Georgia Section On My Mind

March, 2004

Greetings! Hope all is well with all of you. WOW! Can you believe that some of us actually got to see a bit of snow?! And just the right kind, too.... enough to go ooh and ahh over for half a day.... then gone, as quickly as it came. Then back to normal... sixty degrees. (You've just gotta love winter in the south...)

In a couple of weeks, it'll be feeling and looking more and more like spring, and it'll be dejah-choo all over again.... But let's see what's been happening lately, and what's coming up around the bend.... P.S. Don't forget to vote!

The problem with being a leader: you can't tell if people are following you... or chasing you.

FEBRUARY HIGHLIGHTS

February 28-DALTON HAMFEST- There must have been some sort of cosmic convergence going on to make things fall into line so well this year. Chilly in the early morning, but not frigid. No wind. No rain. Not even a threat of rain, so no ARES beepers sounding off the whole day long. What we did have is lots of sunshine and lots of happy hams-ters gathered to celebrate the kick-off of the Georgia Hamfest season. The boneyard was full and just about every indoor table was in use, too. It was great to see EDNA ANTHONY, KF4TZZ, back at her spot at the MARS table, still recovering from a broken hip, but wearing a big smile and obviously happy to be out and about again. That super salesman and everybody's favorite Director, FRANK BUTLER, W4RH, and our well-traveled Vice Director, SANDY DONAHUE, W4RU, and I enjoyed manning the ARRL booth most of the day (though I did sneak away for the ARES forum, the MARS meeting, and to wolf down a quick hot dog) and managed to sign up eighteen new members, in between chatting with the steady stream of folks who stopped by to say hello. It's always such a pleasure to meet with both the hams we've known for years, as well as with those we'd met only via radio, email or telephone prior to the Hamfest face-to-face. This kind of outing always re-affirms my contention that hams are my favorite people. And you guys always look out for me, too.... I don't know HOW many of you "warned" me that you'd seen my better half, MIKE, K4HBI ("That's meeee!!") out in the boneyard with his arms bulging with goodies. You seem to get a real kick out of telling me that, especially those of you who know all too well that we'd pretty much need a monstrous shoe horn to fit much else into our place. Turns out that he was actually helping a couple of damsels in distress, AMANDA MILLER, KG4TKB, and LAURA BLACK, KG4WQT, and was actually toting their goodies to their car. (That's his story and he's sticking to it!)

The ARES meeting was well-attended, as always, with about 55 or so folks taking time out of their hamfesting and socializing to attend. We were kinda squeezed into tight quarters last year (got real friendly, whether ya wanted to or not!) but thanks to DEC FELTON FLOYD, AF4DN, we had a lot more room to spread out in another building this year. Felton wasn't able to be there to host the meeting this year, so he turned the duties over to EC ROLAND RANKIN, KV4ED, who did a terrific job in his stead. There were also a number of Tennessee hams in attendance at the ARES meeting, including SM LARRY MARSHALL, WB4NCW, and SEC SHEILA DZIUBAK, KB4G. Thanks to everyone who attended, especially SEC MIKE BOATRIGHT, KO4WX, who talked about a number of ARES related issues, and DEC ROBERT BURTON, KD4YDC, who told us a little bit about the terrific participation in the recent tornado drill. All in all, another terrific meeting. Likewise, the MARS meeting was very enjoyable. We hear many of our members on the air quite frequently, but it's always great to sit down and chat in person and to hear about such things as the progress of interoperability between the Services, and upcoming training and on-the-air events.

It's no secret that I love Hamfest and manage to enjoy myself at every single one we attend. But everyone around me was saying the same thing: this was a terrific Hamfest. Congratulations to the members of the Dalton ARC for a job well done, and a great big thanks to each and every one of you who attended and supported the 'fest. Dunno about you, but it sure did whet my whistle. Can hardly wait for the Kennehoochee Hamfest coming up on the 20th of March at Life College in Marietta. Hope to see you there!

A closed mouth gathers no feet.

CLUB NEWS

ALFORD MEMORIAL ARC--- The program at the February meeting provided a trip down memory lane and up, up, up the side of Stone Mountain via a vintage videotape made circa 1985 by PETE WINGARD, W4QDN, in which he, ED WOODRICK, WA4YIH, and REID KRENN, WW3A, bounce their way up that steep and rocky path to visit the club's repeater site (and the dearly departed Mrs. Calabash...) What a drive! Made for a fun and interesting program.

ATLANTA ARC--- The March 4th meeting will feature DAVID SCHORNAK, N1IB, who'll be bringing his K-2 for show and tell. Others are also invited to bring some of the items that they've built to give others an idea of the range of kits available and what kind of homebrew items hams can create. Sounds like fun!

