Greeting, All. Son of a gun if we aren't on the edge of the cliff again, prepared to dive into yet another new year. Hard to believe, isn't it? And there's none of that "dipping our toes into the water" stuff to test it out, either; we have no choice but to dive right in. Let's hope we all do more graceful flips and swan dives than belly flops in the new year, huh? (though, with the lakes being at such low levels, the belly flop might be a little safer...) So, have you made yourself a list of New Year's Resolutions? Me, I tend to avoid them like the plague. Closest thing to a resolution for me is to wear lots of clothes with elastic waistbands for a while and to avoid a bathroom scale until at least June. (Those silly things lie, anyhow.)

As we end 2007, I want to thank each and every one of you who has made a difference in amateur radio this past year, whether it was by teaching a class, serving as a VE, leading a club, working with ARES or RACES, mentoring a new ham, introducing Scouts and other youngsters to amateur radio, using your amateur radio skills for public service events, forming strong working relationships with our served agencies, or informing the general public about amateur radio. There is strength in numbers. Hams, working together, usually through organized clubs, can make a difference in the footprint we make on the collective consciousness of the general public. Every little bit helps. Thank you for doing your "bit".

And a very special thanks also goes out to my better half, MIKE SWIDERSKI, K4HBI. He's the one who puts in all those hours behind the wheel of our little red car to take us to events and meetings all over the state. As always, his enthusiastic support truly is the wind beneath my wings. I couldn't do it without him.

At the stroke of noon on January 1, GREG SARRATT, W4OZK, will be taking over as our new SE Division Director, and SANDY DONAHUE, W4RU, our favorite Director of Vice, will be starting another term. Congratulations to both of them, our fearless leaders.

OK, let's get on with it, and see what's been happening, and what's coming up right around the corner...

"My new year's resolution? I'm gonna set a little time aside each day,
so at the end of the year I'll have a lot of extra time saved up." STEVEN WRIGHT

(WAIT! I like THAT resolution even more than the elastic waistbands...!!!)

CLUB NEWS

ALBANY ARC --- Elections were held at the annual Christmas party, and congratulations go out to the following: President- KEN ADAMS, K1KBA; VP- JOE WOODY, WG4JOE; Secretary- LEON PERRETT, K4GCR; and Treasurer- BOB SMITH, K4PHE. New Board Members for 2008 are GENE CLARK, W4AYK; JOE WOODY, WG4JOE; and JOHN SHALACK, KI4FAO. CONGRATULATIONS to all of these fine folks, and best wishes for a successful and enjoyable year.

CHEROKEE CAPITAL ARS --- Elections were held at the club's annual Christmas party, and congratulations go out to re-elected President- FELTON FLOYD, AF4DN; VP- MICHAEL BRYSON, N4REL; Secretary- JAMES HOWARD, WQ4T; Treasurer- MAGGIE SNYDER, KI4OVL; and Net Manager- RODNEY CURTIS, N4RLC. MICHAEL BRYSON, N4REL, deserves an extra tip of the hat, because he was also honored as the club's 2007 Ham of the Year for his work in the club. As a Christmas project the club made donations to provide Christmas presents for 8 needy children in the community, and everyone brought canned food for the local food pantry located at the St. Clements Catholic Church. On Jan. 26 we will be holding another one day Tech class. (de FELTON FLOYD, AF4DN)

GWINNETT ARS --- CONGRATULATIONS to DOUG KREGEL, KB6RRX, for being selected as the club's Ham of the Year. No matter who throws out their call sign on the club's repeater, Doug's usually there to respond, whether it's to talk to old friends or to welcome a new ham to the hobby. No matter what the club activity or ARES exercise, Doug is usually one of the first in line to sign up as a volunteer. No matter where we get together to eat before a club meeting or event, you can count on Doug being near the front of that line, as well. One of the club's mentors, one of the club's best cut-ups. A great choice. He's one of those guys who truly gives amateur radio a good name.

LAGRANGE ARC --- The LaGrange Amateur Radio Club elections for the next cycle is President- LEE BECHAM, KD4NTS; Vice President- GARY SHEETS, KF4KUJ; Secretary/ Treasurer- RICHARD MYERS, AD4VS. Congrats to all the new office holders and the old office holders. (de RICHARD MYERS, AD4VS)

NEWTON COUNTY RC --- Club members will be holding a tech class at the Newton County Law Enforcement Center, on Alcovy Road in Covington, on January 14 and February 2, with a VE session to be held on February 9 at 9AM. Classes will run from 8AM until 4 PM. For contact info, please see the write-up farther on in this newsletter under "This 'n' That".

SE DX CLUB --- Winners of the club's month-long "100 Watts on a Wire" DX contest were announced at the annual Christmas gathering. Kudos go to the following: 10M- JIM STREIBEL, K4DLI, (85 DX entities); 12M- DAVE THOMPSON, K4JRB, (100); 15M- BILL JOURDAIN, AB4BJ, (57); 17M- BOB ALLPHIN, K4UEE, (100); 20M- BARRY HOLDERREAD, K4WX, (120); 30M- KEN REID, KG4USN, (39); 40M- HUGH "VAL" VALENTINE, N4RJ, (108); 80M- PAUL MANNO, KG4UVU, (43); 160M- BOB CARROLL, W2WG, (55); and overall- DON NESBITT, N4HH, (138). Just goes to show you that you don't have to have a seventy-five foot tower and a SteppIR beam to work the world, which is precisely what these DX maestros set out to prove. That's not to say that there aren't ways to improve your operating skills so you, too, can rack up the DX contacts. Interested in the "secrets" of being a better operator? SEDXC will be offering TWO DX forums at the upcoming GARS TechFest on January 12, so here's your opportunity to learn from some of the best. www.gars.org.

