The Georgia Section ARRL Web Site

Georgia Section On My Mind

December, 2004

Wow. December already. Hard to believe that the days of yet another year are coming so quickly to an end, isn't it? Remember watching the sands trickle through a 3-minute egg timer when you were a kid? Seemed like it took forever for those grains to finish the journey. (especially if you were hungry!) Now, it seems like the sands of a whole year absolutely avalanche, and the end credits start rolling on the year's "movie" before you even have a chance to settle down in your easy chair with a bag of buttered popcorn and an icy cup of coke. If it's true that "time flies when you're having fun", all I can say is that I must be having a real blast!

For sure, the month of November has been packed with activities, and we've been able to farther enhance some of them by squeezing even more enjoyments "between the cracks". Like, on the way to the EMAG conference in St. Simons, we were able to stop in Thomasville for the night, where we enjoyed the company of the local hams at their annual fish fry...... and then had the pleasure of spending a delightful evening in Brunswick with Cap'n CHARLIE CARROLL, WD5ECL, CLAY SMITH, WO4X, and their two lovely brides. BETTY CARROLL, WD5ECK, served up some fine Maryland-style crab cakes, and let me tell ya, with the taste and smell of those crab cakes, coupled with the sounds of those Maryland accents, and Charlie's unmistakable Maryland "attitude" (unmistakable to those of us who are familiar with it...) Mike and I felt right at home. It was great to finally meet face-to-face with Glynn county's former and current ECs and their two special Bettys, and we sure hope to have the opportunity to meet with them again. On the way home from the conference, we managed a wonderful luncheon meeting with a great group of hams in Jesup, including our new SEC JIM COTE, N4PJR, and our new SE DEC GREG TILLMAN, N4VAD. While the trip to the EMAG conference, in itself, was a pleasure, these added side trips added a huge dollop of whipped cream, with a juicy red cherry on top.

A great big thank you to everyone who participated in the White Doves project. It was my own fault for not advertising it, but there were scant donations dropped into the White Doves box at the ARRL table during the Stone Mountain Hamfest, which made me feel kinda bad, but thanks to the members of the Gwinnett Amateur Radio Society and the North Fulton Amateur Radio League, who gave additional donations for the cause at their November meetings, I was able to send $300 to Florida on behalf of Georgia hams. So, thank you, thank you, thank you! And the last time I spoke to him, CLAY POWELL, KD4DMT, had already Fed-Exed one big box of toys, and was still amassing and packing additional goodies. He also called the United Way office in Florida that's handling the toy drive and learned another important bit of news: It was the ARRL that gave the Thanksgiving date as the cut-off for the toy drive, not the United Way. So, if you meant to send a toy or other donation, and never got around to it, there's still time. United Way will be accepting donations until the 20th of December.

OK, folks, let's get on with it and see what's been happening, and what's coming up around the corner.....

"Time's fun when you're having flies!"

KERMIT THE FROG

NOVEMBER HIGHLIGHTS

STONE MOUNTAIN HAMFEST --- November 6-7--- If Hamfests were hotels, the Alford Memorial ARC's annual event in Lawrenceville would be one of those mega-star places with fat fluffy towels, bouquets of roses in every room, and a chocolate on every pillow. And that's because these club members work so very hard to please. These folks plan all year long and then work long hours the whole Hamfest weekend to make sure that vendors and visitors all feel welcome and appreciated. And it works. From providing and delivering beverages and handmade lunches to all of the indoor vendors, to providing "limo service" with a smile in their fleet of golf carts, to helping unload the vendors' trucks, these folks do it all. They provide a friendly welcoming atmosphere, then hustle all weekend to keep it that way. And once again, Mother Nature cooperated this year to provide perfect weather. It simply doesn't get much better than this. But you can bet that club members are already discussing ways to make next year's Hamfest even better. That's what keeps them one of the best... no resting on their laurels, just a sincere desire to throw a terrific Hamfest, and a lot of hard work to make it happen. Kudos!

Some words on forums at the fest:

ARRL: Word has it that the ARRL forums in other parts of the country draw large crowds. For whatever reason, that isn't usually the case here in Georgia. Seems like here, anyone with a question or a comment chooses to communicate via email, phone, radio, or simply comes by the ARRL table at one of the fests for a one-on-one, instead. And that's just fine. But this particular ARRL forum was a little different, and that's because RICK LINDQUIST, N1RL, of the ARRL, was on hand to present the prestigious Hiram Percy Maxim award to our own ANDREA HARTLAGE, KG4IUM. So you KNOW that we had to have a crowd this time around, just so we could all share in this special moment for this special young lady. And wow! What a beautiful plaque she received!

ARES: As always, the ARES forum ended up so full that it was standing room only, even though hosting EC STEVE GARRISON, N4SEG, had made sure that there were more chairs available than last year. (Great "problem"!) MIKE BOATRIGHT, KO4WX, created a bit of a stir by starting off the meeting by announcing his immediate resignation as SEC, but he also jumped right in and introduced his successor, JIM COTE, N4PJR. Everyone who already knows Jim was delighted with his appointment, and trust me, as you get to know him, you'll be pleased, too. One of the highlights of the meeting was a presentation on the National Weather Service, by ROBERT BURTON, KD4YDC. I know there was more, but I must confess, I tip-toed out before the meeting's end, so I could wolf down a quick hot dog before the MARS meeting....

MARS: Though most attendees were Georgia Army MARS members, there was also representation from the other services and from a couple of sister states, as well. State MARS director, DAVID ANTHONY, KB4ERK, hosted the meeting, along with some other interesting speakers, like my better half, MIKE SWIDERSKI, K4HBI, and MITCH BOTSFORD, W4IFP, who talked about his team's deployment in support of Homeland Defense at the National Guard's conference held in Atlanta recently. No doubt, the mission of relaying traffic from within the confines of a conference room in a high-rise hotel in the concrete jungle of Atlanta presented some challenges, but with an "improvise, adapt, and overcome" attitude, along with a portable node built by CLAY ECHOLS, WB4VAK, a portable digital set-up built by my better half, and the numerous other MARS members who kept a close eye on the BBS and Gateway, it was a big success.

YOUTH: Did you hear a loud primal scream on Saturday afternoon from behind the forum area's curtains? That was the high decibel voice of our young people, who were "breaking some ice" and having some fun. I'll let RICK LINDQUIST, N1RL, tell you about the Youth forum and the other youth activities, all of which were organized by our Assistant SM for Youth, ANDREA HARTLAGE, KG4IUM. Rick wrote:

Those who fret about the future of Amateur Radio would have found reason for optimism during the Georgia State Convention November 6-7 in Lawrenceville. The popular Hamfest, which draws a big crowd from all over the Peach State and from other parts of the Southeastern US as well, this year played host to two of the country's most-honored young radio amateurs: Andrea Hartlage, KG4IUM, a 2003 ARRL Hiram Percy Maxim Memorial Award winner (Jay Thompson, W6JAY, was the other winner), and Brian Mileshosky, N5ZGT, an earlier HPM Award recipient and soon to be the League's youngest-ever division vice director.