CHEROKEE CAPITAL ARC--- MARVIN COOPER, N2MC, shared his know-how and presented a how-to program on soldering at the February meeting. To promote usage of the club repeaters, Tuesday nights have been designated as Rag Chew Night, and the 146.745 (-) and 443.675 repeaters will be linked from 8 PM until 10 PM. Upcoming on April 24 will be the club's annual Hamfest held at Valley Community Center in Calhoun.

GEORGIA TECH ARC--- This group's April meeting will welcome a celebrity of sorts, and you are invited to attend. Everybody's favorite special counsel to the FCC, RILEY HOLLINGSWORTH, will be addressing the group. I'll pass along details on the exact meeting location as soon as I get them.

GWINNETT ARS--- Congratulations to the newly elected slate of officers: President- DAVID ADCOCK, KA4KKF; VP- EARL WHATLEY, AF4FG; Treasurer- DAN KEOHAN, KF4YSU; Secretary- KEN DALTON, KI4BQS; and Activities Chairman- JOHN DAVIS, WB4QDX. Best wishes for an outstanding year leading the club. The February meeting was graced with a terrific program on the NTS (National Traffic System) by BILL CARTER, KG4FXG, in which he provided tidbits of history and lots of fun facts on some of the CW nets.

NORTH FULTON ARL--- Metro Atlanta DEC STEVE REYNOLDS, W4CNG, presented a program on ARES at the February meeting, and CLIFF SEGAR, KD4GT, displayed his ever-ready, ready-to-go ready bag. Led by president TODD MCGINNIS, KB4KAY, plans are starting to brew for a fox hunt, to be held sometime this spring.

NORTH GEORGIA ARC--- VESTER SCOTT, N8EKA, an assistant director for the Southeastern Repeater Association, will be telling the club all they ever wanted to know (but were afraid to ask?) at their March meeting.

PAULDING ARC--- Congratulations to the following recently elected officers: President- DANNY ALLEN, AG4PR; VP- GILL MADDOX, KF4ZNG; and Secretary/ Treasurer- SUSAN GRAHAM, KC4MQL. Hope the club enjoys a very successful year under your leadership.

SE DX CLUB--- Oops. The CY9 DX-pedition program presented recently by JOE OWEN, KO4RR, was actually on the Sable Island adventure, and not St. Paul's Island, as reported in the last newsletter.

SILVER COMET ARS, INC--- Please welcome "The newest kid on the block", Georgia's newest ham club, which is scheduled to hold its premiere meeting at the Paulding County Chamber of Commerce at 7 PM on the 6th of April. This club plans to have a strong emphasis on public service and the promotion and growth of amateur radio. (sounds like a Special Service Club in the making) They've already incorporated, and have applied for their 501(c)3 status and ARRL affiliation. Officers for this new group are President- LEE MCDANIEL, WB4QOJ; VP- ELLERY DURGIN, KG4NFS; Secretary- BEA WEST; Treasurer- DAVID FULLER, K4DMF, and Sgt at Arms- PAUL DURGIN, KG4NZA. The Board of Directors will be comprised of SEAN SPARKS, W4JFL; DAVID FULLER, K4DMF; EMORY GORDY, JR, W4WRO; RON WEST, WB3ILX; and PAUL DURGIN, KG4NZA. Best wishes to this group as their adventures begin.

STATESBORO ARS--- HAL AUSTIN of the Charleston NWS conducted a Basic Weather Spotter class at this group's February meeting.

VALDOSTA ARC--- Teamed up with members of the South Georgia ARC, this club is planning this year's Hamfest for August 14th at the Lowndes County Civic Center fairgrounds. Last year's maiden voyage was an impressive beginning for this newest Hamfest on the Georgia calendar, and this year's promises to be bigger and better. We'll be there!

HEADS UP! EDDY KOSOBUCKI, K4JNL, told me that there's a ham in the Columbus area, DICK STEVENS, AK4T, who has an extensive collection of QST magazines, dating back to the 30's. He would like to donate them to a club. (As you might imagine, you'd have to go pick them up!) If your group is interested, you can call Dick at (706)561-5280.

Opportunity knocks but once; temptation leans on the doorbell.

ARES NEWS

CHEROKEE--- On January 22, EC DARRAGH MCCLURE, WA4IKS, JIM MILLSAP, WB4NWS, and STEVE HAMMOND, K4SAH, along with Steve's top-notch communications trailer, participated in a mutual county aid drill with the Atlanta /Fulton county EMA. Held at the Georgia World Congress Center, the purpose of this drill was to demonstrate the set up for a multiple-agency field EOC, and participants included Atlanta police, Fulton county police, Fulton county sheriff, MARTA, GEMA, Dobbins AFB, American Red Cross, and FEMA. Congratulations to Cherokee ARES for ably demonstrating just how well-equipped amateur radio operators can be in this type of event. At the February meeting, EC DARRAGH MCCLURE, WA4IKS, and TOM OLLEY, KG4VUB, conducted an APRS demonstration and training event.

