Greetings, All. Boy, February's been a busy month, hasn't it? For us, it seems like it's been one of those "the hurrieder I go, the behinder I get" kinda months. But it's all good. "Better Homes and Garden" hasn't exactly been knocking down our door to feature our house in the next issue, but then again, the health department hasn't come knocking, either. I'll get things caught up around here.... Tomorrow.

So, have you been thinking about upgrading to Extra? If so, you better get on it, because the question pool will be changing on July 1. And if you're planning a trip to Europe in the near future, it'd make life easier if you have an advanced or extra class license before you go. Why, you ask? As of February 4, the European Conference of Postal and Telecommunications Authorities (CEPT) no longer grants automatic license reciprocity for U.S. hams with General or Technician Class licenses. After comparing our licensing standards with those in other nations, they reached the conclusion that our "recently revised standards for Technician and General no longer have any equivalent in the European community of nations." So while our advanced and extra class operators are still granted automatic reciprocity, lower class licensees have to formally apply for a reciprocal license. So upgrade before you go, and save yourself a minor hassle.

Oh, and if you plan to take that upgrade test this month, please note that there will be no test session at GA Tech in March. Our testing day happens to fall on Easter this year, so we've decided to cancel it. Also, March 16 will be the last time a VE Session will be held at the Five Forks Library in Lilburn. Beginning in April, that team will be moving to the Masonic Lodge at 465 South Perry Street in downtown Lawrenceville. (Those sessions will continue to be held on the third Sunday of the month at 3PM)

February started on a high note. Thanks to the legal acumen and hard work of JIM ALTMAN, W4UCK, and the support of other local hams, who gladly "educated" members of the local planning committee and city council, the city of Norcross came out with a new ham-friendly ordinance regarding towers and antennas. We pushed for seventy feet, and the city gave us seventy-five, as well as a very nice "thank you" for the emergency communications we provide. (They didn't know much about us before, but they do now!) So that potential horror story had a very happy ending. Again, thank you, Jim.

While browsing through my fat folder stuffed with material to use as filler in these newsletters, I came across an old newsletter. Written in 1959, it's called "Zero Beat", and it was a publication of the Atlanta Teenage Radio Club. (There's mention in there that an earlier newsletter was issued, called "Bull Sheet", but "some members felt that the name did not befit an amateur radio club newsletter, so they suggested that a new name be selected".) A couple tidbits from the newsletter: "Tired of working WAS the easy way? Try K4DRO's scheme--- he worked them in alphabetical order." And "There's not much in the way of new gear in the club right now, but there will probably be some as soon as the Field Day damage claims are paid. (hi hi)" And my favorite: "The television receiver is not an instrument designed to torture the radio amateur." (from an article on TVI, written by ROY CHAPMANN) Some of the names that appear throughout this newsletter were familiar to me. Maybe you'll recognize or remember some of them, too: RICHARD BENTON, DOUG SILER, JOHNNY MOORE, DON NAHSER, ALVIN AVERY, GENE BLACKBURN, LAMAR ELLIS, JOHNNY FEARON, ROY CHAPMANN, CHARLES VAUGHAN, STUART ZUCKERMAN, RICHARD BENTON, DAVID SCHIFF, HENRY HUEY, JERRY JONES, DAVID WHITE, PAT PUGH, MIKE MOORE, BILLY BROOKS, GUS BAIRD, LAMAR NIX, GEORGE PARRY, AL THOMAS, CLAYTON GHEESLING, BEN CARMICHAEL. Must've been quite a club. Sure would be neat to have some kind of a reunion for the members who are still around. Not teenagers anymore, but I hope they're all still hams.

Ok, that's enough of a walk down memory lane. Let's see what's been happening, and what's coming up right around the corner.

The one-liners in this month's newsletter were sent to me a few years back by ELLIOT KANTER, W4PGI, who is now a silent key. Gone, but not forgotten.

ARBITRATOR: a cook who leaves Arby's to work at McDonald's

FEBRUARY HIGHLIGHTS

FEBRUARY 23 --- DALTON Hamfest--- As always, members of the Dalton ARC got everything right, and once again put on another fine Hamfest for our enjoyment. There were hordes of hams there from Georgia, Alabama, and Tennessee, and everybody seemed to be having a great time. Especially those who had the foresight to bring a coat and gloves, because the only ones who got anything wrong that day were the weather prognosticators, who forecast a sunny sixty degree afternoon. HA! Didn't even come close. In fact, the day started out rather frosty, and got even chillier as the day wore on. Oh well, that just meant more people came inside to thaw out at the warmth of the ARRL booth, right? Even got a bunch of 'em to sign membership applications while they were there. (absolutely no coercion involved!) HAROLD JONES, N4BD, graciously moved the location of our booth this year, probably in response to complaints from our favorite Director of Vice over our proximity to the loud speaker in past years, but alas, SANDY DONAHUE, W4RU, wasn't able to be there this year to reap the benefits of our new primo location near the food concessions. (You KNOW he would've loved that!) Though we missed Sandy, our new SE Director, GREG SARRATT, W4OZK, was there, and many members took advantage of the opportunity to shake his hand, congratulate him, and tell him that he "got their vote". All in all, it was a terrific event, and a great Opening Day for Georgia's 2008 Hamfest Season. Many thanks to the club for hosting it, and to each and every one of you who came out to support it. Hope to see you there next year, and at the Kennehoochee Hamfest coming up on March 15.

