Georgia Section On My Mind

October, 2005

Greetings, All.

Believe it or not, this newsletter is going to be shorter than usual. (promises, promises! That's the PLAN, anyway!) The reason for that is that I've decided to put out ANOTHER newsletter, a "Special Edition", if you will, in a couple of weeks or so, which will be strictly dedicated to the relief work that was done by GA hams in the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina. CHRIS EDWARDS, AE4XO, sent me an email suggesting that the ARRL put out a special edition of QST, all about the Katrina efforts. While I'm sure that they will dedicate many pages to this, it's not likely that an entire magazine will be set aside for that purpose. But, as I've been reading some of the after action reports from GA hams who deployed, it occurred to me that we could certainly dedicate one NEWSLETTER to this end. These reports are crammed full of useful information, especially as it relates to "lessons learned", and this stuff is just too good not to share with you. But I need YOUR help to make this work. The whole idea is for me to be able to "cut and paste" what you folks send me, so that all I have to do is bundle it all up and send it out, so we can all benefit from your experiences. Certainly, I'm interested in additional reports from those who deployed, whether it was with ARES, or with the Salvation Army, or with the GA Baptists, Red Cross, or whatever. But I'm also interested in your experiences right here in GA. Many of you were active in a variety of emergency nets. Some of you were involved in work with the evacuees, as they arrived, or in the shelters, or in the centers that were set up to serve their needs. Share your experiences and anecdotes.

One interesting story already came from PHIL LOGGINS, K4PDL, regarding the GA Baptists Disaster Relief emergency net, which was experiencing interference from some other operators on a nearby frequency. When asked to please move, because they were interfering with emergency traffic, the other operators didn't wish to comply. I don't believe that they were terribly nice about it, either. A call to ARRL HQ did the trick. (and this was on a WEEKEND, mind you!) That all-around good guy DAN HENDERSON, N1ND, using that oh-so recognizable W1AW callsign, quickly got the offenders to change their tune.... and their frequency. Isn't that a great story?

So, please, if you would, send me your after action reports and Katrina-related stories to make this upcoming Special Edition newsletter worthwhile.

Talking about the GA Baptist Disaster Relief team, there will be a SPECIAL one-day training course coming up on October 8 for anyone interested in joining this great team. There will be other regularly scheduled classes after the first of next year, but this is a special opportunity for folks to get that training now. See details within this newsletter.

A recent addition to our GA Section Officers is ED TANTON, N4XY, who is our new Technical Coordinator. (TC) He succeeds FRED RUNKLE, K4KAZ, who has served for quite some time in this role, but who also plays a huge role with the Red Cross. Something had to give. We appreciate Fred for all he's done, and for all he continues to do with the Red Cross, and we thank Ed for accepting this new position. We have a great team of Technical Specialists all around the state, who are qualified to help you with various RF problems. Many of these guys are also available to do club programs for you on various technical subjects.

Another new appointee is a newest member of our GA PR team, and that's ROBIN KEMP, KD5QEL. Robin brings much valuable professional writing experience and enthusiasm to the PIO position. She is also one of the GA hams who deployed to provide emergency communications after Katrina, which infused her with even more enthusiasm about informing the public and served agencies about what amateur radio has to offer. She is currently working on some articles and power point presentations about the role that amateur radio operators play in emergencies. One of those articles is highlighting the YLs who served in some capacity with the Katrina efforts, so, YLs, if YOU have a story to tell about YOUR involvement, deployed or otherwise, please get in touch with Robin. Regarding the articles and presentations that Robin is putting together, she wrote, "If you have any sharp recent photos of community activities, please send those along with names and callsigns of all in photo, plus the name and callsign of whoever took the photo. Videos, clippings of local news coverage, and PowerPoints are very much welcome." kd5qel@arrl.net

One more thing, before moving on with the rest of this newsletter: We have a ham who moved here from New Jersey in June, and he was very successful in moving into an area that doesn't have those pesky antenna restrictions, which is great. However, he opted to apply for a permit to put up a tower, which in retrospect, may not have been the best option. (After the fact, he found out that most of the other hams in that area simply forged ahead, without the permit.) The thing is, after filing for the permit, he learned that, before he could get approval, a professional engineer had to sign off on his plans. This whole process alerted me as to just how valuable (and time-saving) it would be if I had a database of professional engineers in GA who would be willing to help other hams in this situation. If you'd be willing to help out, please send me a note so I can start putting that database together. Thanks a lot. Your help would be much appreciated.

OK, let's get on with it. After all, I did say that this would be a shorter newsletter than usual...

The one-liners in this month's newsletter came to me from CAL NEFF, K4JSR, who says that I should give the "blame" for them to TED DAVIS, WB4CAB, who sent them to HIM. They fall under the heading of "Invitation Replies to a Scientist's Ball".

Ampere was worried he wasn't current.

SEPTEMBER HIGHLIGHTS

Alas, we didn't make it to either the Shelby Hamfest (SEPTEMBER 3-4) or to the great tailgating event at Prater's Mill (SEPTEMBER 10) this year, but by all accounts, both were enjoyable. Unfortunately, many other hams were dissuaded from attending Shelby this year, too, and the attendance was down from a past average of about 15,000 to about 7000 this year. That's very unfortunate, but in the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina, many of us were otherwise occupied, and this event, unfortunately, coincided with the days of that huge hike in gasoline prices, and rampant concerns about gas shortages. Those who did attend reported that the weather was glorious, and a good time was had by all. Hopefully, this terrific Hamfest will make a huge rebound next year. The Prater's Mill tailgating event, sponsored by the Dalton ARC, also experienced a very slight downturn in attendance, but much of that could be attributed to continuing post-Katrina involvement and continued high gas prices, as well. But, from some of the AM crew, who camped out the night before, and from others who attended, the report was again indicative of another great event. This tailgating Hamfest is always chock-ful of great fellowship and an old-fashioned good time, the way Hamfest always used to be. And I hope this one continues to be, for many years into the future.

