Georgia Section On My Mind

April, 2007

Greetings, All.

Goodness gracious, this looks like this is gonna be another long one, folks. Sorry about that. It's always a good idea to try to be as brief as possible, so I always strive to be brief... (no matter HOW long it takes me!) OK, so let's skip the preamble and get right to it. Let's see what's been happening and what's coming up right around the corner...

Doing your own income tax return is a lot like a do-it-yourself mugging.

MARCH HIGHLIGHTS

March 17 --- KENNEHOOCHEE HAMFEST--- Faith and begorra, to be sure-ah, Old Man Winter chose St. Patrick's Day to gasp out one last miserable blast of cold weather. Unfortunately, that unwelcome plunge in temperature had a wee bit of an adverse effect on the attendance at the hamfest, making it appear, (if you can believe it, me friends) that some hams would rather stay at home beside a crackling fireplace than get a little rose in their cheeks while milling though a blustery, but friendly, boneyard. Ah, more's the pity. Even so, there was still a pretty good turn-out, and on the plus side, the cold wind outside blew a steady stream of folks inside. Where I was. In very close proximity to a heater. (Hey! I got nothing against a crackling fireplace!) And because my usual hamfest sidekick and noted Director of Vice SANDY DONAHUE, W4RU, wasn't able to make it to the fest, lots of you fine folks took pity on me sitting there at the ARRL table all by my lonesome, and spent a good deal of quality time at the table keeping me company. (I'm sure it had nothing at all to do with that close proximity to said heater...) As good as those heaters felt, the best source of warmth came from the KARC members, who once again proved themselves to be friendly hosts, brimming with smiles and Southern hospitality. It was a truly fine fest, and it was a genuine pleasure visiting with so many of you. Thanks to all of you who were able to attend, and especially to those of you who whiled away some time chatting with me. (Okay, okay, so maybe the heater DID have something to do with it!) And above all, thanks to the members of the Kennehoochee ARC. Ya done good! Even without the boot camp of past years, there was a tremendous turn-out of 52 people for the VE session, so derbies off to all of you VEs who so graciously provided your services for this session. For those of you who missed the fest this year, I do hope to see you there next year. It's a great way to spend the day, no matter what kind of weather Mother Nature deals us. (NOTE: Only in Georgia! Just one week later, the temperature hit a record high, soaring to almost ninety degrees! Go figure...)

Arguing with some people is like trying to blow out a light bulb.

CLUB NEWS

COLUMBIA COUNTY ARC --- Recent club elections put GERRY MILLER, WA4NHJ, into office as the new Treasurer. To fill out the roster, and returning for another term are President- J.C. CRAWFORD, W4QK; VP- PETE LAPIERRE, K1OYQ; and Secretary- DEAN MAPLES, K4EQQ. Best wishes to all of them for a successful and enjoyable year. Coming up at the April meeting, EARL WELSH, KG4HIQ, will be doing a presentation on "Commercial Broadcasting Systems and Lightning Protection".

COLUMBUS ARC --- Amateur radio operators from the Columbus ARC and the Russell County (AL) RC cooperated in a Skywarn Net during the F2 tornado that touched down in Phenix City, AL and crossed the river into Columbus March 1, 2007. JOE OWEN, KO4RR, activated the net at approximately 4 p.m., assisted by JIM HERRING, WX4JIM, and MARC POPE, WX4MAP. During the initial three hours of net operation, 55 hams checked in. The net was placed on standby once the tornado cleared Columbus, then about an hour and a half later when storms were reported east of Columbus, it was reactivated. At that time 30 hams checked in. Information reported was passed along to the National Weather Service and the Emergency Management Area offices. On March 8, 2007 the Columbus ARC elected officers. They are TERRY SPENCER, K4SPE, President; JIMMY MONROE, KA4JJM, VP; JOHN WINGARD, WB4GLJ, Secretary/Treasurer; and DAVID RUSH, KY7DR, Activities Chairman. (de SUE GODWIN, W4SUE)

ELLIJAY ARS --- At the March meeting, GREG ABERNATHY, AI4UD, did a presentation on a new computer program developed by a Canadian ham that allows Radio Frequency paths to be plotted, measured and superimposed on topographical maps. Greg discussed the practical application of this program for Amateur Radio needs, and demonstrated how we can use this program to generate an RF coverage display for our 2m and 440 MHz repeaters on a topographical map of Gilmer County and surrounding areas, and how to use the program to determine path statistics and reliability predictions between our repeaters and any fixed or mobile ham station. Sometime in April, club members will work with Greg to conduct a real time test of the program. If any other hams in the area would like to participate, please contact DAVE MEADOWS at dmeadows@ellijay.com. (de DAVE MEADOWS, K4LDI)

GWINNETT ARS --- My better half MIKE SWIDERSKI, K4HBI, presented a fine program on troubleshooting at the March meeting, aided and abetted by lots of practical experience and common sense, not to mention a collection of classic ham cartoons and his own off-the-wall sense of humor. Whether unlicensed, a new licensee, or a ham of many years, everyone came away with something of use. (I fared the best, because I came away with the presenter...) Coming up in April, PATRICIA HARDIN will present a program on Red Cross Disaster Action Teams.

KENNEHOOCHEE ARC --- For the March meeting, Cobb county EC TERRY GIBBS, WK4E, gave an excellent presentation on the state of emergency communications in Cobb county. Anyone interested in learning more about it should check out the website at www.cobbares.org and consider joining this fine group. Coming up in April, TAD WILLIAMSON, WF4W, will be doing a program on DX-ing, and more specifically, will be offering guidance on how to work your first 100 countries and earn that DXCC award.

LANIERLAND ARC --- Remember the MARS operator who made it possible for you to talk to the folks back home when you were stationed at a land far far away? Those phone patches and health and welfare messages were an important part of the MARS mission in days gone by. But there have been a lot of changes between those days and now. At the March meeting, VESTER SCOTT, N8EKA, presented a program about the mission of today's MARS.

NORTH FULTON ARL --- This club continues to grow by leaps and bounds, and has done a remarkable job of re-creating itself. As club president JIM STAFFORD, W4QO, said, "We're on FIRE, and people are coming to see where the smoke's coming from." Members pooled all kinds of useful information to create a terrific CD, "NFARL Nuggets", which has been selling like the proverbial hot cakes. At the March meeting, TOM KOCH, W4UOC, gave an interesting presentation on a little bit of history and a lot of his favorite classic rigs. (I think he likes them ALL!) Coming up in April, TED BRUCE, KX4OM, will be making a return engagement to give Part Two of his presentation on home brewing. The club's Techs on Ten net is still going strong, and beginning on March 30, will be changing its frequency of operation to 28.470 MHz. Friday nights at nine. All are welcome.

PAULDING ARC --- This club has also initiated a new 10M net, and it is held on Sunday afternoons at 4:45 PM, and runs until approximately 5PM, when their weekly 2M Emergency Testing simplex net kicks off on 146.520.

SE DX CLUB --- At the March meeting, JOHN LANEY, K4BAI, and JEFF CLARKE, KU8E, did a presentation on their experiences as participants in the 2006 World Radiosport Team Championships in Brazil. Coming up in April or May is the eagerly awaited DX-pedition to Scarborough Reef, and two SE DX Club members will be part of that adventurous team: TOM HARRELL, N4XP and PAUL PESCITELLI, KU4J. May the propagation be with them. (and us)

SILVER COMET ARS ---( Hiram, Ga ) The Silvercomet Amateur Radio Society hosted the first in a series of Digital Workshops on March 10, 2007. This was also conducted in conjunction with the March 10th Hurricane Drill. The Workshop was a big success with ARES members and other amateurs from Paulding, Douglas, Cherokee, Bartow and Cobb Counties. TOM OLLEY, KG4VUB, DEC Digital in Georgia set up his TO-GO Station complete with generator and Win-Link. This was a secondary station for the Hurricane Net and the primary Win-link check-in station. Tom received over 60 Win-link check-ins and the Workshop Team checked in on HF SSB NET as well. Mentors on site WB3ILX ,KG4VUB and WB4QOJ helped the participants configure and test Air Mail and Telpac on laptops, The WB4QOJ-6 Packet digi in Dallas, Ga was used along with WB4QOJ-10 Telpac node for VHF. Also, N3DAB-10 was used on Telpac. VHF Communications were established and maintained with operations at Jim Miller Park in Marietta, Ga. thru the 146.955 Dallas repeater. This was a great exercise and we are looking forward to another workshop coming in the fall of 2007. (de LEE MCDANIEL, WB4QOJ)

THOMASVILLE ARC --- Club members met at the Thomas county EOC on March 10 to participate in the GA ARES part of the HURREX, which gave them the perfect opportunity to test antennas and to relocate the antenna for their 2M repeater to its new resting place on the top of the EOC tower. Along with members of the Albany ARC and the Tallahassee ARS, plans are underway to once again support April's annual TOSRV, (Touring Our Scenic Rural Vistas) a two-day bike ride from Quincy, Florida to Albany, Georgia, and back again. Three cheers for club president MIKE BROWN, KE4FGF, who has already provided me with information on the club's Field Day plans. He's the FIRST to do so.

WEST GEORGIA ARS --- Members of this Carrollton club have been a-moving and a-shaking. They've been working on all kinds of training to make them better prepared as emergency communicators. They've added notches to their belts for SkyWarn training, the FEMA courses on NIMS and ICS, and several Red Cross courses, including CPR training. Members have also been instrumental in helping the local EOC select and install amateur radio equipment for their emergency communications vehicle. They earn top marks for all of their efforts.

