Greetings, everybody. Hope the world has been treating you all well. Have you had a chance to check out the GA Section webpage recently? Webmaster MIKE BOATRIGHT, KO4WX, has made some absolutely terrific improvements over the past couple of weeks. One new change is that there is now information on there about the Technical Specialist position, explaining what it is, what they do.... and who and where they are. This is terrific information if you're battling RFI problems and need help, or if your club is looking for someone to speak at an upcoming meeting. All of the latest information about the various VE sessions around the state is now on the website, too, and you can access that information through the "education" link. If YOUR regularly scheduled sessions aren't listed, please contact Mike or me, so he can add you to the list. He also adds frequent updates on news items as they occur, and is just doing an outstanding job, altogether. http://www.qsl.net/arrl-ga (On top of all the work he's doing as our SEC!) Now, that being said, let me put out a plea on his behalf. I'm "killing" him. That's what he said. How? With these lengthy email newsletters that I persist in putting out every month. He has been doing a terrific, bang-up job re-formatting them, making them look really "purty", and posting them on the webpage. He said it isn't that difficult, but it's time-consuming, and being the conscientious fella that he is, it weighs very heavily on his mind until he gets it done. Sooooo, is there a dear soul out there who has the time and the know-how who'd be willing to handle the posting of our monthly "War and Peace"? Surprisingly, a number of folks from other sections have actually been reading it every month, as well as many GA folks who aren't yet ARRL members, so it's serving a real purpose having them posted. How about it? If you can help, please contact Mike or me. Thanks a lot. Wait!! Stop the presses! EUREKA!!! We already have a volunteer! (Now I'd call THAT a fast response!) Actually, Mike talked to BOB SMITH, K4PHE, and I just heard from Bob that he's the dear soul who's willing to take over the task. Thank you so much, Bob. I really appreciate it. (And so does Mike!!)

In last month's newsletter was the JACK ROBERTSON, WJ4SR (ex-KG4SUJ) gem, "If you refer to conversation from your XYL as QRM, you might be a ham." Upon which CLIFF SEGAR, KD4GT commented, "If you refer to conversation from your XYL as QRM, you might have a knot on your head from a frying pan!" Not to be outdone, Cliff's sister-in-law ALICE, AB9FV (the "extra classy gal" from last month's newsletter) suggested, "You might be a ham if conversation from the OM is QRM!" Atta girl! After all, what's good for the gander is good for the goose.... and versa vice....

SEPTEMBER HIGHLIGHTS

PRATER'S MILL TAILGATING/SWAPFEST--- September 7--- Having already become enamored of this beautiful setting back when we stopped here for a short visit during Field Day, we were definitely looking forward to going back again for the swapfest. And we weren't disappointed. There was a good turn-out of people from Georgia, Alabama, and Tennessee, including a sizeable number of members from the Southeastern AM Society, who gathered for a group photo. (wide-angle lens!) We saw lots of familiar faces, and met a bunch of new folks, as well. The Ultimate Ham was there, too. Her name is Pinky, and she's a pet pot-bellied pig, owned by DREW MCCARSKY, KB2SEO. (I kid you not!) When she wasn't taking a waddle on her leash, she was contented just to lie in the shade of the truck, watching the world go by. The only time she "squealed like a pig" was when some insensitive soul made a comment to her about what he'd had for breakfast....

PAULDING COUNTY ARC HAMFEST (DALLAS)---September 14--- With this long drought we've been enduring here in Georgia, no one dared complain about the rain that finally decided to fall on the day before and the day of the Hamfest. Luckily, foresighted club members had decided, for the first time, to use a large enclosed pavilion this year, in addition to the usual tailgating area. How fortunate! The indoor tables were pretty well filled up with goodies for sale, and my better half, MIKE SWIDERSKI, K4HBI, even carried a handful of choice pieces that he offered up for sale. He found new homes for a few things, but interestingly enough, I suspect there was, overall, a net GAIN of items in the car for the ride home..... par for the course, I suppose. It was good to see club VP and Paulding/Douglas county EC SEAN SPARKS, KG4BRN, again, and to actually meet face-to-face and shake hands with JORGE MESTRE, K4KB, for the first time. And it was especially good to have the opportunity to spend time sitting and chatting with that dear lady EDNA ANTHONY, KF4TZZ, and her son DAVID, KB4ERK, the state director for Army MARS. (But Miss Edna's the one who keeps everyone in line!) No sign of Pinky this time.....

"Don't worry about the world coming to an end today.... Remember, it's already tomorrow in Australia."
Charles Schultz

CLUB NEWS

ALBANY ARC--- Wow! What a neat club meeting that must have been! Club secretary STAN HALSTEAD, W4GOD, who is a trained meteorologist and a CMDR in the Navy Reserves, was actually invited to fly with the 403rd Weather Recon Wing (Hurricane Hunters!) into the eye of Hurricane Isadora in the Gulf of Mexico. He shared stories and breath-taking pictures from this exciting adventure at the club meeting. (Well, of COURSE he accepted! Wouldn't YOU???)