AVOIDABLE: what a bullfighter tried to do.

CLUB NEWS

ALBANY ARC --- Club members provided a unique service recently, when they provided vital support to a local promotion involving weather radios. In a campaign supported by WALB and Harvey's, members programmed more than 600 radios for the general public. This was the second time club members provided tech support for a weather radio promotion, and it certainly won't be their last. Word has it that their work was so appreciated that they may be called upon to provide their expertise for similar promotions in surrounding areas.

ATLANTA ARC --- The monthly meeting of the club's "Tech Session" will be Sunday, March 9, at 3:00PM in the main conference room at the main administration building of Peachtree Dekalb Airport in Chamblee. The building is at the end of the main entrance to the airport. (Follow the road off Clairemont down to the cul-de-sac parking lot at its end. The conference room is in the building marked "Epps". Come in the main entrance take the stairs at the left, the room is on the left at the top of the stairs - room 227. There will be a sign on the outside door.) This month we will be looking at and working with connectors and all sorts of related stuff. Related stuff includes PL-259s, SO-239, power supplies, battery connectors, Anderson power poles and other types of power connectors. We will be looking at the proper ways to crimp and solder connectors, proper ways to build and use power pole "plugs" and anything else that comes up. If it can be hooked up or plugged in, then it's a topic for discussion and experimentation. So if you are interested in looking at and working with these things - this is your session. If you have found a neat and useful way of doing power connection or coax connections and want to share - this is also your session. Those of you with "go kits" that would like to show them off, this is your session too. Show-and-tell is a big part of the Sessions so the more you bring to show, the better. If you have some wire and need connections made, bring 'em on and we will figure something out. And if you have some coax that needs 259's, bring 'em on too. Those of you with crimpers and soldering kits, be sure to bring them. We may end up with a mini-session on soldering techniques. Plenty of parking available. Talk-in is on the Atlanta ARC repeater(146.820- PL 146.2) and there will be signs at the building entrance pointing to the conference room. (de BILL PERKINS, KB4KFT, from the club reflector)

GWINNETT ARS --- This February was the first time my better half MIKE SWIDERSKI, K4HBI, and I missed a club meeting in ages, but I hear that MIKE BOATRIGHT, KO4WX, delivered a fine program about the "Love of QRP". Sorry we missed it, but we were enjoying loving on our grandkids more. Coming up for the March meeting, ARNOLD SOLOMON, KC4ZUA and BILL PERKINS, KB4KFT will be presenting a program on the "Strange Antenna Challenge". CONGRATULATIONS are in order for the club's slate of newly elected officers: President- NORM SCHKLAR, WA4ZXV; VP- EARL WHATLEY, AF4FG; Secretary- RANDY COLLINS, N4COR; Treasurer- DICK SANDBERG, N9SXJ; and Program Manager- KYLE ALBRITTON, W4KDA. Best wishes for another great year.

IBM RADIO CLUB --- On March 6th, Thursday at 7:00 PM the IBM radio club invites you to attend a movie of the BS7H DXpedition to Scarborough Reef. This is the "official" one hour movie produced and filmed by James Brooks, 9V1YC of Hong Kong. James is famous in the Amateur Radio community for producing many fine videos of DXpeditions and contests. His web site for these videos is http://www.dxvideos.com/. Please send an email to w4gbu@mindspring.com if you wish to attend at least a week in advance for planned refreshments and seating. Invite others in your club. The movie will be shown at 4111 Northside Pkwy NW Atlanta, GA 30327. tel. 404-238-5200 Arrive promptly at the front door on the ground level at 7:00 PM on March 6th. We will monitor the IBM repeater at 145.29 tone 88.5. (de MIKE WARFIELD, AI4NB)

LANIERLAND ARC --- CONGRATULATIONS to MIKE HALL, N4HGO, for being honored as the club's Ham of the Year. Great choice!

NORTH FULTON ARL --- NFARL has joined the ranks as Georgia's newest Special Service Club, a designation reserved for clubs demonstrating excellence in the areas of education, promotion, and public service. Congratulations to the club officers and members for achieving this well-deserved feather in their caps.

THOMASVILLE ARC --- They're calling it a "Radio Reunion", and as club president MIKE BROWN, KE4FGF, says, "It's an ambitious project." He wrote: We knew it was before we started. How's the best way to get 5 different clubs under one roof simultaneously? And the ultimate question...why would we want to do this? The answer to the first question is easy...FEED THEM! The answer to the second question is also simple. If a situation came up where we'd have to work closely together, wouldn't it be smoother sailing if we actually knew each other better beforehand? Still it is a daunting challenge to schedule 5 separate groups, the Valdosta ARC, Madison County ARES, Sportsman's Paradise ARC, the Tallahassee ARS, and the Thomasville ARC, to all be in one place at one time. Thankfully, the month of March was kind enough to give us a fifth Saturday to make this work for all concerned.

