Georgia Section On My Mind

February, 2004

Greetings. Hope all is well with you. Oh boy, it's February. That means the kick-off of Hamfest season here in Georgia. Hope you all plan to support as many of them as possible this year. Whether it's a big fest or a little bitty fest, it still offers an opportunity to get out and socialize with fellow hams, and that's always worth the trip.

Did you all watch the Super Bowl this past weekend? (NOT a one-sided game for a change!) Though the game is over, thought I'd share this fun "contest" idea that came to me from DAVID SCHORNAK, N1IB, who said it should be played during the game. He called it the CQ FOOTBALL contest:

object: make as many contacts as possible during the time of the game with a break half way through.

frequencies: 100 kHz continuous part of each band you decide where that 100 kHz is located and then stay within it. contacts outside of your 100khz will be deleted

exchange: rig antenna power location your team and who has the ball at the time of contact

multipliers:
.05 if everything you are using is from the store and not homebrew
2 if the game is in black and white in your shack
2 if you are eating pizza during the contest
2 if you are consuming beer during the contest
2 if on non commercial power
10 if you are at the game doing the contest
.5 for multiple ops
points: contacts count as 1
other contesters count as 2
cw contacts count as 3
cw contacts with other contesters 4
contacts with hams at the game count 10

each contact can only be worked once per band.
contacts must be made from kick off to the final whistle with a 15 minute break half way through the game

all logs must be submitted electronically, the following morning. excel spread sheets preferred. awards will be given based on score with top 3 places getting a certificates.

Thought y'all might get a kick out of that. Thanks, David.

OK, let's get right to it, and see what's been going on this past month and what we have to look forward to around the corner.

There's always a lot to be thankful for. For example, I'm sitting here thinking how nice it is that wrinkles don't hurt.

JANUARY HIGHLIGHTS

January 10--- AMers JUST WANTA HAVE FUN-- TOM KOCH, W4UOC, has graciously opened his home and his awesome shack for an annual gathering of AM operators just about every year since the middle 80's. It's always a laid-back and enjoyable happening, highlighted by spirited conversations and a gift exchange that's always full of surprises. Numerous pieces of classic equipment, parts and books have exchanged hands over the years, and generated quite a few oohs, ahs, and hearty laughter. These guys all have a genuine appreciation for the value of vintage collectibles... (maybe that's why they tolerate my presence!) Seriously, I appreciate their acceptance of me as their token YL and appliance operator. They're a great group of guys, and all are members of the Southeastern AM Radio Club, started four years ago by ANDY HOWARD, WA4KCY, and currently boasting about 150 members. (A lifetime membership is only two dollars! http://home.bellsouth.net/personalpages/PWP-samrc Thanks, Tom, for your hospitality. What an enjoyable way to start the year.

January 24--- TECH FEST-- This was the sixth or seventh annual Tech Fest sponsored by the Gwinnett ARS, and what started out as a great idea that first year remains a great idea today. The intent is to bring a bunch of hams together to share ideas and information on various aspects of the hobby. Over the years, displays have covered topics as diverse as making your own QSL cards to using test equipment to building antennas. This year, Echolink and IRLP seemed to be two of the more popular displays, but there was a little bit of information for everybody. Not to mention the chili, burgers and hot dogs. Kudos to the club for creating and carrying on this terrific event.

January 31--- STATEWIDE ARES MEETING- Georgia hams once again demonstrated their dedication to emergency communications, as more than 130 traveled from all over the state to pack this year's meeting at the Georgia Public Service Training Center in Forsyth. (We may need to consider using one of the larger rooms downstairs next year!) If you weren't able to be there, here's a taste of what you missed: JACOB TRUJILLO, KI4BVN, the State Warning Officer for GEMA, commented that ARES offers the "only true statewide radio network" and reaffirmed the continued working relationship between GEMA and the ARRL/ARES. He also said that GEMA will be calling on hams for help when the G-8 Summit descends upon our coast this summer. SANDY DONAHUE, W4RU, SE Division Vice Director, showed the Power Point presentation "Amateur Licensing: The Strategic Plan" on the ARRL's license restructuring proposals. My better half MIKE "THAT'S ME" SWIDERSKI, K4HBI, who is the Emergency Operations Officer for Georgia Army MARS, as well as our DEC for Army MARS, gave a talk on the MARS program and how its mission interfaces with ARES. An MOU between Georgia Army MARS and Georgia ARES was recently finalized, and was signed by some of the operatives at the meeting. BARRY GOODEN, NWS Sky Warn instructor, said a few words about how much he and the other NWS personnel appreciate the contributions made by the amateur radio community during severe weather. STAN EDWARDS, WA4DYD, Gwinnett county EC, gave a presentation on the Emergency Service Packet Client he's developed, a packet program specifically designed for ARES usage and to fill its unique needs. (For more info, see http://www.gaares.org SEC MIKE BOATRIGHT, KO4WX, gave a couple of talks, on EC 01 in Georgia, and on some of the goals that have been achieved and are yet to be achieved here in Georgia ARES. The content of his presentations will be posted on the http://www.gaares.org website, so you can see for yourself exactly what he had to say. Mike also presented a beautiful Brass Pounder plaque, specially hand-made by him, to his assistant STEVE REYNOLDS, W4CNG, in appreciation for all of his hard work and support, especially in his efforts in planning and carrying out the SET last year. Each DEC in attendance was given the opportunity to say a few words about activities in his district or served agency, and the meeting was capped off by the awarding of this year's coveted ARES Amateur of the Year award to BOB SMITH, K4PHE, in recognition of his hard work as a former EC of Lee county and as the DEC of Southwest Georgia. Congratulations, Bob, on a well-deserved award, and sincere thanks to each and every one of you who attended this meeting. A special note of appreciation to those EMA directors in attendance, and to BILL CARTER, KG4FXG, our GEMA DEC, who made the arrangements for this meeting place, but who was unable to attend himself, due to recent surgery. (Get well soon!!)

Energizer Bunny arrested: charged with battery.

CLUB NEWS

ALFORD MEMORIAL ARC--- Congratulations to that hard-working dynamic duo, JAY SAGER, WA4BXA, and his lovely bride of fifty years, JEAN, KA4BNG, who were honored jointly as Ham of the Year at the January meeting. This couple was among the founders of the Gwinnett ARS, and have been long-time members of the Alford club and of Georgia Army MARS. Jay was even the mayor of Snellville (where "everybody's somebody") at one time, and there's a pavilion at Brisco Park named in his honor. The club has already started preparations for the November Hamfest, and it sounds like it's gonna be even better this year.

ATHENS ARC--- At the January meeting, CHUCK GULLEY of the EMA discussed the Athens-Clarke emergency plan, which includes an affiliation with the local Red Cross and the establishment of a Citizens Emergency Response program, and coming up in February, HOWELL MCKINNON, the Communications Director for Athens-Clarke will address the club. As usual, club members have been providing communications for numerous walking and running events more weekends than not.

