Greetings, All. I hope the world is treating you well. My better half, MIKE (that's meeee!) K4HBI, and I just returned from a wonderful mini-vacation in North Carolina, where we attended a terrific Hamfest in Ashville. Isn't it amazing how you can go to a Hamfest just about anywhere and run into a bunch of people that you know?!? They say that it's a small world, but in amateur radio, truer words were never spoken.

You won't have to go out of state to find a Hamfest this month, although I do hope many of you will be able to attend the Huntsville fest this year. As the ARRL National Convention, there'll be a huge attendance, and well worth the trip. But, the Ellijay Hamfest is coming up right around the corner, on the 11th of August. They claim the title of the "biggest little Hamfest in Georgia", and guess what? It's FREE. What more can you ask? It's a great opportunity to escape to the cool Georgia mountains and enjoy a terrific day with a bunch of other hams. Everyone has a chance to win one of the ARRL books, and for the measly cost of one dollar per ticket, (with price breaks on larger amounts) you can also buy yourself a chance at winning one of their grand prizes, an ICOM IC-208H dual-band mobile rig or a Yaesu VX-2R. Hope to see you there, but get there early. Mornings must start earlier in the mountains, because it starts at 7. http://www.qsl.net/w4hhh/fest.html 

Just in case you're the lucky winner of that VX-2R, it just so happens that there's an article in this newsletter, written by ED CRAVEY, KF4HPY, on how you can turn that little radio into a "powerhouse". And since we all know that "two Eds are better than one", there is also another article in this newsletter written by Ed, about Yagis. These articles originally appeared in the Lanierland ARC newsletter, and Ed was kind enough to let me share them with you. (Thanks, Ed)

Hmmmm, I wonder which SE Division Director of Vice landed himself a **starring** role in a play? That's right, our own SANDY DONAHUE, W4RU, just began rehearsals for the play "Everyone Loves Opal", which was first performed on Broadway in 1961. (Do ya think he'll get to sing and dance??)The Opus Nostrum Dinner Theatre productions of this play will be on Fridays and Saturdays from September 14-29. Sandy says that his role is that of a con artist. (No smart remarks!) Best wishes to him. Think he'll still remember us when he makes it big...??

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

I was told to be accurate, be brief, and then be seated. So I promise I shall be as brief as possible,
no matter how long it takes me. WILLARD PEARSON

CLUB NEWS

It's always a pleasure to share news about what all of our clubs around the state are doing. (But y'all have to share it with me first...)

CHEROKEE CAPITAL ARS --- Word has it that the communications provided by club members for the Unity Runs in past years has "spoiled" the local police and organizers of this annual United Way event, who have already solicited the club's support for this year's runs, coming up on August 28. Club president FELTON FLOYD, AF4DN, reports that an email he received from the Executive Director of Gordon county's United Way shows that their group "has made an impact on the community". And it's been a positive one. Club members will once again be supporting this event, providing them with the opportunity to provide public service, as well as gain good network and emergency communications training. As Felton noted, "Emergency and public service events like these are the true backbone of Amateur Radio."

FAYETTE COUNTY ARC --- Club president BRIAN HAREN, W8BYH, wanted to share some information about the club's repeater changes. He wrote: "In the past month we've had some significant changes here in Fayette County. For a number of reasons we had to dismantle our 190' tower that carried our flagship KK4GQ repeater (145.210). The repeater 'went dark' on 21 June and the tower came down on 22 June (FYI, it was Loudoun Communications of Douglasville that did the dismantling, and they did a great job). On 23 June (Field Day) we were able to reestablish the KK4GQ repeater (same frequency, offset and PL tone) atop the Piedmont Fayette Hospital in Fayetteville. Unfortunately the hospital sits in a low spot and coverage is not nearly as good as it was atop our old tower. The good news is that the hospital location is only a temporary home and we are in active negotiations with several government agencies to place the repeater on a tower in Fayette County that offers much better coverage. Hopefully in the next few months we'll have things ironed out and the 145.210 repeater will be back as strong (or stronger!) than ever."

GWINNETT ARS --- For the July meeting, FEMA employee WILL PERKINS, W1ZRV, did a terrific presentation on family emergency preparedness. Coming up at the August 14 meeting, PAUL PESCITELLI, K4UJ, will wow members with his presentation on the Scarborough Reef DX-pedition. All are invited. See www.gars.org for directions to the meeting place.

