June, 2009

Greetings, All.

This has been a rough month. As you look at the SK list at the end of this newsletter, you'll see that we lost many wonderful people this month, one of whom was SANDY DONAHUE, W4RU. We, the people who knew Sandy because of ham radio, were his family, and it is truly humbling that you, his family, are doing such a wonderful job of honoring his memory. On his behalf, thank you from the bottom of my heart for your generous donations. At present, we are well on our way to completely covering all of his funeral expenses, and remain optimistic about having enough money left over to establish, at a minimum, a one-time ARRL Memorial Scholarship in his name. Plans are currently underway to try to establish a more ongoing scholarship, and as that develops, I'll do my best to keep y'all informed. Again, thank you. Sandy had no idea how much you all thought of him. I hope that, somehow, he knows now. If you can, please join us at his 1 PM remembrance service at the Atlanta Hamfest on June 6.

I'm sorry if any of you went to GA Tech to take a ham test in May, because (as you would've discovered) there WAS no VE session held there in May. There also won't be one in July, but June should be a go. (But it'd be best to check the website just to be sure.) The regular schedule will be back on track in August, when classes resume. (Our on-campus coordinator, who lives out-of-state, has been spending time at home with his family. And rightly so.)

Last year, the North Fulton Amateur Radio League (NFARL) attracted far more visitors to their Field Day site than any other group in the state. (Heck, maybe in the country!) It's all about promotion, promotion, promotion, and their field day chairman, IAN KAHN, AK4IK, misses absolutely NO opportunity to spread the word about the club and of course, about their upcoming field day. So, it's likely not a "coincidence" that this year, NFARL is the ONLY club that submitted a blurb for this newsletter about their field day plans. Hmmmm, something tells me that they're gonna have another huge crowd....

Oh, WAIT! Just got a blurb from a couple more contenders: Gwinnett ARS and Thomasville ARC. For those of you who are new to the hobby, you'd be welcome to attend any of these field day sites, as WELL as any other field day site in the state. For info on some of other locations (which may be closer to YOU) please see http://www.arrl.org/contests/announcements/fd/locator.php

Well, folks, let's get on with it. Let's see what's been happening, and what's coming up around the corner. This month's one-liners are in honor of Father's Day.

Oh, yeah. NOTE: The deadline for nominations for the next GA Section Manager is fast approaching, so if you've been sitting on the fence, time to make your decision NOW!

Son: My dad's not real affectionate. The last time he hugged me, I think he called it a "half-Nelson".

MAY HIGHLIGHTS

HEART OF GEORGIA HAMFEST --- May 9 --- This fest, a shining example of inter-club cooperation, started five or six years ago as an old-fashioned tailgating, multi-club event, with an impressive parking lot boneyard, and impressive attendance. To allow for expansion, for the past couple of years, it's been held at a local school, which provides indoor space for vendors and VE testing, in addition to the signature boneyard. Bucking the trend of some fests, my prediction is that this event will eventually outgrow the current site and move on to even larger accommodations.

It was a good fest, hosted and attended by a bunch of good people. Many thanks to Hamfest coordinator LARRY KEITH, KQ4BY, to all of the hams who worked together to make this hamfest a success, and to all who supported it by attending. With the enthusiastic leadership of Larry, and the ongoing support of local clubs, this event has a very rosy future.

COMING UP: June 6 --- ATLANTA HAMFEST --- June 6, at Jim Miller Park in Marietta.

My father didn't teach me how to live; he lived, and let me watch him do it. CLARENCE BUDINGTON KELLAND

CLUB NEWS

* CONGRATULATIONS to the officers and members of the TRI-COUNTY ARC, which was recently approved as our newest ARRL Affiliated Club.

COLUMBIA COUNTY ARC --- Congratulations to the following newly elected club officers: President-PETE LAPIERRE, K1OYQ; VP-DICK EMBRY, KD4CK; Treasurer-GERRY MILLER, WA4NHJ; and Secretary-JAMES RICHARDSON, AH6IW. The club has installed a new repeater replacing the older 146.985 machine in Evans, GA. The newer repeater has better coverage than the old one and will be a more viable backup for area SkyWarn Nets. (de JAMES RICHARDSON, AH6IW)

COLUMBUS ARC --- These fine folks invited me to come do a presentation for them at their May meeting. I tried to WOW 'em with my "Amateur Radio, the ARRL, and the WOW Factor" presentation, but doggone if they didn't end up WOWing ME by presenting me with a beautiful planter and the nicest certificate of appreciation I've ever received. Shucks. Even we "elderly" dogs enjoy a pat on the head every now and then, but they darned near rendered me speechless. (for a second or two, anyhow...) Almost made me sorry that my time in office is drawing to an end. Almost.

GWINNETT ARS --- The following information comes from club president NORM SCHKLAR, WA4ZXV: Gwinnett Amateur Radio Society (GARS) will again set up ARRL Field Day at the Rhodes Jordan Park in Lawrenceville. The dates are June 27 and 28. Plans are to operate 8 stations on non-commercial power with all stations on the air whenever the frequencies are open. Although planning has been going on for several months, we will begin setup on Saturday morning around 8:30 and begin 24 hours of operating at 2:00pm. Our site will be powered by generators and solar power, and we will be demonstrating the ability of the Amateur Radio Operators of both Gwinnett Amateur Radio Society (GARS) and Gwinnett ARES to maintain constant communications throughout the USA for 24 hours without commercial power. We will be operating CW (continuous wave), Single Sideband and multiple digital modes. The event is open to the public and we have invited many of our friends and family to come join us. We'll have a few treats for the kiddies and be demonstrating our operations to the youth and adults. Anyone wishing to operate an Amateur Radio Station will be offered a chance to help us work the ham bands. We operate for the full 24 hours though some frequencies are solar sensitive and have very limited range during portions of the event.
We use this event to exercise our equipment, train new and old operators, improve our performance during actual emergency situations, and spend a lot of time discussing equipment, the weather and most everything else. www.gars.org 
For more information about Amateur Radio Field Day or the Gwinnett Amateur Radio Society, contact: NORM SCHKLAR, WA4ZXV, at wa4zxv@arrl.net  or 770-313-9410

NORTH FULTON ARL --- The North Fulton Amateur Radio League will again set up camp for Field Day at Waller Park Extension, 160 Dobbs Drive, Roswell, GA, 30075. We are also listed on the ARRL Field Day Locator http://www.arrl.org/contests/announcements/fd/locator.php. NFARL will run 20m phone, 40m phone, CW, GOTA, and VHF/UHF stations this year. Also, this year we are offering a radio merit badge class for interested Boy Scouts. Operations will run from 2:00 PM local time Saturday, 27 June, through 2:00 PM local time Sunday, 28 June. All are invited and

welcome to join us. For more information, please see http://www.nfarl.org or contact Ian Kahn, 2009 Field Day chairman, at ak4ik@nfarl.org. (de IAN KAHN, AK4IK) Also worth mentioning is this message from Field Day PR guy JIM PAINE, N4SEC: "One of the many ways we are promoting Field Day this year is through official proclamations from our local municipalities. These documents are read into the minutes of a council meeting and are intended to promote interest in amateur radio, NFARL activities, and field day." It's a pleasure to report that on June 15, proclamations will be presented during council meetings in both Milton and Alpharetta.