*** NOTE: Don't forget: affiliated clubs are entitled to a not-too-shabby $15 rebate for each new ARRL member who joins through the club. You can get your rebate form, and additional information on how it works, at www.arrl.org/FandES/field/club/forms/rebate.pdf 

Know how the Vikings sent secret messages??? Norse code.

SOUTHEASTERN VHF CONFERENCE NEWS

Many thanks to JIM WORSHAM, WA4KXY, for the following update:

The program for the upcoming Southeastern VHF Society Conference has been finalized and is listed below. For further information on the conference and registration information please go to www.svhfs.org. Conference advance registration is still open until March 31st. Folks who register in advance get a $5 discount and a chance at a $200 DEMI gift certificate. One final thing, as part of the conference we are once again having a hospitality suite on Thursday, Friday and Saturday evenings. In the past we have been able to get a room in the hotel for this event at little or no cost but this year's hotel is charging us several hundred dollars for the room. As a result we are soliciting individuals, groups, clubs and commercial organizations to sponsor the hospitality suite. Any amount would be appreciated. If you are a club or other organization we will be glad to prominently display your name in the hospitality suite if you provide us with a sign or banner. If you would like to be a sponsor or have any questions just contact me W4KXY at w4kxy@bellsouth.net. Thanks.

Eleventh Annual Southeastern VHF Society Conference Atlanta, GA Friday, April 27, 2007

8:00 - 4:30 Registration
8:00 - 11:45 Antenna Gain and Noise Figure Measurement
11:45 - 1:00 Luncheon - ARRL Second Vice President Rick Roderick, K5UR
1:00 - 9:00 Vendor Product Displays
1:00 - 1:15 Welcome - SVHFS Conference Chairman Robin Cutshaw, AA4RC
1:15 - 1:45 Real Power on 2.3 GHz - Steve Kostro, N2CEI
1:45 - 2:15 Directly Synthesized 47 GHz Local Oscillator - Garry Hess, K3SIW
2:15 - 2:45 Some Notes on Drilling and Tapping - Chuck Hoover, KØVXM
2:45 - 3:00 Break
3:00 - 3:45 Some Ideas for Tower Trailers - Bob Lear, W4ZST
3:45 - 4:30 Noise and Noise Figure/Time & Frequency Standards - Charles Osborne, K4CSO
4:30 - 4:45 Break
4:45 - 5:30 SVHFS Business Meeting - SVHFS President Robin Cutshaw, AA4RC
5:30 - 7:00 Dinner (on your own)
7:00 - 9:00 Flea Market
9:00 - 11:00 SVHFS Board of Directors and Officers Meeting

Eleventh Annual Southeastern VHF Society Conference Atlanta, GA Saturday, April 28, 2007

8:00 - 1:00 Registration
8:00 - 4:00 Vendor Product Displays
8:00 - 8:15 Welcome - SVHFS Conference Chairman Robin Cutshaw, AA4RC
8:15 - 8:45 VHF Digital Voice Transceiver - Moe Wheatley, AE4JY
8:45 - 9:30 A Software Defined Rover - Army Curtis, AE5P
9:30 - 10:00 A PVC Antenna Mount for Big Rovers - Marshall Williams, K5QE
10:00 - 10:15 Break
10:15 - 11:00 Efficient Circular Polarized 13cm Feedhorns in Low f/D Prime Focus Parabolic Reflectors - Tommy Henderson, WD5AGO
11:00 - 11:45 Deep Space Reception - Paul Marsh, MØEYT
11:45 - 1:00 Lunch (on your own)
1:00 - 1:45 Commanding the AO-51 Satellite via UHF/VHF Links - Gould Smith, WA4SXM
1:45 - 2:30 AMSAT and the Eagle Satellite - Rick Hambly, W2GPS
2:30 - 2:45 Break
2:45 - 3:15 Are You Wired for 220? - Ben Lowe, K4QF
3:15 - 3:45 Wire-Grid Polarizers: The Key to a Better Antenna - Philip Gebhardt, VE3ACK
3:45 - 4:15 Low Cost Bi-Directional VHF/UHF Gain Antennas - Bill Fisher, W4GRW and Ron Bailey, AA4S
4:15 - 4:30 Break
4:30 - 5:30 SVHFS Auction
6:00 - 7:00 Open Bar/Reception
7:00 - 10:00 Banquet - Editor, CQ VHF Magazine and VHF Editor, CQ Magazine Joe Lynch, N6CL

Know what? I was thinking.... income tax forms should be printed on Kleenex,
because an awful lot of us have to pay through the nose.

OO ADVISORY-PUBLIC SERVICE/AGENCY EVENT OPERATIONS- OO ADVISORY

This important message comes to us from our esteemed Official Observer Coordinator, MIKE SWIDERSKI, K4HBI:

First, my hat is off to all amateurs who take part in providing communications for public service events and agencies. You give of your time and talents to provide this service in an unselfish manner using amateur radio. Is not your license a blessing to allow you to do such activities, would you like to lose that license, could happen sooner than you think.

Amateur call signs versus tactical call signs, the complete amateur call sign is required by Part 97. The use of tactical call signs is not required, but the tactical call sign can ONLY be used in addition to the required complete amateur call sign.

In a recent event, the majority of operators primarily used "tactical" call signs, including 72 minutes of back and forth communications without an amateur call sign given.

Legal? NEGATIVE!!!!!!!!!!!! THE RULE TO REMEMBER:

"§97.119 Station identification.
(a) Each amateur station, except a space station or telecommand station, must transmit its [FCC] assigned call sign on its transmitting channel at the end of each communication, and at least every ten minutes during a communication, for the purpose of clearly making the source of the transmissions from the station known to those receiving the transmissions. No station may transmit unidentified communications or signals, or transmit as the station call sign, any call sign not authorized to the station."

Simply put, if you have transmitted and not given your COMPLETE AMATEUR call sign within in 10 minutes from pushing that PTT----you are in VIOLATION of Part 97 and subject to FCC actions.

Tactical call signs are allowed for the operator/operations convenience, BUT their use does not replace the rule above. Tactical call signs can be used in ADDITION to your amateur call sign, but NOT in place of your amateur call sign. The tactical call sign is convenient for the net members to contact a particular asset during operations, some examples "net control", "finish line 2", "med tent 17", etc. The use of tactical signs makes a lot of sense for efficient operations, BUT again that does not take the place of an amateur's personal responsibility to the FCC to abide by "§97.119(a) Station identification" to use their complete amateur call sign. Again that is your complete amateur call sign, not just your suffix; your suffix has no legal identification value.

A suggestion, end your series of exchanges with another station with something like ..... This is K4HBI at Water Point 15, out . Of course use your own amateur call sign and tactical call sign.

You ALL must be aware of and know the FCC RULES applying to your personal operations in order to keep you from having FCC actions against your license.

Just cause Ole Bubba did it that way during Sylvester of 1959, remember, the tube has given way to the transistor, and Ole Bubba read the 1940's Part 97 by the glow of the 866's and 813's. So, I suggest you learn for yourself what Part 97 says, and not listen to some so called seasoned hams opinions of what Part 97 used to say or should say. Part 97 is often being updated, ie no-code, 60 meter freqs, etc. - do not get caught in the past, in ignorance, or acting on hear-say from a self professed know it all. Download Part 97 from the internet, like the ARRL site below. Read and learn it first hand. A reminder, the times have changed, some folks have not.

http://www.arrl.org/FandES/field/regulations/rules-regs.html

Please, do me and all the OO's a favor - turn us into folks with nothing to do, like the Maytag commercial. Please, learn the rules, follow them, and save!!! Save what? How about saving time, money, lawyer fees, and maybe your own amateur license. Training complete!!!

Your choice, nuff said. Lets have fun - legally.

Respectfully, Mike, K4HBI (that's me) OOC-GA

The trouble with the younger generation is that most of us aren't in it.

GENERALLY SPEAKING

Can you remember when you took your first ham test? For me, it was an absolutely bone-chilling, teeth-chattering, cold and miserable night, fit for neither man nor beast, but I was ready to take the test, doggone it, and wasn't about to let a little bit of frigid rain keep me away. (Especially since my better half was driving!) And remember how you felt when you upgraded? The nerves? The excitement? The testing elements have changed, and no one has to travel to Timbuktu to take a test with a cigar-chewing, utterly intimidating representative of the FCC anymore, but the nerves and the excitement are pretty much the same today. A couple of months ago, we shared an article written by HOWIE GOULD, W9HG, about his licensing experience of some decades ago, and now we're going to hear from a more recent licensee, J.D. FRY, KI4MEH, who just upgraded to general class:

"It's Good to be General" George S. Patton

I passed my general (thank you Win N1TWX). I know. That makes me "a" general not "the" general, and I'm not sure Patton ever said that or if it was just one of those things everyone thinks he said.

The funny thing is I never started out to be a Ham. I had a communication need and amateur radio seemed to be the best solution. The problem was I knew less than nothing about amateur radio. So I sought out those who knew what I wanted to know, and that brought me to GARS. There I learned about ARES and also joined them to increase my learning opportunity.