Reunions are common in larger families, as the various branches in the "family tree" turn inward towards the "trunk" if you will, to see where they've come from. Love of the art of radio communications is the common "trunk" for our various clubs. We most often find ourselves caught up in the gear and technical aspects of the hobby, but what we're after with this event doesn't actually involve the gear ...it's about getting to know the people behind the microphones, and the families behind those people. It's not a tailgate party, and outside of a talk-in station, there won't be any equipment set up. What we're after is a social event with actual face-to-face communications and fellowship. We want to get to know each other as people, without any radio traffic or bike riders needing to be dusted off stealing the limelight. A number of folks have membership in more than one club, but even so, each group represented is a little bit different and unique in its own right. And, a good idea may be to have an informal meeting after the meal where the leaders of the various groups can tell a little about their group and what they have planned for the year 2008. The discussion should also be nothing really heavy because we want our families to attend this too, and they're probably not going to want to hear a lot of long drawn out radio talk. I do hope it will set the stage for those "long drawn out discussions" later on in a different setting, because we are all too close geographically not to have the other groups included in our long range plans and goals.

So what needs to happen beforehand to pull this off? The most important information we need is a very accurate head count of who is going to be there and how many are coming with them. If we don't have that, we risk either someone going home hungry, or that all of us will be eating barbecue chicken for several days after the event. And we need that count by at least March 15th to assure we have time to get the chickens ordered. The individual clubs need to get together on what kind of side dishes they're bringing so we don't end up with BBQ chicken and a lot of chocolate cake...not that chicken and cake is a bad combo, I'd just personally want more variety than that. If each Club President will have their "Events Manager" gather this information and send it to me, we can proceed ahead.

We've chosen Morningside Methodist Church for the site as it is pretty easy to find and gives easy access despite what direction you're coming from. The time chosen is 2pm and there are two reasons for that. First is to have additional time to have the chicken finished. Second, we want it to be in the afternoon so the folks traveling the farthest don't have to leave too early and can also be home before dark. The church has a fenced playground to keep the kids (and some of the hams) busy. Again, we want this to be a fun family outing where we find out more about each other...

Talk it over with your family and give serious thought to coming to Thomasville on the 29th and enjoying a meal with us. (de MIKE BROWN, KE4FGF)

BERNADETTE: the act of torching a mortgage.

ARES NEWS

NEW ECs: CONGRATULATIONS, and many thanks to two new ECs. In Jackson county, ROBERT ALDRICH, N9RLA, has taken the reins, and I must say, he's off and running like a true thoroughbred. He's even signed an MOU with the EOC already. (Great work!) In Hall county, JOHN BRANDON, KE4PCF, has stepped down, after serving us well for many years, and taking his place is RON MULBERRY, KI4RBE, who has already had some good meetings with the EMA director. Looks like some good things are in the future for both of these groups.

COWETA COUNTY ARES: To pool resources and expand response capabilities in the area, an agreement was made to combine the ARES groups from Coweta and Fayette counties into a single unit, with Fayette EC DAVID BENOIST, AG4ZR, (who also happens to be one of our Deputy SECs) now serving as EC for the new and improved combined group. Many thanks to former Coweta county EC CHRIS MCGEHEE, KLØUD, who will continue to serve the combined group as an AEC.

ACTING EC: JIM SMITH, KA7APJ, only lives here in GA for half the year, and his official address is still WA state, so it isn't possible to actually appoint him as an official EC here. However, Jim has graciously volunteered to serve as acting EC in Habersham county to get activity going there, and to train someone else to serve in his absence. Many thanks to Jim for offering his expertise and service.

*** From SEC SCOTT ROYLE, KK4Z:

Greetings to all and I hope everyone has survived the recent weather events we have had lately. I would like to take this time to thank everyone who participates in our traffic nets and to those who hold our infrastructure together. There is a lot that goes on often unseen to the general ARES population. I would also like to thank all our EC and DEC's for their diligent work preparing Georgia's Counties for when disaster strikes. Everybody plays an important role in ARES and all are to be commended for your volunteer service.

I would like to remind everyone of the Section's 2008 goals. It is important for us to have goals, attain them and then set new ones. Georgia has an excellent ARES program with many good people, but we need to continue to improve and increase our capabilities, not so much for when they call us the first time, but so that they will call us the second and third times. Our goals are:

1. To increase our reporting. This gives us an idea of the readiness of ARES in Georgia. We need to be able to state how much practice we do and what types of training occur. When we talk to served agencies we can give them "real numbers" to show them we are ready. So please report, even if you did not do anything other then hold a few nets...we want to know.