NORTH GA ARC --- Club members recently supported the Coosa Valley Cycling Association's 19th Annual "Up The Creek Without a Pedal" bicycle ride. (love that title!) BILL DICKERT, KD4EKZ, shared the following report on the event:

The ride was a great success for CVCA. Much of that success, and the lack of major issues, can be attributed to our group of highly dedicated Amateur Radio volunteers. CVCA reported the total of 596 riders, both pre-registered and race day registration. This is the biggest group ever. They suspect several did not show up because of weather threats, which fortunately did not materialize. Also they know that some folks rode the route but did not register. The most distant rider registered hails from Australia! Many states were represented.

By our count, a total of 422 rode the 62 and 100-mile routes. Approximately 175 rode the full 100-mile circuit. CVCA had estimated only 100 or so would take the 100-mile route. Apparently some of the 62 milers decided at Villanow to attempt the full 100-mile route and headed out on the northern loop. This led to the only logistical problems of the day. The SAG stop (rest stop) at Westside Head Start (just south of Rocky Face east of Dalton) ran low on supplies. Ben, (KI4ACP), reported this to net control. With the assistance of Ed, (W4EMW) at Hickory Grove Baptist Church, supplies were moved to Westside to fill the needs.

We had the normal broken bikes and minor scrapes and bruises among the riders, but nothing serious. Once again the organizers found that the highly vaunted cell-phones DO NOT provide coverage in the hills of North Georgia, but good ol' Ham Radio still gets through.

Our great coverage of the area is in part due to the excellent antenna site we have on the Georgia Forestry Commission fire tower on Mt. Alto. Many thanks to GFC for allowing NGARC to locate our antenna and repeater on their tower.

One possible addition for next year will be to place Ham operators in many or all of the SAG (Supply And Gear) vehicles that circulate on the route. SAG drivers cell phones "fell off the edge of the earth" most of the time when off main roads. More on this before next year.

Yes, CVCA has already asked for our support in 2010. That shows how much they value your contribution.

Speaking of contribution, CVCA made a very generous donation to NGARC at the end of the ride yesterday.

Special thanks to the following hams:

Norval(KF4TV) and Frances (KI4SGV) at Mt. Tabor United Methodist Church.
Andy (KJ4FOF) at Floyd Springs Baptist Church
Jim (KG4TEP) at Lake Marvin / Girl Scout Camp [last minute replacement for Bill (WB4LCW and Logan (KJ4ACD) who had a death in their family]
Keith (KA5QFI) at Villanow Favorite Market
Ed (W4EMW) at Hickory Grove Baptist Church
Ben (KI4ACP) at Westside Head Start near Rocky Face [last minute fill in for Michael (W4MDK) who had a last minute family schedule change]
Ellen (KD4NTF), Virginia (KF4NYH) and Cindy (N0CALL) at Ebeneezer Baptist Church
Les (KG4QZV) and Derek (KA4ZTY) as weather radar watchers and advisers
Bill (KD4EKZ) at race headquarters and Net Control at Mt. Berry Square.

The NGARC Team volunteered approximately 90 man hours time and donated several hundred miles driving to the event.

NORTH GA TRI-STATE ARC --- This group holds meetings on the first Tuesday of each month at 7 p.m. at Branan Lodge in Blairsville. All of our meetings are open to the public. Our next meeting is to be held June 2nd and will begin with a special session on Recovering Files from a "DEAD" Windows PC by DON DEYTON, KF4CU. For more information about joining the Club or becoming a HAM, call Don at 706-781-6665. Amateur license testing will be held on June 6th in Blairsville. Contact BOB OCHS at 706-838-4728 for more information. (de GEORGE DANNER, AI4VZ)

THOMASVILLE ARC --- We will be operating as a Foxtrot class station from the Thomas County EOC on Field Day. Three stations plus GOTA and VHF are planned. A map to the location is on the ARRL's Field Day Site Locater web page. We'll be holding classes for Tech and General licensing at Archbold Hospital on June 13th and 20th. Time for the classes are 9am-4pm. Anyone interested should RSVP to ke4fgf@arrl.net to get signed up. Thomas County ARES is currently working on a recently acquired 24' Travel Trailer to convert it into a mobile communications trailer. It's first "deployment" will be on Field Day, where it'll house the CW station. (de MIKE BROWN, KE4FGF)

Dad: Father's Day always worries me. I'm afraid I'll get a present I can't afford.

FIELD DAY MESSAGES

Greetings to All:

Everyone is reminded that Field Day messages originated from A.R.R.L Field Day sites count for an extra 100 bonus points. Messages may be sent to the Section Manager (AF4FO), or the Section Emergency Coordinator (W4AYK).

The Georgia Section Traffic Manager (K4GK) will be operating from the Milledgeville Amateur Radio Club field day site as callsign W4M, and will check into the Georgia Traffic and Emergency Net at 7:15 P.M. and the Georgia State (cw) Net at both 7:00 P.M., and 10:00 P.M. for the purpose of assisting with delivery of these official Field Day Messages.

Remember that FD messages must originate from the Field Day Site by RADIO. Sorry, internet messages do not count.

Questions concerning the Field Day messages should be directed to the Section Traffic Manager.

Best wishes for a successful Field Day!

Charles Pennington, K4GK
Section Traffic Manager
Georgia Section

Son: I began to suspect Dad wasn't thrilled with me when the Tooth Fairy started leaving Greyhound tickets.

ARES NEWS

** National Preparedness Month--- September is National Preparedness Month, and wouldn't it be great if all of our GA ARES groups were to register as Coalition Members this year? What does it MEAN to be a Coalition Member, you ask? Coalition Member organizations pledge to "promote emergency preparedness during the month of September". Isn't that what ARES does every single month of the year? Sounds like a perfect fit to me. You can register at http://ready.adcouncil.org/ (And no need to wait, because there are already more than 200 organizations registered.) After registering, you'd gain access to the NPM website, where you can find a bunch of templates, resources, and tips to assist you with promoting emergency preparedness. There are also some Ready brochures available for distribution to the public, but supply is fairly limited. But, not to worry. These brochures can also be downloaded at http://www.ready.gov/america/publications/allpubs.html.

** COBB COUNTY ARES nets are now held on Monday evenings at 8PM, on the KARC repeater, 146.880(-) PL 100. (de EC RICH GREEN, KI4RQO)

** On May 19, EC RANDY WOODS, AJ4RW, held the first ECHOLS COUNTY ARES Training Net, and turn-out was terrific, with support from surrounding counties, and even across state lines. This net will be held at 8PM every Tuesday on the Valdosta repeater of 146.76(-) PL 141.3.