I found the knowledge I was after, but I expected that. What I did not expect were the people that I found. They are the largest collection of the most unique individuals I've ever encountered in fact or fiction, a cast of characters that would leave Dickens humbled by his lack of imagination. For the most part they are drawn together by two things, an enjoyment of amateur radio, and a desire to do good for others.

At first glance they seem an ordinary enough group, even if more than a little heavy on the engineering side. But upon closer examination I found that in some way each one had combined their preoccupation with amateur radio with sharing with others. I find that desire to share extraordinary in today's world.

There are those that give their time to emergency communication, scouting, supporting our military personnel, teaching kids, teaching new hams, helping with community events, working the dog show (the main fund raiser), club officers, committee members, and advancing the ham community in general, an almost endless list of Elmer's and the two best fathers I have ever seen. Almost everyone is contributing in one-way or another.

Even the Saturday morning breakfast club (a group heavy on .... well .... the heavy side, including me) exchange circuit diagrams and antenna designs on napkins while fielding questions from the new guy and keeping in touch with old members long departed on Echo Link.

I miss the breakfast club (on advice from my doctor). And I don't miss anything. I didn't even miss Maverick when it was canceled (the real one with James Garner, .... ok I missed it a little). After I lose about 60 pounds I may get to go back to the breakfast club. I even miss Ron WE5O and I only met him about three times before he moved.

But hey, IT'S GOOD to be General. And with the HF nets that the clubs are starting (including GARS) we can reach out and find old friends again and make new ones. And THAT's what amateur radio is all about.

Look at me ........ I turned into a Ham.

The things that come to those who wait will be the scraggly junk left by those who got there first.
(But if it's a hamfest, it's likely to be FREE scraggly junk...)

A PRIMER ON INDICES

With all of the new operators gaining new HF privileges, it seems like now would be an appropriate time to do a re-run of the article that appeared in the April, 2005 newsletter:

You've all probably seen propagation reports before, in which values are supplied for the A and K indices. Most of us are aware that those numbers bear some relevance to what kind of conditions we can expect to find when we turn on our rigs. For me, I usually turn on my radio, tune around a bit, and take it from there. However, a better understanding of the indices might serve to warn us when the conditions are so poor that it'd be a monumental waste of time and effort to even bother powering up the station. After all, it isn't much fun trying to catch a good wave on a calm sea, and it isn't much fun trying to catch a good radio signal when all you can hear is noise. So, here is some useful information to help you decipher the A index, the K index, as well as a few others that are lesser known, but equally as important, for your operating pleasure.

K INDEX--- This is a measurement of the geomagnetic activity, based on a scale from zero to nine. For operating conditions, the lower the number, the better. Figures of zero and one mean quiet magnetic conditions and imply good radio signal propagation. An index value between two and four is indicative of more unsettled conditions and less exciting propagation, but still certainly worth the effort of checking out the bands. Once the index hits five, that generally indicates minor geomagnetic storm conditions, and fair to poor radio conditions. By the time the index hits a seven, we're talking severe geomagnetic storms, sometimes accompanied by radio blackout conditions. K indices of eight or nine are rare, and indicate a very severe geomagnetic storm. Rule of thumb? If the K index is above five, read a book.

A INDEX--- This is actually a summary of cumulative K index values, based on eight daily readings. That means that the A index actually tells you how the conditions were YESTERDAY, which can be somewhat annoying in the event that today's conditions are in the toilet and you see that they were much better yesterday, when you didn't have the time to get on the air. The A index is open-ended, with readings of zero to thirty during quiet to active conditions, one hundred during magnetic storms, and higher than three hundred during severe storms. Once again, the lower the number, the better for good radio communications.

X INDEX--- This is a measurement of the unexplainable: for those times you make a multitude of great contacts, despite the fact that the K index is seven, for when you make a contact with someone who is clearly beyond where the skip should take you, for those contacts that are impervious to the MUF, and for that rare time you pick up a signal before hooking up an antenna. An X index is also involved when your radio stops working, only to mysteriously start functioning as good as new.... before you have a chance to get that baby on the bench for a look-see. The more inexplicable the situation, the higher the X index number. Every ham has run into these, both on the air and off. For some reason, the number of occurrences seems to be directly proportional to the individual's age. (Things never USED to mysteriously "disappear" from where I "know" I left them...)

Y INDEX--- Every dedicated amateur radio operator must have a Y index prepared for those occasions when the A and K indices are smoking and outside forces are pressuring you to do something else other than what you want to do, which is turn on that radio. The more important that something else is to those outside forces, and the more important that outside force, the higher Y index number you'll be required to employ. CAUTION: Use your Y index wisely. For example, when that outside force is pressuring you for such minor activities as dumping the trash, it is highly recommended that you dispatch the matter with good humor, rather than waste a perfectly good Y. Missing your next door neighbor's daughter's soccer game requires a relatively low Y index number. Missing your OWN daughter's game would be higher. Missing a distant relative's party would also require a moderate number; missing your OWN party, however, would be considerably higher, and ill-advised. When your outside forces want to know Y you have to be on the radio, be prepared.

O INDEX--- This is a measure of the WOW factor, that indescribable attraction that keeps us all in this hobby. This is a sliding scale, and is very subjective. Working a rare DX station may have a high index number for one person, and a zero for someone else. Same for working a contest, going to Field Day, going to a hamfest or club meeting, restoring an old rig, designing a new antenna, or building a unique multi-channel antenna tuner. Whatever you can imagine in amateur radio, it has an O index number, but only you can decide what value it has for you.

OY INDEX--- This is a rare factor, but it can be very damaging. This occurs when a high Y index is employed for a low O index value. Remember, use that Y index wisely. An example would be using a high-valued Y index like, "I think I'm coming down with the flu" to get out of going to your brother-in-law's wedding so you can stay home to work the "Worked All Waffle Houses" contest. And the K index is six.

OY VEY INDEX--- Same as above, but worse. You pull out the big Y for the little O.... to miss your OWN wedding.

When the only tool you own is a hammer, every problem begins to look like a nail.

ARES NEWS

*** Don't forget! This coming Sunday April 1, (no joke!!) is the metro Atlanta district ARES net, on the 146.820 Atlanta ARC repeater, beginning at 4PM. And the statewide ARES net, at 6PM on 3.975 MHz, being the first Sunday of the month, is "Emergency Power Sunday". All are encouraged to use some form of emergency power to check in, if possible.

*** MARS LIAISONS --- There will be some other information about MARS in this "ARES NEWS" section, but I wanted to stick this in here right near the top, where you might be more likely to read it. Several years ago, the recommendation was made to ask for a "MARS Liaison" on the local and statewide ARES nets. To the best of my knowledge, Gwinnett county is the only local net where the request for a MARS liaison is a standard part of the weekly net script. If others are already doing it, that's super. If not, why not give it a whirl? The best way we can prepare ourselves to work together in an emergency is to form those relationships now, when there is no emergency. No matter which branch of MARS you may be in, your availability to accept traffic for our federal agencies in the time of an emergency could be a valuable part of the emergency communications puzzle. I check in most weeks with Gwinnett and serve as their MARS liaison. If you feel uncomfortable identifying yourself as a member of MARS, all you'd actually be doing is accepting the position of liaison for that net. That could simply mean that you KNOW someone who could take traffic for MARS, and that you'd be willing to accept traffic and relay it to that person.... (And if any of you do institute this into your nets, please let me know.)

*** BARROW COUNTY --- On March 15, EC CAL NEFF, K4JSR, took a deep breath, crossed his fingers, and hosted a meeting for local hams, in an attempt to stir up some interest in ARES, CERT, and the creation of a new ham club in the area. To his delight, about 26% of the county's hams responded to his call to action, and expressed a definite interest in both ARES and in forming a ham club. Fifteen area hams attended the meeting, and another eleven expressed an interest, but were unable to make it to that particular meeting. Of those in attendance, 5 or 6 applied for the April CERT class, with several others expressing their intentions to take part in the CERT classes coming up in the fall. In support of Cal's efforts, DEC PHIL FAULKNER, K4YE, EC ED ROLLINS, N4ZRA, and TS and all-around good guy BILL WILSON, KJ4EX, were also in attendance. Ed wrote, "Cal gave me a couple of minutes to explain the need for a Barrow Co. ARES to meet the needs of Georgia Public Health District 10 and East Georgia Red Cross. I also mentioned that we could use some more hams for the UGA Red Cross First Aid Response Teams at the UGA Home Games." Barrow county ARES held a net on Sunday, March 18, at 7PM, beginning on 147.580 simplex and then on the KD4AOZ repeater in Watkinsville, 147.045(+) PL 123.