ATLANTA ARC--- Did you know that this club has been affiliated with the ARRL since 1921? That represents a long history of serving as an amateur radio leader in the metro Atlanta area. Talking about leaders, congratulations to recently elected club officers: President- DENNIS BAGGETT, KF4MHW; VP-WAYNE ROBERTSON, K4WK; Secretary- DAVID TOMASCHIK, KF4MDV; and Treasurer- CHARLES GOLSEN, N4TZM. Best wishes in leading the club in the year ahead. The "Garrison Keillor" of amateur radio, RON LANGSTON, WE5O, presented a program on simple wire antennas at the September meeting, and he tells me that the October meeting will feature a speaker giving information on designing and building Yagi antennas.

COASTAL ARS--- Thanks to a one-day class recently sponsored by the club, there are nine new hams in the Savannah area, several of whom are Red Cross volunteers, and will now be available to assist in emergency communications. Club members are still racking up the DX contacts in their competition, vying for the most contacts in calendar year 2002. Looks like they have a real race going.

FAYETTEVILLE COUNTY REPEATER ASSOCIATION--- VP BRIAN HAREN, W8BYH, launched the maiden issue of a comprehensive and informative monthly email activity report, informing club members and other lucky people (like me!) of all the happenings with the club, the repeater, ARES, NWS, local nets, etc. A terrific job! Now that I know that their weekly net is on Tuesday nights at 9PM on 145.210, I can check in with them to say hello. Thanks, Brian.

GWINNETT ARS--- MARK KOZMA, KD3GC, presented a terrific program on contesting at the September meeting, stressing that you don't have to be a "Big Gun" to have fun and be competitive in contests. And he should know. He never uses an amp, and typically runs 100W, but he has an impressive array of certificates and plaques because of his excellent showing in the ARRL Sweepstakes, and the PA QSO party, and others. In fact, he holds the GA record for contacts in the PA QSO party, and is all set to defend it yet again, come October 13th and 14th. Which rig is best, according to Mark? One that WORKS! The antenna is more important, but THAT is a whole 'nother topic....

LANIERLAND ARC--- As always, club members made my better half MIKE SWIDERSKI, K4HBI, and me feel right at home when we visited with them at their September club meeting to do our ARRL "dog and pony" show presentation. This is a group of folks much less concerned with Roberts Rules of Orders than they are with simple Southern hospitality and courtesy. And any one of them there could've delivered the part of my talk on public service and ARES, because an extremely large percentage of club members are part of the Georgia Baptist Disaster Relief Group, ARES and/or Red Cross. (No WONDER they're a Special Service Club!) They are busy preparing for October's Special Olympics, and are already working on next year's Hamfest, when they'll be hosting the SE Division Convention.

NORTH FULTON AMATEUR RADIO LEAGUE--- Our Technical Coordinator FRED RUNKLE, K4KAZ, provided an interesting program on RFI at the September meeting. One major point he stressed is that the time to get in touch with him or one of the other Technical Specialists for help with an RFI problem is NOT the day before you head to court because of interference complaints from your neighbors. Our team of tech specialists are more then happy to help you resolve a problem when it ARISES, if you can't seem to solve it on your own. But, don't wait until you're faced with litigation....

STATESBORO ARS--- These folks had another foxhunt on September 14th. (hope they remembered to alert the local officials ahead of time, if they were playing in a public area, so no one freaked out at their strange-looking "device"....)

THOMASVILLE ARC--- In Club President MIKE BROWN, KE4FGF's column in the club's September newsletter, he reflected on the anniversary of 9/11, and on a recent discussion he had with fellow club member RAY PRIM, KD4VQS, a veteran of the hellish battle for Iwo Jima during WWII. This was extremely well-written and made for fascinating reading, but I especially wanted to share one quote from his column. He said that "while we as amateurs are connected by a 'love of the radio art' that, in the end, it's the love for the people we meet behind the mike that make this the gratifying hobby that it is." How true. Four adventurous club members joined members of the Tallahassee club at St. Mark's lighthouse in St. Mark's Wildlife Preserve for the International Lighthouses on the Air event and had a superlative time, sharing fellowship, making memories, and even making a contact or two....

WEST GEORGIA ARS--- Section Emergency Coordinator MIKE BOATRIGHT, KO4WX, my better half MIKE SWIDERSKI, K4HBI, our Official Observer Coordinator, and I had the pleasure of meeting with this club in Carrollton for their September club meeting, and presenting the program for the evening. Club member DALE HARRISON, N4CHC, was kind enough to let us know ahead of time some of the things club members were most interested in hearing about, so we talked about such things as commercial encroachment of our ham allocations, interference, reasons to become a member of the ARRL, IRLP, the MARS program, and the "graying" of the hobby (and what we can do about it). Mike B. also presented his terrific powerpoint presentation on the Emergency Op plan for Georgia. Club members made us all feel very welcome, and we thoroughly enjoyed our visit with them. Thank y'all for your hospitality.