COBB--- These folks held a special drill on January 10th to test their communications from potential shelter sites around the county.

FORSYTH--- As reported last month, Forsyth county ARES is temporarily expanding its efforts to provide ARES coverage to neighboring Dalton county. Congratulations to SCOTT SPENCER, KG4WPU, who has been named as AEC in charge of these efforts in Dalton county. This ambitious group will be teaching a no-code tech class for five successive weeks, followed by a VE session, with the first class beginning in early March.

GWINNETT--- BRIAN PAGE, N4TRB, Gwinnett's new AEC for training, provided a SkyWarn spotter refresher course at the February meeting. Plans are afoot to provide Red Cross training in damage assessment in the near future. The preparatory work on the group's communications trailer is proceeding nicely.

HABERSHAM--- If possible, please join with these folks for their inaugural 2M net, on March 8 at 8 PM, on the Baldwin repeater, 147.180 (+). Subsequent nets will be held on the 2nd Monday of each month, at least for starters.

SOUTH FULTON--- A formal MOU has been signed with the Atlanta Airport Repeater Association, providing for priority usage of the Atlanta Airport repeater, at 147.030, by this ARES group during times of emergency. President JIMMY CHAMBERS, WA4GBT, of the Atlanta Airport Repeater Association, and South Fulton EC TONY KING, W4ZT, put their names on the dotted line to seal the deal.

CONGRATULATIONS to the following new ECs: In Bartow county, DENISE LORREN, KG4SRX; in Charlton, LEO MILLER, WB4GPR; in Effingham, VAL ASHCRAFT, AF4VH; in Floyd, ED BYARS, WB4FGM; and in Murray, CECIL CLEMENTS, KG4RSU. Sincere thanks to all of these folks for their willingness to serve. Thanks, also, to DREW MCCARSKY, KB2SEO, who has served as EC of Murray county until recently, when he had to step down. We appreciate all you've done, Drewski.

A very special THANK YOU to one of our DECs, who has long served the Georgia section in many ways, both through ARES, through the Georgia Baptist Disaster Relief Team, through his hard work with SERA, as a VE, and as a long-time president of the Lanierland ARC. That, of course, is TERRY JONES, W4TL. It was with much regret that we accepted his resignation as DEC, effective February 29th, but we sincerely appreciate all that he has done for us and recognize that he's certainly earned a rest. Thanks, Terry. (Now... hit the road! "Happy trails" to you and Ruth.)

ARES STATEWIDE NEWS GROUPS--- Several years ago, STEVE STRONG, KS4EL, Assistant SEC, set up a whole bunch of mailing lists for Georgia ARES. He has lists available by district, and for DECs, etc. but the one I wanted to particularly bring to your attention is the one for the entire Georgia ARES organization. This is the tool that SEC MIKE BOATRIGHT, KO4WX, uses to send out info for all of our ARES leaders and members. This group is at gaares@thestrongclan.com If you haven't already subscribed to this list, Mike requests that you do so. I believe you can do that by going to http://www.thestrongclan.com/mailman/options/gaares

REMINDER: Those monthly reports are due the fifth of the month. Fifty-nine ECs filed this past month. (doing better all the time!) If the EC doesn't have time to do this REQUIRED monthly report, please assign an AEC who can handle this for your county. Make your work COUNT! File at www.gaares.org

Education is what you get when you read the fine print. Experience is what you get when you don't.

TORNADO DRILL

Like the little boy who cried wolf, I was the ol' lady who cried, "tornado drill", when I sent out an email alerting and reminding you of the drill that was scheduled to be held on the 25th, only to have it postponed until the 27th.
Oops! Nonetheless, this year's drill was a resounding success. In 2002, there were a total of 74 participants. Last year, that number rose to 179. Check out this report from LYNN BIANCO, KN4YZ, on this year's event:

Georgia conducted a Tornado Drill on Friday morning, February 27, 2004. This was the culmination of Severe Weather Awareness Week and served to exercise local and regional emergency weather response plans. The drill began with a test tornado watch message at 0900. Some WFO's issued the test tornado warning message at 0915, and others did the same at 0930. The drill was concluded at 1000.

The amateur radio station at the Peachtree City WFO, WX4PTC, participated in the drill. We began linking repeaters at approximately 0855, started taking checkins at 0910, and concluded the net at 1020. The HF net on 3.975 MHz began shortly after the initial test tornado watch message and concluded at 1020. APRS was active the entire time. KN4YZ, Lynn, ADEC NWS and KB4GR, Gary, Fayette ARES staffed WX4PTC.

