Georgia Section On My Mind

June, 2005

Greetings, All. I've been off playing hooky at the Dayton Hamvention, so now it's time to force myself back to reality and get his newsletter together and out to y'all. We ran into a surprising number of Georgia hams in Ohio, and one of them commented to me something about how he expected that this month's newsletter would be reeeeeally long if I was gonna tell about the "Dayton experience". Well, dunno about that, but there's no way that I could NOT say a "few words" about it.... (Under May Highlights.)

Quite a few clubs did not get their information to me about their Field Day plans in time to be included in this newsletter, so I reckon I'll be sending out another message in a week or so to include those latecomers who didn't turn their homework in on time. I'll also give additional information about how to send the Field Day message to me at that time. JIM HANNA, AF4NS, has once again agreed to take some of those messages, and we're hoping to get some information together about how to send a message via packet again this year. If anyone is interested in accepting traffic via APRS or any other mode or net, please let me know.

Our SGL BILL CHEREPY, WB4WTN, has submitted a request to have the Governor issue a state-wide proclamation in recognition of amateur radio this month, but we're still waiting to find out the results of his labors. Cross your fingers. In the meantime, in Gwinnett county, the Board of Commissioners will be issuing a special proclamation to honor the services of amateur radio on Tuesday, June 7, at 2 PM at the J&A Building in Lawrenceville. As in years past, the week leading up to Field Day will be declared Amateur Radio Appreciation Week in Gwinnett. If similar proclamations are being issued in your counties or cities, please let me know.

OK, let's see what's been happening, and what's coming up right around the corner......

Life is not measured by the breaths you take, but by the moments that take your breath away.

MAY HIGHLIGHTS

May 20-22--- DAYTON HAMVENTION--- WOW!! My better half MIKE SWIDERSKI, K4HBI, and I have been hearing for years that this is THE Hamfest that every ham should experience at least once. Now we understand. This was OUR year, and a topnotch way to celebrate our anniversary, to boot. Without a doubt, this Hamfest has it all. And then some. I mean, this place is a real mecca, where you can spend three days amid a sea of over 28,000 other hams from all over the world, and there are so many different ways to experience it, if you were to ask 50 different people how they spent their time, you'd likely end up with 50 entirely different responses. Besides the acres of tail-gating and hundreds of indoor vendors, there were countless forums, meetings, and banquets covering just about every aspect of amateur radio that you can imagine. And we were pleasantly surprised at how many familiar faces we saw from good ol' Georgia in that huge crowd. Nine members of the North Georgia QRP Club were there for the "Four Days in May" QRP extravaganza, as leaders and participants in the multitude of QRP forums, the Build-a-Thon and other related activities. The QRO crowd was well-represented, as well, with numerous members of the SE DX Club in attendance. SE DX Club president WES LAMBOLEY, W3WL, who was one of the presenters of a program on the FT5XO DX-Pedition to Kerguelen Islands, was thrilled when that DX-Pedition was proclaimed as the DX-Pedition of the Year. (He was "sure" that designation would be awarded to VU4RBI, Andaman and Nicobar...) Also in evidence were a number of members of the SE VHF Society, as well as representatives of clubs from every part of the state, from the mountains of north Georgia to the shores of Savannah. ANDREA HARTLAGE, KG4IUM, and her dad SCOTT HARTLAGE, KF4PWI, put in many hours of work at the ARRL EXPO, manning a booth for Education and Technology. (aka the Big Project) Andrea also gave a couple of mini-talks at the EXPO stage, as well as a longer presentation during the Youth Forum. You should've seen.... and heard.... those young hams! They're bright, articulate, and a huge asset to this hobby. One of them is REBECCA RICH, KBØVVT, of Kansas City, MO, who, at the age of 17, has already been licensed for almost a decade. She earned her Extra class ticket (20 WPM) at the ripe old age of eight, and now operates at 50+ WPM and is an avid contester. The Kansas City DX Club sponsored a CW Pile-Up contest, in which a tape of 100 callsigns, complete with QRM and QRN, is played, and the object is to correctly record as many of them as possible. Not an easy task, believe me! The callsigns are all jumbled together like puppies in a pile, and sent at varying speeds. (I listened and would have felt lucky to have made it to double digits!) But this amazing young lady got 37 of them. Our own JOHN LANEY, K4BAI, racked up a remarkable score of 51, which was only bested by a few other operators with the top score of 52. We managed to make it to several forums, meetings, and dinners, and even ventured to the DX-ers "Party Central" hotel to take part in a Wouff Hong ceremony. (None other than RILEY HOLLINGSWORTH himself played the part of the "Novice".) It was great to meet and chat with so many of the ARRL staffers who were there for the EXPO and to meet so many of the other SMs from around the country. (23 of them were there!) We enjoyed countless conversations with many GA hams and with hams from points beyond. Like I mentioned earlier, one GA ham told me that he figured that the newsletter would be extra long this month if I was gonna write about Dayton. Boy, it really could be....!!! But I did have to at least write a "word or two" about the experience. And now, I can tell you what so many others have told me: Dayton is THE Hamfest that every ham should experience at least once. WOW!

Dayton is to hams as Daytona is to hogs. (sez me)

CLUB NEWS

It's all about FIELD DAY, and here's the latest scoop on where some of our Georgia clubs will be setting up to enjoy the event this year. For you new hams, this is one of the biggest ham events of the year; it's an opportunity to get out in the field and go through the whole improvise, adapt, and overcome scenario to enhance those preparedness skills and make the most of the conditions to make contacts with hams all over the country. You DON'T have to be a member of one of these clubs to join in on their fun. Visitors are always welcome, so check out the list, and find a place near you to get out and spend a weekend that you'll never forget.

