Greetings, All.

Lots of fun activities coming up this month. A couple of GA Hamfests, the annual SET, JOTA, School Round-Up... Please be sure to read the special information about plans for the upcoming SET under "ARES NEWS".

OK, no beating around the bush this month. (What a concept!) Let's get right to it, and see what's been going on around the state, and what's coming up right around the corner.

This month's one-liners were supplied by JOHN BACHTEL, NR4JB.

To write with a broken pencil is useless.

SEPTEMBER HIGHLIGHTS

SEPTEMBER 15 --- DALLAS HAMFEST--- You know what this fest is like? It's kinda like when parents provide the kids with a fantastic play area, and then let 'em have at it. The Paulding ARC provides a fantastic location for everybody to get together, and then they sit back and let everyone have a good time. Several of the people who made it there for the first time this year commented about what a perfect spot it is. And it is. The little buildings that were built there in the park for arts and crafts shows make ideal places for people to hawk their wares. And they're all nestled under the trees, like a peaceful little village. Plus, there's room for those who'd rather sell from the back of their vehicles, too. As always, the club provided a wonderful lunch, with so many different homemade goodies for dessert, it was hard to decide which one to try. (one of EACH?) Many thanks to the members of the Paulding ARC for hosting yet another fun event. It was a great way to spend a beautiful Saturday in the park. If you missed it this year, you might enjoy checking it out next year.

When fish are in schools, they sometimes take debate.

CLUB NEWS

ALFORD MEMORIAL ARC --- The highlight of the September meeting involved the surprise presentation of a plaque to former club president, GENE BLACKBURN, N4UJ, in honor of his 50 years as an amateur radio operator. To say he was overwhelmed would be a gross understatement. Couldn't happen to a nicer guy.

ATLANTA ARC --- There was a program at the September meeting on the city of Atlanta's CERT program and on an upcoming exercise. Good presentation about the kind of valuable training that is being offered. However, erroneous information was given that there is no CERT program in Dekalb county, and that the one in Gwinnett has been put on hold. I double-checked, and it turns out that the programs in both Dekalb and Gwinnett are alive and well. Next big club activity: a picnic, scheduled to be held on November 10. (think warm!)

COLUMBIA COUNTY ARC --- Club members will once again be sponsoring Special Event Station W4O, in conjunction with the 19th annual OLIVER HARDY FESTIVAL, from 9AM until 4PM on Saturday October 6th. Suggested frequencies: 7.260, 14.260, 21.260 & 146.520 Mhz. Certificate.

GWINNETT ARS --- MIKE WEATHERS, ND4V, presented an interesting and comprehensive program on Logbook of the World at the September meeting. Most hams have heard about it, but Mike did a great job of removing some of the mystery surrounding the use and value of this popular program. Coming up in October will be a program on "Vintage Radio". Not sure which "vintage" they're talking about, but my guess is we'll be doing a bit of reminiscing about the days when all hams had vacuum tubes, hernias and/or sore backs, and RF burns. (That's still 2007 vintage at our house!) Attendance at club meetings has been growing by leaps and bounds. Come join the fun. www.gars.org

MIDDLE GA RADIO ASSOCIATION --- This wasn't the first year club members took part in the annual Young Astronauts Day, held at the Museum of Aviation, but this is the year, thanks to LARRY KEITH, KQ4BY, that more people know about it. You can read Larry's article about what club members did to introduce these youngsters to amateur radio at http://www.arrl.org/news/stories/2007/09/25/100/?nc=1

MILLEDGEVILLE ARC --- Please note that the scheduled program for the Milledgeville Amateur Radio Club meetings have changed as follows: On October 20, 2007, CHARLES KIGHT, AI4UN, will present a program on the National Teachers Conference, which was held this past summer. High school and middle school teachers from the local area will be invited to attend this meeting and seminar.
And on November 17, 2007, BARRY GOODEN, from the National Weather Service, Peachtree City, will present a program on SKYWARN. This is an excellent opportunity to become "Certified" as a severe storm spotter, or as a refresher to the basic SKYWARN course. The public will be invited to attend this meeting in addition to amateur radio operators. Please note that the MARC meeting will begin at 10 AM, with Barry Gooden's presentation to begin at 11 AM. (de CHARLES PENNINGTON, K4GK)

NEWTON COUNTY RC --- On September 8, members provided communications in support of the 24th annual Covington Police Fuzz Run. Ten members participated. Coming up on October 13, this club will be offering its first VE session, at 9AM, at the Newton County Law Enforcement Center. For more info, please contact TOM MADIGAN, K4TDM, at k4tdm@arrl.net