** GEMA SOC NEWS --- I am pleased to announce that yesterday, May 21, 2009 Amateur Radio Station WX4GMA located at the State Operations Center acquired D-STAR capabilities with the installation of a State provided ICOM IC-2820 transceiver. (de GEMA/OHS DEC BILL CHERUPY, WB4WTN)

** UPCOMING EXERCISE --- On June 11, Jackson, Clark, and Barrow county ARES members will be pooling their resources to participate in an ambitious exercise in support of the Red Cross, Barrow county Sheriff's Department, Winder Police Department, Public Health, local CERT, ARMY MARS, and Barrow Emergency Management. This exercise scenario involves a BIO-Terrorism (anthrax) attack on Atlanta, with the terrorist plane then crashing at Barrow Regional Airport. In support of this exercise, STAN EDWARDS, WA4DYD, will be operating from the NE GA Health Department EOC; BOB HERRIN, KE4JLL, from St. Mary's Hospital; PAUL SMITH, N4CUA, and PHIL KOEHLER, AF4TQ, from East GA Red Cross, and BILL WILSON, KJ4EX, from Athens Regional Hospital. BARES members will be covering a number of locations, including Barrow Regional Hospital, where JERE COUCH, N4DQ, is currently in the process of building a ham radio station (Yaesu FT-897, SCS Pactor III modem for winlink and other support equipment) so ARES will have an ongoing role in any future needs of both the hospital and the county. Working with Jere at the hospital during the exercise will be RALPH "TY" TURRELL, W1TF. Other points of deployment for BARES members are the Barrow County EMA EOC- EDDIE GILBERT, KJ4CZE; and Barrow County Airport- DON IMBODY, K9CRB. DENNIS HEVENER, WN4AZY, will be working with CERT, and Barrow county EC CAL NEFF, K4JSR, will be operating mobile, both VHF and HF, and will fill in wherever directed by the EMA. As the drill draws closer, Cal expects that there will be more volunteers and more deployment areas for them to cover. As I said, this is a very ambitious exercise, and Cal wanted to be sure that I stressed the "cooperation with Barrow, Clarke, and Jackson county ARES to make this drill work". In highlighting these excellent cross-county efforts, it is worth mentioning that Jere is also our DEC for ARES-MAT, and a member of GA Army MARS. (info de JERE COUCH, N4DQ, and CAL NEFF, K4JSR)

** RECENT APPOINTMENTS --- In the Central district, OTIS MURPHY, W4OY, has served us long and well as DEC, and I thank him for his tireless efforts on behalf of ARES. But, well, he was getting.... tired. And ready to RE-tire from the position. So with a huge smile on his face, he has stepped down, and passed the DEC reins into the capable and enthusiastic hands of Dr. WIL PEREZ, NM4W, who has already selected two ADECs, COLLIN COLLIER, N4TUA, and JOHN LOUTH, WB4EEL, to help him serve the needs of the district. John, who has served as EC in Houston county since 1990, has subsequently resigned from that role, and taking his place is TERRY TEAL, KI4QFF. In the Northeast district, RON MULBERRY, KI4RBE, has stepped down as Hall county EC, and taking on that role is MICHAEL CROWDER, AA4BA. In Rabun county, PAUL EDWARDS, N4DME, has been appointed as EC. (not sure, but this may be the county's FIRST EC!) And in the East Central district, DICK EMBRY, KD4CK, has regretfully stepped down as EC for McDuffie and Glascock counties. Best wishes to him and his family, and sincere thanks to ALL of these fine gentlemen for their past and future leadership in GA ARES.

Fatherhood is pretending the present you love most is Soap-on-a-Rope. BILL COSBY

SIMULATED EMERGENCY TEST (SET)

Since I've been Section Manager, I've always wanted to hold a real whiz-bang section-wide SET, and it looks like it'll finally be happening this year. (Natch, right AFTER I'm kaput as SM....) Though the SET doesn't take place until the first weekend in October, the initial plans are already in place, and the sooner y'all know about them, the more time you'll have to consider how your particular ARES group may participate. Here's a message from our SEC GENE CLARK, W4AYK, followed by the plans for this year's exercise, as described by LYNN BIANCO, KN4YZ.

Member of ARES:
In January at Forsyth I mentioned to many of you that I wanted to plan a section-wide theme for the annual Simulated Emergency Test (SET) due on October 2, 3 and 4. I asked LYNN BIANCO, KN4YZ, to chair a committee including CHARLES PENNINGTON, K4GK, TERRY JONES, W4TL, and MIKE BROWN, KE4FGF. They have developed an excellent plan, I think. Lynn has referred it to me for early publication, since it will require a lot of planning at the local levels. You will notice that while the theme is widespread power failure for a prolonged time, we will mainly do actual work with communications. However we hope that each of us will consider and plan how to manage other obvious aspects, such as food and drinking water, since these are very real potential problems. Please download the attached document and study it. Since I do not have the data to contact all in ARES please further share it with your members now.
The subsequent act of reporting will offer us much opportunity to work with the plan, but also for evaluations and further publication. I will be asking Charles, K4GK, the Net Manager for Georgia ARES to plan use of the ARES net(s) for check-ins and perhaps for referral of some of the reporting. I believe many even outside of amateur radio will be interested in the outcomes. Thank you for your interest in emergency preparedness and communications.

THE PLANS

** Background

What is the electric grid? It is the interconnection of power generating stations with users. It is the plumbing (wires and transformers) that power our life. It is approaching its design life span and little has been done to refresh this resource.

Our modern grid was established in the 1960s. It was designed with an approximate 40 year lifespan. Back then, most electricity was generated and distributed locally. If the customer was unhappy, it was generally the fault of the local company. Enter deregulation. Now power could be bought and sold over long distances. Companies turned from being local power providers to power brokers in an attempt to make increased profits. Infrastructure investment and renewal was not consistent with increasing corporate profit. Then came the speculators. A few higher ups got rich; a lot more did not. Speculation does not sustain infrastructure. We are close to having to really pay for the decades of neglect.

Grid reliability is dependent on improvement, enhancement, and timely replacement of components near the end of their lifespan. While the first two items have been realized to a degree through modern materials and computerization, the last, replacement of aging components, is often only accomplished after the item fails. Even computerization of the system can be a potentially fatal flaw. The system can and has been hacked. Malicious computer code could bring the system down.

Ideally, everything should flow smoothly through the grid. All the demand should be balanced with just the right supply. This is not real world. More often than not, the grid acts like a street with ill-timed lights. Think of a summer afternoon as air conditioners cycle on and off multiplied by one million. All this surging of supply and demand sometimes overloads the system. Then it gets ugly.

Most people can name the biggest problem areas in our country: Southern California and its rolling brownouts and New England, where the last major cascade failure took place. They are the poster children for a failing grid. Unfortunately, it can happen just about anywhere.

