to carry. That mobile radio in your vehicle may be useless if you can’t provide it power. Those lead acid batteries do get a bit heavy after a short time of carrying them. That big radio also gets too heavy. If you are using solar panels to recharge your batteries (especially those rigid framed ones), they will be useless if you can’t carry them. The Prepper will usually use QRP radios and smaller batter packs. (You will notice I used the plural. In a bugout emergency, two is better than one.) Don’t forget you have to carry it. You don’t need lots of power to transmit or receive. You would probably spend most of your time simply listening, trying to figure what is happening and where you can go for help. Using voice, CW, or digital modes, you can learn a lot. And attempt to get there. Even with QRP, you can find out about areas that are safe and learn of areas that are not safe. The Prepper knows the situation may never get better. Just tolerable. For more information about Prepping, I like Julian OH8STN on Youtube. Also, I found a website that talks about lots of this stuff at radiopreppers.com AARA Monday Night 2 Meter Net Net Controllers will rotate each week and held on the 146.820 W5DDL Repeater only. The 146/820 and 443.00 Repeaters located on the Chase Towers downtown Lafayette are down indefinitely due to roof repairs. The AARA Monday Night Net and the Silent Key Memorial Net is being held on the 147.040 repeater in Duson, LA until repairs are completed. The 145.410 in Lydia is back up, PL of 123.0. The January 2020 schedule can be downloaded and printed in Adobe Acrobat .PDF from the club website. REGION 4 SKYWARN NET Each Tuesday night at 7:00 PM (local), the Region 4 Skywarn Net will take place on the 145.370 Skywarn Repeater in Lafayette, LA. Net Control Operators will alternate each week. In case the 145.370 repeater fails, the net will ne held on the 146.820 W5DDL repeater PL Tone 103.5. The January 2020 schedule can be found at this link: Net Schedules When using the Skywarn 145.370 repeater, be sure to use the receiver PL tone for your area as follows: NW Quadrant 114.8 - NE Quadrant 127.3 – SW Quadrant 141.3 – SE Quadrant 94.8 – Central 103.5 See our website for additional information: http://www.w5ddl.org/repeaters.htm Stuffed Pork Loin This is my own recipe that I came up with. I had purchased a 5- lb pork loin and about 4 links of boudin at Earl’s on Verot School Road near Pinhook. On the way home, I thought about stuffing the pork loin with boudin. Here goes. Unwrap and pork loin and trim off any excess fat. Lay out on cutting board, and with a sharp butcher knife, begin to trim lengthwise and unroll the loin, cutting about 3/8- to 1/2-inch thick. Keep unrolling and cutting until the loin lays flat. Remove boudin from the casing and press flat onto loin. Season all over with Tony’s and garlic powder. Begin to reroll the loin with the boudin in the center as tightly as possible. Once completely rolled, tie with string in several points so it does not unroll. Place in roaster or in flat baking dish. Season outside with Tony’s and garlic powder. Cover with aluminum foil or cover, and bake at 350 degrees for about one hour-15 minutes. Remove from oven and allow to settle about 20 minutes before cutting into slices. AROUND THE SECTION: Region 9: The SELARC "Hamster" ________________________________________ *Serving Amateur Radio Since 1974* Published Monthly by the Southeast Louisiana Amateur Radio Club Inc. P.O. Box 1324, Hammond LA 70404 Visit our website: www.selarc.org SELARC 2020 Hamfest As a reminder, The SELARC Hamfest on January 18, 2020, and the club is still in need of many more ticket sales. Please contact Ernie Bush to obtain more tickets to sell or email us to request. The 4 main prizes for tickets also listed on the SELARC Hamfest page - main prize winners do not need to be present at the drawing and if a non-ham wins can receive the cash value equivalent shown in place of item, prizes include: o 1st Prize: Yaesu FT-450D or $500 o 2nd Prize: Yaesu FTM-400XDR or $350 o 3rd Prize: AA-230 Zoom Antennae Analyzer or $200 o 4th Prize: Yaesu FT-70DR or $100 Hammond VE Group - ARRL/W5YI tests are scheduled for the last Sunday of each month [with the exception of holiday conflicts] in Room "B" of the North Oaks Medical System Diagnostic Center at 2pm with $15 testing fee. Bring photo ID and any appropriate CSCE. For more information contact n5xes@arrl.net or Find an Amateur Radio License Exam in Your Area. Happy Birthday Birthday Wishes for January go out to - Thomas N5HAY, Keith KF5VLX, Larry WD5HLE, and Pete WB5ERM. If we missed your birthday, then please let us know. Get Well Soon — Best wishes for continued recuperation go to SELARC members Tom Simpson N5HAY and Homer Jones KA5TRT. We look forward to hearing you on the air! Tyke's TidBits: Well, here we are, a new year ahead of us and the 39th Annual, SELARC Hammond Hamfest in our sights! We still need to get out and sell advance tickets and get the word out on as many local nets as possible, to get a great turn-out for this event. Also, we still need people to sign-up for the Hamfest duties and work schedule if you haven't already. We really need member participation to make this event a success!!! Table reservations are slowly coming in. Ham World will be our main radio and goodies vendor, so if you are in need of a particular item from them, give them a call and make arrangements for them to bring it down when they come. It is a great way to save on shipping cost!!! Other vendors at this time will be TN07 Engineering, Sign-Man of Baton Rouge , Macs Computers, and Navi-Com USA! Hoping to see you at the meeting and the Hamfest! 73 Tyrone - N5XES President – SELARC HAMFEST/CONVENTION 01/18/2020 Start Date: 01/18/2020 End Date: 01/18/2020 Location: Pennington Student Activity Center 1350 North General Pershing Drive Hammond, LA 70401 Website: http://www.selarc.org Sponsor: Southeast Louisiana Amateur Radio Club, Inc. Type: ARRL Hamfest Talk-In: 147.000 / -600khz (PL 107.2) Public Contact: Tyrone Burns , N5XES P.O. Box 1324 Hammond, LA 70404 Phone: 985-687-2139 Email: n5xes@arrl.net PENNINGTON STUDENT ACTIVITY CENTER 1350 North General Pershing Street ON CAMPUS OF SOUTHEASTERN LA UNIVERSITY AT INTERSECTION OF UNIVERSITY AVENUE & NORTH GENERAL PERSHING STREET (Take Exit 32 from I-55, Go East 1.5 Miles on University Avenue to North General Pershing Street) DELTA DIVISION Main Prize Drawing at 1:30pm Winner Need Not Be Present for the 4 Main Prizes! For More Info Contact: Tyrone Burns N5XES Hourly Prize Drawings VE Test Session 8:00am: Testing Begins - Test Fee $15 cash, photo ID, copy of license or CSCE Testing Begins Promptly at 8:00am TYRONE BURNS VE Liaison, n5xes@arrl.net Forums: 10:00am ARRL Forum 11:00am ARES Forum 12:00noon LCARC Meeting Dealers & Vendors Click to Download Application Ham World Inc. Sign-Man of Baton Rouge TNØ7 Engineering Navcom USA Swap Tables Table Manager Tyrone Burns n5xes@arrl.net Prize Donations ARRL DX Engineering EasyWayHamBooks.com *** Main Prize Drawings *** Grand Prize Yaesu FT-450D or $500 Second Prize Yaesu FTM-400XDR or $350 Third Prize AA-230 Zoom Antennae Analyzer or $200 Fourth Prize Yaesu FT-70DR or $100 Winner Need Not Be Present for the 4 Main Prizes! Hamfests coming up: 60th Annual Acadiana Hamfest 2020, ARRL Louisiana State Convention HAMFEST/CONVENTION 03/13/2020 Start Date: 03/13/2020 End Date: 03/14/2020 Location: Rayne Civic Center 210 Frog Festival Drive Rayne, LA 70578 Website: http://www.w5ddl.org/hamfest.htm Sponsor: Acadiana Amateur Radio Association and The City of Rayne, LA Type: ARRL Convention Talk-In: 146.820 MHz -0.600 (PL 103.5) W5DDL Public Contact: Brandon Stelly , KG5LQM 105 St. Claude Place Apt D Youngsville, LA 70592 Phone: 337-205-2112 Email: hamfest@w5ddl.org AARA Hamfest Information 2020 HAMFEST March 13 - 14, 2020 Rayne Civic Center, Rayne LA Each year the AARA hosts it's annual Hamfest to support club activities as well as the purchase and maintenance of club equipment. The upcoming 2020 Hamfest will be held March 13 - 14, 2020 at the Rayne Civic Center in Rayne, LA. The event will be open to the public from 3:00 PM until 8:00 PM on Friday. It will reopen to the