Georgia is served by six different WFO's: TLH, JAX, CHS, CAE, GSP, and PTC. The following is a breakdown of the response by counties and WFO coverage area:
TLH - Baker; Dougherty; Lee (3)
JAX - Charlton; Wayne (2)
CHS - None
CAE - Burke (1)
GSP - None
PTC - Sumter; Macon; Taylor; Houston; Peach; Muscogee; Harris; Meriwether; Troup; Pike; Monroe; Bibb; Jones; Baldwin; Washington; Jefferson; Hancock; Putnam; Spalding; Coweta; Fayette; Clayton; Rockdale; Morgan; Clarke; Oconee; Gwinnett; DeKalb; Fulton; Douglas; Carroll; Haralson; Paulding; Cobb; Floyd; Bartow; Cherokee; Forsyth; Hall; Pickens; Lumpkin; White; Gordon; Chattooga; Catoosa; Whitfield; Murray. (47)

Total Counties = 53. (There may be more since one of our checkins covered "the NW Georgia group". This might include Dade and Walker Counties, but they were not specifically mentioned during checkin.)

HF Checkins = 49
SKYWARN linked repeater net UHF/VHF Checkins = 86
APRS Checkins = 7

The following Counties conducted local nets and relayed the results to WX4PTC. Numbers in parenthesis represent local UHF/VHF checkins.
Cherokee (10)
Oconee (8)
Clarke (15)
Lee (25)
Putnam (8)
Chattooga (44) (No, that is not a misprint.)
Hall (26)
Forsyth (23)
Bibb (4)
Carroll (17)
Rockdale (12)
Troop (9)
Clayton (8)
Muscogee (14)
Gwinnett (25)
DeKalb (11)
Coweta (10)
Total local checkins = 269 (VERY IMPRESSIVE)

My general observations: I am extremely impressed by the great turnout we had today. Considering the drill was postponed and there was concern not everybody got the word, you should ALL be congratulated for such an outstanding response. Kudos to the increasing number of groups running their own local nets and then relaying the results to the SKYWARN net. A big thank you to repeater owners for keeping your machines in such great shape and allowing us to use them. As always, there are areas in which we can improve. When several repeaters are linked, quick keying doesn't allow the system time to respond and results in chopping the first part of your call or message. Slow down, and give the system a chance. Know which District you are in. I tried taking checkins by district, but it soon became apparent a lot of stations did not know what I was talking about. If you are not sure what district you are in, please check with your EC or look it up at http://gaares.org.

This is a great beginning to the 2004 severe weather season. Your enthusiasm was apparent. Let's try to continue this level of participation and awareness so we can be valuable assets if the "real" severe weather strikes.

Respectfully Submitted,

Lynn Bianco, KN4YZ
Assistant DEC, NWS

NOTE: A recent update also showed 12 check-ins for COBB county, an additional check-in for CHATTOOGA, and a check-in from the HARALSON county EOC, N4CHC. (You folks did GREAT and I do believe that you met the challenge to WOW the folks at NWS. Thank you.)

Always be prepared. Remember: it wasn't raining when Noah started to build the ark.

ARES REPORT FROM MIKE BOATRIGHT, KO4WX, SEC

Georgia Section Amateur Radio Emergency Service
Section Emergency Coordinators Report for January, 2004
1 Jurisdictions Reporting 59
2 Total # of ARES Members 864
3 Change since last month 10
4 Total Net Sessions 135
5 Number of drills, tests and training sessions this month 153
6 Man hours 1320.36
7 Number of public service events this month 11
8 Man hours 317.9
9 Number of emergency operations this month 3
10 Man hours 22
11 Total number of ARES operations this month 283
12 Man hours 2304.51


Section Notes:
Georgia Section ARES Statewide Meeting held at the GA Public Safety Training Center in Forsyth, GA on January 31, 2004. 131 Amateurs and served agency representatives attended. Steve Reynolds, W4CNG was given a "Brass Pounders" award for service to the section, the public and the SEC, and Bob Smith, K4PHE, was awarded the Georgia Section ARES Amateur of the Year. EC reporting is now mandatory for all EC's in GA Section ARES.

Michael C. Boatright KO4WX

Humility is a strange virtue; just when you think you've got it.... you've lost it.

SOME AT&T TOWER SITES AVAILABLE FOR HAMS

KEVIN WOOD, KQ4LE, has some great news to share with you. He says that AAA Towers owns a number of old microwave tower sites throughout the southeast, many of which are old retired AT&T sites. DAVID FRIDLEY, with the tower company, would "like to have as many of his sites occupied by hams as he could". These are some very choice repeater/digi sites, and the usual agreement is that the hams take care of the site maintenance, both the building and the grounds. (i.e. cutting grass)

Kevin has "adopted" a site in Jersey, and is working on getting in a 2M repeater and an APRS digipeater for Walton county ARES. The site has a 330' tower and as he called it, "one of those nearly nuke proof phone company buildings".