SEPTEMBER 17 --- DALLAS Hamfest --- Sponsored by the Paulding ARC at Paulding Meadows Park, this was another enjoyable event, with a little different "spin" this year. Rather than being held inside of the pavilion, and with the tailgating just outside, this year the whole shebang moved down the hill a bit and became what I'll call a Hamfest Village. There was a multitude of little buildings nestled under the trees, some large enough for folks to set up their goodies inside, while others were more like booths at a carnival, such that items could be displayed on a large shelf under the front window. It was a unique set-up, for sure, and added an extra element of fun to the day. Club members provided a great big lunch spread, served with a smile, and Hamfest chairman AL MARTIN, KF4RPQ, bustled around all day, making sure that everyone was happy. (Thanks, Al, for "procuring" the two chairs for the ARRL booth!) It was a good day; congratulations to the club members for a job well done.

Audubon said he'd have to wing it.

CLUB NEWS

ALBANY ARC --- Members will be hard at work, providing communications for the Special Olympics GA activities, which will be taking place in Albany from October 7-9. This is a first time for the games to be held in this location, and I know that these folks will do a terrific job for them. On September 24, club members enjoyed a multi-club picnic, along with members of the Coastal Plains ARC and the Americus ARC.

AUGUSTA ARC --- Some of you may remember reading about the $100,000 Homeland Security grant which was bestowed upon SC for the purchase and outfitting of a top-notch communications vehicle a while back. Well, that very same Aiken County Amateur Radio Communications trailer was brought to the Augusta ARC's meeting on September 21, enabling members to get an up close and personal tour of it. They were also treated to a video of the Graniteville disaster operations, as taken by their county EOC. Coming up on October 8 will be the club's annual Hamfest, held at Evans Middle School, 4318 Washington Road. Talk-in 145.490. Club member DALE KEENER, KG4SSY, in response to the take-off of "Born to Be Wild" in last month's newsletter, suggested that we all check out http://64.27.98.24/clip.ram and the whole http://www.hamband.com/ website. (Dale, being a Harley man, had to admit that he DID sing the "Born to Be Wild" lyrics in last months' newsletter!)

CHEROKEE CAPITAL ARS --- Congratulations to club officers and members for this group's recent renewal as a Special Service Club. This designation is reserved for those clubs who demonstrate excellence in such areas as education and training, public relations, public service, and emergency communications. This club has been a Special Service Club since February of 1999.

COLUMBUS ARC --- PIO SUE GODWIN, W4SUE, reported that "The Columbus Emergency Operations Center contacted our club president BURCH CAMERON, W4WY, Tuesday, August 30, asking the Columbus ARC for assistance. In the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina, the Georgia EMA office was unable to contact the Mississippi EMA office by phone or radio. Burch was at work, so he called two area hams, JOE OWEN, KO4RR, and MARY MOORE, WX4MM, who in turn contacted the Mississippi EOC on HF. Within the hour, the Jackson (MS) Fire Chief called Burch saying he had received the message, and gave a return message or the Columbus EOC." (NOTE: Burch is also our EC for Muscogee county

ELLIJAY ARC --- Seven club members gathered at the home QTH of president DAVE MEADOWS, K4LDI, to participate in the September 17th Emergency Power operating event, using the club callsign W4HHH. Among the participants were a couple of slightly nervous technician class operators, who were able to make a couple of contacts each, under the guidance of other club members. The activity was deemed a success, and members are hoping that this becomes an annual event. From October 8-16, members will be operating Special Event Station W4A, for the annual GA Apple Festival.

FAYETTE COUNTY ARC --- This club continues to move forward and upward, with the release of its first (and very professional-looking!) club newsletter. They have also applied to become our newest ARRL Affiliated club, and while the wheels of progress may move a little slowly at times, I have no doubt that their application will be approved.

GWINNETT ARS --- The September meeting featured an unusual program topic, but also a very appropriate one, especially with it being National Preparedness Month. Fire Chief JACK MCELFISH, of the Gwinnett County Fire and Emergency Services, provided a very informative video about fires and fire safety, fielded questions, and informed everyone about some of the programs and training that is available. (even CPR and First Aid classes.... For FREE!)

KENNEHOOCHEE ARC --- Coming up at the October meeting will be a program on the myths, mysteries, truths and mysteries of SWR, to be presented by PAUL MANNO, KG4UVU, and JIM CUMMING, KT4MM. This is always a great topic. It reminds me of the program that MIKE BRANCA, W3IRZ (SK), used to give about "Before There Was SWR", involving some vintage equipment and a light bulb. Great stuff. And at a meeting of the radio club at Richards Middle School, BILL CARTER, KG4FXG, used a rather unique analogy to explain the concept of SWR to the kids: he likened it to a toilet, in that you want the stuff to "go out" when you flush, not "come back in"... (Hey! THAT the kids understood!)

NORTH GA ARC --- Members recently provided communications for the Six Gap Century Bike Ride, a strenuous event, in which about 2000 biking enthusiasts participated. Just ahead, on October 15 and 16, the club will be operating Special Event Station W4QQ, during the Dahlonega Gold Rush Days.