MILLEDGEVILLE ARC --- It was a real pleasure to visit with these folks at their July meeting, and to present them with their brand spanking new charter of ARRL affiliation. Interestingly enough, club VP CHARLES PENNINGTON, K4GK, had another charter of ARRL affiliation with him, which was presented to the club in 1974. Back in those days, there were only four club members, and dues were a whopping $2.50 per year. (As you may know, "once an affiliated club, always an affiliated club"... but the difference is, the club went by a different name back in those days.) Anyway, club membership has grown tremendously over the years, now boasts members from many counties, and as expected, dues have gone up just a tad. It was a true pleasure to be with this terrific group, and to present them with that new charter of affiliation. It was also a pleasure, and well worth the trip, to hear the presentation of HARVEY CHASE, W4TG, on HF operations. Harvey has been licensed since 1931, so he brings a tremendous amount of knowledge and experience to any discussion. (He doesn't just know about the history... he's LIVED it!) CHARLES KIGHT, AI4UN, also spoke briefly about his recent experiences at the ARRL's Teachers' Institute. To say that he was brimming with enthusiasm would be a huge understatement, and you can find his report later on in this newsletter. Charles will also be doing a more in-depth presentation on the things he learned at this fantastic seminar for the club's November meeting, and he and the club are extending a special open invitation to any teacher who would like to attend.

NORTH FULTON ARL --- Sure hated to miss this club's July meeting, because their program sounded like a great one. They held a QSL party, of sorts, where each member was asked to bring some of their favorite QSL cards for show and tell. Activities like this are a terrific way to show new hams how much fun it is to exchange cards with other hams all over the world. Only hard part would be in deciding which card is our "favorite". (Which one would YOU pick??)

SEDX CLUB --- CONGRATULATIONS to this fine list of recently elected officers: President- BOB ALLPHIN, K4UEE; VP- BOB CARROLL, W2WG; Secretary- GEORGE NICHOLSON, N4GRN; Treasurer- MIKE WEATHERS, ND4V; and Activities Manager- GARY MCCONVILLE, WB2SQ. Best wishes to all of them for another outstanding year.

*** If you or your club would like to recognize someone for his mentoring accomplishments, send your request for an Elmer Award to clubs@arrl.org. Please include:
1. the name and call of the person who will receive the award
2. the name and call of person or club presenting the award
3. The address where the award is to be sent.
ARRL offers the Elmer Award mounted on a beautiful walnut plaque.
Please call 860-594-0230 for details and cost of this service.

Imagination is intelligence having fun. GEORGE SCIALABBA

ARES NEWS

DISTRICT NETS:
Metro Atlanta - first Sunday of every month, at 4 PM, on the 146.820 repeater.
SE GA - every Thursday, at 7 PM, on the 146.970 repeater.
SW GA - Every Sunday, at 4 PM, on the 146.820 repeater.

STATEWIDE NET: every Sunday, 3.975 MHz, 6PM summers, 5 PM winters. The FIRST Sunday of every month is "emergency power" week, where all are encouraged to utilize other than commercial power.

*** GREG TILLMAN, N4VAD, has done an exemplary job for us as our ASEC for Operations. He's been a hands-on kinda guy, and has always been responsive to whatever got thrown his way. It is with much regret that I report that effective August 1, Greg is stepping down from this position. Many many thanks to Greg for all of his hard work. GA ARES appreciates him, and wishes him well.

*** As previously reported, JAY REID, KG4OJJ, has stepped down from his position as DEC for the Tallahassee NWS. We appreciate all that he has done for SkyWarn and the ARES program. It is a pleasure to report that MIKE BROWN, KE4FGF, our EC for both Thomas and Grady counties, has now stepped up to accept the NWS DEC position for the Tallahassee office, as well. Many thanks to Mike. Mike has also recently named a new AEC for Thomas county, MARK SWICORD, KD4EYF, who will be serving for DHR/ Public Health.

*** Ya can't keep a good man down. TONY NUETZI, KF4EOH, who recently stepped down as EC for Putnam county, has stepped back up again, and will be continuing to lead the efforts for the group there. Many thanks to Tony for re-considering. He's done a great job there, and we're delighted that he'll be continuing in that position.