To see if there is a tower site available in your area, check the http://www.aaatower.com website.

And a great big THANK YOU to Kevin for sharing this great information with the rest of us.

Tact is the ability to close your mouth before somebody else wants to.

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 yet another Brass Pounder Award for the month of January. (That's THREE in the period of six months!!)

"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

IT'S TIME TO BRAG: YOUR HELP NEEDED

DAVE FULLER, K4DMF, is taking over the job of coordinating the communications efforts for this year's huge weeklong BRAG event in June, and he's looking for lots of volunteers to make this year's event as successful as past years. As you look at this following message, you'll see that this year's ride extends from Toccoa to Tybee Island, so there's a lot of miles to be covered and lots of opportunities for you to help out as this event passes through your part of the state. Please help in these efforts if you can. This is the message from Dave on this year's event:

The Bicycle Ride Across Georgia (BRAG) is a not-for-profit corporation dedicated to providing affordable, family-oriented, quality bicycle tours in and across Georgia, with an emphasis on bicycling safety, fun, and education. We are looking for ham volunteers to provide communications for key BRAG officials and to provide communications for selected rest stops on the route. We have several hams who will travel the route in vehicles providing medical support, SAG support (transport broken bikes and riders), and transport BRAG officials. We need volunteers to provide communications via local repeaters or simplex at rest stops and in camp each day. We need a volunteer each morning to shadow the BRAG officials in camp from around daybreak until they move on to the next town, typically around 8:30 to 9:00 am. We then need a volunteer to shadow the officials when they get into the next town usually in early afternoon. Most riders are done and the route closes around 5 pm or so. Volunteers will be static at the rest stops during posted open hours, usually for 3 or 4 hours in the mornings or afternoons depending on the location on the route. This process is repeated each day.

BRAG attracts about 2000 riders of every age from families with small children to seniors. Most riders camp in tents overnight, while some bring their motor homes and others stay in motels. It attracts people from all walks of life and you will meet many interesting people. This is a tour - not a race. Some are fast, some are slow, and last year we even had a couple of teams on rollerblades and two exceptionally dedicated men in wheelchairs with hand cranks. What an awe-inspiring sight it is to see them coming in at the finish! The recipient charity this year is Special Olympics Georgia (SOGA). For more information on BRAG, go to www.brag.org.

This is the 25th annual ride, and the 2004 route is as follows:

Saturday, June 12 - Toccoa - Toccoa Falls College. BRAG will start here with riders camping overnight tonight and leaving at daybreak on Sunday morning.

Sunday, June 13 - Elberton - Elbert County High School. Riders will start the day at daybreak in Toccoa. There will be rest stops about every 10 to 15 miles or so all week. Today's ride is 53 miles.

Monday, June 14 - Thomson - Thomson High School. Riders begin at daybreak in Elberton and visit Fortsonia, Tignall, and Washington en-route to Thomson. Today's ride is 63 miles.

Tuesday, June 15 - Waynesboro - Burke County High School. Riders begin at daybreak today in Thomson and visit Dearing, Stapleton, and Wrens on the way to Waynesboro. Today's ride is 65 miles.

Wednesday, June 16 is a layover day in Waynesboro where the riders can take a day off or they can do optional rides up to 100 miles. We will provide communications support today for all riders including the 250 or so who will ride the century (100 mile) route.

Thursday, June 17 - Metter - new Metter High School. Riders begin today in Waynesboro and visit Herndon, Canoochee, and Twin City on the way to Metter. Today's ride is 63 miles.

Friday, June 18 - South Effingham High School. Riders begin today in Metter and travel to Excelsior, Annabell, Nevels, and Denmark on the way to South Effingham High School. Today's ride is 57 miles.

Saturday, June 19 - Tybee Island Lighthouse. The riders can see the barn door now with only 41 miles to the Lighthouse with an end-of-the-road party and a low country boil.

All volunteers are welcome. If you can volunteer for an hour, a morning, an afternoon, an entire day, or the entire week, we need your help. Please share this with your friends and radio clubs. We never have too many volunteers.

If you are a repeater owner along our route, we would like to ask for permission to use your repeater for the time we will be in your area.

If you can volunteer, please send an e-mail to Dave Fuller, K4DMF, at davenesf@mindspring.com or call 770-421-9902 and leave a message.

If you think you have no faults, that's one more.