THOMASVILLE ARC --- It's no surprise to learn that MIKE BROWN, KE4FGF, was once again elected to serve another term as club president. (Not positive, but I think this will be his 14th term.) He's been not only an exemplary president, but he's like a warm and fuzzy spark plug, forever promoting a sense of family among the club members, and always encouraging them to take on (and conquer) new challenges with him. CONGRATULATIONS to Mike and all of the other fine officers who will be leading the club into the new year: VP- WYNONNA SADLER, KF4HSM; VP of Special Events- MICHAEL GREENE, KE4BZG; Secretary- DEWEY RYKARD, KI4RGD; Newsletter Editor- BUDDY PEEPLES, WD4CJI; and Treasurer- BOBBY COOPER, N4KXL. A terrific group of leaders for a terrific club.


*** NOTE: With so many clubs holding their annual elections recently, now is a GREAT time for you to update your info on the ARRL database. HAS YOUR CLUB KEPT ITS INFO CURRENT WITH THE LEAGUE??? In looking through the database for Georgia's Affiliated and Special Service Clubs, I see that many have fallen behind in filing their annual reports, or in keeping their club's designation as a Special Service Club up-to-date. Some of you guys have changed your meeting place, or your meeting date, had elections, whatever, and have forgotten to make those changes. If you want new members to find you, you can make it just a little bit easier for them by keeping accurate meeting and contact information available to them online. Special Service Clubs can renew at http://www.arrl.org/field/club/forms/fsd7/renewal.html Annual reports, or any changes, can be made at http://www.arrl.org/field/club/biglist.html (And if your club is now listed in the "inactive" database, the filing of a report can get you back in the "active" file. Once an affiliated club, always an affiliated club. It's up to YOU to be an "active" one, though.)

Got my first job in an orange juice factory, but I got canned, because I just couldn't concentrate.

DX FORUMS FOR EVERY HAM

At the Gwinnett Amateur Radio Tech Fest, coming up on January 12, members of the SE DX Club will be offering TWO DX forums to share their expertise on the art of working the world. Here's the scoop, from BOB CARROLL, W2WG:

Got questions about ham radio HF and DXing? Need to put up an antenna for that new HF rig Santa brought you? Plan to attend the free DX101/DX102 sessions presented by the DX Pros of Southeastern DX Club on Saturday, January 12, 2008. The sessions will be held starting at 10:30 AM as part of the Gwinnett Amateur Radio Society (GARS) TechFest 2008.

You will learn:

DX101: What is DX and DXing?
Why do DX?
How do you DX?
Where do you DX?
Operating (QSO) tips
Confirmation (QSL) tips
Photographs of stations and antennas used by DXers

DX102: Antenna fact and fiction
First-simple multi-band antenna
Antenna Basics
Matching and SWR
Antenna construction and installation
How to obtain SEDXC help in getting started with HF DXing

*Free handouts and the classic autographed DXPro Frequency Allocation Chart*

More info at http://dxpros.org/ and http://sedxc.org/
Tech Fest info at http://www.gars.org/

January 12, 2008
TechFest: 10:00 AM-2:00 PM
DX101 (the basics) 10:30-11:30
DX102 (antennas) 11:40-12:30
Tail Gate from 8:00 AM till 12:00 Noon
Location: St Marguerite D'Youville Church
85 Gloster Rd NW, Lawrenceville, GA 30044
Just off Highway 29 SW of Lawrenceville Price: Free

To help us prepare, we would like to know if you tentatively plan to attend DX101/DX102. Could you let us know at dx101@comcast.net ? Also, please suggest any additional topics you would like us to cover at the session. Please invite any friends who may be interested in becoming a DXer!

Then I worked in the woods as a lumberjack, but I just couldn't hack it, so they gave me the ax.

REMEMBER WHEN? REMEMBER NOW

As we begin a new year, it's always nice to include something in the newsletter that serves as an assessment of our hobby. This year's article was written by the ARRL's NORM FUSARO, W3IZ, and was included in the recent e-Club Newsletter:

At one time or another we have all drifted back to happier, simpler times to help ease the stresses of life. While many professionals might agree that an occasional trip down memory lane is healthy and often therapeutic, few would recommend that we live in the past. Our human brains are wired to remember things that are comforting and suppress unpleasant memories. That is why we tend to use phrases like "the good old days" even if the time in reference was peppered with hardship.

Depending on how you look at it, ham radio, like the automobile, has either hardly changed over the last 100 years or has advanced dramatically because of technological progress. Today's automobiles are loaded with safety features and convenience gimmicks, yet the basic car is still a wheeled vehicle that burns fossil fuel in an internal combustion engine in order to transport passengers from point A to point B. In comparison, radio operators still modulate and
demodulate electromagnetic signals to communicate with stations near and far. Computer processing and micro electronics play a big part in how these illustrations have evolved, but have things really changed?