The early bird may get the worm, but the second mouse gets the cheese. STEVEN WRIGHT

ARES REPORT DE DSEC MIKE BOATRIGHT, KO4WX

Total number of ARES members: 731
Change since last month: +12
# of DECs/ECs reporting this month: 37
Number of drills, tests and training sessions this month: 232
Person hours 2082
Number of public service events this month: 4
Person hours 43
Number of emergency operations this month: 10
Person hours 70
Total number of ARES operations this month: 178
Total Person hours 2197

DECs/ECs reporting
Central/W4OY, Baldwin/K6DPL, Bibb/KS4GH, Butts/KG4LTL, Houston/WB4EEL, Morgan/K2MGL, Pulaski/N4TUA, Putnam/KF4EOH, Wilkinson/W4OY, Burke/N4UZQ, Columbia/KF4ITM, Washington/K4GK,
Georgia Emergency Management Agency/KM4Z, Georgia Public Broadcasting/WB4QDX, Clayton/WB4WQE, Cobb/WK4E, Fayette/AG4ZR,  Gwinnett/WB4QDX, Newton/WA4UJC, Paulding/K4DMF,
Rockdale/KF4ASC, National Weather Service - Columbia/N4LXB, Clarke/N4ZRA, Hall/W4DJG, Madison/KI4MHF, Oglethorpe/N2YYP, Towns/W4VFZ, Bartow/N4QET, Carroll/KB4TIW, Haralson/KD4YDA, Salvation Army/WA4UJC, Dodge/KG4WQZ Effingham/KD6RYQ, Toombs/KG4BKO, Southwest/W4AYK, Lee/KB4OMV, Thomas/KE4FGF, Worth/K1KBA, Muscogee/W4WY, Troup/K3IMC

Comments
Fayette/AG4ZR: Miscellaneous time - various work activities and meetings involving the take-down of repeater system, tower, re-install of repeater at hospital, PTC City Hall, and meeting with State personnel negotiating potential tower location.
Morgan/K2MGL: Attended Piedmont ARES Breakfast meeting (2 hours, Meeting at Morgan County Em. Preparedness.
Effingham/KD6RYQ: We started running SkyWarn nets every Tuesday at 9 p.m. beginning in June on the 146.970 repeater and had over 60 stations check in this month. The 146.745 Springfield repeater went down due to overheating issues and we are awaiting a replacement. I met with Val Ashcraft (Effingham EMA Director) and gained very positive feedback and resources from his office. The Effingham ARES will train and meet at SubStation #2 located at the intersection of Hwy 17 and Blue Jay Rd. The organization has also been authorized use of an old telephone microwave tower on the corner of Hwy 30 and Hwy 17 which will likely house a new digipeater in the near future. I've been populating the new database with member information as I receive it and it seems to be working out well. Some Chatham area ARES members have shown interest in training with our group during EmComm exercises and classes and we hope that participation increases as a result. A couple of Effingham ARES members participated in Field Day with the Amateur Radio Club of Savannah (ARCS) and gained valuable emergency operation training.
Clarke/N4ZRA: Clarke Co. ARES conducted a SkyWarn Drill on June 2. The drill revealed some necessary changes in the SkyWarn procedures and the report can be found at n4zra.com Training Nets included the hotwash for the SkyWarn Drill, a study of best practices for ARES, preparation for Field Day, and a Field Day hotwash. Clarke Co. ARES also assisted with the Great Day of Service 5K. Communications were provided by KE4JLL, KG4WGZ, KG3WHA, KF4AQO, WB9TBY, and N4ZRA. The Clarke Co. ARES members took part in three separate Field Day events due to restrictions on the number of operators allowed at the 2 EOC locations. Filed Day was conducted at the Georgia Public Health District 10 EOC (N4NFI, KG4WGZ), the East Georgia Chapter Red Cross EOC (KG4EYK, KI4PQU, N4ZRA), and at the AthensAirport (KJ4EX, AC4SH, KF4AQO, KE4SPQ, WA4UET, N4JJM, N4ALE, NO9E, AG4ES). Four University of Georgia Pharmacy students assisted with the Field Day operations at the Red Cross EOC.
Bibb/KS4GH: Miscellaneous activity was ARRL Field Day event. Total of 11 members working for a total of 123.75 hours.
Wilkinson/W4OY: Members in the county are encouraged to participate in the Baldwin County ARES nets and activities.
Gwinnett/WB4QDX: 3 - SKYWARN nets, 1- Special Drill, Field Day jointly with GARS.
Towns/W4VFZ: Activities was Sky Warn net drill.
Baldwin/K6DPL: Red Cross Location Finder still up at... http://routemap.esri.com/directions Still working on interface & logos.
Clayton/WB4WQE: Four Skywarn nets went into operation on 6/8, 6/11,6/13,and 6/19.
Paulding/K4DMF: Field Day 225 man hours, participated in Skywarn Test Net on 2 June.

