May, 2008

Greetings, All.

Some of you may have received word on the possible demise of the Shelby Hamfest. For a while there, it looked like a real possibility, but it's a pleasure to report that tragedy has been avoided and the show will go on. Same Labor day weekend as in the past, but at a NEW, and possibly IMPROVED, location. For details, see the www.shelbyhamfest.com website.

Some of you eagerly followed the Mars Desert Research Station (MDRS) website and kept tabs on the activities of the GA Tech team that was there, and specifically, on our own ANDREA HARTLAGE, KG4IUM. (If you missed it, that information is still available at http://www.marssociety.org/mdrs/) Well, Andrea is back at school now, but the last time I talked to her dad SCOTT HARTLAGE, KF4PWI, she still wasn't "back to earth" yet. Sounds like it was an absolutely amazing experience. And she will be writing an article about those experiences for an upcoming issue of QST.

GREG SARRATT, W4OZK, our Southeastern Division Director, is seeking information on the integration of amateur radio with our various served agencies throughout the division. First, he wants to know how many of our state and county EMAs contain an amateur radio station and incorporate an amateur radio program of some kind. (i.e. ARES, RACES) In addition to the local EMA, which other agencies does your ARES/RACES group support? Do those agencies have a ham radio station and program? NOTE: No need to hyperventilate. These numbers only need to be approximations. So, ECs and DECs, would you please send the pertinent info for your county or area of responsibility (i.e. SOC, NWS, hospitals, etc) to our SEC SCOTT ROYLE, KK4Z, at kk4z@arrl.net ASAP? He'll collate that info and forward it to Greg. Thank you.

Those of you who've handed us two twenties when signing up as an ARRL member are familiar with the way our favorite Director of Vice, SANDY DONAHUE, W4RU, and I have of suggesting that you donate a buck to the Spectrum Defense Fund while you're at it. Saves us from coughing up the change, and that dollar goes to a very worthwhile cause. As you may or may not know, money from this fund supported the ARRL's recent successful court challenge to over the FCC's policies regarding BPL. So those dollars paid off! In case you missed it, you can read all the delicious details at
http://www.arrl.org/news/stories/2008/04/25/10064/?nc=1 

We're continuing to welcome a large number of newly licensed hams here in GA every month. You know what that means? That means that there's a whole bunch of new hams all around the state who've never experienced the joys of Field Day. (the horrors of it all!)

That's where you come in. Just as we've done the past six years, with your help, I'd like to list as many of the Georgia Field Day sites as possible in next month's newsletter. If you want YOUR club's (or eclectic group's) field day location included, someone from your club (or eclectic group) has to SEND me that information. (And a great big THANK YOU to those of you who've already sent me that info.) It doesn't have to be long; if you'd like, you can simply give the site location (i.e. Pavo, GA) and maybe a contact person or your website address, where interested parties can find directions and additional information. Or if you want to write a bit more, that'd be great, too. (Cut and paste is my friend...) Like, maybe you'd like to tell us what's special about your field day plans that might make visitors want to spend some time there? Are you gonna maybe have deep-fried turkey or low country boil to feed all of your hungry operators? Or maybe the best BBQ chicken in the state of Georgia? Some clubs have offered amateur radio and electronics merit badge classes right there at their Field Day site, or hosted a scavenger hunt for the young visitors, or held an on-site VE session. The Fayetteville club has even been known to hold a special showing of a movie like "Frequency" at their Field Day. Last year, the folks in Newton county set up operations at a wildlife center, where they had full access to a shooting range, several fishing lakes and hiking trails.

But, the bottom line is, even if your group has held field day activities at the very same location for the past fifty years or more, please don't assume that I know that. And don't assume that I've "picked up" that information from your newsletter or club reflector, either. (Ask Mike, and he'll tell you: Don't EVER assume that I know ANYTHING!) If you want your location listed, someone from your group needs to send me that information. And with more new hams this year than we've ever had before, it's even more important to get that information gathered and made available to them. With your help, we can do that.

For all of you new hams who don't know what this thing called Field Day is all about, boyohboy, are you in for a treat! This is an operating event that provides hams with the unique and memorable pleasure of hanging out for the weekend with a bunch of other hams to string antennas, grill hot dogs, swat mosquitoes, wipe the sweat, cement friendships and.... oh, yeah... make as many contacts as possible with other hams around the country.... who are happily stringing their own antennas, grilling their own hot dogs, swatting.... (you get the picture.) It's held the last full weekend of June every year, which places it on the 28th and 29th this year. Some groups get together on Friday evening to start assembling and hoisting antennas, while others wait until Saturday morning to begin. Shortly after lunch, the 24-hour operating event officially begins, and the bands come alive with excited calls of "CQ Field Day". Most groups welcome ALL visitors, and graciously allow, and encourage, their visitors to operate. It is, without doubt, one of the most enjoyable amateur radio events of the year.

Well folks, let's get on with it. For this month's one-liners, we'll borrow from a list recently posted on one of the club reflectors by OTIS MURPHY, W4OY. This list, entitled "You Might be Addicted To Ham Radio If....", was attributed to a gentlemen named CHARLES WINKLER, who was kindly granted reprint permission. However, I'm gonna change the format of them a teensy bit, and as you read them, imagine, if you will, the inimitable voice of JEFF FOXWORTHY.

