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WB4GGS |
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W9NXC |
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"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
PROPOSED REGULATIONS CHANGE
No matter how
progressive we may consider ourselves to be, many of us adamantly and stubbornly
resist any change that threatens our comfortable status quo. It's only natural.
We get into that comfort zone and are perfectly happy to stay there, thank you
very much. No doubt, there are probably hams out there who are still miffed at
the shift to single sideband operations, or who have never operated on those
"new-fangled" WARC bands. But that's OK, because there's room in this hobby for
both the traditional AM operators, as well as the moon bouncers. That's one of
the beauties of amateur radio.
But it's also part of this hobby's tradition to experiment and advance
technology. When the current band plan was formulated, based on emission type,
today's digital modes weren't even on the drawing board yet. It is largely
because of the ever growing digital technology and a desire to encourage and
nurture experimentation in those and other new modes that the ARRL has prepared
a proposal to regulate our band plan based on bandwidth, rather than mode of
emission.
Some of you probably remember, perhaps with some bitterness, that the FCC
flirted with making a change of this sort back in the seventies. That effort was
doomed, largely because it would've outlawed AM operations on the HF bands. That
was unacceptable then, and it's unacceptable now. The new plan, which will be
proposed by the ARRL, won't make this mistake. After working on the details for
the past two years, a plan has been devised, with the goal of making as little
change as possible, as far as our traditional modes, and yet allowing ample
bandwidth provisions for digital modes.
And here's the biggie. I've heard a number of you complain about various changes
that were "sprung on you" over the years. The ARRL is giving us the opportunity
to read the synopsis and explanations of their proposed petition for change NOW,
before filing it with the FCC. If you have any questions, or see any potential
problem areas with the proposal, you have time to speak up. Now... I repeat,
NOW, BEFORE the ARRL files with the FCC. (If there's any "springing on you" this
time, it's only because you haven't been paying attention!) You can read all
about it at
http://www.arrl.org/announce/bandwidth.html
I attempted to be a deli worker, but any way I sliced it, I couldn't cut the mustard.
NATIONAL PREPAREDNESS MONTH
From the ARRL
newsletter:
The Department of Homeland Security (DHS), along with many other agencies and
organizations including ARRL, are launching "National Preparedness Month"
beginning on September 9, 2004. In addition, September 18 is ARRL's Amateur
Radio Awareness Day.
The two events offer great opportunities for Amateur Radio to showcase its
valued service to the nation. ARRL Affiliated Clubs and the Field Organization
should take advantage of this national event and set up demonstrations in public
arenas, such as schools, malls and fairs, to present and explain to the public,
under the banner of National Preparedness Month, just what the Amateur Radio
service provides to their community. This is also an excellent opportunity to
recruit prospective hams for licensing classes that you may be forming for the
fall season.
"National Preparedness Month brings together an amazing coalition of partners to
make citizen preparedness a priority for every city, every neighborhood and
every home across America," said Homeland Security Secretary Tom Ridge.
"Homeland security is a shared responsibility and I am pleased that so many
organizations and so many national leaders are working together to help get this
information out into communities across the nation."
As a reminder, the League has printed material available for Affiliated Clubs
and others to use for these types of exhibits. Brochures can be downloaded free
from the web at:
http://www.arrl.org/htdig/?method=and&words=brochure or Exhibit Kits
can be ordered through Linda Mullally, KB1HSV.
lmullally@arrl.org
There is a small shipping fee for the printed material.
While
displays should be informative, they should also be neat and simple. Here is an
example of the display that the New York City ARES group did at Ellis Island on
Flag Day this past June:
http://www.arrl.org/news/stories/2004/06/22/3/
Ham groups can invite public officials, served agencies and first responders to stop by the exhibit to talk about plans for the Simulated Emergency Test or other drills. Need a sample of a news release to spread the word? Go to http://www.arrl.org/pio/handbook/sample-news-release.html and customize the release to match your club's plans.
ARRL members and schools may use National Preparedness Month to set up their own emergency communications plans.
We really hope that ham groups will take advantage of this opportunity and get out into the community. If you have any questions about National Preparedness Month or about demonstrations in general please contact ARRL at clubs@arrl.org
My best job was being a musician, but eventually, I found I wasn't noteworthy.