SE DX CLUB --- This group was proud to present its W4NT Award plaque to BRUCE MONTGOMERY, W4BFR, in recognition of his 75 years in amateur radio. Bruce is a charter member (47 years) of this club, as well as a life member.

SILVER COMET ARS --- ( Hiram, Ga September 29, 2005 ) Well it has been a very busy month for the Silvercomet ARS. It started off with doing communications for the 2005 Labor Day GRITS Bike Ride. The ride was a huge success with over 300 riders going from Dallas to the Alabama line and back into Cedartown and Rockmart along the Silver Comet Trail. With a base of operations set up at Seaborn Jones Park along Rockmarts River Walk. All communications along the trail had a direct line to ride officials. The event sponsored by the Georgia Rails into Trails Society is growing each year. The Silvercomet ARS has helped with communications with this and other GRITS rides over the past two years. Also, thanks again to the Northwest Georgia Amateur Radio Club in Rome and their president Bill Dickert KD4EKZ for the use of the W4VO 146.94 Repeater for communications. Jeremy Stewart, Sports Writer, at the Rockmart Journal newspaper did a nice article on the ride and how Amateur Radio played a part in communications. In the story he also explained to his readers in an interview with WB4QOJ Lee McDaniel, President of the Silvercomet ARS, how amateur radio was playing a large part with emergency communications through ARES in the wake of hurricane Katrina along the Gulf Coast. (de WB4QOJ)


THOMASVILLE ARC --- What club president MIKE BROWN, KE4FGF, likes to call "October Madness" is upon the club. This marks the time of year where the level of activities for this group cranks up a notch or two, with their participation in a variety of events throughout the month. Among them will be the annual Fly-In on October 8, where club members set up a club station, and the Capital City Cyclists' Spaghetti 100 biking event on the 22nd, and the Boston mini-marathon on the 29th, for both of which members will provide communications. (But, after all of their hard labors, they'll be reaping their tasty rewards in November, at their annual fish fry extravaganza.) P.S. The wonderful story about how club members helped fellow club member KEN LANTER, W4MWW, a WWII USS Indianapolis survivor, make a contact with the USS Indianapolis Museum Station is now posted on our www.arrl-ga.org website.

Darwin waited to see what evolved.

ARES NEWS

FAYETTE COUNTY --- On August 20, members participated in a drill in conjunction with Fayette County Emergency Management and the county's fire stations. The first task for the thirteen participants in this two-hour exercise was to test the capabilities of the KK4GQ 145.210 repeater, and to ascertain its coverage throughout the county. A simulated loss of that repeater followed, enabling them to assess the strengths and weaknesses of simplex operations. Steps will be taken to address those weak spots and make changes to improve on them now, so that they can better communicate in the event of a future emergency.

FORSYTH COUNTY --- These folks will be offering free classes for both technician and general class licenses at Grace Chapel Church Of Christ, 6755 Majors Road, in Cumming. These classes will run for five weeks, beginning on Saturday, October 15th, from 9AM- noon. Call John (W4JJM) at 770-781-8082 for information or registration. Class size is limited. An open VE session will be held at this same location on November 12, at 1PM.

GWINNETT COUNTY --- Several club members addressed various topics relevant to the SET at the September meeting, and while the details of this event were withheld, it's clear that this is going to be a "really big shew", involving other counties and multiple agencies, including one at the federal level. Led by EC STAN EDWARDS, WA4DYD, some of these folks have been assisting the county with the enormous task of running the "Super Center" Joint Resources Facility, set up to assist the evacuees from Hurricane Katrina. A number of members have put in many days of work, doing whatever is required of them, and the work is expected to continue indefinitely. But NO ONE has put in more hours than Stan, who likes to say that, among other things, they've been a real "geek squad", helping out with all of the technical problems involved with an undertaking of this size. A certificate of Meritorious Service was presented to Stan by AEC JOHN DAVIS, WB4QDX, on behalf of the Planning Committee, and signed by the EMA's own FRANK DANIELL. Stan appeared to be a little flustered by this, but he got down-right red-faced when Frank's "couldn't do without her" assistant KARLA LONG trotted to the front of the room to plant a kiss of appreciation right on his punkin' head. But they still weren't done with him, no sirree. Frank said he knew how much Stan wanted to be a fireman, and then promptly presented him with a kid-sized Gwinnett County Fire Department coat, hat, and ax. (Rumor has it that Stan may actually wear the hat for the SET.)A special visitor to this meeting was our SEC JIM COTE, N4PJR, which meant that every single layer of the GA ARES hierarchy was in attendance. Pretty impressive!

MACON-BIBB --- EMA Director JOHNNY (B.GOOD) WINGERS, WX4R, doesn't believe in wasting time. When a job needs to be done, he's just the kind of bulldozer you want around to tackle it. So, it came as no surprise to me to receive an email from him on the evening of September 2, letting me know that he and his crew were heading out early the next morning for Stennis Space Center (a hop, skip, and a jump away from New Orleans) with that awesome communications vehicle of theirs to set up a Center of Command for the relief efforts. And he noted proudly, "All of my people are hams". They were, very likely, the first GA hams who went into the affected area.

PAULDING COUNTY --- After working closely with the local EMA for the past couple of years, this group has just signed an official MOU with the county. Congratulations to EC SEAN SPARKS, W4JFL, and to all of the members, who've worked so hard to build this strong working relationship.