If your favorite vacation spots are always on mountain tops..... you might be a ham.

APRIL HIGHLIGHTS

April 26 --- Calhoun Hamfest --- This was the Cherokee Capital ARS's eleventh annual Hamfest, and so far, my better half MIKE SWIDERSKI, K4HBI, and I have attended every one of 'em. No doubt, it's changed quite a bit over the years, (haven't we all?) so today's fest doesn't bear much physical resemblance to that first year's tiny tail-gating event anymore. But ya know what? Even though they've grown in size and now boast several commercial vendors and a nice little boneyard every year, I don't think they'll ever outgrow the wonderful intrinsic nature of their first year's itty-bitty event, because somehow, they've managed to maintain that same sense of intimacy that we found there on year one. This fest still offers low-key, low-pressure, high-time good fun.

In spite of gasoline prices and the threat of rain, there was a good turnout this year, and it was, as always, a fun Hamfest. Can you find everything you might be looking for at a small Hamfest like this one? Well, no. It's no Dayton. Then again, Dayton is no Calhoun, either.

Many thanks to the members of the Cherokee Capital ARS for all of your hard work and hospitality, and to all of you fine folks who were able to attend. Hope to see you there again next year.

If your family doesn't have a clue what to get you for Christmas, even after you TELL them....
you might be a ham.

CLUB NEWS

ATLANTA ARC --- Coming up at the May 1 meeting, attendees will be treated to what promises to be a fascinating presentation by DR. GENE GRENEKER, K4MOG, entitled "Radar Methods and Ham Radio". A long-time ham and eminent authority in the field of radar R&D, Dr. Greneker will provide explanations for some formerly classified radar "mysteries", and discuss how the paths of radar and amateur radio have intersected over the years. Meeting at 7:30 at the Red Cross building on Monroe Drive in Atlanta. Talk-in 146.82.

COLUMBUS ARC --- Annual officer elections were held at the March 2008 meeting of the Columbus (GA) ARC. The new slate is as follows: President- TERRY SPENCER, K4SPE; VP- BILL WATT, K4BLL; Secretary/Treasurer- JOHN WINGARD, WB4GLJ; and Activities Chairman- MARC POPE, WX4MAP. (de JOHN WINGARD, WB4GLJ)

GWINNETT ARS --- The April meeting provided a two-fer program. KEN DALTON, KI4BQS, provided an overview of ARES, and my better half MIKE SWIDERSKI, K4HBI, our Official Observer Coordinator, enlightened members about the OO program. (That's OH-OH, not zero-zero...) The focus of the May meeting will be antenna-building, both for Field Day, and for personal use. Also in May will be the club's experimental GLASS net. What's that, you ask? Read on.

NORTH FULTON ARL --- On April 4, some NFARL members provided a memorable Radio Day learning experience for 80 Davis Academy students. Teacher DAVE MOORE, KU4MT, arranged the program for his school, and fellow club members BRYAN GAY, KR4MM, WES LAMBOLEY, W3WL, TOM POWERS, KJ4AJX, and JIM STAFFORD, W4QO, took it from there. During three class periods, students learned about various codes: W4QO showed the kids how fun Morse code can be, W3WL discussed the ENIGMA machine, and KR4MM explained ASCII/computer codes. From April until October, NFARL members will be showcasing amateur radio on the third Thursday of every month from 5PM until 9PM in the Historic District of Roswell in conjunction with a monthly program called Alive After Five.

SOUTHERN CRESCENT ARC --- (Clayton Amateur Radio Emergency Services Inc.) Club members did such a great job in the past, they were invited to come back again this year and teach another Radio Merit Badge class for the local Boy Scouts. On March 15, BUZZ KUTCHER, K3GWK, JOHN TILGHMAN, KG4PVS, PAUL CARRIN, KE4KXV, BUTCH NITZ, AF4FS, and ROY BAKER, AJ4GT, provided classroom instruction and hands-on ham radio operations, and thanks to their guidance, every one of the participating Scouts successfully met all requirements and earned that badge. On March 22, a technician class offered by the club was a huge success, as well, and as a result, NINE new hams received their licenses. Not content to rest on their laurels, another technician class will be offered on August 30, and if there's enough interest, instructions may be offered this summer for upgrading to general class.

STATESBORO ARS --- CONGRATULATIONS to the following slate of newly elected officers: President- MARK AULICK, KF4MLT; VP- ANDY WALL, KJ4ABR; Secretary- BUDDY HORNE, AJ4BH; and Treasurer- BRIAN KOEHLER, KE4TYQ. Best wishes for another successful and enjoyable year.

THOMASVILLE ARC --- May 10 will be a busy day for club members. That morning, they'll be busily providing communications for the Pavo Peacock Day Parade, while at the same time, two members will be operating from the Archibold Hospital's emergency amateur radio set-up, in conjunction with a North FL hurricane exercise. Following the parade, additional members will migrate to the hospital to receive some hands-on training at the radio station. This year's field day will mark the first time that club members will be operating Class F from the Thomas County EOC. A first not only for the club, but for the EOC, as well.