SPECIAL SERVICE CLUBS--- Becoming a Special Service Club means earning a designation that sets you apart as an active organization that is dedicated to the advancement of amateur radio through education, public relations, and activities with strong public service. To maintain this designation, it is necessary to have a club membership that is comprised of at least a 51% ARRL membership, and to file a report with the League every two years. A number of clubs have lost this mark of excellence through a negligence in filing this simple report, which can be filed online. If this sounds like your club, consider filing a report, so you can regain the SSC designation. Go to http://www.arrl.org/field/club/forms/fsd7/renewal.html If you have any questions, get in touch with our Affiliated Club Coordinator, MARY AHLS, W4NZJ, at w4nzj@arrl.net.

AFFILIATED CLUBS--- also need to file a yearly report, which can be handled very quickly online at http://www.arrl.org/field/club/biglist.html When you locate your club, scroll to the end of the data given, and click on "submit updated data for this club report", which will bring the information into a modifiable format. Make whatever changes necessary, fill in the part "official submitting this application", and then "submit report". That's it. You'll receive verification back via email. It's a good idea to make the changes after club elections, as a matter of habit. Also, another reminder for all affiliated clubs: NEW ARRL memberships paid through your club will earn your club a $15 rebate. Cool, huh? Get those folks to sign up for the ARRL, and the rebate forms can be down-loaded at http://www.arrl.org/FandES/field/club/forms/rebate.pdf.

If you figured out how to turn your daughter's body jewelry into a QRP antenna, you must be a ham.
Jack Robertson, WJ4SR

ARES NEWS

SEC MIKE BOATRIGHT, KO4WX, has announced that the ANNUAL SIMULATED EMERGENCY TEST (SET)-is slated for Saturday, October 5, 2002, kicking off at 9AM. The specific goal of this year's exercise is to test our statewide communications, both HF and VHF phone, with a secondary goal of providing effective statewide communications from portable or field locations. A statewide net will be called into session at 9AM on 7.275, with 3.975 as back-up, and check-ins will include DECs and ECs, or their designated representatives. DECs will dispatch their ECS, who will activate in their local jurisdictions, and will establish communications on VHF and/or HF to receive incoming reports from within their districts. The only fixed operations allowable will be from served agencies, like the EOC, or Red Cross, GEMA, etc. All others must operate from "the field", using emergency or standby power. Repeaters may be used, but only if they are listed in the 2002-2003 Repeater Directory as having emergency power. If no repeater with emergency power is available, only simplex usage is permitted. Following dispatch, each ARES group will operate their scenario, and furnish their reports back to the DEC, who will, in turn, relay that information back to NCS. End time for this exercise is 1PM. Final reports by all of the DECs are to be made to MIKE BOATRIGHT by no later than noon of the following day, so he can give an accounting of the SET's effectiveness on the state ARES net, 3.975, at 6PM.

Metro Atlanta DEC STEVE REYNOLDS, W4CNG, has laid the groundwork to develop an ARES-MAT (Mutual Aid Team), with the express purpose of filling the void in those areas around the state where there is no operative EC or ARES group. This specially trained and able group would serve "to provide a standard response to support an area-wide or local need for communications anywhere in the state". This is an ambitious undertaking, and Steve deserves a lot of credit for this innovative approach to solving the problem. Come to the Alford Memorial ARC Hamfest the first weekend in November, and hear what Steve has to say about this plan at the ARES forum, Saturday, November 2, at 11AM.

Talking about the Hamfest, DAN MILLER, K3UFG, the ARRL Emergency Course Manager, is still looking for an idea of how many folks would be interested in taking a special 4-hour seminar at the Hamfest, taught by him, with the aim of training folks who have already completed the EC-001 course to become Mentors/Instructors for future courses. If you're interested, please contact him at dmiller@arrl.org. And please, do it today. If this course is going to take place, we need to know ASAP, for planning and logistics purposes.

SKYWARN CLASSES coming up: OCTOBER 3, at 6 PM, at the Red Cross Chapter, at 500 Pine Avenue, in Albany. This class will be offered by the Tallahassee NWS and the Albany ARC. Also, NOVEMBER 6, from 7 until 10:30PM, at the Justice and Administration Building, on Langley Drive, in Lawrenceville. To take the November class, call (770) 513-5595 to register, or via email at meekssu@co.gwinnett.ga.us. 

STEVE HAMMOND, K4SAH, EC of Cherokee County ARES, announced that they've gotten the really cool vanity callsign WA4EOC. (Betcha bunches of you ECs who work closely with your EOCs out there are saying, "Darn! Wished WE woulda thought of that...!!")