"Amateur Radio is not just a hobby but can set you on a lifelong path of enjoyment and even a career," Mileshosky told the convention's Youth Forum November 6. He should know. Although barely 25, Mileshosky, who's from Albuquerque, New Mexico, will assume the office of ARRL Rocky Mountain Division Vice Director on January 1.

Currently continuing his formal education in electrical engineering at Georgia Tech's graduate school, Mileshosky--the featured speaker at the Youth Forum Hartlage organized--says it was his interest in ham radio that guided his career path. An Eagle Scout, Mileshosky says scouting also was a big influence on him and a factor in sparking his interest in ham radio.

Mileshosky encouraged young radio amateurs to seek leadership positions starting at the club level. During his talk, he covered various aspects of ham radio that have appealed to him since he first got his license while a young teen, including DXing, contesting, ham satellites and experimenting. One of his favorite interests, he told his young audience, is Amateur Radio Direction Finding (ARDF), for which, he pointed out, no amateur license is needed. Youngsters at the convention got a chance, some working with more-experienced supervision, to DF a hidden transmitter--or "fox"--as part of a scavenger hunt Hartlage had arranged for younger attendees.

"There's a lot to do in ham radio," Mileshosky said, "and while it can be intimidating at first, every ham started out in much the same way when they were younger."

Mileshosky and Hartlage have quite a bit in common. Both are Amateur Extra class licensees in addition to being HPM Award winners--Mileshosky was honored with the 1999 award--as well as recipients of the Amateur Radio Newsline Young Ham of the Year Award. Mileshosky was selected in 1997, while Hartlage received the YHOTY award this year. In June 2003, Hartlage succeeded Mileshosky as contributing editor of the "Youth@HamRadio.Fun" Web column.

ARRL Senior News Editor Rick Lindquist, N1RL, invited Mileshosky to share the stage as he presented Hartlage with the 2003 HPM Award plaque. The award also carries a $1500 stipend, which Hartlage, a high school sophomore, used to buy a new laptop computer. In addition to her awards, ARRL Georgia Section Manager Susan Swiderski, AF4FO, has named Hartlage as Assistant Section Manager for Youth. Hartlage also has done youth presentations at Dayton Hamvention.

In her Youth Forum presentation, Hartlage told about how her father, Scott, KF4PWI, and her early Field Day experiences inspired her interest in Amateur Radio. She took her first stab at passing the Technician examination at the tender age of eight. Although she didn't succeed then, it wasn't too much longer before she earned her license and began advancing through the ranks.

"I often joke about having thousands of parents via ham radio," she said, referring to not just those who have mentored her in person but veteran radio amateurs she's met on the air and those with whom she's worked on various projects and activities. Hartlage also spoke of the "fun activities" she's discovered through ham radio, including involvement in public service activities, and of "lifelong friendships" she's developed within the amateur community. Amateur Radio also has helped her with school, she said.

She advised the older generations of radio amateurs to become mentors--or Elmers--and not just help youngsters get licensed but to stay in touch with them after they've got their tickets to guide them in getting on the air or becoming involved in the various aspects of ham radio. Mutual respect was another point she stressed. "Adults should deal with younger hams as peers," she suggested.

To her youthful audience, which included children as young as eight, Hartlage exhorted, "Go forth and build a radioactive youth!"

A roundtable discussion on youth involvement in Amateur Radio followed the formal presentations.

Youth Lounge

Hartlage established a "youth lounge" in one corner of the main building at the convention as a gathering spot for the younger attendees. The area included not only snacks, drinks, ham radio presentations and information but served as the home of the W4Y ("Watch for Youth") special event station. Mileshosky said the youth lounge and its "awesome activities" especially impressed him.

"I've personally not seen a youth lounge at any other Hamfest I've been to and have not seen so many youth at a youth forum except for the last time I was at Dayton," he remarked later.

In addition to helping to oversee the various youth activities, Hartlage took time to guide several younger visitors to the youth lounge through their first Amateur Radio HF contacts.

+This article, written by Rick, along with some pictures, can be found at
http://www.arrl.org/news/stories/2004/11/10/5/?nc=1

Soooooo, was it a good Hamfest? You betcha. Full house inside, lotsa boneyard outside, and top-notch socializing with hams from far and near. If you missed it, I'm sorry. Like I said before, the members of the Alford Memorial ARC are already working on making next year's fest even better... and knowing them, somehow, they'll manage to do it! Hope to see you there.

EMAG CONFERENCE --- November 15 --- It was an honor to have been invited to speak at this conference two years ago, but it was even MORE of an honor this year, because they'd already heard me once.... and invited me back anyway! This organization is comprised of our hard-working emergency management and response personnel from all over the state, and slowly but surely, the ties between their world and ours, as amateur radio operators, is strengthening. More and more reports come in from around the state of grants received to cover the costs of installing amateur radio stations in EOCs, fire stations, and hospitals. New EOCs are being built, many of them with a space especially designed with the placement of an amateur radio station in mind. We've come a long way, but there are still some emergency management professionals who haven't exactly embraced the idea of working with "amateurs". We must be patient; progress moves at its own pace. A couple of new items that I covered in my presentation this year were on the Part 97 rules that cover the use of amateur radio by emergency professionals (y'know, that pesky "pecuniary interests" stuff) and the differences between RACES and ARES. It was also a privilege to grab the opportunity, while we were there, to present, at last, the ARRL certificate of affiliation to JOHNNY WINGERS, WX4R, for the Macon-Bibb EMA Amateur Radio Group, which meets at his EOC. Our emergency management coordinator here in Gwinnett county, FRANK DANIELL, who served as the EMAG president this past year, is also a dandy deejay and king of karaoke. (Hey! You know what they say about all work and no play.... there had to be time for fun and socializing, too!) But I never, no, I never, thought that Frank would shame me into doing...... I can hardly say it....into doing.... the... (shhhhhh!)chicken dance. And (shudder! Don't tell anyone) It was actually..... FUN!

Life may not be the party we hoped for, but while we're here, we might as well dance.

CLUB NEWS

ALFORD ARC --- 'Tis the Season to be..... giving. Rather than partaking in the usual gift exchange between members at this year's Christmas party, this group opened its heart and thought bigger. What they've voted to do instead is adopt a family, whose wish lists are posted on the club's website. Members will be bringing presents to the party to make some of those wishes come true. What a wonderful way to embrace the true spirit of the Season.