*** CLARKE COUNTY --- ARES and RACES members of multiple counties recently worked together to participate in a county siren exercise, and here is a summary of the exercise's after action report from EC ED ROLLOR, N4ZRA:

Objectives:

1. Test the new VHF/UHF station at Clarke Co. EMA
2. Provide real-time siren activation reports to the Clarke Co. EMA
3. Provide ARES members the opportunity to pass tactical messages and use tactical calls
4. Provide ARES members the opportunity to test their equipment and ability to connect with various 2-meter repeaters
5. Provide the opportunity to ARES members to test their ability to change frequencies quickly in case of a repeater failure
6. Test the ability of ARES members and their equipment to operate in simplex mode from various locations in Banks, Jackson, Madison, Oconee, Oglethorpe and Clarke County. This included the Clarke Co. Siren sites, Athens Regional Hospital, the East Georgia Red Cross EOC, and the Clarke Co. EMA station.
7. Provide the ARES members the opportunity to work with the Clarke County EMA
8. Provide an opportunity for ARES and RACES groups from other counties to practice and work together

Operating Procedures:

The Net Control Station, located at the Clarke County EMA, started a check-in net at 8:30 a.m. on the KD4QHB repeater, 146.745(-) PL 123.0. Stations assigned to Sirens were all on site by 8:50 am. Station checking in gave the following information: Call Sign, Name, Location or Tactical Call, and operating watts. Participants received instructions to switch to other repeaters and to return to the KD4QHB repeater between each repeater test, or if the sirens were activated. The repeater testing was conducted to give Clarke Co. ARES each individual's information concerning the capabilities of equipment, locations and repeaters. The first test allowed participants to check-in the Oconee County RACES Net on the W4EEE repeater. 2-meter Repeaters and Frequencies Tested: KD4AOZ in Watkinsville, 147.045(+) PL 123.0; KD4AOZ in Athens, 146.955(-), PL 123.0; K4TQU in Crawford, 147.375 (+) PL 127.3; W4EEE in Bogart, 147.000 (+) PL 85.4; N4ALE in Colbert, 147.3000 (+) PL 123.0; NE4GA in Commerce, 147.225 (+)PL 123.0, and 146.580 SIMPLEX. Roll was called on each repeater tested and then further check-ins were taken. A simplex frequency was also tested. After the sirens sounded, all stations returned to the KD4QHB repeater to submit the siren test results. The NCS called roll and each station gave the following information: Tactical Call or Location; Audio: Positive or Negative; Rotation: Positive or Negative;
Number of rotations made by the siren horn during the activation; and Call Sign

Executive Summary of Results:

Overall the exercise was a success. The exercise provided an excellent opportunity for ARES and RACES members to interact with the Clarke County EMA, Oconee County EMA, the East Georgia Red Cross Chapter, and Athens Regional Medical Center. This was the first exercise for Banks, Jackson, Madison, Oglethorpe and Clarke County ARES to interact as a group with the Oconee County RACES by checking into their net. The exercise also provided served agency personnel an opportunity to observe the operation of ARES and RACES. Data was obtained for the Clarke County EMA concerning the operation of the emergency warning sirens.

ARES members exhibited a high level of enthusiasm and willingness to do what was needed. They presented a professional approach and interaction with served agency representatives in their efforts during the repeater and siren tests.

Observations/Recommendations:

An alternate Net Control Station (NCS) should have been established at the start of the exercise. This station would have been responsible for maintaining duplicate records during the exercise and providing net structure in the event that the main NCS went off the air. This would prevent the loss of information and would provide guidance for the ARES Team if the main NCS lost contact with the rest of the group. The logical alternate station in this case would have been the East Georgia Red Cross EOC. This will be incorporated into future exercises

The NCS failed to recognize stations reporting during the repeater signal tests. Due to commitments and various schedules, there was limited time to gather data for the repeater test. Most Amateur Radio operators were able to stay at their assigned station until 10:00 am, but the test took longer than planned and resulted in a rushed net. This resulted in confusion, since stations did not know if their report had been heard by the NCS.

The tests of the various repeaters in the area proved to be a beneficial and showed communicators equipment problems and capabilities. Some stations reported that they had programmed their equipment wrong and have now corrected the errors. Since ARES team members programmed important emergency response repeater frequencies in their radios before the exercise to help with the repeater test, we now have ARES members with equipment programmed and tested.

A test on a simplex frequency revealed that Clarke County ARES should consider using simplex frequencies in working with surrounding county ARES Teams. During the exercise a Jackson County communicator exhibited a very strong and clear signal to the Clarke Co. EMA NCS. The communicator's station is near the hospital in Commerce and could therefore serve as a relay station for the hospital if repeaters are not working. Further drills should be run to help determine other home stations that could serve as hospital relay stations and as possible alternate NCS that could operate simplex.

While preparing for the exercise a copy of the Clarke ARES Emergency Communication Plan and Standard Operating Procedures was not found at the Red Cross EOC or the Clarke County EMA. Regular inspections should be conducted at all EOCs and copies of the Emergency Communication plan should be in place as well as a copy of the Clarke County ARES Team call down list. Copies of the Clarke County ARES Annual Reports should also be kept at all EOCs for reference. ARES Team members should have an updated copy of all SOPs and Communication Plans.

The annual siren exercise should include more surrounding counties next year. The Barrow County ARES Emergency Coordinator is presently in the process of building an ARES Team and should have enough communicators to participate next year. Also, St. Mary's Hospital should be included.

Due to time constraints 70-cm band repeaters were not tested. Next year these 3 repeaters should be added to the test list.

To increase the training experience during exercises, the NCS should turn the net over to the alternate NCS.

The use of a liaison station to the Georgia State ARES Net on HF and the linked repeater system was successful and should be considered in all future drills. This was a home station and once again demonstrated the importance of good solid home stations and their possible role in providing relay information.

A joint operation plan established for the transmission of messages inter-county has not been approved by the ARES Emergency Coordinators in the 13 East Georgia Red Cross counties or the 10 Northeast Georgia Public Health counties. This plan needs to be completed and tested in next year's exercise. Capabilities must include intercommunications between all the counties included in the 2 served agencies districts

The assigned tactical calls worked well and should be established for all EOCs located in the response areas.

The Clarke County EMA has provided an excellent work area for the ARES Team that is convenient to the information that might be requested during a communications emergency. At this time the installation consists of a dual band radio with a permanent antenna. In the near future an HF radio and antenna will be installed. Also, Amateur Radio equipment will be installed at the East Georgia Red Cross EOC and the Clarke County Police Station.

The exercise concluded at 10:00 am.

*** CLAYTON/ HENRY COUNTIES --- On March 10, four members of the Clayton/Henry ARES team presented a Radio Merit Badge program for scouts of the Flint River Council, BSA. We had 10 scouts sign up for the course but, unfortunately, only six attended. The six who did attend all received full credit for the merit badge. EC ROY BAKER, WB4WQE, AEC JOHN TILGHMAN, KG4PVS, AEC BUTCH NITZ, AF4FS, and BUZZ KUTCHER, K3GWK provided the instruction and the "on the air" demonstrations of APRS and HF. Several contacts were made on 20 meters, one into Utah, and all the scouts had their moment at the microphone. We also checked in to the state drill on 75 meters. Over 600 scouts and leaders attended this year's activity. This is the second year the Clayton/Henry county ARES group presented the program. (de BUZZ KUTCHER, K3GWK)

*** FORSYTH COUNTY --- These folks will be offering a free license training course for new ham operator and upgrades for Technician class to general. Classes will be held at Grace Chapel Church of Christ, 6755 Majors Road, Cumming Ga. Saturday mornings 9AM-12PM for 6 weeks beginning April 28th. No class Memorial weekend May 26th. FCC exams for all classes of amateur radio licenses will be 10-12 AM June 9th. Call JOHN MANTON, W4JJM, at 770-781-8082 for information or registration. Class size is limited.

*** GWINNETT COUNTY --- On March 17, some members took their emergency communications trailer up to Scout Land, on the shores of Lake Lanier, to participate in Spring Fling, a BSA outing, whose theme was "Emergency Preparedness".

*** NEWTON COUNTY --- At the March meeting, GA Army MARS DEC MIKE SWIDERSKI, K4HBI, (that's him!) did a presentation on the MARS program and its mission and relevance in today's world. There have been a lot of changes made, but one thing that hasn't changed, and that's its need for more dedicated operators. (NOTE: Because we operate on frequencies that are governed by the NTIA, and not the FCC, you need only be a licensed operator; you do NOT have to have HF privileges on the amateur side in order to operate on the MARS HF frequencies.)

*** NEWTON COUNTY --- I'm sorry to report that CARL WULFESTIEG, AG4LS, has resigned as the EC, a position which he has held for more than three years. Carl was instrumental in getting an active ARES group established in Newton county, and we are very grateful for all of his hard work.

*** JOINT ARES/ MARS EXERCISE --- With more and more agencies expressing interest in securing emergency communications support from amateur radio operators, many of you have expressed concern over whether we have a large enough pool of willing operators to meet these ever-growing demands. With cooperative efforts from ALL of our emergency communicators, from ARES, from RACES, and from MARS, we stand a much better chance of meeting the demands. It seems very likely that an MOU will be in the making between the ARRL and MARS, and we already have an MOU here in Georgia between GA ARES and GA Army MARS. The following was in the March 21 ARES E-Letter, regarding an exercise that was held recently in New York. Sounds like excellent food for thought for a similar type undertaking here in Georgia:

Not far from the area of New York State buried by 10 feet of snow, MARS and Civil Air Patrol members set up a joint operations center (JOC) at Hancock Air National Guard Base in Syracuse to manage a disaster drill based on a catastrophic winter storm scenario. The purpose of the February 10 "Deep Freeze '07 Exercise" was to evaluate the capability of MARS, ARES and RACES operators to cooperate and support a federal response to a major disaster. One of the specific goals was to file with the JOC numerous Essential Elements of Information (EEI) reports, which are important sources of information for the federal disaster response planners and others.