NORTHEAST GA ARC --- SkyWarn, a major addition to our local communities.
Effective September 26th 2007, the dedicated operators of the Northeast Georgia Amateur Radio Club (NEGARC) will be serving our Jackson County and neighboring communities in yet another way...SkyWarn! With the full support of LARRY OSBORNE, WT4XX, NEGARC President, BOB ALDRICH, N9RLA, and DOUG BROWN, KC4RSL, of the NEGARC, have built a SkyWarn Spotter Program and Severe Weather Net from the ground up in order to help "protect and serve" our local communities when severe weather threatens. We will be communicating accurate "ground level" local weather information to the National Weather Service in Peachtree City - information that cannot be discerned on weather radar and which could become part of their weather reports and warnings for our area. We have several members that have already gone "above and beyond" and are already Storm Spotter certified and with the NWS Storm Spotter training on Sept 26th in Athens, GA we will have even a larger group of enthusiastic and dedicated volunteers that will be there when our communities need us the most...when severe weather threatens. Our first official weekly net (unless severe weather threatens at which time it will become a directed net) will be held October 2nd at 1900 (local) on the NEGARC (Commerce, GA) 2 meter repeater at 147.225MHz + offset PL tone 123. All licensed hams are welcome to check in! For further detailed information, go to http://www.n9rla.com/SkyWarn.htm (de BOB ALDRICH, N9RLA)

NORTH FULTON ARL --- Club members were treated to a very interesting program at the September meeting, presented by TIM LEMMON, WK4U, entitled "Cool Software for the SWL". Tim gave this same presentation earlier in the year at the national conference for SWLs. (I didn't even know there was such a thing; did you?) There's a wealth of terrific programs, many of which are FREE for the download, that can be extremely beneficial to SWLs and hams alike. Info about things like current propagation conditions, gray line, and when various stations around the world transmit in English, and on which frequencies. Some fascinating stuff. You can see Tim's presentation, which includes all of those totally cool website addresses, at http://home.comcast.net/~wk4u/swlfest2007.html
In October, PAUL PESCITELLI, K4UJ, will be doing a presentation on the Scarborough Reef DX-pedition.

NORTH GA TRI-STATE ARC --- On Tuesday September 4th during the regular monthly meeting at 7PM the North Georgia Tri-State Amateur Radio Club held in the Branan Lodge at 1146 Wesley Mountain Dr. Blairsville, held its annual elections.
Congratulations to the following slate of recently elected officers: President-RICHARD DEEMERS, JR, KI4SZW; VP- DON DEYTON, KF4CU; Secretary- RULISON "ARCH" ARCHER III, KG4KVZ; and Treasurer- WALT BOWERS, JR, KF4ZOT. Thanks to KE3PL, STEVE DUNKLE, our outgoing President, and special thanks to WB3AYW, LEONARD SHICK, the club founder, for a job well done as both secretary and treasurer during the past year. Leonard is the Trustee of the club repeater KI4DZY.
KF4CU, DON DEYTON, maintains his Vice Presidency for another year, he is also our webmaster for http://www.ki4dzy.nottely.net/ Please visit the above web site for more information about the club or contact Arch at 706-781-6529 (de ARCH ARCHER, KG4KVZ)

QCWA --- Coming up at the October 27 meeting of Peach State Chapter 49, PAUL PESCITELLI, K4UJ, will be doing a presentation on his experiences during this year's DX-pedition to Scarborough Reef. All are welcome. We meet at the Ryan's restaurant near the intersection of Jimmy Carter and Peachtree Industrial Boulevards, in Norcross. Eat at noon, meeting to follow.

SE DX CLUB --- During the month of October, members will be enjoying a little friendly competition. As part of their new mentoring program, they've been telling new HF operators that you don't have to have a tower, a state-of-the-art beam and a megawatts amplifier to have fun working the world. To prove it, during this month, they'll be limiting themselves to the use of no more than 100W and a wire antenna. The objective will be to see which club member can work the most DX entities. Should be interesting.

A thief who stole a calendar got twelve months.

A "FEW WORDS" ON MENTORING

Some of our clubs (as well as some individual hams) here in GA have always taken an interest in mentoring new hams, because they've always understood that getting a license is just the beginning. If new hams don't feel included in the local ham community, and don't have anyone to provide guidance, they oftentimes lose interest altogether. Might not even go to the bother of ever buying a radio or getting on the air. Since the rule changes earlier this year, the number of hams who are earning new licenses, or upgrading to a higher class has skyrocketed. Let's compare the numbers from January 1- July 31, 2006, to those for that same time period this year. New technician licensees: 2006-12,268; 2007-15,549; New/Upgraded General class licensees: 2006-2,384; 2007-15,730(!!!) and Extra: 2006-1,909; 2007-4.284. So, as you can see, the need for active mentoring is greater than ever.