Amateur Radio is just one of many sectors where we see state-of-the-art technology blended with traditional concepts. A trip to any marina will find modern sailboats made from composite materials and loaded with the latest navigational electronic devices, but the basic component, harnessing energy from the wind to propel a vessel, has not changed in the thousands of years since its
discovery. I am sure that you can think of your own examples where the application of modern technology has reshaped an old-fashioned idea, but the point is that while it is nice to remember and replicate things from the past, we live in the present.

Many people have an image of Amateur Radio as a nostalgic remembrance of another time when radio seemed to be magical, when in fact it has always been cutting edge and futuristic. This portrayal of ham radio is reinforced by radio amateurs themselves, through their reluctance to accept change and their insistence on preserving old technologies. The propensity to look back is not as prevalent in other activities as it is in Amateur Radio. When I go fishing, I don't run into any anglers sporting woven rattan creels and bamboo fishing poles, yet there is not a day that goes by when I am not reminded that "real radios glow in the dark" or some other witty reference to bygone times. How far back do we want to go to be authentic before it becomes absurd? "If it ain't spark it ain't radio?"

Years ago, companies like Heath provided a way for many to get involved with Amateur Radio through kit building. The radio kit was less expensive than factory produced gear and, depending on the skill level of the builder, the finished products performed pretty well. Maintenance and repairs were easily performed because the builder had an intimate knowledge of the circuitry. Today, mass production and robotic manufacturing processes help drive down the cost of electronic equipment, and in many situations, make replacing a device more cost effective than repairing it. A current manufacturer of Amateur Radio that started life as a kit company quickly experienced a similar evolution. After a few short years of producing kits, the company found that they could offer a better product at a lower cost by providing assembled circuit boards populated with surface mount components. Assembly is a matter of plugging-in boards and configuring systems, similar to how a computer is built. Digital electronics has allowed the experimenter to trade-in the soldering iron for computer software codes and the term home-brewing, once a common ham radio activity, has now given way to a more descriptive phrase -- soft-brewing.

Developers like Joe Taylor, K1JT have completely re-written the rules when it comes to EME, meteor scatter and other exotic digital modes once reserved for the eccentric radio amateur. Today, many hams employ WSJT software with modest stations to ricochet information to one another via the lunar surface. Other software experimenters are developing new modes and tools for the radio amateur to exploit the power of digital processing. Commercial interests are able to offer feature packed equipment that is relatively less expensive than gear offered in the past, and hams are finding applications for this stuff that could only be imagined a short time ago.

Amateur radio has many examples of innovation and creativity. Sometimes an idea can be ahead of its time. Take, for instance, an article that appeared in the July 1934 issue of QST that suggested "International Round Table Nets and Globe Circling Relays" using an elaborate network of tape machines and relays to remotely control HF stations as far as 200 miles away so that the ARRL broadcast could be made simultaneously in all 48 United States. We are able to do that
exact thing today using Voice over Internet Protocol (VOIP) but there are some who will argue that this is not "real" radio. Phooey!

ARRL founder Hiram Percy Maxim, W1AW was a forward thinker who moved in the same circles as Edison, Ford and Firestone, people who changed our world. Maxim was innovative and has many inventions to his credit. When the spark gap transmitter used at Maxim's station 1AW could no longer generate radio signals, it was replaced by a modern transmitter that used vacuum tubes. When asked if there were plans to repair the spark gap transmitter, Maxim acknowledged the position of employing modern technology when he remarked "The voice of the spark set at 1AW will not be heard again." (QST, January 1923, pg 14)

Maxim was always looking beyond the horizon. Displayed in a showcase at ARRL headquarters is the Elser-Mathis cup. This trophy was inspired by Col Fred Johnson Elser, W6FB and SCM Lt Cmdr Stanley Mathes, K1CY after Elser learned of Maxim's fascination with the planet Mars. The unique wooden cup is waiting to be awarded to any radio amateur for the first Amateur Radio Contact between Earth and Mars. I am certain that "tongue may have been firmly planted in
cheek" when this award was conceived, but I believe that this trophy may be awarded to some radio amateur in my lifetime.

I would like to think that if Mr. Maxim were here today, he would be very happy to see that Amateur Radio and the ARRL have stood the test of time and continue to attract newcomers to the hobby nearly 100 years since the League was founded. However I would not be surprised if The Old Man shook his head in bewilderment to find that we have spent much time and energy worshiping the past instead of looking ahead to the future.

It may be comforting to stroll down memory lane and fire up the vintage radio for the evening. The warm glow of the tubes and the refreshing aroma of heat radiating from the chassis will create soothing reflections and transport you back to a time when there was no internet, e-mail or cell phones. As you blow smoke rings from your briarwood pipe and replicate the authenticity of what you refer to as "real radio," try to remember that the icons of technology that
you pay homage to were once state-of-the-art, modern appliances that filled the dreams of many. As much as Amateur Radio owes to its past, adoration of vintage radio should not take away from Amateur Radio's future.

After that I tried to be a tailor. I wasn't suited for it, but it was only a sew-sew job.