Sign in music shop window: Gone Chopin. Bach in a minuet.

NET REPORT DE STM CHARLES PENNINGTON, K4GK

	QNI	QTC	SESS	QND	NM
GSSB: Georgia Single Side Band Association 3975 kHz  7 PM local, year round.	2100	43	30		N4DZ
GCN: Georgia Cracker Net 3995 kHz 7 AM Monday- Saturday;  8 AM Sundays	1329	10	30		N4VMC
GBH: Georgia Baptist Hams 3865 kHz 4 PM Sundays	NR
GA ARES: Georgia Amateur Radio Emergency Services 3975 kHz  5 PM winters; 6 PM summers - Sundays	516	2	4		K4GK
GTE: Georgia Traffic and Emergency Net 3983 kHz 7:15 PM DAILY	1042	12	30		W4AYK
GTN: Georgia Traffic Net (SSB) (Cycle 2) 3987.5 kHz 1 PM Monday - Saturday	275	35	26		WU4C
GTN: Georgia Traffic Handling Training Net (CW) 3549 kHz 9PM DAILY (slow speed)	132	1	27		N4VAD
GSN: Georgia Section CW Net (Cycle 4) 3549 kHz 7PM and 10PM DAILY (medium to high speed)	234	132	60		K4GK

NOTE: Congratulations to N4DZV as the new Net Manager for the GA Single Sideband Net.

PUBLIC SERVICE HONOR ROLL:

K4GK	110
WA4UJC	109
N4VAD	204
K4BEH	88
K8GA	90
WB4BIK	90

STATION ACTIVITY REPORTS:

Traffic handled (QTC):

K4GK	87
WA4UJC	41
N4VAD	8
WB4BIK	62
K8GA	81
K4BEH	13
K4BAI	24

"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

TURN YOUR VX-2R INTO A POWERHOUSE

by ED CRAVEY, KF4HPY

How many of you know and love your little Yaesu VX-2R for the vest pocket treasure it is? Do you enjoy the AM and FM bands while waiting for the bus or catching up on world events on the SW bands? Or are you of the opinion that this radio is a weak excuse for an HT. You are probably right; the radio transmit output is only 1.5W on 2m and 1W on 70cm. This is the Hi-power setting for the VX-2R with its 3.7V lithium-ion battery. This is barely enough for a 6-mile simplex contact over ideal ground. So what must be done to improve the radio? The first thought coming to mind is, add an amplifier, too expensive unless you already have one. Better rubber duck antennas? Good idea, but not quite enough. How about doubling the power? Put fire in the wire! Yes! Let's do it to it!

How are we going to do it without entering the innards of this miniature radio? Did you read the specs in the manual? Well, it says with 6V external power, the output on 2m is 3W and 2W on 70cm. Double the power, 3dB gain; interesting, but is it going to break the bank? Guess what, all the stuff is at RadioShack; yes, RadioShack here in town. I would like to start with a parts break down.
First we need a plug to insert into the radio. The manual doesn't tell, but it is 2.3mm O.D. x .7mm I.D. in size. This is the "A" adapter plug RS#273-1704. Next we need a power cord with the socket on the ends to accept the plug. I favor the 6-foot (1.82m) "Adaptaplug" power cord with female sockets each end RS#273-1740. Normally I cut these cords in half for a belt pack, which is OK for my smaller size. The other half can be saved for a future project. We have our plug and power cord, next is the actual battery pack itself. I favor the "D" cell 4-pack RS#270-389 as it is compact and can be assembled back to back with another RS#270-389 and wired in series for 12V use. To use the pack, clip the wires at the riveted contacts, and pass 6-32x1/2" machine screws with washers through the grommet-like rivets. These screws will be your terminals. Crimp the proper size ring terminals to the power cord. The power cord Positive lead is black/with with white trace. Negative is black. Secure the power cord with washers, lock washers or locknuts to the screws. Insert batteries (4) and we have completed the basic battery pack.