Another goal was to test the effectiveness of obtaining "spot reports" of conditions from the Amateur Radio community that could be formatted into EEIs by the MARS operators. The exercise dovetailed with disaster drills at eight up-state hospitals and included a patient evacuation and tracking exercise run by the Central New York Regional Resource Center, the Medical Reserve Corps, and the NY Air National Guard.

According to Deep Freeze Coordinator James Edmonds, the exercise was a complete success surpassing all expectations for participation and messages successfully delivered. Observers from the Transportation Security Administration and NY Division of Military and Naval Affairs were impressed by the technical capabilities and operator skill demonstrated by the volunteer radio operators. The technology included HF and VHF voice nets on Amateur and MARS frequencies,
WinLink 2000, HF phone patches, and liaison with the SHARES net, an HF component of the National Communications System.

Thomas Carrigan, NE1R, who served as net control on a busy 75 meter net observed that the interaction between ARES operators and MARS operators was "seamless." As MARS is redefined from its Viet Nam era role as a communications service for deployed military to a more current role providing auxiliary communications for homeland security and disaster response, it appears likely that more drills including ARES members will be planned.

** NEW APPOINTMENTS: CONGRATULATIONS, and many thanks, to GENE CLARK, W4AYK, who has stepped up to take the reins from BOB SMITH, K4PHE, as DEC for the SW District. Bob has done an excellent job for us, and there is no doubt that the district will continue to be in capable hands with Gene. CONGRATULATIONS, also, to two new ECs: In Baldwin county, it's HAL REID, K6DPL, and in Lowndes county, it's JONATHAN STRAUB, NØJMS. Sincere thanks to both of them for their willingness to serve.

** For a bit of nostalgia, here's a vintage clip from the mid-50s on emergency communications that was provided by some Philadelphia hams:

http://video.google.com/videoplay?docid=2943570522939177086&hl=en

If you plan for problems, they cease to be problems and become merely a part of the plan.

HURREX

On March 10, Georgia's ARES-MAT participated in a Hurricane Exercise (HURREX) in support of the National Guard. What follows are some comments from our ARES-MAT DEC SCOTT ROYLE, KK4Z, as well as from some of the other participants. One thing that certainly bears mentioning is that this team has done a marvelous job so far, but Scott would be delighted to welcome MORE MEMBERS to this fine team. Give it some thought. Are YOU willing to deploy into another county.... or another state, if need be.... to provide emergency communications? Are YOU willing to be a part of a team that may be used as a "strike team" for GEMA or the National Guard, or some other served agency? ARES-MAT just might be the right fit for you. If you're interested, please contact Scott at kk4z@arrl.net.

From one of his after action reports, Scott writes:

Scenario:

As part of the HURREX Amateur Radio Operators from GA ARES-MAT were deployed to the Dobbins JOC, the 202nd in Macon and the 224th in Brunswick for the purpose of setting up Amateur Radio communications links. In addition we also had our station in the GEMA SOC and 2 Net Control Stations (NCS) operational during our part of the exercise. Our primary mode was Winlink 2000 which uses an e-mail format to transfer data over VHF/HF frequencies.

Running parallel to the exercise was an ARES exercise. This exercise had a statewide HF ssb net, a statewide CW/Digital net and local (county level) training going on at the same time we were participating with the National Guard exercise. Time of our participation was Sat. 10 Mar 2007 from 0900 to 1430 hrs lcl.

Training Objectives/Accomplishments:

ARES-MAT
This team deployed its operators and stations to work along side the National Guard Communications assets. Our objectives were to check our communication links between our deployed stations and check for any compatibility issues between our equipment and the National Guard's. This was also a time to check our SOP to see if it matched real life operation. Communications links were established between all our assets and various configurations of our equipment was tried. There were no noted interference issues between us and the National Guard. While we did not pass any "official" traffic we sent enough self generated traffic to prove our system was functional and ready to serve.

From the exercise we see the need to improve our SOP so it will better conform with what really happens and to ensure better accountability of where our people are. This is more of a tweak than a rewrite along with providing some additional training to the team. We also need to have better liaison between our net and the ARES net to ensure efficient data flow between the two groups. Again this falls upon ARES-MAT and is more of an adjustment from lessons learned during this exercise. Our equipment performed pretty much as expected and the exercise allowed us to try a few new techniques. The few glitches we had were overcome by the teams.

One lesson we did learn was to keep extra operators at Macon prepared to deploy if necessary with forward units. I am hoping we can continue to plan to use the 202nd's Armory as a place for us to pre-stage some of our operators (with movement orders coming from GEMA/J6). It puts us close enough if we are needed without having to go thorough access issues at Warner Robbins. This would not be a large number.

ARES
The GA ARES HF net was opened from 0900 to 1430 hrs lcl. They had one NCS. Total Check-ins were 113 with 9 from out of state. There were 56 stations operating on emergency power. In addition there were 20 counties that were "blacked out" meaning that they could only use emergency power, and not use repeaters or the internet to communicate. This was established to encourage operating under real event scenarios. Future exercises will black out different counties to help increase readiness. 44 of the operators were prepared to deploy up to 72 hours with 26 able to deploy in their county only, 11 to include surrounding counties and 7 on a statewide basis. We also had 9 CW check-ins and 3 on an alternate digital mode.

We heard from 54 GA. counties and 9 out of state counties.

GA ARES ran a concurrent net on 3.975 MHz, from 9AM until 2:30 PM, and the following is information gathered from the net report filed by CHARLES DAVIS, WA4UJC, one of the three Net Control Stations who pulled duty for this exercise:

QNI: Instate-104; Out-of-state-9 QTC-1
Stations on emergency power: 56 Main power: 57
Stations that were 72-hour deployable: 44
To their own county: 26 Surrounding counties: 11 Statewide: 7

The following Georgia counties were represented on the net:
COLUMBIA-BANKS-BIBB-BRANTLEY-BUTTS-CARROLL-CHARLTON-CHATTOOGA-CHEROKEE-CLAYTON-COBB-COWETA-DEKALB-DODGE-DOUGHERTY-EFFINGHAM-FAYETTE-FLOYD-FORSYETH-GLYNN-GORDON-GREENE-GWINNETT-HABERSHAM-HALL-HARALSON-HENRY-HOUSTON-JASPER-JONES-LINCOLN-MERIWETHER-MONROE-MORGAN-MUSCOGEE-NEWTON-N.FULTON-PAULDING-PICKENS-POLK-PUTNAM-RICHMOND-ROCKDALE-SCREVEN-STEPHENS-SUMTER-THOMAS-TOLBERT-TOOMBS-TOWNS-TROUP-WASHINGTON-WAYNE-WHITFIELD.

And the following counties from out-of-state:
JACKSON, N.C- CLAY, N.C.- NASSAU, FL.-BREVARD, FL.- LEON, FL.- MONROE, TENN.-NEW HAVEN, CT.-CAMPBELL, VA.- ASHE,N.C.

Georgia check-ins for the net:
WA4UJC,NCS- WQ4T,NCS- K4GK,NCS- N4LXB- N4UZA- WX4EMA- N4DQ- KC4ZGQ- W4YNK- KE4MXD- KG4LTL- K4CRO- KE4WRK- WB4GPR- AF4XZ- KR4P- WA6IKS- WA4HJB- KG4MHS- NA4O-W4TGA- K4GZZ- W4NNN- KA4GUM- KG4WQZ/AG- W4AYK-KD6RYQ- KI4NGD- W4EMW- K7YST- N4RN- WX4BWK- N4CMA- K4EV- AF4FO-K4HBI- KC4LU- W3CDE- W4ABP- K4PDL- KD4YDA- KI4KJR- W4WXA-KE4UWL- W4OCL- AG4SM- W1DOG- W4KNS- KF4YKY- WD4ITY- W4ZVX- WB4DKY- W4WY- K4PAX- K4BLL- KF4ZUN- W8TSP- K4DOI- K4BTA- KI4MDU- KG4VUB- KS4WX- N4VAD- W5UX- K4EV- KS4OT- KF4ITM- KN4AV- N4OLN- K4TDM- W4LLP- AF4DN- W4UCJ- N4KXL- KE4URL- KI4LHN- K4HNT- KI4NBV- KI4QYQ- KO4RR- KG4BKO- W4VFZ- WB4LBM- AB4GA- KG4PNF- N4PJR- WX4GMA- KM4Z- KG4VKE- N4BD- KI4IG- KI4NWD- K7YSP- K4YE- KI4NUI- K4BEH- N4XOG- WB4BSO- AI4TV- AI4PW- WB4WQE- W4SYD- KE4FGF- KE4CXJ.

And out-of-state check-ins:
KD4USA- W4EJY- KB4GTI- AJ4D- KJ1V- KI4NDU- WA4WES- W4ABT- WA4ZBY.

Many thanks to our three fine net control stations, CHARLES DAVIS, WA4UJC, CHARLES PENNINGTON, K4GK; AND JAMES HOWARD, WQ4T, and to each and every one of you who participated.

And the following report excerpts come from one of the ARES-MAT members, JOHN KRAUS, KC4ZGQ:

While GENE CLARK, W4AYK, and JERE COUCH, N4DQ, were prepping the large antenna for installation I initiated a preliminary Winlink contact with TOM OLLEY, KG4VUB, to state that we were on site and in the process of setting up. This was done using the mobile whip with SGC tuner installed on my truck as a park and connect system. It worked well with solid Pactor III connections. I also tested and was pleased with a 33 ft random wire attached to the same ball mount after the whip was removed. MARS PMBO'S in Florida and Tennessee were contacted using this antenna. It takes less than 15 minutes to install by one person and shows considerably better signal strength readings as well as more stable connections when compared to the whip.