Members of the SE DX Club are actively working on a program designed to reach out to hams with new HF privileges. How about your club?

The following article on mentoring appeared in the ARRL Club News for August, 2007. Thought you might enjoy it, and maybe even pick up some ideas on how YOUR club can take steps towards being First Class Elmers:

Amateur Radio has always been an activity of exploration and discovery as well as personal growth and social interaction. The people who often receive the most satisfaction from Amateur Radio are those who have spent time developing skills. They have made a commitment to increase their knowledge of the subject and who have become a part of the fabric of the amateur community. Obtaining a
license and purchasing a radio does not make you a radio amateur any more than purchasing a tennis racket makes you a tennis player. If I may carry this analogy a step further, mentoring in ham radio is like coaching in sports; it is ineffective unless there is an effort from the participant.

"Without involvement, there is no commitment. Mark it down, asterisk it, circle it, underline it. No involvement, no commitment." --Stephen Covey

Too often time and energy is wasted by well-meaning amateurs who want to help people discover Amateur Radio. Fueled by their good intentions, these disciples of Amateur Radio try to spoon-feed information to apathetic newcomers who somehow meandered through the door to ham radio or have found themselves handcuffed to ham radio either through school, career or family involvement. License mills that systematically churn out call signs and don't offer any follow-up training are not the least bit beneficial to the Amateur Radio Service. One new ham who gets involved in a local club and is active on the air will have far more impact on Amateur Radio than a hundred call signs who may never even purchase a radio let alone get on the air. Unfortunately the dormant call signs will clutter the census of Amateur Radio for up to ten years, misleading the actual number of active hams. New hams should already have that wide-eyed zeal of any person who has willingly embarked on a new hobby or venture. The enthusiasm of new hams is often contagious and this can have a positive effect on a club by invoking renewed excitement to the group.

A recent example of this wide-eyed enthusiasm happened at our club's Field Day event when I met a newcomer to Amateur Radio who had only been licensed about six weeks at the time. I could instantly see in the eager but curious way that he immersed himself in the weekend's activities that this person had the potential to be an asset to our club and to Amateur Radio. Soon after Field Day, the novice operator had a General class license manual in his hand but, more importantly, he was in my shack experiencing DX, SSB, digital and CW operating. Soon after that, I had him in the chair participating in the IARU contest. Immediately after his inoculation of on-the-air operation, my new protege was planning his first wire antenna and the layout of his shack. He even designed a QSL card to confirm future contacts with other radio amateurs. By the time this newsletter is released I am certain that he will probably have upgraded to General and started logging contacts from his own station.

Amateur Radio has a wide variety of things to offer but the fact remains that in this post 911 and post-Katrina world, many people have been attracted to Amateur Radio through the emergency communications feature of the service. It is wonderful that these new people are using the EmComm portal to come into the exciting world of Amateur Radio. However, if the intention is to get an entry level license, buy a hand-held radio and keep it in a box only to be used for emergencies, all of the spoon feeding in the world is not going to enable these people to become good operators and effective communicators.

Active radio operators are effective communicators and are essential to "maintaining a reservoir of trained communicators," as stated in FCC Part 97 as the basis and purpose of the Amateur Radio Service. Not only do active hams make good communicators, active hams "enhance international goodwill" which is also part of the FCC's basis and purpose of the service.

Effective mentoring in ham radio requires coaching, teaching and above all, encouragement. The mentor who is a cheerleader and promotes activity on and off the air gives new hams a purpose and lets them learn by doing. Activity introduces new hams to other operators and offers opportunities for new friendships and resources that can help develop communication skills.

Contests and awards are not just for collecting certificates and other wallpaper. Operating events are fun and they can be used as mentoring tools to encourage new operators to set goals and get involved. More time spent on-the-air with other hams not only increases an operator's ability to be able to pass information, but it cultivates good listening skills, creates a familiarity and comfort level in using the equipment, and it helps to understand complex topics like propagation.

Proficiency comes by doing, and as one becomes more proficient at something, the more enjoyment there is to be derived from it. People who enjoy what they are doing are more likely to share their avocation with others who show an interest. Mentors who promote activity kick start the machine that generates momentum in a club. Active hams are enthusiastic hams, and enthusiastic hams create commotion that others want to be a part of. As the passion for ham radio activity grows, soon the students become the teachers who mentor a new group of excited wide-eyed novices.