public from 8:00 AM until 3:00 PM on Saturday. Plenty of good food will be available on site. Boiled crawfish will be served at 6:00 PM on Friday but pre-registration is required. Pre-registration forms are available at Pre-Registration Form. Additional information regarding vendors, prizes, forums, etc will be posted on this website once that information becomes available. Capital City Hamfest, ARRL 2020 Mississippi State Convention HAMFEST/CONVENTION 01/24/2020 Start Date: 01/24/2020 End Date: 01/25/2020 Location: Mississippi Trade Market, Mississippi State Fairgrounds 1207 Mississippi Street Jackson, MS 39201 Website: http://mshamfest.org Sponsor: Jackson Amateur Radio Club Type: ARRL Convention Talk-In: 146.76, No tone Public Contact: Gary Young , K5GCY 5354 Brookhollow Drive Jackson, MS 39212 Phone: 601-260-8214 Email: k5gcy@att.net Cowtown Hamfest, ARRL North Texas Section Convention HAMFEST/CONVENTION 01/17/2020 Start Date: 01/17/2020 End Date: 01/18/2020 Location: Forest Hill Civic And Convention Center 6901 Wichita Street Forest Hill, TX Website: http://www.cowtownhamfest.com Sponsor: Cowtown Amateur Radio Club and other local clubs Type: ARRL Convention Talk-In: 146.940 ( PL 110.9) Public Contact: David Forbes , KC5UYR 2721 Marigold Avenue Fort Worth, TX 76111 Phone: 817-925-5126 Email: kc5uyr@compuserve.com Orange Hamfest 2020 HAMFEST/CONVENTION 02/21/2020 Start Date: 02/21/2020 End Date: 02/22/2020 Location: Orange County Convention & Expo Center 11475 FM 1442 Orange, TX 77630 Website: https://www.qsl.net/w5nd/index_files/HAMFEST%20INFO/hamfest%20info.htm Sponsor: Orange ARC, Jefferson Co. ARC, Beaumont ARC Type: ARRL Hamfest Talk-In: 147.180 (PL 103.5) Public Contact: Rocky Wilson , N5MTX 3736 3rd Avenue Orange, TX 77630 Phone: 409-988-8906 Email: rockygwilson@hotmail.com Irving Amateur Radio Hamfest HAMFEST/CONVENTION 03/07/2020 Start Date: 03/07/2020 End Date: 03/07/2020 Location: Betcha Bingo Hall 2420 W Irving Blvd Irving, TX 75014 Website: http://irvingarc.org/ Sponsor: Irving amateur Radio Club, Inc. Type: ARRL Hamfest Talk-In: 146.720, (PL 110.9) Public Contact: Ken Hansen , N2VIP P.O. Box 153333 Irving, TX 75061 Phone: 609-510-3068 Email: hamfest@irvingarc.org Hanging Judge Hamfest HAMFEST/CONVENTION 04/04/2020 Start Date: 04/04/2020 End Date: 04/04/2020 Location: Sebastian County Storm Shelter Ben Garen Park 7700 So. Zero St. Fort Smith, AR 72901 Website: http://www.hangingjudgehamfest.com/ Sponsor: Fort Smith Area Amateur Radio Club Type: ARRL Hamfest Talk-In: 146.640 W5ANR Repeater (PL 88.5) Public Contact: Rory Bowers , K5CKS 4722 N. Main Street Fort Smith, AR 72904 Phone: 479-926-5402 Email: k6cks01@gmail.com With the Hammond Hamfest starting in 2 days I wanted to get this newsletter out before then. I will have much more information in February; so please be looking for that. If you or your club has anything they wish for us to pass along in the Section Managers Newsletter please feel free to get that to one of our PIO’s, our PIC or me. 73, -------------------------------------------------------------------- ARRL Louisiana Section Section Manager: John Mark Robertson, K5JMR k5jmr@arrl.org
Louisiana Section Managers Newsletter December 2019
ARRL LOUISIANA SECTION MANAGERS NEWSLETTER DECEMBER 2019
I hope that everyone had a good Christmas! 2020 is just around the
corner. The Minden Hamfest was very successful and was well attended.
Delta Director David Norris, K5UZ gave us a great ARRL update in the
ARRL forum. Hammond Hamfest is January 18th….Hope to see many of you
there.
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***Collegiate Bowl on the Air
The four collegiate radio clubs for Louisiana State University (K5LSU),
Ohio State University (W8LT), Clemson University (WD4EOG), and
University of Oklahoma (W5TC) will be on the air on December 28th prior
to the start of the Collegiate Bowl Semifinal games. All amateur
stations are welcome to contact the stations. We would love to hear
from alumni of any collegiate club and from other school clubs. Any
amateur station contacting all 4 club stations can receive a
certificate.
Time: 1500Z to maybe 2200Z on Dec 28th.
Bands: All except 60m. Club stations will work in the General Class
sections of the HF bands.
Modes: Phone, CW, Digital, as we feel like it.
Exchange: RST Name QTH.
QSL: For each of the four clubs, contact them directly for a QSL card.
The certificates will be handled by the Amateur Radio Society at LSU
(K5LSU).
Dana Browne, AD5VC
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NEW HAMS (as reported to the ARRL)
Report for 2019-12-03
Jesse L Coats, KI5HEC
Royce J Griffin, KI5HDD
Toby M Battaglia, KI5HDE
Jonathan S Eubanks, KI5HDF
Curtis E Montgomery, KI5HAY
Kevin P Jenkins, KI5HAZ
Ronnie P Voorhies, KI5HBA
Jared A Headrick, KI5HIS
Valerie K Taylor, KI5HFE
Nicholas J Perry, KI5HFF
Jason M Doucet, KI5HFD
Zachary L Carraway, KI5HFC
Steven A Rasberry, KI5HBV
Robert L Mccormick, KI5HBW
Michael P Krzystowczyk, KI5HIP
Nicholas R Mueller, KI5HIQ
Andrew R Schoonmaker, KI5HIR
Travis L Freese, KI5HIT
Taner M Crooks, KI5HCH
Collin Crooks, KI5HCF
Jonathan A Hawley, KI5HIU
Wyatt J Weeks, KI5HCG
Amy D Weeks, KI5HCI
Ethan J Weeks, KI5HIV
Callum Mitchel, KI5HCE
Christopher A Wright, KI5HDW
Aaron J Kerr, KI5HHA
License Upgrades (as reported to the ARRL)
Report for 2019-12-03
Paula R Hidalgo, KI5CDJ
Isabella M Dugas, KI5CKA
Lester J Zaunbrecher, KI5GIZ
New/Renewed ARRL Members (as reported to the ARRL)
Report for 2019-12-03
David R Wyatt, KI5FSQ
Joel P Graffagnino, AA5PZ
Travis B Perrilloux, KF5LIC
Leo Simanonok
Jonathan S Eubanks, KI5HDF
Richard D Suntken, KF5EQM
Peter M Dakin, KA5APE
Arthur L Clardy, AB5CV
Richard S Hendrix, K5KRG
Sandra Leblanc, KE5KJF
Albert S Fabacher, KF5WP
Allen D Redling, KG5DHX
Henry Schwenke, KE5WUB
Jimmy E Walters, N5JEW
Christopher A Wright, KI5HDW
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FROM THE ARRL:
YOTA Month Expanding into the Americas
12/02/2019
December is Youth on the Air (YOTA) Month, when stations operated by
young radio amateurs around the world will get on the air to celebrate
youth in amateur radio. YOTA Month began a few years ago in
International Amateur Radio Union (IARU) Region 1, and the concept has
now taken root in the Americas as YOTA Month in the Americas.
During YOTA Month, radio amateurs aged 25 and younger will be on the air
as special event stations during December on various bands and modes. In
the US, look for K8Y, K8O, K8T, and K8A. Elsewhere in the Americas,
VE7YOTA will be on the air from Canada. XR2YOTA in Chile has been added
to the list of youth stations in the Americas for YOTA Month. Young hams
in other countries may also join in. Listen for other YOTA Month
stations with “YOTA†suffixes.
For more information about YOTA in the Americas, contact YOTA Month in
the Americas Coordinator Bryant Rascoll, KG5HVO, or YOTA in the Americas
Camp Director Neil Rapp, WB9VPG.
Participants earn certificates by working the various YOTA-suffix
stations on the air throughout December. Not a contest, the event is
aimed at getting as many youngsters on air from as many countries as
possible. The event takes place from 0000 UTC on December 1 until 2359
UTC on December 31.
Other special call signs planning to be on the air include 5B19YOTA,
7X2YOTA, 7X3YOTA, 9A19YOTA, DH0YOTA, E71YOTA, EF4YOTA, EG2YOTA, EI0YOTA,
EM5YOTA, EM6YOTA, ET3YOTA, GB19YOTA, HA6YOTA, HB9YOTA, HG0YOTA, II4YOTA,
II8YOTA, LY5YOTA, OH2YOTA, OL19YOTA, ON4YOTA, PA6YOTA, PD6YOTA, SH9YOTA,
TC19YOTA, TC3YOTA, TM19YOTA, YO0YOTA, YT19YOTA, ZL6YOTA and ZS9YOTA.
Most stations will put their logs on LoTW with paper cards available
through Club Log OQRS. QSL direct via M0SDV.— Thanks to YOTA and YOTA
in the Americas
Boy Scouts Report Increased JOTA 2019 Station Participation
12/03/2019
The Boy Scouts of America report that, although overall JOTA 2019
participation was down slightly from 2018, “our calculations show that
each station averaged an additional 13 people in attendance over 2019.
This shows an aggregate increase of 24% attendance per station, even
with our reported stations being down from 266 in 2018 to 201 in 2019."
The Scouts reported that 13,783 individuals took part in JOTA 2019, down
from 14,708 in 2018.