If the first question you ask a new car dealer concerns the alternator's current output.... you might be a ham.

G.L.A.S.S. NET

GARS Local Area SIXmeter Sideband Net

One Night Only

50.145 USB
8:00 PM Local
May 29th, 2008

You are invited to participate in a one time, six meter, experimental event that is coming up:
* Simplex phone net, which means working with weak signals
* Net controls give signal reports
* Horizontal and Vertical polarization
* No "DX", meaning as far as we can work without skip or Internet
* Multiple coordinated net controls - check in with them all!
* Net control stations distributed across Gwinnet County

There will be at least four net controls. We will move from the weakest to the strongest net control. If you do not hear the first net control, stick around for the rest. This will be a fast paced net, in some ways more like a contest than the 2m nets you are used to.

Why 6 meters? We want to keep the SSB net "local" without a bunch of DX stations coming in and making the local weak stations unreadable. Because so many HF stations include 6m, it is more likely that local operators will have 6m SSB than other VHF or UHF frequencies. Most equipment that can do SSB at all supports the 6m band. The bigger 6m antennas are more forgiving to weak signal work than smaller antennas. FM is not the best choice for weak signal work, plus you cannot hear multiple stations simultaneously (QRZ?), so SSB is the best choice for this exercise.

This fun event should be a good test or your equipment. The skills we use for this event may have usefulness for emergency communications where repeaters are not available, and multiple weak stations are present in a localized area. But if we forget about EMCOMM and nets, six meters is just an all around fun band. We are at the beginning of solar cycle 24, and even now we are seeing band openings and double hops across North America. If you don't have six, you are missing a lot of fun. If you have a rig, but don't have an antenna, they are easy to build, and are a manageable size.

Remember to mark your calendars, cut your antennas, and test your rigs. We look forward to working you. It should be fun and educational experience for all!

Please send any questions to w4kda@arrl.net.

If you've ever really missed someone that you've never actually met.... you might be a ham.

ARMED FORCES DAY CROSSBAND TEST

The Army, Air Force, Navy, Marine Corps and Coast Guard are co-sponsoring the annual Military/Amateur Radio communications tests in celebration of the 58th anniversary of Armed Forces Day (AFD). Although the actual Armed Forces Day is celebrated on May 17, the AFD Military/Amateur Crossband Communications Test will be conducted on May 10 to prevent conflict with the Dayton Hamvention, scheduled for May 16-18.

The annual celebration features traditional military to amateur crossband communications SSB voice tests and copying the Secretary of Defense message via digital modes. These tests give Amateur Radio operators and short wave listeners an opportunity to demonstrate their individual technical skills and to receive recognition from the Secretary of Defense and/or the appropriate military radio station for their proven expertise. QSL cards will be provided to those stations making contact with the military stations. Special commemorative certificates will be awarded to anyone who receives and copies the digital Armed Forces Day message from the Secretary of Defense.

Look for schedules and frequencies of participating military stations to be published in May on the Army MARS Web site <http://www.netcom.army.mil/MARS>.

If you've ever dug up a perfectly good lawn to bury chicken wire.... you might be a ham.

ARES NEWS

** From our SEC SCOTT ROYLE, KK4Z:

We've had some good things happening in the section over the past couple of months. A lot of stuff goes on behind the scenes that most don't see, but folks are out there working to strengthen ARES position as a communications resource during a time of need.

TOM OLLEY, KG4VUB, has been working on digital stuff along with other members of his staff. One of the fruits of his labors is we have a PSK31 net starting. If you have that capability, please check into the net, which is held after the Sunday ARES SSB net. An announcement will be made during the SSB net as to the frequency with it usually being around 3.583 USB. In addition Tom runs a Winlink 2000 net parallel to the SSB net with check-ins announced at the end of the SSB net.

Our net manager CHARLES PENNINGTON, K4GK, is constantly working with the various nets and seems to be everywhere on the band at once. One thing Charles does is help coordinate net activities, especially during a disaster. He has been helping Tom find suitable frequencies for our digital nets.

JOHN DAVIS, WB4QDX, brought D-Star down to Fayette County to run a side by side comparison with APRS during a March of Dimes Walk-A-Thon the 26th of April. This was preceded by a D-Star Seminar the Saturday before to give folks a preview of D-Star's capabilities. The event went well and both systems performed to expectations. John and his D-Star crew can be available to help with other events and provide training/seminars. Please contact John: wb4qdx@arrl.net.

My thanks to those mentioned above and all the good work they and those that work with them are doing.

I would like to remind everyone of the three goals of GA ARES for this year:

* To increase our reporting- I cannot say enough about this. Reporting is one way to check the pulse of the ARES community. I can be a good indicator of the readiness of a particular county and when the report is sent to the ARRL an indicator of the readiness of our section. Please try to turn in your reports in a timely fashion.

* To establish a "standard" for digital modes- With so many different modes of operation out there we are trying to reduce the number to a few so when a disaster strikes everyone will be on the same sheet of music. We use more than one mode for the different bands to try to accommodate as many operators as possible and provide some redundancy. For VHF/UHF we have chosen D-Star, Telpac packet using airmail, and APRS. We are always looking for people to put up Telpac nodes and digipeaters in less served areas to expand our coverage. For HF the modes are Winlink 2000 and PSK31. As we further research these modes we may modify them to meet the needs of the section.