ARC of AUGUSTA --- As the year quickly comes to an end, this club, like many others, recently held elections to choose officers to lead them in the new year ahead. Congratulations to these new leaders: President- HENRY AROSTEGUI, KN4AV; VP- JEFF JACKSON, KG4SSV; Treasurer- TOM BROWN, KF4ITM; Secretary- AL MENGES, KF4NXL; 1st year Director- REGGIE FRASER, KG4HAD; 2nd year Director- CHUCK TEETERS, W4MEW; 3rd year Director- DOUG PUGH, KE4JSJ; and DeFacto Director- JAY SAMPLES, KG4LEY. Jay was also selected as this club's Ham of the Year, so he deserves a double dose of congratulations. Good luck to all of the fine fellas as they lead this club into another year.

GWINNETT ARS --- DARREN PIERCE, AG4BF, and EDDIE FOUST, WD4JEM, presented a fascinating program at the November meeting, all about HARPO I, as in "High Altitude Research Platform & Observation". That's what Darren dubbed his first high altitude amateur radio balloon, which he launched in October, and which soared to an amazing 102,000 feet, the 16th highest achieved altitude on record, and the sixth highest this year. This presentation described the FAA requirements governing these balloon launches, the makeup of the "payload", and included a video showing the launch and some of the recovery efforts. Remnants of the latex balloon were passed around and the payload was there to examine, as well. (Even though the parachute didn't work flawlessly, making for a considerably faster descent than hoped for, the payload survived quite nicely.) This all made for a very interesting program. For more info, related websites can be found in this newsletter under "Tech Tips".

NORTH FULTON ARL --- TODD MCGINNIS, KB4KAY, has served as this club's president since President George W. Bush was elected for the first time, but good ol' Todd wasn't too sold on the idea of "Four more years!" as far as HE was concerned. However, he did come up with a rather innovative idea, in light of the fact that no one else from the club was exactly chomping at the bit to take over the reins from his capable hands. For the next year, Todd's name will remain on the record as being the president, but individual club members will select a month, and for that month, will chair the meeting and provide the program. Volunteers have already adopted most of the months on next year's calendar, and this sounds like it may turn out to be a fun and successful approach.

NORTH GA ARC --- This club's bylaws call for a somewhat different approach to the election of its officers than most: half of the officers are elected each year, but for a two-year term, cleverly insuring that there will always be a couple of "veterans" in the leadership slots. Recent elections selected TOM CROWELL, KD4DK, as President and DIANA WHITE, KB4SNU, as Secretary, and they join veteran leaders CRAIG PFEIFFER, KG4TJJ, VP, and RYAN WILLIAMS, W4RLW, Treasurer, in leading the club. Best wishes for a successful year.

SE DX CLUB --- Would you believe that various club members have participated in DXpeditions to a remarkable NINETY-EIGHT different countries? (so far!) To see what these countries are, and a little bit about each of these adventures, check out the club's recently updated website at http://sedxc.org (Great job by webmaster CHAZ CONE, W4GKF)

SILVER COMET ARS --- For a club that's less than a year old, these folks have accomplished an awful lot.... incorporation and 501(c)(3) status, ARRL affiliation, and a top-notch effort with this year's Field Day. It was a pleasure to meet with this group in November to present them with their ARRL Charter of Affiliation, and to hear about their successes at Field Day. Club member EMORY GORDY, W4WRO, wrote a couple of articles, one of which appeared in the December issue of QST. Another article, with pictures, can be found online at http://www.arrl.org/contests/soapbox/ (Select the option to have callsigns of submissions listed, and then choose W4WRO) He has another article online somewhere, in which he gives a couple of great anecdotes about how CW "saved the day" for Emory and his lovely bride PATTY LOVELESS, KD4WUJ, but doggone if I could fine it. (But it's there..... somewhere!) Recent elections place the following folks at the helm as this club enters year two: President- LEE MCDANIEL, WB4QOJ; VP- SEAN SPARKS, W4JFL; Secretary- NIGEL AUBREY, KG4ARS; Treasurer- DAVE FULLER, K4DMF; and Sergeant-at-Arms- PAUL DURGIN, KG4NZA. Best wishes for another successful year.

STATESBORO ARS --- At a recent club meeting, club president STAN YARBER, W4HXW, presented part two of the discussion on his career in technology, which he began at the September meeting. After reviewing part one, he went into a more technical discussion of such matters as "phantom" circuits, time division
multiplexing, digital hierarchies and routing of circuits to increase the number and reliability of telephone and other communications that could be transmitted using the least number of circuits.

THOMASVILLE ARC -- It was a genuine pleasure for my better half MIKE, K4HBI, and I to join these folks again for their November meeting, that world-famous fish fry. Turns out that these folks have been holding annual fish fries for about twenty years now, so it's no wonder that they have it down to such a fine art. Club president MIKE BROWN, KE4FGF, and fisherman extraordinaire BOBBY COOPER, N4KXL, had no trouble at all keeping warm in the cool breeze, as they ably manned the two deep fat fryers out on the patio. The warmth of that bubbling oil was only surpassed by the warmth of the club members themselves. I hear tell that if we go back next year, for a third year in a row, that we'll become honorary members. Sounds like an offer too good to resist, so we'll probably show up again next year, like a couple of bad pennies. NOTE: Club president Mike sent me a really wonderful item to include in this newsletter, but I couldn't, in all good faith, do so. He wrote, quite eloquently, about...... me. His words were as welcome as a bouquet of flowers, and his generous "pat on the head" was a real lift. He's a very talented writer, and his kind sentiments are very much appreciated. So, thank you, Mike.

VALDOSTA ARC --- Congratulations to the recently elected slate of officers: President- WAYNE BRANT, KO4QJ; VP- JIM JACOBSEN, W4MOR; Secretary- LISA BRANT, KD4CJV; Treasurer- JAMES SMITH, KE4HZS; and Webmaster- MARK MILLER, KD5BNS. Best wishes for an enjoyable and successful year in leading the club. Congratulations, also, to JOHN YOUNG, W7OPT, who was voted as the club's Ham of the Year. John will receive his plaque at the December meeting.

Just when I was getting used to yesterday, along came today.

TECH FEST IS COMING

Tech fest? Tech fest? What's a tech fest...?