Of particular interest to Hams is communication. Obviously, any disruption to the power grid will play havoc with communications. How long will phone/cell/ internet last in a power failure? The answer, of course, is it varies. Some systems have a generator back up; most do not. Batteries that provide limited back up for most home phone systems typically last for 6-8 hours. These batteries used to be replaced every 5 years. Think of the savings by replacing them every 7 years as is the case now. It brings a grin to the face of the CFO.

Even generators need a source of fuel. How do you refuel when you need power to run the pumps to get to the fuel? Anybody have an old-style hand-cranked pump you use to get fuel out of a 55 gallon drum? Even systems powered by natural gas require a pump to keep pressure in the line. There may be an abundance of fuel, but no way to access it during a power failure.

All this brings us back to this question: How well are we prepared to deal with a sustained disruption of normal electric power? With no lights, phone, internet, microwave, refrigerator, etc, what communication capabilities do we still have? How will these capabilities be used? What are the best modes? How long can we sustain them? Every first Sunday of the month, the State ARES net encourages stations to check in on emergency power. Participation in this training activity varies. Some ARES members do not have a plan "B" if the lights go out. So, how well will we respond to a massive, sustained power outage? These are some of the questions we will explore in the 2009 Georgia Simulated Emergency Test (SET.)

** The Drill

* Concept of Operations:

Beginning on Friday evening, October 2, 2009, at 1900, simulate a total electrical failure. This is not to be carried to the point of becoming unsafe in any manner. Do not trip any circuit breakers or unplug your refrigerator (although you might think what would happen if you did.) Do disconnect your amateur radio gear from any commercial power. If you need light in your shack, the lights do not work! (Do you have a back up light source?) The drill will conclude Sunday evening, October 4, 2009, with your check-in to the State ARES net on whatever remaining power you have or 1900L. A local (EC-level) drill will be conducted sometime during this 48 hour event. The time and duration will be at this discretion of the EC or DEC.

* Goals:

>Explore each ARES member's capabilities dealing with a sustained power failure.
>Determine how long your emergency power source will provide reliable communications.
>Eat, sleep, and function without normal power (within limits.)
>Determine which modes (SSB, FM, CW, DATA) work best.
>Exercise your personal or family emergency plan for no power.(Hopefully you have one!)
>Complete one emergency communication task directed by your EC in conjunction with your EMA
>By Sunday evening, have confidence in your ability to handle a minor emergency.

** Preparation Steps before the Drill:

* Develop a personal contingency plan for a sustained power failure. Ensure you, your family, & any pets are part of this plan. Do you have special needs? Medications? How will you eat? What about refrigerated items? HVAC issues? Evacuation to a shelter? How much fuel is in your car? What will be your source of news and information? What is your County plan for prolonged power failure?

* Determine your communications capabilities in a power failure. How long will your emergency power source last? How long will repeaters last? Can you relay information via simplex? Can you document message traffic? Do you have a plan to contact ARES members when phones and internet are down?

** Power restoration and return to normal operations:

Clean up of spoiled food
Shortages until normal supply lines reestablished
Psychological stresses

** Execution of the Drill:

* Friday 1900 Power Fails
* Friday 2000 Outage appears to be a long event. Address family & refrigerated food concerns.
* Friday 2030 Getting dark. What will you use for light? HVAC concerns?
* Saturday 0600 Power still off. Phones and Internet inoperative. When might ARES communicators be activated? How?
* Sunday 1900 Power is restored. Please try to make your report before 1900, not using commercial power or commercial communications systems. (Relays are fine!)
* Sunday 1901 Drill is terminated. Begin recovery process.

A local drill will be conducted anytime during this 48 hours and will satisfy the intent of the overall drill. This allows the EC to be in charge of what works best locally and gives him/her the flexibility to work with the EMA on timing and duration. The drill should address some aspect of your local or County emergency plan that deals with communication during long-term power outages.

** Evaluations:

Report List for All ARES Members to EC

Did you arrange a specific plan to manage your refrigeration of food? Y N
Were you able to prepare food for family in absence of power? Y N
Did you have drinking water for the period, excluding use of public supply? Y N
What did you use to power your radios? (Circle as appropriate)
Generator Battery Solar Other(describe)_______________-
If you used generator, how many hours can you run it now without purchasing additional fuel? ( )
If you used Battery, can you recharge it without commercial power? How?
Generator Solar Other
What means did you use to make your reports?
FM (simplex) HF SSB CW Digital Other
Did you participate in a local drill with your EMA?
Do you believe you are better prepared to handle a power outage?
Your Call: County:
List other comments as appropriate:

There are additional reporting forms for ECs and DECs to use at the conclusion of this exercise, which each of them SHOULD already have. If any EC or DEC does NOT have a copy of the applicable form, please contact Gene, (w4ayk@arrl.net) Lynn, (kn4yz@arrl.net), or me (af4fo@arrl.org) The preceding information about the SET, along with the reporting forms, will hopefully be posted on the GA ARES website well before the exercise takes place.

When I was a boy of 14, my father was so ignorant I could hardly stand to have the old man around.
But when I turned 21, I was astonished at how much the old man had learned in seven years. MARK TWAIN

ARES REPORT DE ASEC TOM FULLER, KE4QCM

Total number of ARES members: 753
Change since last month: +7
# of DECs/ECs reporting this month: 59
# of ARES nets active: 214
# with NTS liaison: 0
# of drills, tests and training sessions this month: 197
Person hours: 1698
# of public service events this month: 17
Person hours: 232
# of emergency operations this month: 50
Person hours: 1433
Total # of ARES operations this month: 264
Total Person hours: 3363

DECs REPORTING:

Central-W4OY; GA Public Broadcasting-WB4QDX; Metro Atlanta-N4SEG, NWS/Columbia- N0FBV; NWS/Peachtree City-KD4YDC, Northwest-KD4EKZ; Salvation Army-WA4UJC; Southwest-KE4FGF

ECs REPORTING:

* Central: Baldwin-KG4EPI; Bibb-KS4GH; Peach-AF1G; Pulaski-N4TUA; Putnam-KF4EOH; Washington-K4GK; Wilkinson-W4OY

* East Central: McDuffie-KD4CK; Richmond-AH6IW; Wilkes-KJ4AMP

* Metro Atlanta: Cherokee-WA6IKS; Cobb-KI4RQQ; Dekalb-W4TGA; Fayette-AG4ZR; Gwinnett-WB4QDX; Henry-AJ4GT; Newton-WA4UJC; North Fulton-W4UOC; Paulding/Douglas-K4DMF; South Fulton-N5NRP

* Northeast: Banks-KE4IGD; Barrow-K4JSR; Clarke-N4ZRA; Hall-AA4BA; Madison-KI4MHF; Stephens-KU4ES; Towns-W4VFZ