ANOTHER INTROSPECTIVE LOOK AT AMATEUR RADIO

The following article was written by RON LANGSTON, WE5O, and was included in the January, 2003, newsletter. His words are just as applicable now as they were then, as he offers food for thought on just what amateur radio is, and what it may become in the years ahead:

Ham Radio...Hobby or Service?

Well, this discussion is not only interesting but very important. Amateur radio is at a pivot point in history where it is critical for us to know just what we are: members of a radio service or electronic hobbyists? I like to believe we are both and even more. There is no doubt that our mission statement has changed even though Part 97 is relatively unchanged in its wording. Handling traffic, chasing DX, learning to use CW as another Ham tool, building antennas, working with QRP, and experimenting with things like PSK31, satellite communication and digital voice transmission are just a few of the fun parts of amateur radio today.

However, we cannot hide from reality. Look at the coming of powerful home computers, high speed electronic connections, world wide communication and information transfer via the Internet, cheap long distance rates via phone cards, hand held Cell phones that can reach parties around the globe, global positioning satellite equipment that tells us at all times where we are and where we are going, and on and on. In my opinion only a fool would say that Amateur Radio is the same thing that it was twenty years ago.

We are at a new page in Amateur Radio History. It is not the end of Ham Radio. That is a prediction that has been made each time in the past when new electronic communication technology has been developed.

Also, it is not the dawn of a new age where Amateur Radio will only be some form of charity or community service organization. Nor will Ham Radio be just a fun pastime for the electronically talented or technically curious. Nor will it be just another market for the commercial sale of high tech toys like high fidelity stereo sound or high definition TV. (Yes, Virginia, Radio Shack was once a serious source of electronic parts for Ham Radio Operators before it became an electronic toy store to survive in today's market.)

What then are we to become in this new phase of our history?? That depends on us. Yes, we are to some extent all of the things mentioned above and more. But there are new challenges now before us.

We are faced with a foreign world that is developing highly skilled engineers, scientists and technicians faster than we are. Our educators have not been able to generate the spark of curiosity and the desire to learn in many of our young Americans. That "spark" in the past has made our country the most innovative and productive in recorded history.

We are faced with new technologies that both make our lives more comfortable than ever before. And yet, most of us feel exhausted and overwhelmed by the speed of ongoing new developments. Our automobiles are the best and safest in history, yet highway accidents are the leading cause of death for young people between 15 and 20 years old. We know more about alternate fuels, recycling our waste, the protection of our natural environment, and the dangers of smoking that ever before. And yet smog still hangs over our city, our streams and lakes are still polluted. People still throw their waste out of car windows and leave trash to float down the Hootch. We have not been able to help people stop a deadly habit that causes them to spend billions of dollars just to kill themselves with lung cancer.

And we think we have problems in Ham Radio??? It is my opinion, however, that the challenge has never been greater for Amateur Radio to demonstrate the importance of electronic communication and the use of sound methodology for the transfer of information. The challenge is to experiment and develop new and better methods. The challenge is to create a spark for our young Americans who will become the leaders of our Country when most of us have already "shorted to ground." The challenge is to serve our communities and demonstrate the need for an amateur radio service whether it is in providing safety through communications at a parade, setting up demonstrations of ham radio for public education, or helping with the myriad of communication problems associated with public safety during foul and dangerous weather. The challenge is to provide a well trained cadre of volunteer radio operators to provide back up for communications necessary for the defense of our homeland from terrorists. And yes, the challenge is even to be the smiling face of member of a ham organization that assists in the parking of cars at a Dog Show.

There are some who say that Ham radio is no longer needed and the valuable frequencies we have should be sold to commercial interests to help with the national debt. What if tomorrow they were to outlaw visible ham antennas and towers everywhere? What if they reduced our maximum output power to five watts? What if they made the sale of commercially manufactured ham radio gear illegal? What if they said all future ham activities would be restricted to 11 meters?

Well, it has happened before. The frequencies being used in the early days of ham radio were stripped away by the government and given to commercial interests. Ham radio was restricted to the spectrum we now call the HF frequencies which at that time were thought to be worthless. The hams of that day met the challenge and found through experimentation that the HF frequencies could be used for long distance communication by bouncing signals off of the ionosphere.

Ham radio transmissions were silenced completely during World War II. Thank God for the trained ham operators that were able to step in and help train the radiomen needed at that time. After the war AM was challenged by a new technology called single sideband. Many felt it would be "the end of Ham radio as they knew it."

So where are we now?? Same as before?? As I said earlier, in my opinion we are at a pivot point. It is time once again to discuss what we are and what we can be. A wise man once said, "Science is the study of why things are what they are. Engineering is the study of what things can become." We need to decide what we can and should become. We need to establish a new mission statement to supplement Part 97. And most important we need to get started right now. 2003 should be the year that we redefine ourselves in light of current technologies and the challenges of the future.