BILL GREMILLION MEMORIAL ARC--- Club members were treated to a program unraveling the mysteries of Echolink at the January meeting, in a presentation given by GREG THOMPSON, KC7GNM.

COASTAL ARS--- Congratulations to the officers and members of this club, who recently re-activated their affiliation with the ARRL. This is the terrific Savannah area club that holds a fun auction every year in conjunction with Field Day. ( and eats Low Country Boil!)

CHEROKEE CAPITAL ARS--- After being recently re-elected as club president, FELTON FLOYD, AF4DN, who held that position a few years ago, was caught by surprise when the club named him as its Ham of the Year, in honor of all that he's done for the club and for the community though his leadership roles in ARES. A well-deserved honor. And for those of you in the Calhoun area who are looking for some help mastering the code, club member BARRY WRIGHT, K4WWY, started a code class the beginning of January. I'm sure anyone from the club would be happy to give you the details.

CONYERS ARG--- This year marks the 25th anniversary for this fine group. Maybe a special event station is in the near future? Here's wishing them a fun year of activities and fellowship.

ELLIJAY ARS--- Recent elections put these following fine folks into office: President- DAVE MEADOWS, K4LDI; VP- JOE FRACK, AD4NH; and Secretary/ Treasurer- BILL CAMPBELL, WB4HAT. SAM UNDERHILL, K4SWU, long-time member, was designated as a Director. Congratulations, and best wishes for an enjoyable and successful year leading the club.

GWINNETT ARS--- Southeastern Division Vice Director SANDY DONAHUE, W4RU, showed the Power Point presentation of the ARRL's ED HARE, W1RFI, on BPL. Hams may have different opinions on lots of things, but all are pretty much in agreement that the Broadband over Power Line proposal poses a huge threat to the enjoyment of our hobby. It was an eye-opening and enjoyable presentation. On the 24th, the club hosted its annual Tech Fest, which was, as always, a lot of fun for all in attendance.

KENNEHOOCHEE ARC--- At the January meeting, for a change of pace, HUTCH DELOACH, K4SQL, presented a program on the intricacies of independent film making. This club is working on forming a formal affiliation with Southern Polytechnic, which could provide some terrific opportunities for both the club and students alike. BE AWARE: The club's annual Hamfest, to be held on March 20th, will be in a new venue this year. Repeat: It will NOT be at Jim Miller Park this year. Instead, it will be held on the Life College campus. All activities, booths, and exhibits, with the exception of the boneyard, will be indoors. For more info, check http://www.w4bti.org for updates.

LANIERLAND ARC--- It sounds like this club's January meeting was very interesting and informative. ROD THOMPSON, KU4HP, and his bride KARIN, KD4DXX, owners of RT Systems, a radio software programming company, demonstrated how some of the later model amateur radios can be programmed via computer. For more info, see http://www.rtsars.com/ 

NORTH FULTON ARL--- Club president TODD MCGINNIS, KB4KAY, owes his wife for the inspiration that led to his presentation for the January meeting. She suggested, quite reasonably, that he might consider getting rid of his "junk" if he wasn't going to use it. That got the own brain cells to working. (We ALL know how tough it can be to part with some of our cool "junk"...) So he decided to use some of it and demonstrate how an old "over the hill" computer could still be pressed into service for APRS. (No word yet on whether he's been able to find a use for the rest of his treasures...)

NORTHEAST GEORGIA ARC--- Thank you to outgoing president JIM MITCHELL, K4LCP, for sending along information on the new slate of officers. Congratulations to the newly elected leaders for 2004: President- DAVID PRESLEY, KG4MVD; VP- BOB MOORE, K3ZF; Secretary- FRED LUBBESS, KG4PPQ; and Treasurer- JOE TILER, KD4VHX. This club, which meets the first Thursday of the month at the public library's conference room in Commerce, has the new, and appropriate club callsign of NE4GA on their 147.225 and 441.975 repeaters. They hold a 2M ARES net every Tuesday at 7:30 PM.

NORTH GEORGIA ARC--- This club is continuing its focus on improving their emergency communications capabilities and on becoming an ARRL affiliate. Leading the club towards attaining these goals are President-RUSS BEASON, W4YKF; VP-CRAIG PFEIFFER, KG4TJJ; Treasurer- RYAN WILLIAMS, W4RLW; and Secretary- DIANA WHITE, KB4SNU. A brand new club banner was unfurled for the first time at the January meeting and will be providing a great way for the club to be more visible and easily recognized in its community activities.

QCWA--- Peach State Chapter 49, following its decisions to meet every other month rather than quarterly, will be having its next meeting at noon on February 21 at Fire Mountain Restaurant near the intersection of Peachtree Industrial Boulevard and jimmy Carter Boulevard in Norcross. All you hams who were first licensed at least 25 years ago are cordially invited to attend. And bring your spouse. It's a good luncheon buffet, and always good fellowship. Southeast Division Director SANDY DONHUE, W4RU, will be giving a presentation on the ARRL's restructuring proposal. At the April 3rd meeting, QCWA president CRAFT TAYLOR, VE3CT, will be addressing the group.

SEDX CLUB--- Club meeting nights have been moved to the fourth Tuesday of the month. For more information and directions to their meeting place, see http://www.sedxc.org JOE OWEN, KO4RR, presented a program on the DX-pedition to CY9 land (St. Paul's Island) at the January meeting. That busy dude SANDY DONAHUE, W4RU, showed a Power Point presentation on the restructuring proposal, as well.

SOUTHERN POLYTECHNIC ARC--- I'm pleased to report that efforts are underway to reactivate this school's radio club. Campus advisor GLENN ALLEN and temporary club President/ Treasurer JEFF WOLFE want to "get the word out" to as many people in the Atlanta area as possible to build their membership base on campus. With efforts also underway for the Kennehoochee ARC to affiliate with the school, I foresee a definite increase in "radioactivity" on this Marietta campus.

THOMASVILLE ARC--- The club's new secretary JOHN CLARK, KI4AWK, built his own duplexers and set up a 6 M repeater on 51.7MHz (-). Currently located at 75 feet up, it'll soon be moving to its final resting place a towering 500 feet high, and should be a real boost to 6 M communications.

WEST GEORGIA ARC--- Club president TOM KOCOUREK, N4FWD, has some news about an upcoming class in the Carrollton area. He wrote, "We are offering a Tech class. No cost to the public. The students will need to get the current "Now You're Talking" manual as that is the instructor's choice. Tom Baxter, N4TLB, will be teaching the course. The course will run 8 consecutive Wednesdays starting on the 11th of February, 2004 through the 31st of March, 2004, at the Carrollton Community Center on North White Street across from the BB&T Bank. The time of the class will be 7 pm to 8 pm. Students finishing the course can attend the VE session to be held 3 April at Carrollton -> http://www.arrl-ga.org/education/ve-exams.html Students can contact Tom at 770-562-2098 to register for this class."