Radio amateurs have many opportunities to be recognized for their operating achievements and mentors ought to be using these programs as training aids. ARRL sponsors or supports many events and awards programs that are designed to get hams on the air. In fact, the very first tab on the ARRL Web page www.arrl.org is "Operating Activities." Along with contests and awards, there are many special event operating activities. On any given weekend there are operating events that hams can participate in. Besides the structured events and activities mentioned we can always sit down with a new ham and call CQ. Effective mentoring comes not from spoon feeding, but by setting a buffet table full of activity and inviting new hams to join in the feast.

Resources:
Checklist for a quality mentor program:
http://www.arrl.org/FandES/field/club/mentor/check-list.html

Special Event listings:
http://www.arrl.org/contests/spev.html

ARRL Contest Calendar:
http://www.arrl.org/contests/calendar.html

Contest Corral (Non ARRL Contests):
http://www.arrl.org/contests/months/jul.html

A thief fell and broke his leg in wet cement. He became a hardened criminal.

ARES NEWS

SIMULATED EMERGENCY TEST ---The biggest news this month is in the preparations for the upcoming SET. Some of our ECs have done an incredible amount of planning to make this an exciting and meaningful exercise for their groups this year. Hats off to all of them. But even if you're not currently an active ARES member, there are plenty of opportunities for you to participate. Why not check into one of the statewide nets and represent your county? Generate traffic? (And have fun.)

*** Here's the op plan for the SET statewide nets, from our STM and ARES NM, CHARLES PENNINGTON, K4GK:

Georgia ARES and NTS nets will be active on Saturday, October 6, 2007, in support of the Simulated Emergency Test. The purpose of this activation is to support local ECs and DECs in establishing liaison with state and national disaster relief agencies, and to provide training in net operations, in addition to providing a large-scale operation to encourage others to become involved in the Amateur Radio Emergency Service.

This year we will provide particular focus on the use of The National Traffic System Nets and frequencies whenever possible. Several modes, including CW and digital will be used this year.

Liaisons will be established with: The Office of Homeland Security (GEMA), Military Affiliate Radio System (MARS), Red Cross, Salvation Army, and Georgia Baptists Disaster Relief.

The following schedule is recommended for use by all operators within the state. However, other frequencies may be used if desired, or needed.

The statewide net support operations will begin at 0800 hours local time and continue until 1400 hours.

The following nets and frequencies will be used at the times indicated.

Georgia Statewide ARES Net 0800-1300 local 3975 kHz
Georgia Traffic and Emergency Net 1000-1200 local 3983 kHz
Georgia Statewide ARES Net B 1030-1130 local 7275 kHz
Georgia CW Training Net 0930-1000 local 3549 kHz
Georgia Traffic Net 1300-1345 local 3987.5 kHz
Georgia Digital (PSK31) 0900-1200 local 3575 kHz

Note: The Georgia Digital Net (3575) is an "open" net, meaning there is no net control on this net. It is not a directed net.

The use of MT63 is also encouraged as well as WINLINK (Pactor).

The Georgia Traffic Net will meet at 1300 hours to pass any remaining traffic not previously cleared.

Questions regarding these net operations should be directed to K4GK at email: k4gk@arrl.net

Good luck, to all Emergency Coordinators and all participants.


*** Our DEC for OHS/GEMA, LOWRY ROUSE, KM4Z, has the following plans in place for operations from the State Operations Center:

Please be advised that the SOC station will be activated on SET Saturday, Oct 6th from 8AM to 2PM local time. The SOC will be operating on 3.975 MHz on HF, 146.82- pl 146.2 on VHF, and using WINLINK. The SOC will also be testing PSK 31 with the Digital DEC TOM OLLEY, KG4VUB. Other modes are being considered, but no specific plans are in place now. Operating at the SOC on SET Saturday will be DAVID ZISKIND, KE4QLH, ADEC for OHS/GEMA, TOM HOLCOMB, K5AES, VICTOR WASILOV, KI4HPX, the State Warning Officers ROBERT BELCHER, W4AEO, and CHARLES BRYANT have been invited to attend and myself. SCOTT ROYLE, KK4Z, may drop by also for a while to visit the station.