4N4 --- That eclectic (and high scoring) bunch will be hoisting their antennas in Paulding county again this year. From the intersection of the south Marietta loop and I-75, head west on the south 120 loop. Proceed 2.8 miles (through 8 traffic lights) and turn right onto Whitlock Avenue. (120 W) Go 11.8 miles to Hwy 92 (Hiram Road) and turn left. Go 5.5 miles. Approximately 50 feet past Pine Valley Road (the 6th traffic light) there will be a mailbox on the right hand side of the road that reads "Fuller". Turn into that driveway, and the Field Day site will be at the top of the ridge. Remember to close and latch the gate as you pass through... don't let the critters out! (and that's no bull!)

ALFORD MEMORIAL ARC --- Alas, these folks will not be at their usual location at Briscoe Park this year. Location TBA.

ATHENS ARC --- This club will be meeting at a new location this year, in East Clarke Park, on Whit Davis Road. If you travel via Hwy 316, take the first right turn onto Loop 10 in Athens. Go around the loop to the Lexington Hwy (Hwy 78) exit and then take a right at the light. About 2.5 to 3 miles down Hwy 78 you will see a Wal-Mart on the right, and at the Wal-Mart entrance, there is a traffic light. Take a right at that light onto Whit Davis Road. The park is located about a mile down on the left.

CLARKE COUNTY ARES --- Georgia Public Health District EOC (class F)

COASTAL ARS --- at the (air-conditioned!!) Southside Fire Department on White Bluff Road, in Savannah. (Rats, no low country boil this year...)

COLUMBIA COUNTY ARC --- A couple of rented cabins at the recreation area of Ft. Gordon will provide the venue for this new club's first Field Day efforts.

ELLIJAY ARS --- Looking for an escape from the heat of the city? Why not go to Mountaintown Campground, on the banks of beautiful Mountaintown Creek, where these folks will be running at least two stations, and possibly a GOTA station, as well.

GWINNETT ARES --- Class F, from the Gwinnett Fire and Emergency Services Headquarters, at 408 Hurricane Shoals Road, near Briscoe Field, Lawrenceville.

GWINNETT ARS --- It's back to the same terrific location at Rhodes Jordan Park in Lawrenceville for this group, which always does Field Day up in a BIG way. For directions, see www.gars.org Members of Crew 73 will once again be active participants, so bring your youngsters along to share in the fun.

KENNECHOOCHEE ARC --- at Dallas Park Landing on Lake Allatoona, in Acworth. Take exit 277, Highway 92, from I-75, and head south, approximately 1.4 miles, towards Acworth. Turn right onto Main Street, and go west for 1.2 miles, under the overpass and then turn left onto Lakewood Drive. Go 0.4 miles to the stop sign, and then bear right on Allatoona Drive. From there, it's .25 miles to Dallas Landing Park. (f you let the attendant know that you're there for Field Day, you won't be charged an entrance fee.) Go straight, and the road will loop around to the picnic pavilion at the top of the hill.

LOCKHEED MARTIN EMPLOYEES AMATEUR RADIO CLUB --- with Callsign W4LMA will have a Field Day Station at the Lockheed Georgia Employee Recreation Club Employee Center at 800 Walker Street at the corner of Cobb Parkway and Walker Street in Marietta Georgia. We will have a Slow Speed CW station for those inexperienced in CW that wish a chance to make their first CW contact in a low stress environment with a CW elmer to assist them. We welcome any and all youths that wish to check out an emergency station setup and we will help them to make contacts with other people at other stations across the country. We will be open for visitors from Noon on Saturday, June 25 until 2:00 PM on Sunday, June 26.

MACON-BIBB EMA ARC --- EMA director JOHNNY WINGERS, WX4, EC BOB CURREY, W4ALQ, and the whole gang are taking their show "on the road" for the first time this year, after operating from the EOC the past couple of years. This year, they'll be setting up at the Tom Hill Shopping Center, 1/2 mile off of 75.

MADISON COUNTY ARES --- East Georgia Red Cross EOC (class F)

MIDDLE GA RADIO ASSOCIATION --- Central Baptist Church in Warner Robins, at the corner of Tharpe Road and Joy Drive, will be the spot of choice for this club.

NEWTON COUNTY ARC and NEWTON ARES --- At the Kroger shopping center in Covington.

NORTH FULTON ARL --- Field Day will find these folks back at the Waller Park Extension in Roswell. From 400: Take exit 7B, and head west on Holcomb Bridge Road for about .7 miles to Warsaw Road; turn left and drive about .6 miles to Grimes Bridge Road. Turn left and go about .5 miles to Oxbo Road; turn right, and then another right onto Dobbs Drive. From East Cobb, Roswell Road: Head east on Roswell Road until it dead ends into Atlanta St. (hwy 9) Turn left and go about .3 miles to Oxbo Road, where you'll turn right. From there, it's about .7 miles to Dobbs Road, on the left, which is the entrance to the park. From North Cobb and Cherokee (Hwy 92): Head east on 92 to Grimes Bridge Road, and turn right. Go a little more than a mile to Oxbo Road, where you'll turn right, and then another right onto Dobbs Drive.

NORTH GA ARC ---At the famous orchard of BOB LEAR, K4SZ: Left on Hiway 60 N into Dahlonega at the end of GA400. Over Crown Mountain to traffic light at Hwy 60 and intersection of 9 and 52. Left on the Dahlonega bypass (Morrrison Moore Parkway) which is Hwy 52 & 9 W, several miles to go on past Buckhorn Grocery (closed) then turn Right on Siloam Church Road. (You will see signs to Etowah River Campground). About 3 miles to turn left on Rider Mill Road (also with a sign to campground). Keep going straight past the campground entrance on Rider Mill. At the fork in the road right where you cross a creek, go left (this is now Jay Bridge Road - no signs). About a mile of fields on the left and all woods on the right, you'll finally see a field on the right and the entrance immediately on the left into the orchard. It is the only left there. There is a fence post at the entrance. If you miss it and go all the way to Jay bridge, just come back to the first right that you can get into up the hill and around the first curve. Pull in and you should be able to see us in the field from there.

NORTHEAST GA ARC --- These folks will be at pavilion #3 at Bryant State park.