It's a great opportunity for hams to come together and share their knowledge, and enjoy great fellowship is what it is. The Gwinnett Amateur Radio Society (GARS) has been holding these events every year for the past six or seven years now, and it has provided, over the years, opportunities for hams to learn about various modes of operations, about antenna building, old radio gear, DXing, QRP and kit building, generators, and various types of test equipment, among other things. Each year provides something different. But what's clear is that this is a unique event that offers, for FREE, a forum for hams to learn new things. This isn't just a GARS event, though they are the sponsors. This is a bona fide Ham Event, and all are invited to participate. Maybe you'd like to set up a demo or display on your particular area of interest? Get in touch with this year's chairman, RAY BACK, KI4GRJ, and volunteer. A successful tech fest is a success for Georgia hams. Here, I'll let Ray tell you about it in his own words:

The Gwinnett Amateur Radio Society (GARS) Tech Fest is January 22, 2005 at St Marguerite D'Youville in Lawrenceville. The event will run from 11 AM until 3 PM. We have scheduled the following interactive exhibits.

• ARRL (American Radio Relay League)
• ARES (Amateur Radio Emergency Services)
• Crew 73 Scouting at its best
• Contact Logging Programs and methods
• PSK-31 Digital Communications using Ham Radio and your computer
• MARS (Military Affiliated Radio Stations)
• QCWA (Quarter Century Wireless Association)
• Using Morse Code or CW (continuous wave) with Ham Radio
• Metal Detecting tools and tricks
• High Altitude Ballooning
• And more...

GARS still has a few spots open for displays and we still have spots open for the Chili Cook-off. So if you'd like to share your knowledge with others; or if you what to compete in the Chili Cook-off, please contact Ray Back, KI4GRJ, Tech Fest chairman at (678) 380-1728 or by email at ki4grj@arrl.net.

Admission is free. This is a great chance to become acquainted with Amateur Radio equipment and techniques. Lunch will be provided. Be sure to invite your non-ham friends. This should be a great family experience and a time for some of our younger citizens to become interested in the Magic of Amateur Radio.

I've learned that you shouldn't go through life with a catcher's mitt on both hands. You need to be able to throw something back. MAYA ANGELOU

ARES NEWS

STATEWIDE ARES MEETING --- Nope, a date hasn't been set yet, but as soon as it is, we'll be sure to get the word out to all of you. But, it IS time to start considering who should be the worthy recipient of our Georgia ARES Ham of the Year award. Who do you think exemplifies the spirit of amateur radio, especially as it applies to emergency communications? Give it some thought, and then send your nomination to JIM COTE, N4PJR, at n4pjr@jesup.com 

CAMDEN ARES --- These folks have participated in a number of training classes recently. EC CHUCK COOPER, N4TIS, reports that they have completed introductory courses on NTS, ARRL traffic forms, and an overview of ARES. They also hosted a Sky Warn class at the end of September, which resulted in the group boasting eight certified advanced spotters.

CLAYTON ARES --- Under the able leadership of EC ROY BAKER, WB4WQE, this group was among the first in the state to have taken part in CERT training, and recently, a number of these enterprising folks added to their preparedness by taking CPR training, which was taught by the Clayton county firemen/ EMTs.

NORTH FULTON ARES --- Members recently held a work party at Alpharetta Fire, during which they installed a radio, ran coax feeds for HF and VHF/UHF, and installed and tested a VHF/UHF vertical antenna. The next trip will be to string up an HF dipole. EC DAVID ZISKIND, KE4QLH, has also made arrangements for this group to take CERT training for three consecutive Saturdays in January (8th, 15th, and 22nd) This training will last for approximately eight hours each day, and will be taught by CAPTAIN CHEATHAM.

GWINNETT ARES --- ANDREA HARTLAGE, KG4IUM, being the conscientious student that she is, was unable to make the trip to the EMAG conference to accept that group's Jack Hobbs Amateur Operator of the Year award, so Gwinnett county's EMA coordinator FRANK DANIELL accepted the award on her behalf there, and then brought it to the November Gwinnett ARES meeting to do the honors of presenting the award to our favorite wunderkid in person. He brought with him a couple of very warm congratulatory notes from JOHN DUNN, N4OAK, one of the county commissioners, and from WAYNE HILL, the commission chairman, which he read out loud to all of her proud "parents". (We ALL claim her!) The evening was a testament to this young lady, and in spite of the less than delightful weather, a full house of her friends and admirers were on hand to celebrate her achievements.

PIEDMONT ARES --- At a recent meeting, the Putnam County Commissioners recognized the services of a group of dedicated amateur radio operators who've incorporated into a non-profit organization entitled Piedmont ARES. In central Georgia, which covers some counties that have scanty ham populations, amateur radio operators have pooled their resources and work together collectively to serve Baldwin, Greene, Hancock, Jasper, Jones, Morgan, and Putnam counties. They raised money and bought a van, which has been fitted into a top-notch communications unit, available for use throughout the area. This recognition was well-deserved and much-appreciated, but even better? The Commissioners even agreed to take on the maintenance of the communications vehicle for the group. Congratulations to all of these hams, who've colored outside the box to come up with a workable solution that serves their communities well.

++ Still not sure what the hoopla is about CERT? Check out this website to answer your questions about what it is and what part we, as amateur radio operators, may play in it: http://training.fema.gov/EMIWeb/CERT/certfaq.asp

++ RECENT APPOINTMENTS: SEC- JIM COTE, N4PJR; Assistant SEC- STAN EDWARDS, WA4DYD; DEC, Metro Atlanta- TONY KING, W4ZT; Assistant DEC, Metro Atlanta- STEVE REYNOLDS, W4CNG; DEC, SE GA- GREG TILLMAN, N4VAD; EC, GILMER county- BILL CAMPBELL, WB4HAT; Assistant ECs, GILMER county- JOE FRACK, AD4NH and DAVE MEADOWS, K4LDI; EC, DAWSON county- SCOTT SPENCER, KG4WPU; EC, APPLING county- WILLIAM THORNTON, W4WDT; EC, LUMPKIN county- DAVE BURROWS, W9JWT. Hearty congratulations and sincere thanks to all of these dedicated folks who have signed on to provide leadership to the ARES organization.

++ The following information, provided by STEVE EWALD, WV1X, is intended to clear up any misperceptions which may still linger regarding the ARES trademark:

Minute 20 of the ARRL Board of Directors Meeting;
ARES(r) Groups and Use of Registered Trademarks

I. The Board Motion

The following Motion was passed by the ARRL Board of Directors at its Second Annual Meeting in July of 2004. The motion has left some ARRL members with misconceptions about the intention of the Board of Directors concerning the ARES program. This paper will address those concerns.