The regularly scheduled meeting for the FORSYTH ARES group fell on September 11th, and though there may have been a little bit of initial concern about having it on that dreadful anniversary, they decided to go ahead and have their meeting. Perhaps, partly because of the anniversary, they were joined by a reporter and photographer from the local newspaper, "Forsyth County News", who subsequently did an article on amateur radio and emergency communications. The article featured pictures of member JOHN GALGANO, KF4WCL, and the rigs of member PAUL EIDSON, K4PDE, who generously cleaned up his shack for a picture-taking session. (Thanks, Paul!) There was one particularly touching statement in the article about the 1998 tornado, when JOHN VAUGHN, WA4ZQP, was one of the many hams who volunteered his services in Hall county. One of the victims, a short elderly woman, told John to lean down to her, and when he did, she gave him a "big old hug". She said, "Well, we've lost everything and all I've got to give is hugs. But I just wanted to give you something to let you know just being here is appreciated." DEC TERRY JONES, W4TL, who is a long-time leader with the Georgia Baptist Disaster Relief group, (he would probably prefer to say that he SERVES) provided the appropriate program for the evening, on his experiences serving in the aftermath of the attacks on the WTC in NYC last year. Terry also brought the GA Baptist's, Chattahoochee branch, Mobile Communications Trailer for eager inspection by all in attendance.

CONGRATULATIONS to RON LAWRENCE, K4SX, who's been appointed the Official Emergency Station for Forsyth county. Ron has a terrific webpage, that you might enjoy checking, too: http://www.k4sx.com/ There's LOTS of terrific info there.

CONGRATULATIONS also to BOB SMITH, K4PHE, for accepting the appointment as EC for Lee county. We wish him much success in his new position, and thank you for, Bob, your willingness to serve.

DOUGHERTY COUNTY ARES, under EC ARTHUR SHIPLEY, N4GPJ, and members of the Albany ARC, participated in an incredible wide-scale drill on August 22nd, that started with a scenario report of a Water, Gas & Light vehicle that had crashed into a utility pole, rupturing its one ton tank of chlorine and spewing its deadly fumes across the campus of Albany State University. This well-planned and well-executed exercise involved the fire department, police department, volunteers from local churches and schools, who acted as "victims", NWS in Tallahassee, the EMA, Red Cross, Public Safety, and two local hospitals. All planners and participants of this exercise deserve a huge pat on the back. WOW! Once again, these guys are working to "set the standards".

Here's a website with some good information from the Red Cross that deserves a look-see http://www.redcross.org/services/disaster/beprepared/hsas.htm

The Cobb county ARES group, under EC BOB BUTLER, W4RBB, will be holding a series of directed self-study sessions in October using the EC-001 book and other public service manuals, followed by an exam for certification on October 29th. While, in theory, this class is open to everyone, the space is limited, and the last I heard, 22 of the allotted 24 spaces had already been filled. It's very exciting that this group is working to get this training in a classroom, self-study format, and I wish them much success, and hope other groups venture into offering the same sort of training in the future.

Talking about the EC-001 course, registration for the next online course opens at 4PM on October 1, and will remain open until all of the slots are filled. Although this will be done on a first come, first serve, basis, it will be limited to people who have a field organization appointment (i.e. section officers, plus EC, ORS, OO, TS, OES, OBS, PIO, and LGL personnel) Recently, it was decided to open the registration to AECs, too. The Assistant EC position is a local appointment, made by the EC, as needed, to help manage the program in their area. This is NOT a field organization appointment, and the League does not maintain a database on these people. So it's up to SEC MIKE BOATRIGHT, KO4WX, or me, to supply callsigns of the eligible AECs who want to take the course. Even though League membership is not required to be an AEC, it IS required to be eligible to take the online course under the auspices of the grant. ONLY those AECs recommended by their ECs, and who are members of the ARRL, will be added to the database for course eligibility. All of you who ARE eligible, as before, you'll be required to pay the $45 fee upfront via credit card, and then you'll be reimbursed after successfully completing the course. To register, go to http://www.arrl.org/forms/cce/ Good luck!!

The failure to prepare may prepare you to fail.

SKYWARN NET PARTICIPATION

Hurricane season is upon us, and many of us have been listening to the hurricane nets, and following the progress of these storms. Many of us have also been involved in SkyWarn nets at one time or another. Here's some interesting information sent our way by HAROLD ALLEN, W4MMC, concerning weather nets and reporting criteria and protocol. To start with, not all of us have an anemometer to enable us to give an accurate reading for wind speeds, but here's some interesting indicators to help in estimating it:

• 19-24 MPH: Small leafy trees sway and small waves will form on ponds and lakes; flags whip.

• 25-31 MPH: 4 inch and larger branches moving; telephone, power wires and chain link fences whistle.

• 32-38 MPH: Large, whole trees in motion; becomes hard to walk totally upright against the wind. Shingles begin to lift.