US State Department Seeks Foreign Service Information Management
Technical Specialists – Radio
12/03/2019
The US Department of State is currently accepting applications for
Foreign Service Information Management Technical Specialists – Radio
(IMTS-R) positions. Foreign Service IMTS-Rs design, install, and
maintain radio and telecommunications systems. They provide radio
support for presidential, congressional, and other VIP visits. These
radio specialists work from a regional location, overseas or
domestically. Extensive travel is required to support radio
telecommunications systems, such as land mobile radio (LMR), HF, VHF,
and UHF radio networks at State Department missions around the world.
Potential applicants should read the vacancy announcement to ensure that
they meet all of the requirements before applying.
To begin the online application process, visit USAJOBS. The deadline to
submit completed applications is December 31, 2019. Applicants must be
US citizens, at least 20 years old to apply, and at least 21 years old
to be appointed. Applicants must also be available for worldwide service
and be able to obtain all required security, medical, and suitability
clearances.
Oldest Known US Ham Receives ARRL Centurion Award
12/04/2019
The oldest known US radio amateur, Cliff Kayhart, W4KKP, received his
ARRL Centurion Award plaque in November. The award recognizes hams who
have achieved centenarian status. Kayhart, who lives in White Rock,
South Carolina, is 108. The ARRL Board of Directors conferred the award
on Kayhart at its July 2019 meeting.
At the November meeting of the Dutch Fork Amateur Radio Group in Little
Mountain, South Carolina, ARRL Roanoke Division Director Bud Hippisley,
W2RU, headed an ARRL delegation that presented the Centurion Award
plaque to Kayhart, who was first licensed as W2LFE in 1937 (he’s also
held W9GNQ). With Hippisley were Roanoke Division Vice Director Bill
Morine, N2COP, and South Carolina Section Manager Marc Tarplee, N4UFP.
Kayhart served on Iwo Jima during World War II, shortly after the US
victory there, setting up long-range radio communication from the island
to Tokyo to arrange for the eventual surrender by Japan.
Kayhart remains active, checking into several nets from his assisted
living facility. Centurion Award recipients have their annual ARRL
membership fees waived while continuing to receive QST and other ARRL
member benefits. Kayhart was profiled in the June 2018 issue of QST.
Dayton Hamvention Admission, Fees to Increase in 2020
12/05/2019
Dayton Hamvention® is increasing the cost of admission and its booth
fees. Hamvention General Chair Jack Gerbs, WB8SCT, announced this week
that general admission would rise by $4 per ticket to $26 in advance or
$31 at the gate for all 3 days. The cost of flea market spots will go up
by $5 per space, and inside exhibitors will pay $30 more.
“Hamvention has always strived to produce a very high-quality event
for amateur radio enthusiasts from around the globe,†Gerbs said.
“We have always felt it is imperative that we give back to amateur
radio at many levels. We have been very generous in our support over the
years.†Gerbs cited “the economic pressures to present a show like
Hamvention†as the reason for the price increases.
“The Hamvention Executive Team is asking for your support and
understanding as we move forward together,†he said.
Next Kids Day is Saturday, January 4
12/10/2019
The first Saturday in January is Kids Day — the time to get youngsters
on the air to share in the joy and fun that Amateur Radio can provide.
Kids Day gets under way on Saturday, January 4, at 1800 UTC and
concludes at 2359 UTC.
Sponsored by the Boring (Oregon) Amateur Radio Club, this event has a
simple exchange, suitable for younger operators: First name, age,
location, and favorite color. After that, the contact can be as long or
as short as each participant prefers. Kids Day is the perfect
opportunity to open your shack door and invite kids over to see what
Amateur Radio has to offer.
Details are on the ARRL website.
ARRL Reshapes its Podcast Offerings for 2020
12/16/2019
In conjunction with the launch of its new On the Air magazine, which is
aimed at those just beginning their journey in amateur radio, ARRL is
reconfiguring its podcast lineup.
Heading up the new schedule will be a free companion podcast to the
bimonthly On the Air magazine. The “On the Air†podcast will take a
deeper look into select features and projects from the magazine. Each
month, host and On the Air Editorial Director Becky Schoenfeld, W1BXY,
will offer additional resources, techniques, and hints to help
less-experienced radio amateurs to get the most from the magazine’s
content.
In addition to the podcast, ARRL will introduce a free “On the Airâ€
blog featuring curated content from the communicators and makers who are
the driving force of amateur radio today. Curated by ARRL Product
Development manager Bob Inderbitzen, NQ1R, the blog will highlight
opportunities and activities available to new licensees. The “On the
Air†blog is intended as an entry point into the world of amateur
radio for those seeking original voices and perspectives. Readers will
be invited to take part in the conversation by sharing their stories and
experiences.
ARRL’s current “So Now What?†podcast will cease production
in
January 2020, as the full complement of On the Air content is rolled
out. The catalog of “So Now What?†episodes is available for
listening or downloading.
In addition, “The Doctor is In†podcast, which has served
more-experienced amateurs since 2016, will conclude its 4-year run on
December 19, 2019. “Eclectic Tech,†a new bi-weekly podcast designed
to appeal to experienced amateurs, will launch in February 2020.
Hosted by QST Editor Steve Ford, WB8IMY, “Eclectic Tech†will
highlight technical topics involving amateur and non-amateur technology,
offer brief interviews with individuals involved in projects of interest
to amateurs, and include practical information of immediate benefit to
today’s hams.
“The Doctor is In†co-host Joel Hallas, W1ZR, is selecting some of
his favorite podcast episodes for re-broadcast in the interim between
the end of production for “The Doctor is In†and the debut of
“Eclectic Tech.†The complete “The Doctor is In†archive
is
available on the ARRL website. Hallas will continue to answer questions
about amateur radio in QST’s “The Doctor is In†column.
The “ARRL Audio News†podcast will continue to provide a weekly
summary of news and activities within the amateur radio community.
FCC Formally Adopts Proposals to Remove Amateur 3-GHz Band, Invites
Comments
12/17/2019
At its December 12 meeting, the FCC formally adopted a Notice of
Proposed Rulemaking (NPRM) in WT Docket 19-348 and invited comments on
its plan to remove “existing non-federal secondary radiolocation and
amateur allocations†in the 3.3 – 3.55 GHz band and relocate
incumbent non-federal operations. The FCC said it’s seeking comment on
appropriate “transition mechanisms†to make that happen. ARRL has
indicated that it will file comments in opposition to the proposal. The
amateur 9-centimeter allocation is 3.3 – 3.5 GHz. The NPRM comes in
response to the MOBILE NOW [Making Opportunities for Broadband
Investment and Limiting Excessive and Needless Obstacles to Wireless]
Act, approved by the 115th Congress to make available new spectrum for
mobile and fixed wireless broadband use.
“By proposing to delete the existing non-federal secondary allocations
from the 3.3 – 3.55 GHz band, we are taking an important initial step
towards satisfying Congress’s directives and making as much as 250
megahertz of spectrum potentially available for advanced wireless
services, including 5G,†the FCC said in the Introduction to its
NPRM.
Currently, the entire 3.1 – 3.55 GHz band is allocated for both
federal and non-federal radiolocation services, with non-federal users
operating on a secondary basis to federal radiolocation services, which
have a primary allocation, the NPRM explains.
The FCC said it is seeking comment on relocating non-federal licensees
to another band. With respect to amateur operations, the FCC invited
comments on whether sufficient amateur spectrum exists in other bands
that can support the operations currently conducted at 3.3 – 3.5 GHz.
The 3.40 – 3.41 GHz segment is earmarked for amateur satellite
communication. “We seek comment on the extent to which the band is
used for this purpose, whether existing satellites can operate on other
amateur satellite bands, and on an appropriate timeframe for terminating
these operations in this band,†the FCC said. If non-federal licensees
are relocated to 3.1 – 3.3 GHz band, the FCC proposes that they
continue to operate on a secondary basis to federal operations,
consistent with current band allocations.
Some comments began to arrive before the FCC formally adopted the NPRM,
as it points out in a footnote. Kevin Milner, KD0MA, the
secretary/treasurer of the Ski Country Amateur Radio Club in Colorado,
has argued that the club’s equipment cannot be re-channeled below 3.4
GHz, and the club is seeking relocation costs. Devin Ulibarri, W7ND,
told the FCC that amateur networks in the current band cannot move
easily into other amateur allocations because there is no readily
available commercial equipment to support the bandwidth, the FCC
recounted.
In the event the proposed amendments are adopted, the FCC “seeks
comment on relocation options and on transition and protection
mechanisms for incumbent non-federal operations.â€
Also at its December 12 meeting, the FCC considered another NPRM in WT
Docket 19-138 that would “take a fresh and comprehensive look†at
the rules for the 5.9 GHz band and propose, among other things, to make
the lower 45 MHz of the band available for unlicensed operations and to
permit “cellular vehicle-to-everything†(C-V2X) operations in the
upper 20 MHz of the band. The FCC is not proposing to delete or
otherwise amend the amateur allocation, which would continue as a
secondary allocation.