(NOTE: SOC address for WinLink is WX4GMA@winlink.org)

('NOTHER NOTE: If you need some help formulating a press release about your SET, please see www.arrl.org/pio/contact/2007/10/)

*** Digital Plans for SET from Digital DEC TOM OLLEY, KG4VUB:

Since SET is running pretty much at the local level, each group is free to run any digital mode they're comfortable with. GEMA operations will support those wishing to exercise the various software applications of Winlink by receiving messages addressed to WX4GMA via the Winlink system. Those wishing to send a message via Winlink should include a brief situation report on their county's operation. WX4GMA should reply to confirm receipt of your message.

Some folks across the state will be testing with Pactor using Airmail peer to peer, PSK31 and MT63.

The stations operating these modes should check in early enough advising GEMA ops of their mode/freq and time of availability.

Information on how to contact those operators can be obtained through the GEMA station by voice on HF or the local VHF repeater on which WX4GMA is operating, or through Winlink during the SET.

Although PSK31 and MT63 are not perfect solutions for emcomm use, they are easy and cheap to set up and can provide a greater operator availability for passing typed messages.

Airmail, using Pactor, provides compression and binary transfers, allowing Word docs, PDF files and images to be sent across the state. Airmail using Packet provides the same thing for local use. A nearby Telpac Gateway can get your message across the world.

If APRS is being used by anyone, please advise WX4GMA of the callsign being used and that information will also be passed to those asking for digital contact information.

Charge up your laptop batteries and also consider an Auto/Air DC/DC adapter for your laptop. It's much more efficient than a 120V inverter.

*** NWS CHANGE --- Effective October 1, the National Weather Service is changing the way it issues severe weather warnings. For more than fifty years, weather warnings have been based on county lines. The new system, called storm-based warnings, will switch to alerts based on more specific geographical areas within a county, and will more accurately pinpoint specific communities located within a storm's actual path. In the past, weather maps colored entire counties to reflect watches and warnings. In the future, those maps will show highlighted polygons on the specific areas under alert within the county. (I wonder how they'll handle those alerts that stream across the bottom of the TV screen?)

*** OPEN HOUSE, NWS, PEACHTREE CITY --- There will be an open house held at the PTC NWS office on Saturday, October 13, from approximately 9AM until 5PM. This coincides with the first day of the 2-day Great Georgia Air Show, so here's your opportunity to check 'em both out.

*** BALDWIN COUNTY EC HAL REID, K6DPL, who says that the Red Cross is the major client for his ARES group, thought that the local Red Cross chapter could benefit by having some mechanism in place that would allow them to easily find and look at a specific location within their area that had experienced a disaster or incident of some kind. So he took the initiative to create such a program, which was just installed in the local Red Cross office a couple days ago.
http://routemap.esri.com/baldwincounty 

He says that the data set is national in scope, although it is zoomed in on the Milledgeville area for his local Red Cross chapter, and the reason he didn't just go the usual Google route is he can put local data into this program. Even shows things like cell towers, water towers, and antennas. The program lets you locate by address, intersection or simply drawing a box on the map with the mouse and zooming into an area. Finding locations can also create directions to a location, with both a map and directions. The program lets you see an area or location via a map, or by using a slider, view a location or area using aerial or satellite imagery.

KUDOS to Hal for recognizing a problem, and coming up with a great solution. (Don't be surprised if you see more about this program in an upcoming QST.)

*** FORSYTH ARES members will be offering classes to help students earn a new Technician license, or to make that upgrade to General, beginning October 13. Classes will last for five weekends, followed by a VE session on the 6th weekend. The classes are from 9am - 11:30am each Saturday. Class size is limited, and registration is required. For more information, please see http://forsythares.org/classes.htm (de NICK NELSON, KC8HKI)

*** DENNIS DURA, K2DCD, the ARRL's new emergency preparedness and response guru, will be our special visitor and guest speaker at the Lawrenceville Hamfest this year. All ARES members are encouraged to come hear what he has to say about the plans and ongoing efforts to improve the state of emergency response capabilities on a national level.

*** All of our DECs should have received information about the GA ARES database by now. At the Lawrenceville Hamfest, the ARES forum will provide an opportunity for all ARES members to learn more about the system, ask questions, and get an overview of the great features it offers.

The dead batteries were given out free of charge.

GET READY FOR THE SECOND ANNUAL ARRL ON-LINE AUCTION!

The Second Annual ARRL On-Line Auction kicks off October 24, running until November 2 on the ARRL Web site http://www.arrl.org/auction. This is your chance to pick up one-of-a-kind Amateur Radio items. To see what the Auction will offer this year, be sure to check out the Auction preview that begins October 17. Last year, the Auction attracted more than 4300 bidders from 36 countries. While the majority of buyers were from the USA, Canada and the UK, there were buyers from Australia, Malaysia, Grenada and Tanzania.