* To have a quality SET- It is the responsibility of the EC of the county to design training to meet the needs of his members and the County EMA. At the section level we provide a basic scenario and the infrastructure to support the county efforts. An example is we will open up the GEMA SOC and activate the various nets.

I have two additional items: First is we have a HURREX this month and should hear from LOWRY ROUSE, KM4Z, about the details. Second the Division Director GREG SARRATT, W4OZK, has asked that each section provide him how many EMA's have amateur radio equipment and amateur radio programs. He would also like to know what other served agencies such as GEMA, Red Cross, etc have similar programs. I would like the EC's, DEC's and ASEC's to turn this in as soon as possible.

Thanks to all and the wonderful work you are doing for ARES. We have a lot going on and more to come. Hurricane season is drawing closer and tornado season even closer so charge the batteries and check the go-kits. Till next time. 73, Scott KK4Z, GA ARES SEC

** This information from BARRY KANNE, W4TGA, was already provided to you in the mid-monthly summary, but here it is again, just in case you meant to get in touch with Barry and forgot.... We are seeking amateur radio licensees to support the ham radio facilities installed at some of the hospitals in the Atlanta area. The hospitals are: Grady Memorial and Children's Healthcare. Each hospital will need a team of 4-6 operators. If you are a General Class licensee you can be the "team lead" at these hospitals and work with the hospitals on a regular basis. These facilities have complete ham radio installations and are ready to go. If you would like to be a part of this important community activity, please contact Barry Kanne (W4TGA) at w4tga@arrl.net and he will discuss these sites with you to see which is the best fit.

** NEW APPOINTMENTS: PAUL BENNETT, N4XLB, recently stepped down from his position as DEC for the Columbia NWS, and has passed the reins to DON DRAWDY, N0FBV, who has also tapped DOYLE WINDHAM, WE4GW, to serve as his ADEC. HENRY AROSTEGUI, KN4AV, has also stepped down as DEC for the East Central District, a position he has filled since 1994. Taking over there is ROBERT LEITER, KJ4AMN. And finally, in Jackson county, DOUG BROWN, KC4RSL, has taken over the EC position vacated by ROBERT ALDRICH, N9RLA, who will be moving back to Indiana. To each of these outgoing and incoming volunteers, we offer our sincere thanks for your dedication and willingness to serve.

** SKYWARN Class May 14th, 2008, Waycross College, Waycross, GA from 6-9 p.m. There is no charge for the class. To register or for more information contact PERRY BLACKBURN, KF4SUY, at 912-287-4455, or by e-mail at pblackburn@warecounty.com

** HALL COUNTY ARES will be participating in a Red Cross drill on Thursday, May 8. They will be holding a check-in only net on the Lanierland ARC repeater (146.67- PL 131.8) at approximately 9AM, so if you're able to check in to help them give a good showing to the Red Cross, please do.

** NEWTON COUNTY EC CHARLES DAVIS, WA4UJC, reported that he recently signed an MOU with Newton County Sheriff, JOE NICHOLS, who has served as sheriff for more than 20 years, and will be retiring at the end of this year. Charles notes that, "Joe plans to work with us after his retirement and WOW what an asset he will be for our group!"

** THOMAS COUNTY EC MIKE BROWN, KE4FGF, says that his group will be involved with the NFL Capital District in an upcoming "Hurricane Z" exercise, noting that, "They asked us to take part so they could pass traffic between their hospital and ours. Mark, KD4EYF, is also trying to get several other Regional Coordinating Hospitals with the W4TGA installed amateur stations to take part as well."

** SOUTHWEST DISTRICT--- Called by DEC GENE CLARK, W4AYK, the ECs and AECS of this district will be getting together on May 31 for a district conference. During a full afternoon of presentations, they will cover such topics as the structure of the ARRL and ARES, the GA ARES database, Skywarn, GA's hospital project, (by DEC BARRY KANNE, W4TGA) and Basic Communications in Emergencies. (by ASEC TOM OLLEY, KG4VUB) Kudos to Gene for calling this meeting, and many thanks to Barry and Tom for traveling down there to help make it a success.

If you immediately shut down an amplifier when the doorbell rings.... you might be a ham.