HEADS UP!!!! All of you club officers out there, if you want an accurate accounting of your club on our section webpage, PLEASE check out the info that's currently posted on the club link at http://www.arrl-ga.org Maintaining this database can be a very demanding job. ROBERT TYLER, F4VBR, our Webmaster, does a terrific job of updating, but he can't update what he doesn't know. New hams are always looking for information about clubs in their areas, so PLEASE, help us help them, and possibly increase your membership, as well. If the information posted about your club is incorrect, let us know. If your club isn't listed, and I'm sure there are many clubs around that I don't even know about, let us know. The goal is for our website to as accurately as possible reflect ALL of the clubs in Georgia, whether affiliated with the ARRL or not. Many times, a ham who never "hooks up" with other hams in his area ends up drifting away from the hobby altogether. Your club and your willingness to serve as an Elmer to these new hams can make all of the difference in the world.

HAVING TROUBLE?? With booking speakers for your club meetings, that is. This info, from SHERRI BROWER, W4STB, Southern FL SM and a member of the ARRL PR Committee, offers a fresh idea on finding potential speakers. She wrote: "Need ideas for speakers for local club meetings? Especially something other than a technical program? Type "speakers bureau" followed by your state into a search engine, or even type the city instead of state. Most counties, large cities, universities, and bar associations offer free speakers. You'll find everything from "Hazardous materials in your community" to "Effects of aging" to "Team building" Sounds like a great idea!

NEW!!!! WANT, SWAP, AND SELL OPPORTUNITY--- The Alford Memorial ARC is sponsoring an online exchange, where you can list all of those items you've been wanting to get rid of, but never have the energy to haul to a Hamfest. Save your energy and list them on the NEW Want Swap Buy Sell for almost nothing. The Alford club asks for a small donation to the club when you sell some of your treasures. (Hey! KB4KAY.... You reading this??!) http://www.totr-radio.org/forums

A man's home is his castle, in a manor of speaking.

ARES NEWS

ARES STATEWIDE MEETING--- Some points of interest from the meeting:

++ The MARS mission has changed. Though many associate MARS with MARSGRAMS and phone patches, which were, indeed, top priorities during the Vietnam War and Desert Storm, this is not the prime mission today. Providing emergency communications for such as the Department of Defense and the military, and supplying information to numerous federal agencies is the primary purpose of today's MARS organizations. Being a MARS member, an ARES member, and a RACES member does not represent a conflict of interests, but rather presents complementary means of serving our communities and our country.

++ Monthly reporting from EVERY EC is a requirement of that position. These reports are due the FIFTH of every month, and the job can be delegated to an AEC, if desired, as long as the report is made. Even if you have "no activity" to report, then report "no activity". But report. Keep the lines of communications OPEN between our SEC, your DEC and your county. Online reporting is EASY! http://www.gaares.org

++ ANNUAL reports are due by the end of January every year. Kudos to STAN EDWARDS, WA4DYD, EC of Gwinnett county, and TERRY GIBB, WK4E, AEC of Cobb county, for filing those reports this year. Let's aim for getting an annual report from EVERY ARES group next year.

++ The last week of February is Severe Weather Awareness Week, and there will be a Tornado Drill held by the Peachtree City NWS on the 25th. Last year, there was a total of 179 check-ins, representing 41 different counties. Let's top it this year!

++ There are now only 27 Red Cross chapters in the state of Georgia to cover all 159 counties. Needless to say, this sometimes stretches their resources a little bit thinly at times. DEC DALE CULP, W1BPP, says it's up to the individual ARES groups to contact the closest Red Cross office to establish a relationship BEFORE an emergency actually occurs if they are willing to be of service in times of actual emergency. For a list of the Red Cross offices and contact information, you can reach Dale at w1bpp@plantell.net

++ There is still what Peachtree City NWS DEC ROBERT BURTON, KD4YDC, calls a "Silent Crescent" in Southeast Georgia, where it's very difficult to extract needed information during times of severe weather. Linked repeater systems or Echolink may fill that gap. If you live in that part of the state and are interested in helping to improve this situation, please contact Robert at wd4ydc@bellsouth.net Information on the linked repeater system, which may also be used by GEMA in times of emergency, can be found at http://www.georgiaskywarn.com 

++ Digital DEC JOHN KRAUS, KC4ZGQ, told us that the digipeater is up in Valdosta now, and the equipment has been acquired and is ready for installation in Dublin and in Tifton. What's needed is a climber. A tower monkey. Call it what you will. (How about "hero"?) If you can help, please contact John at flyfisher452@cox.net

++ Georgia Baptist Disaster Relief DEC J.D. GOINGS, AA4P, gave a summary of that group's activities this past year. There are 21 units in the state, each with a specific purpose, such as communications, or feeding, or clean-up, etc. In the past year, these hard working volunteers spent 76 days in the field, served an amazing 124,427 meals, and covered 98 different clean-up and recovery worksites, for a grand total of 1478 volunteer days.

CLARKE--- New EC ED ROLLOR, N4ZRA, who has provided on-the-air training for the group's Sunday night nets for quite some time, held an on-the-air drill the end of December that helped test the troops and stimulate some of that ol' gray matter. Based on a winter storm scenario, participants were asked what actions they'd already taken, both from the standpoint of their family and as an emergency communicator, to respond to the challenges of the storm; what additional actions they needed to take as the storm approached; and then to list five things currently at their base station that would boost their ability to handle traffic and operate as part of an emergency net. The excellent responses showed that these folks take the emergency "preparedness" seriously. Training pays off!

COBB--- The City of Marietta Fire and Emergency Services and Cobb ARES AEC TERRY GIBB, WK4E, gave a presentation to a local group of Boy Scouts who were working on their Emergency Preparedness Merit Badge. Terry also participated in JOTA, Jamboree on the Air, to help Scouts earn their Communications Merit Badge. This group, in addition to accepting voice check-ins on their Wednesday night nets (9PM on the 146.88 repeater) is now also taking them via the 145.77 SEDAN packet network, and 144.39 APRS. The communications for this year's Winter Special Olympics, held the weekend of January 23- 25, went smoothly, thanks to the efforts and hard work of this dedicated group.

COWETA--- The training level of this group has been ratcheted up a notch with the recent unveiling of their new training manual and CD, and on-the-air training on the weekly nets. Under the guidance of new AEC for Training, BILLY MONTGOMERY, W4TS, the on-the-air training is followed up by a simple online quiz. Members can earn "points" and "stars" to indicate their participation in the training and various activities. Congratulations on the innovative approach to improve individual proficiency and encourage team spirit with a little friendly competition. Kudos!

FORSYTH--- EC PHIL FAULKNER, K4PCF, and his dedicated ARES members will be "spreading their wings" and taking over the ARES role in neighboring DAWSON county, as well. Congratulations to this fine group, and thank you for your willingness to take on this additional role.