PERSONNEL CHANGES --- There have been some recent changes in the GA ARES organization:

++ In TOWNS county, we welcome AL HIGGINS, W4VFZ, as the new EC, and offer him our thanks for his willingness to take on this role. Previously, KEN BRYANT, KF4CZB, a NC resident and EC, has been serving in this capacity, and I'm pleased to say that Ken will continue to be an important part of the Towns county ARES group.

++ In NORTH FULTON county, long-serving (and recent GA Tech grad) DAVID ZISKIND, KE4QLH, has stepped down and has passed the reins over to STEPHEN KEMP, WB4CVB. Thanks to both of these fine fellas.

++ In APPLING county, BILL THORNTON, W4WDT, regretfully resigned as EC. Many thanks to him for so ably serving as EC and NCS for the District ARES net. We wish him well, and hope that he'll be able to become active again in the near future.

++ In metro Atlanta, DEC TONY KING, W4ZT, has stepped down, and we hope to make an announcement soon as to his replacement. Tony did a fine job, both as EC in SOUTH FULTON, and as our metro DEC, and we appreciate all of his hard work.

++ Talking about hard work, another of our long-serving volunteers, J.D. GOINGS, AA4P, has resigned as Net Manager for our statewide ARES net. If I started listing all of the things that J.D. has done throughout the years, this newsletter wouldn't end up being a short one, after all, but suffice it to say that he's done a LOT. We're very grateful to him, and we're also grateful to his new successor, CHARLES PENNINGTON, K4GK, who also wears quite a few "hats" of his own. Thank you, Charles, for ALL that you do.

++ There's been a little bit of shuffling at the DHS/GEMA SOC, too, with the resignation of ADEC CECIL DUNCAN, KD4ZEM, who's going to still be a member of the team, but is looking to "spread his wings" a little in other directions, too. He's done a great job of assisting DEC LOWRY ROUSE, KM4Z, in all of the improvements that have been made at the SOC. I think you'll recognize the name of his successor as ADEC: it's none other than MIKE BOATRIGHT, KO4WX, our former SEC, who also once served as DEC to GEMA. One other addition to the GEMA team is TOM OLLEY, KG4VUB, who will be the WinLink 2000 coordinator for the SOC. I can't say enough good things about all of the progress that has been made here over the years, and about all of the hams who've volunteered to serve here.

++ JOHN SHINALL, K4YK, has served as the DEC in the Central GA district for quite a few years now, and he was instrumental in getting the ARES organization up and running in many counties. But now, he has a higher calling. He'll be hanging up all of his radios, (except for an emergency-use HT), and will be stepping down as DEC. The reason? John will become an ordained minister at the end of October. Many thanks to John for his years of service with us, and best wishes as he enters his new Service.

---> Talking about the SET (weren't we?) this following message comes to us from our DEC for DHS/GEMA LOWRY ROUSE, KM4Z:

I hope all of your local ARES groups are planning a Simulated Emergency Test (SET) activity for this coming Saturday, Oct 1st. Please be reminded that the first obligation is to your local group and any OHS/GEMA involvement will come after that duty is completed.

The main purpose for the State Operations Center (SOC) to activate this year is to provide a central location for the local ARES groups to send their activity reports to GA Section officials (SEC, SM). If any of the local groups decide to work the SOC into their local scenario, the SOC will respond accordingly.

The schedule for the SOC is as follows:

8AM (1200UTC) SOC station activates and will monitor HF 3.975MHz.
VHF 146.820 (PL 146.2) FM Voice
VHF Packet 145.03
WINLINK wx4gma@winlink.org
E-Mail gemasoc@gaares.org

10AM (1400UTC) K5AES (Tom) will activate his home station and will be monitoring 7.275MHz. He will relay any traffic he receives to the SOC via the 146.820 Repeater.

11AM (1500UTC) Will begin WINLINK testing via TELPAC with KG4VUB.

2PM (1800UTC) The 7.275MHz. NCS will stand down.

6PM (2200UTC) The SOC station will stand down.

This is a good time to inform you that TOM OLLEY, KG4VUB, will be the GEMA Team WINLINK 2000 Coordinator. His duties will include maintaining and updating the SOC WINLINK software, working with any individuals that are interested in establishing a Participating Network Mailbox (PMBO) station or Telnet Packet Bridge (TELPAC) aka AIRMAIL via a Radio Frequency (RF) link and training individuals in installing and using the WINLINK 2000 software. This position will be added to the Section Operations Plan and will be posted ASAP.

The SOC operations are covered for the entire 10 hour period. Cecil (KD4ZEM), David (KE4QLH), Susan (AF4FO), Mike (K4HBI), Tom (K5AES), Mike (KO4WX) and Victor (KI4HPX) and myself will be taking part in the operations.

John Kraus (KC4ZGQ) our Digital DEC will be working all day with the SOC on the WINLINK mode of communications. Many tests and trial messages with attachments will be exchanged Saturday with numerous EOC's and volunteer organizations.

Please be advised that if you are a registered WINLINK user and want to be included in any of the WINLINK communications, you must send an E-mail to John at kc4zgq@winlink.org. before Friday Sept. 30th so he can place you in his SET address book.

Thanks for your participation in the 2005 Simulated Emergency Test and I look forward to receiving messages from your local groups. Please feel free to contact me at km4z@arrl.net with any questions or suggestions.

Thanks.

Lowry Rouse KM4Z
OHS/GEMA DEC

Note: FYI: The SOC Call Sign is WX4GMA
When calling on the 7.275 MHz. frequency, if you don't know who the NCS is because I haven't posted the calls of the NCS's ( I'm still trying to fill all the slots), please just call for the WX4GMA Liaison NCS and the designated NCS will respond to you.