BPL: TELL ME IT AIN'T SO

I'm sure that you were all dismayed to hear that the FCC seems to be determined to proceed with BPL, in spite of all of the negative comments filed about it, both by the ARRL, FEMA, other organizations, and many individual hams. Since they have gone ahead and released an NPRM, it's now time for us to file additional comments. I'm still hopeful that the results of the studies being conducted by the NTIA will support our position that this is a BAAAAAAD idea. Meantime, read the latest, as reported recently by the ARRL, and please, file a comment with the FCC:

FCC PROPOSES RULES FOR BPL SYSTEMS

The FCC this week released its Notice of Proposed Rule Making (NPRM) on Broadband over Power Line (BPL) systems. The 38-page NPRM--in ET Dockets 03-104 and 04-37--proposes amendments to FCC Part 15 rules to define so-called "access BPL," make rules specific to BPL systems and provide measurement guidelines for BPL devices and systems. It would make no changes to Part 15 emission limits for unintentional radiators, however. ARRL CEO David Sumner, K1ZZ, says that while Part 15's current limits on unintentional radiators on HF may be appropriate for short-duration, narrowband emissions, they are inappropriate for the sort of long-duration, broadband emissions BPL would employ. He compared short- uration, narrowband emissions at the Part 15 radiated emission limit to a helicopter flying overhead.

"The noise is deafening, but is tolerable because it doesn't happen very often nor last very long," he observed. "To a radio user, having BPL in the neighborhood would be like having the helicopter hovering constantly overhead."

ARRL Lab Manager Ed Hare, W1RFI, offered an example most hams could relate to. "The limit for an unintentional emitter on HF is 30 uV/m at 30 meters from the source," he said. "If you take a dipole cut for 3.5 MHz and put it in a 30 uV/m field, you'll have a noise reading of S9 plus 16 dB at your transceiver."

The FCC proposal takes a broader view of interference. "There is significant disagreement among the commenting parties regarding the interference potential of Access BPL," the NPRM declares. "Amateur operators and amateur organizations in general are opposed to Access BPL and advocate emission limits that are lower than the existing Part 15 limits."

Still, the NPRM concedes, Amateur Radio operations "are likely to present a difficult challenge in the deployment of Access BPL in cases where amateurs use high-gain outdoor antennas that are located near power lines." Noting that power line noise already presents a significant problem for hams, the FCC said, "we therefore would expect that, in practice, many amateurs already orient their antennas to minimize the reception of emissions from nearby electric power lines."

The NPRM goes on to point out that because BPL has the capability to stayclear of specific frequencies, BPL providers can simply "avoid the use of amateur frequencies when in close proximity to amateur outdoor antennas." The NPRM also briefly mentions the possibility of interference to BPL systems from Amateur Radio, an issue ARRL and others raised in their comments on last April's Notice of Inquiry on BPL.

The NPRM emphasizes that under the proposed rules, operators of Access BPL systems would be responsible for eliminating any harmful interference that may occur. The FCC says it believes current Part 15 emission limits for carrier current systems--in conjunction with certain additional requirements specific to Access BPL--"will be adequate to ensure that existing radio operations are protected against harmful interference."

Sumner suggested that, with licensed services and government users taking up large portions of the HF spectrum, protecting all licensed HF users could prove to be a nightmare for BPL providers. He noted, too, that while the FCC maintains that licensed services must be protected, the proposed rules place the burden of initiating corrective action on the shoulders of the licensed services. "And as a practical matter, the FCC's proposed rules offer no protection at all to mobile and portable stations," he added.

Sumner also said the ARRL would continue to combat the "misconception" that BPL systems are viable as a "last mile" broadband technology for rural dwellers. "In low-density areas, the economics just don't work," he said.

The NPRM is available on the FCC Web site in Microsoft Word format
http://hraunfoss.fcc.gov/edocs_public/attachmatch/FCC-04-29A1.doc or as
an Adobe PDF file http://hraunfoss.fcc.gov/edocs_public/attachmatch/FCC-04-29A1.pdf.

Interested parties may file detailed comments on the NPRM via the main FCC's Electronic Comment Filing System (ECFS) http://www.fcc.gov/cgb/ecfs/. The comment deadline is 45 days after the NPRM has been published in The Federal Register, and that is not expected to happen for another week or two. The FCC also is accepting brief comments on the NPRM via its ECFS Express page http://gullfoss2.fcc.gov/ecfs/Upload/.

Additional information about BPL and Amateur Radio is on the ARRL Web site http://www.arrl.org/tis/info/HTML/plc/. To support the League's efforts in this area, visit the ARRL's secure BPL Web site https://www.arrl.org/forms/development/donations/bpl/.

Why is the man who handles your money called a Broker??