GWINNETT--- This group, one of the few ARES groups with an active presence on their county's EOC Steering Committee, has continued to accept packet check-ins during its weekly nets (Mondays, 9PM, on 147.075 PL 82.5) to improve members' abilities in this mode. Congratulations, and thanks to BRIAN PAGE, N4TRB, who was recently appointed as the AEC for Training.

++CONGRATULATIONS to the following new ECs: CLARKE- ED ROLLOR, N4ZRA; DODGE- THOMAS GIDDENS, KG4WQZ; HABERSHAM- PHILIP CROCCO, KF4ZQ; JEFFERSON- LOUIE HANDBERRY, KR4JI; POLK-WILLIAM DICKERT, KD4EKZ; and TELFAIR- SAM RAWLINS, WA4EHO. Thanks to all of you for your willingness to lead your ARES groups in serving your communities. A special thanks to EDWIN FUQUA, N4VHA, who served as EC for CLARKE county for almost fourteen years; we really appreciate those many years of service. In NEWTON county, CARL WULFESTIEG, AG4LS, will be taking the helm as EC in mid-February, once he gets fully recovered from a hand injury. (Get well soon!) And in SPALDING county, congratulations to new OES CHARLES SHEFFER, KJ4TY.

++EDDIE BALL, WB4QAU, EMA Director in Coweta county, lauded a good weather site that's FREE. I checked it out and was pleased to see quite a large number of Georgia hams registered already. http://www.weathermatrix.net/

++Talking about the weather, this is the time of year... January, February, and March... when the NWS offices sponsor Skywarn Storm Spotter classes. I know that there's already been classes held in Cherokee, Hall, Hancock, and Dekalb counties in January, and coming up, on February 10th, there will be a class at 7 PM in Coweta county at the Central Education Center on MLK Drive in Newnan. I understand that there's LOTS of room to accommodate this class. Talk-in will be on 145.139(-)PL 156.7

Also, as our friend MARK AULICK, KF4MLT, reminded us last year, the Peachtree City NWS isn't the only office serving the fine state of Georgia. The Charleston, Jacksonville, and Tallahassee offices serve some of our counties, too. (Southeast GA DEC JIM COTE, N4PJR, said that his district is actually covered by three different offices!!) The Charleston NWS will be offering classes at their office: Basic level on February 19th and 23rd, and Advanced level on March 2nd and 24th. They will also be teaching a Spotter class at the Statesboro ARS club meeting on February 12th. Betcha Mark would be happy to fill you in on any details, if you'd like to attend. Kf4mlt@arrl.net For other possible classes sponsored out of Charleston, you can check http://wchs.csc.noaa.gov/spotter_training_info.htm In addition, if you'd like to subscribe to the Charleston WX4CHS Lowcountry Skywarn Association on Yahoo, http://groups.yahoo.com/group/Skywarnhwschs/

I'm sure the Tallahassee and Jacksonville offices will be offering classes, as well, but I haven't received any specifics on them. Bottom line is, if your group is interested in scheduling a class for your area, you'll need to put in a request though your local EMA Director.

++Looking for some guidance in establishing a strong Skywarn organization in your county? Gwinnett County Skywarn, under the leadership of JEFF HARRISON, KD4GPI, has been lauded by the NWS as being a "model organization". Jeff would be happy to help you lead your group in the same direction, abetted by an SOP Booklet and county alerting system that he's developed. You can check out the website at http://www.gwinnettskywarn.com or contact Jeff directly at ajharrison@gwinnettskywarn.com 

++The statewide ARES net, held every Sunday on 3975 at 5 PM, will be having the team at Peachtree City NWS serving as NCS this month. From 4 until 5 PM, they will also be accepting check-ins via the linked repeater system and via APRS.

A pessimist's blood type is always B negative.

ARES REPORT FROM MIKE BOATRIGHT, KO4WX, SEC

Georgia Section Amateur Radio Emergency Service
Section Emergency Coordinators Report for December, 2003

1 Jurisdictions Reporting 19
2 Total # of ARES Members 499
3 Change since last month 1
4 Total Net Sessions 62
5 Number of drills, tests and training sessions this month 22
6 Man hours 236.3
7 Number of public service events this month 10
8 Man hours 291
9 Number of emergency operations this month 0
10 Man hours 0
11 Total number of ARES operations this month 94
12 Man hours 1002.05

Counties/Jurisdictions Reporting District Reporter

GEMA KG4FXG
Carroll Northwest K4DEY
Forsyth Northeast K4PCF
Clayton Metro WB4WQE
Cobb Metro WK4E
Dekalb Metro N4SEG
Gwinnett Metro WA4DYD
Henry Metro WB4WQE
Rockdale Metro KC4ELV
Spalding Central KU4TP
Calhoun Southwest W4KEF
Dougherty Southwest N4GPJ
Lee Southwest KB4OMV
Mitchell Southwest K4TWG
Worth Southwest K1KBA
Chatham Southeast N4CVF
Coffee Southeast KD4QFH
Evans Southeast W4HYU
Wayne Southeast N4RRO

My wife really likes to make pottery, but to me it's just kiln time.

NET REPORT FROM JIM HANNA, AF4NS, STM

NET ACTIVITY:

PUBLIC SERVICE HONOR ROLL:

STATION ACTIVITY REPORTS:

Traffic handled (QTC):

*****CONGRATULATIONS to SID HUTCHINSON, WB4GGS, who earned another Brass Pounder Award with this whopping score for the month of December.

"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

MORSE: DID HE KNOW CODE.... OR NO??

This interesting tidbit of information was posted as a comment on eham by CAL NEFF, K4JSR, and he gave me permission to share it with you:

"Old man Morse never could copy code himself. It is true. Research it before you call me a liar. He developed the code true enough, but what he had in mind was recording the dots and dashes on a paper tape and translating the recorded message using a copy of his code. After a while of sending land line messages his operators got to where they could actually recognize the code characters as they were being sent. When they told Mr. Morse that they could do that he could not believe it and actually got angry at his employees. They finally prevailed on him to witness a demonstration. He set up the stations and arranged for a secret text to be sent. He then observed while the receiving operator copied the text correctly without ever looking at the paper tape. Needless to say old Sam was impressed. At that time he started developing what eventually became the land line telegraphy sounder that some of older types so fondly remember. My grandfather was a telegrapher for the ole Pierre-Marquette Railroad from about
1895 until he retired in the middle 1940's. I grew up being able to copy land line morse. I had a bit of grief converting over International code. Morse had nothing to do with the international code. It was an adaptation his land line code, though. There used to be a bunch of old Railroad Ops that were hams and would use LL code on the air. They built special devices to power the LL sounders so they could copy each other. I haven't run across anyone using the LL code on the air for some time now. But that is just the luck of the draw. Now you NO-CODE/KNOW- CODE people just go put that in
your pipes and have a good smoke!"