After discussion about the Amateur Radio Emergency Service, led by Mr. Walstrom, the Board was in recess for luncheon from 11:56 AM until 1:20 PM with current meeting participants present except Mr. Day. On motion of Mr. Walstrom, seconded by Mr. Goddard, the following resolution was unanimously ADOPTED:

WHEREAS, for security reasons and for purposes of establishing formal relationships with served agencies, ARES(r) groups within an ARRL section are increasingly in need of affirmative recognition; and

WHEREAS, ARES(r) (Amateur Radio Emergency Service(r)) is a program of, and both logos are registered trademarks of the American Radio Relay League, Incorporated;

NOW THEREFORE, it is ARRL policy that ARES(r) groups, and any group using the ARES(r) logo, shall acknowledge the nature of the ARES(r) program as an ARRL program, and abide by the guidelines of the program established by ARRL as amended from time to time, according to the following principles:

1. Each ARES(r) group will, when using the term "ARES" or "Amateur Radio Emergency Service," utilize the (r) symbol in any printed matter or in any electronic media, and will acknowledge that both logos are registered marks of the American Radio Relay League, Incorporated and are used by permission.

2. In bylaws or other organizational documents, or by amendment of any existing bylaws or organizational documents, ARES(r) groups will acknowledge that ARES(r) is a program of the American Radio Relay League, and that entity will abide by the Rules and Regulations of the ARRL's Field Organization, as they may be amended from time to time, and by ARRL policies, rules, and guidelines contained in ARRL publications.

3. All ARES(r) records, membership rosters, and other data pertaining to the ARES(r) program wherever located are the property of the American Radio Relay League, Incorporated.

II. What was the purpose of the Board motion?

There were several reasons why this motion was necessary. First of all, numerous ARES groups around the country, concerned about liability and wishing to operate in a manner that might encourage the donation of equipment for emergency communications purposes, expressed to ARRL the desire to incorporate. Two benefits of incorporation are the protection against individual liability of persons operating under the "umbrella" of a corporation, and the possibility of obtaining tax exemption as a Section 501(c) organization. Section 501(c)(3) charitable, educational or scientific organizations provide tax deductions for certain donors of equipment. It was felt by some that incorporation of ARES groups might better protect participants against liability and might encourage grants or donations to further the ARES purposes. While these are worthy and beneficial goals, they are somewhat at odds with the nature of ARES as part of the ARRL's field organization. ARES is an ARRL program, and for ARRL to permit ARES groups to incorporate would, without some specific reservation of rights, allow the ARES group to operate independently of the ARRL, and perhaps at odds with the rules of the Field Organization. ARRL wishes for ARES to remain an ARRL program, and for ARES participants to be a part of the ARRL Field Organization. ARES is widely recognized by State and Federal emergency services agencies and other served agencies as a national program which is under the auspices of the ARRL. An ARES corporation, in order to be considered an ARES entity, should be considered a part of this nationwide program.

Some years ago, ARRL registered its servicemark rights in the marks "ARES" and "Amateur Radio Emergency Service." ARRL has established the exclusive right to use those marks as representative of a nationwide emergency communications organization. ARRL has, and will continue to authorize ARES groups to use the mark. There are some clubs and groups which are already incorporated and which use the mark in the name of the club or group. This is acceptable, as long as the group or club which uses the logo operates in accordance with the rules and policies established by ARRL for the ARES program.

To those ARES groups which stated a desire to incorporate, the ARRL Board wished to allow them the greatest flexibility to do so, consistent with maintaining ARES as an ARRL program. However, permitting the formation of a separate corporation which is not a subsidiary of the ARRL and which operates as an independent entity, but which uses the name of the ARRL program creates the possibility of dividing the ARES program into small, separate groups without consistency. Enactment of the three requirements in the Board motion seemed to ARRL to be the minimum practical means of insuring that an incorporated ARES group remains a part of the ARRL field organization.

Second, there have been rare, but occasional instances in the past in which ARES field appointees who are replaced by a new Section Manager or Section Emergency Coordinator are dissatisfied with the termination of their voluntary service, and have refused to assist in the transition. In several instances, the membership rosters of these groups were retained and the terminated appointees refused to provide them to the incoming volunteers. This made it very difficult to continue or reconstitute the ARES groups and continue emergency communications planning and service. Whether or not an ARES group chooses to incorporate, the tools necessary for continuing ARES operation in a given community following changes in field appointments have to be protected. Hence, the affirmation that membership rosters and data are the property of the ARRL is a necessary component of any ARES group.

Finally, in a very few instances, the ARES logo has been misappropriated by certain individuals who have no association with any ARES group at all, or who refuse to abide by the rules of the ARRL Field Organization. This is a misappropriation of the mark and the program itself. Such misappropriation would be discouraged by compliance with the three obligations adopted in the Board motion.

III. Concerns and Questions from ARES Participants.

Since the Board Motion was adopted, some ARES participants asked reasonable questions about the policy. These are generally summarized and responded to as follows:

1. How does this apply to combined ARES/RACES organizations? Separate membership rosters should be maintained, even if the same individuals are members of both ARES and RACES in a given area. A local Office of Emergency Management might consider RACES rosters to be its property, rather than that of ARRL. However, ARES membership rosters are in fact the property of ARRL and should be maintained independently. No one is suggesting taking anything away from an OEM staff person. However, ARES groups and their successors have to also have access to that information.

2. Does the registered trademark "(r)" symbol need to be used each and every time that a person types the letters ARES in an e-mail and other written correspondence, on web pages, etc.? The requirement generally is to use the symbol in published documents and where printed for public display or distribution, and on web sites, for example. It is not necessary to use it each time in private written or e-mail correspondence.

3. Can the symbol be used once, at the beginning of a published document, and not thereafter? Yes. Normally, a footnote is used stating, for example, that "ARES" and "Amateur Radio Emergency Service" are registered servicemarks of the American Radio Relay League, Incorporated and are used by permission.

4. Under what circumstances must ARRL be asked for permission to use the ARES and Amateur Radio Emergency Service logos? ARRL offers ARES group participants the right to use the logo without specific written permission for all ARES functions and while engaged in ARES operations in accordance with the rules and regulations of the ARRL field organization. Any other use, or any use by a person who is not a member of an ARES group, requires written permission of ARRL. Where written permission is necessary, e-mail correspondence to permission@arrl.org or in writing to ARRL HQ is sufficient.

5. Does the ARRL intend to claim ownership or rights to property donated to or held by an ARES group, such as titles to motor vehicles, communications equipment, antennas, or related hardware? Absolutely not. Nothing in the Board motion states or implies such. ARRL neither has nor claims any property interest in anything except the ARES and Amateur Radio Emergency Service logos; membership rosters and data showing who the ARES participants are and how to communicate with them; and written information with emergency communications plans and protocols developed for ARES use and operation. Communications vans, equipment, hardware, or anything else that is owned or used by an ARES group remains the property of individuals or any association or entity that is formed. ARRL has no claim to those items of property. Likewise, ARRL has no responsibility or liability for maintenance or use of those vehicles or equipment.