So if you have rambled this far with me I hope you see why I believe Amateur Radio is a "service" and a "hobby" and much, much more. We are public servants, we are pseudo scientists. We are "electronic dream weavers." We are historians. We are both student and teacher. We are the first level volunteer communicators of last resort during some emergencies. We are the first communicators on the scene of other emergencies. We can be the spark that lights the creative fires for a young person who may become the next Edison or Faraday. Whatever we are, I believe it is critically important and I take it seriously. I believe amateur radio operators should stand proudly and let others know why Ham radio is and what it can be. I hope that that during the coming year we can begin to establish a new and proper mission statement that will enable us to carry our antennas, our batteries, our gear our log books and a proud commitment to the meaningful operation of amateur radio (practice, hobby, service and much more) well into the next century.

Best wishes for a Happy New Year

Ron WE5O

Next I tried working in a muffler factory, but that was too exhausting.

ARES NEWS

*** STATEWIDE ARES MEETING is coming up on Saturday, January 26, and will be held at the Public Service Training facility in Forsyth, GA. Many thanks go to SCOTT ROYLE, KK4Z, for putting together the agenda for this meeting. The DEC meeting will be held from 9AM until 11AM, followed by a one-hour lunch break. Then the general meeting will begin at noon, and will last until approximately 4:30. Lots of interesting material to be covered, and I do hope you'll be able to attend. If you forgot to contact Scott regarding some material you wanted to have covered during these meetings, please send him a note at kk4z@arrl.net (No guarantee that he can squeeze you into the agenda, but it's always worth a shot.)These meetings are for all of you who care about emergency communications, and we want them to reflect YOUR needs, interests, and concerns, so your input is always welcome.

***SKYWARN Recognition Day 2007 at the Peachtree City Weather Forecast Office was another HUGE success thanks to the efforts of: W4JB, Jim; KI4HRU, Greg; KG4CUT, Melvin, KI4VAU, David; KI4NGD, Huey; AI4UW, Ken; AG4ZR, David; KK4Z, Scott; KI4ASK, Joe; KI4HHI, MC, K4GVO, Jim; KD4RQN, Sue; WB4GWA, Ron; and KN4YZ, Lynn.

The final count is 498 HF contacts, 4 APRS, and 1 Echolink. The crew worked 26 other NWS offices, 4 Canadian stations and a mobile station on a float in a Christmas parade! The HF total is particularly impressive and marks a new high for the WX4PTC operators.

WELL DONE & 73, Lynn, KN4YZ

Assistant Section Emergency Coordinator, NWS
Amateur Radio Emergency Service - Georgia Section
OHS/GEMA Certified Emergency Manager

*** WARE COUNTY --- Congratulations to EC PERRY BLACKBURN, KF4SUY, who received the Jack Hobbs Award at the recent EMAG conference.

I studied a long time to be a doctor, but I didn't have any patience.

ARES REPORT DE ASEC TOM FULLER, KE4QCM

Total number of ARES members: 707*
Change since last month: -42
# of DECs/ECs reporting this month: 36
# of ARES nets active: 106
# with NTS liaison: 0
Number of drills, tests and training sessions this month: 217
Person hours 921
Number of public service events this month: 6
Person hours 491
Number of emergency operations this month: 0
Person hours 10
Total number of ARES operations this month: 223
Total Person hours 1422

DECs Reporting:

Digital Communications DEC/KG4VUB; Georgia Emergency Management Agency DEC/KM4Z; Georgia Public Broadcasting DEC/WB4QDX; National Weather Service/KD4YDC; Salvation Army DEC/WA4UJC

ECs Reporting:

CENTRAL: Baldwin/K6DPL, Butts/KG4LTL, Houston/WB4EEL, Morgan/K2MGL, Pike/K4WCB, Pulaski/N4TUA, Putnam/KF4EOH

EAST CENTRAL: Washington/K4GK

METRO ATLANTA: Clayton/WB4WQE, Dekalb/W4TGA, Fayette/AG4ZR, Gwinnett/WB4QDX, Newton/WA4UJC, W4UOC/North Fulton, Paulding/K4DMF, Rockdale/KC4ELV

NORTHEAST: Barrow/K4JSR, Clarke/N4ZRA, Hall/KE4PCF, Rabun/VACANT, Towns/W4VFZ

NORTHWEST: Bartow/N4QET, Carroll/N4DYR, Floyd/KD4EKZ, Polk/KD4EKZ

SOUTHEAST: Dodge/KG4WQZ, Toombs/KG4BKO

SOUTHWEST: Baker/K4GCR, Worth/K1KBA

WEST CENTRAL: Muscogee/W4OZA, Troup/K3IMC

COMMENTS:

DECs:

**Digital Communications DEC: WB4QOJ and I have reservations at GARS Techfest to demo MT63 Digital mode. We will also be able to assist anyone that needs help with the install and configuration of Airmail. If they wish to bring their laptop and TNC/Radio setup, we will have the ability to test their setup for peer to peer Airmail connections on VHF packet.

**Georgia Public Broadcasting DEC: Development of statewide digital voice and data network proposal using GPB sites. Inspection of WGTV site construction preparing for availability for ARES use of tower antennas.

**National Weather Service DEC: Skywarn Recognition Day Preparations, other misc NWS items.

**Salvation Army DEC: I am still waiting for the Salvation Army EC to met with me for a planning session.

ECs:

CENTRAL:
**Baldwin, Putnam, Morgan, Jones and Jasper Counties participated in a joint resources meeting on November 10. In addition, Baldwin and Putnam Counties participated in enhancing the Putnam County ARES Emergency Van and an evaluation of the Putnam County Tower site. The Oconee Regional Hospital coax installation has begun. This is the last step in getting that station on the air.