The Amateur Radio Emergency Data Network (AREDN) has offered its voice
in challenging the FCC proposals on the two bands, saying their adoption
would “eliminate our use of the most-effective resource hams have to
build its networks.â€
“The AREDN Project is able to leverage low-cost commercial devices
solely because they are designed to operate on adjacent allocations,â€
AREDN said on its website. “Moving to other allocations would be
difficult if not impossible without a complete redesign, manufacture,
purchase, and installation of new custom amateur hardware and
software…, raising the price out of reach for the typical ham.â€
Interested parties may file short comments on WT Docket 19-348 via the
FCC’s Electronic Comment Filing Service (Express). Visit the FCC
“How to Comment on FCC Proceedings†page for information on filing
extended comments.
New Section Manager Will Take Over in North Carolina on April 1
12/27/2019
Marvin Hoffman, WA4NC, of Boone, North Carolina, will take the reins as
of the North Carolina ARRL Field Organization this spring. Hoffman was
the sole nominee to succeed incumbent Section Manager Karl Bowman,
W4CHX, of Raleigh, who decided not to run for a new term after serving
since 2014. Because no challengers came forward by the nomination
deadline, no contested SM elections will take place during the winter
election cycle.
These incumbent Section Managers will begin new terms in 2020: John
Fritze, K2QY, Eastern New York; George Miller, W3GWM, Eastern
Pennsylvania; John Mark Robertson, K5JMR, Louisiana; Joe Speroni, AH0A,
Pacific; Dave Kaltenborn, N8KBC, San Diego; Chris Stallkamp, KI0D, South
Dakota; and Joe Palsa, K3WRY, Virginia. New 2-year terms of office begin
on April 1.
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AROUND THE SECTION:
Region 2: Please see the “Ascension Airwaves†at
K5ARC.org….always jammed pack full of info…….
Region 4:
Volume 59, Number 12 ACADIANA AMATEUR RADIO ASSOC., INC. - December
2019
Thank you to the Acadiana Amateur Radio Association from the Tour du
Teche – 2019 From Gustave (Tave) Lamperez Tour du Teche Race Director
dated 11/08/2019 Larry and Sandy Leblanc, The Tour du Teche held its
10th event this year, 2019. As the new Race Director of this wonderful
event, I want to thank the Acadiana Amateur Radio Association for your
many years of service to our event. I have run many races over my 40
plus years of participating in canoe and kayak races. I have seen when a
race does not have the expertise in communication to make sure that all
racers are located and safe, your team makes difference. Thank you for
your help and experience we really depend on your team to keep our
racers and volunteers safe. Your support at our checkpoints is
indispensable, your help ensures the high quality event we host every
year. Please share our appreciation with all of your members. Gustave
(Tave) Lamperez Tour du Teche Race Director
VE Test Session 7 November 2019 73, de Greg ~ K5LFT It was another great
night. We had 4 come in without a ticket & 4 go out with a Tech license.
One came in a Tech & out a General , hence a great night. Those earning
a Tech were : Valerie K. Taylor ~ KI5HFE~ of Kaplan along with her son
Nicholas J. Perry ~KI5HFF~ also of Kaplan. Two others were: Jason M.
Doucet ~KI5HFD~ of New Iberia & Zachary L. Carroway ~KI5HFC~ of Ville
Platte. The gentleman upgrading to General was Lester J. Zaunbrecher
~KI5GIZ~ of Arnauldville. The VEs involved were: Greg ~ K5LFT, Michael ~
KI5ARX & Tom ~ W5OHJ. Great big TNX to the VEs & Congratulations to the
new hams & the Upgrader!!!!!
Silent Key - Larry Leblanc KE5KJD Larry LeBlanc KE5KJD became a Silent
Key on November 13, 2019 after suffering a major stroke. His service to
the Tour du Teche canoe races, to ham radio in general, and to the AARA
club will be greatly missed. He started out in radio in 1970 as a Novice
with call WN5GHC, operating on mainly CW with a homemade multiband
vertical in Richardson, Texas. He had been operating in his hometown of
Breaux Bridge, Louisiana as KE5KJD on various bands. Larry loved to try
experimentation to help his own radio operation. His beloved wife Sandy
KE5KJF also operated radio with him and helped tremendously with the
Tour du Teche races.
Technical Presentation Battery Technology by Mike Cavell KI5ARX Mike
Cavell KI5ARX gave an excellent presentation on battery technology. He
provided a very good layman’s level explanation of many considerations
individuals should address when selecting battery systems. The many
considerations discussed include, but were not limited to, the
following: Watt hours per volume Watt hours per weight Cost per watt
hour Useable watt hours (battery life) Memory effects Charge / discharge
cycles Voltage considerations Charging considerations Battery management
systems Solar charging systems Failure mode considerations DC / DC
converters Form factors Handling safety An audio recording of his
presentation and the slides he used during the presentation have been
uploaded to the club website at www.w5ddl.org. They are listed on the
“ARTICLES OF INTEREST†page. Audio recording of presentation: Audio
recording mp3 Slideshow presentation: Slideshow presentation
UPCOMING EVENTS
Winter Field Day January 25 At Steve Webre’s in Church Point
AARA Hamfest March 13-14, 2020 Rayne, LA
For any additional information, check the W5DDL.org website AARA
Christmas Party December 12, 2019
Chocolate Peanut Butter Pie 1 Chocolate pie crust 1 Cup peanut butter 1
8-oz package cream cheese – softened 1 1/4 Cup powdered sugar 1 8-oz
package whipped topping – thawed Beat peanut butter and cream cheese
until smooth. Add powered sugar and beat until smooth. Add in thawed
whipped topping and beat until smooth, scrapping sides as needed.. Pour
filling into crust, even out the top with spatula or knife. Chill at
least one hour before serving. This has become one of our favorites in
my family. Ultra-rich. You may only want to offer small slivers – your
guests will thank you. NOTE: Although you can use the “LITE†version
of the whipped topping, avoid the “No-fat†versions. The flavor is
not the same.
Region 6:
From: The Brass Key January 2020 A Publication of the Central Louisiana
Amateur Radio Club
January 2020 Our esteemed and talented Editor will strive to get this
issue out before Christmas, so assuming that will be the case, Merry
Christmas, and Happy New Year! For all of you who have alleged that you
will come from the dark side and begin to operate in the preferred mode,
CW, your opportunity to get your feet wet is upon us. ARRL Straight Key
Night (SKN) runs from 00:00 UTC until 23:59 UTC on 01/01/20. So, knock
the rust and dust off your key and get ready. I will use my World War II
vintage J-38, which is my favorite straight key, anyway. SKN is not a
contest, but you can submit a log to ARRL if you want to. There is no
formal format or official exchange for SKN QSOs. It is designed to
provide some relaxing time on the air. Details are on the ARRL website.
Following SKN is the Straight Key Century Club (SKCC) K3Y event. It
resembles the Original 13 Colonies and Route 66 events. There will be
K3Y stations in each of the ten U.S. call areas as well as KH6, KL7, and
KP4, and they will identify as K3Y/# where # signifies the call area in
which that station is located. There will be a few DX stations
designated as well. This event runs during the month of January. The
idea is to work as many of the K3Y stations as possible. QSL card and
certificates for various levels of “sweeps†will be available.
Details on the SKCC website. A big thanks to the intrepid members of the
Repeater Committee for bring our primary VHF repeater and the UHF
repeater back to life in mid-December. Don’t forget about Winter Field
Day. The on-air operation commences at 1:00 PM local time on Saturday,
01/25/20. Setup will be Friday afternoon. We plan to have a gumbo social
early Saturday evening. We have a great operating venue. More detailed
information elsewhere in this issue of the Brass Key. What do you want
out of Central Louisiana Amateur Radio Club? 73 and good DX! John, N5CM
A SKYWARN Net was activated during the tornado/severe weather outbreak
Monday, December 16th. At around 12:00 noon, weather conditions
warranted the activation of the net on CLARC's 147.330 repeater by Net
Control Scott, KD5DFL. The National Weather Service reports the EF 3
tornado traveled 63 miles, from Deridder to Alexandria/Pineville. The
tornado touched down just west of Alexandria, causing considerable
damage to the Coliseum Boulevard area of Alexandria, before traveling
East to Pineville, causing considerable damage to the Edgewood Drive and
Donahue Ferry area. The net deactivated around 3 pm as the severity of
the weather decreased. Eleven hams either checked into the net or
reported on events (hail, trees down, homes damaged, etc.) in their
area. Participants in the net were: Dennis/W5LD, Greg/N5GSR,
Steve/KE5IAK, John/N5CM, Bobby/KB5DOG, Don/KI5AJV, Stacy/KG5KGU,
Jack/W5ETL, Terry/AB5JH, and Jim/AB5JM, Scott/KD5DFL, Net Control Many
thanks to Scott, KD5DFL, for serving as net control during this
emergency, and to all hams who participated. These volunteers helped to
keep our community safe by providing timely and accurate reports of
severe weather to the National Weather Service.
Winter Field Day (WFD) will be held on Saturday, January 25, 2020 at
19:00 UTC (1:00 PM local time) through Sunday, January 26, 2020 at 19:00
UTC (1:00 PM local time). The Central Louisiana Amateur Radio Club
(CLARC) will operate Winter Field Day and have our Winter Social at the
Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries Woodworth Outdoor
Education Center at 661 Robinson Bridge Road in Woodworth. Robinson
Bridge Road is also known as Louisiana Highway 3265. If you’re coming
from Alexandria on U.S. 165, turn left at the one and only traffic light
in the Greater Woodworth Metroplex. If you’re coming in on I-49, take
the Woodworth Exit (73). Don’t speed in Woodworth. The Winter Gumbo
Social will commence at 6:00 PM on Saturday. The club plans to provide a
gumbo. We will need people to bring potato salad or other side dishes
and some desserts. You do not have to operate on air to participate in
the social. Please e-mail Lisa KW5LC if you plan to attend the social,
how many people, and if you will be bringing something. We must know how
many to plan for. KW5LC@outlook.com We will commence set-up operations
on Friday afternoon, January 24, 2020 and continue on Saturday morning.