PIGLETS (AKA YOUNG HAMS)

Congratulations to two students from CHRISTA LEROY'S amateur radio class at Sugar Hill Elementary Hill School in Gainesville, who recently earned their technician licenses, in a special VE session provided by TERRY JONES, W4TL, and his WCARS VE team. Eleven year olds MARTHA FLORES, KI4EDW, and CRISTIAN DELGADO, KI4EDX, were proud and thrilled to pass their tests, but to make the day even more special, then they were allowed to select their very own 2 M HT from a group of radios that had been donated to the cause by some very special and caring hams. Please welcome these young people to the hobby if you should hear them on the air. (And a very warm thank you to those special hams there in Gainesville for going our of their way to welcome these kids into the hobby in such a special way.)

And a SPOTLIGHT 0n: Students from the Lovett School ARC, along with their teacher JIM WINGATE, WA3EIU, who were featured in an article in the March "World Radio" magazine written by that Big Apple 22 Crew dude JOE FAIRCLOUGH, WB2JKJ. The Lovett School is a co-ed K-12 school in west Atlanta, and the radio club, KF4OVF, has been an active part of it for better than ten years. In addition to the radio club, Jim has successfully interwoven amateur radio into many parts of the school curriculum. (He may have started out in the Big Apple, but we think he's a real Peach for all of the wonderful work he's done to introduce youngsters to the joys of amateur radio.)

Congratulations to the members of the Richards Middle School ARC in Lawrenceville for getting a club callsign recently: KI4DJV. They got it just in time to try it on for size in the recent School Round-Up, and the first couple of QSL cards to their new call have already arrived.

Ideas are like children; our own are the greatest.

SECTION NOTABLES

Congratulations to TOM RAUCH, W8JI, of Barnesville, Georgia's 160M guru, for being selected as a new columnist for "World Radio" magazine. He'll be sharing his knowledge, experience, and love of 160M operations in this monthly column. (Check out a description of his antennas on QRZ!)

Valentine's Day was even more memorable this year for a couple of special Georgia Army MARS members. That's because they "united their stations" that day. Wedding bells chimed For MARTHA CROMER, AB4GA, and JIM FOUST, WB4LBM, and we all wish them many happy years together. May the static be low, and the propagation always favorable.

Congratulations, also, to another Army MARS member, MITCH BOTSFORD, W4IFP, who was recently appointed State Administrative Officer. He brings a lot of enthusiasm and energy to the position, and I know he'll do a fantastic job. Many thanks to our "first lady" of Georgia Army MARS, EDNA ANTHONY, KF4TZZ, who recently stepped down from this position. She's put a lot of love and hard work into it for these past few years, and we appreciate all she's done. Those who've gotten accustomed to seeing Miss Edna's smiling face at the MARS booth at all of the Hamfest, fear not. She'll still be there, working her recruitment magic.

Thank you to PETE SEABOLT, N4KHQ, who was recently named as an assistant director for SERA. Congratulations, yes, but a thank you, too, because these folks really work hard for our benefit. According to the latest "Repeater Journal", Pete is already looking into Georgia's "paper repeaters".

If you're too open-minded, your brains will fall out.

TECH TIPS

HAROLD CLAY, W4MMC, passed along this information about some free articles on the antenneX website that are just bursting with valuable information. He wrote:

* * * The Evolving CUBE Antennas * * *

Folks:
We have an excellent article in antenneX this month entitled "Historical Overview of the Cube Family of Antennas" authored by Claudio Re, I1RFQ and Dan Handelsman, N2DT.

Claudio and Dan are co-developers-designers of the family of compact "cube" antennas and this new approach has been achieved over a long span of time. The article in this month's issue nicely summarizes that evolution and also introduces the new L-Cube from that family.

We have made a habit over the years of rotating some interestingarticles like the one above to and from our Preview Section. For a brief period of time, the "Cubes" article will be available free to view for all 188 countries (or more?) now paying visits either as a subscriber or not. I felt it is an excellent article and well worth an effort to read as the compact antenna technology continues to evolve with promising results.

To view this new article, please go to the Preview Section and look at the top of the Table of Contents under "Selected Preview Articles" for the article title/link at: http://www.antennex.com/preview/

UO-11 to mark 20 years in space: UO-11 (also known as UOSAT-2) will turn 20 years old on March 1. To mark the event, AMSAT-UK will issue a commemorative QSL card in exchange for listener reports from stations monitoring the satellite's signal during the month of March 2004. The reports must be posted via the reporting page on the AMSAT-UK Web site http://www.uk.amsat.org/uo-11/default.php, and QSL cards will be in the form of a downloadable E-QSL. UO-11 was the second satellite to be launched by the University of Surrey group headed by Martin Sweeting, G3YJO. Its telemetry beacon can be heard on 145.825 MHz FM using just a handheld radio. UO-11 also has a 2401.5 MHz beacon, although hearing the 2.4 GHz signal could present a challenge. "Depending on the status of the satellite, it sometimes goes into 'safe' mode, and the beacon transmitters are not active for days at a time," said Trevor, M5AKA. "The University of Surrey Ground station staff will attempt to maximize the number of days the transmitters are active during March." More information is available on the AMSAT-UK Web site http://www.uk.amsat.org/.