**Butts: Continued to encourage and help EC's in entering ARES members info in the State ARES Database. Acted as NCS for the BCARS unit and resource for units in the immediate counties. Encouraging to note that some of the counties with few members are working together to help with ARES in some area.

**Houston: Item 12: Hours were in preparation for event held 1 Dec.

**Morgan: Hosted PARES meeting in Madison, Morgan County

**Pike: Just getting started and learning what to do

**Putnam: Continued to encourage and help EC's in entering ARES members info in the State ARES Database. Acted as NCS for the BCARS unit and resource for units in the immediate counties. Encouraging to note that some of the counties with few members are working together to help with ARES in some area.

METRO ATLANTA:

**Clayton: Not a lot going on this month - Just getting ready for the Holidays - Worked on The Jonesboro repeaters being replaced - the 145.17 should be on by Christmas atop the Henry County Medical Center.

**Dekalb: Worked GA ARES net from both CHOA this month. Also participated in Grady Emergency Planning meeting and DeKalb County Emergency Planning Council.

**Fayette: Miscellaneous activities involved work with County EMA/911 and a tower site inspection.

**Gwinnett: Includes 256 hours for SET

**Newton: This month we completed phase 2 of our SET. Phase 1 was conducted on October 6, and phase 2 was conducted on November 17. Phase 1 was a tornado touch down resulting in over 200 persons being sent to one of our shelters. We provided communications between the incident scene, The EOC and The State SOC. Phase 2 was simplex communication between the EOC and 7 Shelters in Newton County. We found that the EOC could communicate with all shelters using simplex operations and most shelters could communicate with each other.

NORTHEAST:

**Barrow: Set up special event station at the Chautauqua Festival in Winder, Ga, on 11/10/07. Nine members present and active. Thanks to; KI4VBU, K1DGW, KB4JEH, K1SRL, KJ4EX, WN4AZY, N6MRQ, K9CRB and K4JSR for their hard work and efforts.

**Towns: Misc. Activities included: (1) Cleaning up site for new Repeater, (2) Pandemic Flu meeting with local emergency agencies, and (3) Meet with candidates for new sheriff to discuss mutual support and interface with our local hams.

NORTHWEST:

**Bartow: ARES members served as observers at the Cartersville Medical Center during a recently held county wide Homeland Security exercise. Our observations indicated the internal emergency communication system in use did not perform as desired. Later Bartow Co. ARES members took a walk around Cartersville Medical Center testing coverage within the building using our HTs on 2 M simplex. We found we had 95-99% coverage in all areas of the Medical Center. We reported our test results to the Medical Center upon their request as they evaluate their emergency communications.

**Carroll: My apologies for not reporting last month, due to my mother's recent protracted stay in the hospital. She is recovering. During the past two months, we have gained 9 confirmed

SOUTHEAST:

**Dodge: Nothing to report.

SOUTHWEST:

**Baker: Christmas Parade. Good participation. Club manages communications for the line-up (6 hours) & event.

**Worth: Christmas Parade. Good participation. Club manages communications for the line-up (6 hours) & event.

Then I tried to be a chef. I figured it would add a little spice to my life, but I just didn't have the thyme.

NET REPORT DE STM CHARLES PENNINGTON, K4GK

	QNI	QTC	SESS	QND	NM
GSSB: Georgia Single Side Band Association 3975 kHz  7 PM local, year round.	1903	25	30		N4DZ
GCN: Georgia Cracker Net 3995 kHz 7 AM Monday- Saturday;  8 AM Sundays	1491	9	30		N4VMC
GBH: Georgia Baptist Hams 3865 kHz 4 PM Sundays	NR
GA ARES: Georgia Amateur Radio Emergency Services 3975 kHz  5 PM winters; 6 PM summers - Sundays	540	3	4		K4GK
GTE: Georgia Traffic and Emergency Net 3983 kHz 7:15 PM DAILY	959	8	30		W4AYK
GTN: Georgia Traffic Net (SSB) (Cycle 2) 3987.5 kHz 1 PM Monday - Saturday	333	37	25		WU4C
GTN: Georgia Traffic Handling Training Net (CW) 3549 kHz 9PM DAILY (slow speed)	108	2	29	439	N4VAD
GSN: Georgia Section CW Net (Cycle 4) 3549 kHz 7PM and 10PM DAILY (medium to high speed)	331	189	60	390	K4GK

PUBLIC SERVICE HONOR ROLL:

K4GK	95
WA4UJC	125
K8GA	81
WB4BIK	90
K2HJ	85
K4BEH	99

STATION ACTIVITY REPORTS:

Traffic handled (QTC):

K4GK	79
WA4UJC	67
WB4BIK	30
K8GA	121
K4BEH	14
K4BAI	3

*****NOTE: Don't forget the South CARS net, which meets every day from 8 AM until 10 AM and again from noon until 2PM, on 7.251 MHz. A friendly, welcoming group of folks. Especially great company while on the road. I understand that a Trader's Net meets on this same frequency on Wednesday mornings at 10 AM.