Some notes on this assembly: the pack terminals are exposed and if the plug sleeve touches the positive terminal screw; arcs and sparks are the result. Tape over the terminals as a precaution. A belt pouch would take care of the safety factor and have a nice appearance. If a smaller pack is desired use a similar pack for "C" cells instead. One operating precaution: The finals in this radio running 6V in a continuous duty cycle as in a net control ragchew would not last too long. The same could be said for most HT's. So keep the duty cycle reasonable, two minutes transmit, two minutes receive or rest, a 50% duty cycle. The steps we have taken to add a battery pack of "D' cells has doubled the output on 2m and 70cm to 3W and 2W on high power (H/L) and even the low power setting (H/L) has increased from .1W to .3W on both bands.
You can make up battery packs for any radio by combing cases to use common "D" or "C" cells of disposable or rechargeable batteries. Remember 8 Alkaline cells equal 12V, but 8 Ni-cad cells equal only 9.6V. I will list some "Adaptaplugs" for various radios including Yaesu FT 817, Alinco HT's, and even a printer.
FT-817: plug "B" RS#273-1705
Alinco HT's: "I" RS#273-1712
Canon BJC printer: "D" RS#273-1707
Short pigtail lead (4") RS#273-1743

This is a good way to allow any radio to become a base station. With an outdoor antenna, and a power supply or battery pack of the proper voltage. Great stuff for disaster relief people, as often recharging is not practical. I can just see my VX-2R, with a varnished wooden plaque, a Strong-tie FB24Z bracket, and my power pack bolted down to form a power pack/stand, in league with a speaker mike and discone antenna. An art form in small scale; a mini-powerhouse for those who love Benvenuto Cellini miniatures.

 

The roundest knight at King Arthur's round table was Sir Cumference. De COOPER MORRIS, WA4PZD

 

ANTENNAS AND YAGIS
by ED CRAVEY, KF4HPY

Once upon a time in faraway Japan in the 1920's at a university, Professor Hidetsugu Yagi and his cohort Uda, took a simple dipole driven element and added elements either in the front or rear along the length of a boom. Using voltmeters and ammeters at various points on the boom and elements, they found current changes occurring in the antenna when the added elements were moved along the boom or the length and placement was varied.
Each element added to a Yagi boom is not connected to the driven element, which is normally isolated. Such added elements are called parasitic elements and are mutually coupled to all the other parasitic elements and to the driven element. Yagi and Uda found that placing an element longer than the driven element behind the driving dipole at a certain spacing would reinforce the original radio wave during receive or transmit. What is taking place? The parasitic elements, depending on length and spacing on the boom reradiate the signal. These parasitic elements are called reflectors or directors when placed in front of, or behind the dipole. Let's look at a pair of two-element Yagis.
Take the parasitic element longer than the dipole and place it behind the dipole, calling it a Reflector. Key the transmitter and send a radio wave to the dipole which will radiate toward the distant radio station and toward the reflector; the reflector will reradiate back to the dipole and reinforce the outgoing radio wave toward the distant radio station. How much reinforcement in this out going radio wave? The max theoretical gain for a two-element Yagi antenna is 5 dBi (3 dBd real world gain).
Take the parasitic element shorter than the dipole and place it in front of the dipole, calling it a Director. Key the transmitter and the dipole radiates toward the director and weakly to the rear; the director reradiates the radio wave back to the dipole reinforcing the signal going out toward the director and distant radio station. The gain is the same as for the Yagi using the reflector as outlined in the Antenna Handbook. These gains are achieved at a spacing of .10 to .15 of a wavelength for the two-element beam using a reflector. The two-element beam using a director is spaced at .15 of a wavelength from the driven element.
Since the two-element beam has a gain of double the dipole, there has to be a loss because you can't get something for nothing. The response to the rear of the antenna is 10 dBi less than the forward response. This is called front to back ratio and is what makes the Yagi antenna directional. Gain in one direction and attenuation to unwanted signals in the other direction. Feedpoint resistance: on a dipole 72 Ohms, on a Yagi the resistance is reduced to around 20 Ohms.
The three-element Yagi has a reflector behind the driven dipole element and a director in front, all doing the same jobs as described earlier. The theoretical gain is now 7.28 dBi (5.13 dBd real world gain). The front to back ratio is now 24 dBi with three elements. The basic commercial Yagi beam is a three-element beam with a boom of .45 to a .3 wavelength in length, with the longer boom antenna having the greater gain. Adding directors to the three-element Yagi increases the gain by 1 dBi per director.
Some of you may disagree with the gain figures of the completed antennas. These figures are from the ARRL Antenna Book. If you read older antenna books published before the age of the personal computer, those books came up with slightly higher gain figures. Even within the ARRL Antenna Book there is disagreement.