+++ This additional info regarding the role of WinLInk 2000 in this year's SET comes to us from Digital DEC JOHN KRAUS, KC4ZGQ:

I have uploaded two files to my website with information for the SET on Saturday.

http://kc4zgq.com/ham.htm

One is the latest version of the Georgia ARES Winlink Roster. The other is the plan for incorporating the Airmail client into the SET.

Please note you do not need any RF gear to participate at this point. The goal is to test the internet portion of the system and to enhance user familiarity with the Airmail program.

I see no reason why any ham who has a computer and an internet connection could not participate.

Dr. Jekyll declined... he hadn't been feeling himself lately.

SPECIAL GA BAPTIST DISASTER TRAINING SESSION

A Special Phase I Disaster Relief Training
Saturday October 8, 2005
8:00AM until we finish - lunch and supper provided

This will be a Complete Phase I training in a one day format early morning to late evening

All Phase I areas included: Clean Up & Recovery, Communications, Feeding, Child Care, Crisis Intervention, etc.

Location - Central Baptist Church Douglasville, GA directions on registration form.

Schedule - on the registration form

Click on the URL's below to go to the website for the forms. If you cannot click on them copy them to your web browser and press go.

http://mens.gabaptist.org/Resources//93.pdf Form for Special Training
http://mens.gabaptist.org/Resources//42.pdf Personal Information Form

Website for Georgia Baptist Convention - www.gabaptist.org - go to Ministry - Men's Ministry - Disaster Relief - Seminars and training

Registrations must be in to Men's Ministry Department by October 7, PLEASE DO NOT CALL THE OFFICE TO MAKE RESERVATIONS OR FAX THEM IN. THE FORM AND PAYMENT SHOULD BE IN BY OCT. 7.

NOTE: I understand that you can register and pay for this training via credit card at http://mens/gabaptist.org/common/content.asp?PAGE=399

Edison thought it would be illuminating.

KATRINA PICTURES AND VIDEOS NEEDED

from ALLEN PITTS, W1AGP, ARRL Media and Public Relations Manager:

Attention Amateur Radio Operators returning from disaster relief efforts in the areas effected by hurricane Katrina. The ARRL in conjunction with 2k-Plus productions in Atlanta is creating video products of Amateur Radio emergency operations as a result of Hurricane Katrina. We are asking for submission of still photographs taken during these emergency operations. Photographs may include operational setups, operators and damage in the areas you were operating in. Photographs submitted will be used to create Public Service Commercials to promote Amateur Radio and funding for emergency services, DVDs and Videos to generate interest in Amateur Radio and to show government bodies the effectiveness of Amateur Radio in emergencies and possibly a documentary film for broadcast.

Photographs submitted should be in JPEG or TIFF format, and by submitting you give permission for the use of these photographs in projects listed above and any future projects. Any persons depicted in these photographs also need to give their express permission to have their likeness shown in any project that these photographs are used.

Please send pictures as attachments to: w1agp@arrl.org

Gauss was asked to attend because of his magnetic personality.

KATRINA-RELIEF OPERATORS STILL NEEDED IN MISSISSIPPI

GREG SARRATT, W4OZK, Alabama SM, still hard at work at the Red Cross staging area in Montgomery, AL, said that the need continues for Amateur Radio operators to help with communications for Red Cross shelters and Emergency Operation Centers in southern Mississippi's Harrison County, Hancock County and Jackson County.

If you are able to deploy, please contact Greg at DR871-06RTT-RCO3@usa.redcross.org.

Operators would go to Montgomery, AL, first to receive orientation and get a specific assignment. To help with scheduling, the radio amateurs should indicate (in their e-mail) contact information, and the amount of time that they have for possible deployment. (And please copy me in your email)

Einstein thought it would be relatively easy to attend.

ARES REPORT FROM ASEC STAN EDWARDS, WA4DYD

Membership: 1174 Change since last month: -2

Total Net Sessions: 94

Drills, Tests, Training Sessions: 117 Man-hours: 871
Public Service Events: 8 Man-hours: 171
Emergency Operations: 23 Man-hours: 433
Misc. Events: 35 Man-hours: 251

Total Events: 183 Total Man-hours: 1726

Reporting by District:

Metro Atlanta 50.0%
Northwest 38.5%
Southwest 36.8%
Southeast 35.7%
East Central 28.6%
Central 15.8%
Northeast 6.7%
West Central 0.0%

Non-District DECs 25.0%

Total Reporting 29.2%

Morse's reply: "I'll be there on the dot. Can't stop now, must dash."

NET REPORT FROM JIM HANNA, AF4NS, STM

PUBLIC SERVICE HONOR ROLL:

STATION ACTIVITY REPORTS:

Traffic handled (QTC):

** SID HUTCHINSON, WB4GGS, earned yet another BPL listing in QST, with 311 messages sent and 306 received, for a whopping total of 617. CONGRATULATIONS!

"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

SPECIAL NOTE FOR NTS OPERATORS

BOB GOOD, K4BG, came up with a good idea, which he discussed recently with STEVE EWALD, WV1X, of the ARRL. Bob thought that it would be great if the ARRL would produce and sell patches and decals with the NTS logo on it, much like they do for ARES. This would demonstrate the support of the ARRL for this traditional backbone of service that has been such an integral part of the ARRL since its inception, and would give you a way to show your pride in what you do.

But, ya know what they say, "Money talks". Before this could be considered a marketable idea, there has to be some indication that it would sell.