SOUTH FULTON ARES --- Cochran Mill Park. Turn south on Cochran Mill Road from Rivertown Road. The park entrance will be a little over a mile on your left. Go straight back to find these folks at the top of the hill. And be on the look-out for some surprising sights as you wend your way through the park. Last time we visited, sword-wielding Renaissance era re-enactors were prancing through the woods! (Boy, if ya don't think THAT got our attention!)

THOMASVILLE ARC --- It's a new venue for this club this year, into a more visible spot at the American Legion Post 31 on North Madison Street in downtown Thomasville. They will also hold a VE session on Saturday afternoon.

******* FIELD DAY MESSAGES: Once again, our terrific STM JIM HANNA, AF4NS, has agreed to accept some of those SM Field Day messages. He will be on 3593 CW on Saturday night from 7-8PM, and also on 3982 LSB from 7:15 until 8 PM. (He says that if there is a delay in getting a response from him on one of these frequencies, that means he's taking a message on the other, so please be patient.) THANK YOU, Jim. Hopefully, we'll be able to provide info in the Field Day update on the packet traffic if the LVL node is healthy. Anyone else who'd be willing to accept traffic, either via phone or APRS, whatever, please let me know. Thanks.

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

OTHER CLUB NEWS

NEW CLUB!! --- Congratulations to the members of one of our newest clubs, the COLUMBIA COUNTY ARC, whose constitution and bylaws were proposed in March and finalized in April. Congratulations, also, to the slate of officers who were elected to lead this new club: President- J.C. CRAWFORD, W4QK; VP- PETE LAPIERRE, K1OYQ; Treasurer- ACE NORTON, W4WTA; and Secretary- DEAN MAPLES, K4EQQ. Best wishes for much success.

AND ANOTHER NEW CLUB!!! --- The NEWTON COUNTY RADIO CLUB held its initial meeting on May 17, at the Shoney's restaurant at Hwy 278 and Turner Lake Rd. in Covington. (exit 90 on I-20) Best wishes to this fledgling club as it seeks to take wing.

ALFORD MEMORIAL ARC --- When SE Vice Director SANDY DONAHUE, W4RU, brought surprise visitors BHARATHI PRASAD, VU2RBI, and her husband D.N. PRASAD, VU2DBP, to the May meeting, club members seized upon the rare opportunity to see a short presentation about their experiences following the tsunamis. They are a delightful couple, and BHARATHI, dubbed the "Angel of the Oceans" in a report on CNN, received the Humanitarian of the Year award at the Dayton Hamvention, in recognition of her tireless efforts.

ATLANTA ARC --- Attendees at the May meeting were treated to a very interesting program about some of the radios of WWII, presented by MARTY REYNOLDS, AA4RM, and REED FISHER, W2CQH. Those guys really know their stuff!

AUGUSTA ARC --- These folks racked up another successful club picnic/ tail-gating gathering in May, with a fine attendance of 70-75.

COLUMBIA COUNTY ARC --- They're NEW, but they're also starting off in high gear. They've been selling raffle tickets at $1 apiece for a Kenwood TM-271A 2M mobile rig, and will hold the drawing for it at the Augusta Hamfest in October. This will not only help them raise funds for their new club, but it will also make them more "visible" in the local ham community. They've adopted a terrific club policy of providing free membership to any active duty member of the armed forces. At their May meeting, club secretary DEAN MAPLES, K4EQQ, provided a Power Point presentation on APRS.

ELLIJAY ARS --- DAVE MEADOWS, K4LDI, announces that these folks will be holding their Hamfest on Saturday, August 13, 2005 from 7AM until ?. Admission is FREE, and Tail Gate area is FREE, (donations will be accepted) Morning Coffee and donuts available while they last. Indoor tables (limited number) are FREE - contact Sam, K4SWU for table reservations and information at k4swu@ellijay.com. Early indoor set up Friday Aug 12, 6PM - 10PM. Saturday set up, Aug 13, from 6AM for indoor and tail gaters. ARRL will have a table at the ham fest. A License Exam Session will be held at the ham fest at 9:00 a.m. sharp. Candidates must bring picture ID, copy of current FCC license and CSCE and $10 check or cash.
All visitors who sign in at the registration table will receive ONE FREE TICKET toward General prizes that include ARRL publications. You must be present to win the General Prizes. This year we will also have GRAND PRIZES: 1st Grand Prize is an Icom IC-2100-H 2M mobile transceiver. 2nd Grand Prize is an Icom IC-V8 2 Meter HT. You DO NOT have to be present to win either of the Grand Prizes. For more details and to send in an advance donation for Grand Prizes drawing tickets, go to our web site, http://www.qsl.net/w4hhh/ Directions: Take I-575/GA515 toward Ellijay. Watch for ham fest sign at GA Hwy 382. Ham Fest will be at the Ellijay Lions Club on South Main St (old Hwy 5). Talk-in 146.985 (-) PL 77).

GWINNETT ARS --- An interesting program on lightning protection, and the best way to ground that tower was presented by CARTER BENNET, K4CB, at the May meeting. Club members were also delighted to meet a couple of surprise guests brought by SE Vice Director SANDY DONAHUE, W4RU: BHARATHI PRASAD, VU2RBI, and her husband D.N. PRASAD, VU2DBP, who were in town visiting relatives prior to heading to Dayton to receive the Humanitarian Award of the Year.

JASPER ARC --- Thanks to club member HUGH PEARSON, KB4IZF, who is a chief engineer for several TV stations, club members were treated to an exciting tour of the Channel 18 GCTV/PBS transmitter site in Chatsworth recently. Club president PAT HAYNES, K4BEH, described the station as follows: "The transmitter consists of three separate 60 Kw amplifiers. Two of them are combined to give 110 Kw video signal and the third one is used for the audio, or aural as they call it, signal. It is actually cut back to about 10 Kw power, I believe Hugh said. The three amplifier tubes are water cooled Eimac Klystrodes, a klystron diode tube. The tubes operate at 32 Kilovolts anode voltage and around two amperes plate current for the video section. One of the three tubes has never been replaced since the station was first put on the air! They now operate 24/7, so that is great reliability. The tubes are no longer in production so if one fails they have to hand-build it and it can take weeks to be delivered. If one were to fail they would simply have to operate at half power for awhile! The antenna is a slot antenna with enough gain to make the effective radiated power equal one Megawatt! That is NOT QRP! I calculate that gain would be about 18 dB. The coax is made out of 8 inch copper pipe with another smaller pipe inside for the center conductor. It is pressurized with nitrogen gas to keep moisture from condensing inside it. The tower is three hundred feet high and the four legs are probably spaced forty feet apart I'd guess. It survived a hurricane that did damage to the building roof. Adjacent to the transmitting tower is a fire tower that is probably a hundred feet tall. It is no longer used as a fire tower but now houses several transmitters and repeaters for various government and private customers. There are also several customers with antennas mounted at various heights on the TV tower."