"You see, wire telegraph is a kind of a very, very long cat. You pull his tail in New York, and his head is meowing in Los Angeles. Do you understand this? And radio operates the same way: you send signals here, they receive them there. The only difference is that there is no cat." ALBERT EINSTEIN

OMIK CONVENTION COMING TO ATLANTA

FRANK SMITH, K1UB, former president of this fine group, which celebrated its 50th anniversary last year, told me that they'd be meeting here in Atlanta for their convention this year. Seemed like an important event to me, and I suggested that he write a little something up for our newsletter. Here's what he wrote:

OMIK Convention, July 14 - 17, 2004

The OMIK Amateur Radio Association, Inc., (derived from original member states of Ohio, Michigan, Indiana, Kentucky) will conduct its annual convention in Atlanta, at the Airport Holiday Inn, July 14 - 17, 2004. OMIK is the largest majority Black amateur radio association in the country. It has members in most states, the Caribbean, and scattered overseas locations.

OMIK has a special relationship with the Southeast Division because it was initially assigned here when it became ARRL affiliated. Because the organization is geographically dispersed, the location of the president became the deciding factor in division/section alignment. Sandy Donahue, W4RU, and Susan Swiderski, AF4FO, presented the ARRL Charter to (then) President Frank Taylor Smith, K1UB, in Summer of 2001. Frank resides in Fayetteville. OMIK is now in the West Gulf Division because President Dr. Wayne Scott, MD., N4RAP, resides in Paris, Texas.

The organization is now seeking technical presentations for the convention, Friday and Saturday mornings, July 16th and 17th. K1UB will be contacting some of you to determine availability and willingness to participate. His email address is k1ub@bellsouth.net or k1ub@arrl.net.

The convention is open to members, special guests, presenters, and FCC exam takers (see Coming Conventions, June/July 2004 QST).

The secret to a good speech: Be sincere. Be brief. Be seated.

THIS HOBBY SURE IS CHANGING....

Here's another interesting article, which I read in the Statesboro ARC January newsletter. It was originally posted on eham, and the author DOUG GRANT, K1DG, was happy to share it with you:

"I was testing out a new 70 cm beam the other day, and tuning around the repeater segment for a loud signal so I could check the beam's pattern. I came across a big loud signal, but instead of the usual FM chatter, I was surprised to hear what sounded like a station tuning across an HF phone band, with SSB signals coming into then passing out of the passband. Obviously this apparently local repeater had a link to an HF rig somewhere. After a bit of listening, I guessed that the repeater's HF rig was on 20-meters, so I fired up my HF rig, and tuned around until I heard the same QSO on 20 that I was hearing on 70 cm. Not sure where the repeater's HF rig was located, I turned on my amplifier and called over the QSO in progress "Who is listening to this QSO on 70 cm in New Hampshire?" A somewhat surprised KD6LFW, who was mobile in Nashua, NH, answered me on the repeater. I suggested he QSY the HF rig to a clear frequency so we could talk. I heard the repeater voice synthesizer report "Q-S-Y -- Fourteen Point Two Six Zero Point Zero." So I dialed 14.260 on my HF rig and called KD6LFW. It turns out the repeater is only about 5 miles from me, and its Icom IC-706 was hearing me fine on 20M...and hearing my 70 cm rig as well. So I alternated talking on HF and 70 cm for the QSO. When I talked on 20-meters, I heard myself coming back on 70cm. When I talked on 70 cm, I heard myself on 20-meters. KD6LFW had recently upgraded to General, and I was his first QSO on HF. Well...sort of anyway. I wonder how LoTW wants me to enter THAT one?

This was my first encounter with an HF-linked repeater...I'm sure others have worked through them, and through the Internet-linked machines as well. Last week I heard an OK2 on 50.125 getting a bunch of the locals all excited, until he announced he was using the W7DXX Internet remote base in Boston. Which got me thinking...how do we figure out where people are these days when we hear them on the air? Where do I point my beam when I hear W4AN on the air (Bill sometimes operates through a remote station in Washington state, and sometimes from his own home station in Georgia)? And in the next contest, can I use one of these things to extend the band openings? I'll operate on 15-meters with my own station in the morning and work a bunch of Europeans, then when the band closes here in NH, I'll log in to a remote station in W6 or W7 and run JAs for a few more hours. Or maybe I'll log in to one in KH6 to keep the run going. Or KH0. And I suppose I could create some real excitement in Japan by logging into a remote base there and getting on 80 or 160-meters. This hobby sure is changing...

Dijon vu---- the same mustard as before.

RESTRUCTURING PROPOSALS

OK, I'm sure that you're all well aware of the restructuring proposals that were recently made to the FCC by the ARRL. For me to write this whole newsletter without making any mention of it would be like trying to ignore an elephant at a tea party. Many of you have expressed your concerns to me, and in some cases, your support for these proposed changes. Some of you are very angry, and even feel somewhat betrayed by these proposals.

As I've told some of you already, my initial reaction was similar to that of the poor working stiffs in a fairly familiar parable. It's the story of the eleventh hour workers, who are paid the same exact wages as the poor slobs who'd been hard at work in the hot sun all day. Remember that one? The all-day laborers were none too happy to see the fellas who'd breezed in to work that last measly hour of the day walk away with the same exact number of shekels in their pockets as they did, especially since they'd had to draw a circuit, copy and send twenty words per minute, design and build their own rigs, and send CQ in forty-three languages. (I mixed the stories there a bit, but you get the idea.)

But, as we all know, initial reactions aren't always correct.

Sure, we could keep the tests as a status quo. Heck, why not make them tougher, so we can maintain our pride in accomplishment and our elite place on the air? But if our numbers continue to fall, we just might "elite" ourselves right off the air altogether. It's no secret that we hams have been given spectrum that's probably worth billions of dollars to the commercial interests out there. The FCC wants that spectrum to be used. They also want a simpler license structuring in place. Similar licensing plans have already been implemented in other countries like England; in fact, they only have two levels of license class now. And it has been working well. The number of new licensees has risen, and guess what? The sky hasn't fallen, and the hobby hasn't gone to hell in a hand basket.

If this plan does get the approval of the FCC, we will hopefully be gaining a lot more hams. That means there will be an even greater need for seasoned hams to mentor the newcomers, who admittedly will NEED HELP. The ARRL is working on a new structured four-tier Elmer-ing program: for individuals, for clubs, for cyber-help, and for specific areas of expertise. If you're concerned that the new hams won't be "knowledgeable enough", please consider becoming a mentor. Mentoring provides a constructive way to improve the hobby, and is far more effective than complaints and hand-wringing.