ARES REPORT DE ASEC TOM FULLER, KE2QCM

Total number of ARES members: 772*
Change since last month: +9
# of DECs/ECs reporting this month: 40
# of ARES nets active: 123
# with NTS liaison: 0
# of drills, tests and training sessions this month: 123
Person hours 1385
# of public service events this month: 11
Person hours 689
# of emergency operations this month: 26
Person hours 852
Total # of ARES operations this month: 160
Total Person hours 2924

---> DECs REPORTING:

Central-W4OY; GEMA- KM4Z; GPB- WB4QDX; NWS/Columbia- N0FBV; NWS/Peachtree City-KD4YDC; NWS/Tallahassee- KE4FGF; Salvation Army- WA4UJC

---> ECs REPORTING:

** Central: Baldwin- K6DPL; Bibb- KS4GH; Butts- KG4LTL; Houston- WB4EEL; Morgan-K2MGL; Peach- AA4JF; Pulaski- N4TUA; Putnam- KF4EOH

** East Central: Washington- K4GK

** Metro Atlanta: Cherokee- WA6IKS; Fayette- AG4ZR; Gwinnett- WB4QDX; Henry-WB4WQE; Newton- WA4UJC; Paulding- K4DMF; Rockdale- KC4ELV

** Northeast: Clarke- N4ZRA; Hall- KI4RBE; Jackson- N9RLA; Madison- KI4MHF; Stephens- KU4ES; Towns- W4VFZ

** Northwest: Bartow- N4QET; Carroll- NZ4T; Floyd- KD4EKZ; Gilmer- WB4HAT; Murray- KG4RSU; Polk- KD4EKZ

** Southeast: Camden- WD8LQT; Toombs- KG4BKO

** Southwest: Baker- K4GCR; Dougherty- N4GPJ; Thomas- KE4FGF

---> DEC COMMENTS

** Central- W4OY: Acting NCS for BCARES weekly net. Monitored the final phase of the installation of Amateur Radio at the Oconee Medical Center. Station is functional- Thanks to K4GK and others. Initiating an effort to recruit ARES members at the monthly VE testing. Monitored the activities of the storm which passed through area the last few weeks. Damage to vehicles and windows in area as the result of tennis ball size hail stones. Personal property damage was windshield on pickup. Distributed NCS procedures for operating during severe weather and also encouraged members to function as NCS since the persons who function in this capacity may not be available.

** GEMA- KM4Z: March 14th - 2 hrs monitoring WX4PTC Severe WX Net March 15th - 4 hrs monitoring various Severe WX Nets during afternoon March 23rd - 5 hrs at the SOC checking storm damage to ARES equipment and antennas March 26th - 2 hr meeting with David Hand (FEMA) discussing HF antenna location at the SOC March 27th - 3 hrs removing ARES equipment to allow renovation of Communication Room at the SOC.

** GPB- WB4QDX: Planning for GEMA D-Star demo.

** NWS/Peachtree City- KD4YDC: 2 Svr WX events: 4 Mar - 2 people, 9.5 hrs -- 15 Mar (many Svr Tstsm and Tornado warnings) - 6 people, 30.14 hrs (4.5 prepping for event).

** NWS/Tallahassee- KE4FGF: The number 384 is correct. We held an event called the Radio Reunion, which was ARES based. We had 96 people show up and the event ran for 4 hours. We had ARES groups from 9 counties on either side of the state line, plus a number of other ARRL officials. Following lunch, we got better acquainted with what each was doing and had speakers from each group outlined where they were and were trying to be by years end. Additional moral support came from AF4FO, K4HBI, W4RU, W4RH, and W4OZK, who each talked to us about how the ARRL was supporting what we are doing.

** Salvation Army- WA4UJC: I am still trying to meet with the Salvation Army Reps. I have met with the Director of the center in Newton County.

---> EC COMMENTS

Central:

** Baldwin- K6DPL: The proposed Baldwin County ARES NCS site at Georgia Military College was reviewed this month. Bill Mills, KC4AA acted as liaison with GMC and arranged access for the evaluation. A communication test is scheduled for April 26th using this facility.

** Pulaski- N4TUA: We have been working on the repeater. This is a VERY big job. The machine was transmitting on frequency for a week and beaconing the call. Need much work on the duplexer still. Hope to make the June deadline. Also have found contact information for Pulaski County EMA and sent email detailing our work and services.

** Putnam- KF4EOH: Net is also conducted on K4PDQ repeater.

Metro Atlanta:

** Gwinnett- WB4QDX: Conducted Digital Saturday training six digital modes of operation, two SKYWARN nets.

** Henry- WB4WQE: Assisted W4TGA with repair of HF antenna mast at Floyd County Medical Center. The time for the Metro Atlanta ARES NET was recorded in activities from Clayton/Henry counties as they were this month's host.

** Newton- WA4UJC: Assisted W4TGA with repair of HF antenna mast at Floyd County Medical Center. The time for the Metro Atlanta ARES NET was recorded in activities from Clayton/Henry counties as they were this month's host.

** Paulding- K4DMF: Assisted W4TGA with repair of HF antenna mast at Floyd County Medical Center. The time for the Metro Atlanta ARES NET was recorded in activities from Clayton/Henry counties as they were this month's host.

** Rockdale- KC4ELV: Assisted W4TGA with repair of HF antenna mast at Floyd County Medical Center. The time for the Metro Atlanta ARES NET was recorded in activities from Clayton/Henry counties as they were this month's host.

Northeast:

** Clarke- N4ZRA: The training nets covered the present needs of our served agencies in the Athens area, the need for new ARES IDs, different activation plans, the need for an updated call down list, the recent changes in our SkyWarn script and a radiogram drill. The Public Service event for March was the Trot for Tots that was covered by N4CUA, KE4JLL, KG4WHA, and KE4GVX.