HOMEBREWERS, here's a site where you can latch onto some FREE components: w9rca.com Click on "homebrew" to see what's available.

Interested in seeing what's going on behind the scenes of an upcoming DXpedition to Rodrigues Island? (March 20- April 13) Go to http://fsdxa.com/3b9c/

Thanks to BILL HUFF, NW4DH, who sent along this message about a scam, in the hopes of preventing any of you from getting "burned". He wrote:

I have contacted Joe at HQ regarding a Nigerian scam operation preying on our members who are selling items on the ARRL website. I was selling a BB3  antenna for $250 and this guy in Nigeria offered $330 for it. I immediately knew it was a scam because of all the publicity about the multi-million dollar scams but played along in hopes of catching him. They eventually sent me a cashiers check for $2150 which was a forgery and wanted me to send him my antenna and the balance. I'm just sending this info to you in hopes that you might make others aware that this is going on and to be wary.

You need only two tools. WD-40 and duct tape. If it doesn't move and it should, use WD-40. If it moves and shouldn't, use the tape.

UPCOMING EVENTS

MONTH OF MARCH--- (from the ARRL newsletter) Ham radio "personalities" to be W1AW contest ops: ARRL Life Members Joe Walsh, WB6ACU, of the band The Eagles, and ham radio audio expert and manufacturer Bob Heil, K9EID, of Heil Sound will be on hand at Maxim Memorial station W1AW during the March 6-7 weekend to operate the ARRL International DX Contest (SSB)
http://www.arrl.org/contests/rules/2004/index.html. ARRL Contest Branch Manager Dan Henderson, N1ND, says Walsh--a Rock and Roll Hall of Fame member and Eagles guitarist and vocalist--and Heil will be available to work zero-point contacts with US stations during the DX contest. Walsh is a major benefactor of the ARRL Education and Technology Program http://www.arrl.org/FandES/tbp/. He and Heil will be part of a multioperator team that will include Henderson as well as ARRL HQ staffers Dave Patton, NN1N, Mark Spencer, WA8SME, and Mary Hobart, K1MMH, among others. A special W1AW QSL card featuring a photo of Walsh and Heil will be available for those working W1AW during the event. Enclose an SASE when requesting a card. W1AW will not begin DX contest operations until regularly scheduled bulletin and code practice transmissions have ended sometime early Saturday, March 6 (UTC). It's anticipated that W1AW will be on the air for the rest of the contest period, which ends at 2400 March 7, although Walsh and Heil will only operate March 6. Walsh and Heil will tour ARRL Headquarters March 5. It will mark Walsh's first visit to HQ.

MARCH 6--- HAPPY BIRTHDAY to our favorite Director, FRANK BUTLER, W4RH

MARCH 19--- March is American Red Cross month, and there will be a Special Event Station, N2ARC, running from 2300Z on the 19th to 2300Z on the 21st, in honor of the Red Cross/ ARES relationship Frequencies: 28.445, 14.255, 7.240, 3.952

MARCH 20--- Macon ARC will be running Special Event station W4BKM from the annual Cherry Blossom Festival. Phone: 14.240 and 21.335; CW: 7.055, 14.055, 18.075. Send QSL and 9x12 SASE to Macon ARC, PO Box 4862, Macon, GA, 31208.

MARCH 20--- KENNECHOOCHEE HAMFEST-- at Life College in Marietta. Talk-in 146.880 For details, see http://www.w4bti.org.

APRIL 24--- CALHOUN HAMFEST-- sponsored by the Cherokee Capital ARC and held at the Sugar Valley Community Center.

APRIL 23-24--- SOUTHEASTERN VHF SOCIETY CONFERENCE-With published proceedings and outstanding forums, workshops and other information for the weak signal VHF- microwave operator. For details, see http://www.svhfs.org

Artificial intelligence is no match for natural stupidity.

SILENT KEYS

WILLIAM HAYES, N4RWH
GEORGE MURRAY, WB4DYQ
LELAND SMITH, W5KL
JIM "POSSUM" THOMPSON, W3LAP

Sincere condolences to the many friends and family members of all of these fine men. They will be sorely missed.

Well, that's about it for now. Thanks to all of you who keep in touch and try to keep me informed (it's a tough job, but I really appreciate your efforts!) Y'all are great. Until next time, this is AF4FO signing clear. Take care of yourselves. And each other.

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

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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