2. To increase our digital capability. We are working to develop a digital network to help us pass traffic when voice communications are not available. Currently we have several portable Winlink stations. TOM OLLEY, KG4VUB, our ASEC for Digital Communications, is working on developing a PSK31 net as a parallel protocol. Tom is going to setup a regular net schedule where folks can check-in via PSK31. Tom is also working on resurrecting the SEDAN VHF packet except with one difference. He wants to set up as many TelPac nodes as possible to help pass along traffic. In addition, JOHN DAVIS, WB4QDX, our DEC for GPB, is heading up our D-Star Initiative. It is our goal to put D-Star repeaters on all the GPBTV towers. That will give us high speed and low speed digital connects with robust internet access. The purpose of this goal is to add capability that we do not have. So break out those TNCs and soundcard interfaces and join the fun but!!, don't throw away those microphones as that is still our primary means of EmComm.

3. To provide a quality SET. By announcing this early in the year it is hoped that we get people started early on planning the SET. The primary mover for the SET is the EC, yes that's right the EC. The EC takes the time to look at his county(ies) organization and sees where training is needed most and then develops a training plan based upon those needs. I have an excellent example from Towns County that I hope to get added to our website soon so folks can see how to do it. From my end of the stick we are going to try to do a better job designing the basic scenario and give the EC's a good base which to launch their own plans from. I am currently looking for a few volunteers to form an ad hoc team to create the scenario. Anyone interested send me and e-mail kk4z@arrl.org.

That's it for the goals this year.

I have one more thing. GREG SARRATT, W4OZK, our Southeastern Division Director has asked me to set up lines of communication with all the SEC's in this division to increase our interoperability. He said he asked because I am the new guy (low seniority) but I believe it is because of the quality of work that comes from the Georgia Section. That's it for this month. Tornado and Hurricane seasons are not that far away. Now is a good time to start checking over your gear and refreshing your EmComm plans. '73 de KK4Z

ECLIPSE: what a cockney barber does

ARES REPORT DE ASEC TOM FULLER, KE4QCM

Total number of ARES members: 758*
Change since last month: +49
# of DECs/ECs reporting this month: 48
# of ARES nets active: 130
# with NTS liaison: 0
# drills, tests and training sessions this month: 187
Person hours 1368
# of public service events this month: 2
Person hours 16
# of emergency operations this month: 5
Person hours 139
Total number of ARES operations this month: 194
Total Person hours 1523

DECs reporting:

DEC GEMA/OHS- KM4Z; ASEC Digital- KG4VUB, DEC GPB- WB4QDX, DEC NWS/Charleston- AF4VH, DEC NWS/Peachtree City- KD4YDC, DEC NWS/Tallahassee- KE4FGF, DEC Salvation Army- WA4UJC, DEC Southwest-W4AYK

ECs reporting:

CENTRAL:
Baldwin- K6DPL; Bibb- KS4GH; Butts- KG4LTL; Houston- WB4EEL; Monroe- KG4CIY; Morgan- K2MGL; Peach- AA4JF; Pike- K4WCB; Pulaski-N4TUA; Putnam-KF4EOH

EAST CENTRAL:
Columbia- KF4ITM; Washington- K4GK

METRO ATLANTA:
Cherokee- WA6IKS; Dekalb- W4TGA; Fayette- AG4ZR; Gwinnett- WB4QDX; Henry- WB4WQE; Newton- WA4UJC; North Fulton- W4UOC; Rockdale- KC4ELV

NORTHEAST:
Barrow- K4JSR; Clarke- N4ZRA; Hall- KE4PCF; Madison- KI4MHF; Oglethorpe- N2YYP; Towns- W4VFZ

NORTHWEST:
Bartow- N4QET; Carroll- N4DYR; Coweta- KL0UD; Floyd- KD4EKZ; Gilmer- WB4HAT; Haralson- KD4YDA; Polk- KD4EKZ

SOUTHEAST:
Camden- WD8LQT; Toombs-KG4BKO

SOUTHWEST:
Baker- K4GCR; Thomas- KE4FGF

WEST CENTRAL:
Muscogee- W4OZA; Troup- K3IMC

COMMENTS:

DECs:

** DEC GEMA KM4Z: There are 29 additional members whose activation time is reported by their local EC Misc Activities: I met with Tom (KG4VYB), John (WB4QDX), Robin (AA4RC) and Scott (KK4Z) to discuss the future of digital communications in GA.
** DEC GPB WB4QDX: Participation in Section DEC meeting. Preparation and Presentation of statewide network program and demos at Section meeting. Work with SERA on frequency planning for statewide digital network.
** DEC NWS/ Peachtree City KD4YDC: Emer hrs: Jan 10 Tornado watch - several svr tstm warnings issued. 4 people covered 13 hrs. Misc: Skywarn Recognition Day admin, and Skywarn documentation update. 1 Person, 2 hrs.
** DEC Salvation Army/WA4UJC: I am still trying to have a meeting with Jim Morrow to work on an MOU.