We were also able to test the 202nd Engineering Installation Squadron's B&W folded dipole for SWR and confirm to their satisfaction that it would transmit effectively on the Georgia State HF net frequency using their Harris radio.
After testing their Harris radio they wanted to know if their B&W antenna would work with my radio and SCS Modem to do Winlink. They also wanted to assess its NVIS potential so my radio was attached to their feedline. Several connections were made to different MARS PMBO'S in Tennessee, Georgia, and Florida. Unfortunately propagation only worked well on frequencies in the 60 meter area so I was unable to do a multiple frequency test of the antenna but it was under 2.5:1 on the MFJ analyzer on most bands. Signals were very strong and I was able to sustain P-III at speeds of 2800 - 3200 with no trouble at all.

I used the strong performance of their antenna to send a 28k word document detailing antenna matching devices to two individual email accounts via HF Pactor III. This was a big hit as the send time was right at one minute and the email had arrived before they were able to boot up and check their email. They were very impressed by the 82% compression that was achieved on this Word document.

The utilization of Georgia Army MARS in conjunction with ARES-MAT was seen as a strong plus as they have had interoperability stressed to them very strongly in post Katrina discussions within their organization.

I believe this was a very successful drill if the primary goal was to get face time and show our professionalism and technical competence. I do not think the Hurricane aspect was a success. I saw no traffic that had much to do with weather conditions until very late in the exercise. I was unaware of the external situation throughout the drill.

Recommendations for Improvement:

Some form of status or situation report needs to be sent periodically during these drills. This should be a dedicated function of one multi member unit that is near the highest level and aware of the big picture. I would suggest a format similar to the one used by GEMA during past hurricanes only without the graphics and in MS Word not PDF format.

We need to develop a statewide Winlink address book with a selection of multi station groups. I found it difficult to remember to include all the stations in the CC. It would be much easier to send the message to "GEMA" and have WX4GMA, KK4Z, KG4VUB et al inserted automatically. Yes this can be done by the individual station but it often is not. It would simply improve the overall process if it were a "standard".

For the next drill I offer these suggestions and would be happy to help write the scenario.

Script a scenario with brown envelope messages to key players prior to the drill. These stations would open their envelopes at the start of the drill and then send the messages as described in the scenario document. This would help to avoid the "ok what are we supposed to do now" waiting that I have seen on every Ham radio drill I have participated in. It is virtually impossible to coordinate this from a single location after the drill has begun due to the time critical nature of the scenario events.

I would recommend a single envelope approach to a scenario that is run from home stations to test the concept. This could be put together in a matter of a month to six weeks. Each station would receive an envelope that is to remain sealed until the start then they send the traffic at certain time intervals. This could be done statewide quite easily and would be a good warm-up for a serious statewide SET later this year.

And finally, comments from our ASEC for Operations and ARES-MAT member, GREG TILLMAN, N4VAD:

Winlink did great and is very reliable and always shines and impresses the heck out of folks, however we need more practice in procedures. I would like to see more actual reports and activity from EOC's and field operations. Explanation: I guess we have to make the stuff up. No one seems to get involved other than we make check-ins and say we are up and running. If the EOC or Served Agency does not supply us with scenarios then we need to make some up on the fly and work them. Got on the phone with Lowry at the SOC. We attempted to do a direct connect then go to keyboard to keyboard. It did not work. The SOC is having some problems with software changes that were made on the computer to operate from the hf side of Airmail. Lowry is looking into this. I know that it works because I have done it with other stations before. Once the issue is corrected with the software we will try again at a later date. I also think that at some point and time we need to try and do winlink from the mobiles QNI then move to another location I.e. another town 30-50 miles away and send and receive a message from the mobiles. Not all the time are we ever going to just be in an EOC environment or inside a building. We need to be tested on this and experience from another source of environment.

Voice Nets went well as usual. Not sure that most understood why the net was called that way. However it fell in just fine. I was disappointed from what I heard of the response or activity from the Southeast District. Most other areas poured in with information. It is hard for me to believe so many stations check in using battery power and run 100 watts.

CW NET: went well, good to hear Jere N4DQ on there keying right along..... NCS did a great job and was well experienced. Always good to have someone on CW involved with the NTS and LIAISON with ARES-MAT team.

MFSK-16 NET: Not many participated according to the NCS. I do thank him for his participation. Not sure if it was related to drifting some. I had to move some up and down to get him to print on the screen once I did then it seemed to stop. When I would reply he could read me but when he sent back to me I had to adjust to him again..... MFSK-16 requires someone to be very good at setting their station up and being nearly dead on freq, good RF patterns...... I feel that there may have been more participation on PSK-31 but I do not find it to be as reliable as MFSK-16, Pactor 1, MT-63 or other modes that have FEC capabilities. These are just my thoughts there.

LESSONS LEARNED:

Everyone that deploys should always have access to extra antennas of multiple types.

Be prepared for the elements of any kind. Who is to say when you go somewhere that you will be inside?

I made from a RV round 7 blade plug in adapter another power source. Only using two wires from HOT and GND coming from the plug adapter and out the end I put power poles and connected to the Deep Cycle Marine Battery. Not having to use the turn signals or brake lights I did not wire those just the power source. This kept the marine battery charged and did give me more amperage. If I needed to charge the Marine Battery then the truck could have been cranked to let run idle. With a full tank of gas I could have been there for at least a week I am sure or longer with no problems with power..... Good source to fall back on if needed.

Need to have some type of shield made to fit your computer laptop if outside. With the bright sun makes it difficult to read the screen and mistakes can be costly. I did manage with an umbrella put up to cover the screen and make it readable.

TIP: Always have a slingshot with you for hanging antennas and corded bailing rope. 5000 feet for $14.00, lite weight and can hang many antennas and use the rope for many other sources. Strong and very durable but cheap enough you can leave behind what you used or throw away when done and not be very costly to the budget.

If you do not have a Go box..... You need to build one. Thanks Scott for the great tip. I bought one put it together and it works awesome. Just hook to the power source, computer and antenna and you are up and going. Never worry if you left a cable at home or a wire comes loose from hooking up and disconnecting so many times...... So easy to pack and move around. Very good protection from outside elements too.....

Thanks about all I have to say. I enjoyed it and look forward to working another one. All of you guys did a super job and appreciate it very much for what you do and taking the time to make us all better.

Monet left a lasting impression.

N LIKE A LION

Roaring winds from a multitude of tornadoes got the month of March off to a frightening start. They spun their way throughout the southeast, and here in Georgia, Americus suffered the greatest damage:

http://www.americusradio.com/Tornado%20index.html

When the first severe weather alerts were issued, our GA ARES Net Manager CHARLES PENNINGTON, K4GK, immediately opened a net on 3.975 MHz. Little did he know that the net would end up running for so many hours, but he went above and beyond the call of duty, running it for hour after hour, with very few breaks. When Sumter county EC GEORGE YOUNG, KE4VPD, ventured out in the darkness to inspect the extent of the damage shortly after the tornado touched down in Americus, it was the net on 3.975 that provided him with a reassuring communications lifeline.

MANY THANKS to all of the hams who put in all of those long hours providing communications, doing damage assessment, clearing away the downed trees and other debris, and preparing meals for the volunteers and the local residents for days on end. Whether you wore the hat for ARES, GEMA, the Red Cross, GA Baptist Disaster Relief, or some other organization, you were there when you were needed the most. You are the ones who give amateur radio a good name.

Here's an interesting story, written by CHARLES PENNINGTON, K4GK, about how one ham, one of our genuine Section Notables, made a difference:

Americus, Georgia under normal circumstances has two great VHF repeaters.

Shortly after a Tornado WARNING was issued to the area, an F3 tornado came spinning down upon the Georgia Public Broadcasting tower located near Dawson, Georgia. The 1500 foot tall tower was home to one of the best long range amateur radio repeaters in the state of Georgia.

At approximately 8 PM, the tower came tumbling down, thus eliminating a prime emergency repeater just when it was needed most.

Later that evening another tornado WARNING was issued for Sumter County as a storm was approaching the city of Americus. The storm struck the city causing great damage to homes, businesses and also the regional hospital. Two deaths were reported near the hospital. As the stormed moved over the city it also destroyed the county communications tower, which also contained the repeater antenna operated by the local amateur radio club.

Local amateur radio operators responded by switching to simplex operation on VHF which greatly reduced the range and effectiveness of their radio equipment.

The next morning as clean up and recovery operations continued, LANIER "LANY" HARRISON, W4VIR, formerly of Milledgeville, inspected the amateur repeater and found the machine in fairly good shape except of a heavily damaged cabinet. Our former club member, Lany, took the repeater out to the local post of the Georgia State Patrol, where he was knew that there were two unused VHF antennas located on the GSP, 400 foot tall tower. He located the commander of the State Patrol Post and obtained permission to use the state antenna for local amateurs.

The repeater was quickly plugged in, and the SWR was found to be acceptable. The repeater was placed into service and extended tornado recovery operations continued with good coverage throughout the area.

Lanier "Lany" Harrison, one of many heroes of our "Tales from the Tornado."

de K4GK

Most churches are fit to be tithed.