If there's enough interest in this idea.... Meaning: how many people would purchase one or more of these products?... Steve will present this proposal to Marketing for their consideration. I've asked the other SMs to ask their members, and I'm asking YOU: Would YOU be interested in buying NTS patches and/or decals??

Please let me know if you would support such a program, and I'll forward that information to Steve.

Ohm resisted the idea.

AMATEUR RADIO ANTENNA "CC&R BILL" REINTRODUCED IN CONGRESS

New York Congressman Steve Israel has reintroduced legislation that could make it easier for radio amateurs living in communities with deed covenants, conditions and restrictions (CC&Rs) to erect suitable antennas. Arkansas Congressman Mike Ross, WD5DVR, signed aboard as an original cosponsor of the "Amateur Radio Emergency Communications Consistency Act" (HR 3876). ARRL Hudson Division Director Frank Fallon, N2FF, attended Israel's public announcement of the bill September 19 on Long Island.

"Unfortunately if all new housing developments contain deed restrictions forbidding outside antennas there will probably come a time when there will not be enough ham radio operators to help their neighbors and countrymen," said Fallon. He believes Israel's bill will help to ensure that Amateur Radio will continue to be able to provide emergency communication should a disaster occur.

Fallon, who heads up the League's grassroots lobbying initiative, noted the bill's introduction comes in the immediate aftermath of positive media coverage of Amateur Radio's response to the Hurricane Katrina disaster. He was on hand for Israel's public announcement, which took place at the home of ARRL New York City-Long Island Emergency Coordinator Tom Carrubba, KA2D.

The one-sentence measure is identical to the text of the CC&R bill that has been introduced in the last two sessions of Congress: "For purposes of the Federal Communications Commission's regulation relating to station antenna structures in the Amateur Radio Service (47 CFR 97.15), any private land use rules applicable to such structures shall be treated as a state or local regulation and shall be subject to the same requirements and limitations as a state or local regulation." The measure would put private land-use regulations, such as homeowners' association rules, on the same legal plane as state or local zoning regulations under the FCC's PRB-1 limited federal preemption. PRB-1 now applies only to states and municipalities.

ARRL President Jim Haynie, W5JBP, this week encouraged League members to write their elected representative and ask that they cosponsor and supportthe bill, especially given two hurricane emergencies in short order.

"Amateur Radio is certainly a part of this nation's communications infrastructure," Haynie said. "What we're asking for is just a fair shake so we can put up antennas and help our fellow citizens." While the League has ramped up its efforts to educate members of Congress about Amateur Radio, Haynie said lawmakers respond best to individual members.

HR 3876 has been assigned to the House Energy and Commerce Committee. Information about the bill and a sample letter to use when contacting your representative are available on the ARRL Web site http://www.arrl.org/govrelations/hr3876/.

In his formal announcement this week, Israel said that "often unsung" Amateur Radio volunteers were instrumental in helping residents in the hardest hit areas in the wake of Hurricane Katrina, including saving stranded flood victims in Louisiana and Mississippi.

"State and local governments, as well as disaster relief agencies, could not possibly afford to replace the services that radio amateurs dependably provide for free," said a statement from Israel's office. "However, the hundreds of thousands of Amateur Radio licensees face burdensome regulations that make it extremely difficult to provide their public services."

+++ NOTE: This bill joins the Amateur Radio Spectrum Protection Act, which was introduced earlier this year, as another piece of pro-amateur radio legislation which deserves our attention. The Spectrum Protection act S-1235, and HR-691, seeks to maintain flexibility by requiring that the basic amount of spectrum allotted to amateur radio operators be maintained. Since 1982, we've lost 107 MHz of spectrum and another 145 MHz is in danger of reallocation, so you can see where it would be in our best interest to contact our legislators and urge them to support this act AND the CC&R bill. Sample letters can be found at www.arrl.og/gavrelations/hr-691-sample-letter.html and at www.arrl.org/announce/regulatory/s-1236/ As always, you can send online letters to senators at www.senate.gov and to our representatives at www.house.gov/writerep/ but here's another, maybe more effective way to send your letters: If you send that letter, preferably as an attachment, to research.assistant@chwatco.com the ARRL will bundle the letters received and HAND DELIVER to each member of Congress. So, how about it? If every one of you reading this would take the time to send your letters within the next week or so, that would be a nice little bundle of letters to deliver. And with all of the "special interest" kinds of bills that cross our legislator's desks, it's the ones that generate the most constituent feed-back that will receive the most attention. That old "squeaky wheel" syndrome. (So, start squeaking!)

Pavlov was drooling at the thought.

ANOTHER YEAR, ANOTHER TOY DRIVE

From ALLEN PITTS, W1AGP, Media and Public Relations Manager for the ARRL:

Can we do it again? Sure! Thanks to hundreds of ham "elves."

In the wake of the unprecedented devastation by Hurricane Katrina, hams around the country are being asked, "Can we do it again?" A year ago hams around the country joined together for children left homeless by a series of four hurricanes in Florida. That effort, in late 2004, succeeded better than anyone's wildest dreams. No one expected to do it again so soon. But not only can it be done, it really must be done. It is simply the right thing to do.

We are asking hams from all over the country to begin gathering new toys for shipment to Memphis, Tennessee. ARRL Vice-Director Henry Leggette, WD4Q, secured a receiving warehouse and is recruiting ham volunteers there. The toys should be sent to:

ARRL Toy Drive
1775 Moriah Woods Blvd - Suite 12
Memphis, TN 38117-7125

where they will be sorted and stocked by volunteers. Early in December we will divide the toys between the various agencies and states that need help the most at that point in time. We are making these arrangements so that we can maximize the areas receiving aid while maintaining the unique identity that this is the Amateur Radio Community's response.