6. What should an appointee such as an EC, DEC, or SEC do with membership rosters, communications and operations plans after that person is replaced? Quite simply, the information should be delivered to the person's successor, or as instructed by the SEC or SM if there is a vacancy in the appointment for any significant period. The successor will be under the same obligation as the predecessor to maintain confidentiality of the membership rosters, contact information, and the like. There will be no instances where the membership rosters, etc. will be made public or disclosed to third parties.

7. If the membership rosters, etc. have been maintained for many years, how far back must they be maintained? Principally, the only information that must be passed on to successors is that which is of current interest in maintaining and continuing the ARES program. A good faith effort to provide current information to successors is all that is called for.

It is hoped that this addresses the majority of questions and concerns about the ARRL policy. Please address any specific questions to sewald@arrl.org.

Always be prepared: remember, it wasn't raining when Noah started building the ark.

SKYWARN RECOGNITION DAY

SKYWARN Recognition Day is December 4th.

Storm Spotters Show Their Dedication

By David Floyd - N5DBZ
Warning Coordination Meteorologist
NWS Goodland, KS
david.l.floyd@noaa.gov

The sixth annual SKYWARN Recognition Day (SRD) special event will take place Saturday, December 4, 2004. SKYWARN Recognition Day, co-sponsored by the American Radio Relay League and the National Weather Service, pays tribute to Amateur Radio operators for the vital public service they perform. During the 24-hour event, Amateur Radio operators visit their local National Weather Service (NWS) office and work as a team to contact other hams across the world.

"Ham radio operators are a tremendous resource for the National Weather Service", says Scott Mentzer (NØQE), organizer of the event and Meteorologist-In-Charge at the NWS office in Goodland, Kansas. "The dedication these amateurs have shown is inspirational, and their assistance during the year is invaluable".

Ham radio operators have an unrelenting desire to serve others in time of need, and they are usually in it for the long haul. When the eyewall of hurricane Charley moved over Florida in mid-August, radio amateurs provided the Melbourne NWS office with initial damage reports. Operators remained on duty for 36 hours during hurricanes Frances and Jeanne, a unique contribution considering they could have been home with their families. Last year, Montana hams felt so compelled to participate in the 2003 SRD event that they drove 100 miles to Glasgow through snow and ice.

Amateurs themselves may not fully appreciate just how they assist the NWS. For example, direct communication between mobile spotters and the LaCrosse, Wisconsin, office during a tornado event provided vital information needed to warn the public with higher confidence. In Illinois, effective spotter communication during an F3 tornado resulted in strongly worded statements conveying a much greater sense of urgency. The result was greater public response. In May, spotters tracked a tornado passing within miles of the Indianapolis 500 race where 100,000 people were in attendance. Their detailed reports allowed NWS forecasters to keep race officials informed.

Hams are also busy when the weather is quiet. Dedicated amateurs in North Dakota and Minnesota have assembled a "superlink" repeater/digipeater system making it possible for the local NWS office in Grand Forks to track spotters, and receive spotter reports beneath more distant storms. During Alaska's worst wildfire season on record, hams relayed locations of dense smoke to the Fairbanks office, providing crucial local wind information to forecasters and firefighters.

SKYWARN Recognition Day will be held from 0000 UTC to 2400 UTC on December 4th. Last year, participants logged nearly 19,000 QSOs during the 24 hour event. To learn more, check out the web site: http://hamradio.noaa.gov.

We cannot change the direction of the wind... but we can adjust our sails.

TO INCORPORATE OR NOT TO INCORPORATE....?? THAT IS THE QUESTION

After I made some comments on the statewide ARES net a couple of weeks ago about the Piedmont ARES group, Camden county EC CHUCK COOPER, N4TIS, sent me an email. He said that his group had been discussing incorporation, but hadn't yet taken any actions. He figured that someone from the Piedmont group might be able to provide him and his group with some guidance.

Numerous clubs and ARES groups around the state have made a conscientious decision to incorporate or not to incorporate, based on their own distinct set of circumstances. Some have filed for 501(c)(3) status, and some have not.

For the Piedmont ARES group, representing a seven-county area, in order to lease property from Putnam county, they needed to become a "legal entity". Rather than incorporate, what they opted to do is to become a Limited Liability Company. (LLC) This was a simpler process than traditional incorporation, was easier to maintain, and also served to insulate individual members from issues of liability. Then they achieved the 501(c)(3)tax designation (non-profit, tax-exempt) to encourage donations to their emergency communications efforts.

Many of our clubs and ARES groups haven't yet decided what's in their best interest, as far as incorporation and non-profit status. One article that may be of interest to them, entitled "The Power of Incorporation", can be found at http://www.arrl.org/FandES/field/club/clubinc.pdf Another article, written by STEVE EWALD, WV1X, entitled "Seeking Grants for ARES and RACES", also discusses the need for tax-exempt status, and can be found in the June 200 issue of QST.

But what do YOU think? Those of you who've already made the decision regarding incorporation and tax-exemption, please share your thoughts with us. Why incorporate? Why not? In retrospect, did your group make the right decision? Any insight you can share will benefit those other groups who are still in the decision-making process. Your comments will be in next month's newsletter. Thanks for your help.

He who hesitates is probably right.

AMATEUR RADIO AND PROFESSIONAL EMERGENCY PERSONNEL

More and more people who work in emergency management and response are getting their amateur radio licenses, and that's great. A fire chief with the Hazmat unit in Cobb county came to the GA Tech VE session to earn his license... passing elements 1, 2, and 3, as a matter of fact... before he and his men were deployed to south Georgia for the G-8 summit. The reason? He recognized the need to have a reliable means of communication, particularly with the MACC (Multi Agency Control Center) in the event that something happened. Having that license provided him with another tool to look out for his men. (and also created an avid amateur radio operator, in the process)

We have EMA directors, police and fire personnel, medical workers, and others, getting licensed just so they can have that back-up means of communications in their hip pocket... just in case.

But there is a caveat.

And that comes in the rules and regulations of Part 97, dealing with those pesky "pecuniary interests". It states: " No amateur station shall transmit communications in which the station licensee or control operator has a pecuniary interest, including communications on behalf of an employer."

So, if an emergency management or response professional uses amateur radio while in the course of doing his job, isn't he in direct violation of these rules?

In March of 1997, a petition was filed with the FCC by JAMES CARDILLO-LEE, KE6VGV, requesting that 97.113 be amended to "permit amateur radio operators who also are emergency personnel engaged in disaster relief to use the amateur service bands when such operations are in a paid status."

The ruling by the FCC was that such clarification was unnecessary, because these two-way communications were already permissible within the existing rules. The FCC stated, "Amateur radio operators who also are emergency personnel engaged in disaster relief do not appear to be receiving compensation for transmitting communications. Rather, we believe that these individuals are receiving compensations related to their disaster relief work and in their capacities as emergency personnel, and the fact they also are amateur radio operators is incidental to these functions."