MIDDLE GA RADIO ASSOCIATION --- These folks put a lot of planning into a weekend technician class taught by a team of club members. And all of their planning and teaching paid off in great dividends: 13 out of the 15 students passed their test on the first shot. Great job!

NORTH GEORGIA ARC --- May's club picnic, featuring deep-fried turkeys and a feast of other goodies, was a huge success. Now, club members are planning and preparing for a Special Event Station which they will be running in October, in conjunction with Dahlonega's Gold Rush Days. They've already received permission to set up their station on the balcony of the Chamber of Commerce building.

NORTHEAST GA ARC --- Club members recently held a SkyWarn class, and were also treated to a grand tour of the local 911 EMA facilities. Several members also gave a presentation to the Boys and Girls Club of Jefferson, including a demonstration of 2 MTR communication.

SE DX CLUB --- These folks hosted a terrific dinner for BHARATHI PRASAD, VU2RBI, and her husband D.N. PRASAD, VU2DBP, while they were in town. The Indian food may not have pleased everyone's palate, but the presentation on the DX-pedition to Andaman and Nicobar Islands, VU4RBI, and its unexpected transition to emergency relief following the tsunamis was extremely interesting. WES LAMBOLEY, W3WL, will be presenting a program on the DX-Pedition of the Year, the FT5XO adventure to Kergeulen, at the June 28th meeting. If you missed his presentation in Dayton, here's your chance! See www.sedxc.org for directions to the meeting place.

SILVER COMET ARS --- President LEE MCDANIEL, WB4QOJ, reports: The Silver Comet ARS was on a mission, headed by Emory Gordy, Jr. W4WRO. The Silver Comet ARS had to make sure that AF4FO was correct in her correction of the April ARRL GA news. It is confirmed that KD4ICT is still with the Amateur Community. He was spotted at the last Silver Comet ARS meeting in Dallas Ga. He was a welcomed guest and pictures were taken to confirm. Photos will be forwarded to AF4FO for proof that KD4ICT is well and "Hamming it UP". In other news, W4WRO gave a fantastic presentation on older and more classic amateur radio equipment at the March meeting and it was video taped and should be available to down load from www.silvercometars.com shortly. He gave a great presentation also with a history and insight into the FCC Powder Springs Monitoring Station, where W4WRO had family that worked in years gone by. In April K4DMF who is an instructor with the US Coast Guard Auxiliary gave a great Power Point Presentation on Weather and how it effects us all. Dave teaches a lot on boating and safety to the community with the Coast Guard Auxiliary. Great job on two fantastic meetings. Also last but not least the Silver Comet ARS has its new call W4RSC " Radio Silver Comet" that will be used for Field Day 2005 and some other special events scheduled for later in 2005. Other activities coming up : We hope to participate again this year as last with the GRITS Bicycle Ride Memorial Day weekend. The ride is partially held along a course utilizing part of The Silver Comet Trail. Also, we have been invited to participate as guests with the Atlanta IBM Radio Club in their FOX HUNT at Mt Tabor Part in Dallas on May 7th more on that next month.

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

ARES NEWS

--->ARES members should be good communicators, right? Are you ECs good about communicating with your DEC?? It is very important that your DEC is well aware of the capabilities of your group. Logistical information regarding the number of members within your group and their operating capabilities (i.e. emergency power capabilities) is ESSENTIAL information for your DEC to have. Accurate knowledge of the strengths and weaknesses within a district enable a DEC to prepare for the potential need for Mutual Assistance Teams. Don't wait until there is a disaster or emergency situation within your county. Let your DEC know NOW, and please, keep him informed of any subsequent changes in your group's status. ARES is a wonderful organization, but true "organization" is required for it to meet its potential, and we must work as a team to achieve it.

--->NEW ECs --- After ably serving as EC for a number of years, ALAN RUNDALL, K4DEY, has moved out of the area and had to step down as EC in Carroll county. We thank him for the service he has provided , and we also extend CONGRATULATIONS and thanks to new Carroll county EC NATHAN COHRAN, KE4WRK. In Lumpkin county, it's "finally" official: DAVID BURROWS, W9JWT, has been serving as de facto EC, but now that he has completed his move from nearby Cumming to Dahlonega, and most of his bags are unpacked, he now has the official title to go along with the work he's already been doing. In Liberty county, WILLIAM GARY, KT4KH, has taken the helm as EC, and in Macintosh county, it's PEYTON LINGLE, W4AWO. Sincere thanks to each of these fine fellas for their willingness to serve.

--> LOWRY ROUSE, KM4Z, DEC for OHS/GEMA, applied for a vanity callsign for the station at the SOC in Atlanta. He recently received notice from the FCC that the callsign WX4GMA has been assigned to the OHS/GEMA station. As he noted, "That call hopefully will identify the OHS/GEMA station as well as WX4PTC identifies the NWS station."