ECs:

CENTRAL:
** Baldwin EC K6DPL: Active on the BCARES weekly net; worked with some EC's on the database; attended the annual ARES meeting.
** Bibb EC KS4GH: Active on the BCARES weekly net; worked with some EC's on the database; attended the annual ARES meeting.
** Butts EC KG4LTL: Active on the BCARES weekly net; worked with some EC's on the database; attended the annual ARES meeting.
** Morgan EC K2MGL: Active on the BCARES weekly net; worked with some EC's on the database; attended the annual ARES meeting.
** Pike EC K4WCB: Active on the BCARES weekly net; worked with some EC's on the database; attended the annual ARES meeting.
** Pulaski EC N4TUA: Active on the BCARES weekly net; worked with some EC's on the database; attended the annual ARES meeting.
** Putnam EC KF4EOH: Linked to K4PDQ 146.805

METRO ATLANTA:
** Dekalb EC W4TGA: CDLS class = 8 hrs x 6 members, ARES state meeting = 3 x 10 hrs, 10 hours in various public health meetings.
** Fayette EC AG4ZR: Working with County EMA Coordinator and 911 center to establish communicator training and support for the County. Meeting and coordinating activities.
** Gwinnett EC WB4QDX: Participation in GARS Techfest with ARES exhibit and Communications trailer. Participation in Section ARES meeting. Planning Committee and General Meeting.
** Newton EC WA4UJC: Activated one Skywarn net due to severe weather.

NORTHEAST:
** Barrow EC K4JSR: Everybody is just trying to keep warm and recover from the holidays.
** Clarke EC N4ZRA: Clarke Co. ARES members assisted with 2 public service events: Jaguar 5K - KE4EOI, WG4WGZ, W4REV, K4AHN Winter in Winterville 5 Mile Run - K4AHN, N4CUA, KG4WGZ, N4ZRA Four members attended the Georgia ARES State-wide meeting - KE4EOI, N4CJK, N4CUA, N4ZRA The weekly nets covered material on effective communications from the FEMA IS-242 course. There was also a practice drill of Skywarn procedures.
** Hall EC KE4PCF: Manned the Radio Station at the Hall County EOC to monitor WX warnings and prepare for potential activation.
** Madison EC KI4MHF: KI4MHF & KI4RBG participated in a 24 hour GIS workshop which taught GPS mapping skills. Excellent class!
** Towns EC W4VFZ: Misc. Activities: Check-out of Repeater radio equipment.

NORTHWEST:
** Carroll EC N4DYR: We conducted the first full test of our new text message alerting system on Jan. 13, with 100% response. New photo ID badges for all members have been prepared and are presently being distributed. Plans are underway to conduct a technician license course, which we will first publicize as widely as possible. I am working on the possibility of teaching the course as part of the Continuing Education program at the University of West Georgia, which should help us attract students. I attempted to report the following about our group on an earlier report, but it somehow got truncated. AEC, Digital Operations- Tom Kocourek, N4FWD AEC, Planning- Tim Tyson, KB4TIW AEC, Training- William Parrish, KI4MJO plus our newest AEC: AEC, Net Operations- Brian Keahl, KI4LZG

SOUTHEAST:
** Camden EC WD8LQT: Israel KF4YLQ, Vince KD4KOE, and John WD8LQT traveled to Forsyth for the state meeting. During the trip we tested out the echolink on the N6EMA repeater through the use of a lap-top computer and a sprint card. We were able to demonstrate the use of Echolink from a remote location. Even with a slow connection similar to the DV Dongle for D-STAR we were able to communicate.
** Toombs EC KG4BKO: Attended Statewide ARES meeting at GPSTC in Forsyth.

SOUTHWEST:
** Baker EC K4GCR: Not much going on in South Georgia.

RUBBERNECK: what you do to relax your wife

YOU ARE NOT ALONE: FIGHTING RESTRICTIVE ORDINANCES

Most of us like to fight our own battles, but if restrictive ordinances stand between you and that tower or antenna of your dreams, it might not be such a hot idea for you to face that particular challenge alone. Fact is, if you try to pull a John Wayne and engage in a showdown with the local powers that be all by yourself, you just might end up shooting yourself in the foot. Bottom line is ya gotta be prepared.

But fear not! Help IS available. The ARRL has provided valuable materials to guide you knowledgeably through the process. There's no guarantee that you will always succeed, but why not take advantage of the help that's there for the taking?

One argument that local planners often use to explain away their attempt to restrict the height of your tower to what we consider an unacceptable level is that PRB-1 doesn't explicitly define what is meant by "reasonable accommodation". You can find an excellent piece of work at www.arrl.org/FandES/field/regulations/local/antplnr.pdf entitled "Antenna Height and Communications Effectiveness" that addresses that argument very well and provides information in support of an allowance of seventy feet.

General information about PRB-1, CC&Rs and rental/lease restrictions can be found at www.arrl.org/FandES/field/regulations/antenna-restrictions.html

And there was an excellent article in the May, 2007, QST, entitled "PRB-1 and CC&Rs---- What Should I Do Now?" Written by DAN HENDERSON, NIND, this article provides a wealth of helpful information. You can find this article at www.arrl.org/FandES/field/regulations/hender.pdf 

But wait! That's not ALL!

Did you know that a wonderful group of lawyers have volunteered through the ARRL to HELP you with these battles?? It's called the Volunteer Counsel Program, and here's how it's described on the ARRL website:

The Volunteer Counsel (VC) Program has several goals. It was developed to provide a better means of tracking and, when necessary, opposing local ordinances and statutes that might have a detrimental effect on the Amateur Radio Service and League members.