Specific times to be announced. We will need help to set up on Friday
the 24th and take-down on Sunday the 26th. Another announcement with
specific times will be sent out closer to the event. **PLEASE remember
to let Lisa, KW5LC, know in advance if you plan on attending the gumbo
social and what you would like to contribute as a side dish:
kw5lc@outlook.com.
Region 9:
From: The SELARC "Hamster"
________________________________________
*Serving Amateur Radio Since 1974*
Published Monthly by the Southeast Louisiana Amateur Radio Club Inc.
P.O. Box 1324, Hammond LA 70404
Visit our website: www.selarc.org
Vol. 46, No. 12 ......................... December 2019
SELARC 2020 Hamfest
As a reminder, The SELARC Hamfest on January 18, 2020, in Hammond is
just a month away, and the club is still in need of many more ticket
sales. Please contact Ernie Bush to obtain more tickets to sell or email
us to request.
The 4 main prizes for tickets also listed on the SELARC Hamfest page -
main prize winners do not need to be present at the drawing and if a
non-ham wins can receive the cash value equivalent shown in place of
item, prizes include:
o 1st Prize: Yaesu FT-450D or $500
o 2nd Prize: Yaesu FTM-400XDR or $350
o 3rd Prize: AA-230 Zoom Antennae Analyzer or $200
o 4th Prize: Yaesu FT-70DR or $100
Please email us if you have questions about the event or for any more
information needed to sell tickets.
Special Events, Other Hamfests & VE Sessions
MARA Christmas Hamfest - Minden, LA - Dec 21, 2019
SELARC - 39th Annual Hammond Hamfest
Hammond VE Group - ARRL/W5YI tests are scheduled for the last Sunday of
each month [with the exception of holiday conflicts] in Room "B" of the
North Oaks Medical System Diagnostic Center at 2pm with $15 testing fee.
Bring photo ID and any appropriate CSCE. For more information contact
n5xes@arrl.net or Find an Amateur Radio License Exam in Your Area.
AMSAT 50th Anniversary Awards Program for contacts 3/3/19 to 12/31/19
Happy Birthday
Birthday Wishes for November go out to - Elizabeth KM6MWZ, Larry KJ6SET,
and Carol KE5GOC.
If we missed your birthday, then please let us know.
Get Well Soon —
Best wishes for continued recuperation go to SELARC members Tom Simpson
N5HAY and Homer Jones KA5TRT. We look forward to hearing you on the
air!
VE Session Results
Congratulations to the following new Amateur Radio Operators and
upgrades!!
Technician
Sebastian Schoegl - Baton Rouge, La.
Leo Schoegl - Baton Rouge, La.
Donald Hendrix - Gretna, La.
Extra
Timothy Lynch / KG5QDO - Hammond, La.
Again, many thanks to all VEs' who make the effort to make these
sessions a success!
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Louisiana Traffic Managers Report: November 2019
Sessions QNI QTC QTR
17. 414 37 442
73,
Jimmy Lewis/AB5YS Louisiana Section Traffic Manager
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
ARES Monthly Section Emergency Coordinators Report
1. ARRL: Section Louisiana
2. Month: November
3. Year: 2019
4. Total number of ARES members: 424
5. Number of DECs/ECs reporting this month: 9
6. Number of ARES nets active: 49
7. Number of nets with NTS liaison: 3
8. Calls of DECs/EC reporting: W4NDF KD5MLD KD5BNH KE5BMS AG5LR KD5DFL
W5GAS KD5IGZ KE5GMN
9a. Number of exercises & training sessions this month: 31
9b. Person hours: 334
10a. Number of public service events this month: 1 10b. Person
hours: 24
11a. Number of emergency operations this month: 0
11b. Person hours: 0
12a. Number of SKYWARN operations this month: 2
12b. Person hours: 10
13a. Auto Sum 9a, 10a, 11a, 12a: 34
13b. Auto Sum 9b,
10b, 11b, 12b: 368
Jim Coleman, AI5B
Louisiana Section Emergency Coordinator
ARES
December ARRL LA Section Book Giveaway winners are:
ARRL Affiliated Club is Shreveport Amateur Radio Assn.(SARA).
ARRL Member is Herman Campbell KN5GRK.
Congratulations to our winners! Next drawing January 1, 2020.
New Louisiana Section Public Information Officer(PIO) appointments:
Region 1 Joey Falgout N5TWR
Region 2 Elmer Tatum N5EKF
Region 7 Marcel Livesay N5VU
Please congratulate and welcome these 3 fellows as you see them.
While the PIO positions are located under ARES on the website (
laarrl.org ) this is a Section appointment and while ARES is important;
so are things going on around the Section with people, clubs, events,
Skywarn, bike races, any and all things you consider newsworthy and want
to see put out for everyone to see.....If you have no one assigned to
your Region or area please feel free to contact any other PIO or our PIC
Joe Holland, KB5VJY. We have had more interest in the PIO positions so
look for future announcements on that.
Congratulations to John Beck, KB5LE on your Special Service Award for
your assistance with HAM operations at NWS Shreveport! John has been Mr.
Reliable for gathering radio reports for our Skywarn program over the
last year. #skywarn19 #SRD2019
Thanks to all of our spotters and radio operators for coming out for
Skywarn Recognition Day! We appreciate what you do! #skywarn19 #SRD2019
Congratulations to Joey Falgout, N5TWR for getting the most "likes" in
our first "Caption the Meme" contest....Joey received a box of ARRL
goodies for his winning caption....!!! Please be looking out for the
next contest on the ARRL Louisiana Section Facebook page.
Upcoming Hamfests:
39th Annual Hammond Hamfest
01/18/2020
Location: Pennington Student Activity Center
1350 North General Pershing Drive
Hammond, LA 70401
Website: http://www.selarc.org
Sponsor: Southeast Louisiana Amateur Radio Club, Inc.
Talk-In: 147.000 / -600khz (PL 107.2)
Public Contact: Tyrone Burns , N5XES Phone: 985-687-2139 Email:
n5xes@arrl.net
With no opposition; I was re-elected to another 2 year term as Section
Manager beginning April 1, 2020. I am truly honored to be your Section
Manager and look forward to the next two years. I thank you for all the
support since April 2018.
73,
--------------------------------------------------------------------
ARRL Louisiana Section
Section Manager: John Mark Robertson, K5JMR
k5jmr@arrl.org
--------------------------------------------------------------------
Louisiana Section Managers Newsletter November 2019
Subject: Louisiana Section Managers Newsletter November 2019
HAPPY THANKSGIVING TO ALL!
SILENT KEYS:
William McMullan, KE5L
Joan Haro, WA5WGA
NEW HAMS: As reported to the ARRL
Report for 2019-11-05
Addison J Bute, KI5GTI
Kade P Fontenot, KI5GZP
Clarence E Ferguson, KI5GSN
Ryan J Baiad, KI5GZO
Robert Gray, KI5GYO
Alicia R Roberts, KI5GZN
Jonathan C Sagona, KI5GYR
Asa W Judd, KI5GYQ
Steven W Chisam, KI5GYN
Elliot E Allen, KI5GYM
Michael E Schaumburg, KI5GYS
Joseph A Wambach, KI5GRA
LICENSE UPGRADES: As reported to the ARRL
Report for 2019-11-05
Michael O Jackson, KI5GGP
Grantham P Frederick, KI5GBD
Maurice A Hawley, KG5VRR
Neal A Jaber, KG5LWP
New/Renewed ARRL Members: As reported to the ARRL
Report for 2019-11-05
William E Burke, W5XNO
Frank P Boimare, KI5FUH
Thomas J Wimprine, KB5LBV
Larry D Wilson, KC5OOX
Robert Struppeck, AF6UK
Jacob A Coreil, KG5UEK
William A Hoover, AG5LR
Robert G Bishop, N5JMB
Jimmy L Miller, N0MSW
Randy LeJeune
David M Armstrong, WB5VDG
David L Armstrong, AA5HY
Jerry W Dukes, KI5GLY
Glynn A Davis, KD5SII
Stephen L Cook, KB0TWL
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FROM THE ARRL:
Hiram Percy Maxim Birthday Celebration Results and Certificates Now
Available
10/30/2019
Results and certificates from the Hiram Percy Maxim (HPM) Birthday
Celebration August 31 – September 8 are now available. The 9-day
operating event commemorated the 150th anniversary of the birth of ARRL
cofounder and first president Hiram Percy Maxim, W1AW. Amateurs from 57
ARRL/RAC sections and four countries submitted more than 25,000 contacts
over the course of the event. Results of the event and downloadable
certificates are on the ARRL Contests Page.