However, we're talking "Disaster" here, which by definition, is an atypical occurrence. That means a Life-or-Death situation in which NO OTHER MEANS of communication is available.

As JOHN HENNESSEE, N1KB, Regulatory guru for the the ARRL wrote, "In most situations, there must be an unpaid staffer who is an amateur, that is, an amateur who is not conducting communications on behalf of their employer. Were that rule not there, it could encourage encroachment in the amateur service by those who may see it just as another means of communications."

The bottom line: the recommendation is for ARES groups to have MOUs with local hospitals, EMAs, etc, that provide for volunteer amateur radio operators to be available when normal communications systems are overloaded or non-functional, and for unpaid trained amateurs to provide communications, as needed.

When one engine fails on a two-engine plane,
you always have enough power left to get you to the scene of the crash.

THE FACE OF AMATEUR RADIO??

While Mike and I were in south Georgia for our recent "whirlwind tour", we saw a PSA (Public Service Announcement) on TV about amateur radio. It was the first time that either of us had ever seen a spot about amateur radio on TV, and it caught us both by surprise. That's the good news. The bad news is that the PSA wasn't very good. In fact, it was pretty awful. It started out by showing a shank of ham and an HT, along with the words, HAM + RADIO. It was really great to see something that was intended to educate the public and promote amateur radio, but it was a little bit of an embarrassment that it did so in less than a stellar manner.

What was ironic is that earlier that evening, I'd spent some time at the Thomasville fish fry talking to NIRMAL SINGH, W4ZDP, who happens to be a TV engineer for a station in Tallahassee. He was concerned about the lack of decent PSAs on amateur radio that stations, such as his, could put on the air, and he wanted to know if I had any "pull" with the ARRL that could maybe encourage them to rectify the situation.

Well, no, I don't really have any "pull", but after we got back home, I got in touch with ALLEN PITTS, W1AGP, the new Media and Public Relations Manager for the ARRL. Turns out that he was already aware, and appalled, at the lack of decent PSAs on amateur radio. The most recent one was made almost ten years ago, and changes in technology and formatting makes most of the League's PSAs totally useless. What makes the situation even worse is that there is no money in the budget to provide for the creation of new ones. The ARRL has been facing many costly challenges, and unfortunately, there simply isn't enough money to go around to provide for such luxuries as Public Service Announcements.

So, what does that have to do with you?

Well, I happen to know that we have an awful lot of talented people around the state, creative people with good ideas on what a good PSA on amateur radio should look like, and on what message we want to send to the public in a 30 second spot. We have young people who learn about creating videos as part of their school curriculum, and who better to be in a 30 second spot that those enthusiastic young people? We have hams all over the state who love making videos at Hamfests, club functions, and Field Day. Here's an opportunity to put your creative juices to work.

What we need: MIKE BROWN, KE4FGF, who also works at the Tallahassee TV station, responded to the question regarding what format hams should use by saying, "Most stations today would want it on either Beta-SP or a new format called DVC-PRO. However, many stations can take material on the "Mini DV" format, which can run DVC-PRO with an adapter, provided that they record it in the SP mode."

Allen also said that the League is in dire need of some new AUDIO 20 and 30 second spots for radio, too, and noted that these would be a lot to easier to create, as they can be recorded on CD.

So, there ya have it. The Challenge: Think you or your club can come up with a PSA for TV or radio, something suitable for national use, that can fill the void that exists now? Not every TV or radio station would be interested in using them, but for those that are, this is a golden opportunity to spread the word about amateur radio, and to shed a positive light on who we are and what we do. So, put on your thinking caps...

Let's put a June first deadline on submissions, just to give it an end point. If you get those submissions to me, I'll see that they get to the ARRL, and hopefully, be put to good use. It'd be fun to make a competition out of this, and if you have any good ideas along those lines as to how we could do that, please share them with me.

Is that shank of ham the "face of amateur radio" that you want to project?

Laughing is good exercise. It's like jogging on the inside.

NET REPORT FROM JIM HANNA, AF4NS, STM

NET ACTIVITY:

+++NOTE- With the time change on the last weekend of October, the ARES net has moved to 5 PM local time, and the GA SSB Association net has moved to 6:30 PM local.

*****NOTE: Don't forget the South CARS net, which meets every day from 8 AM until 10 AM and again from noon until 2PM, on 7.251 MHz. A friendly, welcoming group of folks. Especially great company while on the road. I understand that a Trader's Net meets on this same frequency on Wednesday mornings at 10 AM.

***** Other GREAT nets:
SE 6M SSB Net: Sundays at 9 PM on 50.145 MHz
SE AM Net: Tuesdays at 7:30 PM on 3885 kc (AM nets ALWAYS meet on kcs...)

PUBLIC SERVICE HONOR ROLL:

STATION ACTIVITY REPORTS:

Traffic handled (QTC):

***CONGRATULATIONS to JERE SANDIDGE for earning a Brass Pounder Award this month, for delivering over 100 messages. (He sent 99, received 176, and delivered 103)

"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

++ Some ARRL Milestones: CONGRATULATIONS to ROBERT MANNING, JR, WB4DEB, for 25 years; DAVIS CARTER, WA4PQK, for 40 years; and HAL MYERS, K4JHM, for a whopping 60 years of ARRL membership. (He must've been but a wee brain when he joined...) May all three of them enjoy many many more years of membership.

++ CONGRATULATIONS to WOODROW DAVIS, K4WTD, with the Gordon county EMA, for his recent election as the new president of EMAG. (I wonder if that automatically means that he has to lead the chicken dance at next year's conference...?)

++ PHIL NEIDLINGER, KA4KOE, has come up with yet another DED (Dead Electrical Dude) article for eham. This one is #16, and the DED of interest this time around is Alexander Popov. You can find Phil's latest offering at http://www.eham.net/articles/9605

++ CONGRATULATIONS, also, to STEVE DIGGS, W4EPI, who was elected as the secretary for AMSAT, as well as second alternate for the Board of Directors. Steve's enthusiasm for satellite work is infectious, and because of his efforts, many of us neophytes have had the precious opportunity to make a contact via satellite. He was also instrumental in helping us get Richards Middle School, in Lawrenceville, on the waiting list for a scheduled contact with the ISS. For more info on AMSAT, see http://www.amsat.org

++ Like many other men and women in uniform, HAROLD BELL, K4HB, of Milledgeville, will be spending the Holidays far far from home. As we all enjoy the safety and warmth of our families and our homes, let's remember Harold and all of the others who are serving in Iraq and in places all over the world. Let's keep them in our hearts and prayers. They are paying the price for our freedom.

You may be only one person in the world, but you may also be the world to one person.