The second goal is to compile and maintain an up-to-date list of attorneys capable of representing amateurs involved in antenna or RFI disputes. Amateurs who need the services of an attorney in their area to deal with local opposition to their radio activities frequently call Headquarters.

The League does not expect a VC to represent an amateur free of charge. When HQ makes referrals, the point is made that VCs make their living practicing law and amateurs should not expect free or reduced cost legal representation unless it is at the discretion of the VC. Volunteer Counsels are asked, however, to provide an initial consultation gratis so that the amateur may knowledgeably decide what further steps to take.

And THESE are the fine group of lawyers here in Georgia who currently serve as volunteers in this program:

James S Altman, W4UCK
170 Mitchell St, SW
Atlanta, GA 30303-3424
Day Phone: (404) 526-8868
Year admitted to bar: 1985
States licensed in: GA
Areas of Specialization: General Commercial and Domestic Relations Litigation

Matthew J Blender, W4MGX
5000 Old Branch Ct
Dunwoody, GA 30338-4013
Day Phone: (770)396-3093

Gregory T. Douds, KB3GDD
151 East Main St.
Canton, GA 30114
Day Phone: (770) 720-4411
Fax: (770) 720-3030
Email address: gdoubs@earthlink.net
Year admitted to bar: 1995
Job title/Firm: Flint & Connolly, LLP
States licensed in: GA MD
Areas of Specialization: General Practice

William F. Jourdain, AB4BJ
745 College Drive
Suite B
Dalton, GA 30720
Day Phone: 706-712-5719
Evening Phone: 706-602-9488
Fax: 706-278-3569
Email address: wjourdain@mbnlaw.com
Year admitted to bar: 1986
Job title/Firm: Minor, Bell & Neal
States licensed in: GEORGIA
Areas of Specialization: Litigation (Civil Defense & Business), Health Care

Cooper L. Morris, WA4PZD
6464 Bedford Lane
Lithonia, GA 30058-8967
Day Phone: 770-482-6364
Fax: 770-482-6364
Email address: clmorris2005@yahoo.com
Year admitted to bar: 1985
Job title/Firm: Cooper L. Morris, P. C.
States licensed in: GA
Areas of Specialization: Civil, Contract, Criminal, Juvenile

Homer M Scarborough, K4AIV
596 Arlington Pl
Macon, GA 31201-1705
Day Phone: (912)746-0295

Dale M Schwartz, K4ROZ
650 River Chase Pt NW
Atlanta, GA 30328-3554
Day Phone: (770)951-1100

Albert C Smarr, W4BTZ
PO Box 52701
Atlanta, GA 30355-0701
Day Phone: (404)320-7277

John E Tomlinson, N4SBR
2055 Rockbridge Rd Ste 202
Stone Mountain, GA 30087-3513
Day Phone: (770)469-1120

Three cheers for each of these gentlemen for making themselves and their legal expertise available to their fellow hams.

But wait! That STILL isn't all. There's also a fine group of Volunteer Consulting Engineers who can help you with issues like tower structural requirements. Here's more info on that program from the ARRL website:

The Volunteer Consulting Engineer (VCE) Program provides assistance to amateurs who may need to meet structural requirements set forth by local zoning authorities. Such engineering requirements are often necessary to obtain a permit to erect an antenna support structure. Hams often need an "expert witness" to certify that the tower in question meets or will meet the engineering requirements of local ordinances. Amateurs who need assistance are referred to Volunteer Consulting Engineers in their area. VCEs are not expected to provide their services for free, but are asked to provide an initial consultation gratis and to consider giving discounted rates to amateurs where possible to meet a common goal for the good of Amateur Radio in the community.

And here are our VCEs for Georgia:

Mark G. Fehlig, WA6NGC
2671 Brentford Lane
Snellville, GA 30078
Day Phone: (404) 685-2527
Evening Phone: (770) 978-1595
Fax: (678) 623-0883
Email address: wa6ngc@arrl.net
Job title/Firm: DoEngineering - Georgia Public Broadcasting
States licensed in: GA CA MO IL
Areas of Specialization: Electrical

Thomas N. Powell, K4TNP
3026 Heritage Rd.
Milledgeville, GA 31061
Day Phone: 912-784-5025
Evening Phone: 912-453-8204
Email address: tnpowell@accucomm.net
States licensed in: GA
Areas of Specialization: Electrical

Drake Wilson, KO4IV
8 Caisson Xing
Savannah, GA 31411-1302
Day Phone: (912)598-0344

Thanks to these fine gentlemen for their service.

So, there ya have it. Thanks to the materials provided by the ARRL and our fine group of volunteer lawyers and engineers, we NEVER have to enter this particular "battle of wits" unarmed.