• 39-46 MPH: Green twigs begin to break off. You have to lean into the wind when you walk, and shingles flap violently.

• 47-54 MPH: 3 inch or larger green branches break. Chimneys and shingles begin to tear off. TV antenna masts bend, and antennas are destroyed.

• 55-63 MPH: Trees begin to uproot. Structural damage starts getting serious. Large sections of roofs and roofing tear off and fly. Patio roofs and awnings are destroyed. Some mobile homes begin to suffer damage. Walking is nearly impossible.

• 64-72 MPH: Structural damage widespread and major. Mobile home skins peel. Entire roofs blow off and windows blow in. Mobile homes are being displaced. Cement block parapets begin to collapse. Weather nets are primarily concerned with what we are seeing RIGHT NOW.

FIRST PRIORITY: Warn people so that they may seek safety and avoid injury or death.

SECOND PRIORITY: Safeguard property.

During a weather net, remember:

Rule #1. LISTEN, LISTEN, and LISTEN, constantly before transmitting.

Rule #2. Once you have checked into any radio net, do not leave that frequency without notifying the NCS.

Rule #3. The NCS will give check-ins instructions and requests for observation reports at the beginning of the net and as often as possible. Stations should check into the net as instructed and report ONLY those things that the NCS has requested. These requests may be changed, depending on the circumstances.

DO NOT CHASE STORMS!

WHAT TO OBSERVE AND BE PREPARED TO REPORT:

• Tornado on the ground.

• Funnel cloud - a funnel cloud is NOT a tornado if it's not on the ground.

• Waterspout.

• Wall clouds- make sure it's not a rain column... a wall cloud will not extend all the way to the ground. Make sure it is not a shelf cloud. A wall cloud "tail" (if one is present) will usually be trailing the direction of the storm and will often point downward. Wall clouds can and do rotate. Shelf clouds do not.

• Shelf cloud- A shelf cloud will usually have a "tail" that is fairly level and will usually be pointing in the same direction the storm is moving. A wall cloud "tail" (if it has one) will usually be trailing the direction of the storm and often points downward. Shelf clouds do not rotate.

• Drastic sustained wind speed changes, especially if rotation is present in cloud structures.

Please, report only what the NCS requests.

Thank you, Harold, for those helpful pointers.

Please note that local SkyWarn nets generally seek reports of wind speeds ABOVE a certain number (say, 58 MPH) and hail that is larger than a given size, (say 3/4" in diameter). To waste precious net time by making "non-report" reports like "It isn't raining HERE...." or "The hail here is BB-sized..." is totally counter-productive. And when you DO have reportable criteria, take a deep breath, calm down, and speak clearly and slowly, so the NCS doesn't have to ask you to repeat. If you haven't already taken a SkyWarn class, consider doing so. It will make your participation in weather nets much more of an asset.

Be prepared. After all, if ol' Noah had waited until the water started to rise before
he started gathering the wood to build the ark, he would've been in a world of hurt!

STM REPORTS FROM JIM HANNA, AF4NS

NET ACTIVITY:

PUBLIC SERVICE HONOR ROLL:

STATION ACTIVITY REPORTS:
Traffic handled:

From Jim: "My sincere thanks to all participants, NCSs and 4RNs for a job well done. GSN is alive and doing well. It is my hope to get certificates to all new GSN members and any GSN member who has not yet received a certificate. If you can, send me an email to inform me. Congratulations to TOM HASKINS, W4WXA, who received his EAN certificate for his participation as NCS and member of the Eastern Area Net. Tom also works as NCS on the Saturday 4RN nets. We had quite a few operators who checked into the net more than 30 times this month and the traffic is picking up very well with more than 41 more messages than last month. The average QNI was 8.7 per session, QTC was 2.9 per sessions, and the average QND was 15.3 minutes per sessions." Jim, AF4NS STM/NM/GSN

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

SALVATION ARMY CONFERENCE

The Salvation Army held a 3-day North American Disaster Training Conference in Atlanta in September at the Sheraton Gateway Hotel and the Georgia International Convention Center. Special thanks to CARL PLOTZ, WB9JSW, our Salvation Army DEC, and my better half MIKE SWIDERSKI, K4HBI, all-around good guy, for setting up a ham station for the conference. Mike and Carl went down to the hotel to put up the antenna, and Mike's activities drew the attention of one of the maintenance men, "Vinnie from Long Island". Well, Vinnie was really intrigued with the slingshot method of putting up a wire, and he told Mike about how, when he was a youngster, he used to whittle slingshots. It didn't take very much persuasion at all to get the slingshot into Vinnie's trembling hands and, before you knew it, he was whooping with delight, after shooting one end of the wire high up into a tree. He made an eager assistant after that! Thanks, also, to SANDY DONAHUE, W4RU, who served as liaison for the VE test session, which we offered at the conference for attendees looking to become a part of the excellent SATERN program. (Salvation Army Team Emergency Radio) Although the instructors only had about a 4 1/2-hour period in which to teach amateur radio, using the ARRL video, it was a pleasure to have three attendees pass the test... and pass it with flying colors!... and earn their technician license. (These guys were VERY motivated!)