A GREAT MEDIA HIT
JOHNNY WINGERS, who is not only the EMA director for Macon-Bibb, but is also a ham radio operator, WX4R, and a staunch believer in the value of amateur radio for emergency communications, sent me the July issue of "Homeland Protection Professional". What merited his excitement was an article entitled "Ham Operator Assistance", written by RANDALL LARSON, a dispatch supervisor and field communications manager for the San Jose, California Fire Department, with nearly 20 years of experience in emergency communications. In addition, he's also the editor of "9-1-1" Magazine, which deals with public safety communications management, so his words in support of amateur radio, i.e. RACES and ARES, carry some heavy credence with his readership of emergency management professionals all over the country. In a very well-written article, Mr. Larson explains the roles of hams in an effective emergency response plan, responds to possible concerns that professionals may have about teaming up with "amateurs", and presents numerous examples of training participation and effective emergency responses that have been made by RACES and ARES teams. As Johnny wrote, "This recognition is well overdue." It's heartening to see such recognition in a magazine targeted for an audience we want most to serve.
I studied a long time to be a doctor, but I didn't have any patience.
SECTION NOTABLES
CONGRATULATIONS to PHIL HEATON, N4BBQ, who was recently named by SERA as an assistant director and frequency coordinator for Georgia. He has already created a new online coordination form, accessible at http://www.sera.org/ga.html, where Georgia repeater owners can complete SERA Form 03 online.
Out-a this world! BOB VARONE, W4ETN, has had a lot of thrills in his years as an amateur radio operator. Lacking only Scarborough Reef to have worked 'em all, DX has been one of his special interests over the years. But it was DX of a different ilk that lit his fire recently, when he made a rare phone contact with the International Space Station. He already has the QSL card to show for it, and I'm sure that it'll have a prominent place of honor in his massive collection.
JIM FOUTS, AA4JF, who teaches at Northside High School in Warner Robins, was one of nine lucky teachers chosen to participate in the recent Big Project Teachers' Institute held at ARRL HQ recently. This was a seminar aimed at acquainting teachers with effective approaches to teach wireless technology and electronics and to guide them in methods to reinforce the school curriculum through amateur radio. While in Connecticut, Jim was also treated to a tour of HQ and had the pleasure of operating W1AW/90. About the seminar, he said, "It was a fantastic workshop which led to some very successful discussions on how to improve wireless communications and robotics instruction through the use of Amateur Radio." Northside was named as one of the Big Project schools in January, 2004, thanks to Jim's efforts.
It seems that those "Dead Electrical Dudes" columns that PHIL NEIDLINGER, KA4KOE, has been writing for eham will be getting an even greater fan base in the near future, as they will become a feature of "This Week in Amateur Radio", starting this fall.
BURCH CAMERON, W4WY, did a one-man demonstration of the capabilities of WinLink, by sending an email to the mayor of Columbus from his Land Rover. He explained what he was doing by writing to Mayor POYDASHEFF about the message, "Using my laptop computer connected to my short-wave amateur radio in my vehicle, it was sent hundreds of miles by short-wave radio to another amateur station which automatically forwarded it to you via regular e-mail channels." He farther explained that both sender and receiver can use amateur radio during a communications emergency without either one of them being directly connected to the Internet. My guess is that Hizzoner was duly impressed. Congratulations to Burch for the successful demo.
CONGRATULATIONS to MARTIN HOLZMAN, WB4MOG, who was re-appointed to another tour of duty as a DXCC card checker for the Georgia Section. Originally appointed to that role by our favorite director of vice, SANDY DONAHUE, W4RU, it was my pleasure to extend his appointment until September, 2006.
What do DENNIS MORRIS, K4ZJ, VAN RICHARDSON, N5VI, BILL MERRITT, K4WPM, KEITH ROBINSON, W4KTR, BOB WILSON, W4BD, and EDDIE WILSON, K4UN, have in common? These Southside Atlanta hams are the Pine Mountain DX Rangers, an adventurous contesting club that travels to beautiful Costa Rica twice a year to operate in the ARRL DX Phone and the CQ WW Phone contests. Check 'em out on the section news link on our http://www.arrl-ga.org website. And listen out for them in the October CQ WW contest, when they'll once again be operating TI8M from the lush tropical beauty of Costa Rica.
JOE OWEN, KO4RR, and TOM HARRELL, N4XP, will be heading to Kure Atoll in October for their next DX-pedition. May the propagation be with them.
TOM GLAZE, K4SUS, has a pretty cool claim to fame that not too many of us have achieved. He has 104 confirmed countries on 6M, earning DXCC on the magic band. One of those countries is China, a coup which only a rare few have attained.