Getting back to Professor Yagi and Mr. Uda; Yagi introduced the beam antenna now bearing his name to the world through his writings in English. The design was applied to shortwave broadcasting about 1928. By 1935 the amateur radio world was reading an article in QST by M.P. Mims, W5BDB, for a two-element 20m rotary Yagi beam. By 1938, Mims' Yagi rotary beam had set the trend for 10m beams. Moving forward in time, I have some aircraft books showing the WWII Messerschmitt 110 G-4 "NachtJager" (Night Hunter) with upward firing cannon, and Yagi arrays on the nose of the aircraft for the Lichtenstein Radar. The arrays were called "Hirschgeweih" (Stag's Antlers). I have read accounts of these "NachtJager" fighters over the Reich hunting the huge 4-engined RAF Lancaster bombers in pitch- blackness. Chilling! After the war when aluminum tubing became common, Yagi antennas appeared from 40m to UHF at ham stations. On the consumer market, TV antennas for far fringe use were, in the main Yagi antennas. Professor Yagi, in Japan was treated like a war criminal, no messing with radios etc. per an article in QST during the 50's. I remember the opening line of the article: "Doko Ni Yagi San?" (Where is Mr. Yagi?). Imagine, unknown in 1926, published and recognized in 1928 and a bad guy by 1946.
My own experience with Yagi antennas has been limited mainly to rotary 6m and 2m beams with booms of wood, and copper elements. As a budding Technician on 6m, my first dipole of wood, and threaded-rod elements, was a wondrous item showing bi-directional traits. Next it was building my own two element beam using treated wood 2x2's and copper plumbing pipe; magic stuff, talk of gain, wow! I used the dimensions provided by Ken Neubeck, WB2AMU, from his book: "Six Meters, A Guide to the Magic Band". The reflector was 120", the driven element was 112" cut into two pieces as was the reflector, because I favor staggered elements for portable use. The boom spacing was 48" between the elements. Performance was very good, and stayed on the antenna farm until the MFJ 6m three-element Yagi entered the market. Other two-element Yagi antennas I have assembled were for 2m, with a spacing of .2 of a wavelength for 50 Ohm matching to be used for emergency use. From my youth, Yagi arrays have indicated DX transmissions, and far fringe TV reception. How about you??

 

Two antennas got married. The wedding wasn't much, but they had a great reception.

 

TEACHERS INSTITUTE

CHARLES KIGHT, AI4UN, recently attended the Teachers Institute held in Spokane, Washington. At these seminars, teachers are provided with the tools to excite their students about the marvels of science and technology. Charles was kind enough to share with us the report that he made at the July Milledgeville ARC meeting:

During the last week of June, I was privileged to attend one of 4 Teachers Institute sessions presented by the ARRL this summer. Due to the hands-on nature of the Teachers Institutes, each session was limited to 12 participants. At my session, I was one of only two students from the Southeast. Applications were accepted on a first come basis, and you didn't have to be a ham to be accepted. The participants at my session taught a variety of grade levels from Kindergarten though community college and about half were hams--there was something for everyone. All of our expenses were reimbursed, and we were each given several hundred dollars worth of books and electronic materials that we can use in the classroom.