** Hall- KI4RBE: 15 March 2008 Activated formal severe weather net and reported directly to the Hall County EMA. Storm spotter reports were made to the NWS as required.

** Madison- KI4MHF: Madison Co participated with Oglethorpe Co ARES in SKYWARN Net during the severe weather recently. N2YYP & KE4GVX did an outstanding job at Net Control!

** Towns- W4VFZ: Misc. activities: install KI4ENN Repeater antenna on Bell Mtn. former PBS tower in Hiawassee, GA.

Northwest:

** Bartow- N4QET: ARES Skywarn net was activated twice on Saturday, March 15 due to storms moving through our county.

** Carroll- NZ4T: Tim Padgett, Carroll County EMA Director, spoke at a joint ARES / West Ga. ARS meeting on Tuesday, Mar. 11. The topic was emergency management in Carroll County, and the role of amateur radio. All but two of the 16 WGARS members attending are also ARES members. We have traded our club station call sign, KJ4CCW, for the vanity call sign WX4WG, for use by our EOC/MCP and digital stations. We are working to expand our SkyWarn coverage to our neighboring counties in Alabama, to give us an earlier reporting capability. On Saturday, March 29, we programmed 42 weather radios at Kroger in Carrollton, as part of Kroger's Public Safety Day. We received favorable newspaper coverage for this effort. SkyWarn net activations: 7 Mar -2000 to 2038 for Tornado Warning for northeast Carroll County. 17 check-ins. 14 Mar.-2215 to 2234 for Severe Thunderstorm Warning for northeast Carroll County. 12 check-ins. 15 Mar.- 0532 to 0619 for Severe Thunderstorm Warning for Carroll County. 10 check-ins. 15 Mar.- 1455 to 1802 for Severe Thunderstorm Warning for Carroll County. 25 check-ins.

** Floyd- KD4EKZ: Tornado and Severe Thunderstorm Weather Net, Saturday March 15 - Net ran from 11:00 until 16:30 local. ARES members and amateurs from 7 Georgia Counties and 4 Alabama Counties provided their valuable assistance during the net. Severe tornado damage in the Wax Road area of southern Floyd County resulted one death in addition to extensive property damage.

** Gilmer- WB4HAT: Six man hours this month were spent the month of March on March 19th with the North Georgia Regional Hospital in Region A out of Dalton Drill. Several other counties participated.

** Murray- KG4RSU: Weekly training nets. Participation with N.W.GA Regional Health District in Pandemic Drill conducted by Hamilton Medical Ctr. in Dalton. EOC is now operational at Hamilton. Communication w/4 of 7 hospitals in region for testing & traffic handling by ARES members in the 4 counties-17 stations total. 8:30a-11:30a Also upgraded antenna at Whitfield EMS-station has been there 3+ years donated by DARC/ARES and has been used for ARES nets and training, mobile coverage testing in EMS units.

** Polk- KD4EKZ: Tornado and Severe Thunderstorm Weather Net, Saturday March 15 - Net ran from 11:00 until 16:30 local. ARES members and amateurs from 7 Georgia Counties and 4 Alabama Counties provided their valuable assistance during the net. Severe tornado damage in the Aragon area of northeast Polk County resulted one death in addition to extensive property damage. Worked with Barry Kanne W4TGA to reinstall HF antenna at Floyd Medical Center in Rome.

Southeast:

** Camden- WD8LQT: The local ARES meeting will be held on the 2nd Thursday of April. Topics of discussion to include D-STAR and its potential in South Georgia.

** Baker- K4GCR: Not much going on in the area. Thank goodness. But we are ready when needed.

Southwest:

** Dougherty- N4GPJ: Nine members from 4 counties combined in Americus (Sumter Co) to program weather radios at Harvey's grocery. Twenty four members combined to support communications for a marathon run, and a bicycle race.

** Thomas- KE4FGF: Nine members from 4 counties combined in Americus (Sumter Co) to program weather radios at Harvey's grocery. Twenty four members combined to support communications for a marathon run, and a bicycle race.

If you have ever used a person's name to indicate acknowledgement...... you might be a ham.

NET REPORT DE STM CHARLES PENNINGTON, K4GK

PUBLIC SERVICE HONOR ROLL:

STATION ACTIVITY REPORTS:

Traffic handled (QTC):

*****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

SECTION NOTABLES

** May 1 marks the 50th anniversary as an amateur radio operator for BOB GOOD, K4BG. CONGRATULATIONS to Bob for reaching this milestone, and may he hit many more. Another 50-year celebrant is JIM STAFFORD, W4QO, who hit his milestone in recent months. And it's a pleasure to note that Bob and Jim both continue to enjoy the hobby and are very active on the air.

** Heartfelt thanks go out to NORM SCHKLAR, WA4ZXV, who has accepted the position as a new 4RN NTSD MBO station. Using Pactor I, Norm now scans a multitude of frequencies 24/7 for the National Traffic System.

If you have to walk carefully in your back yard to avoid being clothes-lined..... you might be a ham.