If the messenger with bad news was summarily shot in the "good" old days, then surely we can consider this messenger with good news to be a "section notable". DICK BENTLEY, K4UFT, saw something on TV that definitely qualifies as being in the "good news" category, and he shares it with us. He wrote, "On WPBA 30 Sunday night, the Georgia Business Report included a segment featuring an Executive with Georgia Power (Can't recall his name) - he is in charge of keeping GA Power infrastructure up to date to handle the growing number of customers. When asked if there were any new technologies on his radar screen, he talked about BPL - the interviewer thought that the BPL idea was real neat - the executive replied that there were very serious issues with interference, especially to ham radio operators, that needed to be resolved before GA Power would put any such system on line. Refreshing to hear an insider who's just not beating the drum for a new revenue source." YEAH!!
Next was a job in the shoe factory. I tried, but I didn't have the soul for it.
PIGLET (AKA YOUNG HAMS)
CONGRATULATIONS to KIMBERLY MCGRAW, KI4GJA, daughter of BOBBY, KG4RBL, for recently earning her technician license. Her family and Alford Memorial ARC friends are very proud of her. And she's already been heard checking into local 2M nets.
CONGRATULATIONS also go to BRIAN STOKES, KI4GML, who could hardly contain his excitement at passing his technician test. (No more "third party" communications necessary for this young man!)
Another young lady who recently passed her test, along with her father, had a quiet determination and confidence about her, as she waited to take elements one and two, both of which she passed with flying colors. Her name is ALISA HEPPE, KI4GMN, and she was on a mighty mission of love. In the months leading up to becoming an SK, her grandfather patiently taught her the code and about amateur radio, and she wanted to get her license as much for him as for herself. She has applied for her grandfather's callsign now, insuring that his amateur radio legacy will live on through her. No doubt, she's made her grandpop very proud.
We can't issue these congratulations to our new piglets without making mention of Eagle Scout RAY BACK, KI4GRJ, a member of Venture Crew 73, and the Gwinnett ARS Field Day hospitality chairman for the past few years. A regular attendee of GARS club meetings with his dad STEVE, WB2OGY, we're all really proud of him for the hard work he put into getting that callsign. We knew you could do it!!!
YOUTH NET: Don't forget; the .275 Youth Group meets every Saturday at 9PM EDT on 7.275 For the young and the young at heart. See their webpages at http://www.n5eil.741.com and www.275youthgroup.4t.com
JOTA, Jamboree on the Air is coming up on October 16-17, so you have time to make plans to work with local Scouts. If you have questions, or need some ideas on how to make it a successful venture, check http://www.arrl.org/FandES/ead/#scout
Interested in organizing a Radio Merit Badge seminar to help Scouts earn their badge? The Valencia County Amateur Radio Association has put together some helpful information to help you do just that. See http://www.qsl.net/kc5our
I became a professional fisherman, but found I couldn't live on my net income.
TECH TIPS
Interested in trying some remote base controlling of your ham gear with your cordless phone? (Strange, but true...) Read all about it at http://hamelectronics.com/k1deu/pages/ham/general/pages/cordless_ham.htm
Like to do DFing, but don't feel like leaving the cool comfort of your
home? Well, how about a DF Simulator?? This is from
WALLY MARSH, KE4KQB, who
says, "This is kinda fun if you like that kind of thing. Lots less gas to do it
this way too, and if you mess up it tells you by how far."
http://hem.passagen.se/rpo/media/pejla144mhz.swf
For those amateur radio demos your club has planned, maybe for the September 18th Amateur Radio Awareness Day, here are three downloadable videos that can be used to enhance your efforts: http://www.icomamerica.com/amateur/video/
STEPHEN MELACHRINOS, W3HF, has an extensive collection of old callbooks, and graciously helps other hams who are in search of old callbook information: http://www.geocities.com/w3hf/callbooks.html
Need information on your correct grid square for the upcoming VHF QSO party? Check out http://hamcall.net/call
Hey, look! The ARRL has a new webpage, devoted to "Angel's Modulation"... www.arrl.org/tis/info/am.html
Do you have questions regarding DXCC program issues?
Visit the DXCC web site. A new feature has been added called DXCC FAQ's. This
link should answer most of your questions on DXCC program issues. Here you will
find the program rules, the current and deleted DXCC lists and all of the forms
needed to participate. Also, the ARRL DX Bulletins can be found here. If, after
reading the information here, you still have questions regarding the DXCC
Program, contact the DXCC Desk.
This helpful information comes from TERRY JONES, W4TL. He wrote: "If you need a copy of your amateur license it is now available on-line and you can print a copy right from your PC. Go to the following call sign server http://www.wm7d.net/ Then type in your callsign press GO. When the page appears click on "MORE DETAIL" Look for the link to FCC LICENSE REFERENCE COPY click on this link and a copy of your FCC license appears. You can then print a copy of your license."