The Education & Technology Program is the only ARRL program funded entirely by contributions! The Teachers Institutes are part of this program. The goal of the Teachers Institute program is to teach teachers about wireless technology and inspire them to incorporate it into their lessons. According to Mary Hobart, ARRL's Chief Development Officer, "This program is among - if not THE - most effective ARRL has been able to mount in recent years."

The Teachers Institutes are taught by Mark Spencer, the Education & Technology Program Coordinator for the ARRL. Mark is an inspiring, engaging, and entertaining teacher, and I have to say that this was the best experience that I have ever had as a student. A variety of basic topics were covered during the 4 days of our training including: wireless technology, electronics, and radio science; satellite communication; ham radio operation; micro controllers; and robotics. I had a great time, learned a lot, and enthusiastically recommend this program to any teacher who wants to incorporate technology into the classroom. I am planning to give a more in-depth presentation at the meeting on November 17, so if you know of anyone interested, particularly if they are teachers or students, please encourage them to attend.

Now I'd like to show you a couple of things that we did in class.

Electromagnetism Demo
Simple Robot Demo using BASIC Stamp Micro-controller
(NOTE: Can't "show" you the demos he did, but they were cool!)

 

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

 

SOME LEGAL ADVICE

 

COOPER MORRIS, WA4PZD, one of our Volunteer Counselors, has shared the following information for your consideration:

A County in North Georgia has made threats to an amateur radio operator in hopes of shutting down his station to resolve complaints from a neighboring sub-division's homeowners. Mind that the homeowners (3 to be exact) have presented no evidence, just made the allegations. At no time did the homeowners allege interference. Only the antennas look bad and could cause health problems to their young children.

The County in question has a good tower ordinance respecting amateur radio towers and the sub-division the amateur radio operator lives in has no CC-R's to consider. So some enterprising individual came up with this avenue of attack.

The complaining homeowners have used the same argument used against Georgia Power High Voltage Transmission lines and cell telephone towers. Electric and Magnetic fields and the attendant RF field strength.

We presented evidence that the amateur radio question station in question completely complies with FCC Bulletin OET-65 (B). Which, by the way, the County personnel did not know existed. Nor did they understand it when presented to them. The ball was put in play in their territory to dis-prove the submitted evidence. So far no further contact with the County personnel respecting the complaint against the amateur radio operator.

I strongly suggest that you go to: http://www.qsl.net/w0jec/index.html (or whatever program you have to do the calculations) and run the necessary calculations for your station and PRINT them off. Keep them around until need to you change antennas, feed lines, or add and amplifier.

I suggest that calculations for three different frequencies in each band you operate on be run.

Any questions or comments let me know. (wa4pzd@arrl.net)

 

Police were called to a daycare center, where a three year old was resisting a rest.
De COOPER MORRIS, WA4PZD

 

THIS 'N' THAT

 

*** The Hall county VE team will be holding their August 5th session in a different location. For this month only, the session will be held at the Flowery Branch Masonic Lodge, located at the intersection of Spring Street and Gainesville Street in Flowery Branch, GA beginning at 2:00PM. (de ALFRED WESTBROOK, KT4VP)

*** IMCC wants YOU!! All of you avid CW operators, take note! (and you phone operators, too) IMCC, International Morse Code Contests, Inc, is setting up a special event station at the Grove Park Inn, in Asheville, NC, on August 18 and 19, and operators are urgently needed to help with this... maybe you? This special event station will be celebrating the Morse Code world record that was set in Asheville back in 1939, and they're also setting the stage for a live Morse Code speed contest, which will be held in Asheville in August of next year. Ten-Tec is providing a couple of Omni-VI rigs for use for this special event station, and CW and phone operators are being urged to volunteer. The call sign used will be W1MCW. To volunteer your services to help them work the pile-ups, send an email to 2007se@w1mcw.org or check www.w1mcw.org for more info on this event, as well as next year's high speed competition. Their goal is to break the record next year. Think you got what it takes?