If YOU are a lawyer or engineer and would be interested in providing your services in one of these programs, please see www.arrl.org/FandES/field/regulation/local/VC-VCE

SUDAFED: brought litigation against a government official

NET REPORT DE STM CHARLES PENNINGTON, K4GK

	QNI	QTC	SESS	QND	NM
GSSB: Georgia Single Side Band Association 3975 kHz  7 PM local, year round.	2029	22	31		N4DZ
GCN: Georgia Cracker Net 3995 kHz 7 AM Monday- Saturday;  8 AM Sundays	1190	8	31		N4VMC
GBH: Georgia Baptist Hams 3865 kHz 4 PM Sundays	NR
GA ARES: Georgia Amateur Radio Emergency Services 3975 kHz  5 PM winters; 6 PM summers - Sundays	421	2	4		K4GK
GTE: Georgia Traffic and Emergency Net 3983 kHz 7:15 PM DAILY	1216	11	31		W4AYK
GTN: Georgia Traffic Net (SSB) (Cycle 2) 3987.5 kHz 1 PM Monday - Saturday	368	55	27		WA4UJC
GTN: Georgia Traffic Handling Training Net (CW) 3549 kHz 9PM DAILY (slow speed)	149	1	28	59	N4VAD
GSN: Georgia Section CW Net (Cycle 4) 3549 kHz 7PM and 10PM DAILY (medium to high speed)	310	155	62	150	K4GK

PUBLIC SERVICE HONOR ROLL:

K4GK	130
WA4UJC	140
K8GA	90
K2HJ	181
WB4BIK	90
K4BEH	70

STATION ACTIVITY REPORTS:

Traffic handled (QTC):

K4GK	135
WA4UJC	50
WB4BIK	38
K8GA	212
K4BG	26
K4BEH	4
K4BAI	21

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

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

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

NATIONAL TRAFFIC SYSTEM (NTS)

The National Traffic System (NTS) has two objectives: rapid movement of traffic from origin to destination, and training amateur radio operators to handle written traffic, and participate in directed nets.

The NTS traces its roots to the adoption of Standard Time by the railroads in 1883, even before the days of radio. The system operates continuously daily with a series of integrated nets. One important feature of NTS is the "system concept." Each NTS net operates in consideration of other NTS nets.

The National Traffic System includes four different net levels that operate in a time sequence to effect the flow pattern for traffic delivery. The net levels operate in two or more cycles per day (and night).

Cycles

The original NTS plan calls for four cycles of traffic nets daily. However, two cycles are normally sufficient for the normal load of traffic. During an emergency many more messages may be loaded into the system, forcing an expansion to four cycles. Cycles Two and Four are our normal active cycles. Cycle Two is normally voice, and Cycle Four is mostly CW. All cycles are supplemented by digital nets and modes.

NTS Net Schedule: (All times are local Eastern)

Cycle One
10:00 AM Section Nets
10:45 AM Region Nets
11:30 AM Area Net
12:30 PM Region Nets

Cycle Two
1:00 PM Section Nets
1:45 PM Region Nets
2:30 PM Area Net
3:30 PM Region Nets

Cycle Three
4:00 PM Section Nets
4:45 PM Region Nets
5:30 PM Area Net
6:30 PM Region Nets

Cycle Four
7:00 PM Section Nets
7:45 PM Region Nets
8:30 PM Area Net
9:30 PM Region Nets
10:00 PM Section Nets

The above schedule is used by all states and Canadian Provinces in the Eastern Time Zone.

Nets

Local and Section Nets operate in order to provide saturation at the local and state level to pickup, and deliver within their specific geographic territory. Liaisons are appointed to forward and pickup traffic from Section Nets to Region Nets for distribution throughout the rest of the system. Several Section Nets operate in the Georgia Section: Georgia State Net (CW), Georgia Training Net (CW), Georgia Traffic Net (SSB), Georgia Single Sideband Net (SSB), Georgia Traffic and Emergency Net(SSB), and the Georgia Cracker Net (SSB), are among them.

Region Nets operate to distribute traffic between several states and sections within the region and to forward messages to a liaison to the Area Net for distribution between various Region Nets. In Georgia, our Region Net is call the Fourth Region Net, or 4RN. Eastern Area Net (EAN), covers all states and provinces in the Eastern Time Zone.

Transcontinental Corps (TCC) connects the Area Nets with each other, for rapid forwarding of a high volume of traffic between Area Nets.

Digital Stations

The handling of traffic among sections, regions and areas can be accomplished through liaison with NTS Digital Stations across the country. Digital Stations serve to supplement existing systems, and to provide options in getting traffic moved across the country, especially in overload conditions.

Using this organized system of nets it is possible to forward and deliver message traffic to almost any place within North America within a single day.

Formal Message Traffic (RADIOGRAMS)

Message handling is a valuable skill that we all need to know when an emergency arises. More information on handling formal message traffic in my next article.

Summary

This brief is only intended to give an overall view of NTS. Additional information and study is recommended through the use of the following study guides, which also served as references for this article.

References:

The ARRL Operating Manual for Radio Amateurs, 9th Edition, Chapter 5, American Radio Relay League, c.2007, American Radio Relay League, Inc., Newington, CT.

Public Service Communications Manual, American Radio Relay League, c.2004, American Radio Relay League, Inc., Newington, CT.