* Northwest: Bartow-N4QET; Carroll-N4IF; Floyd-KD4EKZ; Gilmer-KC4GH; Heard-KE4OBM; Polk-KD4EKZ; Whitfield-AI4ZV

* Southeast: Camden-WD8LQT; Chatham-K4GTM

* Southwest: Baker-K4GCR; Berrien-KI4BSB; Brooks-WD4ERM; Decatur-KJ4GWB; Dougherty-N4GPJ; Echols-AJ4RW; Grady-KI4RGD; Lee-W5VRV; Lowndes-AL7NS; Macon-KI4BEO; Mitchell-N1QJ; Seminole-K4TPD; Thomas-N4KXl

* West Central: Troup-K3IMC

DEC COMMENTS:

* GPB-WB4QDX: 04/18/09 - Met with Ellijay group to plan installation of D-STAR repeater at Ft. Mtn GPB site. 04/25/09 - Frequency planning and coordination of Ft. Mtn repeater

* Metro Atlanta-N4SEG: April NET was hosted by Paulding/Douglas Counties. There were 23 check-ins and the net lasted for 35 minutes. Each check-in's time was recorded in the activities section of the State ARES Database. There were no other Metro ARES activities during the month of April.

* NWS/Columbia-N0FBV: Skywarn net 4-10-09 6.30 hrs 57 check ins man hrs 380

* NWS/Peachtree City-KD4YDC: Activated 3 times: 5th (2 people, 4 hrs), 10th (5 people, 23.75 hrs) and 19th (3 people, 8.75 hrs). Many, Many severe tstm and tornado warnings. Misc, 1 person updating Skywarn repeater info.

* Northwest-KD4EKZ: Severe Weather Nets (Thunderstorm, Tornado) 4/10/09, 4/19-20/09

* Salvation Army-WA4UJC: We are having more Ga. Section check-ins on the SATERN Net, thank you very much. The mid South Net is each Saturday on 7.262 MhZ at 11am.

* Southwest-KE4FGF: Thankfully, this month has been a bit quieter. We had numerous areas with flooding concerns, but did not require a deployment. I found out that several of my counties now fall under the Red Cross Chapter in Savannah when the AEC in Chatham county contacted me about possibly needing help during disaster assessments. The Thomas County EMA asked for help with antennas for his perimeter fire stations, and Thomas ARES is lining up to build them some J-Poles. W4AYK and I visited the CPARC group and I did a program on SWGA ARES at the request of Greg, W4GHW. I'm set to attend another

EC COMMENTS:

* Central

Baldwin-KG4EPI: I would like to thank Charles K4GK and Otis W4OY and the rest of the group that helped carry the nets that I was not able to open due to work related business.

Peach-AF1G: Slow month

* Metro Atlanta:

Cherokee-WA6IKS: 10 K run with Cobb ARES; work party at EOC on radio position; 2 persons went to hazmat training

Cobb-KI4RQQ: Held meeting on fourth Tuesday. Decided to move our Net to Monday nights at 8pm to promote participation. Working with local served agencies and CERT program to improve ARES support.

Dekalb-W4TGA: Assisted Grady Hospital with analysis of their emergency radio system.

Gwinnett-WB4QDX: SKYWARN Nets on 4/10, 4/19 and 4/25. Web EOC Training with county on 4/28

Henry-AJ4GT: 146.715 repeater is no longer linked to Henry-Clayton Network due to lighting taking out station, but is now up running as a stand alone repeater. Four SCARC/CARES - Two SKYWARN nets.

Newton-WA4UJC: Conducted two SKYWARN NETS due to severe weather in our county.

North Fulton-W4UOC: Monthly Meeting 12 attendees X 2 hours (24 hours). W4UOC = MMST 4 hours + 2 hours travel time and SE Weather Net(4) 2 hours = 8 hours for a total of 32 hours. COSS Damage Assessment = 8 hams X 5 hours + 2 hams X 2 hours = 44 hours.

Paulding/Douglas-K4DMF: Three local severe WX Nets conducted during April on 146.955 repeater with multiple reports given to Linked Repeater net for WX4PTC.

South Fulton-K5NRP: Got my report in nice and early this month. Currently working with the Atlanta Radio Club to better coordinate repeater usage, recruiting and growing. South Fulton ARES will be teaming up with the Atlanta Radio Club on Field Day and using this as a deployment Training Scenario. We Had one official activation this month at the Fulton EOC and we were information central for damage reports as well as providing detailed weather reports. We also had one unofficial activation. On 4/24/09 severe storms passed through the Metro Atlanta Area and the NWS did not activate WX4PTC. Multiple reports started to flow through the ARC Repeater looking for WX4PTC, so I assumed the roll of Net Control and passed the reports to the NWS vie e-spotter. My frustration with this method is that I do not know how timely the reports are being read. We had one spotter chasing a cell which started in Woodstock and went through Fayetteville. The reports included a wall cloud with rotation and then a few minutes later multiple electric flashes on the ground. Not once did I see any type of tornado warning go up for the effected areas. My concern is for the public safety and when reports come in and what appears to disappear into cyber space, it does not bode well for my confidence in the system. Stepping off Soap Box now. Current Goal is to increase participation with current members. Possibly thinking of a monthly social setting event, ie. a lunch on Saturday afternoon at the Varsity. Although not official it is in the works of planning. Also working on starting a weekly or bi-weekly net preceding the Atlanta Radio Club Net on Sunday. Our Net would be from 19:00-19:30. Again, not official yet, but in the works. That's it for this month. 73

* Northeast:

Towns-W4VFZ: Misc. activities were repair of KI4ENN Repeater.

* Northwest:

Carroll-N4IF: 5 Weather Nets = 27.2 Mhrs H1N1 Virus (Swine Flu) Meeting: Carroll County EMA & State officials - 2.5 Mhr

Floyd-KD4EKZ: Severe Weather Nets (Thunderstorm, Tornado) 4/10/09, 4/19-20/09

Gilmer-KC4GH: Gilmer ARES involved with GA DSTAR with installation of Fort Mountain DSTAR Repeaters. Out of Country in March.

Heard-KE4OBM: Learning how to make report for this county

Polk-KD4EKZ: Severe Weather Nets (Thunderstorm, Tornado) 4/10/09, 4/19-20/09

Whitfield-AI4ZV: Skywarn activated 4/10/2009

* Southeast:

Chatham-K4GTM: Activated Apr 3rd in support of Savannah Red Cross Chapter due to South GA flooding. Two Severe Weather Nets during April. Held quarterly ARES meeting on Apr 13. Follow Chatham County activities at www.k4gtm.blogspot.com 

* Southwest:

Baker-K4GCR: Had a lot of rain and couldn't get down the roads to check on damages in Baker.

Brooks-WD4ERM: No activity other than checking in on nets.