WAYNE BRANT, KO4QJ, found a great webpage, and said, "If you are into signal analyzing, and need a good spectrum analyzer, scope and a real time voice spectrum audio meter... then this webpage is for you." (And it's FREE!) http://www.web-ee.com/Downloads/Sound%20Cards/sound_card.htm
I managed to get a good job for a pool maintenance company, but the work was just too draining.
HOW TO DEAL WITH INTERFERENCE CAUSED BY CB
INTERFERENCE?!? Caused by CB???
JAY BUTLER, KF4ZLC, had a question about the best way to handle a serious
problem that a friend was having with interference that was caused by an
overzealous CB operator in the area. Jay had already made recordings which
clearly demonstrated the interference problem, but wasn't sure what to do next.
Although interference caused by CB falls outside of responsibilities for our OOs,
I was quite sure that my OOC hubby,
MIKE SWIDERSKI, K4HBI, would be able to
advise Jay. And he didn't let me (or Jay) down. Thought that some of the rest of
you might find this information to be helpful, in case you encounter a similar
problem.
Mike wrote:
"The recording of the interference along with the visual inspection information
following the following info should get you started. Also try to get signal
strength readings using an HF receiver with S-meter from various distances,
nearby and several distances out - maybe 1/2 mile, 1 mile and 5 mile in several
directions so the FCC can get an idea of power levels (a true signal strength
using an RF frequency selective voltmeter would be better if you have access to
one). Hope this gets you started."
Info Follows:
http://www.fcc.gov/cib/ncc/CB_Violations.html
CB Violations
Rules 47 CFR 95-PERSONAL RADIO SERVICE Subpart D-Citizens Band (CB) Radio
Service Reporting Violations of Citizen Band (CB) FCC rules.
Violations in the Citizens Band Radio Service must be reported IN WRITING, to
the FCC District Office. Reports must include specific facts to support the
alleged violation. Reported violations may be investigated, only as time,
manpower and priorities permit. Receiving CB signals over Home Electronic
Equipment (HEE) such as, telephones, (hardwire or cordless), TV's stereos,
public address systems, AM/FM radios, baby monitors etc., is not an indication
of illegal activity or violations of FCC rules. Refer to subjects on this site
titled "Television Interference" or "Telephone Interference" for information on
these and other types of HEE.
The FCC will only investigate CB violations where there is convincing evidence
that results from a violation of the rules has occurred and then only on a low
priority basis.
FCC Field Office Mailing Addresses
Complaints of CB violations may be filed by writing to the Field Offices nearest
your location.
ATLANTA OFFICE (AT)
Federal Communications Commission
3575 Koger Blvd., Ste. 320
Duluth, GA 30096-4958
There are no channels authorized in the CB Radio Service above 27.405 MHz or
below 26.965 MHz.
Also additional info from:
***************
The ARRL Letter
Vol. 19, No. 46
December 1, 2000
***************
PRESIDENT SIGNS CB ENFORCEMENT BILL
President Bill Clinton has signed legislation that permits the enforcement
of certain FCC Citizens Band regulations by state and local governments.
Amateur Radio operators are exempt from the provisions of the law, now PL
106-521.
Congressional lawmakers saw the measure as a way to give a voice to those experiencing radio frequency interference resulting from illegal CB radio operation. The FCC will not yield its authority to regulate Citizens Band or other radio services, however.
In short, the measure authorizes states and localities to enact laws that prohibit the use of unauthorized CB equipment--consistent with FCC regulations. This would include the use of high-power linear amplifiers or equipment that was not FCC-certificated.
FCC-licensed stations in any radio service--including the Amateur Service--are excluded from such state or local enforcement, and state or local laws enacted under this legislation must identify this exemption.
The bill--HR.2346 is the House version; it was S.2767 in the Senate--actually is the old Senate "Feingold bill" from several sessions ago. The bill's sponsor, Rep Vernon Ehlers of Michigan says local hams asked him to support the bill because of the bad rap they were getting from illegal CBers using high-power linear amplifiers that resulted in TV and telephone interference while the CBers involved hid behind federal preemption.
As did Feingold before him, Ehlers asked the ARRL to review his measure to ensure that it would not unintentionally harm Amateur Radio.
A copy of the new legislation is available on the ARRL Web site at http://www.arrl.org/news/stories/2000/11/29/3/cbbill.html.