A special HPM 150 QSL card is available for stations that worked
W1AW/150 during the event. To receive a card, send your QSL with an SASE
to W1AW, 225 Main St., Newington, CT 06111.
W1AW to Commemorate 98th Anniversary of First Amateur Radio Signals to
Span the Atlantic
11/06/2019
December 11 marks the 98th anniversary of the success of ARRL’s
Transatlantic Tests in 1921, organized to see if low-power amateur radio
stations could be heard across the Atlantic using shortwave frequencies
(i.e., above 200 meters). On that day, a message transmitted by a group
of Radio Club of America members at 1BCG in Greenwich, Connecticut, was
copied by Paul Godley, 2ZE, in Scotland.
While the first two-way contact would not take place until 1923, the
1921 transatlantic success marked the beginning of what would become
routine communication between US radio amateurs and those in other parts
of the world — literally the birth of DX.
To commemorate this amateur radio milestone, Maxim Memorial Station W1AW
will be on the air through the day on December 11 with volunteer
operators. The goal is to encourage contacts between radio amateurs in
the US and Europe while showcasing the significance of the transmissions
that pioneered global communication and laid the groundwork for
technology widely used today. The event will run from 1300 until 0000
UTC. Some details are still being worked out, but operation will focus
on 40 and 20 meters (SSB).
Contact Clark Burgard, N1BCG, for more information.
Dayton Hamvention® Invites 2020 Award Nominations
11/14/2019
Dayton Hamvention® is inviting nominations for its 2020 awards.
Nominations are due by February 15, 2020. Awards will be granted for
Amateur of the Year, Club of the Year, Technical Achievement, and
Special Achievement.
The Amateur of the Year Award is given to a radio amateur who has made a
long-term commitment to the advancement of amateur radio. This
individual will have a history of ham radio contributions and
demonstrated dedication to service, professionalism, and the advancement
of the avocation of amateur radio.
The Club of the Year will be honored for clearly demonstrating its
involvement in varied aspects of amateur radio for the greater good of
their community and/or nation.
The Technical Achievement Award recognizes a radio amateur who has
achieved technical excellence in the world of amateur radio. Examples
are inventions, processes, discoveries, experiments, and other technical
accomplishments or achievements that contributed to amateur radio.
The Special Achievement Award recognizes a radio amateur who has made an
outstanding contribution to the advancement of the radio art and/or
science. This award is usually given to a respected amateur who
spearheaded a single significant project.
Nomination forms are specific to the award. At a minimum, each form
should be completed with the information indicated. Provide contact
information for the person making the nomination. Submit forms via email
or via USPS to Hamvention, Attention: Awards Committee, Box 964, Dayton,
Ohio 45401-0964.
The Awards Committee will make its selections and announce the
recipients along with details on their accomplishments. An honors
convocation and award presentation will be held on the Saturday evening
of Hamvention. Award presentations will also take place at Hamvention on
Sunday afternoon, prior to the prize award activity.
For more information, contact the Dayton Hamvention Awards Committee.
Youth on the Air Camp Coming to the Americas
11/14/2019
The Electronic Applications Radio Service has announced that the first
Youth On The Air (YOTA) camp in the United States will be taking place
next June. Sponsors hope the camp will become an annual event.
The inaugural summer camp will take place June 21 – 26 at the National
Voice of America Museum of Broadcasting in West Chester Township, Ohio.
The West Chester Amateur Radio Association (WC8VOA) will host the event.
Operating the camp will be Electronic Applications Radio Service, Inc.
(EARS), a 501(c)(3) charitable organization dedicated to wireless
technologies and activities.
According to the announcement, the camp will focus on building peer and
mentor relationships and taking amateur radio “to the next level.â€
Campers will attend workshops and activities in multiple STEM-related
subjects, such as radio contesting, electronic kit building, D-Star,
APRS, satellite communication, antenna building, and radio direction
finding and orienteering. A high-altitude balloon launch is also being
planned. Campers will learn and exercise on-the-air skills at special
event station W8Y.
Contributors include Icom America, Heil Sound Ltd., X-Tronic, and R&L
Electronics. Major financial supporters so far include the ARRL
Foundation, the Yasme Foundation, the World Wide Radio Operators
Foundation, Orlando HamCation and Orlando Amateur Radio Club, the
Northern California DX Foundation, Dayton Hamvention and the Dayton
Amateur Radio Association, the Huntsville Hamfest, Southwest Ohio DX
Association, Radio Amateurs of Canada, and Gary West, K8DEV, and Dee Dee
West, KA8DXE.
For more information, email Camp Director Neil Rapp, WB9VPG, or call
(812) 327-0749.
More than 1 Million Contacts Logged during ARRL Field Day 2019
11/14/2019
ARRL Contest Program Manager Paul Bourque, N1SFE, reports that nearly
1.1 million contacts were made during the 2019 ARRL Field Day — the
most popular operating event in North America. Bourque reported the 2019
ARRL Field Day results, which are available starting on page 64 of the
digital edition of the December 2019 issue of QST. Bourque says in his
article that more than 36,000 radio amateurs took part in ARRL Field Day
2019 across all 83 ARRL/Radio Amateurs of Canada sections, up slightly
from the 35,250 reported last year. The total number of contacts was
down by about 7% from 2018’s 1.18 million contacts.
“This year, 3,113 entries were received from local clubs and emergency
operations centers (EOCs), as well as individual portable, mobile, and
home stations,†Bourque wrote in QST. Most entries were in Class A
—
club or non-club groups of three or more.
Of the nearly 1.1 million contacts, approximately 46% were made on
phone, and 456,000 (42%) of contacts were made on CW. The remaining
138,000+ (12%) of the contacts were made on digital modes, such as FT8
and RTTY.
“This is a substantial increase compared to 2018, when total QSOs on
the digital modes numbered just over 56,000,†Bourque reported.
“With the last 2018 release of WSJT-X (which now supports Field Day
exchanges), many participants made use of FT8’s ability to communicate
when band conditions weren’t being cooperative.â€
Top 10 scores ranged between W3AO’s Class 14A entry from Maryland-DC,
with 32,356 points, to W1NVT’s 14,876-point Class 2A entry from
Vermont.
Bourque said that 95% of the 3,113 entries received came through the
Field Day web applet.
“Not only is ARRL Field Day an opportunity to sharpen operating skills
in temporary and portable locations, it’s also an occasion to showcase
amateur radio to the local community, with clubs often setting up in
publicly accessible locations and interacting with non-hams,†Bourque
wrote.
Soapbox comments for Field Day 2019 are available on the ARRL website.
ARRL Field Day 2020 will take place June 27 – 28.
Nominations Invited for CWops Award for Advancing the Art of CW
11/18/2019
CWops is now accepting nominations for its Award for Advancing the Art
of CW for 2020. The award recognizes individuals, groups, or
organizations that have made the greatest contribution(s) toward
advancing the art or practice of radio communication by Morse code.
Candidates for the award may be authors of publications related to CW;
CW recruiters, trainers, mentors, coaches, and instructors; public
advocates of CW; organizers of CW activities; designers and inventors
who advance the art or practice of CW, and other contributors to the art
or practice of CW. The award is not limited to radio amateurs or their
organizations.
Email nominations with a copy to the CWops secretary. To be considered,
a nomination must be received by March 18, 2020. It should include
name(s) and call sign(s), if applicable, of nominee(s), and complete
contact information. A detailed explanation supporting the nomination
should be included along with the name, telephone number, email address,
and call sign of the person submitting the nomination. An award
presentation will take place at the 2020 Dayton Hamvention®.
Melissa Stemmer Joins ARRL Headquarters as Development Manager
11/18/2019
Connecticut native Melissa Stemmer has joined the ARRL Headquarters
staff as Development Manager. Born and raised in Waterbury, Stemmer
earned a bachelor’s degree in pharmacy from the University of
Connecticut in 1998, and she worked in that field for more than 15
years. After deciding that a career change was in order, Stemmer went
back to school, earning a master’s in organizational leadership in
2015 from Quinnipiac University.
“I am so excited to be on this journey at ARRL, and I am looking
forward to getting to know everyone,†Stemmer said
Before coming to ARRL, she was the development director at Seven Angels
Theatre in Waterbury. In September 2015, Stemmer signed on as
coordinator of the theatre’s annual High School Halo Awards — the
largest high school theatre award program in Connecticut.
During her tenure at Seven Angels Theatre, Stemmer was an active member
of the Waterbury Regional Chamber and the Waterbury Exchange Club. She
served on the executive committee and governing council of the Arts and
Culture Collaborative of the Waterbury Region and was a member of the
Young Professionals Task Force of the Waterbury Region.
ARRL Legislative Advocacy Committee Drafting New Bill Addressing Antenna
Restrictions
11/21/2019
The ARRL Board of Directors Legislative Advocacy Committee is in the
process of drafting a new bill to address the issue of private land-use
restrictions on amateur radio antennas. The proposed legislation would
be the successor to the Amateur Radio Parity Act. The Legislative
Advocacy Committee, chaired by Pacific Division Director Jim Tiemstra,
K6JAT, will report to the Board soon, once plans are fleshed out.
Tiemstra told the ARRL Executive Committee (EC) on October 12 in Aurora,
Colorado, that Advocacy Committee members have traveled to Washington to
meet on multiple occasions with members of Congress and their staffs to
inform them of the committee’s plans.