If you have a bunch of odds and ends, and get rid of all but one of them, what do you call it??

NEW BAND ALLOCATION.... OR NOT??

The jury's still out on whether or not amateur radio operators will be gaining new frequency allocations on the 5 MHz band, but things are looking a little more rosy after some recent meetings, which opened the door to compromise. As you may know, shortly after the period for filing comments on the ARRL's petition for a domestic-only, secondary Amateur Radio allocation on the 60M band, the National Telecommunications and Information Administration, (NTIA) which regulates the radio spectrum allocated to the federal government, recommended that the FCC NOT grant the petition, stating that the Federal government uses that band extensively for emergency services, including communications support for the Department of Defense, the Coast Guard, and the Department of Justice, and that amateur radio usage could possibly cause interference to these vital communications. Possible compromises may entail a smaller frequency allocation for hams, as well as a lowered power limitation. The ARRL and leaders in the ARES organization see the possible usage of this band vital to improving regional communication, an important consideration in time of emergency.

If your blank look can melt solder, you're a mean old ham.
JACK ROBERTSON, WJ4SR

WILL THE "REAL HAM".... PLEASE STAND UP?!

Just what does it take to be a "real ham"?

We have a dear friend who would (and DOES!) insist that you have to be a DXer to be a REAL ham, (and NOT just the just-barely-made DXCC kinda DXer, either!) He claims that the DXer/contester type makes the very best operator, and is best prepared to serve in times of emergency, by virtue of his on-the-air experience and "cool". While I agree that they make terrific operators, I still believe that additional standardized training is necessary so they can operate smoothly as a member of the "team". The Lone Wolf approach isn't necessarily beneficial during an emergency. But what concerns me more is the narrow view of what it means to be a "real ham".

Me, I think that amateur radio is like a 1000-piece puzzle. While each piece is necessary to complete the puzzle, one piece alone doesn't paint much of a picture. I don't believe that I become a "real ham" by simply passing my technician test and buying an HT. It's what we do AFTER we get that license that earns us our "stripes". And there are multiple ways that we can do that... that's one of the beauties of amateur radio. There are folks out there who experiment with microwaves, and with EME, and with things that some of us have never even heard of before. There are others who can rebuild and repair the old tube rigs and make improvements to the new, and folks who experiment and develop new antennas; people who are into teaching others about amateur radio, into public service and emergency communications, who've used amateur radio as an important tool in their mission work and/or medical work, and middle school students who promote the hobby to their fellow students, as well as volunteer in every conceivable public service event possible. I could go on, but you all get the idea. So what's the REAL measure of a "ham"?

Look at your FCC Rule Book, page 2 of chapter one, where it lists the Basis and Purpose of amateur radio. These five basic principles offer the clearest yardstick by which to measure ourselves:

1. Public service and emergency communication,

2. Contributing to the advancement of the radio art through experimentation and building,

3. Advancement of communications and technical skills, (UPGRADE!!)

4. Expansion of the pool of trained operators (teaching, public demonstrations, VE sessions), and

5. Enhance international goodwill. Our whole is made up of many parts, and we all do the best we can, in amateur radio, as in other parts of our lives. Each of us can make a valuable contribution, and all of our contributions are necessary for the overall success of the amateur radio hobby. As for a "real ham"? The only one of them I've seen was happily waddling around on a leash at the Prater's Mill hamfest.... (I kid you not!)

A successful diet is a matter of mind over platter.

TECH TIPS

TOM KOCOUREK, N4FWD, wrote in the West Georgia ARS newsletter about how he was able to improve the audio on his mobile 2M rig recently. He added a simple "speaker to cassette player" adapter, (Radio Shack part no. 12-1999 or 12-2051) and he says that it "changes the speaker signal into a magnetic signal understood by the cassette player in the dash." By plugging the adapter into his radio and sliding the cassette part into the car's cassette player, he can adjust the volumes (radio and player) for maximum clarity, including ability to adjust treble and bass.

Are you intrigued with ANTENNAS and always looking for more information on them? HAROLD ALLEN, W4MMC, of Toccoa, sent information on a web magazine "Antennex", which is a veritable font of information on everything you ever wanted to know about antennas (but were afraid to ask?) It's a subscription magazine, but there's lots of FREE information here for the looking, too, including a couple of excellent articles by Harold. The "Preview Section", the editorial "Stones Throw", and open "Forums", which is an exchange of questions and answers on many amateur radio topics are all free. On the webpage, if you click on the "view free" on the left side of the homepage, you can access "preview articles", where you can check out Harold's articles "SSB "Q" Channel Communication" and "Natural ELF Whistler Radio". http://www.antennex.com/.