Just as we did last year, we are asking the donors to please put a QSL card into the box with the toy.

Many clubs are already gathering toys together. Please check with your local club and see if they are planning a mass shipment. If not, perhaps you can help organize one for your area.

"Last year, hams from all over the country brought smiles to children during the holidays. We made a lot of friends, and we did a lot of good. No one expected that we would need to do it again, but Katrina's destruction has changed the plans of a lot of people. I hope you will help in this effort to bring a smile to children hurt by this disaster." - Pres. Jim Haynie.

Aiding in this effort is Country singer and ARRL member Patty Loveless, KD4WUJ, who has volunteered to serve as honorary chairperson.

Unwrapped new toys for boys and girls of ages 1 to 14 should be gathered and shipped by amateur radio operators to the Memphis, TN facility between now and Thanksgiving for distribution over the holidays. Non-hams are also encouraged to join in this effort to provide for the thousands of children suddenly homeless due to Hurricane Katrina.

Monetary donations would also be helpful in covering any expenses of this operation and purchasing toys for special age groups. (Older kids often get forgotten) Those wishing to donate money instead of toys can send a check to:

ARRL -Toy Drive
225 Main Street
Newington, CT 06111

Pierre and Marie Curie were radiating enthusiasm.

VOLUNTEER COUNSEL PROGRAM

Have you ever had to struggle with a local ordinance that seemed overly restrictive, maybe even illegal? Or deal with a neighbor who's convinced that every bit of interference within miles is caused by YOU..... even when you're not on the air?? To help amateur radio operators deal with such issues, the ARRL has a Volunteer Counsel Program, wherein (do ya like that "legalese" talk?) it maintains a pool of volunteer lawyers who are willing to help hams deal with these sorts of situations. The program was established as a means of keeping track of, and if necessary, opposing, local ordinances and statutes that might have a detrimental effect on the Amateur Radio Service.

While these lawyers aren't expected to provide their services free of charge, they are required to provide a FREE INITIAL CONSULTATION to provide guidance to the amateur who's "under siege", and to help him decide how best to proceed.

I'm pleased to announce that COOPER MORRIS, WA4PZD, is our most recent GA lawyer to volunteer his services with this great program. Thank you, Cooper; we all appreciate you and all of the others who have signed up to help fellow hams in this vital manner.

If you're interested in becoming a part of this program, and are both an ARRL member and a member of the GA Bar Association, you can fill out an application electronically at http://www.arrl.org/FandES/field/regulations/local/vcapp.html Your application would then go to our esteemed Southeastern Division Director FRANK BUTLER, W4RH, for his approval and to JOHN HENNESSEE, N1KB, of the ARRL, for review. For additional information on this program, please see http://www.arrl.org/FandES/field/regulations/local/vc-vce.html and http://www.arrl.org/FandES/field/regulations/local/vci.html 

Volta was electrified and Archimedes buoyant at the thought.

SECTION NOTABLES

++ THREE CHEERS for PATTY LOVELESS, KD4WUJ, for her September 17th induction into the Georgia Music Hall of Fame. Hope you were all able to watch the ceremonies, which were televised, and very enjoyable, from beginning to end. Especially the end. They saved the best for last: that's when Patty sang three songs, finishing with HOAGY CARMICHAEL'S "Georgia on My Mind". Hubby EMORY GORDY, W4WRO, (what was with that HAT???) wrote, "To be inducted into the GA Music Hall of Fame is quite an honor, and they've been very select in their voting....artists like Ray Charles, Otis Redding, Brenda Lee, Little Richard, Gladys Knight, The Allman Brothers, Isaac Hayes, et. al......quite a roster. I was inducted in 1992 in the "non-performer" category (I personally didn't think I was important or talented enough....but that's another story), and Patty and I are the first couple to be inducted (and both Hams, to boot....Oh, and there are two other Amateur Radio ops that have been inducted into the GMHF: Chet Atkins [SK] and Ronnie Milsap....that'll make four.....we're taking over....wonder if there are others)" Also, please NOTE that Patty deserves THREE CHEERS for something else, too. She has volunteered to serve as the honorary chairperson for this year's Toy Drive, to benefit the kids who've lost so much to Hurricane Katrina, proving that the heart and soul you hear in her music is the Real Thing.

++ Many thanks (at least a 100,000 of them!) to PHIL PARTON, N4DRO, for coordinating Kenwood's generous donation of over $100,000 worth of equipment and cash for use in the emergency communications efforts in the aftermath of Hurricanes Katrina and Rita. Phil has also agreed to sponsor this year's GA Section's Young Ham of the Year, and will present the lucky winner with a new Kenwood 2M rig. (winner's choice of an HT or mobile rig)

++(shhhh!) COOPER MORRIS, WA4PZD, is doing his bit to give lawyers a good name. Earlier this year, he joined the ARRL's Volunteer Counselor Program as Georgia's newest Ham's Best Friend. (Just ask a ham who's been helped with a ham radio-related legal problem by one of these great guys just what a godsend they are!) And now, he's working on a legal guideline paper, with the help of JIM ALTMAN, W4UCK, that will particularly benefit ham volunteers, like those who recently deployed to help after Katrina. This will be a wonderful asset for our GA ARES organization, and we are very grateful to him.