ARRL Washington Counsel Dave Siddall, K3ZJ, told the EC last month that
he understands the conditional exemption of amateur radio licensees from
the RF exposure measurement requirements in the FCC’s Part 97 Amateur
Service rules is proposed to be removed. A Report and Order in FCC
Docket WT 13-84 is making the rounds that, if adopted, would make
amateur licensees subject to the same requirements as all other FCC
licensees. The Report and Order is expected to be released before
year’s end.
Siddall also reported to the EC that the FCC is poised to address the
60-meter band amateur allocation adopted at World Radiocommunication
Conference 2015 (WRC-15). The National Telecommunications and
Information Administration (NTIA), on behalf of US government primary
users of the band, has insisted that the maximum permitted power for
radio amateurs must not exceed that agreed to at WRC-15 — 15 W
effective isotropic radiated power (EIRP) or 9.1 W ERP — despite the
fact that Canada has authorized its amateur licensees to use 100 W, and
eliminate the current discrete channels, which ARRL’s petition
proposed to retain. NTIA oversees federal government frequency
allocations and users.
Minutes of the October 12 Executive Committee meeting were posted this
week on the ARRL website.
ARRL Self-Guided Emergency Communication Course EC-001-S is Now
Available On Demand
11/21/2019
ARRL’s EC-001-S online “Introduction to Emergency
Communicationâ€
course is now available to students in an on-demand format, allowing
students to register for the course and begin work at any time. This
course is designed to provide basic knowledge and tools for any
emergency communications volunteer.
In response to the great course demand and to expand access to EC-001,
ARRL developed a self-guided version of the course, EC-001-S, which
launched in June. This version of the course is designed for those who
prefer to work independently and who do not need guidance from an online
mentor. EC-001-S was previously offered only during specific sessions
along with the traditional mentored version. The course opened for
general enrollment on November 6.
Visit the ARRL Online Course Registration page for more information and
to register.
FCC Invites Comments on Digital AM Broadcasting Proposal
11/26/2019
The FCC has invited comments on a Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (NPRM),
that would allow AM broadcasters to transmit an all-digital signal using
the HD Radio in-band on-channel (IBOC) mode, known as MA3.1
“We tentatively conclude that a voluntary transition to all-digital
broadcasting has the potential to benefit AM stations and provide
improved AM service to the listening public,†the FCC said. “We seek
comments on proposed operating standards for all-digital stations and
the impact of such operations on existing analog stations and
listeners.â€
The proceeding was initiated by a March 2019 Petition for Rulemaking
(Petition) filed by Bryan Broadcasting Corporation. “This proceeding
continues the Commission’s efforts to improve and update the AM radio
service to provide a better listening experience for consumers and
enhanced service offerings, as part of our continuing effort to
revitalize AM broadcasting,†the FCC said in the introduction to the
NPRM.
Comments are due 60 days after the NPRM appears in The Federal Register.
AROUND THE SECTION:
Region 2:
Check out the latest “Ascension Airwaves†at K5ARC.org.
It’s jammed packed with great stuff!
Region 3:
4th Quarter 2019 Update
The Fourth Quarter of 2019 is shaping up to be a busy time of year.
Not only do we nominate and elect officers for the upcoming year this
quarter, we also vote on Ham of the Year Award and host our annual
Christmas Party.
And, this quarter (October) we also finally installed the much awaited
147.330+ (CTCSS 114.8) at its new location at Chabert Hospital in east
Houma, LA near the Houma Airbase. A DB-224E antenna was installed at
roughly 100 feet HAAT atop a Rohn-25G tower on the roof of the building.
Utilizing new 1/2" Rosenberger heliax and fittings, a previously unused
Yaesu DR-1X System Fusion repeater was installed by our motley crew.
A Job Well Done and Thanks go to all who participated!!
This repeater is operating strictly in the analog mode, giving us
additional coverage for both daily and emergency amateur radio use.
Also in October we received a request from the owners of the tower
hosting our Gray repeater, 147.390+ (CTCSS 114.8), to install our own
electrical service at the site and begin paying our own utility fees
directly with the electric company.
Within 3 weeks, we secured the permit, installed the hardware, and
facilitated the power company hook-up to begin using our own power. Once
again, many Thanks to All who contributed to the cause!!
As always, we enjoy the company of fellow Hams and their family and
loved oved ones, as well as the great food, at our monthly Dinner
Socials in Houma and Thibodaux!!
George Tippett, WB5PKK
President
Thibodaux Amateur Radio Club
aka Bayou Region Amateur Radio Society (501c3)
http://www.w5yl.org/
Region 4:
From: Volume 59, Number 10 ACADIANA AMATEUR RADIO ASSOC., INC. - a
501(c)3 Corporation October 2019
October 4–6, 2019 by Larry KE5KJD and Sandy LeBlanc KE5KJF The Tour du
Teche Canoe Race is a 135 mile race from Port Barre, LA, to Berwick, LA.
The race has introduced paddlers and eco-tourists to the recreational,
cultural, and economic value of the bayou for local residents. The three
day race with stops in St. Martinville, Franklin, and finishing in
Berwick has turned into a paddling marathon as well as a 3 day party for
towns along the route with families along the route cheering for the
paddlers. In the past we have had paddlers from Mexico City, Canada.
Australia, Thailand, Germany, and others. The boats range from solo
paddlers with a single blade paddle, to the Big boats with 3-6 paddlers
with single or double paddles. Two years ago a boat with 4 paddlers won
the 135 mile race in the Big Boat Division in 17:54:04, with an average
of 6.03 mph. Shorter races include: Crawfish – Port Barre to
Poche’s
– 30 miles; Acadian – Port Barre to St. Martinville – 49
miles;
Hot Sauce – St. Martinville to New Iberia – 24 miles; Sugar
– St.
Martinville to Franklin – 59 miles; Black Bear – New Iberia to
Franklin – 35 miles; and the Oil and Gas – Franklin to Berwick
–
27 miles. There will be events up and down the bayou in conjunction with
the race. There was a band and some vendors and a gumbo cook-off in St.
Martinville. The Chitimacha tribe had a lot of festivals and food at
their check point. Franklin had vendors, a homemade boat exhibit
(wonderful), and a voucher for a meal. Berwick had a carnival along with
vendors with food, crafts, and clothing at the finish line. People sit
on their wharf and hand out water and cookies along the way. As we have
in the last eight years, the AARA ham club provides communications
support for the race. The Command Center (Crawfish Hole) is a mobile
trailer that was set up in Port Barre, St. Martinville, Franklin, and
Berwick. Larry LeBlanc KE5KJD and Sandy LeBlanc KE5KJF are coordinators
for the AARA ham club. The club’s task included verifying boat numbers
and times, and the status of individual paddlers and canoes along the
route from Port Barre to Berwick. Along with tracking canoes, the club
uses the event to host HF contacts along the route.
The Tour du Teche qualified as a Special Event with the ARRL and was
listed in the QST. If you would like to participate in the Special
Event, come to any checkpoint, set up your station, and send your log to
Chris Ancelet N5MCY for QSL card verification. See W5DDL,org for
details. Mr. Ray Pellerin along with Larry KE5KJD and Sandy LeBlanc
KE5KJF would like to thank the members of the AARA who have volunteered
to help with communications for Tour du Teche X. We have 17 participants
this year. They are: Glen Thibodeaux KF5FNP, David McCutchen KG5JHR,
Herman Campbell KN5GRK, Tom Dischler W5OHJ, Paula Romero KF5CNS, Nick
Pugh K5QXJ, JoAnn Pugh KE5RPI, Danny Daigle KD5JSM, Kathy Daigle KD5TJZ,
Galen Wilson KF5BET, Abbi Wilson KF5BEW, Kendra Wilson KF5FYS, Brandon
Stelly KG5LQM, Ric Wallace KF5KEL, and Jackie Wallace KF5PCH. If you
would like to volunteer, contact Sandy LeBlan KE5KJD (337) 254-1061.
Again Larry and I would like to thank everyone for volunteering. See you
on the Bayou. Sad to say, this will be our last year to coordinate the
communications for the Tour du Teche race. If anyone would like to
assume the job let me know. We will help with the transition. Sandy and
Larry LeBlanc Communications Coordinators Tour de Teche 135 Race
BEEF MEAT BALLS AND GRAVY 1-1/2 Pounds 85/15 Ground Beef 1 Pkg, Onion
Soup Mix 1 can Cream of Mushroom Soup Water Salt, Pepper, Granulated
Onion, Granulated Garlic Vegetable Oil Season the ground meat with salt,
pepper, granulated onion and granulated garlic. Make 1†diameter balls
of the ground meat. Put 1/2†of oil in a Dutch oven and bring up to
temperature. Brown the meatballs, in two batches, turning once, and then
put on paper toweling. Pour out all oil, and put 1/2 cup of water in
pot. Return to medium heat and “grab-up†all the
“goodiesâ€. Put
the meat balls, mushroom soup + a can of water, onion soup mix, 1/4
teaspoon of pepper, 1/2 teaspoon of granulated onion powder and a 1/2
teaspoon salt into the pot. Bring to a boil and simmer for 30 minutes.
Serve over steamed rice.