I've repeatedly responded to many of you that I honestly believe that the ARRL's proposal was made in what they believe is in the best interest of the hobby, NOT in what they believe is in the best interest of the ARRL, which admittedly may not be the same thing. Bear in mind, our Board is made up of amateur radio operators, and they are VOLUNTEERS. They have nothing to gain monetarily. Nonetheless, I posed the question to DAVE SUMNER, K1ZZ, as to what WAS the "motivation" behind the recent proposals. This is his response:

"There are some basic assumptions behind the Board's proposal that I think will explain the thinking behind it.

First, the most important consideration is that we have a license structure that will encourage the growth and development of amateur radio over the next 10-15 years. The driving force behind the Board's proposal is simply this: we're all getting older, and there aren't enough younger people coming in and remaining active to keep amateur radio healthy once we Baby Boomers start dropping off the demographic charts.

Second, there is the right number of license classes for amateur radio as we practice it in the United States. (Most other countries now have one or two.) There are three license classes available now, and it is difficult to find a rationale for asking the FCC to increase that number. The concept of earning privileges progressively is an important one in amateur radio, and is maintained in the Board's proposal.

Third, having "legacy" license classes that are no longer available but are maintained on the FCC's books indefinitely is not a good idea. That's the present situation with regard to the Novice and Advanced licenses. This greatly and unnecessarily complicates the FCC rules.

Fourth, to the greatest extent possible, present licensees should not lose privileges.

Fifth, the Technician license as it now exists is not working particularly well as an entry-level license; we need a better one. I wouldn't say the exam is too difficult, but it does cover a broader scope of material than is appropriate to demand of beginners. Put yourself in the shoes of someone who has no background in amateur radio, pick up the Technician question pool, and write down the terms that you wouldn't understand. I think you will find that it's a pretty long list. A lot of them are necessary for even a beginner to know, but many are not; they are on the Technician exam only because the license privileges include 1500 watts, microwaves, repeater control and satellite control, and other things no beginner needs. I can tell you it bears no resemblance to the very simple 20-question Novice exam I took in 1962. We ought to be doing a better job of training new amateurs as to what they really do need to know, and we can do that if we don't also have to teach them stuff they don't need to know to ascend the first rung and get on the air. Finally, while Technician privileges are very generous above 30 MHz, most beginners are in no position to do much more than get on two-meter FM and check into their local repeater. While that can be a route into public service communication if there's a good local group, if there isn't it turns into a dead end and we lose them before they discover the more magical aspects of radio.

Finally, the Amateur Extra Class license does seem to be working appropriately. The Board could find no compelling reason to change the existing requirements, including the Morse requirement.

Taken together, these assumptions lead inescapably to something similar to what the Board has proposed. If the Amateur Extra remains as-is and there is a new entry-level license, then the existing licenses have to be mapped to the new structure -- mostly in the middle. Novice maps pretty well to the new entry-level license (which is being called Novice for now). Advanced licensees have passed a written exam that's technically on par with the Extra as well as a 13-wpm Morse exam, so there's little point in continuing to deny them access to the additional Extra Class privileges (most of which are in the CW bands).

The Board considered converting present Technicians into the new entry-level license, but doing so would require either a significant reduction in privileges for Technicians or the inclusion of the rather advanced material (high power VHF/UHF, microwave, satellite control, etc.) that we're trying to keep out of the entry-level study material.

It's true that there presently is an additional written exam to go from Technician to General. That exam is on a technical level similar to that of the Technician written exam. The two exams had the same starting point. Until 1987 the Technician and General written exams were identical. In that year the exam element was split in two, with most of the HF material being put into the General and the Technician exam being principally (but not exclusively) about VHF and higher. Pre-1987 Technicians already were converted to General, following the reduction in the General Morse requirement to 5 wpm. In 1998 the Board proposed converting Tech Plus (as well as Novice -- the new proposal is a change in that respect) licensees to General in the ARRL's comments in FCC Docket 98-143. Given the dropping of the international Morse requirement for an HF license, it's not a big step from there to the new proposal.

I certainly understand the desire of many to retain a written exam step between present Technician licensees and General privileges, but doing so would greatly complicate the transition to a new structure that has significant benefits for the longer term.

One thing we know about the Technician and Tech Plus licensees who would gain General privileges under the Board's proposal is that they have passed an exam since 1987. Using myself as an example, I haven't passed an FCC exam since getting my Extra in 1965. The exam process doesn't ensure that I know anything at all about semiconductors, repeaters, packet radio, spread spectrum, slow-scan television, satellites, or the RF safety rules. The frequency limits have changed many times since then (the bands at 5, 10, 18, 24, and 902 MHz didn't even exist in 1965).

It really boils down to this. If your concern is mainly with how present licensees stand to be affected, then you're likely to find fault with some significant aspects of the proposal. If your concern is mainly with coming up with a structure that makes sense for the future, then you're likely to regard the proposal as basically sound (although you mght differ with regard to some details). The Board, I think correctly, is more focused on the future. Judging from the emails I'm seeing, quite a few members are as well.

I hope this helps. If all else fails, remind people that the 15 voting members of the Board have no financial interest whatsoever in the ARRL or in any aspect of amateur radio. There's simply no motivation for them to do anything other than what they believe is in the long term best interests of amateur radio.

73,
Dave Sumner, K1ZZ

P.S. It doesn't really matter, but yes, I'm regularly active on the air. I spent about 9 hours in the VHF Sweepstakes last weekend and made about 225 QSOs. Not a single person stopped to criticize the proposal (the only "policy" comment I got was "Keep up the good work on BPL"). I attribute that to the fact that the need for more activity was glaringly apparent to anyone who was on.

I fired my masseuse today. She just rubbed me the wrong way.

PIGLETS (AKA YOUNG HAMS)

It's time to apply for those FAR (Foundation for Amateur Radio, Inc.) scholarships. These scholarships are for amateur radio operators planning to pursue a full-time course of study beyond high school. If you have already been accepted or are currently attending an accredited university, college, or technical school, you can apply by sending a letter to QSL card to FAR Scholarships, PO Box 831, Riverdale, MD, 20738. The deadline for applications is April 30th.

SCHOOL ROUND-UP February 9-13

A kindergarten teacher is a person who knows how to make little things count.

LADIES CORNER

Last month, at the suggestion of TERRY ATHA, KG4LTL, I put out a call for our Georgia YL hams to send me an email as a possible recruiting tool for other YL non-hams. There's lots of terrific lady hams out there, and I'm hoping for a LOT more response so we can continue this feature in future newsletters. I do have a terrific one for you this month, but we need input, Ladies, or else this will be another good idea that fizzles. HELP!! Maybe after you read this month's entry, you'll have an idea of what you can write..... Sincere thanks to CHRIS MCGEE, KLØUD, for getting us started:

"In response to your request for female ham radio experiences, here's mine: I'm a weather nut, and initially decided to get licensed so I could be a storm spotter. It was one of those goals that percolated in the back of my mind for quite a few years; in fact, by the time I finally got licensed, I'd already worked for the National Weather Service for 5 years. My husband Kevin and I were in Fairbanks, Alaska at the time, and I joined the Arctic Amateur Radio Club, a great group of folks. My first service activity as a ham radio operator was providing communications for the Yukon Quest, a yearly 100-mile sled dog race between Fairbanks and Whitehorse, Yukon Territory.