Wilbur Wright accepted, provided he and Orville could get a flight.

PIGLETS (AKA YOUNG HAMS)

PATRICK WILSON, KG4YUV, who is sixteen years old and an active member of the Dalton ARC, announced, "My beacon KG4YUV/B, 28.253 MHz, is now back on the air, as of September 10."

OCTOBER 8 --- K9BSA will be on the air, from Boy Scout Air Camp at WWI/WWII Camp Grant, IL. CERTIFICATE. 28.390, 21.360, 14.290, 7.290. QSL to Steve James, 10855 Ernest Drive, Marengo, IL, 60152-9160

OCTOBER 15-16 --- JOTA One of my favorite reports from a group working JOTA a few years ago related that there was a boy in attendance who had recently gotten his license. When asked by someone what he thought of being a ham, he replied something along the lines of, "I don't know. Last week, I was only a piece of bacon..."

LINDA MASON, the teacher from SNELLVILLE MIDDLE SCHOOL who visited the GARS' field day this year, and spent so much time with our own ANDREA HARTLAGE, KG4IUM, learning about amateur radio, as well as operating, has definitely caught the "bug". I'm pleased to announce that she has started an amateur radio club at the school, where student interest is high, and the support is strong from some of the GARS members. She is also currently taking the class being taught at Central Gwinnett High School by WIN JACKSON, N1TWX, with the hopes of earning her own license in the near future. (Way to get her hooked, Andrea!)

Boyle said he was under too much pressure.

UPCOMING EVENTS

SEPTEMBER 30- OCTOBER 1 --- 1600Z-2400Z--- Macon-Bibb EMA Radio Club will be operating Special Event Station W4G for the 150th anniversary of the GA State Fair. CERTIFICATE. 14.257, 7.225. QSL to Jeff Amerson, Exchange Club of Macon, PO Box 4105, Macon, GA 31208

SEPTEMBER 30-OCTOBER 1 --- TenTec Hamfest

OCTOBER 1 --- SET (See last month's newsletter for info on how your group can send a message to the MARS network) And PLEASE, don't forget to submit a report of your group's activity!!

OCTOBER 1 --- 1300Z-2100Z--- Columbia County ARC will be operating Special Event Station W4O from the annual Oliver Hardy Festival. CERTIFICATE. 21.360, 14.260, 7.260. QSL to Dean Maples, 1053 Blackfoot Drive, Evans, GA, 30809

OCTOBER 1 --- 1300Z-2200Z--- Multiple stations will be on the air from all around the country, to commemorate the 66th anniversary of the US Coast Guard Auxiliary. In GA, W4A will be operating in Flowery Branch. QSL. 21.360, 14.285, 7.275, 3.875. QSL to Albert Miles, 3325 Rangers Gate Drive, Marietta, GA, 30062

OCTOBER 8 --- AUGUSTA Hamfest--- 9AM-3PM at Evans Middle School, 4318 Washington Road. Admission- $5; Indoor tables- $10. Tailgating. VE Session (must pre-register via k4psw@comcast.com) MARS tri-service meeting onsite. Talk-in 145.490

OCTOBER 8-16 --- 1200Z-2100Z--- Ellijay ARS will be operating Special Event Station W4A for the 34tg annual GA Apple Festival. QSL. 18.120, 14.235, 7.235, 3.860. QSL to Dave Meadows, PO Box 1371, East Ellijay, GA 30539

OCTOBER 15 --- ROME Hamfest--- 8AM-2:30PM--- NW GA ARC's Al Brock Memorial Hamfest, at the Rome Civic Center, Civic Center Hill. Admission $5. Indoor tables-$10. FREE Tailgating with cost of admission. VE testing. Talk-in 146.34/146.94 88.5 PL (And NO, we won't be staying in that "Presidential Suite" again this year!!)

OCTOBER 15-16 --- JOTA (Tell me about how your event went... and don't forget to send in that log, so the ARRL and BSA can keep track of this activity's growth)

OCTOBER 15-16 --- 1400Z-2200Z--- North GA ARC will be operating Special Event Station W4QQ, in conjunction with Dahlonega's Gold Rush Days. QSL. 14.260 QSL to NGARC, 150 Hickory Nut Trail, Dahlonega, GA 30533

OCTOBER 22 --- Chattanooga Hamfest, Camp Jordan Park Arena, I-75 and Hwy 41

NOVEMBER 5-6 --- Alford Memorial ARC Hamfest, at the Gwinnett county fairgrounds on Sugarloaf Parkway, Lawrenceville. Multiple special activities geared toward youth, including the presentation of the GA Section's Young Ham of the Year Award. Club president ROBERT TYLER, KF4VBR, also asked me to let you know that you can buy your advance tickets Online this year ($6) from the Alford Hamfest website www.totr-radio.org Those tickets will be held at the Will Call Ticket booth for the purchasers. Online Ticket Purchasers can also buy boneyard spaces, and Flea Market Tables. (Or you can purchase your advance tickets from me at the Augusta or Rome Hamfest...)

SILENT KEYS

PAUL VAUGHN, KB4AB
*JOHN HALL, AE6NK

*John was not technically a GA ham, but the 24 year old graduated from GA Tech a few years ago, and was very active in both the GA Tech ARC and the Atlanta ARC when he lived here. Many will remember him and be saddened by his death. He fought a very courageous battle with cancer, and stayed upbeat until the end.

Sincere condolences to the families and friends of both of these men.

Well, folks, that's about it for now. If I left something out, please forgive me, but I am ready to put this newsletter.... And me.... To bed. 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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