THIS 'N' THAT

** A web-based Software Defined Radio?? Sounds pretty intriguing, doesn't it? The University of Twente, in the Netherlands, currently has a such a critter up and running on 40 and 80 M, with plans to add 20 M in the near future. You can check it out at http://websdr.ewi.utwente.nl:8901

** Innovative use for EchoLink: The North Fulton ARL now has Echolink on their N4CLA repeater, (145.47- PL 100) adding yet another level of possibilities for their groundbreaking Technical Net on Monday nights at 8:30 PM. Now, in addition to local repeater and Internet chat room users, those who can't make the repeater via RF can take part via the WB4MAK-L connection. The wonders of Echolink will also expand the club's ability to recruit guest speakers to participate in their technical discussions. These nets have been fabulous, and full of information for all hams, new and old. If you've got questions or answers, this is the net for you. www.nfarl.org

** Those Bluetooth gizmos are good for something other than making the wearer look like a member of the Borg. That funky looking headset can actually enhance your amateur radio enjoyment. For some cool ideas, check out http://www.k7sfn.com/projects/bluetooth.html and CTR-Remote http://ctr-remote.home.att.net/CTR-Remote.htm

** If your club or ARES group is planning to do a demonstration about amateur radio, you may want to include a clip of comments made by BILL READ, KB5FYA, the new Director for the National Hurricane Center regarding the role of Amateur Radio in monitoring hurricane events.

Video Clip
http://www.voipwx.net/local/Bill_Read_on_Ham_Radio_Hurricane_Conference2008.wmv

Audio Clip
http://www.voipwx.net/local/Bill_Read_on_Ham_Radio_Hurricane_Conference_2008.mp3

** A young man who was taking his technician test with us at the GA Tech VE session snorted in derision when his father asked me if a particular radio was crystal-controlled. My guess is that, even though the father wasn't a ham, he knew something about radio that his techno-savvy son didn't. Crystal sets can be FUN! Here's a website devoted entirely to crystal radios, and it includes a number of kits, from the simplest to the more sophisticated, as well as ideas for possible school science projects. Check it out! http://www.midnightscience.com/index.html

** ONLINE RADIO CLASSES --- WARREN FLYNN, WB4ZOJ, "stumbled" across something while surfing the Internet, and thought some of you might be interested. It's online classes for amateur radio. According to info posted on the http://hamclass.net/ website, "The Technician course is $59. The General course is also $59. The Extra course is $99. The course book, if you need to purchase it, is around $18. Remember, you are not just buying software - you are enrolling in a structured course with a dedicated teacher who wants to see you succeed!"

NOTE: The ARRL also offers an online Technician class. The registration cost of $69 INCLUDES the "Ham Radio License Manual", a one-year ARRL membership, and follow-up online graduate support. www.arrl.org/cce/courses.html#ec010 

** CHARLES DAVIS, WA4UJC, Net Manager for our daily afternoon SSB NTS net, says that TOM MADIGAN, K4TDM, has set up a web page for the GTN. You can check it out at http://www.k4tdm.com/NC-ARES/georgia_traffic_net.htm.

** NEW REPEATER IN HIAWASSEE --- Towns county EC AL HIGGINS, W4VFZ, informs us that, as of April 17, their "local club, a branch of the Towns Co. GA American Red Cross D.A.T. (Disaster Action Team), put our Repeater, KI4ENN, on the air on top of a 3,200 ft. mountain just outside of Hiawassee GA." This repeater is on 146.865(+) with a PL of 151.4. At that altitude, it should have terrific coverage, and all within range are welcome to use it, and to check into their weekly ARES net on Sundays at 5:30PM.

Four items of interest from the 4/16/08 ARRL Contest Rate Sheet:

** A professional-quality Webinar on Impedance Matching in RF and Microwave Devices is available on-line at the Microwave Journal magazine Web site http://www.mwjournal.com/Resources. The instructor is Les Besser of Besser Associates and the presentation is hosted by David Vye of Microwave Journal. The presentation is sponsored by Maury Microwave. Registration is required, but there is no charge.

** Instructions for building a switchable "Field Day" stub that reduces interference between stations on 40/20/15/10 are on the Hands-On Radio Web site http://www.arrl.org/tis/info/HTML/Hands-On-Radio. (This was originally suggested by K6LL or N2IC.) Download Experiment #22 on "Stubs". At the 80/75-meter station, attach a 1/4-wave shorted stub as that will act as a short on 40, 20, 15, and 10 with varying degrees of attenuation on the higher bands. For the complete(and I mean COMPLETE) story, get a copy of W2VJN's book "Managing Interstation Interference" from International Radio http://www.qth.com/inrad.

** Rooting around on the 'net turned up the URL for National Semiconductor's App Note 31, a collection of op-amp circuits: http://www.national.com/an/AN/AN-31.pdf This is a handy document to have in your collection of references. This Cal Tech lab http://tinyurl.com/3uclwu explains a few of those circuits, as well.

** Jim W6RMK reported on an excellent reference handbook -- the "Guide to Low-Voltage and Limited-Energy Systems" by Mike Holt at http://www.mikeholt.com. Not only is the low-voltage guide to electrical safety excellent -- and it has
examples of antenna and tower grounding and bonding -- but there is a huge amount of free information on a whole host of electrical issues and topics. Look for the "free stuff" link on the home page in the "Tell A Friend About This Site" area.