***** Other GREAT nets:
QCWA: Saturdays at 9AM on 3.8575 MHz
SE 6M SSB Net: Sundays at 9 PM on 50.145 MHz
SE AM Net: Tuesdays at 7:30 PM on 3885 kc (AM nets ALWAYS meet on kcs...)
Hole in the Wall Net: Wednesdays at 9 PM on 50.135 MHz

"In days of old, when ops were bold and sideband not invented, the words were passed by pounding brass,
and all were quite contented." Anonymous

ARRL AWARDS

The ARRL offers a number of awards every year, and are always looking for worthy applicants. Maybe you know of someone who deserves consideration for one of these awards? There's the HIRAM PERCY MAXIM AWARD, for an exceptional licensed radio operator under the age of 21. If you remember, ANDREA HARTLAGE, KG4IUM, brought that prestigious award back to GA a few years ago. Then there's the HERB S. BRIER Instructor of the Year Award, for a volunteer amateur radio instructor, and the ARRL Professional Educator of the Year, for a teacher who incorporates amateur radio into the class curriculum. Also, the ARRL Excellence in Recruiting Award, for a ham who exemplifies outstanding recruiting enthusiasm and technique and who goes the "extra mile" to introduce others to amateur radio. Sound like anybody you know?

For details and nomination forms, please see www.arrl.org/FandES/ead/award

I tried to be a deli worker, but no matter how I sliced it, I just couldn't cut the mustard.

THIS 'N' THAT

*** Fact is, there are still a lot of hams who enjoy the kit-building side of our hobby, or who enjoy putting together equipment from "scratch". I say, HOORAY for them. What better way to understand how something works than by putting it together yourself? QRPers and AM enthusiasts pretty much lead the way, but I'm pleased to say that many of our clubs have discovered that building projects typically draw an enthusiastic number of participants. One of our top-notch GA builders is TED BRUCE, KX4OM, and the following comes from him:

I finally gave up on getting a Hallicrafters HA-5 VFO to use with my HT-40, and I bought a Heathkit VF-1 on eBay today. While doing some information gathering on it, I came across a site I don't think I've visited before - http://www.tech-systems-labs.com/.

Here is a quote from their page: "Technology Systems is a leading supplier of Heathkit and wholesale electronic kits and parts for the hobbyist".

They have many manuals and schematics that were contributed by individuals, and typically are better quality than ones found on BAMA. Their HR-10B manual, for example, is 13.4 MB. Also, there are pages with excellent photographs of equipment, many looking like new. Front, back, bottom, inside typically are shown for reference.

On one page of the site there is a cross-reference between Heath's part numbers assigned to the kit and the actual industry nomenclature. This is invaluable when doing restorations. The table gives the Heath P/N, the Generic P/N, up to 2 alternates, and a summary description of the part.

Enjoy!

*** HAM CLASS --- The Newton County Amateur Radio Club will present a class to prepare those interested in becoming amateur radio operators to take (and pass!) the Technician Class amateur radio license test.

The class will require two Saturdays, January 19 and February 2, and will run from 8:00A to 4:00P each day. The Saturday following the second class day, February 9, the Newton County Radio Club Volunteer Examiner (VE) Team will hold their regularly scheduled examination session at 9:00AM, so class attendees will have a convenient opportunity to convert their newly-won knowledge into amateur radio licenses!

These events will be held at the Newton County Law Enforcement Center on Alcovy Road, 1.3 miles north of I-20.

Several amateur radio operators will be teaching the various sections of the class and will be available for Q&A during breaks.

Cost of the class will be $35.00 that includes an ARRL Technician Class Textbook.

Please contact Charles Davis WA4UJC by telephone at 770-786-6546 or by email at wa4ujc@arrl.net for more details, or to register for the class!

*** Do you find yourself with a whole pile of beautiful Christmas cards that you just hate to throw away, but don't really have the room to save? St. Jude's Ranch for Children recycles these cards and sells them as a fundraiser. The fronts of any and all greeting cards can be mailed to St. Jude's Ranch for Children, 100 St. Jude's St., Boulder City, NV, 89005-1618. (It may not be amateur radio, but it sure is a good cause.)

My best job was being a musician, but unfortunately, I wasn't noteworthy enough.

SECTION NOTABLES

** CONGRATULATIONS to PERRY BLACKBURN, KF4SUY, who was honored at the recent EMAG conference as this year's recipient of the prestigious Jack Hobbs Award, in recognition of his excellent service through amateur radio. Perry is the Safety Coordinator for Ware county, and is also our Ware county EC and PIO. Ware county EMA Director JONATHAN DANIELL was also recognized by EMAG as this year's Director of the Year. As you all know, the wildfires earlier this year put Ware county on the hot seat, so to speak. These awards serve as tribute to the excellent leadership provided by Ware county emergency management officials during that time.

** Long-time Thomasville ARC member and WWII vet KEN LANTER, W4MWW, is one of the survivors of the U.S.S. Indianapolis tragedy, and his picture is featured in the January issue of "WorldRadio" magazine, to go along with an article entitled "Honor, Duty, Country", written by CHUCK CRIST, W9IH. The article is about the 2007 Museum Ship weekend, and specifically, about the W9IND station that operated from the U.S.S. Indianapolis memorial. Congratulations and sincere thanks to Ken, one of GA's true heroes.