From Technical Coordinator, FRED RUNKLE, K4KAZ: Regular maintenance and a little TLC for your antenna system can head off a lot of problems. You'd be surprised at how many RFI problems are caused by a little bit of corrosion or a tiny little screw that's wiggled loose.

JOHN CUNNIMGHAM, AB1BK, from Massachusetts, (TOLD you other folks read our newsletters!) wanted to share information with you on his new webpage that offers online, computer-based training for amateur exams. He commented that it keeps track of which questions each student has seen, has learned and has gotten right or wrong, and thus, presents questions to students based on their individual needs, giving more repetition in the areas where needed. It also provides instant feedback on each question, and presents the questions in a logical manner, easier first, then gradually increasing in difficulty. He said that for many questions, it actually provides additional explanations, and he sees this site as a teaching tool, rather than just a practice test site. http://www.hamtestonline.com (NOTE: There is a registration fee to get full benefits of the site for a year)

Have you ever wound a coil? I have, and my better half, in a sadistic moment, or perhaps in one of those "doing it for her own good" or to "teach her a lesson" moment, (both of which are very vile in Kidspeak!) offered me a terrific tip.... AFTER I'd already completed the task and had fingertips so sore they all felt like they were dripping blood. (OK, so that's a slight exaggeration!) Seriously, that wire can be all kinked and stiff and very difficult to try to feed through your fingers, straightening it to wind tightly and neatly. Well, here's his really cool tip on how HE always used to do it: feed the wire, padded by a rag, through a VISE! It frees your hands for the winding part, and lets the vise and the tension you put on the wire do the hard work. Cool, huh?

Do YOU have any simple the tips you'd like to offer for the benefit of your fellow Georgia hams? Send them this-a-way...

I'm so dumb that I thought a quarterback was a refund.

A NEW WORKED ALL GEORGIA AWARD?

I'm not into county-hunting, and maybe you're not, either, but LOTS of hams are, and with our 159 counties, Georgia offers hunters quite a challenge. So, why not offer some sort of incentives and awards for county-hunters who manage to work all or many of our counties?

This was SKIP KAZMAREK, KG4TUL's question to me, after he stumbled upon the webpage for working all North Carolina. Not only did he come up with the suggestion, but he was willing to fly with it. He's done a lot of the work to make this a reality, and has more ideas in the "cogitating stage". What he'd like is someone who's more knowledgeable to help him. I've put a couple of pleas to the Southeast Contest Club, thinking that'd be a good "match", but haven't heard anything back from them as yet. Skip needs a Mentor. He said that he doesn't mind doing the "grunt work" like getting the certificates, modifying forms, helping on the webpage, etc, but he needs someone else who can help with the "brain work", like evaluating the rules, etc. How about it? Think you might be interested in helping with this? It'd be a great "go together" with the GA QSO party.

Check out the webpage he's put together at http://www.mindspring.com/~skazmarek/ham/wagaward.htm and if you're interested in helping, please get in touch with Skip. It'd really be neat to see this take off. Skip has the enthusiasm.... do YOU have the know-how to help him make it work? Skazmarek@mindspring.com

When you dream in color, it's a pigment of your imagination.

MFJ's "DAY IN THE PARK"

To celebrate its 30th anniversary, MFJ will be holding a Hamfest extravaganza on October 4th and 5th at McKee Park, in Starkville, Mississippi. There'll be factory tours, an open house and close-out sale, VE testing, a DX forum by GARY JONES, W5FI, on the 2002 Pratis Island DXpedition, and of course, tailgating. Looks like ARRL president JIM HAYNIE, W5JBP, may be there, as well. Lunch on Saturday, from noon until two, will be hosted by MFJ president MARTIN JUE, K5FLU, and MS Section Manager MALCOLM KEOWN, W5XX, for $5 per plate. It sounds like a LOT of fun, but if it's a little too far to travel for a Hamfest, maybe you can listen out for the special event station K5MFJ and make a contact. (Malcolm sent the info, and it sounded like a fun event to share it with y'all.)

SECTION NOTABLES

A very special belated "Happy Anniversary" to EDDY KOSOBUCKI, K4JNL, and his bride LEILA, who recently marked 57 wonderful years together, a long lifetime of shared memories. May they enjoy many more.

Congratulations to JERRY LOFSTEAD, W3CDE, who recently retired. We saw him at the recent QCWA meeting, after one week of retirement, and it was hard to wipe the smile off his face. Something tells me that he's going to enjoy the life of leisure just fine...

JOHN VAUGHN, WA4ZQP, and his bride LOUISE, were named the King and Queen of the Gainesville Hamfest. (I know... that was back in JULY, but I just heard about it and thought it was just too neat not to share!) Lanierland ARC president TERRY JONES, W4TL, presented the surprised couple with a lovely plaque and gave John a lifetime membership to the club. (Couldn't happen to a nicer guy!)