** You can NEVER have too much info about antennas, right? WEY WALKER, K8EAB, posted this URL on the North GA QRP reflector, saying, "For those who are space/ covenant restricted, or just need a small antenna for portable ops, this is a very interesting antenna." http://www.tak-tenna.com/ I checked it out, and it is quite interesting. Has some favorable reviews, too.

And finally, two items from the 4/30 ARRL Contest Rate Sheet:

** Jim K9YC has put together a nice white paper titled "Power and Grounding For Audio and Audio/Video Systems-- A White Paper for the Real World" that is certainly applicable to the ham shack. He gives this course on this topic at conferences and trade shows. You can find both the tutorial and slides from the lectures at his Web site http://audiosystemsgroup.com/publish. There is a lot of excellent material here!

** If you've a mind to meddle with some Moxons, why not meander over to the Moxon Web site managed by Steve K6SGH? http://www.moxonantennaproject.com It is devoted to the construction of Moxon antennas. There are quite a few ready-to-build designs, design tools, background, and discussion. Hey, it's antenna building season! (When is it not, I ask you?)

NOTE: As you probably know, L.B. CEBIK, W4RNL, became an SK on April 22. The Moxon web site listed above includes some links to http://cebik.com Although that website and all of its tremendous information on antennas is still available, in order to access it, you now must register (free) via the site hosts, antennex.com Without registering, some of those links may be broken.

If you walk through the plumbing section of the hardware store and see antennas.... you might be a ham.

UPCOMING EVENTS

MAY 3-4 --- Birmingham, AL, HAMFEST

MAY 3-4 --- 10-10 Spring CW & digital contest www.ten-ten.org

MAY 10 --- HEART OF GEORGIA HAMFEST --- Byron, GA, 8AM-3PM. Byron Middle School, 201 Linda Drive. www.heartofgeorgiahamfest.com 

MAY 10-11 --- Armed Forces Day Celebration, with military-amateur cross-band communications from numerous military stations to a variety of amateur bands. For details, please see www.netcom.army.mil/mars 

["The heritage of freedom must be guarded as carefully in peace as it was in war. Faith, not suspicion, must be the key to our relationships. Sacrifice, not selfishness, must be the eternal price of liberty. Vigilance, not appeasement, is the byword of living freedoms." GENERAL OMAR BRADLEY, Armed Forces Day, 1950 Armed Forces Day was established in 1949 by PRESIDENT HARRY S. TRUMAN, to recognize the unification of the Armed Forces under the Department of Defense and to acknowledge the extraordinary dedication of Americans in uniform standing ready in harm's way at home and around the world. PRESIDENT DWIGHT D. EISENHOWER said, "It is fitting and proper that we devote one day each year to paying special tribute to those whose constancy and courage constitute one of the bulwarks guarding the freedom of this nation and the peace of the free world."] de WARREN FLYNN, WB4ZOJ

MAY 11 --- MOTHERS DAY

Your mother is always with you. She's the whisper of the leaves as you walk down the street, she's the smell of bleach in your freshly laundered socks, she's the cool hand on your brow when you're not well. Your mother lives inside your laughter. And she's crystallized in every tear drop. She's the place you came from, your first home; and she's the map you follow with every step you take. She's your first love and your first heartbreak, and nothing on earth can separate you. Not time... not space... not even death.

MAY 15 --- DEADLINE for applications for this year's Teachers Institutes. For more info, please see http://www.arrl.org/FandES/tbp/ti.html

MAY 16-18 --- DAYTON HAMVENTION (Y'know, that little shindig up north...)

MAY 24 --- HAPPY ANNIVERSARY to my better half (39 years and counting!) He keeps telling people that the secret to our longevity is contained in two little words.... "Yes, dear...." (but I ain't sayin' which one of us says them the most!)

MAY 24-25 --- CQ WW WPX Contest. 160M-10M CW www.cqwpx.com

MAY 24-26 --- Strange Antenna Challenge www.n0ew.org/k0s

MAY 26 ---MEMORIAL DAY "Freedom is not free" (Inscription on the Korean War Memorial in Washington, DC)

MAY 30- JUNE 1 --- Special Olympics Georgia. Multiple events held on the Emory campus, Atlanta. STEVE GARRISON, N4SEG, is once again serving as the communications coordinator, and he's counting on the ham community to volunteer. It'll be an experience that you'll never forget. n4seg@arrl.net 

JUNE 7 --- Atlanta HAMFEST, at Jim Miller Park in Marietta 8AM-3PM Talk-in 146.82 (PL 146.2) www.atlantahamfest.com 

If you've ever really missed someone you've never actually met..... you might be a ham.
(I used that one twice, because I reeeeeeally like that one)

SILENT KEYS

JOHN "JACK" ABSALOM KF4IYO
MARVIN BLACKWOOD AB4KE
DAVIS "D.I." CARTER WA4PQK
ELBERT "BERT" GOFF KG4KIV

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

Well, folks, that's about it for now. A very special happy mothers day greeting to all of you moms out there, and to all of you who are still fortunate enough to have your mother with you, be sure to let her know you care. Until next time, this is AF4FO, signing clear. Take care of yourselves. And each other.