ARES REPORT DE DSEC MIKE BOATRIGHT, KO4WX

Reports were submitted by the following: CENTRAL DISTRICT- Baldwin, Bibb, Butts, Houston, Jones, Monroe, Morgan, Peach, Pulaski, Putnam, and Wilkinson. EAST CENTRAL DISTRICT- Washington. METRO ATLANTA DISTRICT- Clayton, Cobb, Dekalb, Fayette, Gwinnett, Newton, Paulding, and Rockdale. NORTHEAST DISTRICT- Barrow, Clarke, Forsyth, and Hall. NORTHWEST DISTRICT- Bartow, Floyd, Haralson, Murray, and Polk. SOUTHEAST DISTRICT- Camden, Charlton, Dodge, and Toombs. SOUTHWEST DISTRICT- Lee, Thomas, and Worth. WEST CENTRAL- Muscogee. ALSO REPORTING: DECs for GEMA, GPB, NWS-Columbia, NWS-PTC, NWS-Tallahassee, and Salvation Army.

Reports filed reflect a membership of 376, 90 nets, 94 drills for 1274 man hours, 5 public service events for 56 man hours, and 15 emergency operations.

Experience, if one learns, is an important teacher. Failure to learn from experience is a terrible waste.
Failure to learn before experience is a lack of preparation.

NET REPORT DE STM CHARLES PENNINGTON, K4GK

PUBLIC SERVICE HONOR ROLL:

STATION ACTIVITY REPORTS:

Traffic handled (QTC):

** CONGRATULATIONS to SID HUTCHINSON, WB4GGS, for earning yet another BPL listing.

"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

GEORGIA TRAFFIC NEWS

Here's the scoop from STM CHARLES PENNINGTON, K4GK:

** Net Participation

All of our section nets are reporting an increase in number of check-ins (QNI) recently. Most of this increase is due to the addition of our new no code General and Extra Class amateurs coming on board with HF activities.

It is exciting to see this new activity, as we welcome the newcomers to all of our nets.

** New Net Manager

Congratulations to BILL TUGEND, N4VMC, as the new Net Manager of the Georgia Cracker Net. Unlike most nets, the Georgia Cracker Net Manager is elected, not appointed. Bill was elected at the meeting at the Dalton Hamfest.

The Georgia Cracker Net has a rich history, tracing its roots way back to the 1930's. The net made the move from AM to SSB operations during the 1960's. This net has provided much service to the amateur community and the public as well. The actual name of the net is " Georgia Cracker Emergency Net." The word emergency is not used on this net except when an actual emergency operation is in progress to avoid any possibility of confusion.

The Crackers meet Monday through Saturday, at 7 AM, and on Sunday, at 8 AM, on the frequency of 3995 kHz. An "early bird" pre-net often begins on frequency as early as 5 AM.

Join them, when you can, and become part of "Georgia's oldest net."

** Workhorses of NTS

Congratulations to SID HUTCHINSON, WB4GGS, on earning Brass Pounders League (BPL) status in February for handling more than 500 messages during the month.

Sid is one of our many workhorses in the Georgia Section. There are many within the section that go unrecognized, even though, day after day, and month after month, they go about the business of continually checking into our nets and handling traffic.

Congratulations to all of the workhorses, and thank you for all that you do.

** HELP WANTED

We still have many openings for net representatives from Georgia to the Fourth Region Net (4RN) Daytime. Please contact your Section Traffic Manager if you can help out.

The net meets at 1:45 and again at 3:30 PM, on the frequency of 7243 kHz.

** Tight spacing on 80 meter CW

It's a whole new ballgame on 80 meter CW since the FCC ruling in December, 2006. Basically, our CW band has been condensed from 250 kHz to only 100 kHz. We must respect all users on the band as we go forward.

Several times recently the frequency of 3549 kHz was busy with other users during our regular net times. This heavy usage mainly occurs on the weekends particularly contest times.

We respect these other users by simply moving up (or down), in 500 Hz steps to find a clear frequency for GTN, or GSN. If you don't find the CW net on frequency, tune around for us.

Congratulations and Thanks, to all for your support and participation on our Georgia nets.

How is it that one careless match can start a forest fire, but it takes a whole box to start a campfire?

PLEASE SPARE US: THE FCC STRIKES AGAIN

The FCC took what they described as an important new step to reduce QRM on amateur frequencies by setting standards for voice speeds. The docket #200-4U will become official in the Part 97 amateur regulations effective 1 April 2007.

Citing frequent complaints about "long, boring conversations" on the ham bands, especially 75 meters, the Commission moved to impose a new standard on voice operations requiring all conversations to be at a speed of "at least 200 spoken words-per-minute".

The Commission in its ruling was especially critical of what they called "long winded, often endless conversations by old men talking about their prostate problems and other needs to get up and go to the bathroom several times during the night".

FCC staffers say they have personally heard conversations about nothing that went for hours and tied up frequencies that could be used by faster talkers.

Official Observer stations have received instructions to listen to suspect conversations and count the number of words-per-minute spoken. Those QSOs which fail to meet the minimum speed requirements will be noted and the operators involved will receive Official Observer Advisory Notices encouraging them to follow the rules or risk receiving notice of apparent violation citations from the FCC.

Some hams in southern states complained the new regulation will impose a burden on them because they naturally talk more slowly than those up north. They are suggesting that frequencies be set aside for slow speed discussions concerning favorite country music artists (particularly Don Williams), NASCAR, huntin' and fishin' (particularly bass and brim). FCC says it may consider that in future rulemaking.

In a separate press release, the American Radio Relay League said they are also concerned about two-meter operation where little is discussed except "full quieting and items to be picked up on the way home". The League said that sort of thing is boring and is usually spoken very slowly as well, far below the 200 words-per-minute minimum. The League suggested conversations on how to help raise more money for League activities would be especially welcomed and will be
encouraged. Future issues of QST will contain special pull-out sections containing recommended topics for on-air discussion to brighten up QSOs.

(originally from MIKE COMBS, K4LMS, and shared by PAT HAYNES, K4BEH, and saved for many months, just so it could be used in this.... The APRIL issue of our newsletter)

A politician is someone who shakes your hand before an election and shakes your confidence after.

SECTION NOTABLES

** CONGRATULATIONS to DONALD "ANDY" ANDERSON, K4PSW, who was recently recognized by the ARRL for 50 continuous years of membership.

** Much too often, when hams move into an area with oppressive restrictions, they end up giving up hope and simply never get on the air again, no matter how much it pains them. At the urging of his daughter, eighty-three year old MIKE WERONSKI, K2PMV, moved into a new subdivision in Paulding county. It turned out that the restrictions in his new neighborhood were horrendous. Mike, a longtime member of the ARRL, sent a donation to the League, along with a letter, bemoaning his sad predicament. To make a long story short, it's a genuine pleasure to report that, thanks to RON WEST, WB3ILX, Mike is on the air again, happily operating from 10-80M and on the AF MARS frequencies. Ron made the impossible possible by installing an effective stealth antenna around Mike's fence. (shhhh!) Almost as important as getting Mike back on the air again, Ron has been a frequent visitor and real friend, programming some radios for Mike, and taking him to club meetings and ham activities. That makes Ron a very special Section Notable, in my book.

** Along the same lines, a blind ham who lives in the Athens area has been plagued by heavy interference for some time, but the FCC and the ARRL were in need of some specific information and measurements before any actions could be taken. The local power company was believed to be the culpable culprit, but "belief" wasn't enough; proof was needed. Many thanks to BILL WILSON, KJ4EX, for visiting with FRANK SORROW, KI4FKZ, and for taking those needed measurements and supplying them to the ARRL. Hopefully, relief is on the way for Frank, and he'll soon be able to enjoy interference-free operations.

** Rounding out this trilogy of Hams Helping Hams is CHUCK EARNHART, KM4KB, a VE who's going "above and beyond" to help another ham who recently moved here from Florida. BILL BRASHEAR, KB4PIM, wants to get his general class license, but the stroke he suffered makes it impossible for him to drive. Not only has Chuck agreed to drive Bill to a VE session; if need be, he'll even make a "house call" with two other VEs to give Bill that test in the comfort of his own home. Bill gave the test a whirl at the Kennehoochee Hamfest, but the luck of the Irish just wasn't with him that day. But he has a good chance of being better prepared next time, thanks to the fine folks with VIS Radio, a familiar Hamfest vendor from Alabama, who graciously donated some study guides for Bill's usage.

** LANIER "LANY" HARRISON, W4VIR, provided some valuable service following the tornado in Americus. Details of his contribution can be found earlier in this newsletter, under "In Like a Lion".

Don't give up. Moses was once a basket case.

GEORGIA PIGLETS

** SCOUTING AND AMATEUR RADIO --- RUE "RUDY" STUTEVILLE, KA4PLH, the VA Section's ASM for Youth and Scouting, sent some interesting information this way that those of you who are Scouts or who work with Scouts may find to be of great interest. As a recent appointee, Rudy has been searching for ways to best perform his new duties, and he wrote:

"I have been looking how to make this position work and in my search I found Scoutradio on the internet http://groups.yahoo.com/groups/Scoutradio/ and through this I found a newsletter devoted to amateur radio and scouting. The Eagle http://ocarg.org whose editor FRED STEVENS, K2FRD, is doing an outstanding job, but is finding it difficult to spread the news throughout the ham-Scouting world.