Dougherty-N4GPJ: W4MM supported the March for Babies on 4/25/09 40 MHRS

Echols-AJ4RW: No emergency situations in Echols County that required ARES Services

Grady-KI4RGD: April was a quiet month for Grady County. We had one HAM volunteer to help in Madison County, Florida, with the Red Cross. Thanks to Walt KI4TFL for volunteering. We are waiting to hear if the Grady Hospital will receive a grant to purchase radio equipment for the hospital. We have several ARES volunteers that are willing to help out when needed.

Lee-W5VRV: Public service event was March of Dimes Walk.

Mitchell-N1QJ: Helped with a weather net during a passing line of storms. I'm working on growing my group.

Seminole-K4TPD: April 1 - Worked with Mark, KD4EYF and Paul, KJ4G on getting EchoLink node for 443.400 repeater in Tallahassee working properly. 3 hours April 2 - Day began with three inches of rain between 8-10 am. Monitored amateur radio from 8:00 am until 8:00 pm. Numerous reports of road flooding in Seminole Co. Some of these roads had to be barricaded due to the depth of the water. Several vehicle crashes due rain. NO rescues and injuries. Kept in contact with NWS via EchoLink and relayed weather information to them. 12 hours April 13 - Monitored weather beginning at 10:00 am. Reported to WX4TAE (NWS) the following weather reports. Heavy Rain (4.5 inches/hour) no wind, no lightning, occasional thunder is distance. @1:20 pm made 2nd report to WX4TAE, over 1 inch of rain in 30 minutes, wind less than 5, thunder in distance, minor road flooding on SR 39 2 miles north of SR 253. 10 hours

By the time a man realizes that maybe his father was right, he usually has a son who thinks he's wrong. CHARLES WADSWORTH

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

OO SUMMARY

Here are some tidbits from the latest summary of OO activities, courtesy of ARRL Field and Regulatory Correspondent, (and all-around good guy) CHUCK SKOLAUT, K0BOG:

This month's statistics reveal a total of 692 Official Observers. During the month of April we received 6 recommendations for hams to begin the process to become OOs. Nine amateurs successfully passed the exam, including ones from Georgia, Ohio, Southern New Jersey, Rhode Island, Arizona and Indiana.

We appreciate all the faithful sections that provide us with your reports. I would like to recognize a number of sections that send timely monthly reports including Eastern Washington, Western Washington, Western New York, Western Pennsylvania, GEORGIA, Tennessee, Nebraska, West Virginia, Ohio, Northern Florida, Wisconsin, and Oregon.

Here are some of the situations OOs assisted with in April:

* The FCC has asked OOs in Tennessee to assist with checking out a report they received of an individual who is interfering with police radio bands.

* Eastern Pennsylvania OOs are following up on complaints on 10 meters locally.

* Western New York OOs continue to monitor a well known 75 meter frequency and collect information.

* The "gurgle" signal on the low end of 20 meters ceased, the FCC declined to comment.

* W1AW participated in the Global Set exercise on April 18th, no reported incidents of intentional interference were reported.

* Several complaints were received regarding the 147.435 repeater in Los Angeles, local OOs continue to monitor.

* A complaint received about QSO content on a local Oklahoma repeater and it was referred to local OOs

* Complaints about 14275 have slowed but 3910 continues to be a hot spot of complaints and information is being forwarded to the FCC.

* The FCC has resumed posting enforcement actions; you can check these at http://www.fcc.gov/eb/AmateurActions/Welcome.html Seven warning letters went to hams between February 18th to March 30th.

I would like to include this message sent out by WWA Section Manager JIM PACE, K7CEX to his section that expresses a good point for all to remember as we operate and monitor the bands.

Subject: Does your license class allow you to be there?

We all like the idea of getting that DX station, but at what cost? As I review the Advisory Cards sent out by our Official Observer Program, I am amazed at the General Class stations that are operating in the Extra Class portion of the band and further amazed at the number of Technician Class licenses that are also down in those portions and even checking in on HF Traffic Nets!

Is it worth a ticket or possibly being sanctioned by the FCC just to get that DX station or just to say "I checked in on this or that "Traffic Net"?

Let's be more conscious of our License Class and the privileges granted to that class. If you want to check in on the HF Traffic Nets, then upgrade to at least General; and if you want to chase that DX at the bottom of the band, then upgrade to Extra. Let's show that we can have fun without breaking Federal Law.

We continue to encourage you to use the Good Operator report to acknowledge good amateur radio operation when appropriate. They bring good results both in on the air operation as well as personal satisfaction to the recipient. We would like to add, however, that OOs should use discernment in issuing these, and keep in mind that they should be used to recognize operation ABOVE and BEYOND the accepted normal practice of following the rules. We had a report recently of a new Official Observer who evidently sent a number of cards out to his friends on a local net all within a short time frame.

A good father is one of the most unsung, unpraised, unnoticed, and yet one of the most valuable assets in our society. BILLY GRAHAM

LEGISLATIVE NEWS

With opportunity comes responsibility. An important House bill, which offers the amateur radio community a rare opportunity, has been introduced, but it is our responsibility to make our voices heard, if we want this bill to have a snowball's chance of advancing. Remember, there's strength in numbers, and the squeaky wheel gets the grease. So, let's start squeaking.

Hopefully, you are all aware of HR 2160, the Amateur Radio Emergency Communications Enhancement Act of 2009. If not, this is a bill, introduced by Representative SHEILA JACKSON of Texas, which, if passed, has the potential of recognizing and mitigating impediments (like CC&Rs?) that stand in the way of effective amateur radio operations. Here's the gist of it: "To promote and encourage the valuable public service, disaster relief, and emergency communications provided on a volunteer basis by licensees of the Federal Communications Commission in the Amateur Radio Service, by undertaking a study of the uses of amateur radio for emergency and disaster relief communications, by identifying unnecessary or unreasonable impediments to the deployment of Amateur Radio emergency and disaster relief communications, and by making recommendations for relief of such unreasonable restrictions so as to expand the uses of amateur radio communications in Homeland Security planning and response." For detailed information, you can find the full text of this bill at http://frwebgate.access.gpo.gov/cgibin/getdoc.cgi?dbname=111_cong_bills&docid=f:h2160ih.txt.pdf 

One of the Pillars of the ARRL is ADVOCACY. And what the ARRL is advocating is grass-roots action from its membership (YOU!) to promote this bill, which now has six sponsors, and is currently under consideration in the Committee of Energy and Commerce. Initially, members who live within a district specifically represented by a member of this committee (i.e. NATHAN DEAL) were urged to contact that representative to encourage support of this bill. And now, the ARRL has expanded its request, and is asking all
members, all over the country, to contact their district representative.