LEON PERRETT, K4GCR, was recently honored as Humanitarian of the Week, as reported in the "Albany Herald" newspaper. Leon is a volunteer with the SW GA American Red Cross disaster services department and a member of the Albany ARC. Congratulations on this well-deserved award.

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

PIGLETS (AKA YOUNG HAMS)

CONGRATULATIONS to JIMMY ZHONG, a student at Richards Middle School in Lawrenceville, who recently passed his technician test. Richards is a pilot school for the ARRLs Big Project, and Jimmy is the first student from the school to earn his license. We're all REEEEEEEALLY proud of him!

CONGRATULATIONS, also, to RICKY PITTMAN, KG4UTV, son of RICK, KG4MAQ, who recently earned his amateur radio license, after taking the one-day class taught by MARK AULICK, KF4MLT. All are members of the Statesboro ARS.

JAMBOREE ON THE AIR (JOTA)

Every year, on the 3rd weekend in October, more than 400,000 Scouts from all over the world get on the air via amateur radio for their annual Jamboree On the Air. It officially kicks off on Saturday at 0001 hours local time to Sunday, 2359 hours local time, but some activity continues from Friday until Monday for better DX opportunities. Although this is NOT a contest, there may be some pile-ups involved with some stations like HB9S, the World Scout Bureau in Geneva.

Many ham clubs volunteer their services to Scout troops every year to enable them to participate in the JOTA fun. If you're not already involved in this fun activity, why not see if there's a group of Scouts near you that you can help get on the air? It's a LOT of fun, and you won't regret it. For more info, see: http://www.arrl.org/FandES/ead/jota.html

"Always Be Prepared"
The Boy Scouts motto

HELP WANTED

October 4-6 GEORGIA BIKE FEST, in the Newnan area. Hundreds of bike riders of all ages will be participating in this 3-day event, and many volunteers will be needed to provide communications. To volunteer, contact SAM SMITH, at kd4shk@arrl.net For more info, http://www.brag.org/gbf.html

October 18-20 for a heart-warming experience, volunteer to help at the GEORGIA SPECIAL OLYMPICS, in the Gainesville area. There'll be many venues, and many volunteers will be needed all three days. Bring your non-ham family members, too. They can serve as "huggers" and team leaders for the participants. To volunteer, contact PHIL LOGGINS, via email at k4pdl@arrl.ne or at (770)538-8008.

You can beat the crowd and volunteer NOW to help provide communications for the NORTH GEORGIA ADVENTURE RACE, which entails a rigorous competition in orienteering/navigation, trekking, mountain biking and canoeing in Fannin and Union counties on Saturday, JANUARY 18th. You can go to http://www.ngar.org to sign up, or contact John Mullinix at kf4skt@arrl.net

UPCOMING EVENTS

SEPTEMBER 29--- Six Gap Bicycle Ride, Dahlonega area. To help, contact: Tom Crowell, KU4CK, at TPCrowell@rader.com or call (706) 864-0410.

OCTOBER 4th and 5th---MFJ "Day in the Park" Hamfest Starkville, MS.

OCTOBER 11,12,13--- Mule Camp Festival and Special Events station W4M, Gainesville (Lanierland ARC).

OCTOBER 12--- AUGUSTA HAMFEST 9AM - 3PM at Evans Middle School, 4318 Washington Road. VE testing 9AM, forums, prizes. Entrance $5, tables $10. Talk-in 145.490-.

OCTOBER 18,19,20---GEORGIA SPECIAL OLYMPICS in Gainesville. Contact PHIL LOGGINS, k4pdl@arrl.net to volunteer. They need LOTS of help!

OCTOBER 19---JOTA

OCTOBER 19---NW GA ARC HAMFEST 8AM- 2:30PM at Rome Civic Center, Civic Center Hill, in Rome, GA. VE testing, prizes. Entrance $5, tables $10. Talk-in 146.94- PL88.5

OCTOBER 19---GEORGIA CRACKER/GA SSB ASSOC PICNIC at the Telephone pavilion just south of Ellijay on Hwy. 5. Bring a covered dish and come prepared to have fun. (toe-tapping optional)

OCTOBER 26---CHATTANOOGA, TN HAMFEST

NOVEMBER 2,3---ALFORD MEMORIAL ARC HAMFEST at Gwinnett county fairgrounds, Sugarloaf Pkwy, Lawrenceville. Lots of tailgating, lots of forums, lots of prizes, lots of people, and lots of FUN

ELECTION DAY will be coming up the beginning of November. It's our privilege to be able to vote, and I do hope you'll do so, in spite of this definition: "Politics is the art of looking for trouble, finding it, misdiagnosing it and then misapplying the wrong remedies." GROUCHO MARX

SILENT KEYS

NN4S HAL VINCENT
WB4JUN JOHN CUNNINGHAM
N4FBH ARTHUR BORMAN

Condolences to the families and friends of these fine men. They'll all be missed.