I managed to get a good job for a pool maintenance company, but the work was just too draining.

GEORGIA PIGLETS (AKA YOUNG HAMS)

*** KIDS DAY is coming up on January 6. Here's a chance for all you young hams to get on the air with other young hams. And for you not-so-young hams to open your shack to offer the youngsters in your life a tempting taste of amateur radio fun. See www.arrl.org/FandES/ead/kd-rules.html or page 39 of the December 2006 issue of QST for more info.

*** INTERNATIONAL UNITED TEENAGER CONTEST, both CW and SSB, will be held on January 19, from 0600Z to 1400Z. Operations will be on 10M- 80M. If you're under 18, here's your chance for some friendly competition with other young hams from all over the world. For details, please see www.qrz.ru/contest/details/17.html

*** Are you a high school senior or college student? The ARRL Scholarship application period will come to an end on February 1, and with nearly 60 scholarships for young hams still up for grabs, now's the time to send in that application. Ya can't win one if ya don't apply! For more info, please see www.arrlf.org/ 


*** SCHOOL CLUB ROUND-UP is right around the corner, to be held from 1300Z on February 11 until 2400Z February 15. Get YOUR school psyched up to participate! We're blessed with a number of school radio clubs here in Georgia (and you Ramblers even have a hole in the wall, now!) so no excuses! If you participate, please send me a note and tell me all about it, so I can brag about y'all a little bit. (One of the fun things about being Section Mom is being able to brag about "my" kids....) For a list of suggested operating frequencies, please see page 102 of the January QST.

So then I got a job in a workout center, but they said I wasn't fit for the job.

UPCOMING EVENTS

JANUARY 1 --- 0000Z- 2359Z. Straight Key Night For details, please see www.arrl.org/contests/rules or page 98 of the December, 2007 QST

JANUARY 6 --- 1800Z- 2400Z. KIDS DAY www.arrl.org/FandES/ead/kd-rules.html or page 39 of December, 2007 QST for more info

JANUARY 12 --- Tech Fest, at St Marguerite D'Youville Catholic Church in Lawrenceville. FREE. The event will kick off with a tailgating Hamfest at 8 AM, with the indoor fun starting at 10 AM (set-up at 9) until 2 PM. Lots of FREE food, including a chili cook-off; 4th annual QLF contest; demonstrations on various modes of amateur radio; TWO SEDXC forums on DX-ing; a VE Session; and MORE. Always lots of fun. (See www.gars.org for directions)

JANUARY 12-13 --- 1800Z Jan 12- 0600Z Jan 13. NA QSO Party (CW) For details, see www.ncjweb.com/naqprules.php

JANUARY 19 --- 0600Z-1400Z- International United Teenager Contest CW/SSB for operators under 18 years of age. 80-10 M. www.qrz.ru/contest/details/17.html

JANUARY 19-20 --- 1800Z Jan 20- 0600Z Jan 21. NA QSO Party (phone) For details, see
www.ncjweb.com/naqprules.php

JANUARY 19-21 --- 1900Z Jan 19- 0400Z Jan 21. ARRL VHF Sweepstakes. See page 92 of December, 2007 QST, or www.arrl.org/contests

JANUARY 26 --- Statewide ARES meeting (See www.gaares.org for details and directions)

JANUARY 26-27 --- 0000Z Jan 26- 2359Z Jan 27. CQ WW 160 M CW Contest. Please see www.cq-amateur-radio.com/index.html for additional info

JANUARY 26-27 --- Winter Field Day, sponsored by the Society for the Preservation of Amateur Radio (SPAR) 1700z Jan 26- 1700 Jan 27. www.spar-hams.org

JANUARY 26-27 --- CLASSIC EXCHANGE (CW) 1400Z Jan 26- 0800Z Jan 27. Get that beautiful old equipment off the shelf, and put it on the air. This is the contest where multipliers are based on the age of the equipment. The older, the better, and the more, the merrier. www.qsl.asti.com/CX 

FEBRUARY 11-15 --- 1300Z Feb 11- 2400Z Feb 15. School Round-Up. See page 102, January 2008 QST, for suggested frequencies. www.arrl.org/SCR/

And don't forget to mark it on your calendar NOW! That's the FIRST GA Hamfest of 2008, the Dalton Hamfest, coming up on FEBRUARY 23.(North GA Fairgrounds in Dalton, 8AM)

*** And get ready!! Coming up in APRIL will be the GA QSO PARTY, sponsored by the SE Contest Club and the SE DX Club. Stay tuned for more information as the date draws closer.

I tried working as an historian, but it turned out, there was no future in it. So I tried one last job,
working at Starbucks. Had to quit again, though, because it was nothing but the same old grind.

SILENT KEYS

L. JUDD GOODMAN WB4VMT
GENE SPRAYBERRY W9NXC

Sincere condolences to their families and friends.

Well, folks, that's about it for now. Until next time, this is AF4FO, signing clear. A very Happy New Year to us all. Take care of yourselves.

 73, Susan af4fo@arrl.org   (Send me your news and tech tips!!)
ARRL Georgia Section Manager

No trees were killed in the sending of this message. However, a large number of electrons were terribly inconvenienced.