Because of screening methods that are currently in place, letters mailed directly to a member of Congress now take an inordinate amount of time to reach their intended destination. Therefore, the ARRL suggests that your letters be directed to Chwat & Co, who will then hand deliver them to the intended Congressional member. Cool, huh? If you're not sure what to write, you can find a sample letter at http://www.arrl.org/news/files/DearMemberOfCongressHR2160.doc Once you've personalized your letter, you can then send it in one of three ways:
* As a signed attachment to an e-mail <arrl@chwatco.com>
* As a signed fax to 703-684-7594
* As a regular letter to John Chwat, Chwat & Co, 625 Slaters Ln, Suite
103, Alexandria, VA 22314

If you'd rather compose your own letter, DAN HENDERSON, N1ND, asks that you keep the following things in mind:
* Identify the bill by number and title: HR 2160 -- The Amateur Radio
Emergency Communications Enhancement Act of 2009
* Keep the letter brief and on topic -- one page at the most
* Ask your congressional representative to consider becoming a cosponsor
* Thank them for their consideration

And if you'd rather send your letter directly to your representative, please send a copy to Chwat & Co, as well. (Gives 'em more "ammo" when discussing the amount of support for this bill with Congressional members.) This is not the most effective way to contact your representative, but you CAN send an email via this website: https://writerep.house.gov/writerep/welcome.shtml

And finally, when you receive a response from your Congressman, please forward a copy to the Regulatory Information Office at ARRL Headquarters via e-mail at reginfo@arrl.org or via hard copy to Regulatory Information, ARRL, 225 Main St, Newington, CT 06111.

(If you're not sure who your representative is these days, you can find out by entering your nine-digit zip code in the space provided on the http://www.house.gov/ Web site.

Father's Day is the day you give Dad something you found in the discount bin at the Dollar Store and bought with the leftover
money you borrowed from him to buy Mom something cool for Mother's Day.

A TALE OF TWO TUBES

By DAN ROMNANCHIK, KB6NU

A couple of weeks ago, I worked N4QR on 40m CW. I could tell by the tone of his signal that he was operating a homebrew transmitter. There wasn't any 60 Hz on his signal, and it didn't chirp exactly, but I could tell it wasn't the pure tone you get out of today's radios.

I asked him about his rig, and he told me that it was a one-tube transmitter made with a 6L6. I forgot to ask him where he got the schematic, but a quick Internet search turned up the following:

* The May 2005 issue of the K9YA Telegraph http://www.k9ya.org has an article written by N4QR titled, "The Wonderful One-Tuber," that contains the schematic for the transmitter. The K9YA folks don't make issues of The Telegraph available on their website, but I was able to get a copy of the issue by e-mailing them.
* A 6L6 Classic http://www.io.com/~nielw/6l6/6L6.htm
* WB2MIC 6L6 Transmitter Project http://www.metaphoria.us/hamradio/6L6_transmitter_schematic.htm

The 6L6 is a pentode that, according to Wikipedia http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/6L6, was introduced by the Radio Corporation of America (RCA) in July 1936. Apparently, it was used quite a bit in public address systems.

After the tube became successful, tube manufacturers introduced a number of variations, including the venerable 807. The original 6L6 was capable of delivering 19 W; the latest variation, the 6L6GC is rated for 30 W. The 6L6GC is still used in guitar amps, and is still manufactured in Russia, China, and by Groove Tubes www.groovetubes.com in the U.S. They sell a number of different 6L6 variants; the cheapest is $16, the most expensive $180!!

Tube #2
One of the reasons I was interested in the 6L6 is because about a year ago I came across a schematic for a transmitter using 6A6 dual triode. I had just come into possession of a couple hundred tubes, and while I didn't have a 6A6 (at least I haven't found one yet), I do have a couple of 6J6 dual triodes. They're not quite as high power as the 6A6, but I'm still thinking about building a little transmitter with one.

As you might expect, there's a bunch of information on the Internet about this tube:

* The Jones Push-Pull Transmitter http://wv7g.home.mindspring.com/jones_6j6.html was built with a 6J6 instead of a 6A6.
* Another schematic can be found on the AK0B website http://www.qsl.net/ak0b/.
* 6J6 data sheet http://www.gargnas.net:3000/tubedata/6J6.pdf from the GE data book.

One interesting fact about the 6J6 is that IBM used it in the 604 computer. Unfortunately, they found it to be not as reliable as they wanted it to be, but at first none of the tube manufacturers were interested in making a more robust version. This led IBM to set up a tube-making laboratory where they could experiment with designs. They developed a more reliable version of the 6J6 and finally convinced RCA to manufacture the tube. According to the author of the history of the 604 http://ed-thelen.org/comp-hist/IBM-604.html#new, part of the concern is that IBM would decide to get into the tube business.

So, the next time you hear a signal that doesn't sound so perfect, remember that there just might be a story behind it. Ask the op about his transmitter, and listen to what he or she has to say.

A truly rich man is one whose children run into his arms when his hands are empty.

SECTION NOTABLES

CONGRATULATIONS to TOM HARRELL, NX4P, who was recently inducted into the CQ DX Hall of Fame, which is a very prestigious honor, and one he definitely deserved. Tom, who was nominated by the German DX Foundation, has confirmed 361 DXCC entities, holds 9-band DXCC, 5-band Worked All Zones and WPX awards for SSB, CW and mixed-mode. But that's not all. No, his operating credentials extend beyond the amazing number of contacts he's made. As an active DX-peditioner, he has masterfully worked the pile-ups from NINETEEN different DXCC entities, served as team leader for two of the DX-peditions, and co-leader for three. Most recently, he served as Director of Off-Island Support for the BS7H operation from Scarborough Reef, providing regular news reports for the DX community.

Dad: The family took me out for dinner on Father's Day. I won't say what kind of restaurant it was,
but the Father's Day Special was left over from Mother's Day.

THIS 'N' THAT

** A very important reminder about Traffic-handling from HARVEY CHASE, W4TG:
Whenever a message is found to be undeliverable for any reason (wrong address, wrong or disconnected telephone number, etc.) do not call the station who relayed the message to you, to tell him about it, but originate a new message (this is called a service message) back to the station of origin, preferably using ARL sixty seven, with the blanks filled in, to notify the station of origin and to get instructions as to the message's disposal (usually cancellation). Stations accepting messages for delivery have an obligation to do this and not just let the message "die."

** It's a pleasure to report that Georgia D-Star published its first issue of an extremely professional-looking D-Star Info newsletter just before the Dayton Hamvention, where literally thousands of copies were distributed. Plans are to continue publishing this informative newsletter on a quarterly basis, and it will be available both in print and downloadable format. You can download the debut issue at
www.DSTARINFO.com/newsletter http://www.DSTARINFO.com/newsletter 

** The final changeover to Digital TV will be coming in the very near future, and FRANKIE WOMACK, W4BJT, found a website which has "a whole lot of information on the DTV channel changes and info on power levels, antenna patterns, expected range, assignments for other bitstreams in addition to the primary 1080i main hi-def. channel, generally 1 or 2- 480i bitstreams for weather and children's programs. In at least one case stations in a town are going together to share one transmitter/antenna. Interesting to study. Lots of links to follow."

http://www.rabbitears.info/market.php

** MORE SMOKED HAMS --- Among the seven 100% successful graduates of a recent ham class were three members of the West Jackson Fire Department: Assistant Chief JOEL KEITH, and firefighters NITA JACKSON and JIM QUINN. Lt. DAVID EDGE wasn't a class member, but he also passed his test, so counting Lt. EDDIE GILBERT, KJ4CZE, that now makes a total of FIVE licensed firefighters in that department. Congratulations to all of them. It's always good to add more "smoked hams" to our ranks. As Eddie said, "By becoming amateur radio operators we are allowed to use repeaters already in place throughout the County, State, Country, and the world. This can be especially important during times of emergencies or should the 911 infrastructure become overwhelmed or fail. When all else fails, ham radio prevails."