According to ARRL Chief Operating Officer HAROLD KRAMER, WJ1B, "Last year's on-line auction was our first and it was a great success. When the bidding ended, we realized that we had sold 104 items and we had raised just over $37,000." Proceeds from the auction benefit ARRL education programs including activities to license new hams, strengthen Amateur Radio's emergency service training, offer continuing technical and operating education, as well as creating instructional materials.

This year's auction will include many products tested by the ARRL Lab for QST Product Review. These items include an ICOM IC-7800, a Ten-Tec Omni VII, a Palstar Auto Antenna Tuner, an MJF 974H Balanced Antenna Tuner and a Heil Traveler Headset. There will be many vintage items offered, including the antique transmitter featured in John Dilks' "Old Radio" column in the November 2007 issue of QST. Also, returning by popular demand will be five ARRL Lab unique "junque" boxes.

The professor discovered that her theory about earthquakes was on shaky ground.

NET REPORT DE STM CHARLES PENNINGTON, K4GK

	QNI	QTC	SESS	QND	NM
GSSB: Georgia Single Side Band Association 3975 kHz  7 PM local, year round.	1985	29	31		N4DZ
GCN: Georgia Cracker Net 3995 kHz 7 AM Monday- Saturday;  8 AM Sundays	1351	4	31		N4VMC
GBH: Georgia Baptist Hams 3865 kHz 4 PM Sundays	NR
GA ARES: Georgia Amateur Radio Emergency Services 3975 kHz  5 PM winters; 6 PM summers - Sundays	468	2	4		K4GK
GTE: Georgia Traffic and Emergency Net 3983 kHz 7:15 PM DAILY	1148	5	31		W4AYK
GTN: Georgia Traffic Net (SSB) (Cycle 2) 3987.5 kHz 1 PM Monday - Saturday	326	25	27		WU4C
GTN: Georgia Traffic Handling Training Net (CW) 3549 kHz 9PM DAILY (slow speed)	134	1	30	497	N4VAD
GSN: Georgia Section CW Net (Cycle 4) 3549 kHz 7PM and 10PM DAILY (medium to high speed)	279	186	62	496	K4GK

PUBLIC SERVICE HONOR ROLL:

K4GK	110
WA4UJC	107
K2HJ	109
K8GA	90
WB4BIK	90
K4BEH	75

STATION ACTIVITY REPORTS:

Traffic handled (QTC):

K4GK	90
WA4UJC	24
WB4BIK	43
K8GA	77
K4BAI	12

"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

SECTION NOTABLES

*** MIKE GREENWAY, K4PI, SEDXC member, is one of the few people in the world who has more than 3000 entities under his belt in the DXCC Challenge. What's that mean? That means that he's made contact with an average of 300 different entities on EACH BAND from 160 M to 6 M. Not impressive enough for you? How about this? He's also worked Japan via moonbounce. WOW! Congratulations, Mike. (Something tells me, with his operating skills, he'll be giving the other club members some mighty stiff competition in their 100W/ wire antenna competition this month.)

*** A HUGE tip of the hat to LUTHER RICHARDSON, KI4AOJ, physics teacher at Columbus High School, for all the great things he's done to excite his students about science and amateur radio. There was a terrific article about some of those activities, and some of the things his students have accomplished, in the summer edition of "CQ VHF" magazine. I had no idea this kind of exciting stuff was going on right here in Georgia! Luther used some grant money to start a program called Columbus NASA Connections, which is sponsoring Doing Research at Extreme Altitudes by Muscogee County Students. (DREAMS) See http://connect.columbus2space.org for some info on this outstanding program.

When the smog lifts in Los Angeles, UCLA.

GEORGIA PIGLETS (AKA YOUNG HAMS)

*** CONGRATULATIONS to COREY SMITH, AJ4CD. This young man, from Rising Fawn, GA, went to a VE session in nearby Cleveland, TN, on the 15th of September, and in a matter of a few hours went from being unlicensed to being an extra class operator! All in one swell foop. Quite a feat.