Update: HERMAN CAMPBELL, KN5GRK
On Sept 11, I fell in my yard and broke my right foot and fractured my
left collar bone, spent 2 months in hospital for surgery and therapy. I
have been home two weeks and just now trying to catch up on my e-mails.
I have not been able to run my reflector or answer e-mails. Please bear
with me, it may take a while. I am scheduled to have prostrate surgery
on December 4. I will try to answer some of my e-mails as soon as
possible.
Thanks for all the prayers and wishes for Ramona KG5HNO and me Herman
KN5GRK.
B.E.A.R.S.
St. Mary Parish
Jim Coleman, Keith Barnes and I were able to attend the B.E.A.R.S
meeting recently in Morgan City and make the official presentation to
our 2019 LA Section Amateur of the Year, Jackie Price, KA5LMZ. As many
of you know Jackie is the leader of her club and the EC for St. Mary
ARES. We were treated to a very tasty brunch before the meeting and Jim
Coleman gave the group a really nice ARES presentation. Congratulations
Jackie and thanks again for the wonderful welcome and hospitality as
always!
Region 6:
THE BRASS KEY
December 2019 A Publication of the Central Louisiana Amateur Radio Club
The BRASS KEY is published monthly as its official journal by the
Central Louisiana Amateur Radio Club, P. O. Box 8852, Alexandria, LA.
71306.
Prez says . . . Final Words from our President, Jim Walters, AE5ZE
December 2019 Well, we are almost the end of another year. It's time for
our Christmas Dinner on Dec. 3rd, so if you have not made your
reservations, please contact Steve Baillio, our treasurer before Friday,
November 29th. After making reservations, you can pay at the door. The
cost is $12.00 per person. Hope to see you there. We are having the same
caterer as last year and everything was great! During our Christmas
Dinner we will install our new Board of Directors. Amateur radio is an
evolving hobby that has something for everyone. As you make plans for
2020, please consider doing something new in amateur radio. I have
several projects to work on. The first is learning CW. I have a TS830S
that I am recapping (110 electrolytic capacitors), and have just
acquired a Hammarlund HQ110, and a Johnson Viking, both boat anchors
that I am going to restore and get on the air. What are you planning to
do??? This is my last Pres Says! I want to personally acknowledge the
Board Members that have served this past year. They did all of the work
to accomplish the tasks at hand and to make our club a success! Please
take the time to thank each one of them! See you on the bands! 73, Jim
AE5ZE
CLARC welcomes new member Chris Wright, KI5HDW! Chris passed his
Technician Class license exam at our November meeting! Time to study for
that upgraded license!
HEALTH AND WELFARE: Mike Canady, N5GJQ - Has been in the hospital for
nerve inflammation. Jack Brossette, W5ETL - Jack is having difficulty
with several heath issues. Jim Bookter, N5NVP and Mrs. Irma, KE5UPK -
continued prayers for Mrs. Irma's needs and safe travels for Jim as he
goes back and forth to Lafayette. Prayers for Joseph Notcha and his
needs. Mitchel Neil, KG5OIF - Prayers for Jeannie as she recovers from
gall bladder surgery. Steve Neesly, KE5IAK - Prayers for Mrs. Glenda as
she heals from a broken arm. Prayer this evening was led by Keith,
KF5RNF
Winter Field Day: Winter Field Day will be January 25 - 26. Jim asked
for a show of hands of those interested in participating in the field
day this year. Scott KD5DFL reminded the membership that we are still in
need of a location for the field day. Kees Park is one possible site,
but there are some antenna issues that we will have to work out. If the
field day were held at Kees Park, it would have to be limited to a
simple one-day event, Saturday only, running from setup at 8:00 AM to
take down around 8:00PM on the same day. Only two to three radios would
be set up. We would not be allowed use of the Kees Park area overnight.
An alternate site would be the LDWF Center in Woodworth, which we used
for the Summer Field Day.
Region 9:
From:
The SELARC "Hamster"
________________________________________
*Serving Amateur Radio Since 1974*
Published Monthly by the Southeast Louisiana Amateur Radio Club Inc.
P.O. Box 1324, Hammond LA 70404
Visit our website: www.selarc.org
Vol. 46, No. 11 ................................ November 2019
Happy Birthday
Birthday Wishes for November go out to - John Mark Robertson K5JMR,
Manny WD5BJR, and Tom W5PGS If we missed your birthday, then please let
us know.
Get Well Soon —
Best wishes for continued recuperation go to SELARC members Tom Simpson
N5HAY and Homer Jones KA5TRT. We look forward to hearing you on the
air!
VE Session Results
Congratulations to the following new Technician licensees!
Curt Montgomery - Hammond, La.
Kevin Jenkins - Covington, La.
Ronnie Voorhies - Madisonville, La.
Thank you once again, to all the VEs' who show up to make this
possible!!
Multiple Sclerosis 150-mile "Dat's How We Roll" Bike Tour
Over the October 5 & 6 weekend thirty-two amateur radio volunteers from
the Southeast LA Amateur Radio Club (SELARC), Southwest MS Amateur Radio
Club and southeast LA ARES provided 267 "people-power" hours of public
service in support of the annual Multiple Sclerosis bike ride from
Hammond (LA) to Percy Quin Park (MS) and back.
The hams used the SELARC VHF repeater and the LWARN UHF repeater system
to provide communications assistance to the safety, logistics and
medical teams spread over the route on the back-country roads of
Louisiana and Mississippi.
The Multiple Sclerosis staff and friends and families of the cyclists,
as well as the bikers themselves, were appreciative of the ham radio
volunteers and were impressed with the capabilities of amateur radio.
The event was a wonderful display of the ham operators' skills and
public service capabilities.
Special Events, Other Hamfests & VE Sessions
MARA Christmas Hamfest - Minden, LA - Dec 21, 2019
SELARC - 39th Annual Hammond Hamfest
Hammond VE Group - ARRL/W5YI tests are scheduled for the last Sunday of
each month [with the exception of holiday conflicts] in Room "B" of the
North Oaks Medical System Diagnostic Center at 2pm with $15 testing fee.
Bring photo ID and any appropriate CSCE. For more information contact
n5xes@arrl.net or Find an Amateur Radio License Exam in Your Area.
LOUISIANA SECTION NOVEMBER BOOK WINNERS:
ARRL Individual Member: Andy Allen, KF5ORM.
ARRL Affiliated Club: Central Louisiana Amateur Radio Club (CLARC)
Congratulations to both!
Next drawing is December 1st…..All Active Affiliated Clubs are
automatically entered; if you have already sent me your call you need
not send again…if you have not yet entered send me our call sign by
email, text, Facebook etc….you must be an active ARRL member in the
Louisiana Section to enter and win….73
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SECTION TRAFFIC MANAGERS REPORT:
Sessions QNI QTC QTR
15. 414 32. 224
73,
Jimmy Lewis/AB5YS
Louisiana Section Traffic Manager
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ARES:
ARES Monthly Section Emergency Coordinators Report
1. ARRL Section: Louisiana
2. Month: October
3. Year: 2019
4. Total number of ARES members: 435
5. Number of DECs/ECs reporting this month: 9
6. Number of ARES nets active: 60
7. Number of nets with NTS liaison: 3
8. Calls of DECs/EC reporting: W4NDF, KD5MLD, KG5BNH, KE5BMS, AG5LR,
KD5DFL, W5GAS, KD5IGZ, KE5GMN
9a. Number of exercises & training sessions this month: 32
9b. Person hours : 551
10a. Number of public service events this month : 1 10b. Person hours
: 276
11a. Number of emergency operations this month : 0
11b. Person hours : 0
12a. Number of SKYWARN operations this month: 1
12b. Person hours : 40
13a. Auto Sum 9a, 10a, 11a, 12a : 34
13b. Auto Sum 9b,
10b, 11b, 12b: 867
Submitted by: James Coleman, AI5B
Louisiana Section Emergency Coordinator
“CONGRATULATIONS†to ASEC Corey McCrary (W5MMC) and his wife Dr. Liz
McCrary on the birth of their first child, a boy GRAHAM ELDON McCRARY on
October 29th.**
If you have not registered for ARES CONNECT please do so at the
following link:
https://arrl.volunteerhub.com/lp/la
Please remember that your username must be your Call Sign!
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UPCOMING HAMFESTS:
12/21/2019 | MARA Christmas Hamfest
Location: Minden, LA
Sponsor: Minden Amateur Radio Assoc
Website: http://n5rd.org
01/18/2020 | 39th Annual Hammond Hamfest
Location: Hammond, LA
Sponsor: Southeast Louisiana Amateur Radio Club, Inc.
Website: http://www.selarc.org
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***ARRL COUPONS:
November 1-30 2019 $10 off When you spend $25 or more at
www.arrl.org/shop Use code: THANKS
December 1-31 2019 $5 shipping when you spend $20 or more at
www.arrl.org/shop Use Code GIFT
***I had an excellent response to my recent email regarding Section
PIO’s…..3 people have expressed an interest in the position and
each
are very qualified and motivated ARRL members. We still need PIO’s in
the following Regions:
3
5
6
9
Please contact our Section PIC Joe Holland at kb5vjy@gmail.ooc if you
are interested.
73 and see you next month,
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ARRL Louisiana Section
Section Manager: John Mark Robertson, K5JMR
k5jmr@arrl.org
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