** UPCOMING CLASS --- On June 13, WIL PEREZ, NM4W, will be conducting another Ham Cram Session in Central GA, this one to be held at the New Fire Department House in Peach County. At last count, more than 40 people were registered for this class, including one "DX" student, who'll be flying all the way from VA to participate.

** You can take a look at the formerly redacted information from the FCC regarding BPL at this website: http://arstechnica.com/techpolicy/news/2009/05/did-the-fcc-cook-the-books-on-bpl.ars

** A couple of tidbits about this year's GA QSO Party. Even though this year's party coincided with Easter weekend, a total of 444 logs have been received, which compares favorably to last year's 410, and 2007's 250. One hundred and fifty-seven GA counties were represented, lacking only Twiggs and Treutlen. Impressive!

** QRP KITS --- Heathkit may not be around any longer, but numerous QRP kits are still readily available from multiple sources, and these kits still provide a great introduction to the joys of home-brewing. Lots of kit projects can be found here, including a regenerative receiver, capable of receiving AM, SSB, and CW signals from 3MHz to 11MHz: http://www.qrpkits.com/ 

** Three items from the 5/13 ARRL Contest Update:

+ You can find a simplified approach to VHF power amplifier design at http://www.iele.polsl.pl/elenota/Motorola/an791.pdf

+ And at this site, you'll find information on matching network designs with computer solutions, including an enlightening discussion of parasitic effects; a veritable "cookbook of matching networks that you can apply to the transistor of your choice" http://www.lansdale.com/Articles/an267.pdf

+ And finally, info on impedance matching networks applied to RF power transistors: http://www.freescale.com/files/rf_if/doc/app_note/AN721.pdf

Dad: My daughter is very creative. For Father's Day, she knitted me a pair of socks out of dental floss.
At least I won't have to worry about plaque build-up around my toes.

UPCOMING EVENTS

MAY 30 --- 1300-2100Z. National Hurricane Center's (WX4NHC) On-The-Air Station Test. Primary frequency will be 14.325 MHz, but may also be operating on or around 3.950, 7.268, 21.325 and 28.525 MHz. Will also be on the VoIP Hurricane Net 1700-1900 UTC (IRLP node 9219/EchoLink WX-TALK Conference) NOTE: This is NOT a contest; it is an annual TEST of NHC equipment. Exchange: call sign, signal report, location, name, and brief weather report.

JUNE 6 --- ATLANTA HAMFEST, Jim Miller Park, Marietta. 8:30AM- 3:30PM. $5 entrance fee, and FREE ADMISSION for kids 17 and under. Special ARRL guest: DAN HENDERON, N1ND. Remembrance service for SK SANDY DONAHUE, W4RU, at 1PM.
Talk-In:146.82(-)PL 146.2.

JUNE 6-7 --- 1200Z-0000Z. Special Event Station W4A. As part of the Museum Ships on the Air operating event, our own BRIAN PAGE, N4TRB, will be leading a team of operators onboard the U.S.S. Alabama, in Mobile, AL. For more info, please see www.n4trb.com/AmateurRadio/MuseumShips/2009/8860.htm

JUNE 13-16 --- ARRL VHF QSO Party. SSB and CW. www.arrl.org/contests

JUNE 20 --- KIDS DAY- 1800Z-2400Z. See www.arrl.org/FandES/ead/kd-rules.html And don't forget to fill out the survey and download your certificate of participation at www.arrl.org/FandES/ead/kids-day-survey.html

JUNE 20-21 --- All-Asian DX Contest. CW. www.jarl.or.jp/English 

JUNE 20-21 --- SMIRK QSO Party (Six Meter International Radio Klub) www.smirk.org 

JUNE 21 --- HAPPY FATHERS' DAY

"What Are Fathers Made Of?" by PAUL HARVEY

A father is a thing that is forced to endure childbirth without an anesthetic. A father never feels entirely worthy of the worship in a child's eyes. He's never quite the hero his daughter thinks he is, never quite the man his son believes him to be--- and this worries him sometimes.
So he works too hard to try and smooth the rough places in the road for those of his own who will follow him.
A father is a thing that gets very angry when school grades aren't as good as he thinks they should be. He scolds his son though he knows it's the teacher's fault. Fathers give daughters away to other men who aren't nearly good enough so they can have grandchildren who are smarter than anybody's.
Fathers make bets with insurance companies about who will live the longest. Though they know the odds, they keep right on betting. And one day they lose.
I don't know where fathers go when they die. But I've an idea that after a good rest, wherever it is, he won't be happy unless there's work to do. He won't just sit on a cloud and wait for the girl he's loved and the children she bore. He'll be there, too, repairing the stairs, oiling the gates, improving the streets, smoothing the way.

JUNE 27-28 --- FIELD DAY!!!!!!

JULY 4 --- Peachtree Road Race. To volunteer, you can sign up online at http://www.doitsports.com/volunteer2/info.tcl?job_id=17368613 For additional information, please contact DAVID ZISKIND, KE4QLH, at ke4qlh@arrl.net

Dad: My daughter couldn't decide whether to get me cologne or something to wear, so she got me a scratch-and-sniff tie.

SILENT KEYS

ROBERT "KENNY" CANNON AI4BE
NELSON "SANDY" DONAHUE W4RU
CARMINE "CARM" GUERRAZZI K1CFW
LARRY JOHNSON NV4L
BOBBY JONES WA4MMK
LEWIS JUSTUS KD4NJS
ROBERT "BOBBY" LAMB, SR N4RWL
JOE MECHERIL N2BBC
CARL "NICK" NICHOLS K4ZYK
CHARLES VOYLES WA4AFZ

(Sandy may have been living in AL for the past couple of years, but GA still claims him as one of our own...)

And two former Fayetteville, GA hams:
ROBERT HAMILT (NC) KD4UK
ELWOOD "WOODY" HOPPER (FL) WA4JSE

A list that's much too long this month. Heartfelt condolences to the families and friends of each of these fine men.

Well, folks, that's about it for now. Until next time, this is AF4FO, signing clear. Take care of yourselves. And each other.

Unfortunately, some trees were killed in the sending of this message.
Alas, some terribly inconvenienced electrons got a wee bit fed up and ran amok. Terrible, just terrible.