*** JOTA'S COMING! JOTA'S COMING! Don't forget that October 19-21 is JOTA, or Jamboree on the Air, the time set aside to encourage Scouts worldwide to communicate with other Scouts. This includes Boy Scouts, Girl Scouts, and Cub Scouts. (Yes, Webelos, too) Here in Georgia, many of you will be participating on the 20th. Gwinnett ARS members will be helping out at the Scout Hut at Rhodes Jordan Park in Lawrenceville. Lanierland ARC will be supporting efforts in the Oakwood area. Hams from the Jasper Radio Club and the Cherokee ARS will be working with Scouts at the Troop 20 Scout Hut at Big Canoe. Hams will be working with Scouts on Jekyll Island, and I'm sure umpteen other places around the state. (Just because I didn't hear about don't mean it ain't happening) But the biggest efforts I've heard about will be taking place in the Savannah area, and it sounds like they're gonna have a "really big shew". As JOTA Event Co-Chair PHIL NEIDLINGER, KA4KOE, says, this will be an "officially sanctioned Coastal Empire Council of the Boy Scouts event, and not just a couple of packs." That means that they expect to see upwards of 100 Scouts that day, at a totally cool operating location: the Mighty 8th Air Force Museum. They plan to operate from approximately 10 AM to 5 PM, using a Special Event call sign of W4S.

NOTE: Because of the great success of last year's JOTA Net, held on 3.975 MHz, we're going to be offering it again this year. Last year, the net kicked off at noon, so my guess is that it'll be starting at the same time this year. If 75M has shut down, the back-up frequency will be 7.275 MHz. All of our groups around the state who are working with Scouts that day are encouraged to take a few minutes to check into this net. We'll be interested in knowing where you're set up, approximately how many scouts are there, and any other pertinent information you'd like to share about your set-up. (These two frequencies are also suggested as a good place for GA Scout groups to make contacts with each other.)

*** GARY HEADRICK, KD4VQT, shared the following report on the first ham club meeting held at Otwell Middle School: We had our inception meeting on September 7 and had 12 interested students several of whom are interested in pursing their technician license. Our school, PTO, and Kenwood Communications have made contributions to the beginning of the club and its activities. We look forward to the continued growth of our students as we provide world class education in wireless communication with an emphasis on amateur radio. One of our goals is to be able to provide assistance to the geography classes at Otwell by allowing the students to talk to people in the countries which they are studying, where possible, and to provide assistance to the eighth grade Physical Sciences Classes when they study electronics. More next month.

*** OCTOBER 15-19--- SCHOOL CLUB ROUND-UP-- Monday, 1300Z- Friday, 2400Z. www.arrl.org/SCR

Thieves who steal corn from a garden could be charged with stalking.

THIS 'N' THAT

*** Hams have a lot of fun launching and tracking balloons. A group of Canadian hams recently launched one with a camera attached, and BILL DICKERT, KD4EKZ, provided a link to a great site that shows some of the pictures that were taken from that balloon... from an amazing altitude of over 117,000 feet:
http://www.sbszoo.com/bear/sable/sable3.htm

*** And this, from BOB CARR, W5UX: Thought I would pass this along just in case. There is a virtual ionosphere program on the Internet called CQ100 It does both fone and cw. Comes in pretty handy during the conditions we are having these days. It is free for ninety days then it is 32 dollars a year. Costs nothing to check it out. For those that would like to do more than 35 wpm, CWTYPE can be added and it is also free.

*** HAM CLASSES: Forsyth ARES members will be offering Technician and General class instructions, beginning October 13. Classes will last for five weekends, followed by a VE session on the 6th weekend. The classes are from 9AM - 11:30AM each Saturday. Class size is limited, and registration is required. For more information, please see http://forsythares.org/classes.htm (de NICK NELSON, KC8HKI)

*** Thinking about hosting some ham classes in your area? There are some great websites that can help you get started. See www.arrl.org/FandES/ead/instructorNews.html for some ideas.(NOTE: You can sign up on the Members Only page to receive these e-newsletters) For info on some available resources, see www.arrl.org/es/instructor-resources/ There are also a couple of forums for instructors and teachers. For instructors: www.arrl.org/FandES/newsletters/EAF/ and for teachers: www.arrl.org/FandES/newsletters/ARIC/ 

*** D-STAR SEMINAR: This Saturday, September 29, there will be a D-Star seminar in Tallahassee, FL, at the Eyster Auditorium of the Florida Dept of Agriculture at 3125 Conner Blvd, just east of Capital Circle East and Conner Blvd. It will begin at 8:30AM, and is slated to run until approximately 1:30PM. (or later, if needed. No later than a 5PM end time) There will be demonstrations of emergency repeaters, how to set up radios, D-Chat communications, interconnecting to other repeaters, internet access via "RF" and 1296 operation. Hosted by the North Florida Digital Group, all are welcome to attend. AL SM (and D-Star guru) GREG SARRATT, W4PZK, will be the featured speaker. For more info, see www.nfdg.net 
(If you would like to attend, send an RSVP email to PAUL EAKIN, KJ4G, at kj4g@arrl.net so they have an idea of expected attendance.)