My original call was KL0MN, issued when I got my Tech license, but Kevin joked one day that KLØUD would be better for me, and so I snapped that one right up, beating its sequential issuance by maybe a few days.

In spring 1999, Kevin finally went for his license after hearing about all the fun I was having in the AARC. It came in very handy, because as it turned out we moved from Fairbanks to Newnan in September of that year, driving two vehicles. Two-meter simplex made life much easier on the 10-day drive!

Soon after arriving in Georgia, we attended meetings of the Bill Gremillon Memorial Radio Club and Coweta ARES, and they made us feel right at home. It's great to know that you can find nice, friendly folks wherever you go. I would agree with those who say the people are the best part of the hobby -- and since I'm a card-carrying, incorrigible introvert, that's saying a lot!

I've also enjoyed working with the terrific Fayette ARES folks who operate WX4PTC at the Peachtree City National Weather Service. I cannot say enough about both the Coweta and Fayette ARES groups. The dedication of these people is awe-inspiring."

Thanks &73s, Chris KLØUD

THOMAS EDISON'S MOTHER: "Of course I'm proud that you invented the electric light bulb, Thomas. Now turn off that light and get to bed!"

SECTION NOTABLES

WALTER CHILDS, KQ4SF, is a well-loved member of the Thomasville ARC who suffered a horrendous accident at work some time ago that involved a serious head injury. It's been a long hard road towards recovery for him, buoyed by the love and support of both his biological and his ham families. At the November club meeting, Walter got up from his wheel chair and laboriously took some steps across the room, much to the surprise and delight of everyone present. Now, club president MIKE BROWN, KE4FGF, reports that Walter was able to check into the club's weekly net on January 13th for the very first time since his accident. Mike said, "It's worthy of mention in the section news because Walter has a large number of friends throughout Georgia (and the southeast, for that matter) who were all dreading the fact that he might not make it at all.... That he is still here and now getting back on the radio is indeed a miracle. He put it best.... 'God has been good to me'." Walter is, indeed, a very fortunate man with a lot of courage and heart, and we're all thrilled for him.

RUSS MOORE, N4TEY, a member of the Bill Gremillion Memorial ARC, was recently appointed as CEO of the Central Education Center in Newnan. This is a world renown charter school that combines high school, technical school, and college level courses. CONGRATULATIONS, Russ, for this terrific position.

Our buddy PHIL NEIDLINGER, KA4KOE, has written a couple more DED (Dead Electrical Dudes) articles for eham. Number seven is on Hertz and eight is on Morse. As irreverent and quirkily (and informative) as ever, you can find them at http://www.eham.net/articles/7527


JOE BATCHELOR, W4EGK, who became a Silent Key on January 4th, was an electronics designer who made countless contributions over the years, such as the design and development of the broadband couplers used in the 600L HF amplifiers and the later 100V/200V broadband HF transmitters. He also worked in the development of a radio system designed to locate downed pilots at sea for the Air Force back in the 40s. He and JACKIE, W4EZS, his wife of over 60 years, lived for many years in an old schoolhouse, with rooms and rooms filled with equipment. (a ham's dream location!) Everyone who ever visited this place always said that it "defied description". I'd heard stories of it, and will never forget the look on the face of CLIFF SEGAR, KD4GT, after visiting the place with my better half. Talk about excited! Now, thanks to ALLEN CUTTS, N4OZI, here's an opportunity for the rest of us to take a small peek at some incredible pictures of Joe and the schoolhouse, taken by Allen in 1999. (Thanks, Allen. These are great!!)http://www.mindspring.com/~cacutts/radio/ba/misc/k4egk.html 

The people who make a difference in your life aren't the ones with the most credentials,
the most money or the most awards. They are the ones that care.

TECH TIPS

WEB PROGRAM AVAILABLE TO CREATE CABRILLO FORMAT LOGS

The ARRL Contest Branch has announced that a Web-based "applet" program http://www.b4h.net/cabforms/  now is available that can create and e-mail contest logs in the Cabrillo file format ARRL requires for contest entries.

"Thanks to Bruce Horn, WA7BNM, and the support of several other amateurs, it is now possible for all contest participants to create Cabrillo-format logs on the Web," said ARRL Contest Branch Manager Dan Henderson, N1ND. "These will allow participants who log on paper or whose logging software will not generate a Cabrillo file to create an electronic log to submit to the League."

The first ARRL contest for which the Web applet is available is the recent 2004 RTTY Roundup http://www.arrl.org/contests/rules/2004/rtty.html. Henderson says Horn is developing templates for additional ARRL contests, and these will also become available via links from Horn's Cabrillo Web Forms page.

The Web routine first prompts users to provide the required information to create a Cabrillo file header. This includes basic information such as ARRL/RAC section, call sign used, call signs of operators for a multi-op entry, entry class, the operator's name and address and possibly other data. Where appropriate, drop-down boxes allow submitters to select the correct information.

A second screen allows users to input data for each QSO. Users may either manually keystroke the information for each contact or cut and paste it--band, date, time, call sign copied, received RST, received exchange--from another source. A space is necessary between each QSO data element, and each QSO belongs on a separate line.

Once QSO data have been entered, click on the "SUBMIT QSO INFO" button. The program checks for formatting errors, and, if everything is correct, will display the completed file. At that point, users can check their information one last time.

Click the "SUBMIT CABRILLO LOG" button to e-mail the entry automatically to the correct address for the contest. This also will send a record copy of the Cabrillo-formatted log to the user.

Applet-created logs will be processed just as all other log submissions are. If the contest robot finds problems, it will send the appropriate e-mail message to the submitter. If the log is okay, the robot will send a numbered receipt.

Users with questions about the Web applet routine should contact the ARRLContest Branch via e-mail contests@arrl.org . The ARRL thanks BRUCE HORN, WA7BNM, for his work in developing this helpful and useful Web application.

This is an article entitled "Bigger is Better", written by CHUCK TEETERS, W4MEW, in the ARC of Augusta's newsletter, "The Splatter":

Some of the antenna stuff you hear on the air these days makes you think that 2 plus 2 now equals 5. A few basic facts about radio waves and antennas are therefore now needed. If you look around at the radio waves passing by, you will see some strong ones, some weak ones, and some in between. The way to measure a radio wave is in volts, just like a battery, except RF volts. Since the radio wave doesn't have terminals on the end, we pick some spots on the wave to measure the voltage. The normal measurement is between two points on the wave one meter (about 39 inches) apart. The voltage is not so much, so we usually measure millivolts, or even weaker microvolts. We have to measure the wave in the plane of polarization: if it's vertical, we measure a vertical meter distance; and if it's horizontal, we measure horizontal. The result is that we get a measurement of so many microvolts or millivolts per meter. For example, if you measured a broadcast signal from a 1000 watt station at one mile, you should get about 150 mv/meter. A TV station at 30 miles should measure about 3mv/ meter. Most ham band signals will measure between 1 and 100 uv/meter if you are a few miles away.