There is a group of Scouter Ham's who are scouts who are trying to get the Scout Camp Calling Protocol (SCCP) going. Information can be found at http://homepage.mac.com/k2frd/SCCP.pdf and http://homepage.mac.com/k2frd/SCCP.htm The SCCP involves setting up frequencies and times for ham radio contacts between Scout Camps, not unlike nets but less formally operated similar to JOTA. During Scout summer camps, it is planned that stations be set up to call other camps and get boys and girls around the country talking to each other. Last year was the first year and SCCP had some bugs which are being worked out for this year. It was moderately successful given that only some 15 to 20 Camps participated. We would like these times and frequencies posted in all section newsletters and posted on web sites in an effort to get the word out."

** Some of Georgia's young hams are also accomplished musicians. PAT WILSON, KG4YUV, MITCH MCCARSKY, KG4GQY, STEPHANIE MCCARSKY, KG4GQX and TAYLOR CLEMENTS, KI4ABL, all participated in the famous St. Patrick's Day Parade in NYC, NY this year with the Murray County High School Marching Band. It must have been quite an experience for them. Mitchell and Stephanie are members of the Georgia Lions All-State Band and Stephanie just finished her 2nd year of All-District High School Band. (de DREW MCCARSKY, KB2SEO)

** APRIL 21-22 --- Kids' Round-Up. Phone. 80M-70cm. 1400Z April 21- 2200Z April 22. www.ki3ds.org 

We're young only once, but with humor, we can be immature forever. ART GLINER

THIS 'N' THAT

** ELECTRONIC QSLS?--- Who'd a thunk it? VICTOR WASILOV, KI4HPX, sent me an email to tell me that he'd sent me an electronic QSL, and that I could retrieve it, and all of the other E-QSLs that were waiting for me, by going to http://www.eQSL.cc and registering. What a surprise! There were cards waiting there from all over the world. I had no idea! Check it out, and see what surprises may await you there. NOTE: E-QSLs can NOT be used towards any of the awards like DXCC, etc. (But it's kinda fun. You can even design your own E-QSL and send them to the folks who.... evidently... want 'em.)

** HAM CLASSES -- Forsyth county amateur radio emergency service (ARES) is offering a free license training course for new ham operator and upgrades for Technician class to general. Classes will be held at Grace Chapel Church of Christ, 6755 Majors Road, Cumming Ga. Saturday mornings 9AM-12PM for 6 weeks beginning April 28th. No class Memorial weekend May 26th. FCC exams for all classes of amateur radio licenses will be 10-12 AM June 9th. Call JOHN MANTON, W4JJM, at 770-781-8082 for information or registration. Class size is limited.

*** ARRL INVITES COMMENTS ON NEW HF DIGITAL PROTOCOL
The ARRL is seeking comments from amateurs concerning development of an open-source (non-proprietary) data communications protocol suitable for use by radio amateurs over high-frequency (HF) fading paths. This is not a Request for Proposals (RFP). An RFP may or not be forthcoming depending on evaluation of the information received.

Specifically, the League is asking for comments and information on the following issues:

* Access Method: Is Orthogonal Frequency-Division Multiplexing (OFDM) the best candidate technology, or should other competitive technologies be considered?

* Data Rate and Bandwidth: What data rates/throughputs are achievable at various bandwidths up to 3 kHz bandwidth?

* Adaptivity: What adaptive features should be considered, such as automatic adjustment of transmitter power, modulation waveform and coding, in order to maximize throughput and efficiency in two-way contacts?

* Robustness: What is achievable for reliable operation at power levels typical in the Amateur Radio Service and low signal/noise and interference ratios?

* Error control: What are the appropriate applications of error control suitable for HF channels? For example, how should Repeat reQuest (ARQ) and Forward Error Control (FEC) be applied to two-way contacts and one-to-many (roundtable and bulletin) transmissions?

* Activity Detection: What is an effective method of determining whether a frequency is busy prior to transmission?

* Operating System: What operating systems (such as Windows or Linux) are appropriate for Amateur Radio use with this protocol?

* Hardware: What practical and affordable hardware platforms are suitable for amateur stations? Consider the use of personal computers with or without sound cards. Provide any information about the need for an additional "box" if needed.

Please provide the following with your response: (1) name of respondent, (2) respondent's contact information, (3) related experience, and (4) type of respondent: (individual, partnership, corporation or group). Do not include proprietary information as part of your response.

Post, fax or e-mail your response by 1900 UTC, May 15, 2007, to ARRL Chief Technology Officer Paul Rinaldo, W4RI <w4ri@arrl.org>, 3545 Chain Bridge Rd -- Suite 209, Fairfax, VA 22030; Fax: 703-934-2079.

*** HF SURVIVAL GUIDE --- CQ introduces HF Operator's Survival Guide: In response to recent changes in licensing rules and operating privileges for all hams, the editors of CQ Amateur Radio magazine have prepared an HF Operator's Survival Guide, a 16-page getting-started guide for newcomers to high-frequency (shortwave) Amateur Radio communications. Written by CQ Contesting Editor JOHN DORR, K1AR, Contributing Editor GORDON WEST, WB6NOA, and CQ Editor RICH MOSESON, W2VU, the booklet is a practical, hands-on guide to success in HF ham radio. "Starting out on HF can be pretty intimidating, especially now, at the bottom of the sunspot cycle, when DX opportunities are harder to find," said Moseson, who also oversaw the guide's overall production. "This practical guide will help the new HF operator, regardless of license class, hit the air running." Among other topics, the book discusses the characteristics of each HF ham band and explains which is best and when, basic HF operating practices, choosing your first HF transceiver, antenna basics, and various HF modes and operating activities. There's also an HF band chart. The HF Operator's Survival Guide is $2 (plus shipping), with discounts available for bulk purchases. To order, or for more information, contact CQ Communications Inc, 800-853-9797 (toll-free) weekdays 9 AM to 5 PM Eastern Time.

*** ONLINE HF OPERATIONS HELP: Looking for some help, but don't want to buy the book? Here's a site where OTIS MURPHY, W4OY, says you can find a wealth of good information, and a great guide for new HF operators: http://www.hamuniverse.com/newtohfbands.html

*** NEW BAND CHART --- Revised ARRL Band Chart available: A new ARRL band chart reflecting all recent changes to the FCC Amateur Radio Service rules as of February 23, 2007, is now available for downloading on the ARRL Web site in either black and white or color versions http://www.arrl.org/FandES/field/regulations/bands.html 

*** POWER LINE INTERFERENCE?--- Here's a site where you can find answers to the most frequently asked questions about power line interference: http://www.arrl.org/tis/info/powerline-FAQ.html

Once you understand Morse code, a tap dancer will drive you crazy.

UPCOMING EVENTS

MARCH 31-APRIL 1 --- QCWA Spring QSO party. CW, Digital, and Phone. 1800Z-1800Z. www.qcwa.org/qso-party.htm

APRIL 7-8 --- QRP ARCI Spring QSO Party (CW) www.qrparci.org 

APRIL 14-15 --- GA QSO Party!!! (Y'all come!) CW/SSB, 80-10 M. Sponsored by the Southeast Contest Club and the Southeastern DX Club. 1800Z April 14- 0359Z April 15 and 1400Z- 2359Z April 15. http://gqp.contesting.org 

APRIL 18 --- World Amateur Radio Day (GREAT excuse to treat yourself to a new rig!)

APRIL 21-22 --- Kids' Round-Up. Phone. 80M-70cm. 1400Z April 21- 2200Z April 22. www.ki3ds.org 

APRIL 27-28 --- SE VHF Society Conference. It's back in Atlanta this year, so here's your opportunity to meet and hear from some of the most innovative minds in the county. (It's FUN, too!) Great presentations, an auction, lots of socializing, and prizes. Learn from the best of the best. See www.svhfs.org for more details.

APRIL 28 --- Cherokee Capital ARS 10th annual HAMFEST in Calhoun. 8AM- 2PM at the Sugar Valley Community Center, 3295 Sugar Valley Road. VE session at 11 AM. Admission $5, free tailgating, $5 for inside table. Food onsite and hourly drawings for prizes plus a grand prize drawing of a Yaesu FT-1802 2M mobile radio. We've been to this Hamfest every year since its inception, and it has been growing steadily. We'll be there again this year, and hope to see YOU there, too. See www.qsl.net/k4woc for more info.

MAY 5 --- Heart of GA Hamfest, Byron GA--- for the third year, five clubs from middle GA are pooling their resources and holding a good old-fashioned tailgating event. It will be in the parking lot of the Peach Shops, which is located at exit 149 off of I-75. It'll be kicking off at 7AM, and if last year is any indication, come prepared to have fun. If you have any questions, please contact CHARLES ARMSTRONG, AE4VA, at 172 Old Hickory Road, Byron, GA 31008, jejecha@aol.com or (478) 956-5030.

MAY 5-6--- Birmingham, AL Hamfest

Have you seen the latest Warhol works? Uncanny.

SILENT KEYS

CARL HAYES K4QVZ
BOBBY JARRELL KE4KXQ
RAY JONES K4CXS
JEFF KENNEDY KE4SLO
"PETE" SCARBOROUGH, JR AI4E

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

Well, folks that's about it for now. Until next time, this is AF4FO, signing clear. Take care of yourselves. And each other. This newsletter may not have made you any wiser, but with as long as it is, it did make you a little older.

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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