--> GLYNN COUNTY ARES --- EC CLAY SMITH, WO4X, reports: On Tuesday 17 May, 2005 the Glynn County ARES conducted a Simulated Emergency Test. Net Control station was WO4X located at the 911 Center. The test began at approximately 8:30 AM and lasted until shortly after 9:00 AM. There were eleven stations plus net control participating. This included WD5ECL at Brunswick Police Station and KI4ELL, mobile (from Jekyll Island Fire Department) in Waycross (a designated evacuation point). KD4KOE and WD8LQT checked in from Camden County and WB4GPR checked in from Charlton County. Others were either base stations at the home location or mobile/handheld within Brunswick/Glynn County. Tests were made using the 145.330 MHz repeater as well as simplex operation. Due to unfamiliarity with the equipment at the net control station on the part of WO4X, net control, simplex operation on 146.52 MHz and 3.975 MHz LSB were not checked from that location. One written formal message was handled. Thanks very much for your help in conducting this test. I hope to be able to do this again in the near future so we can improve our capabilities in preparation for any real emergencies.

--> HALL CO. ARES - Following an excellent presentation on Georgia ARES activities by STAN EDWARDS, WA4DYD, Asst SEC in April, the Hall Co. ARES group (EC: JOHN BRABDON, KE4PCF) would like to invite all amateurs located in and around Hall County to the next meeting on June 13. The topic of the meeting will be: "Message Handling - Relationship to the ICS Message format, Sending/Receiving messages". The meeting will be held at the Hall Co. EOC, 470 Crescent Drive in Gainesville. Talk-in is 146.67 (131.8 Hz). If you are interested in attending please email wb4dhc@arrl.net so that the appropriate size room can be reserved

--> METRO ATLANTA DEC TONY KING, W4ZT, reports on the participation by area hams in the recent Tour de Cure: The American Diabetes Association's Tour de Cure charity bicycle event was held on Sunday, May 15, 2005 in South Fulton County and North Coweta County. We provided communications for all five rest stops, the start/finish and one SAG wagon. This is the second year that this event has taken place that we have provided them with communications in areas that there is extremely poor cell phone coverage. We maintained handi-talkie coverage at all the rest stops by linking the N4OME 147.165 repeater in Madras with the W4ZT 146.625 repeater in Union City. The link was wire between the 146.625 and the 442.125 repeaters and then a UHF remote base on the 147.165 repeater. As a result, there was no place on the course that we couldn't communicate.

Special thanks to SFARES members RON N4XQN, DANIEL W4DSP, HENRY W4HK, BOB KG4RDC and wife TERESA, DARRYL N4OME and PATTY W4PTK!

Also special thanks go out to Max RAY KF4ZZY, BARRY KANNE W4TGA and wife JUDI (from Dekalb ARES) and TIM ROSING KC4ELV (EC Rockdale County). These folks took time out to come participate in this event and saved our day!

Also thanks to KEITH W4KTR and GEORGE W4IW (Newnan) for making themselves available mid day. We sincerely appreciate your willingness to help out.

The day ended with good weather and everyone feeling like they had a job well done... and they had! This was a good event and I look forward to working with you all in this event next year.

----> SCREVENS COUNTY EC TOM EVANS, KF4YLF, reported on the Simulated Emergency Test Exercise held on April 30: "Screven County activated a Simulated Emergency Exercise Saturday April 30 2005 at 6:45 am. All Call was given on the 147.105 repeater alerting all ARES / SKYWARN members of a simulated training exercise. Seventeen check-ins were logged. At 7:00 am a Simulated Emergency Exercise Net was opened on the simplex freq 146.520 mHz. The Simulated Emergency Exercise was a joint exercise with ECs from Screven and Bulloch Counties. TOM EVANS, KF4YLF, initiated the drill. Fifteen ARES members participated in the exercise."

--> HURRICANE SEASON officially begins on June 1. The latest information on 2005 hurricane season preparedness, courtesy of the Emergency Email & Wireless Network, can be found at http://www.emergencyemail.org/hurricane2005.html If you would like to sign up to receive notifications by email and/or cellphone, you can register at http://www.emergencyemail.org/

--> Talking about hurricanes, the National Hurricane Center, WX4NHC, will be conducting its Hurricane Season 2005 On-The-Air Station Test on Saturday, June 4th, 2005 from 9am-6pm EST (1300z-2200z) The Center announced, "This is not a Contest or Hurricane Exercise. The purpose of this annual Station Test is to test all of our radio equipment, computers and antennas using as many modes and frequencies as possible. RFI monitoring is also done to NOAA & NHC equipment. We will also be testing some new antennas and equipment that are being installed for this coming season. Some operator training will also be conducted. Remember this is just an equipment and operator test, we are not activating any nets. WX4NHC will be On-The-Air on HF, VHF, UHF and 2 & 30 meter APRS. We plan on using the following phone frequencies ± QRM 7.268mhz, 14.325mhz, 21.325mhz, 28.525mhz. CW will be on 14.035, 21.035 and 28.035. PSK31 on 14.070. Need to find us on HF, try using the DX Summit Web Site: http://oh2aq.kolumbus.com/dxs/ Select "DX-Spots" 50, 250 or 1,000 or select "Spot Database Search". We will also be on VoIP Hurricane Net 1pm-3pm EDT (1700z-1900z) (IRLP node 9219 / Echolink WX-TALK Conference). http://www.voipwx.net/ South Florida area VHF & UHF Repeaters & 146.52 simplex & 144.200 SSB Report your Callsign, Signal Report, Location and name. Short Weather Report ("Sunny", or "Rain", etc.) Non-Hams are invited to submit their actual weather using the On-Line Hurricane Report Form at http://www.wx4nhc.org/WX-form1.html Thank you for your participation in this TEST. QSL Cards are available via W4VBQ. Please S.A.S.E.

A boiled egg is hard to beat.

NET REPORT FROM JIM HANNA, AF4NS, STM

*****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 3857.5 MHz
SE 6M SSB Net: Sundays at 8 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

***** And these nets, information courtesy of FELTON FLOYD, AF4DN: Southbears Regional HF net, Sundays at 3:30PM, on 7260 KHz, and Southbears National HF Net, on Sundays at 4:30PM on 14.265 MHz

***** Members of the Dalton ARC are a-buzz about the Geritol net. This net operates in the Extra portion of 75M, and provides certificates for WAS. See www.qsl.net/geratol 

PUBLIC SERVICE HONOR ROLL:

STATION ACTIVITY REPORTS:

Traffic handled (QTC):

"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

ODE TO THE CODE

The code doesn't come easily to everyone. I know of one fella who took his test something like eight times before he was finally successful. It took DALLAS RODGERS, KI4FUF, two rounds to pass the code and earn his general class license, but he was so thrilled when he passed that simply doing a "happy dance" wasn't enough for him. He felt moved to celebrate by writing an "Ode to the Code". Betcha some of you can relate....