Now, how much signal does your antenna get from that radio wave? Depends upon how long it is. If the signal is 50 uv/meter and your antenna is 10 meters long, in the plane of polarization of the wave, you will get 50 x 10 = 500 microvolts into your receiver. If your antenna is 50 meters long, you will get 2500 uv. So the longer the antenna, or the stronger the radio wave, the louder the signal. So also small antennas = small signals and big antennas = big signals, no way around it. Hang up some wire.

Do you have a bunch of old treasured RECORD ALBUMS? How would you like to be able to save that precious music to CD?? You'll find complete instuctions on how to do so at http://www.pcworld.com/howto/article/0,aid,46464,00.asp 

 You can find a wealth of information on the website of L.B. CEBIK, W4RNL, a recent QCWA Hall of Fame inductee, and author of many books on antennas and antenna modeling. Check out his "Tales and Technicals" link, especially, at http://www.cebik.com 

How about a chuckle or two? Stick your tongue firmly in your cheek and check out the DX humor at http://www.qsl.net/aa0mz/lti.htm

RON ROGERS, WB8ERB, posted this on the Forsyth ARES reflector about how NOT to ground your mobile rig:

I saw a sad story this morning on another reflector (2-Way Radio industry) about a guy who had his mobile HF amateur radio destroyed because he had wired both positive and negative leads from his radio directly to the vehicle battery, thinking that was the best practice. After all Kenwood and Icom show this as the preferred method in their instruction manuals, don't they ?!?!? And, they show both leads being fused, don't they?

This story reminded me again why we folks that have been in the 2-Way Radio business in a previous life were careful where we ground a radio (provide a negative return path) for the power source. We DID NOT run the radio's ground lead to the battery.........read on.

This other guy had run both the # 10 red and black lines to the battery, but only fused the "hot" lead !! Now, there are 2 problems with this approach of running both positive and negative leads to the battery. By running the negative lead to the battery you can introduce a vehicle power ground loop problem if you are running a grounded antenna. A ground loop situation can also introduce alternator whine and RF interference into your radio due to mismatched grounds between your radio, the other electronic equipment in your vehicle, the ground cable connection to your engine block, and the engine block to the frame ground of the vehicle.

If the battery ground cable connection to the engine block starts to go bad (they all do eventually), or the bolt on the battery ground connection gets loose or corroded, this creates a high resistance ground for the battery. If you run your radio ground wire directly to the battery and you have a grounded antenna then the connection you have just provided becomes the lower resistance ground for the battery than the engine block ground cable from the battery.

That's when all of the alternator charge current starts to flow from the auto frame ground, through your antenna coax, back through your radio to the battery and starts to give you some serious whine and other automotive noise into the audio of your 2-Way radio.

But it really gets bad (like this other guy experienced) when the auto battery ground cable to engine block completely goes bad and you hit the key to start your vehicle........that's when hundreds of amps of current will flow back through your radio, the grounds of your circuit boards, and the coax to your antenna ground, unless that ground lead from your radio to the battery is fused !!

That's what happened to this other guy and he did not have his ground lead from the radio to the battery fused. The surge current from his vehicle starter completely fried his radio power wiring, his radio circuit boards, and his coax.

The bottom line here is do not run a 2-Way radio power ground directly to the vehicle battery, fused or not fused. But make sure you DO fuse the "Positive" lead. Protect your radio from alternator charging current, alternator whine, and catastrophic battery grounding failure by grounding it to a vehicle frame at a point close to the radio. We found that the bolts that fasten auto seats to the auto frame make one of the best 2-Way radio grounds.

Could you sometimes use some help from a Mentor, but aren't quite sure where to turn? Or maybe, you'd be willing to SERVE as a mentor to help some other folks with their questions. DAVE WORD, N4DYR, of Carrollton, posted this useful info on the West GA ARC reflector about something that can fill the bill on both accounts:

For anyone who's getting their first license or upgrading, you might be interested in the help group that I'm a member of on Yahoo Groups. The address is:
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/HamRadioHelpGroup/?yguid=153824265
and it's simple to join from the home page. Like all Yahoo groups, you can either get all the group postings via e-mail, or choose to read them all on the group web site.

A lot of future hams and upgraders are getting their questions answered through this group, and I highly recommend it. There are presently 671 members. The group couldn't exist without experienced hams to answer the questions, so all classes, from no license to Novice to Extra are equally welcome.

Of course, there are always club members who are more than willing to help, but this group is another great source of help, and also a great way for those of us with higher class licenses to help advance Ham Radio. I hope you'll all take a look.

Dopeler effect: The tendency of stupid ideas to seem smarter when they come at you rapidly.

HEALTH AND WELFARE

FRANKIE WOMACK, W4BJT, sent along some information on someone that many of you may know: GEORGE MURRAY, WB4DYQ. George was one of the "moving forces" behind the Confederate Signal Corps ARC and the Alford Memorial ARC in their early days. In fact, he's the one who coined the phrase "Famvention" for Family Ham Convention, when the annual Stone Mountain Hamfest began back in the early 70's. He was also the head of communications for the Georgia State Police, until he retired about ten years ago. Since then, he and his wife Joan have been "on the road" seeing the states, and enjoying life, based out of Comfort, Texas. George suffered a stroke on January 18th and has made it successfully through two separate surgeries to remove blood clots, and is now on the long road to recovery. A card or email from some of his old friends would be very welcome. jgmurray@escapees.com

A Freudian slip is when you say one thing but mean your mother.

UPCOMING EVENTS

February 5--- HAPPY BIRTHDAY to my favorite ham and better half

February 9-13--- 18th annual School Roundup

February 13-15--- Orlando Hamfest (SE Division Convention)

February 14--- Valentine's Day

February 25--- Tornado Drill

February 28--- DALTON HAMFEST--- HOORAY!! Let the Hamfest season begin! North Georgia Fairgrounds, 500 Legion Drive 8AM-2:30 PM VE session at 1PM. ARES Forum to be held at 10AM. Talk-in 145.23

March 20--- KENNEHOOCHEE HAMFEST--- to be held this year on the Life College campus in Marietta.

Corduroy pillows are making headlines.

SILENT KEYS

JOE BATCHELOR, W4EGK
WALT MILLER, K4KS
GENE SMITH, WD9H

Sincere condolences to the families and friends of all of these fine men.

Well, folks, that's about it for now. Hope to see a bunch of you at the Dalton Hamfest. Until next time, this is AF4FO, signing clear. Take care of yourselves. And each other.

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.

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