That's some great information, isn't it? (See, Mike isn't our OOC just because of his pretty face...)
So then I got a job in a workout center, but they said I wasn't fit for the job.
UPCOMING EVENTS
SEPTEMBER 2 -12 --- Special operating event celebrating the 135th anniversary of
Hiram Percy Maxim's birth. Do YOU qualify to sign /135??? See p 40 of the
September QST for details.
SEPTEMBER 4-5 --- SHELBY, NC Hamfest!!!
SEPTEMBER 9 --- National Preparedness Month begins
SEPTEMBER 11 --- the Pentagon ARC will be holding a special event station,
K4AF,
commemorating the 2001 attacks on the pentagon, WTC, and PA. Pentagon employees
and members of the military will be operating on 20, 40, And 80 M.
http://www.k4af.org
SEPTEMBER 11 --- Prater's Mill Hamfest, off highway 2 in Dalton. A terrific
tailgating event in a beautiful location. FREE, but come EARLY
SEPTEMBER 11-13 --- ARRL VHF QSO party. From 1800Z September 11 until 0300Z
September 13. See p 107 of the August QST for details.
SEPTEMBER 17-20 --- Special Event Station for National MIA/POW Awareness Day,
KB8UUZ. From 2100Z September 17 until 0200Z September 20. 7.245, 14.235, 21.375,
28.375 MHz. Certificate.
SEPTEMBER 18-19 --- QCWA QSO party. From 1800Z September 18 until 1800Z September
19. See p 97 of the September QST for details.
SEPTEMBER 18 --- Paulding ARC's 14th annual Hamfest, 8AM- 2PM, at Paulding
Meadows Park, in Dallas. Located 2 miles north of the Paulding County Courthouse
on Highway 61. FREE admission and tailgating. Indoor tables $5. VE testing
offsite at Paulding County Library 9-noon. For more info, contact
DANNY ALLEN,
AG4PR at harleyec@bellsouth.net Talk-in on 146.895(+) PL 77
SEPTEMBER 18 --- Amateur Radio Awareness Day
SEPTEMBER 24-27 --- Fall Classic Exchange, where it pays to put as many of your
old classic rigs on the air as possible, and the older, the better.
OCTOBER 8-17--- Ellijay ARS special event
W4A, in conjunction with the Georgia
Apple Festival. 2200Z Oct 8 until 0200Z October 17. Certificate
OCTOBER 2 --- Georgia Cracker Picnic, Ellijay. Bring a covered dish (yessss, with
food included!) to share.
OCTOBER 2-3 --- TenTec Hamfest (TN)
OCTOBER 2 --- SET (Simulated Emergency Test)
OCTOBER 9 --- ARC of Augusta Hamfest. 9AM-3PM at Evans Middle School, 4318
Washington Road. Talk-in 145.490(-)
OCTOBER 15-17 --- Special Olympics, held in the Gainesville area. If you can
help, please contact
PHIL LOGGINS, K4PDL, at
k4pdl@charter.net
OCTOBER 16 --- NW GA ARC's Al Brock Memorial Hamfest, in Rome. Located at the
Rome Civic Center, Civic Center Hill. $5 admission, tables $10. Talk-in on
146.940(-) PL 88.5
OCTOBER 16-17 --- JOTA, Jamboree on the Air. From 0001 local time October 16
until 2359 local time on the 17th. For ideas and info on how YOUR group can make
this a memorable event for a Scout group near you, please see
http://www.arrl.org/FandES/ead/#scout
NOVEMBER 6-7 --- Stone Mountain Hamfest, at the Gwinnett county fairgrounds, on
Sugarloaf Parkway in Lawrenceville. This one just keeps getting better and
better every year, so better mark your calendar NOW so you don't miss it!
After many years of trying to find steady work, I finally got a job as a historian, but there was no future in it.
SILENT KEYS
FRANK DEAK,
AF4Y
JERRY HAYWARD,
KE4LV
GORDON LEE HIGHT,
K4FTZ
CARA DELLE KENNEDY,
KE4SIM
LOU SPADA,
W1WRX
Sincere condolences to the families and friends of each of these fine men.
Well, folks, that's about it for now. Other than to say,
My last job was working at Starbucks, but I had to quit, because it was the same old grind. (So I retired, and found I am PERFECT for the job!)
Until next time, this is AF4FO, signing clear. Take care of yourselves. And each other.
73,
Susan af4fo@arrl.org (Send me your
news and tech tips!!)
ARRL Georgia Section Manager
No trees
were killed in the sending of this message. However,
a large number of electrons were terribly inconvenienced.
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