Ode To The Code!

I passed my code, and to celebrate I felt an ode of rhyme was due.
Patience, diligence, studious, and a bit of luck is what got me through.
5 WPM - is a southern drawl when spoken down here you know.
But break that drawl into dit's & dah's is like an auctioneer, and that ain't slow!

But alas to pass the code is a right of passage it seems to me.
Theory I passed with ease I'd say, but passing code really brought me glee!
I'd listen for hours, and would know how combos of dits and dahs would sound.
But as the test would come, my brain would drain and jumble and then confound.

Synapse gaps would suddenly widen, leaving a vacuum where knowledge once was held.
Tension built, sweat popped in beads - the sounds blasted Greek - my knowledge failed!
For yeah though I listened and strained in the shadow of VE's eager to pass.
I failed badly at 1st to reach that goal to upgrade my noble licensed Class.

But Hamming it up with friends newly made, urged me on to try and try again.
A ribbing here, a good natured urge there, all to encourage, helped me endure the pain.
A thought occurred to give up, but failing was not something I'd ever faced I must tell.
Though one day the FCC might drop the code for the greater good, and that might be swell.

But a challenge this presented me to tackle code and so move on - so I did - hooray!
No easy task was this, but like much in life, to reach a goal there's a price to pay.
Thanks to all that encourage those like me to move up a Class, brings a benefit to Ham.
Encouragement proves to motivate one to reach the goal, and break this mental jam.

Learning code is like breaking through a jam, and chaotic gibberish soon makes since.
Once words are grasped from iambic clatter, one can jump and clear this mental fence.
Code as a skill is 10% matter and 90% mental, as in most things hard that we face.
And tackling what seems so totally mental is not a race, but at your own pace.

So for those who read of this, there's no magic that I might prescribe to you.
I read all the tips, and OD'd on DVD's & CDs, but I can share with you what's true.
Don't lose your zeal to reach the goal, and take the prize that is yours to not forsake.
I made 5, others before did 20 - just take heart and try again and one day soon this goal you'll take.

73' - Dallas Rodgers - KI4FUF/AG
dah-di-dah di-dit di-di-di-di-dah di-di-dah-dit di-dit-dah dah-di-di-dah-dit di-dah dah-dah-dit

Acupuncture: a jab well done.

NEW NUMBERED RADIOGRAM

I know. Just when you think you're familiar with the current set of numbered radiograms, they go and throw a new one into the mix. But this one makes good sense. STEVE EWALD, WV1X, one of the ARRL's busiest dudes, wrote this:

I'm pleased to report that the ARRL's Programs and Service Committee, a committee of the ARRL Board of Directors, has authorized ARRL to add FORTY SEVEN to its list of ARRL Numbered Radiograms.

The definition of FORTY SEVEN is

"Reference your message number ____ to _____ delivered on ____ at ____ UTC."

The list of ARRL Numbered Radiograms (including FORTY SEVEN) is found at this ARRL Web page in three different formats: HTML, Adobe PDF, and Word for Windows.

http://www.arrl.org/FandES/field/forms/#fsd-3.

If a pig loses its voice, is it disgruntled?

SECTION NOTABLES

----> THIS JUST IN!!!! CONGRATULATIONS to SAM SMITH, KD4SHK, and his lovely bride NICOLE, for the birth of their brand new beautiful bouncing girl, ABIGAIL BROOKE SMITH. Best wishes for your wonderful adventures ahead.

---> Haven't yet gotten to meet MADDIE, the new baby girl of BILL CARTER, KG4FXG, and SHARON, KG4HKO, but from looking at her pictures, that sweet little darling, born on March 17th, has almost as much hair as her bushy-haired daddy!

---> THANK YOU to EARLE IMMEL, KD4SLT. In the May mid-monthly summary, I mentioned the illustrious JAMES MILLER, KG4QZS (ex- KA3BGQ) the chairman of the Board of Governors and Governor of the U.S. Postal Services, who was honored by his old home town of Conyers recently, when they named a post office after him. I also said that there was a special surprise in store for him following the pomp and celebration, thanks to EARLE IMMEL, KD4SLT. It seems that Gov. Miller had never made WAS, and the one state he'd never managed to contact was Hawaii. Employees of the USPD knew that and wanted to coordinate an effort to surprise him by allowing him to make that elusive Hawaiian contact while he was in Conyers. Working through ALLEN PITTS, W1AQP of the ARRL, arrangements were made to hook up our Earle, in Conyers, with JOHN HULTQUIST, K6GSS, in Hawaii. While everyone realized that this contact would not entitle Governor Miller to receive his WAS award, there was a lot of excitement involved in setting up this contact for him. Earle and John made several daily test contacts in the days leading up to the big event to judge when their best window of opportunity would be.

And here's the bottom line, as reported by Earle after the fact: "I'm very happy to report James Miller, KG4QZS, made contact with Hawaii, WH6CZD. John, K6GSS / KH6RS, who I've been in radio contact over the last several days, testing propagation, was not able to establish contact today on the appointed frequency of 14.248 Meg. We were surprised by a net in operation and moved up to 250 were there were several Spanish operators in conversation and we moved again, this time to 14.252 Meg were we made contact with WH6CZD followed by a contact with Allen operating W1AW. Needless to say James was ecstatic, Hawaii and W1AW in the space of 15 - 20 minutes. I want to thank John, K6GSS / KH6RS for assisting with back-up stations / operators on his side to listen up at the appointed frequency and time, just in case. I'm sure James appreciates his efforts even though he was unable to speak with John. And I want to thank everyone for letting me be a part of James Miller Day in Conyers. What a thrill to see how happy James was during and after the contacts, priceless."