Charles Pennington, K4GK
Section Traffic Manager,
Georgia Section

RELIEF: what trees do in the spring

SECTION NOTABLES

** CONGRATULATIONS to JAMES HOWARD, WQ4T, on his new appointment as the GA State Director for Navy Marine Corps MARS. HOO-rah! James, a longtime MARS member and NCS, is also a distinguished member of GA ARES and NCS for the GA SSB net. He joins a talented triumvirate of leadership along with JOHN LOUTH, WB4EEL, who heads up Georgia's Air Force MARS, and LARRY LOWE, AF4MI, our Army State MARS Director.

** I've heard a lot of buzz from GA hams who've made numerous contacts with the VP6DX Ducie Island DX-pedition, but I don't know if anyone's been able to match the success of BOB VARONE, W4ETN. He's worked 'em on every band and Mode, (20 band slots) placing number 75 in the top 100 band/slot stations in CQ Zone 5. He definitely "got 'er done"!

PRIMATE: removing your spouse from in front of the TV

THIS 'N' THAT

** Talking about DX-peditions, a dozen operators from the SEDX Club will be operating from Costa Rica during the ARRL International SSB DX contest this coming weekend. How about giving them some support from home? They'll be using the special call sign of TI5ØDX, in honor of the club's 50th anniversary.

** The 2008 ING Georgia Marathon will be held Sunday, March 30, 2007, and fifty amateur radio operators are needed to provide communications for this event. If you can help, please contact CHARLES DELONEY, KI4RZU, by emailing him at charles@ki4rzu.com You can find more information about this race at http://www.inggeorgiamarathon.com/ 

** WHOA! Something's smoking in Cobb county! And it's the firefighters themselves! As reported a couple months ago, eleven Cobb county firefighters got licensed and formed their own amateur radio club, which they aptly named "Smoked Hams". Well, they ain't done yet. At a VE session held at Station 8 in Kennesaw on February 2, VEs JIM PHILLIPS, AB2CD, SHELLEY PHILLIPS, AB1CD, and MIKE FAULKNER, K4AIS, happily issued CSCEs to NINE MORE Cobb county firefighters. CONGRATULATIONS to TROY LANGE, KJ4BTT; ROBERT WARDLAW, KJ4BTU; JASON JONES, KJ4BTV; CHRIS WILKINS, KJ4BTW; JAMES DUNCAN, KJ4BTX; PHIL FOX, KJ4BTY; JAN BROWN, KJ4BTZ; JERRY SLUDER, KJ4BUA; and MIKE FLOWERS, KJ4BUB. Smokin'! (info de JAMES RAKESTRAW, KI4NIV)

** Ever hear of something called QSOnet? NFARL president JIM STAFFORD, W4QO, describes it as, "NOT ham radio but a ham radio simulator", and says that you can register at qsonet.com for a free ninety day trial to see if you like it. This is a hams only kinda thing, and you're required to provide your callsign at the time of registering, and to behave accordingly when using it. Once you register, you'll download an interface for your computer, and not only does it LOOK like an HF rig, but you can use multiple ham modes with it. One very potential application I see in this could be for those who are in a nursing home or retirement center, or some other restricted environment. May not actually BE ham radio, but it sounds like a reasonable facsimile for those hams who aren't able to communicate through conventional means.

MISTY: how golfers create divots

GEORGIA PIGLETS (AKA YOUNG HAMS)

** Is anyone aware of a Cub Scout program in the metro Atlanta area that's designed to promote interest in ham radio? If so, please let me know.

PARADOX: two physicians

UPCOMING EVENTS

MARCH 1-2 --- ARRL International DX contest. 0000Z Mar 1- 2359Z Mar 2. See www.arrl.org/contests for more details

MARCH 9 --- DAYLIGHT SAVINGS TIME BEGINS (Don't be caught unaware!)

MARCH 15 --- Kennehoochee ARC's 55th annual Hamfest, at Jim Miller Park, 2245 Callaway Road, in Marietta. 8AM- 3PM. Talk-in 146.880. For more info, see www.w4bti.org Hope to see you there.

MARCH 29 --- Macon ARC Special Event Station W4BKM, for the 26th annual Cherry Blossom Festival. 1500Z-2200Z. 14.240, 7.055, 10.110, 14.055. Certificate. Members.cox.net/w4bkm

MARCH 29-30 --- CQ WPX SSB Contest. 0000Z Mar 29- 2359Z Mar 30. Work as many "prefixes" as you can. Lotsa fun.

APRIL 12-13 --- GA QSO Party

HEROES: what a guy in a boat does

SILENT KEYS

GERRY CHILDRESS W4KNA
RICHARD EDWARDS KI4MYI
HERSCHEL HOPPER W4STJ
BENJAMIN KLINE WB4WQL
JOHN LINDSEY W4PZP
RICHARD PANN W1SUJ
RABUN SMITH K4PGP
JAMES STOREY WB4NPA

Heartfelt condolences to the families and friends of all of these fine men. They will be missed.

Well, folks, that's about it for now. If I left something out, please accept my apologies. Our grandkids shared a bit of the creeping crud with us, and I've been running on 33 1/3 in a 78 rpm world lately. 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.