*** Last month, I asked for input on the history of the Atlanta ARC Hamfest. I didn't get any response on that front, but ROBIN CUTSHAW, AA4RC, sent along a terrific URL with some interesting radio history, including some on the Atlanta club. Once upon a time, the Radio Service Bulletin was issued monthly by the Bureau of Navigation, Department of Commerce, and included on this website is a letter that was included in the April, 1916 issue. It was written by FRANCIS F. MERRIAM, who was the president of the Atlanta Arc at that time. Very interesting reading, and a terrific website for all of you history buffs. http://earlyradiohistory.us/1916ama.htm 

*** Here's another great website, sent to us by MARSHALL THIGPEN, W4IS. It is chock full of information about mike connections. http://homepage.ntlworld.com/rg4wpw/date.html

*** To eliminate the D-Star noise that's been causing such a problem on the Pine Mountain 145.190- repeater, the repeater now has a PL tone of 123.

*** And your neighbors think YOU have a big antenna! Many of you remember hearing the signals that used to come out of Russia that hams "lovingly" called the "woodpecker". During the 60s and 70s, this over the horizon radar, which was aimed over the north pole to watch for any US missile launches, made quite a racket on the ham bands. Now, here's your chance to take a look at the antenna that was used, which was fed by several 75 KW transmitters:
http://foto.cqham.ru/showphoto.php?photo=3571

 

Does the name Pavlov ring a bell?

 

UPCOMING EVENTS

 

AUGUST 3-6 --- Getting itchy for football season to start? How about a contact with the Football Hall of Fame to tide you over? 1300Z-2359Z each day. Canton ARC Special Event Station W8AL. CERTIFICATE.

AUGUST 4-5 --- National Lighthouses/Ships on the Air. All Modes. 0001Z Aug 4-2359Z Aug 5 There seems to be more and more lighthouses on the air every year. How many can YOU work?? arlhs.com

AUGUST 4-5 --- North American QSO Party (CW) 1800Z Aug 4- 0600Z Aug 5. 80M-10M. See www.ncjweb.com for more info

AUGUST 4-5 --- Ten-Ten International Phone QSO Party 0001Z Aug 4- 2359Z Aug 5. www.ten-ten.org

AUGUST 11--- ELLIJAY Hamfest --- Ellijay Lions Club, 1729 S. Main St (old Hwy 5 South) SETUP Friday evening from 5-9 PM and at 6 AM Saturday. General admission at 7 AM. FREE! Tailgating and covered pavilion sites available. Hope to see you there! Come see us at the ARRL table to sign up as a new member or to renew your membership, and we'll give you a FREE repeater directory. I'll also have some of the cool-looking GA Piglet tee shirts on hand for you to purchase. (It'll save you the cost of shipping & handling!)

AUGUST 11-14--- Special Event Station N7C, honoring the Native American Codetalkers of WWII. 1400Z- 2359z each day. CERTIFICATE.

AUGUST 18-19 --- International Lighthouses/Ships on the Air. Another opportunity to work even MORE lighthouses. Illw.net/index.html

AUGUST 18-19 --- HUNTSVILLE, AL Hamfest. Von Braun Center, 700 Monroe St. ARRL National Convention!!! LOTS of activities and forums, as well as an ARRL Expo. There will even be a Woulff Hong ceremony. www.Hamfest.org

AUGUST 18-19 --- North American QSO Party (SSB) 1800Z Aug 18- 0600Z Aug 19. 80-10M. www.ncjweb.com 

AUGUST 23 --- HAPPY BIRTHDAY to our own Director of Vice, SANDY DONAHUE, W4RU (and many more!!)

And just so you can mark these fun events on your calendar a little early:

SEPTEMBER 1-2 --- SHELBY Hamfest. This one is DEFINITELY worth the trip!

SEPTEMBER 8 --- PRATER'S MILL Hamfest. A tailgater's delight. FREE

SEPTEMBER 15 --- PAULDING ARC Hamfest. Dallas, GA.

 

Don't forget! Reading while sun-bathing can make you very well-red.

 

SILENT KEYS

 

LAYTON "VIC" CARSON W4OCH
HERSCHEL HUTCHINGS KD4FXK
DEAN MAPLES K4EQQ
LEE MATTHEWS N8LM
MAURICE "MAC" MCALLISTER KE4MGB
JAMES MURRAY W4LWT
WEEMS PENNINGTON W4WHS
TOM TIDWELL W4SIK

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.

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.