* CONGRATULATIONS to BEN GOINGS, KE4URH, for reaching his fifth anniversary milestone as a member of GA Army MARS.

Reading while sun-bathing makes you well-red.

PIGLETS (AKA YOUNG HAMS)

--> CONGRATULATIONS to ERIC SNELLGROVE, KF4YUD, for recently achieving the elite rank of Eagle Scout, an achievement which is attained by only a very small percentage of Boy Scouts. This fine young man is a member of Venture Crew 73, and adult leader STEVE BACK, WB2OGY, was very pleased to announce this wonderful accomplishment. Steve added, "I am extremely proud that Eagle Scouts make up the majority of Crew 73's male youth membership. Other Eagle Scouts in the Crew who are also licensed Amateur Radio Operators include ZACH BENNETT, KI4CJF and RAY BACK, KI4GRJ. The best honor we can bestow on these youth is to encourage other young people (boys and girls ages 14 to 21) to join the crew and continue a tradition of excellence. If you know a youth, even if they don't have an interest in radio at this time, please encourage them to become active in the crew. Junior GARS also has room for younger people who have an interest in Amateur Radio. Some of the younger and older youth may not have access to transportation. Please do what you can to help get them to our meetings. For further information please contact me at wb2ogy@arrl.net and see the Crew Web Site at http://www.gars.org/crew73."

--> CONGRATULATIONS, also, to SYLVIA RICHARDSON, KG4OEG, of Cumming, who was awarded the $1000 Clark Cordle Memorial Scholarship by the ARRL.

--> Here's another opportunity for all of you young hams to meet other young hams on the air. ANDREA HARLAGE, KG4IUM, says that there's another Echolink Youth Net, on Friday nights at 9PM EST, on node 6154. The Net Manager for this new net is MICHAEL BRAUN, K3LNT, a big winner in the recent Teen Jeopardy tournament.

--> Other YOUTH NETS: on Echolink link K3KID-L is the CT ARL of Youth (CARLY) net, every Sunday evening at 7PM. And on Friday evenings from 2300- 2330Z on 14.329 MHz is the North American Youth Net. A Worldwide Youth Net is held on Saturdays at 1900Z on 21.301 MHz.

--> NOMINATIONS are now open for the "Amateur Radio Newsline" Young Ham of the Year (YHOTY) award. For hams 18 years or younger who have "provided outstanding service to the nation, to his community, or to the betterment of the art of communications through amateur radio". You can find a downloadable application at www.yhoty.org (There's also an online nominations form.) Nominations will close on June 30th. So hop to it! Our own ANDREA HARTLAGE, KG4IUM, won this last year; let's see if another Georgia piglet can bring it home again this year.

--> SPECIAL EVENT STATION--- 0400Z June 4- 0359 June 19--- K1D, commemorating Kid's Day and Amateur Radio awareness. 28.370, 21.370, 14.270 QSL W1DAD

--> Have you been reading the online youth columns? They are chuck full of information, for young and old alike. See ANDREA's latest offering at http://www.arrl.org/news/features/2005/05/17/1/?nc=1 and an archive of articles can be found at www.arrl.org/news/youth 

--> Get ready!! Another Kid's Day is coming up on June 18th. The following information comes to us from Mark Spencer, WA8SME, ARRL Education and Technology Program Coordinator:

Sure, it is always easier to lament that ham radio can't compete with everything that is going on in our children's lives; it is much harder to do something about it. So how do you compete? Try a little magic. The same "magic" that got you interested in ham radio is still magic; the only difference is that now it is your turn to be the magician.

On June 18, 2005, kids of all ages will experience the magic of ham radio. Kid's Day is one way that you can share the fun, excitement, and learning opportunities of ham radio. Many hams participate with their own children, grandchildren, nieces and nephews. This event isn't just for relatives though. Consider inviting the people you work with and their children, or your neighbor's family. Inviting adults and youth may result in future ham radio operators.

So you're not a magician? Oh yes you are. Don't forget the power and fascination of CW. Kids love the code so let them send their names on that old code practice oscillator in your shack. How about copying a CW QSO and "magically" convert the dits and dahs into meaningful words? Let the kids make a name bracelet using different sized beads for the dits and dahs ... they know what it says, but their parents might not ... that's magic. Want to be the "mad scientist"? Try dropping a small magnet through a conductive (copper) pipe and watch what happens (it isn't what the kids intuitively expect). The "hey that's cool" just might be the hook you need to get other questions going. What ever you do, make your activities centered on the kids.The same goes for actual station operations. The Kid's Day operating event is centered on kids so if you want kids to have a great time (and be ready to come back for more) allow them to dictate the pace and duration of the event. Kid's Day should be fun for both of you. Do the kids appear to be losing interest while you tune around looking for a strong signal? Why not let them try their hand at tuning? If they are ready to leave, accept it. It is better to do 15 minutes of ham radio fun than to be forced into spending 1 hour at the ham radio transceiver when they want to be somewhere else. Besides, kids change their mind so often in a few minutes they may be sitting beside you again.

Since Kid's Day began in 1994, the comments from hams and kids haven't changed much:

Though band conditions were tough, kids came by and at least two or three wanted to attend a license class. Neighboring clubs came by and assisted, much thanks to all who helped, members of San Gorgonio Pass Amateur Radio Club and Yucaipa ARC. Thanks to all stations who exchanged contacts with AE6JM.

We had 13 girls from my daughter's Brownie troop at my home today and successfully made contact with many. Everyone had a great time and I hope developed an interest in Amateur Radio. (My two have-for a while now-talked about eventually getting their licenses.) Great event!-Peter, W2PWS

One of Camille's CQs was answered by KHØAC. We had quite a long chat with him about his QTH in Saipan-quite a thrill for Camille, hard as it is to impress kids with such things these days. Thanks to all for the QSOs-Kid's Day is wonderful!-Derek, AA5BT

I had a lot of fun today working all the kids. I'm looking forward to the one in the summer, as it is the same weekend as our Ham Campout so will most likely have more kids on the air.-Kevin McCoy, VE6KJM

Kid's Day Rules
Purpose: Kid's Day is intended to encourage young people (licensed or not) to enjoy Amateur Radio. It can give young people on-the-air experience so they might develop an interest in pursuing a license in the future. It is intended to give hams a chance to share their station with children.