PIGLETS (AKA YOUNG HAMS)

++ KIDS DAY is coming up on January 2nd. This is the twice-a-year (the other date is June 18th) event designed to get young people on the air and talking to each other. This is a great opportunity to introduce young people to the joy of talking on the radio, and participants are eligible to receive a certificate. Fill out the survey at www.arrl.org/FandES/ead/kids-day-survey.html  and follow the directions for that certificate.


++ The deadline for ARRL FOUNDATION SCHOLARSHIP applications for the 2005-2006 school year is fast approaching. Your application, transcript, "Free Application for Federal Student Aid", (FAFTA) and "Student Aid Report" (SAR) are due at ARRL HQ by February first. To see the pool of available scholarships, see www.arrl.org/arrlf/scholgen.html Only ONE application is required for the entire pool, unless, of course, you also want to "go for the gold"....as in the Goldfarb Scholarship. To apply for this biggie, go to www.arrl.org/arrlf/goldfarb.html 

++ Assistant SM for Youth ANDREA HARTLAGE, KG4IUM, has this to say about the youth activities held at the Stone Mountain Hamfest this year:

The Georgia State Convention (AKA the Alford Memorial Radio Club Hamfest) was bustling with youth from all across Georgia and beyond on November 6 and 7! Youth were seen wondering around with large antennas in search of the fox, a loud scream was heard from an enthusiastic group of young hams and hams-to-be in the Youth Forum, and smiles were seen everywhere you looked.

In the Youth Lounge, youngsters participated in an "Amateur Radio Scavenger Hunt," fox hunt, and even tried their hand (or mouth) at calling CQ from Special Event Station W4Y (Watch for Youth!) Of course, refreshments, Amateur Radio information brochures, the Walter Cronkite video, and the ARRL's promotional PowerPoint helped to draw attention to the Youth Lounge. At least 20 youth passed through at one time or another during the weekend and those are only the ones who signed in.

The Youth Forum was also an overwhelming success; twenty one youth attended. Brian Mileshosky, N5ZGT, who was recently elected to the position of ARRL Rocky Mountain Division Vice-Director and former ARRL Youth Editor, gave an excellent presentation about what Amateur Radio has to offer for youth. Among other things, he highlighted transmitter hunting. In between the two presentations, we did a "Getting to Know You" activity, and after my presentation, which highlighted community service, we had a good roundtable discussion about Youth and Amateur Radio. Some excellent ideas were tossed around about how to get more youth involved in Amateur Radio, and a few people even took notes.

So, if you missed this event this year, be sure to not to make the same mistake next year. We've already begun planning for next year and are aiming to make it bigger and better! Mark your calendars now, and bring all of the youth that you know to next year's Hamfest, which will again be held at Gwinnett County Fairgrounds in Lawrenceville, Georgia on November 5 and 6, 2005!

73 for now,
KG4IUM, Andrea Hartlage

The secret of staying young is to live honestly, eat slowly, and lie about your age.

LUCILLE BALL

TECH TIPS

As promised, here are some websites regarding ballooning, provided by DARREN PIERCE, AG4BF:

Launch Announcements:
http://users.crosspaths.net/wallio/ARHAB%20Launch%20Announcements.htm

Great Plains Super Launch:
http://www.rckara.org/project_traveler/gpsl/

HABITAT Project
http://habitat.netlab.org/index.shtml

James Meehan's Balloon v1.0
http://vpizza.org/~jmeehan/balloon/

Mike Graham KD7LMO
http://www.kd7lmo.net/

Arizona Near Space Research
http://www.ansr.org/html/index.php

Edge of Space Sciences
http://www.eoss.org

Project Colimbo
http://www.colimbo.org/

University of North Dakota
http://balloons.space.edu/habp/index.html

University of Alabama at Huntsville
http://www.nsstc.uah.edu/atmchem/

Alabama Amateur Technology
http://www.arrl-al.org/balloon_chase2.htm

1999 Leonids Balloon Launch
http://www.von-info.ch/hb9afo/news105.htm

2000 Leonids Balloon Launch
http://bsrg.org/balloon/Leonids2000/leonids2000.html

Microwave Experimenters Television System
http://www.qsl.net/kc6ccc/balloon.htm

HARPO Website
http://www.geocities.com/dpierce765/


DOUG BARKER, N3DAB, wanted to make sure everyone was aware that the old K4UFO 146.700/- (PL 100)repeater and the N3DAB 442.750/+ (PL 141.3) repeater are up and running and available for all to use. (Pickens county area)

Everything should be made as simple as possible, but no simpler.

UPCOMING EVENTS

DECEMBER 2 --- 0000Z- 0600Z 160M QRP Sprint (SSB & CW)

DECEMBER 3-4 --- 7 PM-7 PM National Weather Service Recognition Day

DECEMBER 4 --- Egleston Christmas Parade, Atlanta. To help, contact TIM ROSING, KC4ELV, at kc4elv@etoii.com

DECEMBER 3-5 --- from 2200Z on the 3rd to 1600Z on the 5th, the ARRL 160M contest (CW)

DECEMBER 7--- Pearl Harbor Day

DECEMBER 7- 14 --- FRED DENNIN, WW4LL, and JOHN LANEY, K4BAI, will be operating PJ4/ from Bonaire, 10M- 160M, and 6M, if conditions are kind. SSB and CW. QSL K4BAI.

DECEMBER 8 --- Happy Hanukkah

DECEMBER 11- 12 --- 0000Z on the 11th to 2359Z on the 12th ARRL 10 M contest

DECEMBER 18-19 --- 1500Z-1500Z-Stew Perry Topband Distance Challenge, 160M CW

DECEMBER 25--- Merry Christmas

DECEMBER 31--- Straight Key night

New Year's Eve is the time of year when a man most feels his age,
and his wife most often reminds him to act it.

WILLIE BROWN, AG4HY

JANUARY 1 --- Happy New Year!!!

JANUARY 2 --- Kids Day

JANUARY 15 --- South CARS annual luncheon, Lake City, FL

JANUARY 22 --- Tech Fest, at St. Marguerite D'Youville, 85 Gloster Road, just off Lawrenceville Highway (29), SW of Lawrenceville (See www.gars.org for more info)

You can lead a man to Congress, but you can't make him think.
MILTON BERLE

SILENT KEYS

HUGH FAULK, K4GVG
CHARLES HARTMAN, WB4HYX
CHARLES PLAYER, W4OQT
JAMES SHY, KU4UC

Sincere condolences to the families and friends of each of these fine men.

Well, folks, that's about it for now. This has been quite a year, and I'm grateful to all of you for being a part of my life. Until next time, this is AF4FO, signing clear. Take care of yourselves. And each other.

Don't cry because it's over; smile because it happened.

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.