*** QRZ.com is rolling out a new QRZ 2.0 application called GridFinder. It can be used to determine the Grid and Lat/Lon coordinates for just about any point on the planet (please don't be too picky about the Arctic regions). Give it a try at http://www.qrz.com/gridfinder and see what you can locate! (de ARRL Contest Rate Sheet, 9/05)

*** Wanta see a great compilation of some terrific websites? This is a presentation created by TIM LEMMON, WK4U, called "Cool Software for the SWL". He originally gave the presentation earlier this year at the National SWL Conference, and more recently, at the North Fulton ARL meeting. Check it out. Some reeeeeally cool info. http://home.comcast.net/~wk4u/swlfest2007.html

*** NEW VE Session--- Newton County RC will be holding their first VE session on October 13, at 9 AM, at the Newton County Law Enforcement Center. For more info, please contact TOM MADIGAN, K4TDM, at k4tdm@arrl.net 

*** Redeem Those Soon-to-Expire International Reply Coupons (Sep 27, 2007) -- If you have old US-issued International Reply Coupons (IRCs), they can still be redeemed, but you need to do it very soon. IRCs issued prior to 2002 (the old small ones) can be redeemed for one penny less than the issue (stamped) price, and must be redeemed by October 10. IRCs with an expiration date of December 31, 2006 can also be redeemed for one penny less than the issue price; these must be submitted to the post office by September 1, 2008. All non-US stamped IRCs issued prior to December 31, 2006 are non-redeemable. For more information, please refer to US Postal Bulletin 22215 (pages 28 and 57), dated September 13, 2007. -- The Daily DX

We'll never run out of math teachers, because they always multiply.

UPCOMING EVENTS

OCTOBER 6 --- SET (And PLEASE, don't forget to submit a report of your group's activity!!)

OCTOBER 6 --- Columbia County ARC will be operating Special Event Station W4O, in conjunction with the 19th annual Oliver Hardy Festival. 9AM-4PM. 21.260, 14.260, 7.260. Certificate.

OCTOBER 6-7 --- Classic Exchange (CW) 1300Z Oct 7- 0700Z Oct 8. 1.810, 3.545, 7.045, 14.045, 21.135, 28.050, 50.100, 144.100. Here's your chance to blow some of the dust bunnies out of your old rig. Since the age of the rig you use serves as a multiplier, the older, the better. www.qsl.asti.com/cx

OCTOBER 13 --- ARC OF AUGUSTA HAMFEST--- 9AM-3PM at Evans Middle School, 4781 Hereford Road. Admission- $5; Indoor tables- $10. Tailgating. VE Session. MARS tri-service meeting onsite. Talk-in 145.490 www.wd4v.org

OCTOBER 15-19 --- School Club Round-Up Monday, 1300Z- Friday, 2400Z. www.arrl.org/SCR

OCTOBER 19-21 --- 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 20 --- NW GA ARC'S AL BROCK MEMORIAL HAMFEST/COMPUTER SHOW--- Rome--- 8AM-2:30PM--- American Legion Shanklin-Attaway Post #5, 5 Shorter Avenue. Admission $5. Indoor tables-$10. FREE Tailgating with cost of admission. Talk-in 146.94 88.5 PL www.w4vo.org

OCTOBER 20-21 --- 1200Z Oct 20- 1200Z Oct 21--- QRP ARCI Fall QSO Party(CW) www.qrparci.org

OCTOBER 27-28 --- CQ WW DX Contest(SSB) 0000Z Oct 27-2400Z Oct 28. www.cqww.com

NOVEMBER 3-4 --- ALFORD MEMORIAL ARC HAMFEST, at the Gwinnett county fairgrounds on Sugarloaf Parkway, Lawrenceville. Multiple special activities geared toward youth. Advance tickets available online at 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. If you can only make it to ONE hamfest this year, this is the one to attend. Multiple forums, including our special guest speaker from ARRL, DENNIS DURA, K2DCD. Hope to see you there.

The math professor went crazy with the blackboard. He did a number on it.

SILENT KEYS

BILL WINTERS KG4KTC

Sincere condolences to his family and friends.

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

73, Susan af4fo@arrl.org   (Send me your news and tech tips!!)
ARRL Georgia Section Manager

No trees were killed in the sending of this message. However, a large number of electrons were terribly inconvenienced.