Date: Saturday, June 18, 2005.
Time: 1800 to 2400 UTC. No limit on operating time.

Suggested exchange: Name, age, location and favorite color. You are encouraged to work the same station again if an operator has changed. Call CQ Kid's Day.

Suggested frequencies: 28,350 to 28,400 kHz, 21,380 to 21,400, 14,270 to 14,300 kHz and 2 meter repeater frequencies with permission from your area repeater sponsor. Observe third party traffic restrictions when making DX QSOs.

Awards: All participants are eligible to receive a colorful certificate (it becomes the child's personalized sales brochure on ham radio. Please visit www.arrl.org/FandES/ead/kids-day-survey.html to complete a short survey and post your comments. You will then have access to download the certificate page or send a 9×12 SASE to: Boring Amateur Radio Club, PO Box 1357, Boring, OR 97009.

A successful diet is a matter of mind over platter.

TECH TIPS

--> JOHN BORDELON, K4JIU, a 40 year RF engineer who also taught about transmission lines at GA Tech until his recent retirement, read the tech tips about lightning protection that were in last month's newsletter. He said that the article, from guru HOWIE GOULD, W9HG, was on the whole, very good, and he got some good ideas from it. However, he did want to offer some clarifications to avoid any possible confusion. In last month's article, it read: "Coaxial cable used in radio work is referred to as unbalanced line primarily because the center conductor carries the current and signal voltage nearly all to itself. The shield of the transmission line is just that - a shield. It carries no current except for a small induced current flowing as the result of induction by length. In a perfectly matched system the current in the shield is almost nil. That's also why in most modern applications coaxial cable shields are fitted to connectors without soldering - only compression fitting. Center conductors carry the current during transmission so they are generally soldered in place."

John offers this clarification: "The truth is that a coaxial line, if it is not radiating, has the same current on both the inner and outer conductor. The difference is that the current on the inner conductor is on the outer surface of the inner conductor, while the current on the outer conductor is on the inner surface of the outer conductor. If the line radiates, it is because those two currents are not equal, in which case the difference in the two currents flows on the outer surface of the outer conductor. Next, no conductor carries a voltage "all to itself." The voltage on the inner conductor is with respect to the outer conductor. And then there is the statement about shields not being soldered. The truth is that a good crimp connection is about the same or even better than soldering, electrically. Both solder and crimp connections have potential mechanical problems. I prefer crimp connections when possible, but there are some situations where solder is better."

Thanks, John.

--> TED BRUCE, KX4OM, discovered a link to a great resource on RF design. As he describes it, "It's a third-year course at Case Western Reserve University (Case Tech) along the lines of Wes Hayward's Introduction to RF Design book. There are 21 PDF files comprising over 600 pages on the special topic of RF Design, starting with the history of radio through phase locked loops analysis. Lots of good stuff on transistor amplifiers, biasing, gain, etc.
http://vorlon.cwru.edu/~flm/eecs397/home.html A couple of other "fun links" listed by Ted actually provide Java/Javascript animation of physics problems. He says that they are fun to play with, but they require the Sun Java virtual machine on your computer, "which you probably have installed and might not even know it".
http://webphysics.davidson.edu/physletprob/default.htm
http://www.jhu.edu/%7Esignals/
http://www.jhu.edu/%7Esignals/sampling/index.html

--> JOHN PORTZ, KU4RW, posted information about a link to a handy desktop calculator for amateur radio use on one of the club reflectors. (I think it was the Middle Georgia Radio Association) He credited and thanked the "repeater-builder site on Yahoo! Groups for this handy device".
http://www.repeater-builder.com/downloads/mantissa.zip

--> TODD MCGINNIS, KB4KAY, came across a website that he found to be really terrific, and shared it via the North Fulton ARL reflector. Interested in German radio? Check this out! http://www.laud.no/la6nca/radio/german/index.htm

Knowledge is knowing that a tomato is a fruit; wisdom is not putting it in a fruit salad.

UPCOMING EVENTS

JUNE 1-JULY 5 --- Summer 6M Digital Rally: PSK31, MFSK, RTTY, Feld Hell, JT6M. FSK441A, JT44, JJ65B. See www.ykc.com/wa5uth/Misc/EasyDOSContest.htm

JUNE 3-5 --- Special Olympics GA. Venues at the Emory University campus, Atlanta. Communicators still needed. Contact STEVE GARRISON, N4SEG, at n4seg@arrl.net or register at www.dekalbares.org 

JUNE 4 --- Atlanta ARC Hamfest--- Jim Miller Park in Marietta. 8:30AM- 3:30PM Hope to see you there!!

JUNE 11-13 --- VHF QSO Party. 1800Z June 11-0300Z June 13. For details, see www.arrl.org/contests/rules/2005/ 

JUNE 18 --- KID'S DAY

JUNE 19 --- HAPPY FATHER'S DAY!

JUNE 25-26 --- FIELD DAY

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

SILENT KEYS

FRED LAWRENCE COX K4SMZ
LAWSON LEAKE AE4GQ
LARRY REVIS KE4FJI
BILL WALL KC4UZ

Sincere condolences to the families and friends of each of these men. They will be missed.

Some people come into our lives, stay for a while, leave footprints on our hearts,
and we are never ever the same.

Well, folks, that's about it for now. Those of you who have not yet sent info on your club's Field Day plans, please do so, so you'll be included in our addendum coming out within the week. Until next time, this is AF4FO, signing clear. Take care of yourselves. And each other.

73, Susan af4fo@arrl.org   (Send me your news and tech tips!!)
ARRL Georgia Section Manager

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

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